Overview
Based on our popular 1.5ME design the Nova 1716 /
1732 switchers are tailored for ultimate creative
control of multiple live sources. Standard features
include two on-board DVE's, a library of organic
wipes, and the Echolab CK4 chromakeyer on each and
every keyer.
Included as standard:
•
Echolab Classic 7 Control Panel
• Nova 16x16 Chassis Mode for 1716 Model (5RU )
• Nova 16x32 Chassis Mode for 1732 Model (5RU )
• 10-bit 4:2:2 (NTSC / PAL)
• 2 x 2D DVE’s
• 2 Pattern generators, 1 per M/E
• 2 x DSK and 2 Effects keyers
• 2 floating DVE's (dynamically assigned)
• 4 Echolab CK4 chromakeyers
• 100 Organic Wipes
• 2 Matte Generators
• 2 DVE border color generators
• Frame Buffer : capture, save, load stills
• Selectable Rates for Recall
• Redundant DUAL Power Supply Optional
Full of functionality, the most important aspect of
these switchers is the Classic 7 Panel, Echolab's
most popular and successful control interface to
date. With 16 direct and 16 shifted cross points
this is without doubt the switcher of choice for
small broadcast studios, OB Vans and medium size
venues.
Chassis
Nova 1716
Features:
Nova 16 x 16 SDI, fixed I/O Chassis
Nova 1732
Features:
Nova 32 x 16 SDI, fixed I/O Chassis

The most
important development of the Echolab Nova Series of
SDI Video Production Switchers is that it is
virtually a complete 'system on a chip' solution.
The compact switcher's engine is a single Xilinx
Virtex-II Pro chip which is feature-driven through
Echolab proprietary firmware. It is perfect for
small studios, ideal for OB Vans and highly
portable for almost any type of production
environment from control rooms to classrooms.
Single chip architecture also means low power
consumption, extremely quiet operation, far fewer
points of failure due to the massive reduction in
overall required parts, and no added thermal
intrusion to your rack.
Inputs and Outputs
• 16 In / 16 Out SDI : 1716
• 32 In / 16 Out SDI : 1732
(* Echolab Conversion Available! See
Echolab Interface
Section)
All inputs must be genlocked to the same system
timing as the switcher. Input timing has a +/- 18
microsecond timing window, so additional timing
adjustments are not necessary.
All inputs may be mapped to any panel crosspoint
using the configuration file. In addition to
external inputs, Nova has two color matte
generators, one frame buffer, and two alpha frame
buffers (for organic wipes) that may be accessed by
crosspoint.
Panel
A remarkable panel that offers creative freedom
Nova
1716 / 1732 features Echolab’s Classic 7 Panel
The Nova 7 Panel is purposely designed for small
spaces. The unit allows for permanent tabletop
installation.
(Panel size: W 31" x D 21" x H
7.5").All of these features contribute to a control
surface optimized for live
production.
1. DVE / wipe control
Top
quality Penny & Giles three axis joystick and
rotary controls provide for versatile pattern and
DVE control. Easy control of Size, Position,
Border, Soft Edges, Rotation and Symmetry.
2.
Aux Bus
AUX
BUS allows for easy source recognition and
assignment for all AUX Busses, Effects Borders and
Frame Stores.
3.
1.5 ME's
PROG,
PREV plus FULL ME architecture allows for easier
live control of mutiple sources and effects. ME1
(Top) has own dedicated PROG, PREVIEW and Cleanfeed
OUTPUTS and can also be used on On-Air.
4. Source names
All
sources (internal & external) can be named and
mapped to any crosspoint.
5.
Key Bus
Each
ME has a dedicated bus for Cut and Fill selection
for Keyers. A dedicated bus makes for easier
recognition of Key Sources during live production.
6.
Program Bus
16
direct crosspoints with shift allows for rapid
access to all sources. Illuminated buttons
distinguish on-air status for confident live
production.
7.
Wipe Patterns
Dedicated
LED displays show wipe pattern selection for each
ME. Nova comes standard with 121 wipes with an
option for an additional 400.
