Sarnoff Introduces Real-Time PC-Based MPEG-2 Software Encoders for Digital TV, DVD Conversions
Vision-Optimized Encoding(tm) Algorithms Deliver High Quality at
Low Bit Rates for DTV Use, Camcorder/DV-to-DVD Transfers
LAS VEGAS—(BUSINESS WIRE)—April 20, 2004—
Sarnoff Corporation (www.sarnoff.com), the Princeton, NJ-based
technology development and innovation services company and winner of
two Emmy(r) awards for video quality tools, today announced two MPEG-2
software encoders that deliver high-quality video and embedded stereo
audio in real time on standard Windows(r)-based PCs. The announcement
was made at the National Association of Broadcasters conference in Las
Vegas.
Sarnoff's RTV-100 digital TV software, intended for use in the
television industry, converts an uncompressed analog or digital
program into a single MPEG-2 transport stream.
The RDV-100 version, targeted at system suppliers, transfers
camcorder, DV video and audio, or web content to an MPEG-2 program
stream for recording on DVDs or distribution over home networks.
Both versions use Sarnoff's Vision-Optimized Encoding(tm) (VOE)
algorithms to produce video at 4 Mbps that is visibly superior to what
(some) other real-time software encoders produce at almost twice that
bit rate.
"Now top-quality MPEG-2 conversion is within the reach of local TV
stations and cable head-ends, professional videographers, and advanced
hobbyists," said Dr. Michael Isnardi, Technical Manager at Sarnoff.
"Our VOE technology gives Sarnoff software encoders a big edge in
video appearance, even running on standard PCs.
"VOE is based on a decade of experience in measuring and
maintaining video quality, and it shows in the picture."
The DTV-100 encoder is targeted at TV stations and cable head-ends
that need instant conversion of D1 video into an MPEG-2 stream for
digital television broadcast or distribution over a cable system.
Typical uses include conversion of electronic news gathering (ENG)
video, or transmission of local studio programming. Coded video sizes
include 720x480, 640x480, 528x480, 480x480 and 352x480 pixels.
The DVD-100 is designed to meet the needs of videophiles and
independent videographers. It accepts standard DV audio and video
ouput. Coded video output rates include 720x480 and 352x480 at 30Hz,
and 720x576 and 352x576 at 25Hz. Both software converters run under
Windows 2000 on a 3.2 GHz Pentium(r)-based PC and require a
standard-definition capture card. The television-oriented DTV-100 also
requires a DVB-ASI PCI card in the computer.
More information on Sarnoff's real-time MPEG-2 software encoders
is available by contacting:
Tom Lento, InterComm Inc.
Sarnoff phone: (609) 734-3178
FAX (609) 734-2040
tlento@sarnoff.com
Contact:
InterComm Inc.
Tom Lento, 609-734-3178
tlento@sarnoff.com
