News
Frequently Asked Questions
September 15, 2000
Our splicing algorithms are proprietary. Patents have been issued and others are pending on our system.
Are you dropping frames from the picture?
We manage the buffer levels following the splicer component in a number of ways. The techniques that we use are designed to provide both a visually and syntactically seamless splice. The term "syntactically seamless" means that the resulting bitstream is totally compliant with all MPEG and ATSC standards. Visually seamless means that the splice is made with no noticeable artifacts. Most splicers cannot do this.
Do you make black or freeze frames at switch?
No
How do you handle audio splicing and maintain Lip Sync?
During the splicing process we actively manage the way that the audio stream is spliced to maintain video to audio synchronization at presentation time.
Can I splice in and out at any frame for frame accurate splicing?
Spicing in the compressed domain is dependant on MPEG GOP structure. Splicing out of a stream occurs at the beginning of an anchor (I or P) frame. The splice into a stream occurs at the beginning of an I frame.
What is the latency for a switch command?
Splicing takes place at the first opportunity following the receipt of a splice command. The time following the splice command until the next splice point is in the order of 2 frames or less.
Why is your splicer better than the others at NAB 2000?
We provide true seamless splicing entirely in the compressed domain maintaining original picture quality.
How is your splicing unique?
In addition to the above, we are picture format independent, that is we can splice from one picture format to another picture format while maintaining compliance and seamless operation.
What signal are you splicing? Do you splice in the compressed domain? TS, PES, ES?
We do transport stream processing. Internally we manipulate PES streams in a manner that creates splices that are free from artifacts while maintaining lip sync.
Can you splice from SD to HD and back?
Yes, splicing of the transport streams in not dependent of the video's encoded resolution. Most high quality decoders decode the switch seamlessly, however, some decoders may have a hard time switching the display from SD to HD. It is dependant on how the decoders handle the different formats.
Do you support SMPTE 312M – Style splicing?
Yes, but we do not require the overhead and constraints of the splice point indicators in the transport stream. The AGV-1000 evaluates the transport stream and determines the proper splice points in real time.
You say that the latency of the splicer is less than two frames, then why does the presentation display exhibit a longer delay?
The apparent delay from the time that a splice is expected and the time that it appears on the video display is a function of several factors. Chief of these factors is the buffering delay in the MPEG decoder that drives the display. Most of the perceived delay is actually in the decoder.
Do we add or drop audio?
Splicing in the audio stream coincides with the splice in the video stream. Our algorithms provide a smooth transition between the audio streams.
What is the latency to a splice command?
The time between when the splice command is received and when the splice is actually effected is 2 frames max.
Is the latency constant through your system?
Yes
Can you splice into an open GOP?
Yes
Does the splicer restamp PCR?
Yes
Can you do a switch now?
Yes
DATA
How are you different from Skystream or Thomcast?
Because we are a highly integrated solution to many operational requirements we have more functionality and features in a single package. Data multiplexing is only one of the features provided in the AgileVision system. Our large scale integration provides a full feature set at a comparatively lower price.
Do you have applications for the consumer?
No. The AgileVision is a tool that enables the user to access the transport stream and insert data in an opportunistic manner. The data format is not limited to a proprietary system. We are currently in conversations with content providers to ensure that we provide a full set of desired features.
Do you support ATVEF synchronized content?|
Yes
Do you support carouseling of data?
Yes
How much data can you support?
The bitrate of the data is determined by the bandwidth of the other streams in transport stream. The opportunistic nature of the system allows the data stream to utilize any of the unused portions of the 19.39Mb/s data stream.
Do you support grooming?
Yes. In addition to eliminating null packets, the AGV-1000 supports data grooming by providing broadcasters with an ability to reduce the bit rate of the incoming feed. Users will have an ability to determine their tradeoffs on bitrate vs. picture quality.
Remove Bits from incoming stream?
Yes.
How do you encapsulate the data?
We accept data that is already encapsulated in an MPEG stream. We are promoting interoperability with all data providers.
What data formats do you support? What types of data can you MUX?
Any MPEG encapsulated data format is supported. The data is delivered to the AgileVision system via a 100 Base-T IP network connection.
