Barco S3-4K Compact Event Master Processor

These units may show signs of heavy wear but are in good working condition.

The Barco S3-4K Compact Event Master Processor is a powerful live event video switcher and presentation processor built for flexible screen management in rental, staging, corporate AV, and broadcast-style productions. The S3-4K features 12 input channels, 4 Program outputs, 4 AUX outputs and 2 dedicated Multiviewer outputs. It offers unparalleled flexibility, excellent image quality, and rugged durability to create a stunning live experience. 

Input and Output Flexibility for Live Workflows

Designed around Event Master series cards, the S3-4K supports 12 inputs via 3 input cards, including up to 3 x 4K inputs (up to 4K@60p). This makes it well-suited for mixing multiple sources such as cameras, playback, graphics, and presenter feeds while keeping everything synchronized and scalable.

• Video inputs: 4 x SD/HD/3G SDI (6G ready), 4 x HDMI 1.4a (297 Mpix/sec max), 4 x DisplayPort 1.1 (330 Mpix/sec max)
• Video outputs: 10 outputs via 3 output cards, including up to 2 x 4K outputs (up to 4K@60p)
• Output connectors include 4 x SD/HD/3G SDI (6G ready), 4 x HDMI 1.4a (297 Mpix/sec max), plus 2 x HDMI 1.4a Multiviewer outputs (297 Mpix/sec max)

Program Outputs, Aux Feeds, and Screen Management

The S3-4K provides 4 program outputs that can be configured as single screens or tiled/blended widescreens, giving you control for LED walls, projection blends, and multi-screen environments. It is configurable from 4 x 2048 x 1200@60 max to 1 x 4096 x 2400@60 max, with independent edge blending and feathering control for all four sides.

For confidence monitors, overflow rooms, recording, or downstream routing, the S3-4K also offers scaled AUX outputs. These are user definable from 4 x 2048 x 1200@60 to 1 x 4K@60, with output color correction to help match displays across different viewing environments.

Layering, Transitions, and Still Store Tools

Each output screen includes a native resolution background mixer, with independent layer transitions or full Preview/Program transition. Flexible layer allocation allows 4 mixable or 8 single scalable PIP/key layers assignable to any Program output screen, making it practical for IMAG, lower-thirds, multi-window layouts, and keyed graphics.

• Still stores: Up to 100 HD stills available in background, Aux or PIP
• Layer effects: Borders (hard, soft, halo), drop shadows, color effects, strobe, H&V flip, luma key, PIP moves via keyframes

Multiviewer Monitoring and Synchronization

The built-in multiviewer supports flexible, user-definable layouts so operators can monitor all Inputs and Outputs, including Preview and Aux. It includes two dedicated multiviewer outputs and uses dedicated hardware the same as the E2 Event Master Processor.

For timing and system integration, the S3-4K includes Genlock with an analog reference input/loop on BNC connectors (bi-level and blackburst at SD and tri-level at HD). S3D Sync is provided via 4x input Din connector and 2x output Din connector.

Control, Compliance, and Physical Details

Control is provided through Event Master screen management software for PC or MAC, with Ethernet RJ-45 connectivity (1000/100/10 Mbps autosense). The unit is HDCP compliant and weighs 24 kg / 53 lbs.