HDCC-200A Offers U.S. Broadcasters a Compact Single-Card Solution for Flexible Handling of Captioning Data
HAYWARD, Calif. — April 20, 2009 — Wohler Technologies Inc. is now shipping its innovative HDCC-200A HD/SD-SDI dual-channel closed-caption encoder/decoder bridge with support for both U.S. EIA-608/EIA-708 and OP47 protocols. Wohler's HDCC-200A is a compact modular solution that simplifies closed-caption encoding of two independent SD and/or HD sources to bring greater convenience and flexibility to digital and multiformat broadcast and production workflows.
"As broadcasters continue to transition to HD, they're looking for greater efficiency in handling FCC-mandated captioning data for both SD and HD content," said Carl J. Dempsey, Wohler's president and CEO. "With support for both the EIA-608 and EIA-708 closed-captioning standards, the HDCC-200A model now shipping enables production and broadcast companies to migrate smoothly to digital broadcasting and more advanced captioning operations, and to leverage more powerful, state-of-the-art processing functionality to achieve more streamlined and cost-effective workflows."
Wohler's HDCC-200A module encodes closed-caption data into SD Line 21 (EIA-608/NTSC) or directly into the DTVCC transport stream (EIA-708/ATSC), encoding two independent sources with unique closed-caption data or, when the signal output is intended for use in different distribution, encoding two independent sources with identical data. Each of the card's channels has a "clean" output and a captioned output with a burnt-in, closed-caption display that enables easy monitoring.
The HDCC-200A formats the closed caption data into the HD VANC and/or SD-SDI video stream allowing for distribution or storage within a broadcast facility. New firmware, which will make its debut at the 2009 NAB Show, allows the card to auto-sense the input format (NTSC, PAL, 720p, 1035i, 1080i, 1080p) and configures the internal encoders and decoders automatically, thus removing the need for user intervention. Cross-conversion of caption data between formats of the same or higher frame rates is standard. Caption data from a 720p 24Hz signal can be cross-converted to a 1080i 60Hz signal seamlessly.
The proprietary GPI encoder/decoder allows the insertion of GPI data into the video stream simultaneously and can be used in a variety of applications that were traditionally set aside for "cue tones." The advantages of the Wohler GPI interface include the virtual elimination of false triggering by the use of sophisticated error detection and frame-accurate encoding and decoding of GPI data. GPIs are not activated until they pass the stringent set of checks.
Occupying just one card slot, the HDCC-200A may be installed in conversion frames including the Wohler E-card and openGear® frames in 1-RU, 2-RU, or 3-RU configurations. Additionally, a Wohler-supplied rear interconnect board will allow the HDCC-200A to be used in existing Evertz® frames without further modification to the frame. The device accepts HD/SD-SDI, World System Teletext (WST), and live captioning data via an RS-232 or Ethernet port that accepts data in the Newfor protocol.
More information about Wohler and the company's products and services is available at www.panoramadtv.com and www.wohler.com.
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About Wohler Technologies Inc. and PANORAMAdtv
Wohler Technologies and PANORAMAdtv offer a comprehensive range of products that simplify analog and digital source monitoring in facilities of all sizes and complexity. Wohler Technologies was founded in 1987 and, through constant innovation, continues to be a world leader in providing in-rack audio monitoring solutions for the broadcast, motion picture, and professional audio/visual markets. With the 1997 launch of Wohler's video products division, PANORAMAdtv, the company expanded its offering to include a range of advanced video monitoring solutions as well. Today, Wohler provides a complete range of monitors and closed-captioning solutions that supports the entire broadcast transmission chain. Wohler is based in the San Francisco Bay Area with an Asia-Pacific division in Hong Kong. More information about the company and its technologies is available at www.wohler.com.
