This week, Neil speaks to Joop Janssen of YOAP Holding and Roda JC Kerkrade Football Club. Joop’s career has seen him go from professional volleyball player, through Philips & Vitec and into his managing director position at YOAP Holding. Joop discusses the sustainability of current sports rights models for broadcasting, how important trade shows will be in 2021 and what he envisions for the future of the broadcasting industry.
Codecs Made Easy: MainConcept Transcoding SDK
MainConcept® maintains the largest codec video and audio library on the planet, and it can empower almost any use case and digital video workflow. However, not every company has the expertise needed to integrate and tune codecs to get the most out of them. Moreover, codecs are only one part of the equation—there is also the challenge of multiplexing and containers. This is why we developed the MainConcept Transcoding SDK—to simplify the adoption of codecs into digital video workflows. And, today, we released our latest version!
What is the MainConcept Transcoding SDK?
The MainConcept Transcoding SDK is a premium video and audio multimedia framework based on MainConcept’s industry-leading core codec technology. It adds a file-based transcoding layer above the renowned MainConcept Codec SDKs, such as HEVC/H.265, AVC/H.264, MPEG-2, DVCPRO, JPEG 2000 and more. The Transcoding SDK’s modular, plugin-based architecture allows users to enable powerful yet flexible transcoding between numerous video, audio and container formats within their solutions and services. This includes video editing capabilities such as setting in/out points, applying audio-visual (A/V) filters, joining segments from multiple streams and batch list encoding.
What kinds of files can the Transcoding SDK import?
The various Import Modules powered by MainConcept’s powerful audio and video decoders as well as demultiplexers make file ingest of almost all popular consumer and professional formats a quick and easy task on Windows, Linux and macOS. This includes formats such as:
- Apple ProRes
- Sony XDCAM and XAVC
- Panasonic P2 AVC Ultra and DVCPRO
- Avid DNxHD and DNxHR
- Canon XF-HEVC
- And many more…
With the MainConcept Transcoding SDK, there is no need to develop complex import tools. The MainConcept Transcoding SDK includes our field-tested and constantly evolving ingest library to take care of it for you.
What use cases are supported by MainConcept Transcoding SDK?
The Transcoding SDK’s core use case is file-based conversion. It enables you to add transcoding capabilities to your workflow without spending time on in-depth development and integration, as it is already tuned to provide the right balance of quality and performance. (Of course, the Transcoding SDK will allow you to configure and tweak encoder parameters should the need arise.)
This helps to significantly decrease time to market when developing new products or services (when compared to using traditional codec SDKs). The MainConcept Transcoding SDK is suited for many professional markets—broadcast, OTT, IPTV, education and digital entertainment platforms—as well as for use cases such as archiving, post-production and more.
What are the benefits of using the Transcoding SDK?
The most significant benefit to using the Transcoding SDK is the codec-independent C++ application programming interface (API) transcoding layer on top of the codec, which allows for effortless processing. And the ready-to-use sample tutorials in the Transcoding SDK provide an excellent starting point for quickly generating impressive results.
When using low-level codecs, audio/video (A/V) ingest tools, encoders and multiplexers are manually connected and configured from scratch. In contrast, the Transcoding SDK includes ingest modules that handle file import automatically.
The benefits don’t stop there. The Transcoding SDK comes with various audio/video (A/V) processing filters like audio normalization, logo overlay, brightness, contrast, cropping, and more. And everything can be fully controlled using a command line.
Codec SDK vs. Transcoding SDK: The Choice is Yours
There are also many benefits to using the low-level MainConcept Codec SDKs. Our low-level libraries support all common OS and processors and can now also be deployed on the latest Apple M1 chipset. They even offer extended codec support for DNxHD/DNxHR and the AV1 Encoder Plugin. The following table provides an overview to help you decide whether you should use the Transcoding SDK or the low-level Encoder and Decoder SDK solutions.
| USE THE TRANSCODING SDK WHEN YOU… | USE THE LOW-LEVEL SDK WHEN YOU… |
| Need a simple transcoding solution where you specify an input file, select a preset and start transcoding with full command-line control | Need full control of the ingest and output pipelines tweaking all libraries and their settings from scratch |
| Are using Windows, Linux and macOS | Are using the Apple M1 chipset |
| Do not have experienced codec engineers on staff | Need support for DNxHD/DNxHR |
| Need audio/video processing filters like audio normalization, logo overlay, brightness, contrast, cropping and more | Want an AV1 Encoder |
| Want effortless processing of content or to decrease the time to market when developing new products or services | Have a use case involving live ingest via network streams and encoding |
How do you use the MainConcept Transcoding SDK?
