NAB 2023: InSync and FOR-A Deliver 8k Standards Conversion

InSync Technology extends its relationship with FOR-A in delivering an 8k version of its motion compensated frame rate converter. The new appliance, the MCC-8K, provides realtime conversion between 8k Ultra HD streams at 50, 59.94 and 60 frames per second.

As well as converting the video between the various frame rates, the MCC-8K also supports 32 channels of embedded audio and timecode pass through, with an audio delay option to maintain lip sync. To simplify integration into existing 4k workflows, the 8k feeds were carried on four 12G SDI cables as Ultra HD or 2SI.

InSync had previously provided a 4k Ultra HD conversion platform, marketed by FOR-A as the MCC-4K-A and widely used throughout industry. The MCC-8K uses dedicated hardware, including multiple FPGAs. Distributing the processing across multiple devices was one of the major challenges for the system design, as it is critical for success that the motion estimation and prediction algorithms operate across the whole image as a single entity.

InSync implemented the device in a single 2U cabinet, consuming around 200W.

“Our engineering design team had already delivered 8k products and the re-implementation of our motion compensation was developed with very high resolutions in mind, so we already had the expertise in house,” James Shepherd, CEO of InSync Technology explains. “It still called for outstanding work to design the distribution of processing across devices to provide a seamless output without compromising latency.

“We are all extremely proud of this achievement,” he says. “I believe we are the only company that could develop and manufacture this type of product.” Hiro Tanoue, Director, Overseas Business Division at FOR-A, says, “Our company philosophy encourages collaboration and partnerships. Our continuing relationship with InSync Technology continues to generate world-class innovations, meeting the real needs of major broadcasters and events. We look forward to more shared projects in future.”

InSync Technology will have an MCC-8K standards converter on display at NAB2023 (booth C2013, Las Vegas Convention Center, 16 – 19 April).