Panasonic introduces KAIROS: a next gen live switcher

Panasonic this week announced KAIROS. The company describes the solution as a “next generation live production platform that provides incredible productivity.”

KAIROS is a new IT/IP video processing platform that offers an open architecture system for live video switching. According to Panasonic, it offers complete “input and output flexibility, resolution and format independence, maximum CPU/GPU processor utilization and virtually unlimited ME scalability.”

KAIROS overview

As a native IP, ST 2110 system, KAIROS supports transitions to live IP workflows. It’s also a COTS-based system that can create new production opportunities involving a mosaic of IT ecosystems with a variety of vendor components from several industries.

The platform features standardized IP connectivity in place of one-to-one video inputs and outputs. This allows KAIROS to support baseband and IP signals in any combination. Additionally, KAIROS features uncompressed processing of SDI, ST 2110 and NDI streams of any resolution. That includes HD and UHD and in any format, whether 16:9 or nontraditional formats. So, that includes 32:9 for an LED backdrop display.

Panasonic says the “GPU-based processing platform also allows users to allocate processing power with 100% efficiency to achieve performance matching a larger scaled hardware system.” The company also claims KAIROS processing latency can be as low as one frame and also supports Precision Time Protocol (PTP) synchronization.

Customizable graphical user interface

KAIROS offers a fully customizable, intuitive graphical user interface that enables users to manage unlimited layers and effects. Since video mix processing is GUI-based, the platform does not limit the number of MEs or keys, like a traditional switcher. Also, keys, effects and scaling are set within each scene without restriction and the total number of video layers is only dependent upon the GPU capacity.

Key features

  • Resolution and format Independent
  • Utilizes latest technology in software and CPU/GPU processing
  • Allows users to allocate processing power with 100% efficiency
  • Uncompressed processing, true uncompressed 4K inputs and full support of baseband and IP signals (such as ST2110 and NDI) at the same time
  • Platform offers 1-frame latency processing

Pricing and availability

The Panasonic KAIROS will start shipping the quarter three of 2020. Also, the minimum configuration will be offered for about $30,000. While this certainly isn’t a consumer live streaming solution, it is an indication of where the industry is headed: fully IP-based live video streaming.

Image courtesy: Panasonic

Sean Berry
Sean Berry
Sean Berry is Videomaker's Managing Editor.

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