MasonIP Network-Attached Video Player

In advance of the NAB show in Las Vegas next week, Wired has released details of its US$3000 MasonIP network video decoder and proofing system. Designed for anyone who wants to play video content from a server rather than from disc, MasonIP brings a whole new level of convenience and quality to playback of networked media files. The MasonIP is a professional-quality network video and DVD decoder that delivers unmatched flexibility and image quality for the most demanding playback and proofing applications. The MasonIP can decode nearly every flavor of SD and HD video and output it to virtually any professional monitor or consumer TV.

The MasonIP is the ultimate proofing tool to verify the quality of encoding and authoring for standard and high-definition DVD projects. Mason’s highly accurate playback of DVD projects saves time and money by eliminating the need to burn discs for most proofing. MasonIP features a robust rack-mount design (1U height) and quality construction to stand up to the rigors of round-the-clock use.

The MasonIP is also ideal for customer screening rooms or conference rooms, where its ability to instantly call up projects to be reviewed is a huge step forward in convenience and professionalism.

The MasonIP is also right at home in the most advanced home theaters. With its comprehensive support for SD and HD content, and very high quality output the MasonIP will please even the most demanding viewer. With a full range of video and audio outputs and extremely quiet operation the Mason fits into any system.

The MasonIP features browser based configuration making setup a breeze. It can access data from up to eight NFS, SMB or HTTP servers, and its elegant on-screen menus make it easy to navigate through a library of hundreds or thousands of items.

For a video production pro looking for a better way to proof projects, or a home owner outfitting their dream theatre, the MasonIP delivers where it really counts. It plays virtually every popular format of video, including MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, AVC, VC-1, DIVX, HDV and VIDEO_TS files, at bitrates up to 50mbps, utilizing the advanced Sigma 8634 processor.

The MasonIP has a complete array of outputs, including s-video, component and DVI for video, along with RCA stereo, spdif, toslink, and AES/EBU for audio. It supports resolutions up to 1080P/60 and its built-in scaler assures optimum quality from every file.

The MasonIP is built to professional standards with top quality connectors and components, and an over-spec’d low-noise power supply.