Tech Tips - CableLabs VOD Encoding

Overview

The PixelTools PC HD encoders ExpertHD and MPEGRepairHD can encode an AVI or MOV file or a sequence of TGA, BMP or YUV frames into a CableLabs compliant High Definition (HD) and Standard Definition (SD) MPEG-2 stream. Also, the HDProQT QuickTime export component, available for Mac and PC, and can export CableLabs streams from any Mac or PC application that recognizes QuickTime components such as Adobe AfterEffects, Final Cut Pro, and the Mac QuickTime Pro Player.

Creating CableLabs Video on a PC

Download the file PtCableLabs.zip file to obtain configuration settings (ini files) that configure ExpertHD and MPEGRepair to generated VOD streams. The PtCableLabs.zip file also includes screen shots of compliant configuration options for HD and SD when using the PC HDProQT QuickTime Export.

To encode Cable Labs content using MPEGRepairHD or ExpertHD, select the “Base Encoding Profile | Load Custom ini file” option as depicted below. Select the appropriate ini file from the PtCableLabs.zip file to configure the tool to appropriate Cable Labs settings.

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Creating CableLabs Video on a Mac

To encode Cable Labs content using the HDProQT on Mac or PC, select the PixelTools HD MPEG Export option. Depress the “Options” button and configure the settings as depicted below.

HD

SD

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Specification

PixelTools HD encoders comply with CableLabs specification MD-SP-VOD-CONTENT1.0-C01-041210 released 10 Dec 2004.

The PixelTools configuration settings will produce video with the following specifications:

High Definition:

Multiplexed Stream:
MPEG -2 Transport
481 Video PID
482 Audio PID
19.0 mbps

Video:
MPEG-2 Elementary
1920 x 1080i frame size
Main Profile | High Level
18.1 mbps
16:9 Aspect
29.97 or telecine
M = 3
N = 15 for 30 fps
N = 12 for 24 fps

Audio:
Dolby AC3
DVB MPEG optional for outside of US
384 kbps Dolby 5.1 or 192 kbps for two channel stereo

Standard Definition:

Multiplexed Stream:
MPEG -2 Transport
481 Video PID
482 Audio PID
3.75 mbps

Video:
MPEG-2 Elementary
720x480 frame size
Main Profile | Main Level
3.18 mbps
4:3 Aspect
29.97 or telecine
M = 3
N = 15 for 30 fps
N = 12 for 24 fps

Audio:
Dolby AC3
DVB MPEG optional for outside of US
384 kbps Dolby 5.1 or 192 kbps for two channel stereo

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