Digital Rapids announces an upgrade of its Transcode Manager automated media transcoding software: Transcode Manager v1.4 features expanded format support, integration with leading third-party quality control (QC) analysis tools for automated verification of output files, and enhanced enterprise integration capabilities.

Digital Rapids Transcode Manager provides centralized management, automation, fault tolerance and intelligent load balancing for high-volume, multi-format transcoding workflows, increasing production volume while reducing operational costs. A Transcode Manager server works in conjunction with multiple Transcode Engines, intelligently assigning jobs for optimal throughput. Scalable from small transcoding farms to enterprise-level operations, Transcode Manager is ideal for both dedicated transcoding applications and as part of complete ingest-through-delivery media workflows.

Transcode Manager 1.4 features new or enhanced support for compression and container formats including Avid DNxHD, LXF, GXF, DVCPRO and Dolby Digital Plus.

A new streamlined pricing structure and new Transcode Engine bundles simplify the purchase of format support tailored to user requirements and lower the cost of entry.

• Transcode Engine Core bundles include fundamental formats such as VC-1, MPEG-2, QuickTime (including MPEG-4 and H.264), AVI and more.
• Transcode Engine Studio bundles build on the Core bundles with DNxHD, MXF, GXF, LXF, Omneon, 3GPP, enhanced H.264, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus and other advanced formats.
• Optional Civolution Teletrax support embeds watermarks for content tracking and monitoring.

Transcode Manager 1.4 supports automated quality control through integrated support for Tektronix Cerify and Interra Systems Baton content verification systems. Transcoded output files can be automatically submitted to Cerify or Baton systems, which will perform a user-specified range of verification tests including content conformance, standards compliance and quality analysis. Based on the results of these tests, Transcode Manager can pass verified content on to subsequent workflow stages or alert users to QC failures with links to full analysis reports.

Tightening integration into enterprise environments, Transcode Manager 1.4 adds Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) support. Transcode Manager error conditions can be monitored by any SNMP-compliant network management system, enabling Transcode Manager to be monitored alongside other SNMP-compatible devices as part of a consolidated enterprise system view. Enhanced user authentication and authorization enables user access to be managed locally or via industry-standard LDAP services. Security restrictions can be enforced both in the Transcode Manager user interface and through Transcode Manager's Web Services API for custom development. Other additions include remote deployment of upgrades to distributed transcoding nodes and enhanced port management for firewall and proxy traversal.

"Quality control is a critical task in enterprise digital media workflows, but it's both time-consuming and subjective if done manually. Transcode Manager's new integrated support for automated QC through the respected tools from Tektronix and Interra increases productivity, reduces costs and ensures high-quality deliverables," says Brian Stevenson, director of product management at Digital Rapids. "Meanwhile, our enhanced format support and tighter enterprise integration enable customers to embed Transcode Manager even deeper into their core operations, delivering an unparalleled level of workflow efficiency."

Digital Rapids Transcode Manager 1.4 is available in two configurations tailored to user requirements:

• Designed for large studios, facilities and enterprises, Transcode Manager FE (Facility Edition) combines its performance, quality and reliability benefits with robust enterprise-class features and integration.
• Transcode Manager LE offers the same core functionality for smaller studios and workgroups without enterprise requirements.

Automated QC support, SNMP and user access control are available in Transcode Manager FE, with other new features available in both configurations.

Transcode Manager 1.4 is available immediately, with its new format modules following shortly.

The complete line of Digital Rapids solutions will be showcased in booth SL6213 at NAB 2009.