Grass Valley Kula – Video Mixers

No. The Kula operates on a single system reference—all video I/O must conform to one selected standard (1080p60/59.94/50, 720p, 576i, or 480i per SMPTE ST 292/424). You cannot mix frame rates or interlace/progressive modes within the same mainframe. This is a critical constraint for multi-territory OB trucks; you must choose your primary standard at boot. If you need simultaneous multi-standard operation, you'll require separate Kula instances or format conversion preprocessing on source feeds.

No. FormatFusion3/4 channels convert *between* SD, HD, and 1080p standards for ingest and output routing—they do not generate native 4K outputs. The Kula itself is a 3G-SDI (2.97 Gb/s) platform. The 4K reference indicates the format conversion engine's capability for format translation only, not 4K-ready outputs. For true 4K production, Kula feeds must be downconverted or you require alternative infrastructure.

All inputs in your Kula variant (1 M/E = 18 inputs; 2 M/E = 36 inputs) can be active concurrently and routed to any M/E, keyer, or output. Unterminated SDI inputs will present as 'no signal' in the multiviewer and control panels—no damage occurs, but proper 75 Ω termination (via patch panel or integrated terminators on unused ports) is essential to prevent reflections and timing errors. Confirm your control panel setup displays input status clearly so ops quickly spot dead feeds.

The ClipStore is a 10-output internal recorder holding up to 2 minutes of uncompressed HD video and audio per assigned output. It functions as a *buffer and review tool*—not a playout server. During live shows, use it for instant replay capture or confidence recording to disk; for scripted playout, you still require an external video server integrated via SDI or IP. ClipStore feeds are assignable to any output, but playback timing relies on external control (GPI/Ethernet) synchronized to your production control system.

Grass Valley offers KPX, KPP, K1X, K1P, and K5P panels in 16 or 24 crosspoint configurations. Yes, multiple panels can be connected simultaneously via RS-422 serial and Ethernet (the Kula provides 2 RS-422 ports and 3 Ethernet ports). Each panel sees the same switching state and can command transitions independently. For OB vans, a common config pairs a compact K1P fader panel (technical ops) with a KPP or K5P for AD control. Confirm your panel choice supports your M/E count and desired button density before purchase.

The standard Kula is specified for 3G-SDI (SMPTE ST 292/424). A dedicated 12G-SDI variant exists but is NOT included in the base 2 RU mainframe. If your truck is 12G-native, confirm at purchase whether you need the 12G-SDI option—it affects input board architecture and may require separate ordering. Alternatively, plan format conversion on inbound 12G feeds to 3G for Kula processing, then upconvert outputs downstream if needed.

A dedicated Kula IP variant supporting SMPTE ST 2110 is available but is a separate product configuration from the standard SDI mainframe. The base Kula specified here is SDI-only (3G, or 12G via option). If your facility is transitioning to IP-based video distribution, you must select the Kula IP variant at purchase—you cannot retrofit ST 2110 into an SDI mainframe. Confirm with your integrator which variant matches your infrastructure roadmap.

Each assignable 2.5D DVE engine can generate up to 2 independent PIP (picture-in-picture) windows, totaling 8 PIPs across 4 engines per M/E. Effects include repositioning, scaling, rotation, and 2.5D transforms (no full 3D geometry). Complex real-time effects (e.g., simultaneous 8-PIP with borders, shadows, and keyed graphics) may reduce DSP headroom; test your exact effect chain on a demo unit. Upstream keyers and DVE chaining must be validated for your production complexity.

The Kula occupies 2 RU in a standard 19" rack. Typical power draw is 400–600 W depending on I/O load and active DVE/keyer usage (confirm exact spec with your sales contact, as published power figures vary by configuration). The unit generates moderate heat; ensure 3–4 inches of clearance above and below for airflow, and plan cooling (e.g., rack fans or van HVAC) in confined OB spaces. In summer or high-load trucks, thermal monitoring and intake fan assist are recommended to prevent throttling during long broadcasts.

Yes, every used or ex-demo unit is tested and covered by a 90-day warranty. In the event of a failure, the round-trip transport cost is shared equally between the customer and Broadcast Depot.

Yes, Broadcast Depot ships worldwide. We arrange transport on quotation, or you can use your own carrier. Delivery usually takes 3 to 5 days. OB vans are delivered by driver or collected on site.

Yes, in case of an error or if you would like another product from our stock: returns and exchanges are possible with no time limit. Contact us to arrange it.