Video standards and sizes, Color formats

Osprey 240e/450e User Guide

Video standards and sizes

Video standard refers to whether the video signal format is NTSC, PAL, or SECAM. Depending on the exact product version you have, some or all of the following standards are available:

525-line formats:

∙NTSC-M – North America

∙NTSC-J – Japan

∙625-line formats:

∙PAL-B, D, G, H, I – many countries in Europe and elsewhere. B, D, G, H, and I refer to five nearly identical subformats.

Full-sized NTSC-M and NTSC-J have 525 lines total, 480 lines visible, per frame and a display rate of

59.94fields per second, or 29.97 interlaced frames per second. Although capture-to-PC applications normally use only 480 video lines, the full NTSC frame actually contains 485 video lines, and the AVStream driver provides a control to capture all 485 lines. The control is located on the RefSize property tab.

Full-sized PAL and SECAM have 625 lines total, 576 lines visible, per frame and a display rate of 50 fields per second, or 25 interlaced frames per second.

The standard frame sizes are different for NTSC and PAL. For example, the half-frame size in pixels is 360 x 240 for NTSC, and 360 x 288 for PAL. The driver automatically adjusts the reference size and default size for the video standard you are using.

Color formats

The Color format is the arrangement of data bits representing the colors of each pixel. For example, in the RGB555 format, each pixel of data is stored as 5 bits of red, 5 bits of green, and 5 bits of blue color information.

Video delivered by the Osprey board to the system is in uncompressed format. It is possible to compress the video at a subsequent stage of processing. However, this dialog field refers specifically to the uncompressed raw video that the board delivers to the system.

The Osprey AVStream driver supports the following capture pin formats.

∙YUY2 and UYVY – Each pixel is represented with a total of 2 bytes (16 bits) of data. The data is encoded as separate data for luminance (intensity) and chrominance (color). This mode is mainly used as an input to software compressors. See YUV format details.

∙YUV12 planar – Also known as I420. This is a complex format in which there are in the aggregate 12 bits of data per pixel. Each pixel has 8 bits of luminance data. Each group of 4 adjacent pixels arranged in a 2 x 2 square shares two bytes of chrominance data. See YUV format details.

∙YVU9 planar – Similar to YUV12 planar, except that there are in the aggregate 9 bits of data per pixel, and each byte pair of chrominance data is shared by 16 adjacent pixels arranged in a 4x4 square. See YUV format details.

ViewCast

Osprey-450e, Osprey-240e specifications

The ViewCast Osprey series, particularly the Osprey-240e and Osprey-450e, represents a significant advancement in the field of video capture and encoding technology. These high-performance video capture cards are designed to meet the growing demands of professional broadcast environments, video production, and live streaming applications.

The Osprey-240e offers a compact design while delivering excellent performance. It is equipped with dual channel input capabilities, allowing users to capture multiple streams simultaneously. This feature is particularly beneficial for broadcasters and content creators looking to streamline their workflows. The Osprey-240e supports a variety of input formats including SDI and HDMI, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of video sources. Its robust encoding capabilities allow for real-time video streaming in HD resolution, making it suitable for live events, webinars, and other digital content delivery applications.

On the other hand, the Osprey-450e takes video capture to the next level with enhanced capabilities. It supports up to four channels of video input, making it an ideal solution for multi-camera setups. The Osprey-450e also boasts advanced encoding technologies that facilitate high-quality video compression without sacrificing performance. This model is particularly well-suited for enterprise-level applications where high-definition video quality is paramount. Users can experience lower latency and improved encoding efficiency, resulting in smoother viewing experiences for end-users.

Both models feature powerful drivers and software support that integrate seamlessly with a variety of video production and streaming applications. The Osprey series is designed with user-friendly interfaces, making it accessible for both seasoned professionals and newcomers alike. The cards are also compatible with many of the industry-standard software solutions, enabling users to harness the full potential of their video content.

These capture cards also prioritize reliability and durability, ensuring long operational life even under demanding conditions. Their efficient thermal management systems keep components cool during extended use, thereby enhancing performance consistency.

In summary, the ViewCast Osprey-240e and Osprey-450e deliver impressive features tailored for a range of video applications. Their support for multiple input channels, advanced encoding technologies, and strong software compatibility make them invaluable tools in the modern digital media landscape, solidifying their reputation among content creators and broadcasters alike.