Cubist Media Group Expands Blu-ray Development Tools
Philadelphia, PA – June 15, 2009 – Cubist Media Group recently completed an upgrade to its expanding Blu-ray development services with the acquisition of Sony’s Blu-Code multiprocessor encoder, HDCAM SRW-5800/1 VTR and Reference Hardware Emulator.
The latest in video compression technology, the Blu-code™ BAE-VX1000 encoder augments Cubist’s existing Sonic CineVision® Encoder. Capable of creating both H.264 AVC and MPEG-2 Blu-ray compliant video streams, the Blu-code features a multiprocessor environment which significantly reduces encoding time and maximizes workflow efficiencies. “Blu-code enables us to complete program encoding closer to real time,” explains Dave Maietta, Manager of Interactive Services. “It’s a significant improvement and one which has a direct and beneficial effect on development costs.”
The Sony HDCAM SR SRW-5800/1 VTR represents the latest advancement in high definition mastering technology with superior 4:4:4 RGB color sampling, compression rate and format conversion flexibility. With multiple frame rate capability, 12 channels of audio and the highest data transfer rate available commercially, the HDCAM SR has become the preferred mastering choice for filmmakers and production companies nationwide. Responding to the growing demand by HD content producers, Cubist has also expanded its in-studio mastering, format conversion and dubbing services.
The Sony Reference Hardware Emulator further enhances the Quality Control resources of the Blu-ray team. Offered to a select group of Blu-ray development studios, the Emulator allows the team to check disc builds against Sony Blu-ray player architecture without needing to burn media, helping to speed development and reduce costs.
To further support these upgrades, Cubist has expanded its existing SAN storage, moving beyond the edit suites to connect Blu-ray authoring, encoding and menu design stations while enabling additional workflow efficiencies. The 8 Gb fibre channel network connects nearly
39 terabytes of storage allowing multiple uncompressed HD projects to be accessed simultaneously by up to 11 PC and Mac stations.
Cubist also added a third Final Cut Pro HD system, dedicated to its media processing center for ingest, cross conversions, mastering and compression, allowing both full-service edit suites to be in use while additional media processing continues.
“We’re excited about the new tools,” comments Roger Baker, Director of Business Development. “The demand for Blu-ray development services is expected to grow significantly in the coming year, as more consumers enter the Blu-ray market. We’re expanding Cubist’s innovative services to serve our clients better.”
About Cubist Media Group
Cubist Media Group specializes in delivering creative and technical solutions for communications, education, advertising and entertainment. Organized into four service units – Creative, Productions, Post & Effects, and Interactive – Cubist Media Group offers a multi-disciplinary creative approach along with the latest digital technologies.
