Description
Philips BTS Venus RF-401 96x96 Video Router Chassis 32 OP Frame w/ Modules
The Philips BTS Venus RF-401 is a professional broadcast video routing switcher chassis configured as a 32 OP (output) rack frame with a 96x96 crosspoint matrix. Built in September 1997 for Broadcast Television Systems (BTS), a Philips company, this unit was originally deployed by TSI/Pan Am Sat and is field expandable to a full 96 input by 96 output video routing configuration. The chassis houses dual redundant power supplies, a full complement of VS-400 Video Matrix crosspoint cards, VO-410 video output cards, and VP-400A BNC I/O panels covering the full signal bay.
Specifications & What's Included
- Manufacturer: Philips BTS (Broadcast Television Systems, a Philips Company)
- Model: ASSY RF-401 32 OP Rack Frame
- System: Venus Routing Switcher
- Chassis Style: 32
- Matrix Size: 96x96 video (field expandable); configured inputs 00-63, outputs 00-31
- Sales Order: A1-12685-9 — originally built as 64x32 (96x96) video + customer audio chassis, expanded to 96x96
- Signal Levels: Video (Level 1), Audio Left (Level 2), Audio Right (Level 6)
- Monitor Output: Output 96
- Power Supply A: PS-400B (Philips BTS) — 10A, voltage rails +6.5V, -6.5V, +20.5V, -20.5V; with power switch, alarm indicator, and rail status LEDs
- Power Supply B: PS-400A (Philips BTS Venus) — 10A, with CPU/Fan/Alarm and voltage status LEDs; Rev F
- AC Input (VP-400A rear): Auto Select 100-125V / 200-250V, 10A/5A, 47-63Hz; dual IEC inlets (A and B)
- Certifications visible: ETL Listed, CE mark (per rear label)
- QTY 18: VS-400 Video Matrix crosspoint cards (populated in card cage)
- QTY 6: VO-410 VID OP (video output) cards
- QTY 3: VP-400A BNC I/O panels — rear-mounted, labeled input/output BNC connectors in 16-port groups covering full 96x96 bay
- Crosspoint Bus: Dual DB-15 connectors on rear panel (for chassis linking/expansion)
- Alarm Output: Screw-terminal block on rear panel
- Cooling: Four rear-mounted cooling fans
- Connector Type: BNC (all video I/O via VP-400A panels)
- Country of Manufacture: USA (assembled by Certified Cable)
- Date of Manufacture: September 1997
Applications
The Philips BTS Venus routing switcher series was a professional broadcast-grade video router platform widely used in television broadcast facilities, satellite uplink centers, post-production suites, and master control rooms during the 1990s and 2000s. A 96x96 crosspoint chassis of this size was typically found at the heart of large broadcast plants, enabling any of up to 96 video sources (cameras, VTRs, satellite feeds, playback servers) to be routed to any of up to 96 destinations (monitors, recorders, transmission paths, edit suites) under centralized control. The Venus platform supported both video and audio levels within a single chassis, making it suitable for full-facility routing of composite or component analog signals. Equipment of this generation served major networks, satellite operators, and production facilities globally — this specific unit was originally built for TSI/Pan Am Sat in 1997. Today, chassis and modules from the Venus platform are sought by facilities maintaining legacy analog routing infrastructure, as well as by parts buyers needing VS-400, VO-410, VP-400A, or PS-400 components to service existing Venus installations.
This Philips BTS Venus RF-401 96x96 Video Router Chassis has been powered on at our facility but has not been fully tested. It is being sold AS-IS for parts or repair — no functionality is guaranteed. The chassis includes dual power supplies (PS-400B and PS-400A), 18 VS-400 Video Matrix cards, 6 VO-410 VID OP cards, and 3 VP-400A BNC I/O panels as described. Cosmetically the chassis shows normal wear consistent with professional broadcast use. Please view our photo set and contact us if you have any questions.
Warranty Information
Additional Information
Brand: |
Philips BTS |
Model: |
RF-401 |
MPN: |
ASSY RF-401 32 OP RACK FRAME |
Secondary Model: |
Venus Routing Switcher |
Type: |
Broadcast Video Router / Routing Switcher Chassis |
SKU: |
39672 |
Condition: |
As-Is / For Parts or Not Working |
Chassis Style: |
32 |
Matrix Size: |
96x96 (field expandable) |
Inputs: |
00-63 (up to 96) |
Outputs: |
00-31 (up to 96) |
Signal Type: |
Video (analog) |
Connector Type: |
BNC (VP-400A I/O panels) |
Crosspoint Bus: |
Dual DB-15 Crosspoint Bus connectors |
Included: Power Supply 1: |
PS-400B (Philips BTS, 10A, +6.5V/-6.5V/+20.5V/-20.5V) |
Included: Power Supply 2: |
PS-400A (Philips BTS, 10A) |
Included: Video Matrix Cards: |
18x VS-400 Video Matrix modules |
Included: Video Output Cards: |
6x VO-410 VID OP modules |
Included: I/O Panels: |
3x VP-400A (BNC input/output panels) |
Power Requirements: |
Auto Select 100-125V / 200-250V, 10A/5A, 47-63Hz |
Sales Order: |
A1-12685-9 |
Date of Manufacture: |
September 1997 |
Country/Region of Manufacture: |
United States |
Form Factor: |
Rack Mount / Standalone Chassis |
Alarm Output: |
Screw-terminal alarm connector on rear panel |
Monitor Output: |
Output 96 |
Customer / Application: |
TSI / Pan Am Sat (original customer per build docs) |
Seller Notes: |
Includes dual PS-400 PSUs, 18x VS-400, 6x VO-410, 3x VP-400A. Sold AS-IS. |
Condition Notes: |
Philips BTS Venus RF-401 96x96 Video Router Chassis — powered on but not fully tested. Sold AS-IS for parts or repair, no functionality guaranteed. Includes dual PS-400 PSUs, 18x VS-400, 6x VO-410, 3x VP-400A. |
