Canon's new 50Mbps MPEG-2 Full HD (4:2:2) codec at DVinfo.net

Chris Hurd · February 2nd, 2010, 04:21 AM

New Canon MPEG-2 Codec chosen for file-based professional video camcorder
promises compatibility with industry-standard editing & processing software

TOKYO, February 2, 2010 — Canon Inc. announced today the Company has adopted an MPEG-2 Full HD (4:2:2) file-based recording codec for a new professional video camcorder currently under development. The Canon MPEG-2 Codec will enable high-quality imaging and audio performance with up to 50 Mbps data recording and twice the color data of HDV*1 profile formats. File-based recording helps video operations realize greater efficiencies during post-production processing, making it an ideal format for many industry applications such as newsgathering, documentary filmmaking and event videography.

* MPEG-2 Full HD compression and 4:2:2 color sampling
The adoption of MPEG-2 Full HD (MPEG-2 4:2:2P@HL compliant) compression enables the recording of 1,920 x 1,080-pixel full high-definition video. Additionally, compared with the 4:2:0 profile format used in HDV and other standards, 4:2:2 color sampling offers twice the volume of color data, providing double the level of color resolution.

* Maximum 50 Mbps data recording
With approximately twice the data volume of HDV, the Codec supports higher resolution and increased color data to enable the recording of high-quality video.

* Industry-standard MXF*2 file format
MXF (Material eXchange Format) is a widely supported open source file format for the recording of video and audio and metadata, developed to suit the latest editing systems used by broadcasters.

Canon partners with major editing and processing software

With the adoption of the MPEG-2 Full HD (4:2:2) file-based recording codec, Canon is working in cooperation with Adobe Systems Incorporated, Apple Inc., Avid Technology, Inc. and Grass Valley to ensure compatibility with major editing and processing software programs widely used within the video imaging industry. Additionally, at future industry events, Canon intends to demonstrate the overall video-production workflow, from initial video capture to clip-trimming and final editing, with video clips stored in a file-based recording system and using industry-standard software applications.

Advantages of File-Based Recording
File-based recording enables video and audio data to be managed and stored by file, much in the same way as computer data. It supports efficiency throughout the production process, from initial video capture to final editing through the entire workflow. Additionally, file-based recording provides users with the flexibility to utilize different editing environments and workflow solutions without the restrictions associated with some other video recording formats, helping to reduce investment costs.

*1 HDV is a standard for the recording and playback of high definition (1,440 x 1,080 pixels) video and audio on DV-format cassette tapes
*2 A format for professional digital video and audio media defined by the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE)

Peter Moretti · February 2nd, 2010, 04:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Perrone Ford

Looks like Peter is going to have to upgrade to MC 4.0.5... :) AMA is the future Peter!

I'm holding out for a color correction overhaul in MC and better audio. Hopefully, MC 5 will be all mine.

Chris Hurd · February 2nd, 2010, 04:29 AM

"File-based professional video camcorder" refers to this article: Canon Reveals Their Next Pro Video Cam

Previous discussion thread (read only): Canon Reveals Their Next Pro Video Cam -- Discussion Thread

Steve Phillipps · February 2nd, 2010, 05:00 AM

Wow, that is MASSIVE news.
Steve

Alister Chapman · February 2nd, 2010, 05:09 AM

Note that they have "adopted an MPEG-2 Full HD (4:2:2) file-based recording codec". So is this a new implementation of Mpeg-2 at 50Mb/s or are they using the XDCAM HD 422 codec and file structure? I hope it's the later as this means no extra importers or new codecs and the system will work out of the box.

It's what is not revealed in the announcement that is interesting. Form factor, sensors, recording medium.. it might not even be solid state.

