PACIFIC PALISADES, CALIF.-For this month's blog, I thought we'd go over mezzanine video compression. It's become a hot topic again, especially in the area of moving real time video over IP networks.
First, some background on mezzanine compression.
Mezzanine compression is defined as a level of video compression that reduces the video bitrate (bandwidth) so it can fit into professional videotape or storage devices while not being too aggressive, thus retaining the overall quality of the video. Typically, mezzanine compression ratios are from 2:1 to 8:1. Various digital video tape formats used mezzanine compression: D5-HD (4:1), HD CAM (2:1), DVC Pro (5:1), HD CAM SR (3:1), DigiBetacam (8:1).
Key parameters for mezzanine compression are:
Support for 10-bit depth (or higher)
4:2:0/4:2:2/4:4:4 chroma resolutions
Intraframe encoding
Multiple pass with minimal degradations
HD and UHDTV format support
Today, the focus is on compressing live video signals being transported and distributed over IP networks. As has been discussed, the current transmission bandwidth of IP interconnects is 10 Gbps, which can carry up to three uncompressed HD signals, but is not enough to carry even one UHDTV signal. There are multiple implementations for mezzanine compression over IP:
JPEG 2000 from Evertz
TICO from IntoPix
LLVC from Sony
NDI from Newtek
The first three are wavelet-based, while NDI is described as ProRes-like (DCT-based). JPEG 2000 used in the Evertz EXE-VSR routing system is based on the ISO standard and supports multiple resolutions and formats, including HD and 4K.
TICO has been developed by IntoPix and is based on a lightweight implementation of JPEG 2K. Tico supports HD, 4K and 8K video formats and has low latency encode/decode with low complexity for implementation in firmware (e.g, field programmable gate arrays) as well as in software. TICO is in process of SMPTE standardization.
Low Latency Video Compression, or LLVC, by Sony, has been document in SMPTE RDD34. Using wavelet compression and a line-based entropy encoding, LLVC accomplishes low latency with line-based encapsulation.
NDI's compression is designed to work in software and is the basis for Newtek's Tricaster production system. NDI's compression and SDK supports multiple video and audio streams transported over IP networks. NDI is supported on 32- or 64-bit Windows operating systems with Intel i3 Sandy Bridge CPU or better and a minimum of 4 GB of RAM. While not a I-frame-only codec, it provides for transparent delivery even with packet loss. The codec is based on a 8x8 DCT transform and supports 10-bit, 4:2:0,4:2:2 and 4:4:4.
The JPEG Standards Committee is also looking at standardizing mezzanine video compression.
While the criteria above are necessary, the key issue is going to be interoperability. Will multiple mezzanine methods be used and thus require multiple licenses and implementations? Or will one of these methods become the dominate method and become the de facto standard? In addition, will these compression standards be applicable for the storage and NLE applications? It could be very desirable to have one mezzanine compression standard, but is this necessary for adoption?
In one of the first large adoptions of mezzanine compression, ESPN uses it at the core of its new DC2 facility in Bristol, Conn. ESPN uses Evertz JPEG2K encapsulated in MPEG-2 transport, and delivered over the core EXE-VSR router based on 10Gbps switching. With ESPN's more 4,000 simultaneous sources requiring simultaneous transmission to almost as many outputs, mezzanine compression in a 10Gbps switch fabric is a necessity.
While compression opens up bandwidth, there are also choices in terms of the amount of compression/bandwidth, bit depth (10-bit or higher) and the format of the video (4:2:0, 4:2:2, 4:4:4, HD, UHD-I or II). While HD generally is compressed between 100 and 200 Mbps, UHDTV is compressed at 250 to 500 Mbps. But at these rates, many compressed video signals can fit in a 10 Gbps infrastructure.
What does this mean? Well, mezzanine compression has proven to be workable for storage of video. Compressed video is in use for distribution and final delivery to the consumer. But will mezzanine video compression be acceptable for live video streaming inside a video production?
