Descripción
Major features at a glance
| Epoch | 4K Supernova | |
|---|---|
| PCIe form-factor | Full-height, Full-length |
| 4 independent video channels | YES |
| 1.5G HD-SDI | YES |
| 3G-SDI | YES |
| Full-duplex DMA | YES |
| 4:4:4:4 SDI | YES |
| 4:2:2:4 SDI | YES |
| NVIDIA GPUDirect | YES |
| AMD DirectGMA | YES |
| Thunderbolt compatible | YES |
Achieve advanced 4K/UHD workflows
Synchronising 2 4K Supernova’s will create the performance required for capture and playback of 4K/UHD 3G-SDI up to 60 fps with no change to system configuration or cabling.
Quality, reliability, flexibility, lowest-latency & fail-safes
4K Supernova provides unsurpassed image quality with a 12-bit processing pipeline for all 8/10/12-bit video modes. The hardware design andcross-platform SDKhave evolved from 20+ years of continuous development making it extraordinarily reliable. An MR2routing resource alongside a customisable full-duplex asynchronous DMA engine deliver unrivalled developer flexibility.
4K Supernova has by design the world’s lowest-latency providing access to captured video frames with the shortest possible delay. A FIFO mode to protect against dropped frames, bypass relays and a watchdog timer allow developers to plan for the unexpected and ensure that the show does go on.
Optional connectivity with Epoch | 4K Supernova EX
4K Supernova features 4 bi-directional 3G/1.5G/HD/SD SDI video and audio I/O’s and Reference (INPUT). 4K Supernova EX includes 7.1 surround sound AES/EBU audio I/O, analogue audio output, LTC I/O and RS-422.
Flexible, cross-platform SDK
TheBluefish444 Windows, Linux and macOS SDK’sshare a common API allowing developers to port from one platform to another with greater ease and efficiency. Other common development interfaces are available includingDirectShow,Video4Linux2andMedialooks MPlatform.
4K Supernova comes with afree SDKand free integration support.
FREE multi-channel capture tool, IngeSTore
Bluefish444 have developedIngeSToreas a multi-channel ingest tool, which is available FREE with all 4K Supernova I/O cards. IngeSTore allows capture of up to 4 channels of video with independent format SDI sources simultaneously. Capture to QuickTime, AVI and DVCPRO50/HD codecs for free, withadditional codecs available via licensing.
Epoch | 4K Supernova canplayoutorcapture4K/UHD SDI video
4K/UHD/2K/HD SDI I/O features
| 12/10/8-BIT YUV | 10/8-BIT 3D YUV | 10/8-BIT RGB | 12-BIT RGB | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4K/UHD @ 23, 24, 25 fps | YES | NO | YES* | NO |
| 4K/UHD @ 29, 30 fps | YES | NO | NO | NO |
| 2K/HD @ 23, 24, 25, 29, 30 fps | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| 2K/HD @ 48, 50, 59, 60 fps | YES | YES | NA | NA |
NA – Not applicable. *Only at 8-bit.
Independent bi-directional I/Os deliver unparalleled flexibility
4K Supernova provides flexibility and performance with 4 industry-standard BNC video connectors each allowing 3G/1.5G/HD/SD SDI input or output. With bi-directional connectivity built-in, developers choose whether they want the BNCs to be input, output, 4K, UHD, 2K, HD or SD and in 3G/1.5G/HD/SD video modes, each BNC connector can be any frame-rate and frequency of your choosing.
