By Elina Shatkin, January 2, 2004
Aurora Video Systems announced the release of its new PipePro SDI video capture and editing card. The PipePro, priced at $799, allows editors to take advantage of the Apple RT Extreme capabilities within Final Cut Pro. Both the PipePro and the original Aurora Pipe system, now priced at $499, provide a solution for online and offline editors working with a variety of formats from uncompressed to DV.
Aurora Pipe cards integrate seamlessly with Final Cut Pro and After Effects so that editors can take advantage of new technologies such as RT Extreme. The new PipePro video capture and editing card offers 10-bit inputs and outputs across the board. The card features an SDI input, which enables editors to connect directly to a DigiBeta deck, while two SDI outputs allow for a direct connection to an external video monitor and to a digital deck controlled via PipePro's RS-422 serial port. Simultaneously PipePro can output analog video via composite, S-video and YUV connections facilitating video monitoring on a lower-cost analog solution and laying off to analog decks such as BetaSP. A genlock input is also provided for synchronization to studio equipment, but is not required as PipePro produces an internal genlock signal onto which the deck can lock
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In addition to outputting two channels of 24-bit, 48kHz analog audio for monitoring purposes, the PipePro features four channels of high-quality, 48kHz SPDIF (AES/EBU compatible) digital audio I/O, which offers excellent sound and compatibility while giving users the ability to work in multiple channels. In addition, PipePro supports up to eight channels of 48kHz audio embedded in the SDI inputs and outputs. A second desktop feature allows editors to view and manipulate video in other applications, such as Adobe Photoshop, and then see how it will appear when output by the PipePro card.
The entry-level Pipe product offers composite and S-video inputs and outputs, as well as 24-bit, 48kHz, dual-channel RCA unbalanced audio I/O. Upper- and lower-field PAL is supported with no rendering required to operate in an upper-field-first PAL timeline. Single- and dual-field stills provide a perfect image for color correcting or graphics editing. Aurora's Open Video Technology allows for simple and regular driver updates, giving users quick access to the newest features and functions.
Because Aurora Pipe cards are true QuickTime solutions for the Mac OS, no third-party software is necessary for previewing video in applications other than Final Cut Pro. In addition to moving data from Final Cut Pro and putting it on screen, Aurora Pipe cards provide real-time preview compatibility with programs such as Adobe's After Effects and Discreet's Combustion. Aurora's PipePro will be shipping in February 2004.
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