Snell & Wilcox announces Alchemist Ph.C motion compensated standards converter

6th Generation Ph.C-based converter sets new price/performance level for delivering ultimate quality motion-compensated standards conversion at $60,000

Hampshire, England (April 15, 2004) — In a move that dramatically lowers the cost of ultimate quality video standards conversion, Snell & Wilcox today announced the launch of its 6th generation version of Alchemist Ph.C, a phase correlation-based motion-compensated converter that occupies just three rack units (RU) and carries a list price of US$60,000.

The newest version Alchemist Ph.C, optimized for broadcast use, is the first product at its price point to offer full performance Ph.C motion-compensated conversion of video-originated material. Producing clear and crisp outputs from the widest range of video input material, the Alchemist Ph.C’s highly integrated design offers both analog composite and digital video I/Os. It accepts and outputs 525/625 line serial digital video (SDI) with embedded audio and as well as all composite analog standards, which are processed by an advanced 12-bit video decoder featuring patented Snell & Wilcox “Golden Gate” technology. Composite outputs are produced by an advanced 12-bit oversampled video encoder with gamut limiter, to ensure the highest quality signals.

Alchemist Ph.C is the latest in the family of Snell & Wilcox converters using the company’s Emmy®-award winning Ph.C motion measurement technology. Recognized as the industry benchmark for quality motion measurement and used by the majority of the world’s major broadcasters and post production facilities, Alchemist Ph.C has been the industry standard for quality since the first generation product was introduced in 1992. Representing exceptional value for its price, the latest Alchemist Ph.C model combines the results of hundreds of man years of Snell & Wilcox research and development.

With the launch of Alchemist Ph.C, the Snell & Wilcox standards conversion range now extends from linear converters selling for less than $10,000, up to specialized converters for post production of film-originated video material that sell for almost $300,000.

“With Alchemist Ph.C, we’ve put the renowned high quality of our motion measurement and standards conversion technologies in a compact 3RU package at a highly affordable price,” said Andy Major, Snell & Wilcox product manager for conversion and restoration products. “We’ve designed it to meet the demanding requirements of broadcasters by giving them the ability to output video in the required standard directly to air with total control, a minimum of fuss and the world’s best quality.”

With its highly integrated design, Alchemist Ph.C gives users the industry’s broadest range of I/O options in a high-performance, compact package. To keep the audio in sync with the video, AES/EBU digital and embedded audio signals are accepted and outputted with 4-channel delay and rate conversion. High quality aspect ratio conversion is also included, eliminating the requirement for additional hardware. It also features CleanCuts 1.0, a technology that ensures that most video cuts at the input appear as cuts at the output, maintaining the precise look of the material.

Designed for plug-and-play operation, the Alchemist Ph.C boots in less than 20 seconds and reacts instantly to inputs on its intuitive color touch screen for split-second responsiveness in sports and other live applications. Dual power supplies and seamless compatibility with the Snell & Wilcox RollCall monitoring and control solution ensure sustained operation. Its highly intuitive touchscreen user interface, straightforward audio and video connections, and one-box packaging make Alchemist Ph.C especially well suited for live broadcast environments as well as for temporary and rental installations.

“Live standards conversion is a must for many sports events, regardless of budget,” Major added. “With Alchemist Ph.C, the highest quality, motion-compensated conversions that are ideal for fast-moving action and complex motion are now an affordable reality.”

About Snell & Wilcox

Snell & Wilcox is a world-leading electronics design, manufacture and engineering group with an international reputation for the development of advanced image communications technologies for the world’s broadcast television, video, satellite, cable, film and image communications industries. The company is dedicated to preserving the true content of the moving video image. Snell & Wilcox Inc. has offices throughout the United States and is headquartered in Santa Clara, California. Snell & Wilcox Ltd. is based in Hampshire, England with offices all over the world. Visit www.snellwilcox.com for more information, or contact Audio Intervisual Design — your Snell & Wilcox dealer.

About Audio Intervisual Design

Audio Intervisual Design builds a complete range of professional video, film and audio workstations, including high quality encoding, routing, conversion and video processing systems using Snell & Wilcox technology. Complete systems are available for demonstration by appointment at their Hollywood offices. For over 20 years, Audio Intervisual Design has been a reseller, integrator, and consultant to Production and Post-Production professionals in the Television, Motion-Picture, and Recording industies. Email us today or call (323) 845-1155 so we can discuss your questions and specific needs, arrange a demonstration, and customize a system for you.