Date: 17/10/2012

GE enhances ICS-8580 video compression XMC module

GE Intelligent Platforms has enhanced the ICS-8580 rugged high definition video compression XMC module. The unit enables very high quality moving images to be captured, transmitted and stored with low latency and with minimal consumption of bandwidth or disk space – meaning that actionable information is received more rapidly and efficiently.

The latest enhancements include base level support for Camera Link, a serial communication protocol standard designed for computer vision applications based on the National Semiconductor interface. This permits seamless connection between the ICS-8580 and Camera Link-enabled high resolution cameras, and means that the ICS-8580 can be configured to support almost any camera input and system configuration.

The ICS-8580 also supports IPv6, the Internet Protocol that ensures the longevity of IP-based networking by permitting a considerably larger number of the IP addresses on which the Internet is based. This is in addition to the ICS-8580’s support of IPv4.

The ICS-8580 can capture video inputs and archive or stream them over Ethernet, managing multiple streams and performing capture, manipulation, conversion, compression, storage, decompression and video display. It is rugged, compact, light-weight and consumes little power, allowing it to be easily deployed in systems destined for deployment in harsh environments that are inhibited by size, weight and power (SWaP).

The original version of the ICS-8580 has been deployed in programs such as NASA’s Global Hawk initiative.

“On-board video to capture vital intelligence, reconnaissance and surveillance information is assuming increasing significance for military organizations around the world,” said Rod Rice, General Manager, Military & Aerospace Products, GE Intelligent Platforms. “These enhancements, together with the light- weight and small size of the ICS-8580, make it uniquely suited for this type of deployment.”

In video capture and transmission, the primary challenge is how to maintain video quality in order to maximize critical detail while minimizing the use of bandwidth by implementing highly efficient algorithms: transmitting ‘raw,’ unprocessed high definition video data at very high speed requires bandwidth that is rarely available in, for example, air-to-ground applications. Similarly, storage of high definition video data – for later review and analysis, for example - in its uncompressed form can require terabytes of disk space.

The ICS-8580 features H.264 video compression/decompression (codec) technology, which is broadly regarded as being the optimum solution: it is considered to be up to three times as efficient as other codec solutions, enabling vital image detail to be retained while occupying the minimum possible bandwidth or storage.

For more information: http://defense.ge-ip.com/products/3525

Source: GE IP