Expected to be released later this summer, the new Multi-codec Video Encoder BAE-VX1000 is a professional solution designed to handle real-time encoding of MPEG-2 or H.264/AVC primary and secondary video streams suitable for the Blu-ray Disc (BD) format. This tool is making Blu-Ray duplication faster and easier. It will decrease the total encoding time by 30% over the current BAE-VA700 solution and all of us know that time is money. The improved speed is attributed to enhancements such as parallel capturing and pre-processing, the elimination of LDEC checking, and increased encoding algorithm efficiency.
“With Blu-ray technology now being recognized as the HD optical disc format for the consumer electronics industry, more studios are increasing production of BD titles,” said Chris Marchitelli, marketing manager in Sony Electronics’ content creation division. “This encoding solution provides a range of features to speed the BD-ROM workflow, offering high-quality and ease of operation for BD-ROM authoring professionals.” Marchitelli said. “Through distributed processing, it can control a large number of PCs for real-time performance, making it possible to build a scalable system and shorten your overall encoding time with no compromise in picture quality. It is designed to maintain a high picture quality BD workflow.”
A multi-codec design enables compatibility with most common Blu-ray authoring applications, such as Sony Creative Software’s Blu-Print and Sonic Solutions’ Scenarist. The option of using AVC or MPEG-2 technology gives production pros more flexibility. And MPEG-2 encoding for traditional DVD authoring is also available. The new BAE-VX1000 will support a simple single PC configuration that can accomplish AVC encoding in real-time. but also can be expanded to a networked distributed processing configuration, in order to achieve the higher performance required by some production facilities.
The BAE-VX1000 offers multiple settings. An “Express” mode supports AVC real-time encoding with one PC, when encoding speed is the top priority. When using additional networked processors, “Fast” and “Quality” modes are also available to meet higher performance and quality priorities. The BAE-VX1000 also offers a built in real-time AVC elementary stream decoder that improves the efficiency of quality checking procedures. New features also include: template parameters, batch processing, support for one PC standalone encoder and compatibility with Windows Server 2003, XP, and Vista (64-bit operating system required in each case).
Sony released very little information apart from the physical specifications (such as dimensions, weight, power consumption, etc.) available on its website. It is also unclear in what way this device interfaces with a PC, such as if it is a PCI card, PCI Express card, external device, etc. No pricing is available either…
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