Episode 5.0 encoding software debuts at NAB

Telestream on Sunday announced announced its Episode 5.0 encoding software which expands format support to a greater number of specific digital media workflows: the high-performance Episode Engine server software adds input support for RED camera, Cineon and DPX formats and for its core content repurposing to Web and mobile workflows, the entire Episode family adds support for the latest Flash 8, Flash 9 and Blu-ray formats. In addition, for Apple's new Final Cut Server media asset management and workflow automation software, Episode expands format choices beyond QuickTime and brings high-end 10-bit 4:4:4 processing.

Version 5.0 adds encode and decode support for Flash 8 VP6s, Flash 9 (H.264) and Blu-ray. Using Telestream's new Pipeline network video capture device, Episode users can now easily log and capture video from tape, schedule recording of live feeds and encode media while it is being ingested. The 5.0 release also includes a new high-quality filter for NTSC/PAL video standards conversion which brings software video conversion to a new level at an affordable price compared to hardware standards converters.

"Episode 5.0 removes bottlenecks and speeds digital media workflows for a greater number of Apple users in digital production and editorial environments. The addition of high-end 10-bit 4:4:4 processing makes Episode Engine a perfect fit for the rigorous demands of digital film and telecine environments," said Barbara DeHart, VP of Marketing at Telestream. "With the addition of more formats for Web and mobile workflows, Episode continues to meet the content authoring needs for a growing number of new media platforms. We're also pleased to add support for Apple's exciting new Final Cut Server application."

The company's Episode multiformat encoding software now expands format support beyond QuickTime to virtually any file format for Final Cut Server. A new free Software Developer Kit (SDK) for Episode Engine enables easy integration into any workflow, while intelligent scripting simplifies integration, including monitoring, delivery and notification of transcoding operations, directly through the easy-to-use Episode user interface.

Version 5.0 also extends workflow integration to include media browsing and importing from Grass Valley K2 or Profile and 360 Systems servers, plus Sony XDCAM, Grass Valley Infinity and Ikegami Editcam disk-based cameras.

The company's Episode Engine provides faster-than-real-time encoding through segmented and distributed processing for workflows involving large, complex files. Version 5.0 now provides support for RED, Cineon and DPX formats, preserving 10-bit 4:4:4 throughout the process to provide superior quality for digital film and telecine workflows. Leveraging Episode's ability to access QuickTime components, Final Cut Studio users have access to Apple's pristine-quality ProRes 422 post-production format.

Episode 5.0 will be available this month as a free upgrade for existing Episode desktop customers and Episode Engine customers with current maintenance agreements. Episode for desktop applications is $400, while Episode Pro ($900) adds support for advanced professional formats: MXF, GXF, H.264, High Profile DVCPRO HD (with Final Cut Pro), surround sound 5.7, 7.1 and unlimited batch processing.

Filed under: software
Other story tags: video editing, encoding