As rich media technologies continue to evolve, modularity is a very useful feature in an encoding platform. The Cisco® Modular Encoding Platform D9036 provides multi-resolution, multi-format encoding for applications requiring high levels of video quality. And its modular design features separate modules for video, audio, input, and output. So as any one of these solutions advances, you can update only the relevant module for better investment protection over longer periods of operation. The modular platform is scalable to support up to eight Standard Definition (SD), four High Definition (HD), or other combinations of video encoders within a single rack unit. It provides broadcast quality video that consumes as little as 40 watts per service and maintains among the best audio density and audio functionality on the market.

Chassis Overview

The Cisco Modular Encoding Platform D9036 chassis features dual redundant, hot-swappable power supplies and capacity for up to six modules. The chassis supports advanced, internal common synchronization mechanisms which can be used to synchronize the various services being hosted. Dedicated management and auxiliary input ports are also provided for remote Web GUI control. All modules are field-replaceable to allow for fast service with reduced down time.

Modular Video Input (MVI)

The MVI module provides an SDI input to the chassis. SDI inputs are both SDI and HD-SDI compatible. The module supports VBI and HANC extraction, and processing for ancillary services and audio de-embedding. Video and audio data are routed from the SDI inputs of the MVI module through the Cisco Modular Encoding Platform D9036 to MVC video and MMA audio modules. The module is available in two variants, providing either four or eight inputs.

Modular Video Codec First Generation (MVC1G)

The MVC module provides video encoding in the Cisco Modular Encoding Platform D9036. Each module is capable of encoding up to two HD services or four SD services in either AVC or MPEG-2 format. These functions are provided on common hardware with license control, making resolution or encoding format changes in the field as easy as loading a license file. Video encoding capabilities include support for 50 Hz and 60 Hz content with a variety of horizontal resolutions. In addition to 576-line and 480-line SD resolutions, the module is capable of HD 1080i and 720p.

Modular Video Codec Second Generation (MVC2G)

The MVC2G module is the latest released Video Codec card which not only provides exactly the same capability as the MVC1G module, but also is a service module that supports the IP input feature of the Cisco Modular Encoding Platform D9036. The Modular Input/Output (MIO) module receives video in MPEG-2/H.264 transport stream format via the Ethernet port. The second generation MVC module decodes the compressed video stream, up to 4 HD services or 8 SD services, in either AVC or MPEG-2 format.

In addition, MVC2G supports advanced filtering, referred to as SightPlus Advanced Filtering, which is based on 3DMCTF technology. This state-of-the-art filtering is very effective at reducing noise in source video content as well as pre-compressed artifacts.