Grass Valley Increases Workflow Efficiency for T2 Intelligent Digital Disk Recorder

Delivering superb image quality, versatility, and usability, the Grass Valley T2 iDDR is a next-generation record and playback system that combines advanced nonlinear features (direct, frame-accurate access to content), with VTR-like controls. It has two playback channels and one record channel, all simultaneously and independently available, supporting full 1920x1080 (24p/50i/59.94i) resolution, as well as 720p and 480i formats.

The new Service Pack 3 will provide T2 users with the ability to export MXF (XDCAM format) files for better interoperability with non-Grass Valley nonlinear editing software.

The new option packs consist of the “T2 P2 option,” “T2 XDCAM option,” and “T2 Alpha option,” with the “T2 PRO option” combining all three option packs.

The T2 P2 option, allows for the T2 to natively playback P2 MXF format videos, including DVCPRO HD and AVC-Intra directly from a P2 drive or an external mass storage device, as well as the ability to import the clip to the T2 in its original format, or transcode the clip as a Grass Valley HQ file for a smoother user experience.

The T2 XDCAM option allows for native playback and transcoding of the following XDCAM MXF formats on the T2: XDCAM HD, XDCAM 422, XDCAM IMX, and DVCAM. As with the T2 P2 option, the T2 XDCAM option can natively playback the XDCAM MXF files via external storage, or import the clip into the T2 for direct playout or transcoding into the Grass Valley HQ format.

The T2 Alpha option, allows T2 users to import files which include alpha channel information, which will substantially enhance the workflow when computer graphics are used: When a clip with an alpha channel (transparency information embedded in Targa and HQ files) is imported, the T2 will automatically split the file into separate Key and Fill clips and lock them for synchronized playback from the two player channels.

For those requiring all three options, the T2 Pro option combines the three option packs into a single affordable package.

Pricing and Availability

The new Grass Valley T2 SP3 service pack will be released at no charge in early December. The T2 P2 option, T2 XDCAM option, T2 Alpha option are each priced at US$999, while the T2 Pro option bundles all three options for US$1,999. All options will be available in early December.

About Grass Valley

With a rich history serving the broadcast and professional video industries, the Grass Valley name is synonymous with innovation, leadership, and performance. With a full range of products and services supporting many of the world's most high-profile television events, Grass Valley offers the most comprehensive portfolio of flexible and cost-effective digital technologies and systems available. Customers deploying Grass Valley solutions include most of the world's leading broadcast and teleproduction facilities, independent video professionals, as well as emerging content creators and distributors providing broadband, telecommunications, and transmission services. When you’re watching news, sports, or entertainment programming, whether on a TV, the Web, or a mobile phone, you’re watching Grass Valley at work.