8.
Colorizers
Hue,
saturation and luminance control for both Matte
Generators and DVE border colors. Allows you to
SAVE and RECALL custom color selections.
9.
Rate control / frame buffer
Dedicated
buttons for adjusting transition rates for ALL ME
's and Keyers. Also controls Frame Buffer Selection
for Freeze Capture, Field / Frame viewing, saving
and recall
10.
Memory
ME
snapshots and DVE macros. Lower section provides
advanced DVE control and easy key-frame
programming.
11.
Two upstream keyers
Two
independent full function Keyers including the new
Echolab CK4 (Chromakey) technology. DVE's can be
assigned to Upstream or Downstream keyers.
Independent key ties, key layer and selectable key
priority provide enhanced creative freedom and
control.
12.
ME mix / wipe
Frame-accurate
wipes and dissolves can be performed through the
Auto Transition button. Add any source as a border
for a wipe transition. Use fader and Wipe
positioning to create a pre-set Mixed Wipe.
13.
Downstream keyers / FTB
TWO
independent, FULL FUNCTION Downstream Keyers.
Excellent for simultaneous logo and graphics
insertion - perfect for today's complex and
demanding television productions. Each DSK has
independent controls for CUT and AUTO transitions
and separate DSK previews. Independent LED Rate
displays for BOTH Downstream Key
14.
Preview Bus
Allows
for Preview selection of ANY source or ME for Next
Transition. Flip-flops with “program” at the end of
a background transition.
15.
ME source selection
Single
button selection of ME effects to be used as
Background or as a Source for Downstream Keyers.
16.
Transition control
Frame-accurate
wipes and dissolves can be performed through the
AUTO TRANSITION button or taken directly to-air via
CUT. LED indicators for Auto transition rate and
status.
3
Year Full Warranty
Plus lifetime guarantee of free upgrades to the
core software
Connectivity
Under control of Echolab's Real-Time Operating Firmware, the System on Chip topology provides high-speed, next-generation inter connectivity.
Echolab Nova & Opera switchers have 10/100-Mb Ethernet ports, supporting simultaneous connections to the outside world through Web, TFTP & XML-RPC servers. Each Echolab switcher comes with it’s own unique MAC address and the Web server enables an operator to remotely access the switcher from anywhere in the world to check on status and configuration.
The XML-RPC Server provides a high-bandwidth remote control protocol for operation of any switcher function over a local or remote Internet connection. Functions such as remote AUX panels can take place without the complex and proprietary serial daisy-chain connections.
As the computer network continues to play more of a role in today's modern video facilities, the switcher will be ready with support for streaming video over Gigabit Ethernet. New codecs will drop right into the switcher providing future features on today's hardware.
The TFTP Server allows an operator to upload and download graphics to the switcher’s frame buffer. Working in conjunction with a remote PC or Macintosh running Photoshop, a user can create a full 32-bit image and then transfer both the foreground and alpha back and forth directly to the switcher.
At the heart of the system is a standard Compact Flash card, designed to hold all the system firmware to configure and boot the switcher, along with storage for graphics, user data, key memories and other user settings. Under control of a user-accessible mode switch, there are up to eight different configurations of firmware that can be loaded from a single Flash Card.
Echolab Nova & Opera switchers have multiple ports for studio inter connectivity. The RS-422 port allows for implementation of editing protocols so that the switcher may function in a post-production environment. The RS-232 port is available for PC connectivity, and can also be used for automation and/or audio follow capabilities.

1.
Tally
Thirty-two
map able contact closure tallies in two banks of
eight. The common on either bank can accept either
ground or external voltage for flexibility of
installation.
2.
GPIO
Three
general-purpose input and two general-purpose
output triggers can be easily assigned for an array
of switcher functions.
3.
Memory card
Flash
memory contains the user configuration file,
storage for 100's of stills and organic wipes.
Allows for graphic and macro storage.
4.
Status
Status
lights provide reliable monitoring of genlock,
processor and disc activity.
5. Ethernet
10/100-Mb
Ethernet ports, supporting simultaneous connections
to the outside world through Web, TFTP &
XML-RPC servers.
6.
System technology
The
revolutionary Echolab System on Chip design offers
unprecedented value and performance with fewer
points of failure and flexible upgrade path.
7.
Genlock
Serial
digital reference for system timing.
8.
Edit / serial ports
The
serial port supports EIA RS-232.
The edit port supports EIA RS-422
(SMPTE slave)
9.
Panel connection
The
panel is connected to the frame using standard coax
BNC cables. The chassis can be up to 300 meters
away.
System
System on Chip
Technology
The
most important development of Echolab Video
Production Switchers is the remarkable System on
Chip architecture. The engine for all new Echolab
switchers is a single Xilinx Virtex-II Pro chip,
which is feature-driven through Echolab proprietary
firmware.
Video production switchers have historically been
built with dedicated hardware to achieve a
specific, fixed functionality. As switchers have
evolved from devices built with discrete
transistors to more modern devices with advanced
large-scale integration (LSI) IC's, there has been
a common limitation that these products have been
built with fixed signal and data paths that
pre-define the topology of the switcher.
Thus, most switchers are built specifically for set
functionality, with limited or no future
adaptability. Echolab seriously breaks with
tradition in this regard, moving to a re-
configurable platform based on single chip FPGA
technology, creating an entirely re-programmable
video switching system. Echolab's System on Chip
architecture takes advantage of two 32-bit PowerPCs
running at 270 MHz, embedded directly in the fabric
of the Xilinx FPGA.
By absorbing all of the interconnects of the
switcher into a single FPGA, all the limitations of
a fixed signal path architecture have been removed,
and the topology of the switcher can be re-defined
over and over through the life of the product with
substantial ability to grow as you do.
Hundreds of embedded high-speed multipliers within
the FPGA fabric allow a variety of video effects
such as wipes, mixes, DVE’s and keys to be
performed effortlessly with very-high precision.
Echolab’s System on Chip means that future
feature-sets and firmware updates will come as
simple downloads from the Internet. That means no
more expensive downtime when servicing or updating
the switcher. We give you core system firmware
updates for FREE for the lifetime of the switcher.
Echolab has chosen Micrium's uC/OS-II Real-Time
Operating System for the Opera series. This OS is a
priority based, pre-emptive multitasking kernel,
which has been certified for use in safety critical
applications in medical and high-level reliability
aviation instruments. You won’t experience delays
and freezes in the operating system that most
windows based systems suffer from.
Options
Echolab ‘X’ Models
Echolab
‘X Model’ switchers harness the power of networking
to maximize automated workflow efficiencies for an
integrated live studio.
’ X’ is the nomenclature for the "extended
functionality" models of Echolab switchers. ‘X’
models are dynamically bundled with a customized PC
workstation providing the ability to integrate
device options. PCI options include Echolab 3XD DVE
and Inscriber CG’s & Still Stores.
There are also protocols available to control 360
Systems Image Servers, Compix Media CG’s, Avitech
Multiviewers and automation of other studio
devices.

Echolab
Commander
Through the integrated server, X Models provide
unique ability to control devices internally or
over a network via the USC (identity4 Panel) or
Echolab Commander.
The Echolab Commander is a versatile auxiliary
panel that extends the switcher's control to
internal and networked devices providing easily
customizable shortcuts to all switcher and studio
functions.
Designed for LIVE production, the Echolab Commander
linked to the Nova Series XP Server gives you easy
access to many production tools normally run by a
mouse and keyboard. VTR control, CG or Still Store
Sequence control, and total switcher emulation are
all available on user customizable “pages” of
buttons.
Whether you need more control for a single
operator, or remote control away from the main
panel, the Commander is the ideal user interface.
With up to 255 user designed pages of 18 buttons
and 4 rotary encoders, VTR control buttons, menu
driven support, and an interactive display, the
Commander is exactly what you need it to be.

