Digital Video Servers

Pixels manufactures turnkey multi-channel digital video server systems with content scheduling and communication software.

The ReelTime Digital Video Server series from Pixels delivers professional MPEG-2 digital video and audio playback quality and control for an unlimited range of applications, at a per-channel cost that is revolutionising the industry. With MPEG-2, the international standard for digital video and audio compression and decompression, you get top quality, full resolution video and CD quality stereo audio.

Multi-channel configurations
Configured with 4, 8, 12, or 16 independent MPEG-2 playback channels, the ReelTime Digital Video Server series can be used in any local or distributed video application where cost effectiveness, quality and reliability are important factors. Some of these include:

• Video-on-demand (VoD)
• In-store and point-of-purchase (PoP) advertising
• Private broadcast video
• Multiplex cinema complexes
• Cable TV
• Interactive training
• Museums
• Exhibitions
• Video kiosks and information points
• Hotels and hospitality centres
• Theme bars and restaurants
• Leisure and entertainment centres, theme parks.

This is an illustration of just some of the possible system configurations - many others are possible.   The ReelTime Digital Video Server is at the heart of a distributed and fully expandable digital video and audio system. Multiple display devices: Plasma display panels, Video monitors, Video projectors, LCD panels.   Broadband-link for fast update of MPEG-2 media.

Synchronised playback
The video and audio content on any or all channels can be synchronised to frame-accuracy or played independently, or can switch between synchronised and independent playback on a channel-by-channel basis. The intuitive and easy-to-use software provides users with complete control over MPEG-2 playback scheduling and channel synchronisation.

In many video applications, the ReelTime Digital Video Server, by itself, replaces the video processor, the video source (eg laser disk player or VCR) and the source control interface. Also, because the playback content is fully digital, users now have the option of updating content via remote digital file transmission through an ADSL modem to a dedicated web site.

Retail environments
With studies showing that over 70% of all retail purchasing decisions are made in the store, effective in-store promotions are a central component of successful retailing. Unlike any other visual merchandising channel, the ReelTime Digital Video Server allows retailers to quickly adjust in-store strategies, based upon inventory, weather, events or trends. For example, a chain of hardware stores, of any size, could respond to an unexpected snowfall in one region by changing the in-store message from garden hoses and rakes to snow shovels and salt within an hour, with no in-store intervention. Contrast this to a minimum 6-8 week lead-time for a large retailer to design and implement a traditional printed sign merchandising strategy. From promoting new seasonal products that hold higher margins, to introducing a new product line, to moving excess inventory at sale prices, the cost effective ReelTime Digital Video Server technology can dramatically impact per store revenue and margin.

ReelTime Digital Video Servers are installed in over 100 Virgin V-Shops around the UK to provide high quality, attention-grabbing video and audio advertising to customers. The video is projected onto the inside of the store's front windows and on plasma display panels inside the store. All ReelTime servers are remotely controlled and updated from Virgin's head office.

Professional quality systems
At the heart of the ReelTime Digital Video Server, built in a rugged steel cabinet, sits one or more single or multi-channel MPEG-2 decoder PCI cards. These specially designed cards, which are also sold separately to systems builders, are the leaders in their class in terms of functionality, price and performance. Each server is assembled with the highest quality components and rigorously soak-tested prior to delivery and installation. A UPS (uninteruptable power supply) is provided as an option for failsafe operation and enables the whole system to be powered up, run and powered down merely from a main power switch without any trained operator intervention. The ReelTime Digital Video Server series is backed by Pixels' unconditional 12-month warranty and expertise from our technical support personnel.

The 16-piece 'digital orchestra'. Here a sixteen channel ReelTime server is playing all channels in frame-accurate synchronisation. 16 MPEG-2 files, each of a different musician, play a movement from Handel's Water Music suite.

Specifications

Hardware

• 1-16 independent, synchronised MPEG-2 playback channels - scaleable architecture
  
• Composite, S-Video or RGB video outputs in PAL or NTSC formats
• Display resolutions: PAL – 704 x 576, NTSC – 720x 480
• Maximum MPEG-2 bit rate: Up to 8Mbit/s per channel
• Stereo audio outputs
• Operating system: Windows 2000
• Typical system: Pentium 4, 256MB RAM, 80GB HDD
• Media storage: 1 or more UW-SCSI HDDs, typically 72GB or higher
• Networking: 100Mbit/s RJ-45 standard connection
• Media updates: DVD-ROM drive or hot-swap RAID
• Outputs: A variety of A/V interface and cabling configurations are available via industry standard connectors and patch panels.

Software

• Vidserve - multi-channel player - source code available
• ReelTime Player - multi-channel playlist and channel synchronisation
• Vidcom - serial communication and play-list commander
• Other utilities and custom software available

Typical dimensions:
5U rack-mount chassis - 440mm wide x 580mm deep x 220mm high
3U rack-mount chassis - 440mm wide x 460mm deep x 220mm high
Other sizes and types of cases and chassis available.

Power: 95-132VAC, 60Hz, 185-250VAC, 50Hz universal, typically 200W.

MPEG Encoding
A standard definition (SD) PAL and NTSC MPEG-1 and PAL, NTSC and High Definition (HD) MPEG-2 encoding service is also provided to our customers. Original media can be in AVI or MOV file formats and Betacam, DigiBeta, D5 or HDCam professional tape formats.

Download the MPEG-2 Encoding Guidelines (PDFformat)