YUV format details

AVStream Driver Reference Information

∙RGB32 – Each pixel has four bytes (32 bits) of data – one each for red, green, and blue, plus one byte that is unused. The pixel has 256 shades of each of the three colors, for a total of 16.7 million colors.

∙RGB24 – Each pixel has three bytes (24 bits) of data – one each for red, green, and blue. This is another “true color” mode with 16.7 million colors.

∙RGB555 – Each pixel has two bytes (16 bits) of data. There are 5 bits each of red, green, and blue data; the sixteenth bit is unused. This is a “high color” mode, also known as “5:5:5.”

∙RGB8 (Greyscale) – The Osprey AVStream driver uses the RGB8 format for greyscale video. RGB8 is a palletized format. Each pixel is represented by one byte, which indexes one of 256 colors in a color palette specified by the driver. The Osprey driver sets the color palette to greyscale entries, and captures “Y8” luminance-only data.

YUY2, UYVY, YVU9, and YUV12 are YUV formats. In these formats, each pixel is defined by intensity or luminance component, Y, and two color or chrominance components, U and V. Since the human eye is less sensitive to color information than to intensity information, many video formats save storage space by having one luminance byte per pixel while sharing the chrominance byte among two or more pixels. YUV is also similar to the color encoding used for analog color television broadcast signals.

YUY2 mode, sometimes referred to as 4:2:2 packed mode, consists of a single array of mixed Y, U, and V data. Each pixel has one Y (intensity) byte. Each pixel shares its U and V bytes with one of the pixels horizontally next to it.

YUY2 uses the same number of aggregate bytes per pixel as RGB15, which is two. However, YUY2 is more efficient than RGB15 because it stores relatively more of the intensity information to which that the human eye is most sensitive.

UYVY mode is similar to YUY2 except that the bytes are swapped as follows:

∙YVU9 and YVU12 are “planar” modes – the Y, U, and V components are in three separate arrays. It is easiest to explain the format with an example: Let’s say you have a 320 x 240 YVU9 format. The buffer has 320 x 240 bytes of Y data, followed by 80 x 60 bytes of V data, followed by 80 x 60 bytes of U data. So each U and each V byte together contain the color information for a 4 x 4 block of pixels.

∙Similarly, a 320 x 240 YUV12 format has a 320 x 240 Y array, followed by a 160 x 120 U array, and then a 160 x 120 V array.

Note: In the I420 format used by Osprey, the order of the U and V arrays is reversed from the order in the YVU9 format.

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.