Fast Forward Video Improves Elite HD Recorder at NAB

At
the 2009 NAB Show, Fast Forward Video (FFV) will unveil a robust new set of capabilities for its recently launched Elite HD camera-mounted
digital video recorder (DVR) and player. As the first camera-mounted
DVR and player to harness the JPEG 2000 (J2K) compression codec for
recording HD-SDI video signals, the Elite HD is now the most
feature-rich solution giving field producers and others even more power
and flexibility for recording high-quality video from HD-SDI cameras,
while reducing the costs of storage media.

One key feature is the
addition of the RS422 machine control option, which enhances the Elite
HD as a standalone, single-channel DVR with record and playback
capabilities. With the RS422 option, operators can connect the Elite HD
with a standard machine controller (i.e. Buf Technology, Hi-Tech Systems, or DNF) via a DB9 connector. This extends the Elite HD’s functionality beyond the basic acquisition DVR controls of play, stop,
record, and rewind, to more elaborate operations such as cueing, slow
motion play, speed control, and reverse play. Via a remote machine
controller, operators can build playlists and use the Elite HD as a
playout device in a range of situations such as video assist, sports,
or live events.

“All
the broadcaster needs to add is a controller thereby increasing the feature-set of the Elite HD to a full-blown DVR solution,” says Harry
Glass, vice president of sales of FFV.
In addition, the Elite HD
now includes J2K transcoding capabilities that allow the system to
apply a wrapper to the J2K file within the Elite HD, giving a seamless
file transfer to a nonlinear editing system. By working with the
original J2K file in the editing process, operators can ensure the higher-quality output with reduced artifacts that J2K compression is
known for. The Elite HD also includes the ability to record onto
hot-swappable SATA HDD or SSD drives to meet even the most demanding
storage requirements.

Designed to mount on the
back of a camcorder, the Elite HD accepts an incoming HD-SDI video
signal with up to eight channels of embedded audio, and uses J2K to
record at data rates up to 100 Mbit/s with virtually no loss in signal
quality. Video is stored to an off-the-shelf, hot-swappable 2.5-inch
SATA HHD or SSD drive, which provides up to ten times more storage at a
greatly reduced cost. In addition, the Elite HD integrates into a
file-based workflow — Superior Workflow Technology (SWiFT). With its
modular design, the user can easily detach the drive from the camcorder
and connect it directly to a nonlinear editing system or media asset
management system via a USB cable. FFV will demonstrate its SWiFT
concept of HD editing workflow in seamless acquisition, transfer,
editing, and playback at its booth, N2819 at the 2009 NAB Show.

“As
the first camera-mounted DVR to harness the power of J2K, the Elite HD
sets a new standard for HD-SDI recording and playback by solving the
dual problems of quality and high storage media costs. Now, the new
capabilities make this already-compact and easy-to-use solution even
more powerful and indispensable for HD production,” Glass added.