Blackmagic Design has released a major software update for all Videohub routers. Videohub 4.0 adds support for a “button view” control screen that is designed to be easy to use on touch-screen computers. Button view features an attractive design whose layout and appearance may be customized by the user.

Traditionally, routers have used complicated software control that's often Windows-only and has too many router management features, making it hard for creative users to route video connections in busy television broadcast and postproduction facilities. In Videohub 4.0, however, router control is as simple as clicking large, easy-to-understand buttons with custom icons the user can set to help make selecting the correct source and destinations quick and simple.

There are three Button View control panel windows that can be selected in Videohub 4.0. Two of these button views are designed for dedicated full screen use on 24-inch and 20-inch monitors when customers dedicate a computer as a router control panel. HP Touchsmart all-in-one desktop computers with touch screens are recommended by Blackmagic as a low-cost router control panel when used with Button Views. Users need only touch the buttons on screen and router cross-points are changed instantly. Videohub software is available for both Windows and Mac OS X, so iMac-type computers may also be used.

The third type of Button View control panel window—a smaller eight-source x four-destination size—provides a fast-to-use control panel window for editors and designers on their desktop. Previous versions of Videohub software were limited to a pop-up menu design for changing router connections; this Button View window features the same interface as the full-screen button views. This view can be quickly minimized and opened so it's available when needed. Videohub 4.0 software also retains the previous popup control windows for users who want to keep using the router as before.

“I think the one weakness Videohub routers had in the past is the control software,” said Grant Petty, CEO, Blackmagic Design. “We have been working on this issue for a long time, and finally we have provided software that's just as good as the Videohub routers themselves, and we now have the world's best looking router software that's just so fun and easy to use. It's really fantastic, and I cannot wait to see customers' reactions!”

Videohub 4.0 is available now as a free download for all Videohub router customers from the Blackmagic Design site.