Controlling Live Graphics

Ask any graphics operator about the features they really covet when working live on a TV programe. Their answers will be simplicity, reactivity and the ability to make late changes to content.

For thirty years Aston has been an expert in live graphics operation. But when it came to designing the page output sequencing controls on the A7 Edit and control workstation, we went to unparalleled lengths to ensure that the operators' wishes were fulfilled.

For simplicity, the A7 allows the animation state of each graphics object or group to be mapped to a separate key on the A7 keyboard. This allows graphics to be brought on, animated and taken off using dedicated keys. To acheive the split second reactivity required by operators, the A7 caches all the graphics components directly in the output card memory.

The A7 project tree structure makes it easy to follow and preview page sequences. And, to make late page re-ordering changes with the minmum of effort and stress, offline pages may be added using fast three digit keystroke page recall commands.