Compare features
| Epoch | 4K Supernova | Epoch | 4K Supernova EX | Epoch | 4K Supernova x2 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| SD-SDI | 4 | 4 | 8 |
| 1.5G HD-SDI | 4 | 4 | 8 |
| 3G-SDI (Level A+B) | 4* | 4* | 8* |
| Dual Link 1.5G (4:2:2:4/4:4:4:4) |
YES | YES | YES |
| Dual Link 3G (Level A+B) | YES | YES | YES |
| Quad Link 1.5G | YES | YES | YES |
| Quad Link 3G (Level A+B) | YES* | YES* | YES* |
| Low-latency hardware keyer | YES | YES | YES |
| Colour space converter | YES | YES | YES |
| Customisable pixel formats | YES | YES | YES |
| Dedicated Reference INPUT BNC | YES | YES | YES |
| Thunderbolt compatible | YES | YES | YES |
| Breakout Cable 8 x AES Audio I/O 2 x Analogue Audio Monitoring RS-422 Auxiliary Reference INPUT |
NO | YES | YES |
| 16-bit half float pixel format | YES | YES | YES |
| Interlocking Reference INPUT | YES | YES | YES |
| Bypass relays | YES | YES | YES |
| Full-duplex DMA | YES | YES | YES |
| VBI, HANC & VANC | YES | YES | YES |
| Embedded audio | YES | YES | YES |
| NVIDIA GPUDirect | YES | YES | YES |
| AMD DirectGMA | YES | YES | YES |
| Range of firmware options | YES | YES | YES |
*Dependant on available PCIe bandwidth.
| Additional shield adds | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Epoch | 4K Supernova | Epoch | 4K Supernova EX | Epoch | 4K Supernova x2 | |
| AES/EBU audio INPUT 8CH (BNC) | NO | YES | YES |
| AES/EBU audio OUTPUT 8CH (BNC) | NO | YES | YES |
| Analogue audio OUTPUT 2CH (RCA) | NO | YES | YES |
| LTC I/O BNC | NO | YES | YES |
| RS-422 machine control | NO | YES | YES |
Optional connectivity
4K Supernova features 4 bi-directional 3G/1.5G/HD/SD SDI video and audio I/O’s and a dedicated 5th Reference (INPUT) BNC. 4K Supernova EX adds 7.1 surround sound AES/EBU audio I/O, analogue audio output, LTC I/O and RS-422.
| Part Number | Product | Description |
|---|---|---|
| EB3004A | Epoch | 4K Supernova | Full-height with 4 BNC and Reference (INPUT) BNC |
| EB3004ARL | Epoch | 4K Supernova EX | Standard Card + AES Audio I/O / Analogue Audio Out / RS-422 Control / LTC I/O |
Low-latency video keyer
4K Supernova has a low-latency hardware video keyer allowing video layers to be combined in hardware with microseconds of delay. This feature allows animated logos captions, tickers, etc. to be keyed over live video feeds at full 12-bit precision and with minimum input to output delay. The hardware keyer can also function as an image pre-multiplier to assist in previewing images and alpha data.
DMA features
The industry’s lowest-latency I/O, by design
4K Supernova has, by design, the world’s lowest-latency providing access to captured fields or frames to on-board card memory even before the whole field or frame is complete, thereby reducing the latency to sub one field or frame. During a capture or playout each process can occur at less than or equal to 1 field for interlaced modes and less than one frame for progressive modes.
Low-latency framestores
4K Supernova firmware and driver architecture provides I/O framestores with predictable and short propagation delays enabling the lowest possible latency through the card. TheBluefish444 SDKsupports sub-field interrupts enabling access to the video field or frame even before the video field/frame has been fully captured. This low-level access to video and audio data provides maximum control over video and audio synchronisation.
FIFO mode protection
4K Supernova firmware and driver architecture supports a FIFO mode that can be utilised for buffering I/O framestores ensuring that no field/frame will ever be dropped. The FIFO architecture can be used to increase or decrease the I/O latency to a fixed value.
Full-duplex asynchronous DMA engine
4K Supernova developers have full control over the heavily-optimised DMA engine via theBluefish444 SDK. The DMA engine supports full-duplex transfers to and from each of 4K Supernova’s 4 video channels at the maximum available PCIe bandwidth.
