SAM announces the new Kula range of multi-format production switchers, combining SD, HD and 4K capabilities. Built on the heritage of SAM's (formerly Snell) award-winning Kahuna switcher, Kula uses innovative FormatFusion3 technology to seamlessly mix any format, up to and including 4K, eliminating the need for external conversion equipment according to a company announcement.
The new Kula switcher combines a powerful feature set with an affordable price point, while easy installation and set-up means operators can work quickly and efficiently, focusing on high value creative tasks. Designed for multiple applications, from live events (flyaway packs, OB vehicles), broadcast production, sports and house of worship to entertainment and conference/events, Kula has been designed to meet a wide range of production needs.
Capable of handling 4K/1080p/HD and SD in 1M/E and 2M/E versions, Kula can handle multiple formats, the company says it is both future-proof and adaptable for today's production environment. The 2M/E HD/SD version can be switched to 1M/E 4K mode, allowing users to benefit from higher production values.
Kula provides a choice of three easy-to-operate control panels for maximum flexibility and these are in turn expandable with additional control modules from the larger Kahuna Range. Kula also delivers up to five key layers per M/E, 20 channels of DVE and floating/auxiliary keying resources and up to 36 inputs and 18 assignable outputs, plus an extensive internal clip and still store to guarantee high impact productions.
Tim Felstead, head of product marketing at SAM, said, “Today's broadcasters face a situation that can only be described as challenging; content is being captured and delivered in a wider range of formats than ever before and all of it within the same production workflow. Kula addresses this need by drawing on the heritage of Kahuna – namely its ability to handle any format. Added to this, we're seeing content creation explode beyond the traditional broadcast sphere, so there are a growing number of organizations that want to benefit from high production values in order to achieve the flexibility and onscreen result they desire. Kula is an ideal solution for any of these applications, offering market-leading features at a remarkable price point.”
Kula will ship in May 2016, priced from $17,000.
