Clip N Key V121 8G is a low-cost clip and sting store and the most convenient way to add extra video sources to a mixer to enhance transitions - without tying up a server port.

Available in four versions, Clip N Key is part of the Picturestore product range - Crystal Vision's area of speciality based on solid-state fast reading and writing DRAM and permanent Flash picture storage.

Ideal for sports or live events programming, Clip N Key V121 8G allows a special clip or sting with optional associated key signal to be played repeatedly - for example, the same moving image each time a team scores a goal.

Clip N Key V121 8G includes an 8 GB video store and can store 60 seconds of moving HD video (30 seconds if it includes a key signal) or 300 seconds of moving SD video (150 seconds with key signal).

A number of different clips can be stored, dependent on the total length of time used.

Clip N Key V121 8G provides one external input source. The output can be locked to an HD or SD analogue reference.

Clip N Key V121 8G can be controlled by VTR protocol to record and replay stills or short video clips, allowing any standard VTR controller or mixer with VTR type outputs to automate the operation of the board.

Clip N Key V121 8G has the flexibility to work with both named images and reference by timecode. The timecode can be used as a label for each individual clip. Clips can be created either by VTR control, or can be downloaded over 100 MB Ethernet to the board as a graphics file using Crystal Vision's special drag-and-drop computer software - and then be assigned a timecode label that will be used by the controller to replay the clip.

This makes operation easy: to replay an individual clip the operator simply needs to cue to the relevant timecode and play, while to create a clip he should cue to an unused timecode and record. Memory is automatically assigned to the timecode as it is recorded, making it unnecessary to use a continuous range of timecodes.

A clip recorded by RS422 control can be saved for back up or copied to other devices using the PC software. Being a solid-state device, Clip N Key V121 8G will cue instantly so that any video clip is available to play without the delay that may occur on a disk or tape-based device.

A dedicated RJ45 connector on the RM52 frame rear module makes RS422 control by Sony or VDCP protocol easy.

Clip N Key V121 8G includes easy trimming of recorded video clips which makes it simple to transfer a clip and key from tape and allows flexible use of any clip that has not been prepared for computer download. The dedicated software can be used to step through a clip frame by frame by using the "Next" and "Previous" controls and to set mark in and mark out points for the clip to run between. When the operator is happy he can trim the clip to remove the unwanted sections - or alternatively cancel the selection and return to the original.

The 100mm x 266mm module fits in the standard Crystal Vision frames alongside any other products from the range and is ideal for saving space in a sports OB vehicle. Clip N Key V121 8G also includes relay bypass protection of the input in the event of power failure or board malfunction or removal.

Clips can be played out either with embedded or separate audio.

Clip N Key V121 8G can embed a single audio group into its video outputs, with audio routing of the stereo pairs allowing selection of which of the possible sources are embedded. The audio can be played out separately, or alternatively the audio and video ports can be locked together so that the files can be played out at the same time - allowing the clip to have accompanying audio.

Audio data is transferred to and from the board via Ethernet using the PC drag-and-drop software.

There are three other versions of Clip N Key available, offering various video and audio inputs and different-sized video stores.