Using the Transcoding SDK is as simple as specifying a media file and selecting a predefined profile—the transcoding engine will take care of the rest. The extensive database of more than 100 ready-to-use transcoding presets includes:
- Broadcast formats like AS-11 UK DPP
- Professional camcorder presets from Sony and Panasonic
- JPEG 2000 DCI, DVB and ATSC
- Adaptive streaming formats like MPEG-DASH or Apple HLS
- Generic AVC and HEVC (including hardware acceleration)
- MPEG-2, DV and DVCPRO formats
- Popular audio encoders (such as AAC, PCM, MPEG, AC-3 and E-AC-3)
Try, buy or discuss with a workflow expert!
While both Transcoding SDK and the Codec SDKs each have their advantages, you can be sure that whichever MainConcept solution you choose, you will have access to our exceptional Customer Care team that can help you resolve any issues you might encounter along the way! Choose for yourself, and download a demo of our updated Transcoding SDK, the specific low-level codec SDK, or both today. Can’t decide? Contact our media workflow experts for a consultation.
Encoding Time on Apple Computers: The M1 Revolution
Apple computers have a prolific history in video editing, having long been the choice of professionals and hobbyists. When Apple switched to Intel processors in 2006, image processing and video editing on macOS became even more popular, creating a demand for professional solutions for video production. In the beginning, Apple Final Cut Pro was the most commonly used professional Non-Linear Editing (NLE) solution, but slowly other companies, such as Adobe, Autodesk, Magix, Corel and Blackmagic, introduced their video-editing software products. Today there are dozens of choices from companies actively releasing new features and updates to make video editing on macOS a smooth experience, allowing for the creation of everything from quirky TikTok videos by hobbyists to award-winning movie masterpieces by production houses and studios.
The M1 Revolution
When rumors started that Apple planned to move from Intel processors on MacBooks and iMacs— which have long provided impressive encoding and export times—to the ARM-based M1 chipset, it created quite a stir. Industry professionals were skeptical as to whether this was a good move. However, with a stream of impressive benchmark testing results, the critics have quickly fallen silent.
The first Mac Mini and MacBooks featuring the Apple M1 processor (i.e., the first ARM-based SoC (System on a Chip) designed by Apple) were released at the end of 2020. In May 2021, a brand-new 24-inch iMac model—also powered by the Apple M1—was introduced. The first independent tests showed impressive benchmark results for both image and video processing times when compared to its Intel counterparts.
About the Apple M1 chipset
The Apple M1 chipset today comes with four high-performance and four energy-efficient CPU cores. In addition, the M1 offers up to eight GPU cores for graphics processing and speed. This results in incredible performance with extremely low power consumption which reduces battery usage and enables worker mobility.
To ensure that no x86 users were left behind, macOS Big Sur introduced the Rosetta 2 emulator. With the Rosetta 2 emulator, users can run software natively developed for Intel-based Macs on the new M1 chipset. In addition to making the transition easier for users, the Rosetta emulator has quelled the fear among software manufacturers that their products would no longer be compatible with the new Apple platform.
However, when Apple first announced its M1 chipset, very few companies had completely ported their software to the new Apple Silicon. One that had adopted the new chipset was the popular video-editing solution DaVinci Resolve Studio from Blackmagic Design, which was highlighted during Apple’s November announcement.
Video editing using MainConcept codecs on macOS
Adobe has used the MainConcept® codecs in Premiere Pro on Intel chip-based Windows and Macs for many years. Our libraries power several key parts of the workflow, such as importing, playback and exporting video projects from the timeline. The MainConcept portfolio—which already included AVC/H.264, HEVC/H.265, MPEG-2, MPEG-4 Part 2, DVCPRO, multiplexer and audio products—now provides the same functionality for Adobe Premiere Pro running on the Apple M1 processor.
We took a simple and straightforward path to empower DaVinci Resolve Studio users, working closely with Blackmagic Design to develop the first approved plugin for their software.