Steve Phillipps · February 2nd, 2010, 05:12 AM

From the release it sounds like it won't be the XDCam version as they are talking about working with Apple etc to get compatibility sorted which they wouldn't need to do if it was XDCam.
Also, I suppose you're right about it not implicitly stating it's solid state but I think it's a safe bet - what else could it be, do you mean optical discs or something similar, what else is there?
Steve

Steve Phillipps · February 2nd, 2010, 05:17 AM

There's pictures on the Canon article which shows the form factor - not going to keep shoulder shooters happy - and also has size that indicates 1/3" chips and CCDs. Maybe the pictures were a red herring and they've done a complete redesign. After all the article predicts AVCHD codec!
Steve

Alister Chapman · February 2nd, 2010, 05:20 AM

Might not be the same camera. There could be more than one new camera. According to Vincent we'll hear more on the 8th.

My money would also be on solid state, but it would be nice if the MXF files were the same as the XDCAM ones, in the same way that the NanoFlash 50Mb/s MXF files can be directly written to an XDCAM disc. This would be better for everyone in the long run creating an industry standard but giving us end users a choice of camera manufacturers.

I hope it's 1/2" CCD's. It would tick all the right broadcast spec boxes and be good for all the lightning filming that I do.

Steve Phillipps · February 2nd, 2010, 05:27 AM

Could they do that? The XDCam file structure etc is not property of Sony?
I'm sure this will sart up the rumours again. If they are going for EBU spec 50 mb/s will they also go for EBU spec 1/2" chips? They mention full 1920x1080 so presumably that's what it'll be, and 720 seems easy to implement a la EX3. So, we'll have a 1/2" CCD camera, 50 mb/s, full rater 1080 and 720, with variable frame rates upto 60 in 720, and an off the shelf adapter for Canon SLR lenses. I'll have one!
Steve

Alister Chapman · February 2nd, 2010, 05:43 AM

I expect the file structure on the XDCAM discs is proprietary. But the 50Mb/s Mpeg2 within the MXF file is probably not and this is the important bit. With a NanoFlash you can shoot 50Mb/s mpeg2 MXF's and dump these MXF files directly on to an XDCAM disc. The XDCAM device creates the full file structure, all you need is a compatible MXF file.

Chris Hurd · February 2nd, 2010, 05:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve Phillipps

There's pictures on the Canon article which shows the form factor - not going to keep shoulder shooters happy

I'm the author of that article. In it I have mentioned the strong possibility that yet
another new model waits in the wings; a shoulder mount version of the mock-up
which is the subject of the article.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve Phillipps

Maybe the pictures were a red herring and they've done a complete redesign.

No, neither Canon nor DV Info Net do red herrings. Remember, this piece was shown
under glass by Canon at InterBEE and at HD Expo, just as they did before with the
XL H1 at IBC in 2005. It is for real -- trust me.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve Phillipps

After all the article predicts AVCHD codec!

Not anymore. I have updated it per the info about the new codec:
Canon Reveals Their Next Pro Video Cam -- Announced Format
Hope this helps,

Chris Hurd · February 2nd, 2010, 05:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alister Chapman

Might not be the same camera. There could be more than one new camera.

There most likely is more than one new camera; the other being a shoulder-mount version of the XH replacement we've been talking about (in other words, an XL H replacement). Rest assured however that the press release about the new codec is most definitely tied to this specific camera (and other versions of it, which very possibly include a shoulder-mount form factor).

Brian Drysdale · February 2nd, 2010, 06:21 AM

If it does tick the broadcast HD specs, organisations like the BBC could buy hundreds to replace the Z1s assuming Sony don't match it

Steve Phillipps · February 2nd, 2010, 06:26 AM

Only problem I see is that it's not likely to be 1/2" CCD as that would push the price too high for where they would probably be aiming. The only way they could go 1/2" would be CMOS and apparently they are not going to.
Steve

Chris Hurd · February 2nd, 2010, 06:36 AM

That's right. I'm pretty sure it's three 1/3rd-inch CCDs, although I'd love to be wrong.

