Daniel J SaitAtlona has announced that a new feature to its OmniStream AV over IP platform that will enable distribution of 4K video with Dolby Vision dynamic HDR over standard, off-the-shelf Gigabit Ethernet data networks.
This capability, which the company is says is unique, will soon be available as a licensed feature update to the OmniStream Pro and R-Type Series for commercial and residential networked AV applications, respectively. Atlona tells EI that official launch date for the feature will be October 15.
Atlona underlines that OmniStream will be the only AV over IP platform capable of streaming and decoding ultra-high-definition, Dolby Vision 12-bit HDR content at 60 frames per second over 1 Gigabit or 10 Gigabit Ethernet.
Dolby Vision is widely considered the industry leader in terms of its potential to deliver the best possible HDR viewing experience. However, extension and distribution of 4K video with Dolby Vision HDR has been a substantial challenge for AV integrators and manufacturers.
AV over IP systems currently offer HDR10 or HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma) compatibility, but not Dolby Vision. Some HDBaseT systems include video compression for 4K HDR, and may be compatible with Dolby Vision, but only at 24 or 30 Hz, says the maker.
Atlona has developed an algorithm that enables full preservation of Dolby Vision HDR metadata while maintaining visually lossless image encoding and decoding, for full interoperability with Dolby Vision HDR streaming media players, Ultra HD Blu-ray devices and displays.
Overcoming the obstacles
Atlona says the OmniStream AV over IP product line overcomes the limitation of typical video distribution systems over Gigabit Ethernet networks that eliminate the metadata necessary for Dolby Vision 12-bit at 60 frame-per-second playback, or uncompressed distribution systems that are limited to only 30 frames per second.
In addition to Dolby Vision, OmniStream offers license-free compatibility with HDR10 and HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma) at 60 Hz.
“Everyone is aware that Dolby Vision with dynamic HDR delivers the best quality images, but the problem is that AV over IP systems as well as uncompressed video distribution systems being installed today are not fully compatible, possibly leading to many customer complaints down the line,” says David Shamir, director of product management, Atlona. “OmniStream, with full Dolby Vision dynamic HDR capability will be the only whole-house video distribution system that ensures the best possible AV experience for the most demanding customers.”