Avid DNA: a new step to evolutions of the NLE systems

By Victor Shpil

Review contents:
Nonlinear editing today Avid DNA: a new step to evolutions of the NLE systems Cards by Canopus Corporation for nonlinear editing dpsVelocityQ Matrox cards for nonlinear editing Pinnacle CineWave Pinnacle Liquid Edition V5.5 K2 is the second life of Targa 3000

For 15-year period of existence of the nonlinear editing technology several generations of such systems were changed. Presently we are at the beginning of new stage of the nonlinear technology development.

We shall try to list the main premises of this stage:

• Computing power of workstation on PC platform allows realizing the operations of the decoding and multi stream mixing with visual effects of video material in standard resolution in real time without using of additional specialized processor. When working is in standard resolution the need of the such processor using remains only at decision of the problems of compression-decompression of video material and input/output through standard analog and digital video interfaces;
• Inevitable transition to HDTV in near-by future became obvious for many peoples. In this connection appeared the need of the development of specialized processor for processing of at least two streams of cinema or video material in HD format in real time. If a processor rate will increase with each year according to Moore law, so such index will reach by double-processor workstations to 2008 only;
• Modern level of the development of network NAS and SAN technology provide the wider possibilities for creation of editing and broadcasting complexes with using of general disc arrays and general databases;
• For keeping of media data some leading producers of professional video equipment have chosen the MXF format. In tape video recorder the standard network interfaces have appeared. The disc recorders with standard disc carriers such as DVD and HDD are produced wider.

In such conditions the competitive fight can win only a company, taking into account all these trends in complex. Avid Technology always has been counted on complex high professional approach to resolution of client problem. Avid products became as some standard in the NLE world. In 1999 Avid Technology delivered its first editing complex on the base of the single disc array named Unity. Till now more than 1500 such systems were installed on over the world. No one integrator in this area has any such experience in installation of network decisions in cinema and video production.

When introducing the network non-linear editing the Avid Technology Company had a possibility to establish some requirements to editing system of the next generation. In collective work are usually used the editing stations of the miscellaneous complexity level and different technological target. Participants in technological chain are stations of the preview, rough and production editing, stations of audio and complex multilayered editing, as well as stations of the final editing and logging. For joint operation these stations must support the work with single database, to have a similar graphic interface, to provide a whole compatibility at the project level and maximum compatibility at the effect media data format level. Also a modern editing system must provide the possibility of the use of video materials with different type of compression on a single time scale.

The Avid Company well understood that for qualitative breakout it is necessary to offer for users a line of the new products, rather then separate technological innovation. Three years were spent for construction and adjustment of this line. The most important technical decisions were protected by patent pending. All works were carried out in mode of absolute security. Apropos, Avid always offers to user only adjusted and safely functioning products. Unlike to marketing policy of many other producers, the new Avid systems are delivering on the markets, as a rule, after several months since their announcement.

On NAB exhibition in Las-Vegas in April 2003 the new line of the Avid systems for the first time was submitted for specialist’ “court”, and the first supplies of the equipment began at August already.

Avid DNA family

All new Avid systems are built on the base of digital nonlinear booster DNA (Digital Nonlinear Accelerator) family. The DNA units are the reprogrammable processors with flexible upgradeable architecture. Such approach allows producing the modernization without change of the system hardware. Software for new systems is also composed on base of the new scalable architecture of visual effects in real time. With power raising of the base workstation processors such approach automatically allow to enlarge the amount of visual effects and layers, processed by system in real time.

At present the DNA family is presented by three base modules:

• Nitris;
• Adrenaline;
• Mojo.

On the base of DNA Nitris the Avid DS Nitris and Avid DS Nitris Editor systems are produced.

On the base of DNA Adrenaline the Avid Media Composer and Avid NewsCutter FX systems are produced.

On the base DNA Mojo the Avid Xpress Pro and Avid NewsCutter XP systems are built.

Systems on base of the Avid Nitris DNA module

The computing power of this system is equivalent to 30 Pentium IV processors. Avid Nitris DNA provides functioning in real time with two streams of 10-bit video with HD resolution or eight streams of the SD resolution. Nor one of the editing systems, using to this target the power of base computer processor, for present day can not cope with such task.

Avid DS Nitris

Architecture of Avid Nitris DNA allows increasing the list of effects in real time by means of programmed load of new algorithms of picture processing during system optimization. On essences, the effect block presents itself an ideal multi channel switchboard with 13-bit signal processing 4:4:4:4, transmitting one part of data through base computer processors, and other part — through Nitris DNA. The high rating exchange buses in combination with powerful processors for present day are provided a maximum possible processing and video data output rates.

