IBC 2012: Snell Rolls Out Kahuna Flare Switcher

Snell is offering a new SD/HD/1080p multi-format production switchers in what the vendors is calling “an affordable and highly accessible package.”

“With Kahuna Flare, we’ve concentrated core Kahuna 360 technology into a form that redefines affordable production switching by marrying an outstanding feature set with an amazingly low price point,” said John Carter, senior product manager at Snell in a statement.

“With features such as a powerful keyer toolset, dedicated resize engines, freely assignable 3D DVE, and Snell’s unique FormatFusion3 technology, Kahuna Flare has everything necessary to create world-class programs and productions.”

Accoring to Snell, Kahuna Flare is the first mid-level switcher to offer standard single-link 1080p support alongside SD and HD formats — making it ideal for over-the-air broadcasts, IP, or Internet delivery platforms, and even large progressive screen presentations.

With versions ranging from 2 M/E to 4 M/E, Kahuna Flare offers four keyers per M/E and two channels of 3D DVE, all in a single 6U rack frame. The system comes standard with 48 inputs and 24 outputs, with the option to upgrade to 60 inputs and 32 outputs. 

Snell’s FormatFusion3 enables users to mix SD, HD, and 1080p inputs and outputs simultaneously to meet any distribution need. The system comprises industry-standard Kahuna control surface, a graphical user interface, and a 6U electronics unit.

In addition, Kahuna Flare offers a 3D DVE package that can provide instant DVE effects in bus-based or source-based mode, depending on the operator’s preference.

The switcher also comes standard with an internal, fully integrated 10-output clipstore, with unrestricted outputs that can be assigned to any bus. The clipstore supports up to 48 seconds of uncompressed video and includes animated wipe transitions that can be easily programmed