Barco’s FSN Series multi-format video production switcher is purpose-built for live switching at events, small broadcast installations, corporate and industrial installations and houses of worship. The FSN switcher seamlessly integrates SD-SDI, HD-SDI, and 3Gbps along with VGA and DVI computer resolutions in a powerful, flexible and economical package.

"Our customers asked us to develop a production switcher that could handle any signal they threw at it, including 3Gbps for 1080p," says Barco.

The FSN series combines advanced video switching functionality with the power of Barco’s image processing. The switcher provides a feature-rich, streamlined package that’s modular, easy to use, and above all, offers a control panel instantly familiar to operators in the production switcher community.

The first products shipping in the series are the FSN-150, a 1.5 Mix-Effect (M/E) control console, and the FSN-1400, the system’s 14-slot video processing chassis. The base configuration includes one 8-channel native input card (NIC) and one 2-channel universal input card (UIC) that accepts any video or computer format. The base system also includes the M/E output card that provides program, preset, clean-feed, and six native aux outputs. In addition to the two standard input cards, users can add up to five additional input cards for a maximum of 38 inputs.

Barco will continue to enhance this platform in the near future with additional cards to extend the switcher’s capabilities. Future releases will include a 2-channel 2D-DVE card, a 16-channel integrated multi-viewer card, a 2-channel universal output card, and an 8-channel native output card. The FSN-250, a larger, more powerful 2.5 M/E console, will also be released later in the year, providing access to additional M/E features.

"One important feature to emphasize is that the entire system is highly upgradeable," noted Deame. “Not only can customers add cards to expand their system’s capability and creativity, but the FSN-1400 frame runs both the FSN-150 and FSN-250 control panels. It’s an investment for the long term, with a high degree of flexibility built in.”

The FSN Series will be shown in the Barco booth (SL5008) at NAB in Las Vegas, April 20 through 23, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Go FSN Series