Do you MUX opportunistic data?
Yes
RELIABILITY
What is the MTBF?
Our product testing is not yet completed. The target MTBF is specified at 50,000 hours.
Redundant PS?
Yes
Hot swappable PS?
Yes
NT? / Why?
Microsoft NT is the operating system of the interface subsystem. The program path subsystems are based on Motorola G4 processors running Mercury Compute Systems Operating System. The Mercury Computers OS is used in mission critical military applications and in life critical medical applications.
Is there provision for 24/7 operation? (‘Hot' spare/shadow?)
The system is designed to be integrated into 24/7 operations and supports all automation control of external data archiving, and mirrored operations.
Do you have a single point of failure?
Critical failure points include the I/O boards and host platform. Currently we are evaluating ways of providing a system for gracefully degrading the functionality in the event of hardware failure without encountering a complete failure of any one subsystem.
LOGO
Can you insert moving logos and animated logos?
Yes
How big a logo can you do?
Up to 128 vertical lines.
What is maximum size of logo for 720P?
Up to 96 vertical lines.
Can we dissolve in? How long?
Yes, dissolves of any duration are acceptable.
Can the logo be placed anywhere?
Yes
How many simultaneous logos can you support?
Two
What type? Opaque? Solid Key… type?
The logo inserter supports TARGA graphics files with an alpha channel. The system utilizes the alpha channel to control the transparency of the logo.
Do you maintain the same bit rate for each channel?
Yes
Does your logo insertion take place in the compressed domain?
Yes
Can you do a squeeze and tease?
No
Can you do logo and EAS at the same time?
Yes
Will the box do EAS automatically?
Yes
Can I place my local bug over the network logo?
Yes
How is the logo controlled?
The logo system can be controlled by external automation systems as well as manually.
How do I get logos into the system?
The logos are imported as a TARGA format graphics file over the LAN or imported on CD-ROM or floppy disk.
Can AgileVision product do downstream keying? What is the video signal input for the down stream key?
The logo inserter is in effect a down stream key. Logo and EAS data maybe keyed in to the compressed program stream before it is sent to the transmitter. The AGV-1000, however, will not key live video over the compressed stream.
Can you provide clean feed output (no logo) for re-purposing?
The AGV-1000 has a second that may be used as a preview output or a second program output. This output may be switched to monitor the program stream after the splicer but before the logo inserter. At this point the stream has the result of all the switches that are made to the program stream but has no logo. The stream does have the PSIP data and the Datacast information inserted.
AUDIO
Dolby E capability?
The AGV-1000 processes AC-3 audio.
Do you support voice-over?
Yes
DEMUX / MUX
Can we drop and add services
The system can drop services.
Do you use statistical multiplexing?
No.
PSIP
What is PSIP?
PSIP stands for Program and System Information Protocol. It is a set of data tables that tell the users' decoder information about the broadcast stream and the programs being transmitted.
What portion does AgileVision provide?
The AgileVision system provides a basic static PSIP system as well as an interface to an external PSIP authoring system.
What external PSIP generators do you work with?
Currently we have tested an interface to the Trivini Electronics (aka – LG Electronics) system
Where does your PSIP data come from? Does this connect to my traffic system?
The internal PSIP generator is a manual system with manual PSIP data entry. The system does support external PSIP authoring systems which could interface to a station traffic system.
Will we carry forward any PSIP information already in the stream?
Yes, the system may be configured to pass PSIP tables that are carried in the input stream. The "transmission" tables such as Major Channel Number and Transmission Frequency which are specific to your transmitter may be configured into the system and are updated as the PSIP tables are transmitted.
Can I edit my own PSIP tables on your system?
Yes.
PHYSICAL/MECHANICAL
What hardware is provided?
The AGV-1000 includes the chassis, keyboard, mouse.
Are boards hot swappable?
No
How heavy is it?
80 Lbs.
How do you access cards?
Top access to cards.
What are the power requirements?
20A @ 120V
CONTROL
How do I control your box?
The system is designed to be controlled by either the AGV-1000 GUI application software of the station's automation system.
Is there a hardware controller
No, the system is normally controlled via an external automation controller. Hardware controls for the overall system would be provided by the automation provider. The system may be controlled by a remote GUI running on a networked PC.
