Accepted broadcast standards and formats vary greatly by geography and facility environment . In some regions , broadcasters are increasingly beginning to embrace IP , 4K / UHD , HDR and HFR . In others , SD and HD are still commonplace at broadcast facilities — a key reason why manufacturers such as AJA Video Systems continue to place an emphasis on multi-format conversion within its products and solutions portfolio .
Bryce Button , product marketing manager , AJA Video Systems , elaborates : “ With every arrival of a new standard or format , broadcasters are asked to re-invent their workflows , which makes access to flexible , multi-format converters essential . These devices allow facilities to bridge the gap between formats , without having to invest in a costly and unnecessary infrastructure overhaul .”
For those already looking at HDR workflows , AJA is offering the Hi5-4K-Plus mini-converter , which offers support up to 60p
❝ With every arrival of a new standard or format , broadcasters are asked to reinvent their workflows , which makes access to flexible , multiformat converters essential .❞
— Bryce Button , Product Marketing Manager ,
AJA Video Systems
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for 4K / UHD SDI to HDMI 2.0 conversion needs . Able to generate HDR metadata in accordance with HDMI v2.0a / CTA-861.3 , the Hi5-4K-Plus provides a simple monitoring connection from professional 4K / UHD devices using Quad 3G-SDI , Quad 1.5G-SDI or Dual 3G-SDI outputs to new displays with HDMI 2.0 inputs . This allows 4:2:2 / 4:4:4 60p professional workflows to be cost-effectively monitored , says AJA .
And having joined the Alliance for IP Media Solutions ( AIMS ) earlier this year , AJA is also actively supporting the transition to broadcast IP . For instance , Kona IP , AJA ’ s professional desktop video and I / O solution for IP-based workflows , supports SMPTE 2022-6 and 2022- 7 for redundancy protection and allows media professionals to take advantage of emerging standards in IP compression and protocols as they arise .
At IBC 2016 , AJA also announced the IPR-1G-HDMI and IPR-1G-SDI mini-converters , de-
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signed to receive and decode JPEG 2000 streams over an IP connection for HDMI displays , or to support delivery into 3G-SDI workflows .
Being standards-agnostic is perhaps the key here , as Button explains : “ Ensuring our customers can work with an array of formats and standards that allow them to be nimble remains our priority .”
The key feature , and the first one that broadcasters should be looking for , is image quality , advises SAM ’ s Courtney . “ From then on , it really depends on whether you are using format converters for file-based format conversion or live format conversion ,” he continues .
For the former , pick solutions that adhere to open standards and offer scalability and flexibility . This , Courtney explains , will enable the use of commodity IT hardware . For live format conversion , density and utility features , such as audio processing and support for subtitles and captions , are features to look out for , he adds .
Also at IBC 2016 , SAM highlighted enhancements to its Alchemist XF format and frame rate converter . A software version of the Alchemist PH . C-HD con-
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verter , Alchemist was developed to support open standards for file-based and live workflows . A component of the SAM xFile software framework , Alchemist XF supports format and frame rate conversion from SD up to 4K / UHD for a variety of file formats , including Apple ProRes .
Similarly sitting within the xFile software framework , the newly launched Kronos XF software harnesses the legacy expertise of Alchemist for media re-timing . Courtney highlights : “ Kronos XF allows broadcasters to offer the best image quality and pitch perfect audio in media interpolation . For media companies , it opens up more slots in playout schedules for advertising , without impacting on the viewing experience .”
Avoid taking a single solution approach , even when faced with a wide range of options . Instead , select multi-purpose products , says AJA ’ s Button , who continues : “ A frame synchroniser offering extensive conversion might go a lot further , allowing you to more deftly handle a variety of projects while saving valuable space .”
He cites the example of AJA ’ s
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Besides the Alchemist Ph . C-HD , SAM also offers the softwarebased Alchemist XF format and frame rate converter .
FS product line-up , which offers a range of conversion solutions ranging from SD to 4K / UHD . A new member to the FS family is the FS4 four-channel 2K / HD / SD or one-channel 4K / UHD frame synchroniser and up , down , crossconverter .
AJA also offers a range of fibre-based products , as well as mini-converters for converting computer formats to the video world , through the ROI family of scan converters .
Simply put , if there is a conversion need emerging on the horizon , AJA is probably already working to develop a new converter for it , Button assures . “ We ’ ve also integrated HFR support across our mini-converters line-up from the Hi5-4K-Plus ( in addition to HDR support ), to the Hi5-Fibre with 3G-SDI allowing HFR — more will come in the future .”
Button ’ s parting advice : “ Technology is constantly evolving , so it ' s important to look for converters backed by companies that offer regular firmware updates — this will ensure you ’ re able to keep pace with industry changes .”
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