Entry-Level Solution Offers Powerful HD Conversion and High-Quality Output at Affordable Price Point

-- HAMPSHIRE, U.K. — Aug. 13, 2008 —

Snell & Wilcox today introduced the Mach HD, a compact HD/SD motion-compensated standards converter equipped with up/down/crossconversion and powerful synchronization capabilities. The Mach HD packages Snell & Wilcox's state-of-the-art motion-compensated standards conversion in an entry-level solution that enables broadcasters to make a smooth and cost-effective transition to HD transmission. With the addition of the Mach HD to its product line, Snell & Wilcox now addresses broadcasters' full range of HD conversion requirements with solutions ranging from the Alchemist Ph.C – HD, which represents the gold standard in conversion technology, to the compact and cost-effective HD CVR700 linear frame-rate converter.

The Mach HD's motion-compensated standards conversion algorithm enables it to deliver a high-quality output at an affordable price point, and the system's smooth motion portrayal produces compression-friendly video that helps to minimize unnecessary motion artifacts in MPEG-2 bit streams. A unique combination of performance, size, and price make the Mach HD ideal for a wide range of applications including newsgathering, outside broadcasting (OB) and mobile operations, dubbing, and teleport/satellite operations. 

The Mach HD offers multiformat inputs and outputs and is capable of providing up/down/crossconversion both within and between frame rates. In addition to providing motion-compensated conversion, the Mach HD handles embedded AES (balanced and unbalanced) and analog audio and offers additional features such as aspect ratio conversion and colorspace conversion. The Mach HD includes dual redundant power supply units and may be controlled remotely via Ethernet network.

"At Snell & Wilcox, we are committed to helping all of our customers make a smooth transition to HD operations, and we do so by offering the broadest range of conversion systems in today's marketplace, with a solution to match every price point and quality requirement," said Joe Zaller, vice president, corporate development, at Snell & Wilcox. "With the Mach HD, we're able to deliver what many of our customers have been looking for: an HD frame-rate conversion solution at an entry-level price point, with features and image quality typically found only in more expensive systems."