February 2nd, 2010, 04:21 AM	#1
Chris Hurd Obstreperous Rex Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: San Marcos, TX Posts: 27,368 Images: 513	Canon's new 50Mbps MPEG-2 Full HD (4:2:2) codec New Canon MPEG-2 Codec chosen for file-based professional video camcorder promises compatibility with industry-standard editing & processing software TOKYO, February 2, 2010 — Canon Inc. announced today the Company has adopted an MPEG-2 Full HD (4:2:2) file-based recording codec for a new professional video camcorder currently under development. The Canon MPEG-2 Codec will enable high-quality imaging and audio performance with up to 50 Mbps data recording and twice the color data of HDV1 profile formats. File-based recording helps video operations realize greater efficiencies during post-production processing, making it an ideal format for many industry applications such as newsgathering, documentary filmmaking and event videography. MPEG-2 Full HD compression and 4:2:2 color sampling The adoption of MPEG-2 Full HD (MPEG-2 4:2:2P@HL compliant) compression enables the recording of 1,920 x 1,080-pixel full high-definition video. Additionally, compared with the 4:2:0 profile format used in HDV and other standards, 4:2:2 color sampling offers twice the volume of color data, providing double the level of color resolution. * Maximum 50 Mbps data recording With approximately twice the data volume of HDV, the Codec supports higher resolution and increased color data to enable the recording of high-quality video. * Industry-standard MXF2 file format MXF (Material eXchange Format) is a widely supported open source file format for the recording of video and audio and metadata, developed to suit the latest editing systems used by broadcasters. Canon partners with major editing and processing software* With the adoption of the MPEG-2 Full HD (4:2:2) file-based recording codec, Canon is working in cooperation with Adobe Systems Incorporated, Apple Inc., Avid Technology, Inc. and Grass Valley to ensure compatibility with major editing and processing software programs widely used within the video imaging industry. Additionally, at future industry events, Canon intends to demonstrate the overall video-production workflow, from initial video capture to clip-trimming and final editing, with video clips stored in a file-based recording system and using industry-standard software applications. Advantages of File-Based Recording File-based recording enables video and audio data to be managed and stored by file, much in the same way as computer data. It supports efficiency throughout the production process, from initial video capture to final editing through the entire workflow. Additionally, file-based recording provides users with the flexibility to utilize different editing environments and workflow solutions without the restrictions associated with some other video recording formats, helping to reduce investment costs. 1 HDV is a standard for the recording and playback of high definition (1,440 x 1,080 pixels) video and audio on DV-format cassette tapes 2 A format for professional digital video and audio media defined by the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) __________________ CH Search DV Info Net \| 20 years of DVi \| ...Tuesday is Soylent Green Day!

February 2nd, 2010, 04:29 AM	#3
Chris Hurd Obstreperous Rex Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: San Marcos, TX Posts: 27,368 Images: 513	"File-based professional video camcorder" refers to this article: Canon Reveals Their Next Pro Video Cam Previous discussion thread (read only): Canon Reveals Their Next Pro Video Cam -- Discussion Thread __________________ CH Search DV Info Net \| 20 years of DVi \| ...Tuesday is Soylent Green Day!

February 2nd, 2010, 05:09 AM	#5
Alister Chapman Inner Circle Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Bracknell, Berkshire, UK Posts: 4,957	Note that they have "adopted an MPEG-2 Full HD (4:2:2) file-based recording codec". So is this a new implementation of Mpeg-2 at 50Mb/s or are they using the XDCAM HD 422 codec and file structure? I hope it's the later as this means no extra importers or new codecs and the system will work out of the box. It's what is not revealed in the announcement that is interesting. Form factor, sensors, recording medium.. it might not even be solid state. __________________ Alister Chapman, Film-Maker/Stormchaser http://www.xdcam-user.com/alisters-blog/ My XDCAM site and blog. http://www.hurricane-rig.com

