Server: Netscape-Commerce/1.12 Date: Thursday, 18-Dec-97 03:36:55 GMT Last-modified: Wednesday, 03-Dec-97 15:07:50 GMT Content-length: 18073 Content-type: text/html Chyron/Pro-Bel - Freeway













  • Future-proof modular, multi-format routing system
  • Very high crosspoint density 64x64 in 3RU
  • Backup PSU and control options
  • Comprehensive control system
  • Extremely cost effective
  • New philosophy audio routing
Planning for the future? Take a long, hard look at Pro-Bel's new Freeway routing switchers. Complementing the ground-breaking Pro-Bel XD large router range, the Freeway series addresses today's need for the smaller installation while offering high performance, cost effective, multi signal-format, routing.

Designed for a flexible future

A Freeway frame can accommodate a total of four signal cards; each providing a 16x16 switching module. These modules may be interconnected within the frame (using the internal expansion bus) to produce router sizes of 16x16, 32x32, 48x48 and 64x64.

By designing each signal-type module to require identical PSU and support functions, any combination of signal type may be housed in the same 3RU chassis. So that, for instance, a 32x32 SDV and stereo audio switcher can be housed within the same frame.

Upgradable in the Field

Freeway's modularity ensures that the router can change to accommodate evolving requirements. Switcher sizes below 64x64 may be "plug and play" upgraded in the field. Similarly a predominantly analog router can gradually be "transformed" into a digital router (by swapping analog sixteen square modules for digital alternatives) as installation requirements change.

Comprehensive, Complete Control

Control for the router is provided by an internal daughter card. Optionally, a second control card can be fitted, thereby providing a back-up should the primary card fail. Freeway's control system offers extensive facilities, supporting up to 32 panels or under monitor displays. Panel types may be XY, button-per-crosspoint, or multibus.

Internal database editing functions provide extensive system configuration options including; programmable salvos, source and destination associations, marrying, route protects and inhibits, audio channel configurations and overrides. Up to 8 levels of Freeway routing may be slaved to the main frame by means of a parallel control link. A special version of this parallel link is also available to slave pre-existing TM series routers.

Pro-Bel Performance and Reliability

By utilizing advanced PSU circuit topology and the latest signal switching technologies, Freeway offers a very compact router with low power dissipation, ensuring "fit and forget" reliability. For extra security, each frame has provision for two PSU modules so that one may act as a backup in the event of a PSU fail.

The high-speed converter technology in the PSU is monitored by two on-board microprocessors which assess the condition of the mains and of the supplies leaving the power unit. Should any of the PSUs "vital-signs" show a warning condition, these are monitored, and if appropriate, an external warning alarm may be activated. Freeway PSUs may be withdrawn from the unit from the front and a replacement "hot-plugged," thus ensuring continuous service.

Freeway - Take the Open Road

Choosing a switcher is an important decision, no one wants to get it wrong. With the current revolution in television production, the need is for systems that can accommodate change. The solution is Freeway, the only future-proof, modular multi-format routing system that provides the smoothest, most affordable path to the future.

Serial Digital Video

Automatically accommodating data rates between 140 and 360Mbits/s, the Freeway SDV router offers full, no hassle, compatibility with all digital signal formats. Reclocking architecture guarantees exemplary signal quality while ensuring fully transparent operation to ancillary data and embedded audio.

  • Data rates from 140 to 360Mbits/s
  • Dual standard vertical-interval switching
  • Multi bit rate operation
  • Adaptive cable equalization
  • Re-clocking architecture

Analog Video

Any demanding analog television application will benefit from the inherent wide bandwidth and high slew-rate characteristics of this router. The circuitry offers complete transparency to all vertical interval encoded data and is fully compatible with sound in sync signals.

