Black Box Dual 2.7 and iPATH 2.3 User Manual
724-746-5500 | blackbox.com
724-746-5500 | blackbox.com
Page 7
Chapter 2: New CODEC-AFZ
2. New CODEC-AFZ
2.1 Why Are We Offering a New CODEC?
2.1 Why Are We Offering a New CODEC?
ServSwitch Agility was originally designed as a pixel-perfect, low-latency desktop extension tool, and as such, the technology
works extremely well.
works extremely well.
But with customers using the equipment in moving-video-type environments, we saw the need for a more-focused video
encoding scheme to match their requirements.
encoding scheme to match their requirements.
2.2 What is the New CODEC?
The new compression scheme builds on the existing CODECS and is primarily focused on improving the performance for "natural"
images (i.e. photographs and movies). It works with the existing CODECs and is automatically selected whenever there is a benefit
to do so.
images (i.e. photographs and movies). It works with the existing CODECs and is automatically selected whenever there is a benefit
to do so.
The new CODEC is lossless and is very low latency (a small fraction of a frame delay). It generally achieves 50% improvement (in
compression) on current scheme for any areas of the screen that consist of images, gradients, shadows etc.—elements commonly
found in modern desktop environments.
compression) on current scheme for any areas of the screen that consist of images, gradients, shadows etc.—elements commonly
found in modern desktop environments.
2.3 What Benefit Does it Bring?
The CODEC now enables smooth playing of videos filmed at 24/25 or 30 fps at maximum screen resolution.
When AFZ is turned on, the bandwidth reduces and frame rate picks up.
Average bandwidth for this clip (1080p video—Dual head but on single screen) is about 700 Mbps with RLE at @36 fps and the
AFZ shows 400 Mbps but a higher frame rate of @50 fps.
AFZ shows 400 Mbps but a higher frame rate of @50 fps.
A still screen uses about 80 Mbps (8%) with a background refresh every 32 frames.
2.4 Is It Backward-Compatible?
The encoding part is only fitted to the ACR1002A-T, and the decoder is in ACR1002A-R. When an Agility (single) receiver unit
connects, the transmitter automatically reverts to the standard RLE-based CODEC.
connects, the transmitter automatically reverts to the standard RLE-based CODEC.
2.5 AFZ and Magic Eye Together—the Solution to Working with Apple Computers
With the combination of the two technologies, it is now possible to get the performance a user would expect while using Apple
computers even when using large dual-link cinema screens.
computers even when using large dual-link cinema screens.