Theatrixx xPressCue 4K Hardware Media Player
Posted on: 20th December 2022
We’ll be introducing you to the xPressCue Media Player from Theatrixx.
Historically video playback has been managed with large, hard-to-use, media servers or more regularly, laptops. The problem with using laptops is that they’re not designed to be used for professional media playback and can be extremely unreliable.
With such a drastic skill level needed to upgrade from laptop operation to media servers, the switch is often unrealistic and can be very daunting for production teams. The xPressCue bridges the gap between these two options and gives you dedicated hardware for professional & seamless 4K playback.
Media Storage
Within the unit there’s an M2 Solid State Drive, meaning no moving parts, minimising the risk of failure, which we all know isn’t an option in the AV world.
A common problem with using laptops for media playback is the internal storage, with many operators having to use external devices to store their videos, but this just adds to the clutter around the video desk. xPressCue on the other hand comes with 1TB worth of storage, ensuring all your media can be loaded straight to the device.
Talking of loading your media onto the device, this can be done via the high-speed USB 3.0 port on the front of the unit or via the networked web interface. This gives you the flexibility to manage your media how you like as well as cutting down on precious time. In fact, since you don’t need a computer to set up, you can go from box to playback in less than 10 minutes, which is perfect for those last-minute jobs.
Housing and Connections
The xPressCue is all housed in a rugged 1U enclosure, meaning it can be easily rack-mounted, reducing back-of-house clutter with your productions.
On the back of the unit, you have several video outputs comprising of two 12G SDI outputs, HDMI 2.0 Type A and Display port 1.4. We also have a tri-level external sync in & through plus a USB 2.0 for connecting external devices such as the Stream Deck
Moving along the back of the unit there are two XLR analogue audio outs with LED level meters. It’s also worth noting that all video outputs offer multi-channel audio embedded as standard.
Next, we have the DMX in & thru with the built-in LED indicator, as well as the port on the front of the xPressCue, there’s also an additional 1G Ethernet port on the back of the unit
Finally, we have the PowerCON in & thru power connectors, which are accompanied by the included 1.5m mains to PowerCON True1 cable.
The unit includes a built-in PSU, eliminating the need for a bulky and untidy external PSU often found with laptops, making your workstation as clinical as possible. In addition to a tidier working area, the xPressCue ensures your production is safe by including professional locking connectors, minimising the risk of cables being accidentally pulled out during your event.
Control
As for controlling the unit, you have the flexibility to choose which best suits you and your application.
Firstly, you can use the 20 user-programmable, broadcast grade buttons built into the front of the unit. Each button is RGB-backlit and allows you to quickly program your playback. These buttons are also accompanied by a crisp OLED display which allows you to view menu options and preview your video
If you’re looking for even more creative power at your fingertips, the xPressCue also has native support for Elgato Stream Deck controllers. These controllers are perfect for a range of applications such as live streaming and ensure crisp resolution and fluid playback. You also have the ablity to customise each of the icons, meaning you could see the thumbnails for each of the videos you had loaded into the xPressCue.
There’s also a user-friendly, web-based application for full featured control. This allows you to access all the software features of the xPressCue on your laptop or PC, making it remarkably easy to organise and manage your content.
Finally, you can also control the unit via DMX, ArtNet & sACN control, again, giving you maximum flexibility for your production or event.
Media
When it comes to the media supported on the xPressCue, you can use nearly all common video, picture and audio formats. This can prove extremely valuable if you’re on site and your client wanted to add a last-minute unexpected video.
This is also where the Instant Copy feature excels, allowing users to quickly copy a USB’s entire library quickly solving last-minute panic situations.
Another massive bonus is the instant playback on the xPressCue, meaning no more waiting for files to load. This is also backed up by the files on the unit always being accessible regardless of folder structure, thanks to the virtual file system. Both of these features help to reduce set-up time, saving valuable production time.
And that just about covers it. If you want to know more about xPressCue Media Player from Theatrixx check out our product page below:
