Proclaim19: Cobalt Digital Showcases Encoding, Processing Solutions for Houses of Worship

Cobalt Digital (Booth 809) will address video processing and encoding issues for house of worship applications at Proclaim19, the NRB International Christian Media Convention, which runs March 27-29 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, Calif. The company will showcase a variety of its card-based terminal equipment for the openGear platform to address the broadcast, webcast, and campus video transport needs of worship media professionals.

For sharing video across campus or between different campuses, the new RIST (Reliable Internet Stream Transport) protocol can be used for low latency and high fidelity transport of video and audio signals over the internet. By using unmanaged links over private connections, worship facilities can save thousands of dollars annually in networking fees. Cobalt supports RIST with a number of products, including the 9223 MPEG-4 encoder (available in single or dual-channel configurations) and the 9992-ENC-4K-HEVC encoder, which can lower the bandwidth required for video transport by half while preserving image quality.

The 9992-ENC series of encoders for openGear supports customizable I/O options and extensive audio support. While the base model includes a 3G-SDI input that supports one signal up to 1080p60, upgrades can support three additional 1080p60 signals for high-density workflows or one 4Kp60 signal. Outputs include two independent ASI ports and two Gigabit Ethernet ports for distribution flexibility, including direct streaming to CDNs.

“Like other markets, houses of worship need to transport video between locations reliably and cost-effectively. The RIST protocol, coupled with our card-based hardware solutions, uses the internet and avoids costly infrastructure upgrades,” says Chris Shaw, Cobalt executive vice president of sales and marketing. “Cobalt also provides solutions for churches upgrading to 4K incrementally or looking to improve their broadcast, cable, and online distribution.”

Cobalt also provides affordable, flexible monitoring of signals up to 4K through its 9971 Series of UHD multiviewers for openGear. Not only does the 9971 Series take advantage of the full 4K raster of the latest consumer monitors – providing an impressive control room viewing experience – but it allows complete customization, so operators are not limited to simple grid layouts. Available in three models, the 9971 Series can accommodate a variety of video and computer sources.

HDR is an ideal way to maximize production values when working with a budgeted number of bits. A 2K HDR signal, for example, provides a much better image to a screen under 90 inches than a 4K SDR signal. Cobalt’s 9904-UDX-4K up/down/cross converter and image processor with frame sync provides SDR-to-HDR conversion with optional software, which reduces the need for new camera purchases and other capital expenditures to produce HDR footage.

Worship facilities that are upgrading to 4K can also consider the family of 9914DA reclocking distribution amplifiers that support multiple inputs and outputs, and allow for copper runs to reach most equipment within a rack room. For longer runs, optional optical I/O connects distribution from zones of much greater distances.