The system allows realizing the picture resolution change from HD to SD and backing with adaptation of fields in real time. As a result the need in acquisition of expensive converter is fallen off. This function will not use the main processor of the block and is not reflected on possibility of the system of visual effects creation. In base computer the cards of high rate exchange by data with DNA block and cards for multi format coding-decoding are installed.

The system supports the functioning with HD signal of following types:

• 720p, 59.94 and 60 frame/sec;
• 1080i 25; 29.97 and 30 frame/sec;
• 1080p 23.98; 24; 25; 29.97 and 30 frame/sec;
• 1080psf 23.98; 24; 25; 29.97; 30 Hz;
• Component YPbPr or RGB with three-level synchronizing (output only).

Following effects are provided for each layer in real time:

• Chroma key and luma key;
• Primary color correction;
• Secondary color correction with support of even luminosity component;
• Limiting color level;
• “Picture in picture” with borders and cuts;
• 2.5D effects of the scaling, rotations, slopping and displacement;
• High quality blur.

The built-in universal system of the signal coding-decoding is supported the functioning with the following formats of video data:

• 8-bit SD without compression;
• 10-bit SD without compression;
• DV25;
• DV50;
• IMX;
• JFIF;
• Avid 8-bit HD 7:1;
• Avid 10-bit HD 4:1;
• 8-bit HD without compression;
• 10-bit HD without compression.

The Avid DS Nitris Editor system is intended for classical and simple multilayered editing. The system has the traditional editing Avid interface. Unlike DS Nitris Editor, the DS Nitris system is targeted on complex multilayered editing. For control of multilayered effects and organization of complex time scales its use some special virtual containers. The multilayered editing is executed through “tree” of effects, which is a powerful interface for making and control of complex multilayered compositions. For combination of the masks an unlimited number of the external masks in layer with Boolean operations is available. The system has an extended set of operations between layers and masks. User friendly interface of 3D environment with interactive in OpenGL and real three-coordinate space flexible and effectively allows to realize the three-dimensional rotation, scaling, displacement and distortion, as well as to create the three-dimensional subtitles. The mode “Animation camera” is intended for simulation of camera effects. DS Nitris Editor and DS Nitris have a similar hardware base so DS Nitris Editor by software changing is easy modernized to DS Nitris.

The interface of both systems provides the unlimited number of video and tracks superimposed over it and allow mixing the scenes with different compression on single time scale. There is a support of different editing transitions, complex chroma key, and dynamic change of playing rate at effects of fast/slow motion. If it is desired the effects can count with 32-bit quality. There is a wide choice of 3D-effects and subtitle system with extended possibilities. The vector graphic interface with large powered raster mode of rotoscope allows realizing the drawing by pen pressure sensitive to graphic board. The drawn lines can be reanimated and to make morphing. Both systems allow ingesting the data in mov, avi, psd, eps, tiff, Softimage pic, Cineon, Targa, YUV, RGB, aiff, and pict formats.

The systems support the opened formats AAF and MXF, designed for changing of metadata between systems produced by different producers. The compositions in format Avid OMF 2.0 and information about audio data in OMF-file are supported automatically. Compatibility on AAF with more early Avid system such as Sympony, Media Composer and Xpress DV, is provided.

DS Nitris Editor and DS Nitris allow to realize the digitization in packet mode and create the projects on base of information from EDL (CMX and GVG), as well as to import Avid Log Exchange (ALE) with station of the material preliminary marking.

Both systems enable to realize qualitative rough and clean editing of cinema materials, shot by traditional film technology. Import of cinema material by scan systems and export of data to the systems of the printing on film are supported.

Unlimited number of audio tracks is available for processing of sound. Nitris DNA has 8 channels (input/output) of 24-bit audio with sampling 96 kHz. Multi server mixing and audio pan, including surround sound5.1, are supported. Audio editing is realized with frame and sample accuracy. Automatic conversion of sampling rate is provided as well.

The user of the systems is provided by many tools of media data control for searching, sorting, viewing, displacement and removing of media data, opening of the joint access to media data from miscellaneous projects and from different machines for selective removing of the wasted material.

Systems on base of the Avid Adrenaline DNA module

Avid Adrenaline DNA is a base of the following generation of the editing systems, such as Avid Media Composer Adrenaline and Avid NewsCutter Adrenaline FX.

Avid Media Composer Adrenaline

Unlike from preceding Avid systems, the Adrenaline DNA block connects to a base workstation through usual IEEE 1394 cable. In this case the work with non-compressed video material of standard resolution is occurred through interface IEEE 1394 as well. The system works with DV25, IMX, DV50, Meridien JFIF, AVR materials, as well as without compression. Also the Avid Adrenaline DNA provides the 10-bit processing of video and 24-bit processing of audio. As base workstation a computer or notebook with interface IEEE 1394 can be used. The system works both with platform Windows XP, and with Mac OS X. Because of scalable architecture of the programmed modules, which are responsible for execution of visual effects in real time, the project, began on powerful double processor workstation, can be open on notebook (for instance, in field condition), and vice versa. At this case the system defines, what effects in that configuration will be executed in real time, but what effects will require a calculations. When as main station the computer HP WX8000 on the base two processors Xeon 2.8 GHz and graphic 3D-accelerator NVidia 980XGL is used, the system provides the processing in real time of five streams of non-compressed SD video material and eight streams in rough quality.

