September
9, 2010 -- IBC 2010, Amsterdam, Stand 7.G41: Digital Rapids --
the leading provider of tools and solutions for bringing television, movie and
Web content to wider audiences -- has unveiled a new version of the Stream
software for the company's StreamZ, StreamZHD, DRC-Stream and Flux encoding and
live streaming solutions. New features in Stream 3.4 include significantly
enhanced JPEG2000, H.264 and MPEG-2 encoding; robust source signal handling and
AC3 (Dolby(r) Digital) audio pass-through with the new Flux hardware platform;
SEI message insertion for frame-compatible 3D; and further enhancements to
encoding for Apple(r) iPhone(r) and iPad(tm).
Stream
3.4 features significant enhancements for encoding and decoding the JPEG2000
compression format. Support for the JPEG2000 format in the YUV color space and
decoding of JPEG2000 sources with separated luminance and chrominance increase
flexibility and compatibility with third-party JPEG2000-based solutions.
Version 3.4 also incorporates further enhancements to Digital Rapids solutions'
best-in-class MPEG-2 and H.264 encoding quality, performance and deep technical
configurability.
For
users of encoding and streaming solutions based on Digital Rapids' new Flux
hardware, Stream 3.4 features enhanced handling of irregularities or
disruptions in incoming digital or analog source signals. An incoming SDI
signal can even be switched between HD and SD sources without interrupting
in-progress encoding and streaming. Flux-based systems also gain AC3
(Dolby Digital) audio pass-through with version 3.4, enabling AC3-compressed audio
inputs to be combined with newly-encoded video without audio re-compression.
Stream
3.4 extends the Digital Rapids Studio AVC Encoder module with the ability to
insert Frame Packing Arrangement SEI messages during H.264 encoding for
frame-compatible stereoscopic 3D applications. Frame-compatible 3D delivery
combines anamorphic or sub-sampled representations of the left-eye and
right-eye content for compatibility with existing television distribution
infrastructures and services. Visitors to the Digital Rapids stand at the IBC
2010 exhibition are also being treated to a preview of Multiview Video Coding
(MVC) 3D encoding capabilities, which will be available in a subsequent Stream
software version. MVC, used in the Blu-ray 3D specification, is an extension of
the H.264 video compression specification and enables the full source
resolution of each eye to be preserved during encoding for 3D viewing.
Other
new features in version 3.4 include enhancements to encoding for adaptive
streaming to Apple devices and a variety of minor additions and refinements.
The
Stream 3.4 software is available in two software configurations -- the core
Stream LE and the advanced Stream FE with expanded workflow automation,
integration capabilities and format support. A comparison of feature
availability between the two levels is available on our website. The version
3.4 update will be available in Q4 as a free download for registered owners of
Stream version 3.0 or higher with a current maintenance agreement, and as
chargeable upgrades for users of versions 2.6 or earlier.
The
complete range of Digital Rapids solutions for transforming and delivering
media is being showcased in booth number 7.G41 at the IBC 2010 exhibition in
Amsterdam. For more information about Digital Rapids, please visit www.digital-rapids.com.
About
Digital Rapids Corporation -- Digital Rapids provides the leading
hardware and software solutions for transforming and delivering media, enabling
the multi-platform experiences that are changing how audiences view content.
Scaling from standalone appliances to global workflows, Digital Rapids
solutions enable media professionals to maximize their productivity, quality,
and the value of their content. Recipient of a coveted IBC Innovation Award and
four prestigious Frost & Sullivan honors for encoding and transcoding
leadership, Digital Rapids combines innovative technology with proven expertise
to help our customers to expand their audiences, increase their media revenues
and reduce their costs. Digital Rapids Corporation (www.digital-rapids.com) is
headquartered in Ontario, Canada with offices in the United States, the UK,
Australia, Argentina and Hong Kong.