The DMA engine can independently transfer video and ancillary data and has a selective DMA feature for the transfer of customisable portions of a video field or frame. This is especially useful when dealing with individual HD quadrants that make up a 4K video buffer.
Complete access to ancillary data
4K Supernova allows full read and write access to the VBI for standard definition video signals. In high definition signal, read and write access is available for HANC and VANC data allowing AFD, KLV, closed caption data and more.
The industry’s lowest jitter, by design
Building on 10+ years of Bluefish444 innovative hardware development, 4K Supernova’s jitter circuit design surpasses the industry’s minimum standard for jitter and eye pattern measurements by almost twice the permitted tolerance.
High-quality 3G/HD bypass relays
4K Supernova offers the highest quality 3G/HD/SD bypass relays allowing critical on-air systems to manage system failures, power outages, and other unforeseeable circumstances that can be encountered in the world of live broadcast systems.
MR2Master Routing Resource
The MR2, Master Routing Resource, within 4K Supernova enables a user to flexibly configure main and preview outputs to suit individual workflows. The Master Routing Resource acts like a telephone exchange for super connectivity. Allowing video from SDI or host workstation to be routed to any or all of the 4K Supernova’s outputs simultaneously.
Maintaining a 12-bit processing pipeline
A 12-bit image processing pipeline is standard within 4K Supernova. This allows 8, 10 & 12-bit SDI video signals to be produced from 8, 10, 12 & 16-bit pixel formats providing the highest image quality available from your source material. A 12-bit image pipe means that 4096 discrete values of red, green & blue are maintained per-pixel; that’s 4 times the colour precision of a traditional 10-bit processing pipeline!
4K/UHD HDR
4K Supernova features four 3G-SDI I/O allowing capture and playout of 4K/UHD video streams. HDR/SDR workflows are supported for capture and playout of 4K/UHD and HD High Dynamic Range content with access to SDI ancillary space for HDR metadata.
VR/AR/Stereoscopic Support
With four 3G-SDI I/O connections VR/AR/Stereoscopic workflows can synchronise multiple SDI inputs into various formats for VR/AR/3D imaging.
IPConnect API
IPConnect API is provided to supportVideo Over IPworkflows for SMPTE IP and NDI protocols. SMPTE 2022-6 Uncompressed IP can be captured from standard off-the-shelf network adapters and used alongside Bluefish444 hardware with full control provided by theBluefish444 SDKand IPConnect API.
Maintaining the highest quality RGB <=> YUV
Colour space conversion image processing includes a fully programmable 4 x 4 x 33-bit colour matrix providing the highest quality colour space conversions that are a standard requirement in professional video workflows. The fully programmable 4 x 4 x 33-bit colour matrix reduces colour space conversion errors and ensures the highest quality colour accuracy during capture, monitoring and mastering.
SDK tools for developers
TheBluefish SDKships with a number of useful tools for developers to streamline integration and allow for easy troubleshooting.
BlueToolBox provides important card information including the card state, input and output video modes, DMA settings and more. BlueSigGen gives developers the ability to send out test signals in any video mode, so that validating multiple formats is quick and easy.
An extensive set of sample applications and interfaces are provided making integration of Bluefish hardware into applications and systems extremely efficient.
Achieve advanced 4K/UHD workflows
Synchronising 2 4K Supernova’s will create the performance required for capture and playback of 4K/UHD 3G-SDI up to 60 fps with no change to system configuration or cabling.
Single system multi-card support
TheBluefish444 SDKprovides unrestricted synchronisation of multiple 4K Supernova video cards per system with some developers using up to 5 cards per server to deliver 20 channels of SDI in a single box.
Thunderbolt expansion chassis compatibility
Popular PCI Express and Thunderbolt expansion chassis are designed to be light and portable. 4K Supernova is compatible with all full-length PCIe devices from those featuring a single slot right through to much larger multi-slot devices.
For the full list of qualified 3rd-party chassis visitBluefish444 Certified Solutionspage.
