Les, You're absolutely right, except for one item..... the MVS-6000 is completely different hardware from an 8000G. the 6000 has a 2-ch internal 3D DVE but you can also add more channels of the same DVE that the 8000G uses, if you want more than the resizers and the 2-ch DVE. The whole point of the MVS series was that they shared components. That's why the device box and the menu panel and the DVEs are the same throughout. Prices are kept, relatively, low when something doesn't keep having to be redesigned over and over again. Take the Keyenne, it's basically the same Kayak frame with a new panel and software. And, of course, the Kayak is a Philips XTen-DD switcher with a Grass Valley sticker on the front door. Not saying either of those are necessarily bad, but all manufacturers re-use items when possible to avoid a complete re-design. But.... the 6000 frame is a completely new product. RE

Let me just add that I am not saying it is an 8000GSF as it does have more inputs, but that it kinda looks like it. It has fewer Resizers but is able to have some internal DME.

I had a look at it and it appeared to me to be the 8000GSF frame just re branded so that they can sell it at a lower price while still maintaining the 8000G price point. It was connected to the same 8000 DME chassis and Device Control Chassis units. Like Bob said they pulled all of the modules out and replaced them with a FlexiKey type pad that does all functionality. Thus reducing the price tag on the panel again to keep from reducing the Value of the 8000 when they have to discount it against the Kayak.

The larger flexi-pad actually replaces most of the modules that you'd find on an 8000 (such as the keyer module for example). It's become a "multi-function module" like ones introduced on certain other manufacturer's new products. I'm curious to see how it is received on both models.

I took a quick look it while at NAB. The few things I picked up on were that the .5 M/E only has 2 keyers and there's only one flexipad for the entire switcher (at least from what I saw on the 2.5 M/E version). That flexi I think allows you access to everything you'd expect on a flexi or 10 key but all from one central location. The only difference is that the pad is one row wider.

Here is the link to the Sony page for the new MVS-6000 switcher and brochure ..... [url]http://pro.sony.com/bbsccms/ext/BroadcastandBusiness/minisites/NAB2009/pp_mvs6000.shtml[/url]

I'm not at NAB, and would love to hear some feedback on this one, too. I understand that the MVS-6000 is a lower-cost approach, offering a less expensive upgrade path to HD. I'd think it would be perfect for those who can't afford the MVS-8000G, or have space limitations. Like the Kayak/Ignite relationship at T/GV, I believe that the MVS-6000 was designed to work hand-in-hand with the ELC automation. I thought of the DVS line of switchers when I saw this one ... the old 2.5 M/E DVS-8000C, and it's little brother the DVS-6000. Matt