At IBC 2015, which runs from 11 to 15 September in Amsterdam, Rohde & Schwarz
DVS will present the next generation of its R&S Clipster mastering station. Based on
an entirely new hardware platform, the new Clipster improves image processing as
well as codec acceleration – enabling high-end post-production workflows that
include 4K UHD, HFR, and Rec. 2020.
The product is based on an entirely new hardware platform. In combination with
increased I/O capabilities as well as extended J2K profiles, this platform provides a
solid technical foundation to build business on.
The new generation of R&S Clipster enables content creators to produce more
compelling feature film and TV content, especially when it comes to productions
with higher resolutions, higher frame rates and larger colour spaces. The
integrated software version features a new high-precision colour processing engine
which offers on-the-fly colour transformations between standardised colour spaces
and even customised colour formats. These colour transformations can be
configured dynamically without the need to generate a 3D LUT, thus making the
process even more accurate and flexible. This way, the creative toolsets for colour
grading are freed up for their original creative purposes and not used to create
deliverables.
The Clipster supports production formats like QuickTime and DNxHD as well as
mastering formats that support 4K HDR such as IMF. This range of
supported formats is made possible thanks to its improved hardware
and software architecture. The hardware accelerator also increases JPEG2000
performance and extends the supported IMF App #2 profiles. Moreover, it has
expanded its DCI support up to 4K HFR for cinema. It also offers support for
contribution formats such as AS-02 and AS-11, as well as distribution formats such
as H.264 and HEVC.
From the entry-level solution for quality control up to a fully-featured R&S Clipster,
users will find a configuration to suit their needs. They can start with a version for
quality control of playout, progress to an IMF version and make the final step to a
complete R&S Clipster mastering station as needed. The R&S Clipster IMF version is
especially suited for IMF mastering and offers a complete solution for UHD, 3D, and
Rec. 2020 mastering – including IMF-compliant closed captions and subtitles, CPL
markers, and forensic watermarking.
Stephen Birdsong, product manager of Post-Production Solutions at Rohde &
Schwarz DVS says: “As project requirements for premium content increase,
demanding bigger and better pixels, and as OTT distribution channels grow to
support a global audience; post-production vendors will benefit from the high
performance, flexibility, and high quality image processing of the new Clipster
coupled with the rock-solid reliability and dependability of its DCI and IMF
mastering.’
