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Snell & Wilcox Offers Universal Conversion Platform at IBC 2003

Ukon provides comprehensive, single-pass format conversion capability in one economical two-rack unit box

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IBC 2003, Stand 1.411 -- At IBC 2003, Snell & Wilcox demonstrates "Ukon", a universal format conversion platform designed for broadcast, post and production environments where pictures need to be converted in all directions between SD and HD environments, and where different frame rates, images sizes and aspect ratios present additional quality challenges.

Whatever the input and output requirements, HD or SD, Ukon can be configured to provide up-conversion, down-conversion and cross-conversion, either singly or in any combination. The Ukon platform is the most economical way of supporting all conversion permutations that may eventually be required. Additional functions can be conveniently added in situ, as and when required, without cost penalty.

As well as providing high quality picture output, Ukon offers the added benefits of aspect ratio conversion with tilt, pan and zoom, time-code conversion with precise frame mapping, comprehensive audio handling and 3:2 cadence detection and repair. Unlike other format conversion systems, Ukon carries out all these functions at the same time - in a single pass - thereby freeing up expensive non-linear software tools.

Andy Major, Snell & Wilcox product manager, said, "The combination of universal conversion capability and single-pass functionality in a single compact unit makes Ukon an attractive proposition for the post-production market. Our background in broadcast standards conversion has given us unrivalled experience in the design of filter algorithms - the key to optimum picture quality. This is backed up by eighteen years' experience in the development of HD products."

Ukon incorporates two technologies for which Snell & Wilcox has been awarded Emmy®s: HD up and down conversion, and 3:2 pull-down detection and correction.

International Press Contact: David Cunningham, Press Relations Manager, Snell & Wilcox, Southleigh Park House. Eastleigh Road, Havant, Hampshire, UK, PO9 2PE. Phone: +44(0) 23 9248 9253, Fax: +44 (0) 23 9245 1411 or Email: david.cunningham@snellwilcox.com.

North American Press Contact: Robin Hoffman, Pipeline Communications, 277 Valley Way, Montclair, New Jersey. Phone: 973-746-6970, Fax: 973-746-6701 or Email: robinh@pipecomm.com.