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January 2008 Inflight Dublin Soars with Digital Rapids Encoders
As AVOD becomes more of an industry standard, Inflight Dublin had a requirement to invest in a suitable technology that would enable them to move forward with the industry, and supply our clients with the latest available technology. As a result, we decided upon the Digital Rapids StreamZ range of media encoders.
With the growth in the AVOD market within the IFE industry, Inflight Dublin needed to find a reliable solution to sustain our encoding needs. Our primary input format is Betacam SP or Digibeta cassette, which are of a broadcast standard, so we required a system that could maintain this high quality playback after capture. We looked at the market in general, as well as seeking advice from the hardware manufacturers who supply and install the AVOD equipment. After bench-testing several products, we settled on Digital Rapids as our encoder of choice.
The other systems we trialled did not have the functionality of the Digital Rapids StreamZ, and we particularly liked the fact that the StreamZ system is one single encoding hardware/software package which combines both functionality and ease of use, with an intuitive user-friendly GUI.
We have integrated the encoders into our operation in two ways, firstly as part of our video post-production, whereby a completed video edit can be captured directly into the encoder, and secondly as a stand-alone encoder using RS-422 deck control direct from a beta deck.
As more and more of our clients move to the AVOD format, the StreamZ encoders are becoming increasingly important in our day-to-day workflow, as we need to ensure that future proofing and capacity are maintained. The in-flight entertainment industry is constantly moving forward away from a linear analogue format in a direction that requires digital on demand media. It is essential that Inflight Dublin keeps pace with the industry’s expansion, and we see Digital Rapids products very much as a part of our future plans.
The StreamZ encoder has given us the ability to process and supply media content to our clients at a much faster rate, and has exceeded our business objectives. In any business, if you can save time, you can save money, with the beneficial knock-on effect of being able to take on more clients, without compromising on service.
The final decision to buy Digital Rapids encoders wasn’t just based on the systems technical ability, even though this was sufficient in itself for us to choose Digital Rapids. It was also based on the support we received right from the beginning, from enquiry to purchase, and the implementation of general day-to-day tech support. The people behind the technology, and their ability to provide a good after sales service, are always as important as the technology itself.
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