MainConcept quality paired with Apple Silicon performance
The MainConcept Codec Plugin is an export tool for DaVinci Resolve Studio. Introduced earlier this year with DaVinci Resolve Studio version 17, the MainConcept plugin interface allows for exporting of video projects from the timeline. This ability to export directly from the timeline saves time, simplifies production and eliminates the need for transcoding. The plugin from MainConcept extends the set of render presets with:
- Broadcast-proven professional Sony and Panasonic camera presets
- Brand-new AS-11 UK DPP
- Ready-to-use software HEVC/H.265 export presets up to Main-10 8K
With version 1.1 of the MainConcept Codec Plugin, MainConcept is not only offering a brand-new set of Panasonic P2 DVCPRO profiles but making the entire functionality of the plugin available for the Apple M1 version of DaVinci Resolve Studio.
Comparison of rendering times on Mac
In our lab, we compared the time it takes to render a project on an Intel Mac against an M1 Mac for the MainConcept presets. Tests were performed on a MacBook Pro (2018) powered by an Intel Core i7 (6-cores), 2.6 GHz with 16 GB RAM and a MacBook Pro (2020), powered by an Apple M1 (8-cores) with 16 GB RAM. Both laptops were running macOS 11.4 Big Sur.
To exclude effects and transition processing time, we used a relatively simple video project with standard source clips in H.264 720p, 8-bit 420, High Profile video with AAC-LC audio muxed into MP4 to the DaVinci Resolve Studio 17.2.1 timeline and rendered it to various formats.
Using the default plugin settings for MainConcept HEVC 10-bit 4K Main-10 4:2:0 and HEVC 10-bit 4K, the M1 MacBook Pro showed close to 10% faster encoding time compared to the Intel-based MacBook Pro.
For professional Sony XAVC camera formats, the improvements are even more impressive. Rendering time on Apple M1 improves by up to 8% for the Sony XAVC Long GOP QFHD profile when exporting the timeline. But Sony XAVC Intra QFHD 300 CBG outperforms them all with a faster rendering time of over 20%!
As these tests show, the new Apple M1 chipset significantly improves processing time and allows convenient video editing. It is expected that these performance gains would be even higher on devices such as MacBook Pros and iMacs that are designed for resource-intensive tasks.
Intel x86 and Apple M1—MainConcept has you covered!
MainConcept makes supporting Apple M1 with the Codec Plugin for DaVinci Resolve Studio simple by pairing our world-renowned quality with both the flexibility and power of Intel-based architecture and the high-performing, low-cost Apple Silicon architectures equally. Buy it now or try it for free with the demo version of our Codec Plugin for DaVinci Resolve Studio!
If you are a programmer looking for Software Development Kits (SDKs) to create your own applications running on Apple M1, request a free evaluation copy of MainConcept SDKs.
Escape Room: GEMINI EDITION – A short action film shot on RED RANGER GEMINI 5K
Version three of our short film experiment with RED and LaCie. This short action sequence was shot between 21:00 and 23:30 on 19th June 2021 using the RED DSMC2 MONSTRO 8K.
RED: https://bit.ly/red-dealers
LaCie: https://bit.ly/lacie-dealers
Global Distribution: globaldistribution.com
Escape Room: MONSTRO EDITION – A short action film shot on RED DSMC2 MONSTRO 8K
Version two of our short film experiment with RED and LaCie. This short action sequence was shot between 18:30 and 21:00 on 19th June 2021 using the RED DSMC2 MONSTRO 8K.
RED: https://bit.ly/red-dealers
LaCie: https://bit.ly/lacie-dealers
Global Distribution: globaldistribution.com
Escape Room: KOMODO EDITION – A short action film shot on RED KOMODO 6K
Version One of our short film experiment with RED and LaCie. This short action sequence was shot between 15:30 and 18:00 on 19th June 2021 using the RED KOMODO 6K.
RED: https://bit.ly/red-dealers
LaCie: https://bit.ly/lacie-dealers
Global Distribution: globaldistribution.com
HD+ Germany: Direct-to-Smart-TV Broadcasting without Set-top Boxes/CAMs
HD+ operates a satellite DTH platform in Germany to deliver HD/UHD content to 2M+ paying subscribers. Intertrust offers a cloud-based broadcast security solution, ExpressPlay XCA (based on Marlin DRM), which protects content that is broadcast directly to smart TVs (D2TV) without requiring set-top boxes/CAMs.
The HD+ D2TV service protected by ExpressPlay XCA utilizes smart TVs with pre-integrated XCA security. No STBs or CAM modules are required. TV sets are available in German retail stores with HD+ as a factory default. The result: more convenience for viewers, and new opportunities for TV brands/OEMs and video service providers.
Flight Case components: what makes a good flight case?
