Germany's first free-to-air HD broadcaster is now using a Snell & Wilcox Ukon to enable integration of SD archives and content into HD programming. Ukon aids the transition to HD by providing a universal conversion platform that performs format, standard, aspect ratio, and frame-rate conversions in a single pass.
The Ukon provides upconversion, downconversion, and crossconversion, either singly or in any combination. Designed to handle different frame rates, image sizes, and aspect ratios, the system includes features such as tilt, pan and zoom, timecode conversion with precise frame mapping, comprehensive audio handling, and 3:2 cadence detection and repair. Ukon executes all these functions at the same time, in a single pass. Frequently used conversions can be programmed for reuse at the touch of a button.
The ProSiebenSat.1 Group is upconverting both of its largest free TV channels, Sat.1 and ProSieben, broadcasting the two networks in high-resolution HDTV in a 16:9 wide-screen format parallel to the network’s SD broadcast. The new format has been on the air since Oct. 26, 2005.
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