Sonic Solutions today unveiled the next generation of its Sonic HD-series Encoder, which now supports VC-1 encoding and includes new StreamData(TM) technology that enables the exchange of key encoding metadata for unsurpassed integration with Sonic HD authoring applications. Part of a suite of HD title preparation tools for new high-definition optical disc formats, the HD-series Encoder works with Scenarist® HD and Blu-ray Creator(TM) to provide professional authoring facilities with highly-integrated encoding of superior quality VC-1 and H.264/AVC streams for incorporation into titles in the HD DVD or Blu-ray Disc (BD) formats.
The Sonic HD-series Encoder takes full advantage of the VC-1 codec, based on Windows Media Video 9, to deliver great-looking high- definition video streams with efficient compression for playback on today's personal computers and next-generation set-top players. Also new for the HD-series Encoder is Sonic's exclusive StreamData technology, which provides unparalleled workgroup integration via a unique link between the video compression engine and Sonic's HD authoring systems. StreamData enables the exchange of encoding parameters, chapter-point names and placement information, controls for setting custom GOP structures, and reference frame data. Additional HD-series Encoder features include support for a wide range of input formats, customized batch-encoding modes, detailed parameter controls, and extensive stream analysis for both HD DVD and BD legalization. The result is an encoder that delivers unmatched quality and maximum efficiency and compatibility across the encoding/authoring workflow.
"The first wave of high-def DVD titles will deliver amazing video quality, but they will also require both compliance and compatibility across several new platforms," said Steve Allen, digital media facility manager at Egmont Nordisk Film, a leading electronic media production and distribution group based in Valby, Denmark. "That's a challenging requirement, but Sonic has been involved with the DVD-Video format since the beginning, playing a crucial role in the development of title creation tools and delivering industry-leading encoding and authoring solutions. No other company can draw on that depth of experience, which is why we view Sonic as an invaluable resource for tools and information as we prepare for the creation of titles in HD formats."
The HD-series Encoder is one of several HD development components that Sonic is delivering in pre-release versions to members of the High Definition Authoring Alliance (HDAA), the first and only worldwide association dedicated to preparing top authoring facilities for the launch of HD disc formats. With its newly enhanced capabilities, the HD-series encoder will allow HDAA members to encode master-quality video that integrates seamlessly with Sonic's HD authoring tools.
Sonic HD-series Encoder features include:
--Bit rate-controlled CBR/VBR and quantization-controlled VBR encoding modes.
--Complete access to the advanced encoding parameters of the VC- 1 codec.
--Extensive stream legalization analysis to assure HD DVD- and Blu-ray-compliant encoding.
--Support for a wide range of uncompressed and compressed source material, including Avid's DNxHD format, AVI, QuickTime, MPEG, and WMV, as well as image sequence files.
--StreamData technology for maximum encode-to-authoring efficiency and revisioning.
--Unique batch mode segment-re-encoding for fine-tuning bit rates and image quality.
--Telecine frame rate conversion.
"Whether they're working with VC-1 or H.264/AVC, encoding professionals need full access to the advanced encoding parameters of the codec to achieve the pristine image quality required for high- definition titles," said Sam Orton-Jay, HD-series product manager for Sonic's Professional Products Group. "Sonic's HD-series Encoder not only offers discrete control over encoding parameters, but also ensures that the resulting streams are compliant with the HD DVD and Blu-ray formats."
CyberLink announced today that CyberLink PowerDVD has passed the testing requirements for the playing of HD DVDs. PowerDVD has also been verified for the playback of the Blu-ray Disc formats BD-ROM and BD-R/RE. Meanwhile, CyberLink PowerProducer has passed testing for the recording of video content onto BD-RE discs.
