The ArgoNavis Universal Encoder is an advanced professional encoder with the ability to encode in SD and HD, in MPEG-2 or MPEG-4 H.264 formats. The system comes in a 1.5 RU form, and encodes with a wide range of parameters designed to enable operators to encode content from a single source. The ArgoNavis Encoder is highly cost-effective, at under $6,000 per system. The ability for customers to easily, intuitively and rapidly integrate it into their existing work processes and start generating the highest quality encoded files across a wide range of resolutions, bitrates, formats and ancillary data specifications.

It supports HD MPEG-4 H.264 and MPEG-2 encoding in real-time at 1920x1080i and 1280x720p resolutions at both NTSC and PAL frame rates, and 1920x1080p encoding at the Cinema/BluRay frame rate. This solution addresses the needs of users across the NTSC and PAL domains, and offers a full range of input/output options including Analog (Composite, Component, Audio) and HDMI only, or HS/SD SDI only, or fully configured Analog, HD/SD SDI and HDMI options. It supports 608/708 CC capture from VANC or Line 21 CC from analog VBI. This encoder also comes with an optional SDI & VANC Monitoring module and Closed Captioning Verification functionality.

The software/UI allow users to control their apps through VTR/device control for frame accurate encoding, as well as the ability to use touchscreens, foot switches – or traditional controls such as mouse and keyboard.