Snell & Wilcox Launches Mach HD Converter

Snell & Wilcox
introduced the Mach HD, a compact HD/SD motion-compensated standards converter
equipped with up/down/crossconversion and powerful synchronization
capabilities. The Mach HD packages Snell & Wilcox’s motion-compensated
standards conversion in an entry-level solution that enables broadcasters to
make a cost-effective transition to HD transmission. With the addition of the
Mach HD to its product line, Snell & Wilcox now addresses broadcasters’
full range of HD conversion requirements with solutions ranging from the
Alchemist Ph.C – HD, which represents the gold standard in conversion
technology, to the compact and cost-effective HD CVR700 linear frame-rate
converter.
The Mach HD’s
motion-compensated standards conversion algorithm enables it to deliver a
high-quality output at an affordable price point, and the system’s smooth
motion portrayal produces compression-friendly video that helps to minimize
unnecessary motion artifacts in MPEG-2 bit streams. A unique combination of
performance, size, and price make the Mach HD ideal for a wide range of
applications including newsgathering, outside broadcasting (OB) and mobile
operations, dubbing, and teleport/satellite operations.
The Mach HD offers
multiformat inputs and outputs and is capable of providing
up/down/crossconversion both within and between frame rates. In addition to
providing motion-compensated conversion, the Mach HD handles embedded AES
(balanced and unbalanced) and analog audio and offers additional features such
as aspect ratio conversion and colorspace conversion. The Mach HD includes dual
redundant power supply units and may be controlled remotely via Ethernet
network.

“At Snell & Wilcox, we are committed to
helping all of our customers make a smooth transition to HD operations, and we
do so by offering the broadest range of conversion systems in today’s
marketplace, with a solution to match every price point and quality
requirement,” said Joe Zaller, vice president, corporate development, at
Snell & Wilcox. “With the Mach HD, we’re able to deliver what many of
our customers have been looking for: an HD frame-rate conversion solution at an
entry-level price point, with features and image quality typically found only
in more expensive systems.”