PCs
RT Software has had a long and successful relationship with HP PCs. We have test systems using the builds we recommend in our lab which makes recreating any obscure problems you might find much quicker to identify. HP provides good reliability and support.
We offer HP desktops with single PSUs or rack mounted with dual PSUs. We can also offer Dell servers on request. Provided the models you select can provide the processor specs, PCIe lanes and memory slots that we describe as minimum requirements there should be no problems. But please contact us before a purchase so we can confirm.
For more custom server builds you may want to consider SuperMicro. This can be useful sometimes if the location you need to install in is constrained in size, such as an OB truck.
Laptops
Laptops are sometimes a viable alternative to full PCs, but may not be suitable for every application due to their slim dimensions. The suggested builds here would be suitable for Tactic telestration, or Swift CG / CG+ editing.
The 2 builds are similar but UHD processing and editing requires increased memory and a large screen size.
To add video I/O, you would need to add an external device connected via Thunderbolt 2 or 3. The 2 options we would suggest are:
1 – AJA Io 4k Plus.
- An all in one solution for video I/O
2 – Sonnet. An external chassis that supports PCIe cards.
- Available for low profile cards
- Available for full height cards
Tablets
Our telestrator and presentation software supports control by tablet, both Android and Apple. Wifi or cabled connections are supported. If you plan to use in a live show, you may want to give some consideration to avoiding wifi interference, or using a tablet that supports a cabled connection.
Tablets should have a resolution of 1920 x 1080 and run a Chrome browser.
Touchscreens
There’s a huge range of touchscreens available today so it is not possible for RT Software to test these individually. Some details to look out for include the distance from touchscreen to PC. This will usually be done via USB for communication, and video is often over HDMI. Both of these only support a short cable distance, so you would likely need cable extenders, especially if this is for a live, in-vision studio setup. Many companies provide these extenders. We have had a good experience when using Adderlink X-DVI PRO.
It has been known for bright studio lights to affect some touchscreens. If possible, arrange for a test in these conditions.
You may prefer to look into stylus controls rather than fingertips if using a tablet touchscreen, especially for a live presenter operation.
One of the technologies used in touchscreens is SAW. This can be more prone to false touches, so may be better avoided depending on your likely use of the tablet.
Controllers
Tactic operator control can be further enhanced by using Contour’s Shuttle Express, Shuttle Pro or Shuttle Pro2.
GPIs
GPIs are supported using the Adlink Technology PCIe card. LPCIe-7230.
Possible accessories you may require include
- DIN-50S-01 Break out block
- ACL-10250-1 Cable
Please contact us to discuss how you plan to use GPIs.
