Edge Water Chamber Blog

Following the universal success of Canopus’ DVSTORM product, Thomson (Euronext Paris: 18453; NYSE: TMS), the worldwide leader in video solutions, will release the next-generation Thomson Grass Valley(tm) HDSTORM(tm) PCI Express (PCIe) board. Including the latest version of Thomson Grass Valley EDIUS(r) non-linear editing software (5), HDSTORM helps users making the transition from standard-definition (SD) to high-definition (HD), file-based production in a fast, flexible and highly cost-effective way.

According to HDMI review, HDSTORM allows editors to work easily with HDMI inputs and outputs, and provides the Canopus HQ hardware codec built-in for optimized, CPU-free capture and export. This includes full-resolution and synched preview of effects.

“Thomson continues to develop new tools to make the transition to HD production easy and affordable, and the new HDSTORM is yet another example of that strategy,” said Jeff Rosica, Senior Vice President of Thomson’s Broadcast & Professional Solutions within the Systems division. “No company offers such a compelling offering – an HDMI-based I/O board and fully-featured editing software in a single package – and we think HDSTORM will find a home with thousands of customers in the same way that the DVStorm product did.”

The power of having the Canopus HQ codec on board, which is a unique offering in the industry, means users are not restricted by their CPU speeds or workstation limitations when ingesting or creating Canopus HQ files. Keeping the compression processing separate brings new reliability and system performance to the editing and effects creation environment.

The new HDSTORM is designed to work exclusively with the new EDIUS 5 software (also to be introduced at IBC, see separate EDIUS 5 release). A bundle of HDSTORM and (5.25-inch) bay, called HDSTORM Plus, will also be available. The bay not only features additional connectors for HDMI devices, but also input and output connectors for analog HD/SD component, S-Video, composite and unbalanced audio; this helps those still working in analog to make the transition to digital and HD production.

Thomson is unique in supporting the entire media chain from high-definition content creation to multi-play services for home consumption. As broadcasters become broadercasters, Thomson is the right technology partner, as it will demonstrate at IBC 2008 in two booth locations – Hall 1, Stand D.11 and Hall 7, Stand F.31.