Cobalt adds new features to 9992 encoder and decoder range

Cobalt’s broadcast-grade 9992 series encoders and decoders have been enhanced with new features.

The 9992-ENC series now includes a built-in frame synchroniser that ensures the encoder keeps on running, either with a flat field or the last good frame, even if the input video goes away. This eliminates downstream glitches due to input signal issues, such as unsynchronised video switches. This feature is provided at no additional cost through a firmware upgrade.

“Cobalt is always listening to our customers and responding to their needs with upgrades, enhancements and often new products,” said Chris Shaw, executive vice president of sales & marketing for Cobalt. “Saving money and space are two of the most common requests we hear today, and so it was a logical step to incorporate a frame synchroniser directly into our 9992-ENC encoder, and we’ve made it available at no additional cost to our customers.”

The 9992-DEC software-defined multi-standard decoder is adding support for Dolby AC-4 decoding and pass-through. If there are multiple presentations, the user can select which one to decode; if there is an associated channel, the user can determine how it mixes the main presentation. The 9992-DEC also includes a Dolby AC-4 metadata display.

The 9992-DEC series is also adding support for Dolby-E decoding. The card can take a Dolby‑E stream, simultaneously decode all programs and output them as SDI embedded channels. A metadata display is also provided. Both options will be available soon.

“On the audio front, we’ve added support for Dolby AC-4 and Dolby E into our 9992 decoder series, developments that make it truly unique in the industry,” added Shaw.