FileFlow™ Option
Overview
File based workflow - Alchemist quality conversion
FileFlow allows users to get the benefit of Alchemist Ph.C-HD conversion quality, in real-time, even in a tapeless workflow. No longer any need to transfer files to tape or baseband video in order to perform standards conversion. Simply move the required file to the Snell supplied server, select the desired conversion parameters and press go. When the converted file is ready, it can be transferred back to the customers chosen location. Files can even be queued for processing sequentially.
Deliverables accepted first time - every time
- Alchemist standards conversion quality - demanded by broadcasters and content owners
- Unique timecode controlled conversions, ensuring clean frame start
Efficiently integrating with your workflow
- Supports many commonly used file formats and codecs
- Integrates with media asset management systems
- Job progress visibility
Maximum utilisation of your facility
- The only real-time, file based, SD and HD standards converter in the world
- Queued conversion jobs allowing unattended operation
Request a sample conversion
If you want to see just how good FileFlow is for your files contact us for a free sample conversion by registering your interest via the above tab.
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Applications
FAQ
Alchemist Ph.C-HD FileFlow™ option - FAQs
1 What is the FileFlow™ option?
Snell's FileFlow™ option enables users to get the benefit of Alchemist Ph.C-HD real-time standards conversion quality even in a tapeless workflow. With FileFlow™, users can convert media files from one frame rate to another in real-time with the uncompromising quality of Alchemist Ph.C-HD that they expect.
2 How does FileFlow™ work?
To convert a media file using Snell's FileFlow™, the customer need only move the required file to the server supplied by Snell, select the desired conversion parameters, and start the conversion process (all of which can be manual or automated). When the file is ready, it can be transferred back to the customer's chosen location.
Note that the user requires an Alchemist Ph.C-HD hardware unit to be able to use the FileFlow™ option. If the user does not already own an Alchemist Ph.C-HD, they will need to buy one. We can offer a discounted bundle price for Alchemist Ph.C-HD plus FileFlow™.
3 How does the user connect their FileFlow™ option to Alchemist Ph.C-HD?
Snell's FileFlow™ option integrates seamlessly with Alchemist Ph.C-HD hardware, using dedicated file and conversion management hardware and software supplied by Snell, as shown in the diagram below. Operation is straightforward and runs in real-time, thanks to the simple user application which controls the conversion parameters and scheduling.
4 When would a user need FileFlow™?
Imagine that a US customer has received some European content at 50Hz, as an MXF OP1a file in DNxHD, and needs to convert to 59.94Hz as a QuickTime ProRes HQ file. The Alchemist Ph.C-HD only supports SDI input and output. Alternative file-based conversion solutions from other vendors are slow, e.g. at best requiring five times the program length to convert HD material, and many have serious performance issues affecting both picture quality and timecode.
With FileFlow™, the customer transfers the MXF OP1a DNxHD 1080 50i file to the server (which is supplied by Snell as part of the option), then using the profile configuration tool supplied by Snell, specifies a QuickTime ProRes HQ output file at 1080 59.94i. When conversion is complete, the output file is available for the customer to move to wherever it is needed in their facility.
5 Why buy FileFlow™ when you can get frame rate conversion within transcoder packages?
As mentioned above, solutions from other vendors are slow and often of very poor quality. A content owner should not risk rejection of their material due to picture quality or timecode issues. With FileFlow™, users can convert media files from one frame rate to another in real-time with the uncompromising quality of Alchemist Ph.C-HD that they expect.
A key advantage of FileFlow™, which is unique to Snell, is that conversions can be precisely timecode controlled from the source start and end points. No other file-based standards conversion offers this facility, which is essential for clean frame start of conversion.
6 What's unique about FileFlow™?
FileFlow™ unique benefits include :
- the only real-time file-based SD and HD standards converter in the world
- no other file-based solution offers precise timecode controlled conversions (precise frame aligned conversions from file start timecode to file end timecode)
7 What other benefits does FileFlow™ have?
FileFlow™ enables existing Alchemist Ph.C-HD customers to migrate smoothly to tapeless workflows without compromising on conversion quality. Operation is real-time and simple, avoiding time and costs in alternative complex processes.