What automation control systems do you support?
All.
Many people are concerned about the high cost of some automation systems.
There are more than a dozen automation systems on the market today that vary broadly in terms of functionality and price. The AGV-1000 is designed to integrate with any automation system. Further, the AGV – 1000, has an optional AgileVision application software (GUI) that provides for local control.
What control interfaces are available? (RS-422, RS-232, Ethernet, etc)
Automation control is through either the LAN or a RS-422 interface. EAS interface is through a RS-232 interface.
What physical and electrical interfaces for control will be supported?
The AgileVision control system utilizes a 100Mb/s network architecture. Interface to external controlling systems can utilize the same network or dedicated serial ports.
Do you support VDCP/DJCP?
Yes
Can you change the playlist?
Yes. The playlist is designed with enough editing functionality built in to be used as a play to air tool if the normal broadcast automation system is unavailable for reason. The status screen of the command and control system is also designed as a status panel that may be continually displayed while the system is in operation. The display will reflect changes that are made locally and by the broadcast automation system.
Do you have GPIs?
Yes`
I/O
What interfaces are supported?
ASI is included. SMPTE 310 is available as an option.
What is ASI?
ASI is short for DVB-ASI which is the Digital Video Broadcasting - Asynchronous Serial Interface protocal for a 270 Mb/s transport stream.
What is 310?
"310" is short for the SMPTE 310M-1998 standard for Synchronous Serial Interface for MPEG-2 Digital Transport Stream.
Is AgileVision product DVB compliant? Will you support DVB formats?
Currently we support DVB-ASI transport streams. We will support other DVB formats in the future.
How many inputs? How many outputs?
Two inputs, one program out and one switchable output are provided. The switchable output can be used as a preview output or as a second program output.
Can AgileVision handle multi-channel transport streams?
The AGV-1000 will accept a MPTS input and select one program stream for the output. Among other features, the AGV – 3000 will support multi-channel outputs.
Can it drop programs from input multiplex and add local programs to output?
Currently, the AGV-1000 is a single program output transport stream processor. It is designed to process a multiple program transport stream input. The processor will select which input program will be sent to the output.
Where do compressed feeds come from?
From satellite IRDs or an encoder.
Where do 19.39 Mb/s compressed "spots" come from?
Compressed spots can come from several sources. One source is direct delivery form distribution agencies via satellite feeds or WAN. Another source is local generation with compression done via an MPEG-2 encoder.
Do you support SDTI?
Not in the AGV-1000
SMPTE 292?
Not in the AGV-1000
SMPTE 259?
Not in the AGV-1000
Uncompressed 601 or HD inputs?
No.
What do I do if I don't have a 19.39 feed?
The local signal may be processed through an external MPEG encoder.
45 Mbs uncompressed SD or HD
The AGV-1000 accepts only a 19.39Mb/s ATSC compliant bitstream.
Can this accept my DVC-Pro outputs?
No
Are you using third party I/O cards?
Yes
What is max number of I/O supported?
2 inputs and 2 outputs
Where does this fit into my system?
This product works in the compressed video domain. It fits between your network digital input feed and your transmitter STL and accepts a second input from other 19.39 Mbs ASI source.
SERVER
Archive input
The product will support external file storage devices over a high speed data network.
What is the I/O for the file server?
The AGV-1000 is available with either a Fibre Channel or a 1 Gbs Eithernet interface.
RAID?
The server's disks are RAID Level 0
Hot swappable disks?
Yes
How much storage?
The product ships with 2 hours of storage and is currently expandable internally to 48 hours of storage using 36 GB HDDs. As larger HDDs become available storage capacity will grow.
How do I get compressed content into the system?
One of two ways. 1) streaming content may be captured from the inputs. 2) files maybe transferred in via a network connection.
What is stored in the box?
We store MPEG-2 transport streams
SUPPORT
Is there a warranty? How long/details
One year Depot Service for labor and parts.
DISTRIBUTION CHANNELS
Whom do I call to buy one?
Contact AgileVision's headquarters directly. Our manufacturers sales representatives provide local support.
COST
How much does it cost?
List price is $225,000.
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