Mon 7th Jan, 2008
“Audio Jumble” masking feature added to AirCleaner profanity suppression systems, which maintains program continuity, eliminates need for “safe” audio feed
MENLO PARK, California — January 7, 2008 — Abekas, Incorporated announced the addition of a new audio masking feature to its AirCleaner profanity suppression machine. This new audio masking feature nicely compliments the existing video “defocus” feature already found in the product. The video defocus feature instantly masks visually offensive content in a live program’s video feed by simulating a camera “rack defocus” operation, whenever the user presses the video masking button on the simple two-button user control panel. When the operator releases the video masking button, the video is gradually (or instantly) re-focused, depending upon a user-programmable setting. To mirror this style of masking operation for the audio pathway, the new “Audio Jumble” setting for the audio masking feature is now available in AirCleaner. When activated by the audio masking button on the user control panel, this new feature initiates a specially-designed algorithm which seamlessly jumbles the live audio stream inside AirCleaner. The result is a reliable masking of all offensive spoken dialog—but without losing aural continuity within the broadcast program. There is no sudden change to an unrelated audio “safe feed”, nor is there the audience-jarring “beep tone” frequently used to mask audio offenses. With Audio Jumble, it’s like hearing offensive dialogue seamlessly change into an unintelligible foreign language. This new “Audio Jumble” is a standard feature in AirCleaner, and is now shipping in the product. This feature is available to existing AirCleaner users free of charge, through a simple software update to the machine. The AirCleaner is unique in that it can be configured as a single- or dual-user system. In dual-user mode, the system is configured as two delay systems connected in series and operated by two people—each with their own user control panel. This is a very valuable feature—it’s like having two separate units when one needs extra protection on a high profile live broadcast. AirCleaner has two HD/SD SDI inputs and outputs with eight channels of digital audio on each; this can be AES or embedded. AirCleaner uses solid-state RAM for delay memory and comes in two models. Model-1 offers maximum delay time of 68 seconds in SD and 12 seconds in HD. Model-2 offers 34 seconds in SD and 6 seconds in HD. For video, the operator has the choice of an auxiliary safe source, internally generated matte, or the use of a built-in effects engine which allows for the creation of a defocused image to cover up a visual obscenity. For audio, the operator has the choice of an auxiliary input, Audio Jumble, or mute to mask an audio breach. Audio and video delay can be adjusted independently, allowing audio/video sync errors to be corrected. One of AirCleaner’s unique features allows it to be configured as a single delay line being used by one operator or as two discreet delay lines connected in series and controlled by two operators. Another advanced feature of the AirCleaner is that the operators can also program their aural and visual reaction times for added security. When the operator hears or sees a profanity and pushes the button to conceal it, the “reaction time” backs up the point of concealment by the reaction time, making sure nothing unwanted gets on the air. Abekas, Incorporated (www.abekas.com) is a privately-held company headquartered in Menlo Park, California. Abekas designs, manufactures, sells, and supports a complete line of digital video/audio delay devices, disk recorders, digital special effects and editing tools for use in the worldwide professional television marketplace — encompassing the production, post production, broadcasting and computer video markets. # # #
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