RGB Networks announces open-source transcoder initiative

Technology provider RGB Networks has said that it it is developing an open source version of its TransAct transcoder. 

Called the Ripcode Transcoder, after the company Ripcode, which was acquired by RGB Networks in 2010 and which originally developed TransAct, the new, cloud-enabled software transcoder is designed to deliver integration, control and flexibility of video delivery workflows, according to the company.

RGB Networks said it is actively welcoming operators and vendors to be part of a community of contributors to the open source project.

The transcoder project is built on RGB’s OpenStack open source-based CloudXtream network DVR and dynamic ad insertion platforms, launched last year. According to RGB, RipCode will be an “open core” project, where the core technology from the TransAct Transcoder is being used to create the foundations of the open source project.

RGB Networks said it will release RipCode Transcoder with only the codecs that can be legally used with open source software. Additionally, in order to facilitate use of the transcoder in professional environments that require licensed, third-party codecs and pre/post processing filters, the RipCode transcoder will include a plug-in framework, that will allow use of proprietary codecs and filters.

Video codec providers that have signed up include eBrisk Video, Intel Media Server Studio, Ittiam Systems, MainConcept, A DivX company, Multicoreware, NGCodec, providing HW acceleration for H.264/AVC and H.265/HEVC, Squid Systems and Vanguard Video.

Other participants include audio codec providers Dolby Laboratories and Fraunhofer IIS, and video optimization specialist Beamr.

The release of the first version of RipCode Transcoder – 1.0 – with all the appropriate licensing is targeted for Q1 2015.

“The IPTV industry has finally embraced the cloud. And, at RGB Networks, we recognize how open source projects like this can help promote the use of standard APIs which make it much easier for vendor-to-vendor integration and for video service providers to migrate to a cloud-based video delivery model,” said Andy Salo, VP of product management at RGB Networks.

“We look forward to working with the open source community of other video-related open source software at this exciting time in the industry to open source the RipCode Transcoder with optimal integration and code contributions.”