The block has the following inputs/outputs for work with video signal:

• 10-bit SDI;
• Component YPbPr;
• S-Video;
• Composite;
• DV interface with analog signal transformation in real time to DV and back.

Also it is planned the production of the extension module for Avid Adrenaline DNA intended for work with HD video material. He will have an input/output of the HD-SDI signal and will be able to support the latest formats of video compression in HD format for 145 Mbit/sec (8-bit, 4:2:2) and 220 Mbit/sec (8/10-bit, 4:2:2) in the following format:

• 1080i 30; 29.97; 25 Hz;
• 1080 PsF 30; 29.97; 25; 24; 23.976 Hz;
• 720p 60; 59.94, 50 Hz.

The Avid Adrenaline DNA provides the processing of audio signal with sampling rate 48, 44.1 and 32 kHz (up to 96 kHz is supported by hardware) and 16 or 24 bits resolution. For work with audio signal there are following inputs/outputs:

• 8 ADAT channels or optical S/PDIF stereo channel;
• 4 AES/EBU channels;
• 4 analog RCA channels (inputs);
• 4 analog XLR channels (inputs);
• Monitor stereo output.

The editing system Avid Media Composer Adrenaline completely meets the requirements to nonlinear editing system in the working group. The system provides the work with non-compressed video, supports all previous video file formats, used in Avid systems (ABVB AVRs and Meridien JFIF), as well as formats DV25, DV50 and IMX50. All of them this is possible to use on one time scale in real time simultaneously. If required the results of video editing can be encoded in real time to one of these formats.

Let us enumerate the main editing possibilities of this system, which are realized in real time:

• Adjustable 3D effects and defocusing;
• Numerous versions of editing transitions, including masks, shutters, pixelization, “picture in picture”, etc.;
• Acceleration/deceleration effects adjusted by splines;
• Chroma key on color and brightness keys and alpha-mask;
• Powerful tools of color correction with possibility of the whole row automatic correction by one mouse click. The professional set of tools for adjustment and analysis of color gamut;
• Non-compressed graphics, flat and three-dimensional subtitles, “running string” and “drum”, patterns of subtitle adjustable by user, etc.

ExpertRender technology allows to the system to define instantly the possibility of the realization of any visual effect in real time. The majority of real time effects were executed by OpenGL technology. If effects, executing in real time, have not necessary quality level, so it is possibility to calculate them with resolution up to 32 bits.

The editing can realize with format of the frame 4:3 and 16:9. Is it also supported the editing of video material, obtained under synchronous multicamera shooting.

It is provided the full compatibility of projects, sequences, time scales, adjustments, audio- and video effects with system Avid Xpress, Media Composer and Symphony, as well as with Avid DS Nitris. It is supported the export-import of media data in AAF, MXF and OMF formats. The system allows realizing the data import from Adobe Photoshop (with layer) and data exchange with AdobeAfter Effects.

Due to full compatibility between platforms the work with the same project is possible to realize as on system on platform Windows, so and on Mac. The developed database allows quickly and comfortable to realize the cataloging and searching of necessary media data.

Avid Media Composer Adrenaline has a full set of the possibilities for rough film editing:

• 24p mode;
• Support of the work with camcorder Panasonic AG-DVX100 24p;
• Playback and recording of rough video material with 35:1p, 28:1p, 14:1p compression;
• Support of 24-frame time code, compatibility with 23.976 frame/sec projects.

The system presents the wide possibilities for high-quality audio editing. Many-channel mixing and audio pan are supported, automatic conversion of sampling rate is provided. The editing is realized with frame accuracy. For editing is possible to use 24-bit audio files, received from Digidesign Pro Tools.

On its editing possibilities the Avid NewsCutter Adrenaline FX practically repeats Avid Adrenaline Media Composer, but, unlike it, has some specific functions, inherent to news editing, such as following:

• Digitization of video directly on time scale (the imitation of traditional editing pair);
• Digitization of video according to timetable (for automatic recording of programs from satellite);
• Marking of material and input of comments during digitization process;
• Quick Record; this is a mode of quick record without computer keyboard and mouse using. Control of video recorder is executed by Jog/Shuttle handle of video recorder, but a signal for beginning of digitization is the transfer of the video recorder in playback mode;
• Simuledit; this is a possibility of the video material editing, capturing on server Air SPACE, without waiting of the digitization completion;
• Creation of subclips and placement of the marks during the digitization process;
• Mode of video recorder emulation according to RS-422 protocol on record and playback;
• Beginning of playback according to GPI signal.

