Applications include digital intermediary, digital content creation, video servers, encoding, decoding & streaming of MPEG And H.264, live and non-live CG supporting Windows, Linux and Mac OSX operating systems
Epoch, Jetstream and VariVue use the RapidFlow+MR2 technology to work together seamlessly to enable up, down or cross conversion of any input or output video signal to/from Epoch whilst simultaneously routing the converted video signal(s) to any combination of Epoch’s monitoring and output options – all at the highest possible quality.
Epoch video boards contain all the features of their predecessor 2K|Lust and HD|Fury boards except they now feature a higher performance 4 lane PCIe bus interface allowing multi channel full duplex operation.
In addition, Epoch video boards contain a host of new features such as 12 bit SDI processing, 3G SDI support, 3D Stereoscopic capability, embedded audio, embedded time code and full duplex DMA of 1.1 GB/sec data transfer rate to enable developers to simultaneously capture and playback up to two streams of HD.
New to the Epoch boards is the software controlled on board master routing resource (MR2). The master routing resource acts like a telephone exchange for super connectivity. Allowing video streams passed to the Epoch video card via BNC or host workstation to be routed to any of Epoch’s multiple outputs simultaneously, using the Jetstream or Variview hardware module if desired.
The master routing resource (MR2) within Epoch enables a user to flexibly configure the Epoch’s main and preview outputs to suit their individual workflow. This flexibility of workflow enables users to make better use of their existing video equipment and time. There is no longer the need for external converters, or, to output or ingest each format required through individual passes.
Jetstream Hardware Module
The Jetstream hardware module is an optional dedicated video hardware scaling module that is fitted to the Epoch video card. Once fitted, Jetstream provides the highest quality real – time video scaling up or down or cross conversion of any video resolution to any other video resolution including, if needed, non standard industry resolutions.
The Jetstream hardware provides two independent hardware scaling modules, each containing;
* 12 bit video processing
* Sinc(x) video interpolation algorithm utilizing 25 X 25 TAPS
* 1 / 128th sub pixel scaling accuracy
* module bandwidth of twice regular HD 4:2:2
* frame rate conversion
* 3:2 pull down
Epoch video cards can have up to two Jetstream hardware modules added to effectively double the scaling capacity. Each Jetstream hardware module is intuitively programmed to act singularly or in concert with a second Jetstream hardware module to scale high bandwidth video streams. Accordingly, even the highest bandwidth video signals such as two simultaneous streams of 2048 X 1080p 60 Hz 4:4:4:4 over 3G SDI can be real ‘ time scaled down to resolutions less than SD SDI if required.
VariVue Hardware Module
The VariVue hardware module is an optional dedicated video hardware scaling and preview module that is fitted to the Epoch video card. It acts as a low cost, high quality third preview option to the Epoch video board for LCD, Plasma and Projector devices. Once fitted, VariVue provides the highest quality real ‘ time DVI / HDMI preview options for the Epoch’s SDI I/O.
Each VariVue hardware module contains the same hardware scaling technology enabled in Jetstream and in addition provides the following capture and playback preview options:
* SDI resolutions previewed as 8 bit DVI up to 1920 X 1200p 60 Hz 4:4:4
* SDI resolutions previewed as 8 bit HDMI up to 1920 X 1200p 60 Hz 4:2:2 / 4:4:4 with 8 channels of 24 bit embedded audio.
VariVue has 3 X 1D LUT’s on all outputs allowing for calibration of the display device and log linear conversion.
VariVue’s preview output contains a high quality hardware based scaler. This converts the selected input or output to the LCD, Plasma or Projector’s native resolution and frame rate, bypassing the lower quality internal scaler of the monitoring device. This provides for low cost and flexible monitoring within the workflow as a wide range of TFT, Plasma and projectors can be used.
Bundled Software, Plug ins and API’s
Epoch comes bundled with the renowned Windows Symmetry application enabling media to be ingest and output using a variety of formats including 10 bit 4:4:4 Cineon and DPX. Also bundled with Epoch are a host of free plugs in for Apple Final Cut Studio 2, Adobe Creative Suite 4, Autodesk Combustion and 3D Studio Max, Eyeon Digital Fusion and Drastic Technologies Media NXS and Quick Clip Pro.
Epoch video cards support Windows Direct Show, Windows and Linux C++ API’s and Mac OSX. Any existing OEM application can be re-compiled using the new SDK, making it compatible with the new range of Epoch cards and reducing development time.
“Epoch with it’s RapidFlow+MR2 technology and modular design was engineered to deliver uncompressed video processing with unparalleled quality while allowing the maximum workflow flexibility,” said Craige Mott, Managing Director of Bluefish444 “Bluefish444 has built its reputation on high quality 4:4:4 digital intermediary solutions and now we have extended our product line through Epoch to suit any professional video user of uncompressed SDI. Epoch works just as well for high bandwidth DI 3G SDI RGB workflows as it does for low bandwidth real time video encoding for IPTV / DVD production and everything in between, including live broadcast.”
Six Different Models Available
In total there are six separate Epoch models available as pre configured products containing the Jetstream and VariVue already loaded if required. Details of the Epoch models are available from www.bluefish444.com or through worldwide resellers. Epoch video cards start from $USD2,495.