FileFlow™ supports most of the commonly used file formats and codecs, and integrates into customer media asset management systems, meaning lower costs in operations and new business opportunities for post-production facilities.
8 Can a user automate the FileFlow™ process?
The conversion can be set up with files queued for automated conversion in a user-chosen order, or a manual conversion can be selected. A SOAP API is published by Snell to allow control of the application through a user scripted automated process. Snell also supplies a management GUI which enables the user to set up and run conversions through a remote PC.
The user has visibility of progress through the Snell application, and will be informed when the conversion is complete. As the video and audio standards conversion is carried out by Alchemist Ph.C-HD, the conversion quality is perfect and takes place in real-time.
9 When the customer orders FileFlow™, what gets delivered?
The customer receives a complete hardware and software package which includes :
- industry standard dual node server
- two high-end Matrox cards
- proprietary file management software application
- proprietary configuration application
- annual maintenance contract
- free Timecode option for Alchemist Ph.C-HD
- Note that the user requires an Alchemist Ph.C-HD hardware unit (at version 7 or above) to be able to use the FileFlow™ option. If the user does not already own an Alchemist Ph.C-HD, they will need to buy one. We can offer a discounted bundle price for Alchemist Ph.C-HD plus FileFlow™.
10 Are all file formats and codecs supported?
There are more than 1000 combinations of file wrappers, codecs and media formats (audio and video) in use at present. FileFlow™ will support the most common combinations in Version 1. A preliminary list of file formats and codecs supported in Version 1 are shown in the table at the end of this document.
11 I can't find the file format my client needs in the list. What can I do?
We will be adding support for further codecs in future. Many of these will be chargeable options. Please pass your requirements to your account manager who will advise.
12 Does it pass audio?
Yes if audio is supported in the file format chosen by the user.
13 I'd like to see it working before I place an order. What can you suggest?
Snell will make available an ftp site for customers to place sample content. The customer should contact their Account Manager to specify what conversion they want. When the file conversion is ready, the customer will be advised and they can download the results. Files must be less than 4GB in size.
14 When can I buy FileFlow™?
Version 1 FileFlow™ was launched on 19 December 2011.
15 What is the naming convention for the converted file?
The FileFlow™ application offers two choices for users. The system can be set to automatically append the conversion applied to the input filename using specific rules. Alternatively, the user can supply a chosen filename for the output file, where the final suffix relates to the output file format (e.g. .mxf, .mov etc). In both cases, the output filename will be meaningful to the customer and can be integrated easily into the rest of their workflow.
16 Can FileFlow™ convert non-standard resolution files (e.g. 300x400)?
FileFlow™ can only convert broadcast standard formats and frame rates supported by Alchemist Ph.C-HD (except 1080 50p and 1080 59p). For example SD and HD formats up to 1080 50i and 1080 59i, as well as slow frame rates such as 1080 23.98 PsF, 1080 25 PsF etc.
17 Can FileFlow™ convert to/from H.264?
FileFlow™ supports H.264 within the AVCIntra MXF format. This is planned to be available in version 2.
18 Alchemist Ph.C-HD has 2 outputs, can FileFlow™ output 2 different formats at the same time?
Due to a limitation in the I/O cards, FileFlow™ can only support one conversion per file.
19 What is the capacity of the dual node server?
1TB of storage is provided for each of source and destination file storage areas.
20 Since FileFlow™ is frame accurate, can I offset the play/ingest time e.g. because I want to add a DSK/ watermark/signature between the Alchemist Ph.C-HD and the server?
This is not available in FileFlow™ Version 1, but we are aware of this requirement which will be considered for future releases.
21 What OS is it on the provided server?
Windows Server 2008.
22 Can I preview/review during conversion?
Review of the conversion in progress is available from the SDI I/O of Alchemist Ph.C-HD. Review via the PC GUI is not available in FileFlow™ Version 1, but we are aware of this requirement which will be considered for future releases.
23 Can FileFlow™ convert to/from uncompressed files?
The FileFlow™ roadmap includes support for uncompressed files. This would be via a chargeable upgrade.