Subtitling - Production
FAB Media Encoder

FAB Media Encoder is a system for recording of video, audio and timecode into video files. It is designed as a replacement for the recording VCR in the tape duplication process. The video file can be used for preparation of subtitles.

The specialty of the FAB Media Encoder is that all timecode jumps and drops are recorded into the media file so that the file can be used for preparation of subtitles. Media encoders of other manufacturers generally do not record timecode into video files so that those files can only be used for preparation of subtitles if the timecode is burnt into the picture.

It is very important to know that FAB Subtitler can open the video file while it is still being encoded by FAB Media Encoder. This means that the preparation of the subtitles can start before the encoding of the video file is finished.

Main advantages of FAB Media Encoder:

FAB Subtitler can open the video file while it is still being encoded.
This means that subtitle preparation can start before the encoding is finished.

During encoding the cuts (scene changes) are recognized automatically.
Scene changes are stored into video files and are displayed during preparation of subtitles.

The timecode and timecode jumps are encoded into the video file.

The encoded video is highly compressed because Windows Media 9 format is used.
The Video Codec 1 (VC1) that is used allows bitrates between 200 kbit/s and 3Mbit/s.

Because the video files are very small they can be downloaded by translators over DSL. When using the lowest possible bitrate of 200 kbit/s a 90 minutes movie is encoded into a 135MB video file. When using a 2MBit/s DSL line this file can be downloaded in less than 9 minutes.

FAB Media Encoder is delivered as a PC and has the following input:

SDI BNC input for video, audio and VITC timecode

The outputs of the VCR should be connected to this input.

The Media Encoder is equipped with a CD/DVD recorder so that media files can be recorded onto CD/DVD media. Alternatively the media file can be stored on the local hard disk, on a file server or in the FAB Subtitle Database.

There are two possible ways how to operate the Media Encoder:

Manual operation mode

In the manual operation mode the operation is very similar to operating a VCR. Instead of putting in the tape and pressing RECORD, the filename for the media file has to be entered, the duration of the encoding has to be entered and the ENCODE button must be pressed.

FAB Media Encoder can control a VCR (DigiBeta, IMX) via the Sony 9-pin protocol.

The picture below shows the user interface which is very simple so that any person without special knowledge can operate the media Encoder.

Automatic operation mode

In automatic operation mode the Media Encoder can be controlled by an automation system like Harris Media Client. The Media Encoder supports the VDCP protocol on the serial port so that the automation system controls it as a video disk recorder.

The advantage of the automatic operation mode is that the encoding to media files can be done at the same time when the video material is recorded to a broadcast quality video disk recorder/player. This can be especially important for news and other programs that have to be subtitled urgently shortly before they will be aired.

Hardware requirements

- PC with Windows XP, 2,8GHz Processor, 512 MB RAM, 40 GB Hard Disk

Supported video capture cards

- Any Decklink card (www.decklink.com)

Supported timecode cards

- Alpermann-Velte PCL-PCI (www.alpermann-velte.com)
- Adrienne PCI-VLTC and USB-TC (www.adrielec.com)

Models & Specifications

FT-MEDIAENC 1

FAB Media Encoder Software only, required is: - PC with Windows XP - Video Capture Card - Timecode Reader Card