Socionext and SoftIron Announce Partnership to Build 'HyperCast', a Compact, Low-Power Dense Transcode Server for Optimized Video Processing

SUNNYVALE, Calif., Aug. 31, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Socionext Inc., a leader in advanced SoC technology for video and imaging systems, is in a new partnership with SoftIron, a Silicon Valley start-up with expertise in dense server technology, to develop a new low-power, dense transcode server for data center video processing.

The two companies are working together on the HyperCast Server, which is optimized to deliver unprecedented transcoding and storage density – at a cost per channel that makes the offering a vital and effective new system for the data center.

Socionext engineers have integrated a "sea of transcoders", also known as the "Media Cloud", to accelerate video processing 'under the hood' of standard servers. The number of channels per 1RU, power consumption per channel and cost are an order of magnitude better than comparable solutions with standard servers. The MB86M30-based solution is capable of real-time transcoding up to 256 bundles of AVC/ HEVC ABR (Adaptive Bit Rate) streams in a dense 1RU unit (for 1080p60 input).

SoftIron's HyperCast appliance leverages this capability to bring dense storage and video processing together in a 1RU capable of a large number of transcoders, and substantial SSD-based storage.

Click for an image of the HyperCast Standard 1RU Chassis

Yasuhiro Wakimoto, VP of the Enterprise Solution Business Unit at Socionext, said, "We see SoftIron as the ideal partner to create a ground-breaking data center product with our transcoding technology. Their clean sheet server design requires lower power per video channel, and the highly optimized system architecture brings costs down to where ABR transcoding can be applied to high-volume user generated traffic. We expect to see HyperCast occupy a healthy share of data center servers." He added that the transition from H. 264 to H.265 is accelerating in 2017 and Socionext's chip technology applies equally to both codecs, enabling innovative ideas like reducing storage for video files by converting to HEVC.

Tim Massey, CEO of SoftIron, said, "Video processing and storage are at the heart of SoftIron's solutions. Our recent successes in a platform for high density storage have laid the foundation for integration of the Socionext transcoding engine into HyperCast. SoftIron is proud to be a leading innovator in high density ABR transcoding for the data center by optimizing for quality, density, and cost. We value the relationship with Socionext and are looking forward to building a portfolio of great products with their technology."

SoftIron will sample HyperCast during the fourth calendar quarter of 2017, with full production now set to begin early in 2018.

Socionext will showcase the HyperCast prototype at the company's private suite from Sep. 15 –19 at the annual IBC event at RAI, Amsterdam, and at Streaming Media West, on Nov. 2-3, held at the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach, Calif., booth 207.

More Information
Socionext Media Cloud Solution 
Multi-Format Codec MB86M30

About SoftIron Limited
SoftIron builds the world's densest storage and video transcoding appliances for enterprise data centers. By completely re-thinking the limitations of traditional storage and transcoding solutions, SoftIron has designed and optimized their HYPER platform for quality, density, and cost. SoftIron's strong belief in offering data centers an honest and fair deal also includes no commitment, transparent subscription pricing. Founded in 2012, SoftIron Limited is headquartered in London. Products are designed and produced in Silicon Valley.

For product information, visit the company's website at softIron.com, e-mail [email protected]

About Socionext Inc.
Socionext is a new, innovative enterprise that designs, develops and delivers System-on-Chip products to customers worldwide. The company is focused on imaging, networking, computing and other dynamic technologies that drive today's leading-edge applications. Socionext combines world-class expertise, experience, and an extensive IP portfolio to provide exceptional solutions and ensure a better quality of experience for customers. Founded in 2015, Socionext Inc. is headquartered in Yokohama, and has offices in Japan, Asia, United States and Europe to lead its product development and sales activities.

For product information, visit the Socionext Media Cloud webpage, e-mail [email protected] or call 1-844-680-3453. For company news and updates, connect with us on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

SOURCE Socionext Inc.

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