Omneon extends real-time codec support to enable streamlined, economical SD/HD production and playout

27 March 2009

California - Omneon Inc. will introduce three new MediaPort modules for its Omneon Spectrum and MediaDeck server systems that extend real-time codec support to facilitate flexible, cost-effective production and playout of SD and HD content.
The MediaPort 5500 Series, MediaPort 6200/6300 Series, and MediaPort 5600 Series all provide codec capabilities that support implementation of streamlined and economical workflows in bringing multi-format media to air. In addition, Omneon will unveil a range of new features for its new and existing MediaPort models, including scrub audio, improved jog/shuttle and still modes, and integrated real-time proxy generation that enable Omneon video servers to support fast-paced production environments.
The new MediaPort 5500 Series HD/SD playout solution from Omneon features integrated up/down conversion to simplify SD or HD playout operations. With support for both MPEG-2 and DV source material, the MediaPort 5500 enables flexible back-to-back playout of any combination of SD or HD, MPEG-2, or DV content - all on a single timeline, with closed-caption data converted as needed. The MediaPort 5500 is available with two or four playout channels and 16 channels of audio per video channel and can be used with both Omneon Spectrum media servers and MediaDeck systems.
The MediaPort 6200/6300 Series is a two-channel Spectrum MediaPort that supports play and record of all HD and SD DV formats (DVCPRO HD, DV 25, DVCPRO, and DVCPRO 50). With double the channel density of prior versions, these MediaPorts offer dramatically lower cost per channel while providing users with a simple software-based HD upgrade path for DV formats. In a studio setting, the MediaPort 6300 simplifies multicamera ISO recording; as ingest commences, editors can access and manipulate content almost instantly. The unit features two bidirectional record/play channels and eight channels of embedded audio per video channel.
Omneon Spectrum is the first media server to provide full support for Panasonic AVC-Intra (H.264)-based HD workflows with the new MediaPort 5600 Series. These modules offer two or four channels of play or record of Class 50 and 100 material with 16 channels of audio per channel. By meeting the need for a non-transcoded AVC-Intra workflow integrated with Panasonic equipment, the MediaPort 5600 Series enables seamless baseband video and file-based production and playout. The integration of the MediaPort 5600 Series into this workflow will be demonstrated within the Panasonic booth at the 2009 NAB Show.
Over the past few months, Omneon has deployed a number of feature enhancements to its MediaPort 5200/5300 Series to enable functionality needed in a range of production workflows. These enhancements, all of which have all been delivered as free software upgrades to customers, include scrub audio, improved jog/shuttle performance, and improved still-mode capability. In addition, Omneon has added integrated proxy generation, which results in the creation of low-resolution versions of all incoming high-resolution recorded material. These enhancements will all be on display as part of a production workflow demonstration in the Omneon booth at the NAB 2009 Show.