Pro-Bel Cifer Aces French Open Conversion For Genesis Networks

Genesis Networks recently
deployed seven Pro-Bel Cifer standards converters in order to
provide frame-rate conversion of the French Open.
Developed in conjunction with Digital Vision, Cifer is is
based on proprietary motion estimation techniques that facilitate
pixel-accurate estimations and hence conversion.

Genesis Networks supplies broadcasters, cable networks, production
companies and corporations with superior, customized global video
transmission services. It provided the transmission and signal
conversion from the venues for the two tennis championships via fiber
to broadcasters in the US for distribution of the events.

“We used four Cifers for HD frame rate conversion and three for SD
standards conversion with motion compensation and the Cifers provided
the video conversion required for distribution in the USA. Pro-Bel was
able to supply the HD units in a very tight time frame to meet our
on-air dates and also came through with the SD units as a last-minute
requirement. The Cifers performed very well, especially given that
tennis can stress conversion equipment due to the speed of the ball,”
explains Dan Brenneman, director of engineering, Genesis Networks.
Cifer can convert between any SD standard and between the
primary HD standards. It can also convert from SD to HD and HD to SD
with the resulting pictures virtually indistinguishable from the
original.

“Cifer has been painstakingly developed to handle the most complex
signal conversion tasks that broadcasters and service providers face
today. We are pleased that Genesis Networks has recognized this, along
with many others,” says Adrian Scott, chief marketing officer, Pro-Bel.