ASACA Ends Video Playlist Wait with New DVB-Compatible Video Storage/Playback Solution.

Business Editors & High Tech Writers

GOLDEN, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 19, 2001

Terabyte-Capacity DVD-RAM Library with Embedded Video Server Delivers

Direct-To-Air Playback of Up to 30,000 Hours of Video Storage

With the announcement of its new RapidAccess(TM) MediaMachine(TM), ASACA unleashes a whole new concept in MPEG-2 video storage and playback--the end of video playlist wait. Drawing on more than 30 years of experience in the broadcast and mass storage industries and teaming with Vela Broadcast, ASACA developed the RA-Series by integrating an ASACA TeraCart(R) rewritable DVD Library with an embedded video server. By enhancing this powerful combination with support for direct analog/digital encoding and multistream decoding, the RapidAccess MediaMachine provides direct-to-air playback of up to 30,000 hours of video storage. ASACA will demonstrate the broad video storage and playback capabilities of the RA-1450DVD system at its NAB Booth No. M8333 this week.

Designed to support the Windows(R) NT operating system, ASACA's new video archive systems offer scalability and unparalleled playback flexibility, making them ideal for applications such as broadcasting, sports venues, jumbotrons, amusement/theater, museums and shopping channels.

A complete encoding/monitoring/decoding/storage management solution for broacast-quality MPEG-2 as well as MPEG-1 video data, the RA-Series utilizes SDI and Composite video inputs/outputs. Direct Analog/Digital video input encoding is carried out with compression rates from 1.5 to 15 Mb/s using the 4:2:0 (Main Level at Main Profile) encoder, or from 10 to 50 Mb/s using the optional 4:2:2 (Main Level at Professional Profile) encoder. Encoded data is automatically stored on the embedded server's hard disc and on 4.7/9.4GB rewritable DVD media. The system also provides decoding of the encoded data back to Direct Analog/Digital output.

The RA-Series manages video content playback through playlists; but unlike the traditional linear playlist approach, ASACA's Video Archive system handles multiple playlists that can be easily modified or moved based on last-minute changes in scheduling, programming or content flow.

Clip content is managed through an easy-to-use interface based on either a Microsoft(R) SQL or Access relational database. Specific content and detail information on every encoded clip is stored, guaranteeing fast, accurate retrievals. Search queries can be composed to quickly locate content for composing playlists or managing the storage system contents.

Embedded, centralized storage gives users the ability to play back media on any channel immediately after recording with no transfer delays, caching or unnecessary file duplication. Operators see the actual data that has been stored so errors can be identified and encoding parameters can be adjusted.

To help broadcasters make every minute count, ASACA's video archive system includes a real time confidence monitoring capability that enables users to encode and monitor a file that is being recorded while simultaneously monitoring up to four playlists. With this feature, a single operator can easily manage the record process for all channels, even in the largest systems.

By centralizing both online and near-line video storage in a single box and offering automatic system management in addition to manual control, substantial time savings can be realized. Automatic control of playback can be triggered through other playlists, GPI events or through remote control consoles. GPI outputs can also be used to control downstream video switchers and routers. Video output levels, timing, audio levels, diagnostics and other parameters can be controlled through a password-protected window.

Built-in Scalability Protects Initial Investment

In addition to featuring an open architecture, the RA-Series video archive systems are completely modular solutions that scale to enable organizations to meet their specific needs today and in the future. Starting with a single cabinet, systems can be expanded, both in archival storage content and archival stream capacity as well as the number of playback channels. Dozens of encode/playback workstations and thousands of hours of video storage can be added as needed.

The system's embedded video server includes two 32GB 10,000 RPM Ultra SCSI disc drives for a total of 64GB or about 18 hours of online video storage. For even higher capacities, optional 72GB drives are available which provide a total of about 40 hours of online video storage.

Offering hard drive-like random access and rewritability, the DVD-RAM libraries that are incorporated in the RA-750DVD system provide up to 7TB or about 1,900 hours of near-online capacity using 750 rewritable DVD discs. The RA-1450DVD system provides up to 13.6TB or about 3,700 hours of near-online storage using 1,450 rewritable DVD discs. Up to eight libraries can be connected with a media pass-through mechanism, creating a single library or multiple virtual libraries. Expansion cabinets are also available that can be configured with up to 192 DVD-RAM drives and up to 11,600 double-sided DVD-RAM discs to provide 109TB (about 30,000 hours) of removable, rewritable video storage.

Rewritable DVD vs. Legacy Analog Tape Systems

The 750 and 1450-disc DVD Video Archive systems provide two to four times the capacity of legacy BetacamSP analog tape systems in less than four square feet of floor space. Each side of a 9.4GB (double-sided) DVD-RAM disc can store two hours of theater-quality video for less than $.40/GB. The ability to provide more than 100,000 write/rewrite cycles and a data life of more than 30 years makes the media even more cost-effective. The highly reliable, removable DVD-RAM discs also offer distinct advantages over traditional videotape systems, including exceptional picture quality, instant access to individual frames and non-linear editing support. Video stored on DVD-RAM won't deteriorate over time or with new generations of post production processes. In addition, files can be manipulated (e.g., freeze-framed or replayed in super slow motion) without any of the registration or tracking problems associated with analog video.

Pricing, Availability

ASACA's RA-Series video storage and playback solutions are available for immediate delivery from leading distributors and resellers worldwide. Suggested list pricing for the RA-750DVD RapidAccess MediaMachine system starts at $136,900.00. The RA-1450DVD, with 6 drives, is approximately $231,800.00, depending upon the options selected. ASACA offers a wide range of options including Fibre Channel/SAN connectivity, embedded RAID and a Traffic & Billing interface.

About ASACA

Founded in 1971, the ASACA/SHIBASOKU Corporation has its US headquarters in Golden, Colo. A leading developer of high-capacity, high-performance data storage solutions, the company is focused on serving broadcast and data storage markets worldwide. For complete information on the new RA-Series or the TeraCart DVL systems, visit the ASACA website at www.asaca.com.

All company and/or product names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective manufacturers. Features, pricing, availability and specifications are subject to change without notice.