Compix, a leading developer of professional-quality character generators (CGs) for the broadcast and related markets, today launched the CompactCG, a portable CG that offers the specs and rich feature set of a full-size system in a rugged 1-RU chassis. Purpose-built for mobile broadcast and OB vans, flypack systems, multivenue use, and other space-constrained applications, the CompactCG is an affordable stand-alone system that leverages the power of Compix’s industry-leading CG systems.

“With this simple yet powerful system, operators can take advantage of an unlimited variety and combination of logos, slates, and other graphics in creating broadcast-quality output,” said Lan Merrill, director of technology at Compix. “With all the features and functionality of a full-sized system, the CompactCG meets a complete range of channel branding and ID needs while occupying a very small footprint. Furthermore, this new portable system offers a robust array of features, a high level of performance, and exceptional reliability at a fraction of the cost of similarly equipped live video graphics systems.”

The CompactCG is both easy to install and easy to use, providing automated template-based graphics generation and real-time graphics overlay of live video in analog or SD-SDI productions. Like other Compix CG solutions, the CompactCG supports 16:9 and 4:3 aspect ratios, Windows® IME (input method editor) multiple language settings, and True Type fonts, enabling true multilingual support and unlimited font styles. The CompactCG meets SD-SDI and analog composite NTSC and PAL specifications including SMPTE 170M, SMPTE 259M with embedded audio pass-through, and EIA-608b closed captioning compatibility.

The new portable CG from Compix is ideal for channel-branding applications, with software options including NewsScroll with RSS, which provides the power of multiple crawls, logos, a real-time clock, live weather updates, ratings, live RSS feeds, and more. The optional AutoCast software package allows CompactCG users to generate and automate graphics playlists. Accepting data from external files, databases, and live Web-based feeds, the software integrates text and images from active input fields into predefined templates, eliminating the need for a dedicated operator to update automated graphic elements.

Compix offers the new CG in two configurations: CompactCG SD-SDI and CompactCG Analog. The CompactCG SD-SDI is a single-channel system with video and key, as well as input video overlay. The CompactCG Analog is a single-channel SD system that provides a composite analog broadcast-quality input and output, with video and key, plus internal video overlay. Both configurations can be used with or without a video switcher, and each includes an input video mechanical bypass relay to ensure signal integrity even if power to the unit is lost. To further enhance reliability and longevity, Compix designed the CompactCG with industrial-quality hardware with special attention to cooling.

The CompactCG SD-SDI and CompactCG Analog share the same easy-to-use GenCG software featured in all Compix systems, including the award-winning CynerG2 HD dual-channel character generator system. In addition, the CompactCG is compatible with all previous Compix systems and operates with other Compix applications.

More information about Compix and its product line is available at www.compix.tv.