Core features VC-2 codec to HD/UHD-proof video tools

More and more, video is captured and managed in HD formats. At the same time, the transport may still depend on legacy equipment with a lower bandwidth. A lightweight visually lossless compression is the logic bridge. But for a widespread acceptance, the solution should be simple, have minimal latency and allow a cost-effective implementation. 

The VC-2 LD codec, which was originally developed at the BBC and later standardised as SMPTE 2042, is a simple intra-frame wavelet codec that was specifically designed for low complexity and low latency. The codec combines light compression with high-quality lossless video. The VC-2 is patent-free; it may be included in video production equipment without the potential costs, legal uncertainties and practical difficulties of including other comparable codecs. The codec does not require many computational resources and can be integrated in existing designs and low-end Altera and Xilinx FPGAs.

“Adding VC-2 LD to video equipment is a smart way to manage higher resolutions and frame rates, and still keep the required bandwidth, storage and compute power within budget,” said Jean-Marie Cloquet, Manager, Video Division, Barco Silex. “With this hardware core, equipment suppliers will be able to make their equipment future-proof without major redesigns and cost upgrades.”