Fission HDCore Ingest Module

There are two types of content acquisition scenarios; one is based on file retrieval and the other on realtime signal recording.  There is an increasing amount of content providers, which distribute file-based content and its corresponding metadata throughout different networked-based infrastructures. For signal recording tasks, there are cases where the resulting files are part of the broadcaster’s general media repository, and others are intended for time-differed playback operations, such as Time Delay and Instant Replay. After user setup, most of the previously described tasks require the assigned resources until completion.  These can be monitored while performing another set of related ingest or content editing activities.

The Ingest Module can be configured with up to four inputs and four outputs per server. Tasks such as Time Delay or Instant Replay, require an output to differ the content that is being recorded at any given time. Media and feed capturing may use an output channel to monitor the pass-through signal of the content while recording. Others such as content segmentation may not require an input or an output to be executed.

The Ingest Module design allows multitasking of all these scenarios in other to maximize resources.

Multi-format Ingest

One of the Ingest Module’s main objectives is to minimize transcoding, format scaling and the non-linear editing rendering processes as much as possible, resulting in faster content availability.

The following CODECs and wrappers are supported:

Wrappers

AVI, MOV, MXF and MPG

CODECs

Standard Definition (SD): DVCAM’s DV25 & DV50, DVCPRO & DVCPRO 50, MPEG-2 I-frame, IBP and Apple ProRes CODECs.
High Definition (HD): MPEG-2 I-frame, MPEG-2 IBP, AVC-Intra, HDV, DVCPRO HD, D10, Apple ProRes and DNxHD CODECs.

Input auto-detect

Once the output file format is defined, the Ingest Module will automatically scale the input signal to it. This is maintained even if the input format changes, by re-synching the input signal on the fly, without user intervention.

The supported SDI SD/HD video inputs and outputs resolution and time bases are:

Serial digital component 4:2:2 video at 270 Mbps in accordance with SMPTE 259M (SD)

  • 480i (NTSC) at 29.97 fps
  • 576i (PAL) at 25 fps

Serial digital component 4:2:2 video at 1.48 Gbps in accordance with SMPTE 292M (HD)

  • 1080i at 25, 29.97, and 30 fps
  • 720p at 50, 59.94, and 60 fps
  • 1080p/PsF at 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, and 30 fps

Feed Capture

There are three main operation modes: manual, scheduled and remote controlled. The first one is based on user defined profiles that speed up the capture process. Each profile includes unique settings, such as resolution, CODEC, wrapper, and closed captioning information.

The scheduled operation mode relies on previously defined capture profiles that can use external device automation for signal routing. These events can be unique or periodical, and can be assigned to Ingest servers or other external capture devices.

The Ingest Module can be controlled by third party external devices using VDCP protocol.

Once the recording starts while in any operation mode, it can be frame accurately segmented; creating as many files as required for immediate networked distribution across a production environment. This is particularly helpful when recording sports and other live events, from which a news note or a special program might be produced while still on air.

All these feed recording activities are logged for detailed reporting purposes.

Media Capture

Batch capture processes can be automated based on remote controlled devices, such as routers and XDS™ or P2™ decks.  Any media-lacking profiles can be easily identified and added to a batch capture list.

Manual captures can also be executed at any time and these can include external device controlled operations.

All these batch recording activities are logged for detailed reporting purposes.

Time Delay

Incoming live signals can be differed to match specific time zone or schedule restrictions. Media storage resources can be automatically cleaned up based on predefined file segmentations, allowing this module to operate 24/7 completely unattended for extended operational periods.

Instant Replay

While recording a live event, there are relevant situations that need to be highlighted for a possible playback repetition. The Instant Replay functionality allows users to do so, creating a list of virtual segments that can be accessed for playback at any time without closing, segmenting or interrupting the whole capture process. External devices are supported for JOG control, list navigation and button mapping of key playback functionality.

Breakdown Manager

Long duration format media, such as programs, movies, and infomercials, can be virtually segmented to allocate any other content in between these blocks; eliminating the need of pre-rendering them. These virtual blocks can be dynamically manipulated while on air within the Playout Module.

There can be as many virtual profiles as required for each media asset, allowing censorship requirements without ever altering the media.

Short duration format media, such as spots, and promos, can be virtually trimmed to match a specific version’s profile length.

Media Transfer

It is a an integrated solution to manage content distribution services such as DG Spot™, PitchBlue™ and Pathfire™, allowing file retrieval for Fission’s media profile linkage. Direct playback from Fission’s Playout module is possible using their main formats.

Trim Editor

Non-linear hard edited media permutations can be generated to optimize storage usage and to create a master copy of media for further distribution.