Access a unified API across Windows, Linux & macOS
TheBluefish444 cross-platform SDKprovides rapid distribution across multiple platforms including Windows, Linux, and macOS and delivers a unified driver for all models of Bluefish444 hardware.
4K Supernova is compatible withDirectShow filters, theMedialooks MPlatform SDKfor Windows andVideo4Linux2offering advanced features like multi-channel, multi-card and 4K UHD I/O.
4K Supernova supportsAMD DirectGMAandNVIDIA GPUDirectin order to reduce memory bandwidth and latency for processing video data on the GPU.
Cross-platform support with Industry leading 3rd-party software
4K Supernova leverages a decade of Bluefish444 software development. It is compatible withindustry-leading softwaredeveloped by Bluefish444 and by 3rd-party developers using our Windows, Linux and macOS software development kit. Strong partnerships with companies likeAdobe,Avid,ASSIMILATE,NVIDIA,AMDand many more allow Bluefish444 to deliver hardware, drivers and software plug-ins for the creative industry.
For a full list of compatible software, visit thesoftware section.
PRODUCT DIMENSIONS
| PHYSICAL DIMENSIONS | ||
|---|---|---|
| Epoch | 4K Supernova | Epoch | 4K Supernova EX | |
| Width | 120mm | 120mm |
| Length | 395mm | 395mm |
| Internal clearance (L) | 334mm | 334mm |
| Height | 1 PCIe Slot | 2 PCIe Slot |
| Weight | 320g | 400g |
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
| VIDEO I/O | ||
|---|---|---|
| Epoch | 4K Supernova | Epoch | 4K Supernova EX | |
| SDI VIDEO | ||
| SD SMPTE 295M | 4 | 4 |
| HD 1.5G SMPTE 292M | 4 | 4 |
| 3G (Level A+B) SMPTE 424M | 4* | 4* |
| Dual Link 1.5G SMPTE 372M | YES | YES |
| Dual Link 3G | YES | YES |
| Quad Link 1.5G SMPTE 2036-1 | YES | YES |
| Quad Link 3G SMPTE 2036-1 | YES | YES |
| Maximum video channels | 4 | 4 |
| 12/10/8-bit 4:4:4:4 SDI | YES | YES |
| 12/10/8-bit 4:2:2:4 SDI | YES | YES |
| REFERENCE | ||
| Bi-level/tri-level Reference INPUT (Dedicated BNC) | YES | YES |
| Bi-level/tri-level Reference INPUT auxillary (Via breakout cable) | NO | YES |
*Dependent on available PCIe bandwidth
| ANCILLARY | ||
|---|---|---|
| Epoch | 4K Supernova | Epoch | 4K Supernova EX | |
| HANC | ||
| RP 188 timecode | YES | YES |
| 16 channels of embedded audio per SDI | YES | YES |
| Video payload ID | YES | YES |
| Custom packets | YES | YES |
| VANC | ||
| Closed captioning | YES | YES |
| 3 line VITC | YES | YES |
| Custom packets | YES | YES |
| AUDIO I/O | ||
|---|---|---|
| Epoch | 4K Supernova | Epoch | 4K Supernova EX | |
| AUDIO SIGNALS | ||
| 16 channels of embedded audio INPUT per SDI | YES | YES |
| 8 channels of AES ID3 INPUT (unbalanced, BNC) | NO | YES |
| 16 channels of embedded audio OUTPUT per SDI | YES | YES |
| 8 channels of AES ID3 OUTPUT (unbalanced, BNC) | NO | YES |
