Codec, Files and Video Formats Questions
Synchronization Questions
Audio Questions
- What is the meaning of HD Video System?
It means Hard Disk Video System.
VCube is able to playback uncompressed 2K HD (2048x1080) video files (SW option for SD VCube).
An uncompressed High Definition VCube is currently available for both record and playback.
- Can VCube be employed equally well for Post as well as a system for screening rooms?
For dubbing the picture can be lower resolution, the screening rooms want the highest resolution they can get. Ideally we would only record or import the file once at hi-res, and have a way to output the lo-res from the original without having to re-encode. A key feature of VCube is the possibility of stretching/squeezing any mixture of input file formats in real time to accommodate the chosen output format and aspect ratio. You can output an HD file in real-time (without conversion) as standard definition (SD).
- Is it possible to down-convert HD video in order to reduce file size and network traffic?
If necessary, VCube allows for converting (render or convert) a new file in any format at any compression level so that it can be used on another VCube (or any different system) that doesn't have HD performance for their disks. VCube can directly down-convert HD video input to SD video output or SD file format during record.
- Are 2K & 4K Formats supported?
No problem for 2K (with appropriate storage solution or codec compression), but VCube currently does not output 4K to a physical video output. This said, since VCube is a highly software-based product, a future 4k capable VCube may be envisioned, provided adequate storage, display and processing components become available... another story. VCube can currently open a 4K media file and render/convert it to a more suitable format (2K or SD).
- TCP/IP control - will this become published so that one might control one or several VCube from any remote computer connected via Ethernet?
We have a SDK for Virtual Transport. This SDK is public and allows for synchronizing any application to the VT Server, sending commands, chasing the TimeCode, etc... In addition VT or VCube includes Sony 9-pin support by default.
- Is it possible to add an Xena LS into a HD VCube recorder featuring a Xena 2K video cards?
VCube uses a plug-in architecture to host all possible video cards. Two different video cards can be installed into the same HD hardware. But only one can be used at a time.
- Is it possible to synchronize edit actions in VCube from PYRAMIX?
Auto-Ripple Mode should be enabled in Pyramix ( ‘ ). "Synchronize Editing with Pyramix" has to be also enabled in Settings: Composition > General
- Is it possible to synchronize a 24 fps composition in VCube chasing a 25 fps incoming TimeCode?
This is another of VCube's significant advantages over more standard Video players, of particular interest to Film/Video mixed editing environments. VCube is able to display a 24fps composition chasing a 23.98/24/25/29.97/30fps TC or vice-versa, in perfect sync, and without any of the temporal artifacts associated with rudimentary 24/25 pull-down/up mechanisms. Note that VCube SE, XE and LE bundles don't have this capability.
- How many simultaneous SD streams can be expected from a central video server?
Depending on the CODEC used (DV, OMFs...) and the server specifications, 10 to 15 streams are possible for a random access and in a single track composition.
- What are the best settings for network streaming?
For SD streaming, 8K of Cache produces the smoothest streaming.
- Is there any Watermarking?
Real-time watermarking is available. It's password protected and administrator managed. Both picture with alpha channel and text are supported.
- Can VCube play DNxHD encoded media files?
QuickTime DNxHD encoded media files are supported in playback
(Optional key required). You must run it on an HD VCube. The specific Avid codec for QuickTime
is available from the Avid web site.
More generally, all specific QuickTime video codec are supported by VCube. Black Magic's ones can also be used. But since those codec aren't optimised for our real time video engine, a MJPEG render has to be done for a perfect playback.
VCube can generate DNxHD encoded avi, mov, or cube files with
the corresponding optional authorization key.
- IMX support on VCube?
The IMX playback needs the Mpeg2/IMX software key. Note also that VCube is able to generate (record/render/convert) IMX compatible video files. VCube can generate IMX30 or IMX50 compatible files.
- MXF support on VCube?
VCube supports MXF files of type OP-Atom and
OP 1A. VCube can
export MXF video files using D10 codec.
- Is it possible to record through the network Mpeg2 encoded video?
VCube can capture video and audio using the Mpeg2 codec. Whatever is the chosen codec it's always possible to record media files on a distant server in order to share them with different users. The only limitation is the network available bandwidth. A 1000BaseT network is fast enough to support one uncompressed YUV 4:2:2 SD record stream.
- Does VCube support AAF ?
VCube supports AAF. It's an optional VCube feature.
- Why do I see a green screen on preview?
The appropriate Codec is missing. You have to install it.
- Is the number of tracks or layers limited during rendering?
There is no limit. VCube is able to render very complex compositions exceeding real-time playback hardware capabilities.
- Is it possible to playback during capture?
Current video capture hardware doesn't support this feature, but video outputs mirror the incoming video.
