After listening to hundreds of churches tell them what they liked and still wanted in the their previous single scaler switcher, the SmartFade, AnalogWay took nearly every suggestion to heart and created a considerably upgraded solution: the OctoFade.
The OctoFade utilizes a single scaler like its predecessor, but this time the input reference is based on input 1 or input 8 (the first and last inputs on the unit).
So many churches that I talk to or get emails from tell me this is one of the biggest distractions they have in service: the projector loses sync and the audience almost on cue turns around to look at the guys and gals in the tech booth. By adding this sync on input feature, no matter which input is selected, the projector always sees a solid signal from the Octo- Fade. In layman’s terms, this means no more blue screen on your projector when changing from a computer to a video image or vice versa.
Inputs
With eight inputs, the OctoFade also improves on previous models by adding more video input connections on inputs 1, 2, 3 and 8. Inputs 1-7 are on the backside of the unit, and input 8 is located on the front left of the unit for quick and easy last minute connections.
For example, if you have 2 PCs, 1 Mac, 1 DVD player, 2 VCRs and 1 video camera, you’ll not run out of “computer only” or “video only” inputs. Inputs 1 through 3 include 2 BNC’s and a single 15-pin VGA connector. Inputs 4-7 allow include a 15-pin VGA connector. And Input 8 (front panel) includes the only RCA video connector along with the only 4-pin S-Video connector and yet another 15-pin VGA connection. Also present on the front Input 8 is a 3.5-mm stereo audio line in (such as those found on laptop computers).
On inputs 1 through 3, a single BNC input will accommodate Composite video. The two BNC’s together will accommodate S-Video (with breakout cable) and the 15-pin VGA input will handle computer or component analog (RGB, YUV, YPbPr – also with a breakout cable).
Audio is handled for inputs 1 through 5 via Phoenix connectors (captive screw terminals), while inputs 6 through 8 use 3.5-mm stereo inputs.
Also, a single ¼-inch phono connector is available as a microphone input, with a small knob on the front of the unit controlling input level for the mic.
Outputs
Two buffered (amplified) outputs are provided via 15-pin VGA connectors and a single Phoenix connector for the audio. The OctoFade can handle up to UXGA (1600 x 1200 resolution) on computer inputs, but will only output up to 1280 x 1024 or (if using a D-ILA projector) 1365x1024. For most church applications using the common 4:3 aspect ratio, this is more than adequate.
The unit does offer 16:9 aspect ratio as an output, but is limited to a 1365x768 output, and only if the reference input (remember, input 1 or 8, selectable) had a computer input at 1365x768. In this situation, the OctoFade will reformat all of the other inputs to 16:9 (1365.768), even if they’re standard 4:3 aspect ratio computer or video inputs.
The OctoFade literature boasts “ultra fast switching”, and when it’s talking about cuts, this is very true. As fast as you can push a button, it will change the input when the unit is set to “Cuts”. The toggle between Cuts, Fade and Title is accomplished with a dedicated button right on the front control panel.
Fades (dissolves) can be pre-set from 1/10th of a second up to just over 25 seconds long in duration. Manual fade times are not supported. The unit performed well during most fades longer than 2.5 seconds in duration. However, there was a barely noticeable issue on very quick fades or less than 2.5 seconds. When fading from Video to Computer, the dissolve was perfect. But when going from Computer to Video, the very last part of the fade seemed to end just a fraction too soon. While I don’t think most people will notice it, as a display expert, it caught my eye as a minor issue.
The one issue that I can’t gloss over isn’t really an issue at all. Sound mysterious? Well with all of the manufacturer propaganda touting “seamless switchers” (Analog Way included), churches may have a hard time distinguishing between hype and fact. As is the case with every single scaler switcher, the OctoFade cannot perform seamless dissolves between two video sources.
However, the big news with the OctoFade is that unlike most other single-scaler solutions, Analog Way’s processing of information based on the reference input (1 or 8) translates into an interesting workaround. This means, for example, if you are using worship software with an animated background as your reference computer input, and you wish to fade to a video or computer input, the worship software input will not freeze during the fade. This is in effect a true seamless switch for referenced computer inputs with motion graphics.
Effects and Transition Extras
A new feature, based on the idea of using a reference input, is the “fade between color”. This is a neat trick where the fade between two video signals (or two nonreferenced computer inputs with video motion) will keep from freezing an image.
For example, if you use the Fade between a DVD and a VCR, the fade will start from the first source to a color and then from the color to the next live video input. In this way, there isn’t a “glitch” between the two sources – it’s smooth, albeit with a color in between. It’s an interesting way to deal with the limitations of single scaler unit and works well. However, this fade time always takes at least one second to complete, no matter how short you set the fade duration.
Also improved over the SmartFade is the new Titling feature. The idea is to create a computer image with white text on a black background and remove the black portion of the image while superimposing the white text over a second input. In video, we’d call this Luma Keying, but in the computer realm, it’s called Alpha Blending. The Title effect is crisp around the edges of the text, but doesn’t allow for drop shadows to work since they’re being removed along with the black background.
To compensate for this, the OctoFade allows for what they describe as a Shadow Title. Think of this as a lower third gradient rather than just a shadow [a graphic effect on the lower third of the screen over which text can be placed], and you get the idea. It does help with creating “punch” for the text, but it’s not an effect I think most churches will use all that often. Let’s face it: with the plethora of worship software on the market with text over video, this feature will be less useful for churches than it will for corporate boardrooms (another application for this product).
Remote Control Keypad and Software Control
Just like its predecessor, the OctoFade allows for a special remote control keypad (part# RK-802F) to be used instead of the front panel controls. This unit gives volume/breakaway and basic control selection for all 8 inputs, along with a black and freeze button. This is really useful if your equipment rack isn’t next to your video projectionist.
The OctoRange software (included) allows for the unit to be connected to a PC with a standard 9-pin serial cable. A very simple menu structure allows churches that need control via a computer to easily use transitions (Cut and Fade) and Title effects or even label and change the input types in real time. And because the unit has a RS 232 port, updates to firmware are possible with a software download, when available.
Conclusions
With literally dozens of single scaler products on the market, the OctoFade takes a nice step forward by providing better glitch-free operation, very nice image processing overall and a true smooth Fade (dissolve) instead of the cuts-only systems. It’s the obvious replacement for the SmartFade, and with a large dealer base, setting up a demonstration at your church is possible. It’s not inexpensive ($5,500 list US), but provides a good solution without making the leap up to a dual scaler solution that costs nearly twice as much. For churches that don’t need true dual scaler seamless switching, this is an attractive option.
Anthony Coppedge provides consulting to Churches for developing a media ministry and choosing the right equipment, Manufacturers for developing new products and marketing strategies to reach the church market and Dealers for sales training and systems integration development for working with churches. He can be reached at anthony@anthonycoppedge.com.
