Thomson Video Networks launches real-time 4K encoder

Technology company Thomson Video Networks has launched a new encoding platform, the ViBE 4K, which it says is designed for real-time 4K HEVC 10-bit encoding.

Built on the company’s ViBE EM4000 premium encoder chassis, the ViBE 4K enables live compression of UHD sources at up to 60 frames per second and in 10-bit colour, according to Thomson.

Housed in a 1RU chassis, the ViBE 4K features multiple Gig Ethernet interfaces and 3G-SDI interfaces that receive live UHD feeds for encoding. Configurable from a standard web browser, the ViBE 4K encodes both audio and UHD video in real time and delivers an MPEG transport stream signal for broadcast over IP, according to Thomson. UHD video is encoded in HEVC 4:2:0 at a maximum of 60fps in 10-bit.

“Although live UHD broadcasting is not yet in the mainstream, the market is evolving rapidly as consumers demand ever-higher resolutions and image quality. One big driver is the emergence of affordable UHD TV displays; in fact, we expect all screens larger than 50 inches will be UHD by 2018,” said Eric Gallier, vice president of marketing, Thomson Video Networks. “We designed the ViBE 4K for forward-thinking broadcasters that are already expanding their infrastructures to provide a premium viewing experience to their customers. The ViBE 4K’s state-of-the-art HEVC compression delivers frame rates and precision at bit rates comparable with satellite, cable, terrestrial, and fiber delivery networks. As a result, our customers are able to deliver a truly immersive live UHD experience.”