New Patent on Video Compression for the Storage Market

Broadcast International (BCST) announced its first patent that specifically addresses video compression in the burgeoning media storage and distribution markets. The new patent is for multi-codec video compression in multimedia distribution and storage applications involving non-volatile memory devices such USB memory sticks, Flash drives or SD cards.

This is the fourth base patent granted to Broadcast International in multi-codec video compression. In August of 2007, a patent was granted for the core CodecSys video compression technology, which enables multiple expert codecs (used in the compression of video signals for transmission) to be used to slash bandwidth needs for video transmitted over satellite, cable, IP and wireless media. The technology allows, for example, many more HDTV channels to be transmitted without a corresponding increase in bandwidth.

In June, 2008, Broadcast International added a patent for intelligently switching among the internal settings of a single codec to maintain a target data rate, while ensuring video quality. Earlier this month, a patent was announced covering the use of a ‘super codec system’ comprising multi-codec subsets and dynamic adjustable setting preferences all combined in one application. The new patent covers the storage of a compressed media signal in which at least two scenes are selectively compressed using different codecs from a codec library, resulting in multiple codec compression.

New patent expands BI’s market
into high-growth storage arena
"This new patent expands our intellectual property for CodecSys into the growing storage arena, where better compression will enable greater storage efficiencies," said Rod Tiede, CEO of Broadcast International. "The addition of media storage to the traditional video compression market – already a multibillion dollar market — significantly expands our market opportunity. We look forward to becoming an important a contributor to this major new segment. In addition to the unrivaled power of our compression technology, we also bring an entirely new software-based approach to video encoding. This ensures that customers’ investments are protected since they can upgrade their encoders to meet the latest standards through simple, economical software downloads instead of expensive hardware replacement."

The new U.S. patent is the tenth international patent allowed for Broadcast International’s video compression technology. In addition to the four base patents, international patents have been granted for the core CodecSys multi-codec switching technology in Australia, Singapore, India, Korea, Malaysia and Russia.

About CodecSys video compression
Broadcast International’s CodecSys software utilizes a patented, multi-codec approach in which a video stream is analyzed and the codec best-suited for a particular frame or video sequence is automatically selected from an entire library of specialized codecs. These specialist codecs are designed to handle particular types of high-bandwidth video frames or streams, such as fast-motion sequences in a basketball game or explosions in an action movie. These types of video are extremely bandwidth-intensive and pose chokepoints to generalist codecs. By selecting the best expert codec for the job, CodecSys is able to eliminate these chokepoints and offer performance several times higher than competitive products.

One of the key benefits of the CodecSys software approach is that CodecSys-based video encoders can be easily changed as standards and requirements evolve. With CodecSys, codecs can be upgraded and added through simple, cost-effective software downloads. Other commercial solutions based on embedded systems require costly, full replacement.

This upgradeable, ‘future-proof’ approach eliminates the need for the costly replacement cycles required with encoders based on tightly-coupled hardware/software architectures.