DIGITAL RAPIDS – highlights from IBC

This year's IBC was another fantastic show for us with great crowds, exciting new announcements, a TV Technology Europe STAR Award for our StreamZ Live 4000EX encoder and our tenth successful year powering encoding for IBC TV News. 

NEW KAYAK FORMATS, FEATURES AND WORKFLOW ADVANCES UNVEILED

At IBC we unveiled new capabilities for Digital Rapids Transcode Manager 2.0 and the Kayak workflow platform including x264, AVC-Intra and DPP support; enhanced video processing; and mixed-platform distributed workflows including Mac OS X. The new unveilings are being showcased alongside other additions announced earlier in the year including support for the new HEVC (High Efficiency Video Coding) compression standard, also known as H.265; encoding for 4K Ultra HD (3840x2160) distribution; Dolby E audio decoding; GXF and LXF format support; and a variety of optional third-party Kayak components.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, scalability and agility for applications from post production and archive to multiscreen distribution. Building on the unique 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 intuitive, visual workflow design tools; adaptive, automated decision-making with rich metadata support; dynamic deployment; easy integration of new and emerging technologies; and a deep ecosystem of third-party technology partners.

ADVANCED LIVE & LINEAR MULTISCREEN ENCODING UNLEASHED

Powerful new encoder for premium live and linear applications now shipping, making European trade show debut at IBC 2013

StreamZ Live 4000EX multiscreen encoder is now shipping, building on our proven multi-format flexibility and quality with increased fault-tolerant redundancy, performance and control

Bolstering the StreamZ Live family’s renowned reliability, the StreamZ Live 4000EX adds carrier-grade features such as redundant inputs and outputs and hot-swappable redundant power supplies. The StreamZ Live 4000EX can be managed and controlled through an intuitive web interface; an upcoming touchscreen front-panel control option; or through the scalable Digital Rapids Broadcast Manager multi-encoder management software for multi-channel automation, scheduling, monitoring and failover.

FILECATALYST BRINGING ACCELERATED FILE TRANSFER TO KAYAK

FileCatalyst integration with Digital Rapids' Kayak-based solutions offers accelerated transfer speeds up to 10 Gbps for increased efficiency in file-based media processing workflows.
Unlimi-Tech Software, Inc., a pioneer in managed file transfers and the creator of FileCatalyst, the world's leading accelerated file transfer solution, is pleased to announce a partnership with Digital Rapids, a leading provider of video transformation and workflow solutions for top-tier media & entertainment and broadcast organizations.

"Digital Rapids' media transformation solutions, technology and expertise are highly regarded for enabling flexible and efficient workflows for their media and entertainment customers," says Alan Atkinson, Vice President of Business Development at Unlimi-Tech Software, Inc. "We look forward to partnering with Digital Rapids and playing a part in future success stories for our joint clients."

VENERA ANNOUNCES QUALITY CONTROL OPTIONS FOR KAYAK

Venera Technologies has introduced two new automated QC components for Transcode Manager 2.0 and Kayak – PulsarK for inline QC analysis with immediate feedback, and PulsarBridge to integrate Kayak with standalone Pulsar installations.

Pulsar is a file-based automated content verifier system designed to seamlessly automate content QC and ensure the quality of file-based media in a fast, simple, flexible and integrated manner at various stages in the content workflow. “With innovation at the core of the company’s culture, Venera Technologies’ objective is to provide useful, easy-to-use solutions to our customers. PulsarK innovates by providing on-the-fly QC within file-based media production workflows”, said Fereidoon Khosravi, Senior Vice President of Business Development – Americas, at Venera. “It also allows users to design intelligent workflows that integrate seamlessly with other complimentary Kayak-based components. This new approach results in unprecedented flexibility and efficiency for users dealing with new age workflows.”

StreamZ LIVE POWERS ENCODING FOR NOBEO @-CAR

Based in Hurth, Germany, nobeo provides studio production, outside production and post production services, including a fleet of mobile control units and HD outside broadcasting vans. With the development of the new @-car compact production vehicle, nobeo also offers high-quality broadcasting for event and business TV plus live online streaming.

One StreamZ Live encoder is deployed in the @-car for live productions from the field, with additional StreamZ Live units in nobeo's dedicated Internet TV studios for producing live online shows. The encoders transform live high definition source feeds into multiple output streams in a variety of resolutions, bit rates and formats for live OTT delivery as well as creating VoD assets. The most recent systems were acquired through Digital Rapids reseller sono. 

"The Digital Rapids systems meet our expectations perfectly and are straightforward to use. In live situations in particular, it is extremely important to be able to rely on the technical components fully and entirely," said Guido Amann, CTO at nobeo GmbH. "Alongside the technological benefits, it is worth highlighting the excellent support we have received. We wish more products were like this -- being simple to use and accompanied by excellent support from the manufacturer."