Most recent headlines
17/02/2025
TVBEurope talks to the team who brought a piece of broadcasting history back to life on BBC Wales last night
By Jenny Priestley
Published: February 14, 2025 ...
17/02/2025
Eligible studios will receive the relief directly from their local authorities, with no need to submit a claim
By Matthew Corrigan
Published: February 17, 20...
17/02/2025
As DEI initiatives come under pressure in the USA, supporters of Rise, which promotes diversity in the media and entertainment sector, discuss the continuing im...
17/02/2025
EIB Global loan will partially fund SES's continued O3b mPOWER medium earth orbit (MEO) fleet expansion enabling additional capacity worldwide. O3b mPOWER s...
15/02/2025
At Nielsen, Business Resource Groups (BRGs) play a critical role in nurturing a ...
15/02/2025
Innovation to empower creativity: Explore the latest in Lightroom
Rob Christensen February 15, 2025
0 Comments
Whether you want to remove distracting ...
15/02/2025
Wisycom, a worldwide leader in RF technology and provider of wireless solutions, announces a new distribution agreement with EQUAPHON. An Argentinian profession...
15/02/2025
DPA Microphones, the leading manufacturer of high-quality microphone solutions, is pleased to welcome Nicholas Nick Mariano and Vincent Vince Divine to the ...
15/02/2025
Tuxera, a leading provider of quality-assured file systems and networking solutions, will showcase how Tuxera Fusion SMB enables unprecedented performance for m...
15/02/2025
Bitmovin's latest Video Developer Report indicates an increasing role of AI, the slow adoption of next-generation codecs, and continuing challenges when it ...
15/02/2025
When Michelin Enterprises set out to promote its prestigious Hotel Guide in the new Sleepless in the Kitchen , campaign, veteran German/Slovenian gaffer Robert...
15/02/2025
Formula E, the world's first all-electric racing series, revolutionizing motorsport with cutting-edge technology and a commitment to sustainability has sele...
15/02/2025
Agile Content, a global leader in TV and video technology solutions, announces its rebranding to AgileTV.
The transition to AgileTV stems from a commitment to ...
15/02/2025
Hiltron Communications will promote the latest additions to its range of satellite communication products, systems and supporting services at GovSatCom 2025. Th...
15/02/2025
Following the success of the original Airglow Booklight, DoPchoice debuts a new addition to their inflatable line the Float. This lightweight, inflatable, round...
15/02/2025
LAS VEGAS Marshall Electronics has announced that it will debut its newest camera controller, the RCP Plus, at the 2025 NAB Show at Booth N2649 between April 5 ...
15/02/2025
ATLANTA Gray Media has named Blake Sebo as the next general manager of KTUU and KYES, Gray's NBC and CBS affiliates in Anchorage, Alaska....
15/02/2025
KOKKEDAL, Denmark DPA Microphones will feature its new CORE+ technology for distortion-free microphone sound at the 2025 NAB Show, April 5-9, in Las Vegas....
15/02/2025
SWANSEA, U.K. QuickLink will launch StudioPro-NDI and StudioPro-3, two new models of its QuickLine StudioPro video production platform, at the 2025 NAB Show, Ap...
15/02/2025
Live From 2025 NBA All-Star Game Weekend: After 25 Years, Turner Sports All-In F...
15/02/2025
NASCAR Driver Cam on Max Embraces Cloud-Based Workflow for 2025 Season Chris Brown of WBD Sports says Mobii will play key part in delivering signals from the tr...
14/02/2025
Last month, we officially launched the Spotify Partner Program, a powerful new m...
14/02/2025
From an island off the coast of Lutruwita to the global stage in France SBS & ...
14/02/2025
The future of electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) land systems is evolving so that ...
14/02/2025
Here are 5 reasons why you should attend ISE 2025
Discover more about Calrec: Learn more about Calrec's legacy of innovation in broadcast audio solutions ...
