Telestream Episode Series

Telestream today introduced a family of powerful encoding software solutions for the Mac. Episode Series is a scalable suite of desktop applications and server-based workgroup solutions are designed for podcast, Web, DVD, IPTV and mobile devices. As the first products to emerge from the company's recent acquisition of Popwire, the solution is being showcased at this week's International Broadcasters Convention (IBC) in Amsterdam and is available for immediate online purchase and delivery. Targeting media enthusiasts, post-production professionals, and new media departments, Episode's optimized codecs, filters and extensive fine-tuning compression capabilities enable users to generate excellent picture quality with fast conversion speed. These software solutions offer extensive encoding support for current and emerging video and audio file formats--at up to HD resolutions.

Episode is a desktop media encoding application for content repurposing and distribution to new media channels, including Web and DVD, and portable devices such as Apple's iPod, Sony PSP, and mobile phones. Episode Pro adds advanced professional formats, unlimited batch processing and scalability to Episode Workgroup, a server-based solution that enables high-volume job processing. These desktop applications are optimized for Macintosh hardware, including the new Intel-based laptops, desktops and servers. Episode ($400) and Episode Pro ($900) are available now.

Workgroups, Server-based encoding

For workgroups with faster, higher-volume needs, Episode Workgroup is a flexible, configurable solution that gives users the choices they want to design the workflows they need. Scalable client, server and ingest products can be configured to meet increased capacity, fast throughput and 24/7 production requirements. For workgroups and enterprises, multiple clients can be configured to access media in a central server or a clustered server network. All the components and options work together seamlessly to provide speed, performance and reliability.

Episode Pro is the client tool used to configure settings, then export them to the server to handle the heavy workload. An interactive settings editor and preview functions give users complete control over the output result. Episode Engine and Episode Engine Pro are server-based software encoders that offer unlimited auto-batch processing, watch folder monitoring and maximum workflow throughput, according to the company. In addition, the solutions scale across multiple servers and offer robust failover options.

For users starting with tape or live feeds, Episode Ingest captures VTR-based or streaming content and converts it to several digital formats. Users can simultaneously create a high-quality, full-resolution copy and low-resolution proxy version for editing. With Episode Ingest, content can be captured directly into an Episode Engine watch folder, enabling automatic transcoding to any format, the company said.

by MacNN Staff