Sony Creative Software Intros Multi-Codec Video Encoder

Sony Creative Software, a provider of professional video and audio production applications, announced the availability of its multi-codec video encoder for the Blu-ray Disc authoring developed along with Sony Electronics and Sony Pictures Entertainment.

 

"As Blu-ray Discs become consumers’ high-definition format of choice, industry demand for affordable and powerful studio encoding tools is rapidly expanding," commented Dave Chaimson, Sony Creative Software VP of global marketing.

 

The BAE-VX1000 encoder was designed in order to suit the changing needs of the growing professional encoder market. It has the capability to decrease total encoding time by up to 30 percent compared to the previous Sony BAE-VA700 solution. This is possible due to enhancements such as parallel capturing and pre-processing and increased encoding algorithm efficiency, explained Chaimson.

 

The multi-codec design enables the compatibility of BAE-VX1000 encoder with a majority of Blu-ray authoring applications like Sony Creative Software’s Blu-Print. It also allows the use of H.264 AVC or MPEG-2 technology. This enables production professionals to be more flexible based on their project deadlines and satisfy client preferences or individual workflow requirements. The encoder also includes MPAG-2 encoding for traditional DVD authoring.

 

An Auto Customize function offered in the BAE-VX1000 encoder enables the automatic detection of parts of the picture which are difficult to encode. Further multiple encoding is performed making use of five possible bit rates which are set up in advance. When the two-pass encoding of the full title is completed, users will be able to review the multiple versions and then chose the one with best picture quality and disc size.

 

The picture quality can be enhanced as each encoding parameter can be customized frame-by-frame. The GUI changes colors to show where parameters have changed. The segment encoding allows users to input a small range for re-encoding after customization this ensures best picture quality in lesser time as re-encoding of the full title is not necessary.

 

The BAE-VX1000 encoder supports single PC configuration capable of accomplishing AVC encoding in real-time, which suits smaller production houses. The encoder can be expanded to networked distribute processing configuration offering operational flexibility.

 

It also exhibits scalable three speed configuration to match individual production needs. The multiple settings offer Blu-ray Disc producers flexibility with best picture quality. The "Express" mode supports AVC real-time encoding with one PC. With more networked processors "Fast" and "Quality" modes are available for optimum performance. The BAE-VX1000 offers built in real-time AVC elementary stream decoder as well.


Shamila Janakiraman is a contributing editor for TMCnet. To read more of Shamila’s articles, please visit her columnist page.White Paper Library, which provides a selection of in-depth information on relevant topics affecting the IP Communications industry. The library offers white papers, case studies and other documents which are free to registered users. Today’s featured white paper is Managing Application Performance by Understanding Applications, brought to you by Shunra (News - Alert) (News - Alert) Virtual Enterprise.

 

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