14/02/2025
World Radio Day: On the same wavelength
By Graham Murray, International Sales Manager at Calrec
To mark World Radio Day, Calrec's International Sales Ma...
14/02/2025
DALLAS and TYSONS, Va. Tegna has concluded a broadcast rights agreement that makes Tegna's KFAA in Dallas the exclusive local television partner of the Dall...
14/02/2025
Amazon's Prime Video has released a new app for Apple TV that the streamer said delivers an improved streaming experiences with faster scrolling, improved s...
14/02/2025
CLEVELAND Telos Alliance announced a software update for its Axia Quasar XR and SR line of audio-over-IP (AoIP) mixing consoles and will show the offering at th...
14/02/2025
Puget Systems Returns to HPA Tech Retreat 2025 with New Analysis Tools for Puge...
14/02/2025
Glass Animals: Tour of Earth Uses Blackmagic Live Production Workflow
Brie Clayton February 14, 2025
0 Comments
80six deploys Blackmagic URSA Broadcas...
14/02/2025
A dispute between Paramount and Youtube TV that would have pulled CBS stations and Paramount's cable channels from the streaming service has been temporaril...
14/02/2025
Colourist Deidre (Dee) McClelland details how she helped shape the distinct look and feel of whimsical Oscar-nominated stop-motion film, Memoir of a Snail
By C...
14/02/2025
BitFire said it intends to introduce forward-looking services that simplify the launch of live production workflows, and enhance real-time collaboration
By Jen...
14/02/2025
The claim by the liquidators is the latest twist in the ongoing saga of the companys collapse at the end of 2021
By Matthew Corrigan
Published: February 14, ...
14/02/2025
A carriage dispute between YouTube TV and Paramount could come to a head today (Feb. 13), with the virtual pay TV provider threatening to pull all of the progra...
14/02/2025
ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J. LG Electronics USA has opened a new in-house, state-of-the-art virtual production studio at its 360,000-square-foot North American headqu...
14/02/2025
NEW YORK In a bid to help local broadcasters find new ways of monetizing their content, the Coalition for Innovative Media Measurement (CIMM) and TVB have relea...
14/02/2025
WASHINGTON Three Democratic U.S. Senators have sent a stern letter blasting FCC Chair Brendan Carr for the weaponization of the agency for attacking broadcast...
14/02/2025
Years after launching the streaming service Apple TV+ in November of 2019, Apple has finally released a version of its steaming app for Android devices....
14/02/2025
FOOTHILL RANCH, Calif. Red Digital Cinema will make its V-RAPTOR [X] and KOMODO-X camera systems available with Nikon's premier Z Mount, providing filmmaker...
14/02/2025
DAYTONA, Fla. The Fox Sports production of this year's Daytona 500 will see the addition of a few new tech elements and the continued unfolding of the broad...
14/02/2025
Watch Bryson Battles Blind Audition on The Voice Get a Four-Chair Turn Michael Bubl said the Boston Conservatory at Berklee musical theater senior might have...
14/02/2025
2025 Daytona 500: FOX Sports Looks To Ride Super Bowl LIX Momentum Into NASCAR S...
14/02/2025
14 Feb 2025
VEON's Kyivstar and the Come Back Alive Foundation Raise USD 2....
14/02/2025
Max Renews THE PITT, Starring Noah Wyle, For A Second Season
Max
Warner Bros. Television Group
The Pitt
New Episodes Of The Medical Drama From John...
14/02/2025
This year, Technicolor proudly celebrates 110 years of shaping the magic of cinema pioneering color, visual effects, and innovation that bring unforgettable l...
14/02/2025
NBA All-Star: More Games, More Teams, More Music, More Sound From the Court Turner Sports' team will deploy familiar tech to capture all the audio By Dan D...
14/02/2025
LIV Golf Continues To Innovate With Drones, Data-Driven Graphics, and All-Access...
PACIFIC PALISADES, CALIF.-For this month's blog, I thought we'd go over mezzanine video compression. It's become a hot topic again, especially in the area of moving real time video over IP networks.