| 2 channels -10DBU analogue OUTPUT (unbalanced, RCA) | NO | YES |
| Dolby Digital pass-through SDI | YES | YES |
| HARDWARE | ||
|---|---|---|
| Epoch | 4K Supernova | Epoch | 4K Supernova EX | |
| MAJOR HARDWARE FEATURES | ||
| High-performance, 3G bypass relays | YES | YES |
| Fully programmable 4 x 4 x 33-bit colour matrix | YES | YES |
| 12-bit video signal path throughout | YES | YES |
| Automatic cross-locking and intelligent output phasing across formats | YES | YES |
| Audio sample-rate converters | YES | YES |
| (MR2) Master Routing Resource | YES | YES |
| ISIM (Input Stream Integrity Management) | YES | YES |
| 4K/UHD HDR modes | YES | YES |
| Stereoscopic/3D modes | YES | YES |
| 4-lane PCI-Express (8 and 16 lane compatible) | YES | YES |
| Full-duplex DMA data transfer bandwidth 1.1GB/s | YES | YES |
| 256MB on-board memory | YES | YES |
| Hardware keyer | YES | YES |
| LTC I/O BNC | NO | YES |
| RS-422 serial port (Via breakout cable) | NO | YES |
| VIDEO FORMATS | ||
|---|---|---|
| Epoch | 4K Supernova | Epoch | 4K Supernova EX | |
| SUPPORTED YUV SDI VIDEO FORMATS | ||
| (2K) 2048 x 1080p/PsF @ 23.976, 24, 25, 29.97, 30FPS | YES | YES |
| (2K) 2048 x 1080P/PsF @ 48, 50, 59.94, 60FPS | YES | YES |
| (HD) 1920 x 1080p/PsF @ 23.976, 24, 25, 29.97, 30FPS | YES | YES |
| (HD) 1920 x 1080p/PsF @ 48, 50, 59.94, 60FPS | YES | YES |
| (HD) 1920 x 1080i @ 25, 29.97, 30FPS | YES | YES |
| (HD) 1280 x 720p @ 23.976, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 50, 59.94, 60FPS | YES | YES |
| (SD) 720 x 576i @ 25FPS PAL | YES | YES |
| (SD) 720 x 486i @ 29.97FPS NTSC | YES | YES |
| SUPPORTED RGB SDI VIDEO MODES | ||
| (2K) 2048 x 1080p/PsF @ 23.976, 24, 25, 29.97, 30FPS | YES | YES |
| (HD) 1920 x 1080p/PsF @ 23.976, 24, 25, 29.97, 30FPS | YES | YES |
| (HD) 1920 x 1080i @ 25, 29.97, 30FPS | YES | YES |
| (SD) 720 x 576i @ 25FPS PAL | YES | YES |
| (SD) 720 x 486i @ 29.97FPS NTSC | YES | YES |
| SUPPORTED HSDL SDI VIDEO MODES | ||
| (2K) 2048 x 1556 @ 14.98, 15FPS | YES | YES |
| SUPPORTED 4K/UHD YUV SDI VIDEO MODES | ||
| (4K) 4096 x 2160p @ 23.976, 24, 25, 29.97, 30FPS | YES |
YES |
| (4K) 4096 x 2160p @ 48, 50, 59.94, 60FPS | NO | NO |
| (UHD) 3840 x 2160p @ 23.976, 24, 25, 29.97, 30FPS | YES |
YES |
| (UHD) 3840 x 2160p @ 48, 50, 59.94, 60FPS | NO | NO |
| SUPPORTED 4K/UHD RGB SDI VIDEO MODES | ||
| (4K) 4096 x 2160p @ 23.976, 24, 25, 29.97, 30FPS | YES* | YES* |
| (UHD) 3840 x 2160p @ 23.976, 24, 25, 29.97, 30FPS | YES* | YES* |
| SUPPORTED PIXEL FORMATS | ||
| 2VUY, YUVS, BV8, V210, AYUV_4224, AYUV_4444, YV12, I420 | YES | YES |
| ARGB, BGRA, RGB24, Cineon, DPX, RGB48 | YES | YES |
| Custom using flexible hardware pixel format engine | YES | YES |
*Dependent on available PCIe bandwidth.