- Is it possible to connect directly an Apple based video solution?
You have to add a piece of software (MacDrive) to your VCube and use compatible Quick Time or OMF files on a shared media storage.
VCube also support Apple XML and AAF as Composition exchange
format in the Final Cut Pro workflow.
- Is Virtual-Transport technology available on Apple solution?
It's only PC based.
- If a composition Merge is needed, should it be done with a render of the composition to add?
One more time there is no need of rendering. VCube has a function that allows a complete or a selective load for compositions.
- Does VCube export OMF?
VCube can't generate an OMF composition. It's able to generate a VCube composition from an imported OMF composition. XML is a possible export format for VCube.
- How many clip text are allowed in a composition?
The only limit is real-time processing depending of the composition complexity.
- Is there any batch processing for file conversions?
You have to create a composition with media files to be converted and use the Convert Media tool in the VCube.
- How the delay compensations for the graphic card and the video card behave during jog shuttle operations?
The delay compensations (preview and video) are frame accurate at 100% of the nominal playback speed (forward or backward). There is no compensation for speed zero. Between those two cases, the compensations’ values are interpolated according to the speed you use.
- QuickTime files generated by Apple Final Cut copied on DVD can't be read once transfered on VCube. Why?
Only DVD-ROM complying to the UDF format can be used to transfer
media files bigger than 2 GB. Using the Mac/PC compatibility option when burning a DVD on an Apple computer leads to an error -2048 on the PC QuickTime player and unmounted media file in VCube media browser. The DVD-ROM (UDF) option must be checked when burning a DVD on an Apple computer in order to override this 2 GB limitation.
Toast 7 from Roxio offers this option.
- In the HD-SDI version how many embedded audio channels are supported?
VCube HD-SDI supports up to 6 embedded audio channels. Our Dual-Link HD VCube version, VCT-RRDXP, even supports up to 8 channels of embedded audio.
- If some channels are Dolby E encoded will they record and play properly?
There is no problem to record and playback Dolby E encoded audio. Note however that VCube doesn't incude a Dolby E encoder nor decoder. The Dolby equipment is still required.
- How is Time Code recorded and played?
VCube manages LTC ( XLR I/O), VITC ( BNC
I/O) and RP188 (SDI I/O) TimeCodes. Additionally TimeCode
may be transferred via Virtual Transport (Ethernet) and Sony
9 pin (RS-422) protocols as well.
As for any other tapeless system, the TimeCode is never
recorded by VCube unless you record the LTC as an audio
track. The incoming TimeCode is only used to time stamp the
captured video and/or audio media file.
During playback VCube generates LTC, VITC, TimeCode and Sony
9 pin and Virtual Transport protocols.
- Can non-embedded audio channels be recorded with the embedded program?
The total number of simultaneous audio channels in VCube is virtually limitless, one may actually record 64 simultaneous audio channels, with Merging's MADI option. However adding those to embedded SDI channels is not possible. Furthermore, if using the audio I/O of the AJA Video board, the first 2 input channels must be selected from either one of the following sources: Analog / AES / SDI. If SDI is selected as the audio source, Analog or AES aren't available anymore as possible separate audio sources. On the playback side, things are much simpler as any audio track present in the Timeline can be routed to all outputs (Analog, AES and SDI) in parallel, which makes VTR print-to-tape very easy.
- Our application is a SD/HD vtr replacement. Our goal is seamless/unchanged record and play for doing ‘digital clones’. Are there any limitations that we should be aware of?
VCube has been indeed primarily designed
as a VTR replacement. It handles any video standard from SD
to HD, while offering a wealth of additional features that
are missing in a VTR .
To name just a few: file management, networking, instant
project switch, timeline exchange, text inserts, picture in
picture, encryption, watermark, picture format conversion...
- Can VCube record/play in PAL(50i) at the same time as NTSC(60i)?
VCube only manages a single video
standard at a time. The video ref is PAL or NTSC, not both.
Same for the video I/O.
But a PAL media can be included into a NTSC composition and
displayed on the NTSC video output. The missing frames will
be duplicated creating video artefacts.
- What is the typical process in changing sync reference? – reboot or?
A very simple two steps operation:
Set the external video generator to the desired video format
Set the VCube to the desired video format using Quick SD or
Quick HD Settings from the settings menu.
That's done ! No reboot is needed.
- In looking at your pricing pages , the XE, LE and SE version look like bargains. What else is in the price of the Turnkey systems that bring the price up?
VCube SE doesn't include the computer platform, nor storage,
nor any time code sync option (apart from possibly using the
COM port of the host computer for Sony P2 control).
Note also that only regular VCubes (not XE, LE or SE) can manage
cross-lock situations: such as a 23.98 fps composition being
synced to a 29.97 fps TimeCode.