Niagara Logging Station
Featuring Virage Video Logger Software

The Niagara Logging Station is based on the Virage VideoLogger and AudioLogger™ asset management software. It includes a 2U Niagara Rackmount system for the real-time capture, encoding and cataloging of a single video input feed. NiagaraLogging Station takes live video from a camera, or prerecorded video from a tape or disk, and encodes it for network streaming with RealVideo 8.5 or Windows Media formats. The Niagara Logging Station combines the power of Osprey Video streaming capture and encoding technologies, RealProducer software and the Virage VideoLogger and AudioLogger™ asset management software for a unique single system solution that captures and encodes your video assets while making them searchable.

This system can, in real time, capture a live or taped video feed, encode it as a RealNetworks stream and create a searchable index of key frames, time stamps, closed caption text, key words and other recognized text, all using Virage's incomparable media cataloging applications.

The Niagara Logging station is a complete system for the real-time capture, encoding and cataloging of a single video input feed. It includes Windows 2000 Workstation with:

• A Osprey-220 video capture card(for video cataloging)
• RealNetworks RealProducer Plus with the Osprey streaming capture board
• Virage VideoLogger Software

Virage VideoLogger Overview
Virage VideoLogger® 4 is the powerful, next-generation version of Virage's award-winning video indexing software. Cost-effective, 24x7 production-proven and scalable, it is the critical first step to any video production, distribution or broadband strategy.

VideoLogger benefits include:

1. Enables the strategic application of video online: VideoLogger's unique SmartEncode process transforms streaming video from an Internet novelty into a powerful online medium that allows video to be tied to applications for revenue generation and enhanced communications.
2. Creates cost savings: The efficient SmartEncode process, which indexes video while simultaneously allowing multiple encoded versions and bit rates to be generated, cuts down valuable production time.
3. Improves content assembly and management process: By making video easy to identify, locate and re-use, VideoLogger allows pieces to be assembled and repurposed faster and with greater accuracy.
4. Matches any workflow: The VideoLogger can be easily tailored to suit your specific workflow needs.
5. Works in any environment: The open architecture of VideoLogger makes it easy to integrate into your existing IT infrastructure and to incorporate into a broad range of custom applications.
   

The Virage SmartEncode™ Process
The Virage SmartEncode™ process is the most efficient and cost-effective way to transform video into web-ready content. Using the SmartEncode process, video can be encoded and indexed at the same time. This parallel process optimizes the use of video online and provides users with fine-grained access to the content. The resulting index can be integrated with a number of different back-end solutions, including the Virage Video Application Server™. The SmartEncode process is available through the latest release of the award-winning Virage VideoLogger™ software solution or in an outsourced fashion through Virage Application Services.

The SmartEncode™ process:

• Manages the simultaneous encoding of video (analog or digital) into multiple formats and bit rates in real time
• Automatically indexes video content by visual scene changes, spoken words, audio types, recognized faces and speakers, and on-screen text, all of which is time-synchronized to the encoded video
• Produces a browseable storyboard of images based on video keyframes
• Supports the addition of editorial annotation to specific moments in the video
• Provides the foundation for creating and maintaining a dynamic, video-rich web site
• Enables a host of applications such as web publishing, corporate communications and training, and online learning
• Allows integration of video with applications, such as rights management, advertising and commerce, that are necessary to make streaming video a useful and economically viable medium.