Canopus Launches MVRD2200 Real Time MPEG Encoder/Decoder

Successor to Canopus Amber features improved analog video pre-filtering and updated software development kit

SAN JOSE, Calif. (Dec. 02, 2003) — Canopus Corporation, makers of digital video editing products, today announced MVRD2200, a real time MPEG-1 and MPEG-2 encoding and decoding board. MVRD2200 is the successor to the Canopus Amber and features additional analog video signal filtering, cleaning and stabilization technology. An updated software development kit (SDK) provides full board function control and backward compatibility for Amber and MediaEdge applications. MVRD2200 is an affordable real time MPEG encoder suitable for business professionals and videographers with an emphasis on value and speed. With the ability to filter, stabilize and enhance analog source video quality prior to encoding, MVRD2200 improves on the quality of encoding previously available at this price. Pre-filtering features include advanced 3D Y/C separation to reduce color noise and improve image quality, 3D digital noise reduction to eliminate noise in the analog video signal, a line time base corrector (LTBC) to correct jittery video images, and digital frame synchronization and auto gain controls.

MVRD2200 encodes using proven and highly efficient MPEG-2 compression technology, one of the most widely demanded formats for professional video applications. It is capable of output to Main Profile at Main Level (MP@ML) IBP files, which are required for DVD Video discs. In addition, MVRD2200's variable bitrate capabilities - from 1Mbps to 15Mbps - help maintain relatively high video quality while reducing the overall file size. MVRD2200 supports both composite and S-Video inputs and is scalable up to full-D1 resolution with NTSC and PAL format support. MVRD2200 also supports I-frame-only MPEG-2 encoding.

The software bundle included with MVRD2200 includes MPEG Station, a capture and playback software utility, and a DV AVI-to-MPEG file conversion utility. MPEG Station provides full-resolution overlay for previewing footage during capture and features a detailed selection of adjustable encoding settings that users can modify to meet their video quality requirements. An Adobe Premiere timeline export plug-in is included for accelerated encoding directly from the timeline. An SDK is also included to let program developers create custom software that utilizes the MVRD2200 hardware for specific encoding tasks.

MediaEdge Compatibility

MediaEdge is Canopus' affordable video distribution system that delivers MPEG compressed video over LAN-based networks. The MVRD2200 board can be installed in a MediaEdge server for live video streaming over the MediaEdge network.

Pricing and Availability

MVRD2200 will be available this month through Audio Intervisual Design, your Canopus Authorized Partner, for a suggested retail price of $1499.