Visual Circuits will unveil the first multi-channel, high definition video player, Mantis MC, at NAB 2004 in the Focus Enhancements booth, SL3501. Designed around Visual Circuits' Gemini 2 Universal Media Card, Mantis MC integrates 32-bit accelerated graphics with high definition (HD) video, and scrolling text; supporting Multi-Zone playback and offering extreme flexibility in digital media file integration on one or two display channels.
A "store and forward" network appliance to computer integrators and a dedicated player to professional AV contractors, Mantis MC brings the best of the AV and IT worlds together in one device. As a network appliance, it offers the flexibility of remote or centralized organization and management of playlists and schedules. As a dedicated player, it offers highly reliable performance and trouble-free operation for intense commercial settings. The Mantis MC combines ease of use with best of class standard and high definition video, unlimited graphics capability and breakthrough cost per channel price points, positioning it as a required component of next-generation network infrastructures.
"With Mantis MC, Visual Circuits has leapfrogged today's commonly available technology, which is why we're evaluating Mantis' capabilities for our more important video projects, " said Joel Halvorson of the Science Museum of Minnesota. "The museum is expanding its distribution of HD and 3D content, starting with the Mars Rover material, through a turnkey 'HD in a Box' concept. We are putting Mantis through its paces - and so far, it's exceeded our expectations."
Like Firefly MC, Visual Circuits successful standard definition multi-channel video appliance, Mantis MC is a single rack-mount unit. Mantis MC will be shipped in either one or two channel units with SmartCard technology for in-field service upgrade ability. Technical specifications are available at www.visualcircuits.com/mantis_pr.
Founded in 1991, Visual Circuits (www.visualcircuits.com) develops innovative, integrated hardware, software and network products that manage, schedule, distribute, store and present digital video in commercial-market media applications.
Bill Desowitz, former editor of VFXWorld, is currently the Crafts Editor of IndieWire.
