Matrox announced a rack-mountable version of it’s MXO2 I/O device for the Mac. The device serves as a hub for video signals coming into or out of the Mac, including broadcast level video monitoring tools for common computer LCD screens. The MXO2 connects via HDMI, SDI, component, Y/C, and composite and even includes deck control. Now in the rack mountable case, it’s easier to fit in with your other video equipment.

Press Release Below:

Matrox Announces Rackmount Version of Popular Matrox MXO2 I/O Device for the Mac at Broadcast Video Expo

London – February 16, 2009 – Matrox® Video Products Group today announced Matrox MXO2 Rack, a new version of the award-winning Matrox MXO2 I/O device for the Mac.  The 2RU-sized Matrox MXO2 Rack is designed for broadcast news operations, OB vans, and other environments where equipment must be rackmounted. It streamlines editing workflow with Apple Final Cut Studio on Mac Pros and MacBook Pros, providing broadcast-quality input/output, monitoring, and up/down/cross conversion.  Users can benefit from file-based workflows with support for XDCAM, XDCAM HD, XDCAM EX, and P2 without transcoding.  In addition, they are not limited to using a single codec as with some other I/O devices on the market. In HD for example, Matrox MXO2 Rack supports a variety of codecs including ProRes, ProRes422 HQ, DVCPRO HD, and uncompressed 8- and 10-bit.

“The first version of Matrox MXO2 was a big hit at NAB winning four prestigious awards and sales have exploded since it began shipping this summer,” said Alberto Cieri, Matrox sales and marketing director.  “With Matrox MXO2 Rack we are building on that success. We listened to our customers and are now delivering Matrox MXO2 Rack to meet the needs of broadcasters and post facilities who require heavy-duty, rackmountable gear with more audio inputs and outputs.

Matrox MXO2 Rack will be demonstrated at Broadcast Video Expo in London on February 17 on stand C6.

Key features of Matrox MXO2 Rack

·        Rugged 2RU form factor

·        HD/SD SDI, HD/SD analog component, Y/C, and composite inputs and outputs

·        Genlock with loop through – SD analog black burst (bi-level) or HD tri-level sync

·        HDMI input, output, and monitoring with calibration controls including blue-only

·        10-bit realtime hardware up/down/cross conversion

·        Up to five user selectable simultaneous video outputs – HD and/or SD on HDMI, SDI, and analog

·        Professional audio inputs and outputs with up to 7.1 surround sound monitoring

o       4-in, 8-out balanced XLR

o       4-in, 4-out unbalanced AES/EBU

o       8-in, 8-out SDI and HDMI embedded

·        RS-422 machine control for frame-accurate capture and print-to-tape

·        Captures to a variety of codecs – Apple ProRes 422 HQ, 10-bit uncompressed HD and many more

·        Supports file-based workflows – XDCAM, XDCAM HD, XDCAM EX, P2

·        Works with Final Cut Pro, Apple Color, and all QuickTime applications that support the V-out component

·        For use with Intel-based MacBook Pros and Mac Pros

Price and availability

Priced at $1,995 US (₤1,495, €1,695) not including local taxes, Matrox MXO2 Rack will be available mid-March 2009 through a worldwide network of authorized dealers. 

About Matrox

Matrox Video Products Group is a technology and market leader in the field of HD and SD digital video hardware and software for realtime editing, audio/video input/output, DVD/Blu-ray authoring, capture/playout servers, clip/still stores, and CGs.  Matrox’s Emmy award-winning technology powers a full range of content creation and delivery platforms used by broadcasters, post-production facilities, project studios, corporate communicators, and videographers worldwide.  Founded in 1976, Matrox is a privately held company headquartered in Montreal, Canada.  For more information visit www.matrox.com/video.