• Operates up to 300 meters away from the switcher
frame
• Control any function on the switcher
• Replaces keyboard / mouse for integrated PCI
tools
• 255 Easy to create “page” layouts
• Create buttons to “link” to other pages
• Use colors to organize your operations
All X Models come with Server, firmware, LCD
Monitor, Keyboard.

PCI
Based Options
INSCRIBER
INCA CG and STILL STORE
Fully integrated CG with TrueType fonts, rolls and
crawls, etc. Manages thousands of stills. Easy
import of graphics over a network. PCI-Based, SDI
Output.
V-LAN
CONTROLLER (For ALL VTR's)
RS-422 control of all popular VTRs with
downloadable drivers from videomedia.com. Over 200
VTR's supported. Play, stop, record, mark-in,
mark-out, etc.
Integrated Options
360
Media Server
Protocols
to drive the 360 Image Server 2000. 360 Systems
presents a new breed of Image Servers, with
imaginative features that enhance the speed and
quality of everything you produce. Like a Remote
Workstation Interface that lets you add work areas
for ingest, trimming, play listing or review
wherever you need them. New network transfer tools
let you move content rapidly to and from NLEs. And
now, Image Servers accommodate more forms of video
than ever before.

COMPIX
Protocols
to drive the Compix range of CG's. The Aria 2000 is
a multi-format character generator featuring
RGB/YUV, composite and Y/C signals, which is built
for use with the Echolab Opera 3408 video
production switcher.
The Aria 2000 provides two independent channels,
which allow you to connect two fill outputs to the
switcher with keys. With this configuration, users
can run multiple Compix Media software
simultaneously or set up a standard preview and
program output.

Other
Compix models are also integratable.
Specifications
SPECIFICATIONS
(Click
here for Print friendly PDF Versions)
SPECIFICATIONS
NOVA
1716 / 1732
Video
Processing 10-bit 4:2:2 Serial Digital
Standards 525/60 NTSC or 625/50 PAL
External Reference Digital
Inputs
Number of Inputs 16 (1716)
Number of Inputs 32 (1732)
Input Type SDI
Input Timing Requirement plus / minus 18uS
Equalization Auto, 280 meters maximum
Return loss 15dB minimum
Outputs
Number
of Outputs 16
Output Type SDI
Output Signal level 750-850 mV p-p
Rise/Fall Time 400 pS min / 800 pS max (20% - 80%)
Overshoot 8% maximum
Additive Jitter 25 pS p-p typical
Pgm Outputs (2) SDI
Pvw Output SDI
Pgm Clean Feed Out SDI
Optional Aux Outputs (12) SDI
Aux Output routes Any source, Pgm, Pvw
& Clean feed for both DSKs
Connectivity
Edit
port Yes (Used for Integration)
Serial Port Yes (Integration / diagnostics)
Ethernet Yes (Used for Network Integration)
XML-RPC Server Yes (Integration / diagnostics)
Tally 32 / 8 (4 wiring blocks)
GPIO 3 in, 2 out / User programmable
External memory Compact Flash
Status indicators Yes
CF operation LEDs Yes
Panel display Yes
Power status Panel indicators
External memory Compact Flash
Status indicators
Status LEDs Yes
CF operation LEDs Yes
Power status With Redundant PSU option
User Configurations
Number of user Modes 8
User Mode selection Yes, hardware
User Mode interface PC based editing
Source naming Yes
Source mapping Any source to any x-point
M/E 1 Flip-flop On/Off
GPIO events User programmable
Lamp saver mode User programmable
NTSC / Pal switchable User programmable
Network settings User programmable
Redundant power supply Yes, Optional
Panel
Panel
Echolab Classic 7 Panel
Direct Crosspoints 16
Shifted Crosspoints 16
Crosspoint button type Heavy duty switch
Panel display Interactive LED
X-point display (sources) Yes, LED
Transition rate displays Yes
Fader bars 3
3-Axis Joystick Yes
Incremental Adjustments Rotary encoders / + and -
switches
On-air indicator Highlighted switch illumination
and LED indicators
Selection bus Panel - for Keyers, Aux routing, etc.
