HD/SD Frame Rate Converter FRC-8000

The FRC-8000 is a multi-format frame rate converter for both HD and SD. Based on FOR-A’s highly successful HD Frame Rate Converter FRC-7000 with motion compensation technology, the FRC-8000 features a host of advanced functions as well as excellent image quality. In addition to HD format conversion, the new image processing board in the FRC-8000 also enables SD format conversion. Up converter, down converter, and cross converter functions are also provided for converting to various formats.

The FRC-8000 features HD-SDI and SD-SDI input and output for input and frame rate conversion of a wide range of format SDI signals, including 1080/59.94i, 1080/50i, 720/59.94p, 720/50p, 525/60 and 625/50.

Up, down, and cross converters are included standard not only for frame rate conversion, but also up conversion from SD signals to HD signals, down conversion from HD signals to SD signals, and cross conversion between 1080i and 720p, all using a single FRC-8000 unit.

With linear converters that do simple frame rate conversion, there has been a problem of doing appropriate conversion for moving objects. FOR-A's FRC series, with our proven image processing technology, realizes motion compensation processing by using motion vectors. It detects motion vectors of objects and generates the object's motion in interpolated frames from the amount of vector fluctuation in the frames before and after, realizing frame rate conversion with minimal juddering.

Another issue with frame rate conversion is the processing of scene changes. Since conversion generates interpolated frames from the frames before and after, the scene changes become images that are composites of the frames before and after and appropriate images cannot be acquired. With its function to detect scene cuts, the FRC-8000 detects scene changes automatically so that frame rate conversion is performed without using motion compensation processing on unrelated data for the frames before and after scene cuts.

When using 1080/60i or 1080/59.94i video that has been pulled down at 2:3, the 24 frames before pull-down can be detected from the video for realizing optimum motion compensation and frame rate conversion.

With improved motion estimate/compensation ability, smooth motion conversion is now possible even for conversions from a small number of frames to a large number of frames such as conversion from 1080/23.98PsF to 1080/59.94i. (option)

Automatically detects rolling text superimposed on the video and can make optimal conversion for uncompromised character depiction. Also allows manual specification of fields for static superimposed text (date, time, program title, logo, etc.), so that these portions can be treated alone without performing motion compensation processing.

The video and audio signals in frame rate conversion are output in synchronization with sync supplied internally or externally. Two independent input terminal channels are provided for sync, and tri-level sync and BB can be selected for input.

Process control can be done to converted images. It is possible to send optimal images by adjusting video level, chroma level, chroma phase, set up level and various clips.

Compatible with 48kHz, 24-bit embedded 8 channel audio signal. It is also equipped with delay function to adjust audio for image processing. One can make adjustments without phase difference between video and audio. (Concerning when our product will support asynchronous embedded audio, please inquire.)

By installing optional FRC-80DA or FRC-80DA16, it becomes possible to input asynchronous/synchronous digital audio signals. One can also build flexible audio systems combining the sample rate conversion/individual delay adjustment function and remap function.

By adding FRC-70D-D and FRC-70DE-E to FRC-80DA or FRC-80DA16 as an option, one can decode and encode Dolby E data and decode AC-3 with just one FRC-8000. FRC-80DA and FRC-80DA16 are also equipped with a BB output terminal that is synchronized to input/output signals. It are also possible to supply sync signals to outside Dolby E/AC-3 devices. So even if you already have a Dolby E decoder/encoder, building a Dolby E system which would otherwise be complicated with rate conversion can be greatly simplified.

Two Dolby E Encoder FRC-70DE-E cards and two Dolby E/AC-3 Decoder FRC-70D-D cards can be installed on the optional Digital Audio Card FRC-80DA16 for enabling the encoding and decoding of two channels of Dolby E data. The FRC-8000 by itself can support multi-channel audio conversion.
(FRC-70DA is supported only single encoding/decoding)

FRC-80PSFC : 1080p/PsF and Timecode support
The addition of expanded format options makes it possible to support conversion of various frame rates. This includes not only conversion from the 1080/24P format that is commonly used in the field of digital cinema to 1080/59.94i format, which is the broadcasting format, but also mutual conversions between various frame rates regardless of differences between progressive and interlace.

FRC-80SO : Second Output
The FRC-80SO Second Output option provides a further channel of cross- or down-conversion of the main FRC-8000 output. Two identical outputs (via Outputs 3 and 4) are provided to simplify distribution. Supported output formats: 1080/60i, 1080/59.94i, 1080/50i, 720/60p, 720/59.94p, 720/50p, 525/60, 625/50 Aspect ratio selection for SD downconverted outputs -- 3 letterbox modes, zoom or anamorphic.

FRC-80FP : Front Control Panel
A control panel that can be installed in place of the standard front panel. With its touch panel type large size LCD panel and various direct buttons, it enables a visually intuitive display of format selection as well as audio processing and delay processing, which otherwise tend to become complicated.
 - Equipped with a tilt mechanism to enable adjusting the angle of the operating interface.
 - Equipped with 5.7-inch LCD touch panel.
 - Equipped with user shortcut buttons. Frequently used functions can be accessed with just a touch by registering them in advance.

FRC-70RU : Remote Control Uni
A remote control unit common for both FRC-8000 and FRC-7000.
 - Lets the user change various parameter settings of the FRC-8000.
 - Saves one to four events of the FRC-8000 and accesses them again.
 - One remote control unit can control up to four connected FRC-8000.

FRC-70D-D : Dolby E/AC-3 Decoder
A Dolby E and AC-3 decoder card that can be installed to the FRC-80DA and FRC-80DA16. Input Dolby E or AC-3 signals can be output as AES/EBU or embedded into HD-SDI signals.

FRC-70DE-E : Dolby E encoder
A Dolby E encoder card that can be installed to the FRC-80DA and FRC-80DA16. Enables output of audio signal embedded in HD-SDI signal, or AES/EBU input signal, as Dolby E signal.

FRC-80DA/80DA16 : Digital Audio Input/Output Card
An audio expansion card for the FRC-8000, supporting up to 8 (FRC-80DA) or 16 (FRC-80DA16) channels of audio signals.
 - 4 AES/EBU input/output support (FRC-80DA): supports connection to multi-channel audio devices.
 - 8 AES/EBU input/output support (FRC-80DA16): supports connection to multi-channel audio devices such as HDCAM-SR.
 - Equipped with individual delay adjustment function.
 - Equipped with automatic assignment function for input/output including Dolby signals, and automatic delay adjustment function.
 - Audio channel remap function.
 - Equipped with BB output terminal synchronized to input/output SDI signals. It can supply sync signals to the outside, so when there is already a Dolby E device in the system, building a Dolby E system that would otherwise be complicated with conventional frame rate conversion can be greatly simplified.

FRC-80WEB : WEB Browser Control
Control option for FRC-8000. Enables remote control and status monitoring of FRC-8000 from an Internet browser on a PC.
 - Enables changes of various parameter settings of FRC-8000.
 - Saves one to four events of FRC-8000 and controls access to them.
 - No software installation: There is no need to install special software since the Internet browser is used for remote control and status monitoring.