Cobalt’s 9992-ENC is a software-defined encoder expandable up to four channels and upgradable with HEVC video encoding technology, while also supporting MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 AVC. The appliance now includes a built-in frame synchronizer that ensures the encoder keeps on running, either with a flat field or the last good frame, even If the input video goes away. This eliminates downstream glitches due to input signal issues, such as unsynchronized video switches. This feature is provided free through a firmware upgrade.

“Cobalt is always listening to our customers and responding to their needs with upgrades, enhancements, and often new products,” said Chris Shaw, EVP sales & marketing. “Saving money and space are two of the most common requests we hear today, and so it was a logical step to incorporate a frame synchronizer directly into our popular 9992-ENC encoder, and we’ve made it available at no additional cost to our customers.”

Cobalt’s 9992-DEC is a software-defined multi-standard decoder that supports MPEG-2, AVC (H.264) and HEVC (H.265) with resolution up to 4K and offering a full complement of audio decoding capabilities.

The series is adding support for Dolby AC-4 decoding and pass-through (available soon). If there are multiple presentations, the user can select which one to decode; if there is an associated channel, the user can determine how it mixes the main presentation.

The 9992-DEC series is also adding support for Dolby-E decoding (available soon). The card can take a Dolby‑E stream, simultaneously decode all programs, and output them as SDI embedded channels. A metadata display is also provided.

“On the audio front, we’ve added support for Dolby AC-4 and Dolby E into our 9992 decoder series, developments that makes it truly unique in the industry,” added Shaw.”