Flexible HD/SD Recording and Playback

Digital disk recorders (DDR’s) have become the de facto standard for high-quality high definition recording and playback, with lower initial investment and operating costs than professional VTRs, and tape-based workflows continuing to give way to file-based infrastructures.

Today’s digital disk recorders need to be format-agile, from a broad range of SD and HD input formats to a choice of compressed or uncompressed recording. In addition to 10-bit and 8-bit uncompressed video, CarbonHD supports real-time, wavelet-based JPEG2000 compression in both lossless and lossy modes at user-selectable data rates. This dramatically decreases the cost of high definition video storage while matching or surpassing the quality of tape-based compression formats. Lossless JPEG2000 capture typically achieves close to 3:1 compression, multiplying your storage recording times without compromising quality. Lossy JPEG2000 mode can deliver your preferred balance of quality and storage-saving compression ranging from visually near lossless (6:1 to 15:1) to 100:1 for rough content review.

CarbonHD features exceptional input format flexiblity. With integrated up, down and cross-conversion, CarbonHD lets you work with HD or SD video in its native format, or format convert it on-the-fly during capture from HD to SD, SD to HD, or between HD formats and frame rates. CarbonHD features advanced video pre-processing to maintain exceptional quality. Hardware-based motion adaptive de-interlacing minimizes interlace artifacts when converting from interlaced to progressive formats, while motion adaptive 3D noise reduction enables optimal compression quality and efficiency.

Streamlined Versatility

The CarbonHD DDR is far more than just a VTR replacement. CarbonHD’s integrated software makes it easy to capture, trim and playout your content, all from one streamlined interface. Familiar VTR-style controls make operation simple. The CarbonHD software manages all aspects of ingest including deck control, logging, format conversion, and capture. 32-bit graphics with alpha channel can be overlaid during capture for easy branding. Captured clips can be trimmed and arranged with static images (such as slates and color bars) in playlists for output. CarbonHD’s file-based architecture also enables it to integrate seamlessly as a gateway between IT network and video infrastructures.

In addition to HD/SD SDI video, CarbonHD includes a dedicated VGA output, enabling inexpensive monitoring options and easy output to projectors, HDTV plasma/LCD displays and more without external conversion.

Delivered as a rack-mount server, CarbonHD complements its format-agile capabilities with powerful workflow integration and automation tools for easy incorporation into any production, post or broadcast environment. VTR emulation and frame-accurate RS422 device control simplify integration and automation in dubbing facilities, machine rooms and creative suites, with GPI triggers and LTC also supported.