Reprinted from a Canopus press release:
Nonlinear editing solution provider Canopus Corporation recently announced StormEncoder, a powerful,
real-time MPEG-1 and MPEG-2 hardware encoding module for use with the
company’s real-time NLE DVStorm. With StormEncoder, DVStorm
customers are able to quickly encode their edited video productions
directly from Adobe Premiere or Canopus StormEdit timelines while maintaining
exceptional video quality.
StormEncoder is based on the MN85560 MPEG encoder chip from Panasonic in
combination with Canopus’ MPEG audio encoding technology to deliver the
high-quality video and audio output required for DVD authoring and video
streaming. StormEncoder encodes footage in real-time (and in near real-time
when encoding directly from the timeline) using Main Profile at Main Level
MPEG-2 (MP@ML). While other MPEG-2 systems use I-frame or IP-frame only,
MP@ML provides true IBP frame format. Encoding in MP@ML provides the
highest quality at the lowest bandwidth.
With variable and constant bit rate options (from 1Mbps to 15Mbps), users can
adjust the bandwidth depending on the complexity of the video. Variable bit rate
encoding is one of the most effective techniques used to maintain video quality
while reducing file size. On the audio front, StormEncoder supports PCM and
MPEG Layer I and Layer II formats up to 48khz at 16 bits.
StormEncoder snaps onto the DVStorm board and features an
easy-to-understand interface that provides complete control of the MPEG
compression process. StormEncoder is scalable up to Full-D1 resolution with
NTSC and PAL format support. StormEncoder is available now from Canopus
and authorized distributors, VARs and mail-order suppliers for a suggested retail
price of $399.
