Bluefish444's Epoch range of video cards are available immediately. Epoch is a modular line of cost-effective multi-channel 2K/HD/SD SDI PCIe uncompressed video cards containing a new Bluefish444 technology called RapidFlow+MR2.

RapidFlow+MR2 allows real-time hardware scaling for format conversion and workflow flexibility through flexible signal routing. This technology is implemented in Jetstream and VariVue, two optional hardware modules on board the Epoch video card.

Epoch, Jetstream and VariVue use the RapidFlow+MR2 technology to work together seamlessly to enable up/down/cross-conversion of any input or output video signal to/from Epoch while simultaneously routing the converted video signal(s) to any combination of Epoch’s monitoring and output options.

Epoch Video Capture Cards
Epoch video boards contain all the features of their predecessor 2K|Lust and HD|Fury boards, except they now feature a higher-performance four-lane PCIe bus interface allowing multi channel full duplex operation.

In addition, Epoch video boards contain a host of new features, including 12-bit SDI processing, 3G SDI support, 3D stereoscopic capability, embedded audio, embedded timecode and full duplex DMA of 1.1GB/s data transfer rate to enable developers to simultaneously capture and play up to two streams of HD.

New to the Epoch boards is the software-controlled onboard master routing resource (MR2). The master routing resource acts like a telephone exchange, allowing video streams passed to the Epoch video card via BNC or host workstation to be routed to any of Epoch’s multiple outputs simultaneously, using the Jetstream or Variview hardware module if desired.

The master routing resource (MR2) within Epoch enables a user to flexibly configure the Epoch’s main and preview outputs to suit their workflow. This flexibility of workflow enables users to make better use of their existing video equipment and time. There is no longer the need for external converters or to output or ingest each format required through individual passes.

Jetstream Hardware Module
The Jetstream hardware module is an optional dedicated video hardware scaling module that is fitted to the Epoch video card. Once fitted, Jetstream provides high-quality real-time video scaling (up/down/cross conversion) of any video resolution to any other video resolution including, if needed, non-industry-standard resolutions.

The Jetstream hardware provides two independent hardware scaling modules, each containing:

• 12-bit video processing
• Sinc(x) video interpolation algorithm utilizing 25x25 TAPS
• 1/128th sub-pixel scaling accuracy
• Module bandwidth of twice regular HD 4:2:2
• Frame rate conversion
• 3:2 pull-down

Epoch video cards can have up to two Jetstream hardware modules added, effectively doubling the scaling capacity. Each Jetstream hardware module is intuitively programmed to act singularly or in concert with a second Jetstream hardware module to scale high-bandwidth video streams. Accordingly, even the highest-bandwidth video signals, such as two simultaneous streams of 3G SDI, can be scaled down in real time to resolutions less than SD SDI if required.

VariVue Hardware Module
The VariVue hardware module is an optional dedicated video hardware scaling and preview module that is fitted to the Epoch video card. It acts as a low-cost, high-quality third preview option to the Epoch video board for LCD/plasma devices. Once fitted, VariVue provides real-time DVI/HDMI preview options for the Epoch’s SDI I/O.

Each VariVue hardware module contains the same hardware scaling technology enabled in Jetstream and additionally provides the following capture and playback preview options:

• SDI previewed as 8-bit DVI up to 1920x1200p 60Hz 4:4:4
• SDI resolutions previewed as 8-bit HDMI up to 1920x1200p 60Hz 4:2:2 / 4:4:4 with 8 channels of 24-bit embedded audio.

VariVue has 3x1D LUTs on all outputs, allowing for calibration of the display device and log/linear conversion.

VariVue’s preview output contains a high-quality hardware-based scaler that converts the selected input or output to the LCD, plasma or projector’s native resolution and frame rate, bypassing the lower-quality internal scaler of the monitoring device. This workflow enables lower-cost, flexible monitoring within the workflow as a wide range of TFT, plasma and projectors can be used.

Bundled Software, Plug-ins and APIs
Epoch video cards come bundled with the Windows Symmetry application, enabling media to be ingested and output using a variety of formats, including 10-bit 4:4:4 Cineon and DPX. Also bundled with Epoch is a host of free plug-ins for Apple Final Cut Studio 3, Adobe Creative Suite 4, Autodesk Combustion and 3D Studio Max, Eyeon Digital Fusion and Drastic Technologies Media NXS and Quick Clip Pro.

Epoch video cards support Windows Direct Show, Windows and Linux C++ APIs and Apple Mac OS X. Any existing OEM application can be recompiled using the new SDK, making it compatible with the new range of Epoch cards and reducing development time.

“Epoch with its RapidFlow+MR2 technology and modular design was engineered to deliver uncompressed video processing with unparalleled quality while allowing the maximum workflow flexibility,” says Craige Mott, managing director of Bluefish444. “Bluefish444 has built its reputation on high quality 4:4:4 digital intermediary solutions and now we have extended our product line through Epoch to suit any professional video user of uncompressed SDI. Epoch works just as well for high-bandwidth DI 3G SDI RGB workflows as it does for low bandwidth real time video encoding for IPTV/DVD production and everything in between, including live broadcast.”

Six Models Available
Six separate Epoch models are available as preconfigured products containing the Jetstream and VariVue already loaded if required. Epoch video cards start at $2,495.