ZyGoDigital has updated ZyGoVideo Pro — a codec for QuickTime and QuickTime Pro that compresses and decompresses video files to deliver broadcast-quality video at lower transmission speeds — to version 2.5. The update features improved encode/decode speeds over previous versions, so that even larger videos can be made in real time and watched on “average power” computers, according to Rod Sheffield of ZyGoDigital.
ZyGoVideo Pro can compress smooth running video at 28.8 kbps and 56 kbps in real-time. It provides a set of professional compression settings to control data rate, quality and encode/decode speed for a variety of video sources.
In addition to the previously mentioned changes, ZyGoVideo Pro 2.5 adds two controls. The Motion Estimation control helps control data rate spikes when panning the camera; the visual effect for the viewer is to eliminate pixelated or “blocky” video. The High Quality control lets you create crisp video at the expense of data rate, Sheffield said. Coupled with new video decoding to NTSC devices, the control allows you to make widescreen, theater-style videos.
ZyGoDigital is offers ZyGoVideo Pro 2.5 for Mac OS X at a “holiday special” price of US$79. Or you can buy it with Totally Hip’s Hip Flics video compression application for $129. Existing customers and new Hip Flics bundle customers can upgrade to ZyGoVideo Pro 2.5 for $19.