Sony Demonstrates DVD Authoring Technology At International Teleproduction
Society Conference; End-to-End DVD Authoring System Provides Quality Images and
Easy Operation
LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 9, 1998--As the era of DVD begins to take
shape, Sony Electronics is demonstrating its DVD Authoring technology,
designed to meet the requirements of feature film DVD authoring where demand
for exceptional picture quality is high, at the International Teleproduction
Society Forum (ITS).
The Sony prototype system utilizes Sony's MPEG-2 encoding and unique control
algorithms to provide high-quality images and simple, automated operation.
To create titles that cover the full range of options allowed in the DVD
format, Sony's system includes individual modules which are optimized to
work as separate, yet fully integrated, applications.
"This prototype DVD authoring system is based on Sony's years of experience
developing broadcast equipment technologies," said Andre Floyd, product
manager for Sony Electronics' Broadcast and Professional Company. "The
system uses a video encoder with a Sony-designed chip set which has a
sophisticated encoding algorithm and enhanced controls, enabling
customization and fine tuning to provide the highest quality MPEG-2 video
and functionality."
Utilizing the Authoring System Supervisor, Sony's system automatically
recalculates and manages compression bit rates rather than requiring manual
recalculation of bit rates versus the target disc capacity.
Sony's prototype system includes sub-picture encoder and decoder cards with
its subtitle encoding/menu authoring component to enable real-time output to
a video monitor to accurately check menu colors, locations and sizes as they
are being created.
Once the encoded bit streams for the video, audio and subpicture components
of the title are ready, they are multiplexed to create the DVD encoded
stream. This DVD encoded stream can be immediately viewed from the local
drive, or array, using Sony's unique DVD emulator -- enabling all
information and functionality to be checked before stamping the first disc.
"With this technology each task of video, audio and subpicture encoding, as
well as menu authoring and encoding, can be performed separately, then the
results can be integrated together, saving time in the overall authoring
process," Floyd said. "By providing an emulator that enables the encoded
stream to be accessed from local storage with a modified home DVD player,
the Sony system allows for immediate testing of the final product, as it
would be viewed at home, without having to spend the time and money to burn
a DVD disc."
The Sony DVD authoring system being demonstrated at ITS is scaleable so that
it can be configured as a basic system using one or two personal computers
and build up to a networked, server-based multi-station system.
The Broadcast and Professional Company of Sony Electronics is an Emmy award
winning, leading U.S. provider of video and audio equipment for the
broadcast, production, business, industrial, government, medical, and
education markets. Sony offers a wide array of products and systems for
image capture, production, and display. Sony also provides specialized
equipment and systems for data recording, duplication, electronic
photography/publishing, video conferencing, high definition video,
interactive and security applications. In the fiscal year that ended on
March 31, 1998, Sony Electronics had record sales of $10.5 billion. |
