Grass Valley™ unveiled the latest addition to its growing family of K2 server products, the K2 Solo™ portable multi-format standard- and high-definition server, designed for remote live productions and small studio post production applications.
The new and totally unique K2 Solo is a compact, cost-effective, broadcast-capable, 2-channel standalone server, with up to 20 hours of HD or 40 hours of SD storage. The K2 Solo leverages the K2 Summit™ production client architecture, making it compatible with the entire K2 family of software applications, control protocols, and formats for file-based environments. K2 Solo also includes all of the same functionality as the standalone 4-channel K2 Summit and can be used in any broadcast facility under automation control or with its internal playlist capability.
While K2 Solo is optimized for live event workflows-as a replay server as well as a VTR replacement device-it can also be used in a traditional broadcast environment under automation or manual control. This includes automation, media asset management, and support for multiple control panels as well as the K2 Dyno™ replay controller. Instant replay functionality (record-to-play) can occur in less than ½ second and be performed remotely via Ethernet connectivity.
“The Grass Valley K2 Solo will prove invaluable to a wide variety of production situations where space and budget are limited, but high-quality record and playout is critical,” said Jeff Rosica, Senior Vice President of Grass Valley. “This compact 2-channel server leverages all of the award-winning technology found across the popular K2 product line and really brings the technology to a whole new level. Now, even small production companies can offer HD replay services to their clients very cost-effectively.”
A highly portable device, with all of the ruggedness found on the Grass Valley K2 Summit server, the K2 Solo is housed in a compact ½ rack width, 2 RU package and weighs a mere 7.5 kg (16.5 lbs.). It measures 446 mm. (17.5 in) deep, 210 mm (8.25 in.) wide, and 89 mm (3.5 in.) high. A built-in 2-channel multiviewer output-with a variety of overlays-is standard, eliminating the need for multiple video monitors.
K2 Solo comes standard with either hard disk drive (HDD) or solid-state drive (SSD) internal storage. Its compact design and light weight make it easily portable with only a VGA monitor needed to be fully operational. Options include a hard case for shipping, handle and feet/corners protective kit, and a dual rack kit for side-by-side rack mounting of two units.
The K2 Solo provides two DVCPRO 25/50 & DVCPRO HD bi-directional channels, each with MPEG-2 playout capability. A simple software change (without reboot) allows users to go from one operational mode to the other. The system, which includes Grass Valley’s AppCenterPro file management applications suite as a standard feature, is also QuickTime-compatible for edit-in-place applications using Final Cut Pro, Grass Valley EDIUS®, and other NLE systems.
Pricing and Availability
The new Grass Valley K2 Solo starting price is $20,000 (16,400€) and will be available for shipment in November 2009.