LAS VEGAS - San Antonio, TX's NewTek www. newtek.com is at the NAB show with the RS-8 hardware switcher control module, an eight-input hardware control surface that works with the company's SX-8 switcher expansion unit for the Video Toaster. RS-8 is a USB 1.1- and 2.0-compatible hardware option that is designed for technical directors who prefer to switch by touch rather than the computer interface.
The RS-8 has eight program and eight preview buttons equipped with high-quality, magnetic-reed switches found on high-end switchers. A T-bar handles fades, providing 256 steps for smooth control of all transitions. When used with NewTek's SX-8, the RS-8 offers switching flexibility between component, Y/C or composite inputs and outputs.
RS-8 has three dial controls on the upper right of the panel. "A" adjusts the speed of the Auto button, "B" cycles through DVEs in a bin and "C" cycles through clips in the selected digital disk recorder.
The RS-8 is available now at authorized NewTek resellers for a suggested price of $995, while the SX-8 is priced at $1,995. Version 3 of the Video Toaster is also on display.