Digital Rapids Highlights HEVC for Media-Transformation Platform
Digital Rapids (Booth SL5624) is demonstrating an array of enhancements for the recently released Digital Rapids Transcode Manager 2.0 automated, high-volume media-processing software and its underlying Kayak dynamic workflow platform. New capabilities include support for the HEVC compression format; 4K Ultra HD encoding; and Dolby E audio decoding.
The new HEVC (High Efficiency Video Coding) standard, also known as H.265, significantly improves compression efficiency over the widely deployed AVC (H.264) specification. It can reduce bandwidth requirements and file sizes by as much as 50% relative to AVC, lowering delivery and storage costs while enabling higher-quality viewing experiences, including higher-resolution service offerings beyond HD.
HEVC encoding is being previewed in Transcode Manager 2.0 with technology from Kayak ecosystem partner Vanguard Video. Vanguard’s V.265 HEVC codec will be available as a modular component integrating directly into the Kayak platform, enabling users to easily incorporate support for the new format into Transcode Manager and Kayak workflows.
Encoding for 4K Ultra HD distribution also is being demonstrated in Transcode Manager 2.0. 4K Ultra HD features four times the number of pixels (3840×2160) as 1080p HD frame sizes, enabling more immersive viewing experiences with corresponding displays.
Bolstering 4K encoding performance and other advanced encoding capabilities are new optimizations for 64-bit processors and operating systems within Transcode Manager 2.0 and Kayak. The expanded 64-bit support further extends the platform’s highly efficient multi-threaded architecture and optimizes memory usage, particularly beneficial for processing ultra-high-resolution frame sizes. Modular workflow components designed for 64-bit operation can also interoperate seamlessly with 32-bit components within a single Transcode Manager workflow, maximizing flexibility while taking full advantage of available performance optimizations.
Other additions to Transcode Manager 2.0′s extensive format support also being highlighted include Dolby E audio decoding; input support for media in the GXF and LXF container formats; GXF output support; and SDI ancillary data creation for inclusion as data tracks within interchange formats.
The enterprise-class Transcode Manager 2.0 software goes far beyond transcoding and workflow orchestration, seamlessly blending media file transformation and workflow processes while offering unparalleled efficiency and agility for applications from postproduction and archive to multiscreen distribution. Building on the benefits of the Kayak platform, version 2.0 of Transcode Manager combines its robust management tools and hallmarks of superior output quality and format flexibility with powerful new advances including adaptive, automated decision making with rich metadata support; intuitive, visual workflow design tools; dynamic deployment; fast, easy integration of new and emerging technologies; and a deep ecosystem of third-party technology partners.