REVIEW OF: ANALOG WAY PULSE PLS300 DUAL SEAMLESS SWITCHER

REVIEW OF: ANALOG WAY 

PULSE PLS300 DUAL SEAMLESS SWITCHER

When it comes time to impress a client, we often recommend, quote and use the Analog Way Pulse PLS 300 (Pulse) along with the Analog Way RK-300 Controller. The Pulse is a true dual, high resolution seamless, scaler, mixer, production switcher; equipped with wipes, dissolves, slides, fades, picture-in-picture and keying features.

The RK-300 has 

10 Inputs:

2 DVI Inputs
6 Universal Analog Inputs
2 x 3G/HD/SD-SDI
SDTV, EDTV, HDTV and Computer formats up to 2K
Full digital In/Out Processing

Outputs:

2 Analog and Digital Outputs: Main & Preview
Computer Formats up to 2K
RGBHV, DVI and HDTV

It is an impressive production switcher with a bit complicated, learning curve. The switcher performs by layering video on top of still frames and video on top of video. We only have two technicians well versed in operating the Pulse so we always ensure either of the two techs are onsite when the Pulse in use at an event. We are currently training more technicians so we do not put ourselves in a jam. If you buy the Pulse, I recommend you also purchase the RK-300 Controller. The controller makes the Pulse 100% more user-friendly than using the Pulse alone. The RK-300 has a larger L.E.D. read-out than the Pulse, making the menus easier to understand. It is equipped with the same front panel buttons as the Pulse with additional transition effect/preset buttons and video image adjustment buttons, such as size, position and zoom. In addition, There is a fadar type T-Bar on the controller to switch from 'preview image' to 'main image', on screen. These buttons will allow you to incorporate the cool effects on the fly. One of the impressive features is the screenshot / logo memory function. Example: Client does not have a walk-in slide. They intend to project the presenter's first slide from the time attendees 'walk-in' until the beginning of the program. Using one of the laptops connected to the Pulse, you grab the clients logo from the internet and put it up on the preview screen. Scroll through your Pulse menus and record the image from the preview screen into the Pulse as 'Logo 1' you select 'Logo1',  hit 'Take' and BAM! your client's logo is now the 'walk-in' image.

The Pulse brings a professional TV production look to our screens. On the job it is always accompanied by the Controller and usually rented along with our Eiki 5000 or 10K Lumens High Definition Projectors, Da-Lite Fastfold Screens, JVC GY-HM750U Full-Sized Shoulder Mount HD Camcorder, HD 22-24" Preview Monitors and/or 32-47" LCD Confidence Monitors.

My only complaint and it is minor, is I wish they put a true, Television studio style, T-Bar on the RK-300 Controller.

Bruce Johnson
A.V. Rental Services, Inc.
4039 Comly Street
Philadelphia, PA 19135
PH: 800-695-5943
FX: 215-904-8503
bruce@RentMyPlasma.com
www.RentMyPlasma.com