Live From InfoComm 2017: Calibre Previews First HQUltra4000 Quad Seamless Scaler-Switchers

At Booth 3635, InfoComm 2017, British image processing manufacturer, Calibre is previewing their very first multi-channel 4K seamless scaler-switcher, the HQUltra4000 that will seriously optimize image quality, perform fast and reliable switching, and routing flexibility within a single 3RU box.

Pictured: HQUltra4000FST 4K Multi-Channel Seamless Scaler-Switcher 

The HQUltra4000 supports up to 40 video sources grouped into 23 discreet input channels, has up to 8K total programme output pixels area or 4 channels of 4K50/60 4:4:4 programme outputs as well as a confidence monitor output.  Total output bandwidth is a staggering 90GB/s with over 44 Megapixel output capability.

Input capabilities include 4K60 4:4:4 via HDMI and DisplayPort and there is support for HDCP2.2 and 1.4. Standard HDMI outputs also support 4K60 4:4:4.

Catering for every installation requirement, various models are available with additional connectivity including 12G-SDI 4K60 inputs, SFP+ cages for fiber 12G-SDI connectivity and HDBaseT in and out with PoH.

HQUltra4000 models include Calibre's best-in-class HQUltra low-latency scaling engine and true seamless switching with dissolves and fades.  HQUltra4000 can also be operated as a matrix scaler-switcher with HQUltraFast visually instant input channel switching, in under 0.25 seconds.

Tim Brooksbank, CEO at Calibre enthuses: "The HQUltra4000 is the perfect solution for connecting to the new and extremely large LED and flat panel videowalls as well as for projection applications. We're previewing it at InfoComm so that our customers and integration partners can learn what we have in the pipeline."

HQUltra4000 models offer optimised scaling with per-edge pixel accurate custom sizing for LED videowalls. The scaled image can be distributed across all four outputs, perfectly aligned and synchronized, allowing the HQUltra4000 to drive a surface area up to true 8K/Quad-UHD. That is an incredible 8,192 x 4,340 pixel area!

The HQUltra4000 can alternatively drive four independent programme displays, projectors, flat panels or LED videowalls.  In this mode of operation it performs as the seamless-switcher or matrix-switcher, multi-channel scaler and control hub for a multi-location or multi-display installation with all four outputs able to independently run differently scaled content onto four displays each up to 4K resolution.

A fifth confidence monitor output permits a source channel to be previewed prior to switching this to a programme output.  Unlike some competitor products the confidence monitor function does not require use of a programme channel, it has its own dedicated fifth output channel.

Operation is using the front panel jog wheel and LCD display for fast set up in the field or remote control via a web server. HDMI front panel connection is also included for easy patching in of a last-minute source or a test source. It has full Genlock for in-camera and broadcast applications requiring live scaling and switching. Logo store and test pattern generator is included.

The Calibre HQUltra4000 series of matrix scaler-switchers will ship in late 2017.

Alongside the InfoComm preview of the HQUltra4000 matrix scaler/switcher will be the HQView600, LEDView700 and HQUltra700 range of 4K scaler/switchers. Calibre will also host retro pinball and pacman games on their booth throughout InfoComm where the winner of the highest score will win a HQView600 or LEDView700 series 4K scaler!