Pleora Unveils World’s First HDV-to-IP Conversion Engine

EtherCast™ Video IP Engine™ transports HDV™ (high-definition video) broadcast data in realtime across standard, low-cost IP (Internet Protocol) networks

OTTAWA, CANADA, April 18, 2005: Pleora Technologies, in association with Japan’s NHK and NHK Engineering Services, Inc. (NHK-ES), today introduced the world’s first conversion engine for transmitting HDV images in real time over IP networks. The ground-breaking PL1253A EtherCast Video IP Engine simplifies and cuts the cost of handling HDV broadcast data by allowing economical GigE (Gigabit Ethernet)/IP transmission systems to carry the video over long distances.

HDV is a high-definition digital video (DV) format that is rapidly emerging as the protocol of choice in today’s newest professional camcorders. HDV delivers high-resolution, widescreen images in a bandwidth-efficient, MPEG-2 (Moving Pictures Expert Group, protocol #2) video stream. The MPEG-2 stream interface conforms to the IEEE 1394 video transport standard, which allows the video to be easily recorded and played back on PCs.

Pleora’s new EtherCast engine, developed in collaboration with NHK and NHK-ES, transmits HDV data in real-time across low-cost, long-distance GigE/IP networks. This allows broadcasters to route HDV video feeds directly to editing studios or other production facilities without first recording them to disk or tape.

“Pleora has worked closely with NHK and NHK-ES to develop a high-performance HDV-to-IP conversion product that meets the stringent video quality standards of today’s leading broadcast companies,” said George Chamberlain, President of Pleora Technologies. “NHK’s involvement in the design reflects its commitment to fostering fundamental new technology for transmitting broadcasting material effectively over broadband IP networks.”

High-performance, real-time HDV over IP

Pleora’s PL1253A EtherCast Video IP Engine converts the IEEE 1394-encoded digital video generated by HDV cameras into IP packets, queues it for transfer, and sends it over standard GigE links. All functions are performed in real time at the full, 1-Gb/s GigE line rate. At the destination point, the engine converts the IP data back to 1394 for input to PCs. Any 1394- compatible driver that supports HDV can be used in conjunction with the engine.

The PL1253A engine is based on purpose-built, hardwired technology that meets the rigorous specifications for latency and reliability required for high-quality, real-time video transfer. Latency, or the signal delay introduced by the engine during processing, is low and consistent, typically only a few milliseconds. To ensure all video is delivered reliably and quickly across the IP link, the engine recovers lost packets using a novel, sub-millisecond data resend scheme.

The PL1253A is a small-footprint, lightweight board set measuring only 8.18 x 5.59 centimeters (3.22 x 2.20 inches). The engine consumes only 4 W (Watts) of power. This low power requirement, together with the compact design, makes the PL1253A suitable for OEM integration in cameras, video editors, and other broadcast equipment. The engine is also available boxed or rack-mounted.

The PL1253A EtherCast Video IP Engine will be demonstrated at the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) trade show in Las Vegas, Nevada, from April 18-21, 2005. To see the product in action, visit Pleora’s booth at SL3350 in Hall South 2.

About NHK Engineering Services, Inc.

NHK Engineering Services (NHK-ES) is a group with the research and development arm of NHK, Japan’s sole public broadcaster. NHK-ES manages technology collaborations, joint research projects, and technology transfers between NHK and external companies. NHK-ES is located in Tokyo, Japan.

About Pleora

Pleora Technologies is a leading global supplier of Gigabit Ethernet (GigE) connectivity solutions. Pleora’s iPORT™ and EtherCast products send imaging and/or video data over lowcost GigE connections with very high performance, while at the same time giving systems longdistance reach, scaleable processing, flexible networking, and unmatched ease of use. Pleora is headquartered in Ottawa, Canada. For more information, visit www.pleora.com

HDV is a trademark of Sony Corporation and Victor Company of Japan, Limited (JVC).
iPORT, EtherCast, and Video IP Engine are trademarks of Pleora Technologies Inc.