Thomson tests 4K encoding in 10-bit HEVC for interoperability

Thomson Video Networks has begun interoperability tests of its ViBE VS7000 encoding and transcoding platform for ultra high-definition 4K content in 10-bit HEVC with leading chipset manufacturers. 

MStar Semiconductor, STMicroelectronics and ViXS are testing the platform. All are manufacturers of chips targeted at the HEVC market.

Earlier this year, the ViBE VS7000 demonstrated interoperability with the companies’ HEVC-capable SoCs for delivery of ultra high-definition (UHD) television broadcasts based on the HEVC Main – 8-bit – profile. In the current round of testing, Broadcom, MStar, ST, and ViXS will confirm the VS7000’s encoding capabilities for the next-generation HEVC Main 10 profile, which supports UHD TV broadcasting in 10-bit colour depth.

Main 10 for 10-bit color representation was recently adopted by the Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB) project for its UHD1 phase one implementation.

“The DVB’s adoption of the HEVC Main 10 profile delivers a strong message regarding the industry’s growing acceptance of this up-and-coming standard,” said Claude Perron, chief technology officer, Thomson Video Networks.

“Therefore, we have placed a high priority on working closely with industry-leading decoding technology providers such as Broadcom, MStar, ST, and ViXS to take HEVC technologies to the next level and provide the interoperability necessary to drive seamless UHD delivery – from the video headend to the viewer’s STB or TV.”

Thomson Video Networks will be exhibiting at IBC on stand 14.A10