Media Metastasis has begun demonstrations of early versions of ZyGoVideoH to a select group of industry and investment clients, President and CEO Rob Sheffield told MacCentral.
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ZyGoVideo is a codec for QuickTime and QuickTime Pro that compresses and decompresses video files to deliver broadcast-quality video at lower transmission speeds. It can compress smooth running video at 28.8 kbps and 56 kbps in real time. Such video content is being demonstrated on Handspring Visor Prism and Sharp Zaurus handhelds using ZyGoVideoH, Sheffield said. ZyGoVideoH is a combination player and codec product tuned to the performance needs and display sizes of the next generation PDA and 3G phones.
“The next generation of wireless PDAs and 3G phones have several characteristics which call for the use of ZyGoVideo,” Sheffield said. “First, the display sizes range from 160 by 160 pixels to 320 by 320 pixels, so the data rate is inherently low. Second, the 3G phone networks are starting off with data rates at 56 kbps, normal PC modem rates. Third, the phone networks, in fact all streaming networks, need a reliably predictable data stream to be able to keep customers watching video without interruption; no more of that ‘buffering’ message you see with some video players. Finally, video must be captured and compressed in real time at normal modem data rates; every frame available with excellent quality.”
ZyGoVideo creates video files consistently half the size of other codecs to be either downloaded or streamed to mobile devices at modem rates. Its advantage in compressed frame size also means every frame can be played without sacrificing video image quality, Sheffield said.
“ZyGoVideo Pro uses a wavelet technology to produce video at half the size of comparable compression algorithms,” he said. “This translates to either a larger video display size for the same data rate, or a higher frame playback rate. More pixels for viewing and a smooth playback rate are highly desirable characteristics to the end viewer. Modifications to make the playback smooth and interesting for handhelds are being incorporated into the baseline QuickTime codec so that all users benefit from the effort.”
Media Metastasis offers ZyGoVideo Pro for the traditional Mac operating system and Mac OS X for US$79. ZyGoVideo Pro also comes bundled with Totally Hip’s Hip Flics video compression application for $129.
Also, recently Media Metastasis and True Image, a provider of school id products, announced a beta program for a new commercial security product set today. Nstant ID Maker and ID SpotChecker will allow on-the-spot creation of photo IDs with just a FireWire camera, FireWire capable Mac, and a color printer.
“The first product uses the fact that you can buy very low cost iMac and Firewire computers to create a very efficient photo ID solution,” Sheffield said. “The second product is the first of a series of products we will introduce that will run on the Palm. As always, our strategy will be to leverage off Apple (particularly QuickTime) technology to fuel the content creation, and extend to Palm handhelds for playback market coverage. Future products will also extend into the wireless and 3G phone markets.”
ID SpotChecker, a companion tool that runs on a Palm device, will allow security forces to verify the photo IDs in the field and check to see that the person wearing the ID is the person whose photo is in the original database. ID SpotChecker is a low cost alternative to upgrading security by using fingerprint scans, retinal scans, automated face recognition, and other leading edge technologies proposed for “homeland security,” Sheffield said.
Nstant ID Maker and ID SpotChecker can be used in any commercial enterprise currently using a photo ID for employees or visitors. It can even be used in large events to help manage correct ID use for conventions and trade shows.
True Image has been providing on-the-spot IDs to Los Angeles Unified School District middle and high schools for the past four and a half years. Nstant ID Maker will provide a packaged software product that can be used by businesses and other commercial enterprises to create on-the-spot photo IDs, using low cost FireWire cameras and Macs. A laminator can be added to provide more permanent IDs. Nstant ID Maker will come with several templates for ID layout; custom layouts can be made on line and provided to customers for a nominal fee. ZyGoVideo Pro will be used to compress the photos.
Nstant ID Maker and ID SpotChecker software will be sold on the ZyGoVideo Web site. If you’d like to sign up for the beta program, send ’em an e-mail. Please provide information on your enterprise’s size and expected use of the product set.