A Processing Amplifier, or Proc Amp for short, is circuitry to apply changes to the incoming video to make sure it meets specifications. Video recorders, both cameras and decks, have slight differences in the signal and even such minor influences as temperature and humidity can make slight changes in a device's record output from one session to another. Just because your program monitor shows a nice flesh tone on your spokesmodel doesn't mean it is accurate. The proc amp allows you to restore settings based on a known signal pattern such as color bars. Used with along with Toaster Scope, you can quickly make sure you are capturing or broadcasting perfect video. The Video Toaster DX-1301 brings a recognizable rack-mount piece of gear to your desktop, offering Brightness, Contrast, Hue, Saturation, U and V Offset and Gain controls. Setting up a camera is quick and straightforward, but the one of the amazing features of Video Toaster [2] is that you can run multiple cameras without genlock. The SX-8 Switcher Expansion Module allows you to use any composite, Y/C or component cameras, and it will internally lock all signals for you. No longer needing individual Proc Amp controls on a per-camera basis can save you enough money to pay for the Video Toaster on a single multi-cam job.

"Click"

NewTek's Video Toaster team is filled with experienced video producers that know what you need to succeed. That is why NewTek offers one-button goodness on the Proc Amp. Activating the 'Track Preview' button allows the Proc Amp to dynamically select whatever you have chosen in the Switcher's Preview Row. One control for unlimited flexibility, as you can verify all your sources right before moving them to your Program Output.

Probe the Depths

NewTek realizes there are those experienced video producers wanting to tweak every parameter until the video is precisely set. While the front-end knobs are good enough for 90% of us, Video Toaster [2] lets you get very particular about what you're adjusting. Nearly 70 individual parameters can be set in the Advanced panel, with real time viewing of every change in Toaster Scope and Toaster Vision. These fine-tuning modifications can be applied to either a single input, or you can make Global changes to all of Video Toaster's inputs at the same time. This advanced panel also allows you set up and then save any setting as your System Defaults. Should any tweaking session not bring the desired changes, you can instantly restore your default settings. The full-sized DX-1301 is interchangeable with the more compact DX-1201. With a single mouse-click, have more screen space to load additional Toaster modules on the desktop.

This is truly a video production tool designed to let you focus on the job, and just have FUN while you work; remember those days?