A newcomer to IBC in 2007, UK based PHABRIX Limited has arrived this year with a stand full of surprises and announcements. The first has to be that the PHABRIX Sx is now shipping and already is use internationally where its size and functionality are beginning to win even more friends. Building on the success of the world’s first hand held 3G-SDI, HD-SDI and SD-SDI video and audio test phenomenon, PHABRIX has now added a new range of options to enhance the product even further.

Phillip Adams ex founder of Oxtel, now PHABRIX’s owner/managing director commenting on the success of the Sx said: ‘The really amazing appeal of this instrument is the combination of all three functions in one unit including support for 3G. We decided that combining the generator, analyzer and monitor into a compact single product enabled the professional engineer the ability to tackle just about any SDI based test requirement in the broadcast environment.

Having designed the product using the most up to date technology available, we can also provide the kind of high end features normally only found in expensive bench bound equipment for a fraction of the price.’ The PHABRIX Sx has been designed with ease of use in mind. The display is a large 4.3” 16:9 colour TFT monitor with superb auto scaling and the ability to zoom in on detail reported from both the vectorscope or waveform monitor. The product supports the many SMPTE standards required along with the new 3G interface formats which are increasingly becoming a part of broadcast infrastructure.

The control functions are a simple button press, the intuitive ergonomics a welcome feature of the Sx. Configured with a full range of test patterns, both static and animated, the Sx is ideal for studio, OB, R&D and test environments operating from either the internal battery or via the included mains adaptor.

The Sx has auto Bi-level, Tri-level and SDI genlock with cross lock capability. Audio features including support for 16 channels of embedded audio plus embed and de-embed via its 75 Ohm AES ports. In addition custom test sequences can be saved onto the unit for easy recall allowing the engineer to 'personalise' his/her testing environment. The product is further enhanced with a remote control function allowing it to be controlled using a PC application connected to a network or from a second unit on the network via the built in Ethernet connection.

To fully appreciate the product there’s no substitute for handling the Sx and seeing it in action which is why the PHABRIX stand E05 in Hall 8 offers the chance to pick up and play with the new PHABRIX Sx. Keep a look out too when you’re at IBC as the Sx can be found supporting other major manufacturers such as Electrosonic, National Semiconductor and many more.