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| Broadcasting's Most Comprehensive Online Buyers Guide |
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MPEG Encoders/Decoders
Along with the move from analog to digital systems comes a move toward ever more powerful compression. Today, applications that do not use some form of compression are rare, due mostly to the enormous storage needs demanded by full bit-rate SD and HD video. Most compression systems rely on either intraframe (JPEG-based) or interframe (MPEG-based) algorithms.
Intraframe algorithms are typically used in contribution/editing/production environments, while interframe systems are typically seen on the broadcast/distribution side. Intraframe Motion JPEG systems typically offer bit-rate reductions in the 10X-20X range and provide for straightforward frame-accurate editing. MPEG-2 systems typically offer reductions in the 50X range whereas MPEG-4 systems may offer bit-rate reductions of 100X. Like servers, compression systems typically mirror the application, with higher compression ratios used as the content reaches the final consumer.
Today’s encoding systems are typically software-based and coupled with appropriate hardware to suit the application. Many file-based workflows rely on software encoding/decoding within generic computer platforms while live/streaming applications may be built around task-specific hardware. Because they are based largely on software, these systems can be upgraded as more efficient algorithms are developed. Many file-based workflows are specifically tailored to allow files to be manipulated quickly and efficiently, often faster than the real-time required for playback of the footage.
In the past, MPEG-2 was the compression algorithm of choice, whereas now, the increased computations required for MPEG-4 can be more easily accomplished. Because of this, the cost of quality MPEG-4 compression has come down, and the applications using it have increased. Whether using motion JPEG, MPEG-2, or MPEG-4, the compression systems used must be matched to the application and workflow.
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