Numeric keypad Yes
Mix / Wipe transition select Switches with
indicators
DSK transition selectors Pvw, Take, and Cut
Lamp Saver Yes
Remote Auxilliary Panel Yes, Commander with "X"
Option
Operation
Layout
Progam / Preset
Effects take to air Fader bar, adjustable take, cut
Transistions Mix or Wipe
Transitions rate Adjustable
M/E 1.5
M/E take Fader bar, adjustable take, cut
M/E transistions Fader bar, adjustable take, cut
M/E transitions Rate adjustable
M/E Memory / Recall Yes
Main Pattern Generators 2 (1 per ME)
Basic Wipes 18
Organic Wipes 100 (optional 400 more)
Pattern adjustments Positioning, Symmetry
(basic wipes)
Wipe borders Yes
Border sources Any source
Width Variable
Softness Yes
M/E Keyers 2
Key take Adjustable take, cut
Key transition rate Adjustable
Key types supported Luminance, Linear, Shaped,
Chroma
Key masks 1 for each keyer (2)
Key Mask resets Yes
Key Memory / Recall Yes, referenced to fill source
DS Keyers 2
Key take Adjustable take, cut
Key transition rate Adjustable
Key preview Yes
Key types supported Luminance, Linear, Shaped,
Chroma
Key masks Yes
Key Mask resets Yes
Key Memory / Recall Yes, referenced to fill source
Chromakeys 4
Hue adjustment Yes
Adjustable chroma acceptence angle Narrow or wide
Luminence suppression Yes
Viewable matte Yes
Key lift (spill suppression) Yes
Ckey Reset Yes
Fade to Black Yes - transition rate adjustable
Color Matte Generators 2
Frame Buffers 1
Input Modes Pass-through, Freeze, Capture, Recall
View modes Frame, Field 1
Capture to Frame Buffer # of stills based on CF
storage capacity
Alpha support Yes
Import to Frame Buffer Software option for XP,
imports .tga & .jpg
DVE 2 (2D)
DVE Resets Yes
DVE Memory / Recalls Yes
DVE Move keyframes 2 per "Move"
("Moves" can be chained)
DVE Move length Adjustable
DVE border color generator 2, 1 for each DVE
Programmable Effects Memory
User Modes 8
Panel Saves/Recalls 99 per User Mode
Timeline Sequencing User programmable macro
automates any switcher functions to occur as a
timed sequence of events and allows for user
intervention
Total Timeline Sequences 65535
Active Timeline Sequences 10
Documentation
Installation
and Operation Manual Yes
Panel layout / installation drawing Yes
24/7 Lifetime Phone Tech Support Yes
Options System & training
Additional Inputs for 3716 : 16 (upgrade in module
blocks of 4) *
Chassis Fully Redundant Power Supply Optional
On-Site Commissioning Purchased by the day Yes
On-site Training Purchased by the day Yes
PCI
based Options
X
Model System upgrade Yes
Integrated Media Server 360 Systems Yes
Integrated CG Inscriber, Compix Yes
Integrated Still Store INCA Store Yes
VTR control V-LAN Yes
3D DVE Echolab 3XD Yes
Avitech Muti-monitor interface Yes
400 Additional Wipes
Over 400 additional wipes, effects, transitions and
dynamic mattes
Graphics
Utility Tool - CD Rom / Software
Import
/ Export / Transfer images between Frame buffer and
PC Includes Photoshop plug in to create native Nova
(.nov) files Supports alpha channel, resizing and
ethernet import/export
*NOTE: Some functionality is currently being ported
over both Nova and Opera ranges. Check with our
service and support department for latest updates.
service@echolab.com
3 Year Full Warranty
Plus lifetime guarantee of free upgrades to the
core software.
Diagrams & Technical Notes
Classic 7 Panel
Manuals
Contact Sales
Online Product Training Videos