Leitch Introduces VR400 MPEG-2 Server
TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 17, 1999--Leitch Technology Corporation (TSE:LTV - news) -- a leading provider of digital solutions to the broadcasting, post-production, and telecommunications industries -- today announced the introduction of its VR400(TM) MPEG-2 server, the first MPEG-2 broadcast server to incorporate high-bandwidth centralized Fibre Channel storage, integrated software RAID technology, and advanced multi-format codec technology.
Leitch's VR400s are immediately available for order and expected to begin shipping this July, as are upgrades for its existing ASC VR300(TM) systems.
Unlike many other MPEG-based video servers, Leitch's VR400 provides bi-directional video channels for recording and playback, eliminating the need to configure dedicated encoders and decoders. Its advanced multi-format compression technology supports simultaneous recording, storage and playback (including back-to-back playback) of MPEG-2 4:2:2 profile at main level (up to 50 Mb/s) and MPEG-2 4:2:0 main profile at main level (up to 15 Mb/s) compression formats. In the future, the VR400 will also support DVCPRO25 and DVCPRO50.
''The VR400 gives broadcasters the storage advantages of MPEG-2 4:2:0 for spot playback, the enhanced chroma resolution of MPEG-2 4:2:2 for digital upconversion, and future support of cost-effective DVCPRO compression for digital news acquisition and editing, making it the most flexible, scalable and reliable server available,'' stated Charlie Bernstein, program manager for Leitch's server division.
Existing ASC VR300(TM) customers can upgrade to MPEG-2 by replacing M-JPEG codecs with the VR400's technology. This upgrade will provide backward compatibility with Leitch's large installed base of VR300s.
The VR400 uses FibreDrive(TM), Leitch's unique implementation of Fibre Channel technology featuring distributed video I/O channels for highest-level reliability and centralized Fibre Channel disk storage for direct random access to shared media. This architecture supports up to 20 simultaneous bi-directional video I/O channels, each allowing unrestricted access to every frame of video to eliminate limitations imposed by using tape, copying video, or transferring files.
Leitch's exclusive n + 1 system architecture gives the VR400 total system redundancy without the burdensome cost of full mirroring. The server is configured with high-performance Fibre Channel disk arrays featuring (1) hot-swappable disk drives, (2) dual, independent loop support, (3) hot-swappable fan pack, and (4) dual, hot-swappable power supplies and cords.
The VR400 also features RAIDsoft(TM), Leitch's exclusive software implementation of Fibre Channel RAID, which eliminates the need for additional hardware, a single point of failure common to SCSI RAID systems. RAIDsoft protects systems against double data drive errors and single, unknown-location data drive errors. In the event of a drive failure, lost information is automatically rebuilt in the background to a hot spare.
Founded in 1971, Leitch Technology Corporation is a leading provider of integrated solutions to the broadcasting community. Leitch designs and manufactures digital electronic equipment to store, distribute, process, and switch high-quality video and audio signals. Headquartered in Toronto, Canada, Leitch's products are used in television broadcast facilities, independent studios, and telecommunications companies worldwide.
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Contact:
Leitch Technology Corporation
Investor Contact: Reg Tiessen, 416/445-9640
reg.tiessen@leitch.com
or
Press Contact: Kendall Meddows, 757/548-2300,
800/231-9673
kendall.meddows@leitch.com
www.leitch.com
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