HHI Offers Real-Time Encoding and Decoding Solutions

The Fraunhofer Heinrich Hertz Institute (HHI) featured solutions for high-efficiency real-time video encoding and decoding at NAB 2014. They also showcased their Hybrid 3D camera and ASP.

The Fraunhofer HHI Full HD 60Hz HEVC real-time software encoder provides a significant bitrate reduction for full HD video input at 60 Hz. They demonstrated the entire encoding chain at NAB. The real-time input comes over SDI from an ARRI Alexa camera and also from file play out together with audio. The HEVC encoded video output, packaged as a MPEG-2 transport stream, is fed over IP to the Fraunhofer HHI player system (which decodes it).

The Fraunhofer HHI 4K 60Hz HEVC real-time decoder offers real-time decoding of video content at resolutions up to 4K 10bit at 60Hz. A demonstration of it was also presented at NAB. The player takes the MPEG-2 transport stream input over different interfaces. Those interfaces include: Fast/Gigabit Ethernet (UDP/TCP/multicast), DVB-ASI, or from a file. Audio and video output is over HDMI 2.0 on an 84” 4K TV.

The Hybrid 3D is a cost-effective 3D production with trifocal camera material. It features the first After Effects plug-ins for generation of stereo content from trifocal film material. Fraunhofer HHI’s trifocal camera system enables stereo material to be produced just like a classic 2D production. It eliminates the need for special 3D camera expertise. The After Effects plug-in streamlines the post-production process.

ASP stands for Automated Stereo Production. It is a mirrorless side-by-side camera system with integration of high-end zoom lenses and compact smart cameras. Highly complex algorithms enable real-time correction and configuration of key parameters for stereo quality (like color matching, stereo geometry, stereo baseline and convergence).