Zapex's Video Encoder Used by Leading Japanese Multimedia Producer to
Create DVD ROM Titles; Pico House Endorses Digital Video Quality and
Compression Efficiency of the ZX-2000
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"The ZX-2000G is a dedicated MPEG-2 compression engine, not a plug-in board for a PC."
Read:EXPENSIVE?
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11/10/97
Business Wire
(Copyright (c) 1997, Business Wire)
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MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 10, 1997--Zapex Technologies, Inc., a leading developer of high-quality MPEG-2 video compression engines, today announced that Pico House, a leading producer and distributor of multimedia software in Japan, has used the ZX-2000 video encoder to produce over 39% of the DVD ROM applications in Japan. Pico House uses the ZX-2000 to encode broadcast quality video as part of the DVD ROM mastering process.
Pico House is a digital compression studio specialist, and the fourth largest producer and distributor of multimedia software in Japan. They offer full post production facilities and have comprehensive authoring capabilities. The company has produced 39% of all the total DVD ROM titles so far released in Japan. Titles include sports, documentaries and music videos, which are sold through distributors, PC vendors and music shops.
When Pico House first evaluated video encoders, their two key criteria were variable bit rate capability and premium picture quality. They selected Zapex's ZX-2000 over the competition due to Zapex's compression efficiency techniques, and the outstanding video quality it produced.
"Zapex was the first supplier on the market to produce a variable bit rate encoder," said Mr. Miyayama , a manager at Pico House. "Even with the large storage capacity of DVD , it is very important that we produce optimum video quality at the lowest possible bit-rates. We conducted rigorous evaluations of different encoders, performing video quality and content comparisons using the same conditions, source tape, and identical encoding bit rates. Now, after working extensively with the Zapex ZX-2000, we have found that it provides superior video quality in a real-world production environment."
Pico House provides low-cost, fast turnround authoring and production services to a wide range of customers. They are able to work with a variety of video and audio sources, including formats such as VHS and CD. This enables corporations, for example, to transition from traditional means of disseminating educational, training and marketing information, to take advantage of DVD 's high capacity and superior sound and image quality.
"We are pleased to see the ZX-2000 being used as part of a high volume DVD ROM mastering system," said John Chun, vice president of marketing at Zapex. "Over 57% of all non-movie titles have been produced in Japan by Pico House and other users of Zapex's ZX-2000 encoders. This validates Zapex's belief that there is a huge untapped market for DVD production other than just full-length DVD movies. High-quality digital video is critical for these applications and our dedicated compression engine is the best way for such content producers to deliver the level of quality that users will come to expect from DVD ."
About the ZX-2000 Compression Engine
The ZX-2000G is a dedicated MPEG-2 compression engine, not a plug-in board for a PC. In the ZX-2000, all the key functions of compression, classification, motion estimation and multiplexing are performed by the Zapex engine for maximum reliability and uptime. The PC is only used to handle the mundane chores of control, capture, and the user interface. The ZX-2000G is compatible with a wide range of audio and video input sources, and features MPEG-2 video encoding for either NTSC or PAL video systems, and MPEG-1, MPEG-2 and Dolby Digital, AC-3 5.1 channel audio encoding. Zapex achieves picture quality through a variety of techniques including full search motion estimation and Macroblock-based Adaptive Frame/Field. These techniques allows for more accurate motion estimation, with fine quality control and better utilization of available bits.
About Pico House
Founded in 1987, and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Pico House Company Limited is one of the leading developers and producers of multimedia software in Asia. In 1994, in cooperation with Pacific Video Resources (USA), Pico House established the world's highest quality MPEG-1 encoding service. Using the experience and know-how gained through MPEG-1 and MPEG-2 encoding, Pico House Co. Ltd launched a DVD authoring service in June 1996 to develop DVD titles for hardware and software manufacturers in both domestic and overseas markets.
About Zapex Technologies
Zapex Technologies is committed to being the leading worldwide supplier of standards-based audio/video compression engines. The company's core MPEG-2 encoding technology delivers the industry's highest-quality, most efficient compression performance. Zapex compression engines are used by companies who deliver digital video to target audiences through satellite and broadcast television, DVD , the Internet, and corporate networks. With headquarters in Mountain View, California, Zapex Technologies is privately held and has sales offices in North America, Europe and Asia. For more information please call 650/254-2380 or see our web site at www.zapex.com .
Note to Editors: All trademarks are acknowledged.
CONTACT: Dave & Bairey Communications Fiona Hughes, 510/672-9547 fiona@dbcomm.com or Zapex Technologies, Inc. John Chun, 650/254-2380 jchun@zapex.com
08:08 EST NOVEMBER 10, 1997 |
