KLRU joins growing number of PBS stations looking for cost-effective solutions
Montreal, Quebec (September 22, 2009) — Algolith Inc, a leader in advanced world-class video processing solutions for broadcast, cable, satellite, and IPTV providers, today announced Austin PBS has selected the Algogear Downconverter XVC-1001-DC solution to downconvert its incoming HD feeds to SD while maintaining the highest possible video image quality for its viewers. For over 40 years, Austin PBS (KLRU-TV) has been proudly providing exceptional educational television to the Central Texas community.
Ensuring reliable HD to SD downconversion while preserving image integrity
Austin PBS, like many broadcasters today, needed to convert their 16:9 video images to a 4:3 coded frame without experiencing significant image loss. Faced with the challenge of how to best format and deliver content in SD while receiving feeds in both HD and SD formats, Austin PBS needed to find a downconverter with reliable aspect ratio control. Austin PBS selected the Algogear Downconverter for its superior downconversion capabilities and advanced Aspect Ratio Control, helping them preserve the integrity of their images.
“Some of the downconversion techniques we had seen in the past resulted in cropped 4:3 images that were missing important details, for example pledge information or telephone numbers. Algolith will provide us with a downconversion solution that best ensures all image details from the original HD program are preserved for the 4:3 SD audiences,” said David Kuipers, VP of Engineering for Austin PBS (KLRU-TV). “The choice for us was further simplified because of the cost effectiveness of Algolith’s reconfigurable card. Should we choose to, we can repurpose the Algogear card to any one of their existing video processing solutions at no additional cost and help future-proof our facility. The cost savings was something we could not find with any other solution.”
“Austin PBS joins the growing number of satisfied PBS stations who are looking to Algolith for cost-effective format conversion solutions,” said Yvan Ouellet president and CEO of Algolith Inc. “We are constantly developing new products, so customers like Austin PBS have access to our current portfolio of products as well as all new Algogear products developed under our “One Card, One Price, More Choices” Program. No other broadcast equipment manufacturer can deliver this value.”
Best-in-class 16:9 to 4:3 downconversion and aspect ratio control with AFD
The Algogear™ XVC-1001-DC Downconverter provides high quality conversion from HD (SMPTE 292M) video formats to SD (SMPTE 259M-C) video formats. It offers advanced de-interlacing and directional content adaptive scaling for superior conversion quality. Standard and custom aspect ratio conversion and HD to SD color space conversion are also supported. It supports minimum delay or reference aligned mode with additional variable delay. AFD (Active Format Descriptor) aspect ratio control is fully supported by the XVC-1001-DC. With AFD, broadcasters can maintain creative control by allowing their audiences to view content as originally intended.
The XVC-1001-DC can automatically delay all 16 channels of embedded audio to compensate for the video delay. Audio PCM data is mapped to the SD output. Closed caption and time code information can be transported from input to output with all necessary HD to SD transcoding.
The Algogear Downconverter also provides background fill capabilities, allowing side panels introduced by downconversion to be filled with video or graphics.
1 Card, 1 Price, More Choices program: Flexible, Cost-effective and Future-proof
Algolith’s One Card, One Price, More Choices Program allows users to repurpose their Algogear card to any one of Algogear’s video processing applications— at no additional cost. One Algogear card holds the power of the entire line of 9 applications available from Algolith, including solutions for Signal Processing, Format Conversion, as well as Sync and Delay. The reconfigurable nature of the Algogear card means that Austin PBS has the flexibility to repurpose their cards to any other of Algogear’s video processing solutions– for free. All Algogear applications have the ability to run on the same card, providing broadcasters with the choice to select the cards’ functionality at one point in time, and repurpose the card to another function at a later point in time. This solution helps broadcasters save money by reducing inventory of spares and support costs. Furthermore, its long life expectancy makes the Algogear card an environmentally-friendly solution.
About Algolith
Algolith Inc., based in Montréal (Québec, Canada) is a privately held company founded in 2003 as a spin-off of Miranda Technologies. Algolith has developed the industry’s most advanced video processing algorithms, leveraging over 50 man-years of R&D and IP development. The company has built its reputation around delivering its patented core Intellectual Property (IP), an unparalleled portfolio of technology which significantly improves image quality in all formats.
Algolith Inc. develops advanced high quality video processing solutions for reconfigurable cards designed to delay, synchronize, convert and process signals in all formats for broadcast, cable, satellite, and IPTV providers. Algolith provides the best value in advanced image processing with a future-proof, flexible, modular platform. Algolith also develops specialized IP solutions which can be used for FPGA or ASIC implementations by OEM and IP licensees.
For sales information, or to find a reseller in your area, please contact sales@algolith.com or 1-877-ALGOLITH, or visit www.algolith.com . To keep up to date with the latest news, follow Algolith at http://twitter.com/algolith.
About Austin PBS
Since its inception, Austin's own community licensed public television station KLRU, has brought exceptional educational television to the Central Texas community. This non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization is made possible through support from our members.
For more than 40 years KLRU has been a friend to Central Texans. KLRU's mission is to enrich the lives of our viewers through quality public television programming, community services and public events with shows like Austin City Limits, Central Texas Gardener, and Texas Monthly Talks.
Independent, free, mass communication is critical to crystallize issues, preserve culture and deliver educational opportunities for everybody. To this end, KLRU reflects, celebrates and inspires Central Texans through creative excellence, community engagement and life-long learning.
Media Contact
Esther Hotter
Marketing Communications
Algolith Inc.
514-335-9867 ext 3246
esther@algolith.com
www.algolith.com
http://twitter.com/algolith