Across a huge range of industries from live music and broadcasting to sports, there is nothing better than a heavy-duty, high-quality flight case to offer peace of mind when transporting your valuable gear across the world. At CP Cases we made our name with flight cases, and we have been designing them since 1971 when two semi-pro musicians got together to create a long-lasting rugged case they could rely on again and again.
Our flight cases are designed to last for decades – not months or years – and can withstand countless worldwide journeys thanks to their robust design. Every component is carefully selected to offer the highest standards of protection possible for your musical instrument or another piece of specialist equipment. Here we break down exactly what makes a reliable flight case, and explain why imitation products can never offer the same reassurance.
What are flight cases used for?
Most popularly associated with the music and touring industries, flight cases have a wide range of applications and can be used to transport sensitive electronic equipment with the minimum possible risk of shock damage. They are renowned for their durability, hard-wearing exteriors and expertly constructed riveting patterns that reinforce strength on every edge and corner.
Types of flight case
At CP Cases we manufacture two main types of flight case, each of which has its own strengths and specific benefits:
- The ProCase is a superior quality case made from 9mm Finnish birch plywood which is reinforced with clench rivets and knuckleball corners making it near-indestructible. This heavy-duty option is relied upon by professionals across the globe and can be custom built to meet exact design requirements.
- The T2 case is a lighter, stackable option made from laminated 6mm HPP, providing unrivalled protection for light and medium-weight equipment. Its zinc-plated steel corners and bifurcated rivets shield it against the elements and make it ‘drag proof’ and resistant to abrasion.
The elements of a high-quality flight case
There are many reasons why flight cases provide such reliable protection in all environments, but the main one is that painstaking research and precision engineering has gone into every inch of them – in order to offer the best possible defence against vibration, shock and impact.
Using the strongest possible wood
All our flight cases use Finnish birch combi WBP (water boiled proof) plywood. This is an exceptionally resilient material that can withstand exposure to harsh weather conditions, water and moisture for long periods of time.
This is then laminated with VF (vulcanised fibre), an external protective layer that gives each individual plywood panel extra strength and impact resistance. This combination of materials is often favoured by sports equipment manufacturers for items such as skis and skateboards which must show the highest level of resilience against a wide range of external forces.
Building robust corners
Strong corners truly underpin the reliability of a flight case – giving extra protection at a point which (in less well-constructed products) could have been vulnerable to impact damage or warping. Our ProCase uses knuckleball corners while the zinc-plated steel reinforced corners on the T2 case are designed to stack easily for added convenience.
Second-to-none riveting
Our ProCase is built using clech rivets (which are more secure than pop rivets) to reinforce all its edge sections. The panels of the T2 Case are secured together using bifurcated rivets, meaning that they are split into two parts, made from nickel-plated steel and providing additional protection.
Customised inner foam
Both options can be fitted with customised cushion protection made from high quality ‘closed cell’ polyethylene foam, the preferred choice across a range of industries including for medical and military equipment. This ensures it is protected to the highest possible level against any external force, as even the lightest amount can damage sensitive gear.
Speak to us about flight cases today
With over 50 years of experience, at CP Cases we specialise in meeting the exacting requirements of our clients, no matter how specialised. Taking a look at our case studies page will give you some idea of what we can offer.
Contact our expert team today by calling 020 8568 1881 to find out what we could build for you
Rise above a crowded content space with a comprehensive, flexible and scalable approach to media distribution: Getting an edge in global media distribution
As video continues to dominate our use of the internet, the technologies supporting it must continue to innovate and expand to help media companies get an Edge in the global content delivery space.
Panellists:
- Darren Whitehead, Director of Business Development, IABM (Chair)
- Ricardo Moreira, Head of Sales Overlay for Edge Application Delivery Solutions, EMEA, Lumen
- Santi Cardona, EMEA Head of Product Management and Marketing For Edge Application Delivery Solutions, Lumen
EditShare’s EMEA Team Shares What Happens BTS and Drives Key Decisions
At EditShare, customer success is top of mind. In order to achieve that, the EditShare team is committed to evolving their solutions to meet customers’ needs. In this sit down with the EditShare’s EMEA team, viewers will learn how the team looks at the market and solutions their customers and partners are implementing, to ensure they are staying up to date with demands. The team discuss some of the recent product updates, key customer implementations in EMEA such as UK’s National Film and Television School, top tier production company Clear Cut Group and most recently, The University of Hertfordshire, and thoughts on the dynamics of the market coming out of COVID.