Grass Valley, CA (June 3, 2021) – AJA Video Systems has released FS-HDR v4.1, the latest version of its high-performance real-time HDR/WCG converter and frame synchronizer. FS-HDR v4.1 is now available as a free firmware update. It includes an increased frame buffer depth of 20 frames, updated BBC HLG LUTs, new NBCU LUTs, expanded Closed Captioning support, and the ability to pass through or translate critical ancillary data – even while performing a conversion.
During the pandemic, live productions increased their use of augmented reality and virtual cameras, which require additional processing time, necessitating longer synchronization periods for other sources. As a result, FS-HDR v4.1 expands the frame buffer depth of the device to support configurable delays of up to 20 frames. This is a free update for all FS-HDR users and does not require any hardware changes.
FS-HDR v4.1 adds support for BBC HLG LUTs v1.5 for production professionals looking to simplify HDR workflows and take advantage of the latest BBC HLG LUT developments. The newly released v1.5 BBC HLG LUTs include two new LUTs for direct mapping and up-mapping conversions from SDR BT.2020 to HLG BT.2100, as well as improved color saturation in down-mapping conversions from HLG BT.2100 to SDR BT.709 in display light.
Additionally, FS-HDR v4.1 adds support for new NBCU LUTs developed by NBCUniversal Media, LLC in collaboration with Cromorama to enable a workflow for simultaneous HDR and SDR content production with the highest possible quality. NBCU's LUTs include SDR, HLG, and PQ LUTs that maximize the dynamic range and color volume in HDR without degrading the quality of core SDR broadcasts.
FS-HDR v4.1 adds ancillary data pass-through or translation capabilities for a wide variety of formats and conversions in response to industry demand and user feedback. FS-HDR will now automatically pass through SCTE-104 packets in transmission applications that require the use of SCTE-104 markers for ad insertion. FS-new HDR's Timecode Xlator allows for the transmission or translation of auxiliary timecode (LTC, VITC1, or VITC2). Additionally, FS-HDR v4.1 expands the number of conversions that support Closed Captioning pass-through.
Pricing Information and Availability
FS-HDR v4.1 is now available for download as a free update via AJA's support page. Visit www.aja.com/products/fs-hdr for additional information.
