Fast Forward Video (FFV) has announced the launch of the Q HD - the first board-level high-definition digital video recorder (DVR) based on the JPEG 2000 (J2K) compression codec for recording HD SDI video signals. The Q HD is designed to be embedded in HD video recording applications that demand the absolute highest image quality, such as high-end surveillance, law enforcement, military, and medical systems.

The Q HD provides the board-level DVR technology used in FFV's cutting-edge Elite HD and Omega HD DVR systems, with J2K compression ensuring virtually no loss in signal quality at 1080i, 720p, and 480i. The Q HD records at data rates of 100Mbits/s, offering 4:2:2 sampling and a full 10-bit quantization. High-definition recordings are full resolution - 1920 x 1080 (1080i) or 1280 x 720 (720p). The Q HD also provides HD-SDI I/O capabilities and features RS-422 control using Sony, Odetics, and FFV serial protocols.

With its broadcast-level image quality, the Q HD is currently being embedded in a diverse array of HD recording applications. One leading provider of broadcast remote control solutions has licensed the Q HD for use in a high-end video camera and recording system to be mounted on law enforcement helicopters. Another FFV OEM is developing next-generation photo finish video recording equipment for horse racing based on the Q HD.

"Now that HD technology has become accepted and widespread for broadcasting, it's rapidly being adopted for many other applications that rely on high-quality video output," said Mark Playdon, FFV's director of sales. "This increased demand for applications outside the pure broadcasting production realm represents a large opportunity for us, and we've responded by delivering to the market the first board-level HD recording solution to feature J2K compression."

www.ffv.com