Cobalt Digital Debuts Up/Down Converter at NAB

At NAB, Cobalt Digital introduced the Model HD8021, a 10-Bit Up/Down Converter that accepts both SD-SDI and HD-SDI signals and can downconvert HD signals to SD or up convert SD signals to HD.

The unit has outputs in multiple formats, dual rate HD/SD SDI, analog 10-bit HD, analog 10-bit SD and can drive non-SMPTE XGA flat panel display devices. The HD8021 can frame rate convert 24sF or 24p signals to 60 by adding a 3:2 pull down sequence, which enables direct viewing of 24 frame material on an HD or SD monitor needing a display rate higher than 24sF/p. The imaging processor has X-Y zoom with masking to re-image at any aspect ratio. Other features include the ability to convert from one HD mode to another and the HD8021 can take inputs of 1080i30 and output 720p60.

"We set out in this 10-bit converter to bridge the HD-SD signal and HD-SD monitoring connectivity issues found on a film location digital production, a post production environment and the local TV station," said Gene Zimmerman, Cobalt's president.