New additions include the official release of optional output support for the MPEG-DASH adaptive streaming specification and the UltraViolet(tm) Common File Format (CFF); expanded Closed Caption support; user interface enhancements for the Kayak Workflow Designer visual process design environment; and further improvements to Kayak's already-exceptional deployment and maintenance efficiency. Digital Rapids is also introducing a new standalone version of Kayak Workflow Designer for single-system applications. The new extensions will be showcased at the 2014 NAB Show alongside upcoming functionality such as HEVC format support and new integrations with third-party partners including Cinnafilm(r) and Vidcheck.
The new Kayak component releases include the general availability of support for the creation of on-demand assets in the MPEG-DASH (Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP) specification. Already in extensive production use creating thousands of commercial content assets each week for over-the-top (OTT) delivery, the MPEG-DASH option creates outputs targeting DASH-AVC/264 interoperability and implementation guidelines. Ratified as an ISO standard, MPEG-DASH was designed to provide a universal standard for adaptive bit rate (ABR) delivery while incorporating the best elements of earlier proprietary ABR technologies.
Also moving from pre-release to official availability is the Kayak option for the creation of UltraViolet CFF media assets in support of the Digital Entertainment Content Ecosystem's (DECE's) UltraViolet initiative. UltraViolet enables consumers to create personal digital entertainment libraries with the freedom to access their content anytime, anywhere across multiple viewing devices. CFF is designed to provide consistent download compatibility across UltraViolet-compliant devices and apps.
Additional new components bolster Kayak's powerful Closed Caption management and manipulation capabilities with the ability to create discrete SCC Closed Caption files and SRT subtitle files from data included in the input sources or following transformations such as caption re-timing for differing frame rates. Meanwhile, server-level efficiency enhancements result in faster deployment and a reduced storage footprint for distribution of new or upgraded components in both new and existing Transcode Manager 2 installations with multiple Kayak-based processing resources.
Kayak Workflow Designer SE — Singularly Powerful
The new Kayak Workflow Designer SE brings the advanced, intelligent workflow capabilities and efficient media processing flexibility of the Kayak platform to a single system for customers who don't need the enterprise-class job management and high-volume scalability of a complete, distributed Transcode Manager deployment. A standalone version of the same Kayak Workflow Designer software included with Transcode Manager 2, Kayak Workflow Designer SE lets users visually design exactly the workflows they need — from basic video and audio processing to complex, multi-stage workflows with logic-based decision-making — unencumbered by typical pre-defined, linear processing paths. Workflow processes can be designed, tested and executed directly within the Kayak Workflow Designer SE interface, streamlining the path from concept to execution.
“Kayak Workflow Designer SE removes the deployment barriers that have hindered customers with lower-volume needs from easily taking advantage of Kayak's powerful capabilities that have benefited their larger-scale counterparts,” said Darren Gallipeau, Product Manager at Digital Rapids. “We're also excited to be releasing the new options supporting Ultraviolet CFF and MPEG-DASH, both of which are critical enabling technologies in simplifying multiscreen media consumption for audiences while minimizing device and protocol incompatibilities.”
For more information about Digital Rapids, please visit www.digitalrapids.com.
About Digital Rapids
Digital Rapids provides market-leading media transformation and workflow solutions that enable the world's leading media organizations to reach expanding audiences more efficiently, more effectively and more profitably. The company combines innovative technology with proven expertise to help customers maximize the value of their video content while pursuing new revenue opportunities and new ways to reach their audiences, from the rapid growth of mobile video consumption to advances in 'television' delivery over IP. Founded in 2001, Digital Rapids is headquartered in Ontario, Canada with offices around the world. For more information, please visit www.digitalrapids.com.