February 2nd, 2010, 05:20 AM	#8
Alister Chapman Inner Circle Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Bracknell, Berkshire, UK Posts: 4,957	Might not be the same camera. There could be more than one new camera. According to Vincent we'll hear more on the 8th. My money would also be on solid state, but it would be nice if the MXF files were the same as the XDCAM ones, in the same way that the NanoFlash 50Mb/s MXF files can be directly written to an XDCAM disc. This would be better for everyone in the long run creating an industry standard but giving us end users a choice of camera manufacturers. I hope it's 1/2" CCD's. It would tick all the right broadcast spec boxes and be good for all the lightning filming that I do. __________________ Alister Chapman, Film-Maker/Stormchaser http://www.xdcam-user.com/alisters-blog/ My XDCAM site and blog. http://www.hurricane-rig.com

February 2nd, 2010, 05:43 AM	#10
Alister Chapman Inner Circle Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Bracknell, Berkshire, UK Posts: 4,957	I expect the file structure on the XDCAM discs is proprietary. But the 50Mb/s Mpeg2 within the MXF file is probably not and this is the important bit. With a NanoFlash you can shoot 50Mb/s mpeg2 MXF's and dump these MXF files directly on to an XDCAM disc. The XDCAM device creates the full file structure, all you need is a compatible MXF file. __________________ Alister Chapman, Film-Maker/Stormchaser http://www.xdcam-user.com/alisters-blog/ My XDCAM site and blog. http://www.hurricane-rig.com

February 2nd, 2010, 05:00 AM	#4
Steve Phillipps Inner Circle Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Wales Posts: 2,130	Wow, that is MASSIVE news. Steve

February 2nd, 2010, 05:12 AM	#6
Steve Phillipps Inner Circle Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Wales Posts: 2,130	From the release it sounds like it won't be the XDCam version as they are talking about working with Apple etc to get compatibility sorted which they wouldn't need to do if it was XDCam. Also, I suppose you're right about it not implicitly stating it's solid state but I think it's a safe bet - what else could it be, do you mean optical discs or something similar, what else is there? Steve

February 2nd, 2010, 05:17 AM	#7
Steve Phillipps Inner Circle Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Wales Posts: 2,130	There's pictures on the Canon article which shows the form factor - not going to keep shoulder shooters happy - and also has size that indicates 1/3" chips and CCDs. Maybe the pictures were a red herring and they've done a complete redesign. After all the article predicts AVCHD codec! Steve

February 2nd, 2010, 05:27 AM	#9
Steve Phillipps Inner Circle Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Wales Posts: 2,130	Could they do that? The XDCam file structure etc is not property of Sony? I'm sure this will sart up the rumours again. If they are going for EBU spec 50 mb/s will they also go for EBU spec 1/2" chips? They mention full 1920x1080 so presumably that's what it'll be, and 720 seems easy to implement a la EX3. So, we'll have a 1/2" CCD camera, 50 mb/s, full rater 1080 and 720, with variable frame rates upto 60 in 720, and an off the shelf adapter for Canon SLR lenses. I'll have one! Steve

February 2nd, 2010, 06:21 AM	#13
Brian Drysdale Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Belfast, UK Posts: 6,152	If it does tick the broadcast HD specs, organisations like the BBC could buy hundreds to replace the Z1s assuming Sony don't match it

February 2nd, 2010, 06:26 AM	#14
Steve Phillipps Inner Circle Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Wales Posts: 2,130	Only problem I see is that it's not likely to be 1/2" CCD as that would push the price too high for where they would probably be aiming. The only way they could go 1/2" would be CMOS and apparently they are not going to. Steve

February 2nd, 2010, 06:36 AM	#15
Chris Hurd Obstreperous Rex Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: San Marcos, TX Posts: 27,368 Images: 513	That's right. I'm pretty sure it's three 1/3rd-inch CCDs, although I'd love to be wrong. __________________ CH Search DV Info Net \| 20 years of DVi \| ...Tuesday is Soylent Green Day!