Avid NewsCutter Adrenaline FX is closely integrated with journalism system Avid i-News. Sheets of the playback and scenarios, prepared by journalists, are possible to view in interface of the editing station directly. Announcer text can be open in separate window; herewith an editing decision on time scale is adjusted to reading speed of the concrete announcer. The scenarios of news system can be used for automatic creation of video consequence on time scale.

The system is completed by local program Avid TransferManager, allowing operatively changing by projects and video data between editing stations. Also local TransferManager provides the exchange of video data with broadcasting video server Avid AirSpace under Gigabit Ethernet network at the rate up to fourfold faster, than in real time. Video server AirSpace can immediately begin the playback of material, prepared on Avid NewsCutter Adrenaline FX, not waiting the completion of the video material transmission. Also the material, captured on server, can send to editing, not waiting the completion of the digitization.

Avid Mojo DNA based Systems

Avid Mojo DNA is a base of the following generation of the editing systems such as Avid Xpress Pro with Avid Mojo (software Avid Xpress Pro is a continuation of Avid Xpress DV) and Avid NewsCutter XP with Avid Mojo.

Avid Xpress Pro and Avid Mojo

Previous systems of this class have produced the digitization and output of video material through standard computer interface IEEE 1394 and, accordingly, supported the functioning with DVCAM and DVCPRO25 video files only. Since these systems had not a hardware synchronizing, when writing editing results on analog video recorders through different DV-converters the malfunction often was occurred, bring to failure of the synchronizing and skipping of the frames. Additionally, these systems did not support the full-fledged work with effects in real time. For recording of edited video material on video recorder there was a preliminary necessity to calculate the effects. With appearance of AvidMojo DNA all these problems were solved.

The block has the following inputs/outputs:

• Composite;
• S-Video;
• Component YUV (are provided by special cable, connected to S-Video and composite connectors);
• DV-interface with transformation of analog signal to DV and back in real time;
• Input of synchronizing;
• Analog audio inputs/outputs of RCA stereo.

It is supported the functioning with material in format DV25, 15:1s JFIF, as well as without compression. At transmission of uncompressed video material is carried out through interface IEEE 1394 as well. As base workstation it is a possibility to use the computer or notebook with IEEE1394 interface. The system works both on platform Windows XP and Mac OS X.

The block provides the 20-bit processing of audio signal at digitization and allows to playback the 24-bit audio files, earlier prepared in Digidesign ProTools.

Avid Mojo is compact and can be powered both from standard network, and from batteries.

Software Avid Xpress Pro and Avid NewsCutter XP can work without block Mojo, but in such case all afore-mentioned possibilities are disappeared.

The effects of the real time in Avid Xpress Pro and Avid NewsCutter XP are realized by means of the base station processor power. 3D effects are realized by means of OpenGL technology. Thus, for optimum functioning of the system the base workstation must have double processor and shall be provided by graphic 3D-accelerator NVidia 980XGL. Both versions of system software (either as in later models) automatically define, what effects in given configuration will be execute in real time, and what effects will require the calculation.

Avid Xpress Pro with Avid Mojo provides the following:

• Execution more than 115 different visual effects, including three-dimensional, in real time;
• Playback on the same time scale of video material with compression DV, DVCAM, DVCPRO25, 15:1s JFIF, as well as without compression;
• Effects of the acceleration-deceleration;
• Chroma key on color and brightness keys;
• Powerful tools of color correction, a professional set of tools for adjustment and analysis of the color gamut;
• Non-compressed graphics, “running string” and “drum”, patterns of subtitles adjusted by user, etc.;
• Data import from Adobe Photoshop (with layers) and data exchange with AdobeAfter Effects;
• Effect of picture stabilization.

The system provides the high-quality audio editing. The multichannel mixing and audio pan are supported, automatic conversion of sampling rate is provided. The editing is realized with frame accuracy. For editing is possible to use the 24-bit audio files, ingested from Digidesign Pro Tools.

The system has a full set of the possibilities for rough film editing such as following:

• 24p mode;
• Support of the work with camcorder Panasonic AG-DVX100 24p;
• Playback of rough video material with 35:1p, 28:1p, 14:1p compression;
• Support of 24-frame time code, compatibility with 23.976 frame/sec projects;
• Free of charge in set of software Avid Xpress Pro the kit of additional connecting modules for picture and audio is included.

On its editing possibilities the Avid NewsCutter XP with Avid Mojo practically repeats the Avid Adrenaline NewsCutter FX. The features of this system are limited, first of all, by possibilities of the block Avid Mojo DNA.

Material is provided by Elogar Company