Archive translation. Specifications, services and availability reflect the original publication date. Verify current compatibility before production use.
Media 100 announced HDX, a software and PCI-card extension for the 844/X GenesisEngine. The company planned to demonstrate the technology at NAB 2003 and make it available in the second half of the year for less than €15,000.
HDX supported digital HD and SD input and output under SMPTE 292M and 259M, including 1080p and 1080i under SMPTE 274M, 720p under SMPTE 296M, 1035i under SMPTE 260M, 1080i/50 under SMPTE 295M and 480i under SMPTE 259M.
On input, the system converted HD material in real time at 10-bit precision or better into an enhanced internal SD representation for 844/X editing and compositing. On output, it used the wider internal bandwidth to generate broadcast-quality HD in a format independent of the original acquisition format.
Motion-adaptive de-interlacing used edge detection, pixel-by-pixel three-field analysis and vertical-motion calculations to reduce jagged edges and temporal artefacts. Real-time 3:2 pulldown supported 23.976 and 24 fps input and output, automatic cadence detection, insertion for the GenesisEngine’s 60 fps progressive format and removal for 24p mastering.
Real-time cropping, scaling and letterboxing converted between 16:9 and 4:3. HD monitoring, embedded SDI audio, audio append and AES/EBU input and output allowed picture and sound decisions during editing.
HDX retained the 844/X interface, Intelligent Layering Architecture and software workflow of the 844/Xi and 844/Xe. Complete 844/X systems started at about €51,595 and were sold through authorised dealers.