  • 30MHz bandwidth
  • Dual standard vertical-interval switching
  • DC coupled or DC restored operation
  • Composite and YUV/RGB(S) configurations

Audio Routing

Taking advantage of the latest digital technology, all audio routing is handled within the Freeway frame as a digital signal. In other words, even the analog audio matrix comprises a digital switching core surrounded by 20-bit converters to provide analog interfaces to the outside world. This topology has the added advantage that the internal (digital) expansion bus within both the AES router module and the analog audio module share the same data format.

Freeway therefore, offers the possibility of format-independent signal routing with inherent conversion between AES and analog signals. For instance, a 32x32 stereo analog audio router and 32x32 digital audio router can be housed in the same 3RU frame and permit the routing of any analog source to a digital destination and vice-versa. This flexibility demonstrates Pro-Bel's design commitment to the future.

Analog Audio Routing

Freeway provides up to 64x64 stereo routing in a 3RU frame and many associated features which aid a mixed mono/stereo environment, including; left/right to both, mono-mix and channel swap. Transformerless I/O circuits are level adjustable (up to a maximum of +24dBu) and outputs are indefinitely protected against short circuits.

  • High packing density
  • 20-bit ADCs and DACs
  • 24-bit digital-core routing
  • Channel swap for reversed stereo signals
  • Assignable mono-mixing of signals

AES Digital Audio

When operated as a reframing router, the Freeway AES router provides silent, "click-less" switching between digital audio signals at 32 to 54kHz rates. Operation at rates between 24 and 96kHz is supported by configuring the router in a transparent mode. To promote flexible integration within any digital audio environment, routers may be configured balanced or unbalanced (75 ohms).

  • Reclocking and reframing architecture
  • Optionally transparent for multi-standard 24-96kHz operation
  • Available balanced or unbalanced

Freeway - Technical Specification

The complete Freeway Technical Specification.

Freeway operating as a basic system controller

Freeway operating as an externally controlled router

Freeway - order codes

Because Freeway is a modular routing system, it offers great flexibility in configuration and application. Below are order codes for a few common router sizes and configurations. All codes refer to complete routers which incorporate a single control system and single PSU. Optional dual controller and PSU are available.

PBFRE-AESR-0001 16 x 16 AES router (balanced interface)
PBFRE-AESR-0003 32 x 32 AES router (balanced interface)
PBFRE-AESR-0004 48 x 48 AES router (balanced interface)
PBFRE-AESR-0006 64 x 64 AES router (balanced interface)
PBFRE-SDVR-0001 16 x 16 SDV router
PBFRE-SDVR-0003 32 x 32 SDV router
PBFRE-SDVR-0004 48 x 48 SDV router
PBFRE-SDVR-0006 64 x 64 SDV router
PBFRE-AUDR-0001 16 x 16 Stereo analog audio router
PBFRE-AUDR-0003 32 x 32 Stereo analog audio router
PBFRE-AUDR-0004 48 x 48 Stereo analog audio router
PBFRE-AUDR-0006 64 x 64 Stereo analog audio router
PBFRE-VIDR-0001 16 x 16 Analog video router
PBFRE-VIDR-0003 32 x 32 Analog video router
PBFRE-VIDR-0004 48 x 48 Analog video router
PBFRE-VIDR-0006 64 x 64 Analog video router
PBFRE-MIXR-0001 32 x 32 SDV router and 32 x 32 AES router combined in single 3RU frame
PBFRE-MIXR-0002 32 x 32 SDV router and 32 x 32 stereo analog audio router combined in single 3RU frame
PBFRE-MIXR-0003 32 x 32 analog video router and 32 x 32 stereo analog router combined in single 3RU frame
PBFRE-MIXR-0004 16 x 16 YUV analog video router and 16 x 16 stereo analog audio router combined in single 3RU frame
PBFRE-MIXR-0005 64 x 64 mixed format audio router with 32 stereo analog inputs/outputs and 32 AES inputs/outputs in one 3RU frame


For more in-depth information on Pro-Bel products, check the company's UK web site.

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