Cobalt Digital Launches OBSIDIAN3G Conversion Platform

Cobalt Digital (Booth N4624) is showcasing OBSIDIAN3G, a new range of frame-based products that combine high-quality performance and improved density with a sensible price structure, accommodating all broadcasting facilities and mobile-truck environments.

Developed using the latest chip technology, the OBSIDIAN3G series debuts at NAB 2013 with a downconverter series that combines low power with a high-density design allowing up to 20 cards per frame when a dual-channel unit becomes available in the future. Features include 3G/HD/SD-SDI input, frame sync, SDI reclocking, SD-SDI and analog video/audio outputs. The 9501-DCDA auto-detects and downconverts SMPTE 425/292/259M formats, performs aspect-ratio conversion, and can pan and zoom.

A GUI-based output crosspoint allows flexible SDI or CVBS outputs on four processed-output BNCs. Full embedded audio processing with selectable downmix and analog-audio-de-embed is included. OBSIDIAN3G offers full proc control and full timecode and closed-captioning capabilities and includes complete SMPTE SAA/STA overlays, assignable to composite or SDI outputs, or both. Control and monitoring are accomplished via Dashboard software or Cobalt’s OGCP-9000 remote control panels.

Three OBSIDIAN3G models are on exhibit:

• 9501-DCDA-3G: developed for comprehensive 3G downconversion; supports 3G-level A and B formats, all 1080i and 720p, 1.485-Gbps 1080p formats between 30 Hz and 23.98 Hz, and 1080psf formats of 24 and 23.98.
• 9501-DCDA-HD: for use when 3G downconversion isn’t needed but will be in the future. A software license converts this card to the 9501-DCDA-3G, allowing broadcasters to spend money only on current requirements.
• 9502-DCDA-3G: for use when production is switching to 3G but still needs to interface to legacy HD gear, requiring 3G-to-HD downconversion. The 9502 includes all the functionality of the 9501-DCDA-3G but gives 1080i, 720p, or SD-SDI outputs from 3G inputs and also removes analog video and audio outputs.

The series comes with a five-year warranty.