Peer Review- Doremi Labs Nugget HD
The Doremi Nugget HD video player is a basic MPEG player for HD and SD content in any format. It plays back any compression bit rate up to 80 Mb/s, 4:2:2, or 4:2:0 without restrictions. It also has a built-in video up/downconverter. It plays back video at computer resolutions, NTSC, PAL, or HD video with HD-SDI, SDI, DVI, and composite video outputs.
My Pick:
Doremi Labs, Nugget HD video player, $5,250 MSRP
What I Like About It:
The Doremi Nugget HD video player is a basic MPEG player for HD and SD content in any format. It plays back any compression bit rate up to 80 Mb/s, 4:2:2, or 4:2:0 without restrictions. It also has a built-in video up/downconverter. It plays back video at computer resolutions, NTSC, PAL, or HD video with HD-SDI, SDI, DVI, and composite video outputs.
The unique feature is that it offers several playback modes in these formats, an auto-play function, and even plays a selected video or playlist on power-up. I use the last feature most often in demo video playback and for movies on-demand. For the broadcaster, it also includes a genlock input to air that playlist.
The great part about the system is that it doesn’t include any controls on the unit itself. All of its settings and player functions can be controlled from an external controller, a LAN connection, or even over the Internet, which prevents accidental disruption of play or other unwanted changes from occurring.
I Would Change:
The only drawback is that you have to upload the data via the LAN to change programs. Adding a removable hard drive to change the program material would be a faster and more convenient solution.
Where I Used It:
I used the Nugget HD system for Hewlett-Packard’s RPTV demo in Ken Crane Home Theater stores nationwide.
My Results:
The Doremi Nugget HD player was the perfect answer for the Hewlett-Packard (HP) RPTV demo playback. HP needed to play high-resolution program material for its new DLP 1080p RPTV. The material it was using was at a very low bit rate, and thus didn’t look good on the RPTV. HP needed a good-quality HD signal. I searched the market, and found that there’s only one player that can play an 80 Mb/s 4:2:2 1920x1080p 30/60 signal. The Nugget is the only system on the market that can do this.
MANUFACTURER SPECIFICATIONS
Interface: RS422 serial, 100BaseT Ethernet
Audio: Six analog channels (unbalanced), six AES/EBU channels (NuggetPro) on a DB-25 connector, IEC 958 audio, embedded audio on HD-SDI
Video Output Resolution: 1080i, 1080p, 720p, 525, 625, plus DVI resolutions
Video Type: Simultaneous video outputs, composite, DVI-I (analog and digital RGB), SDI (NuggetPro), HD-SDI (NuggetPro)
Video Input: DVB/ASI (NuggetPro), SYNC IN (NuggetPro)
Power: 100 to 240 VAC, 50 to 60 Hz, 180 W max.
Dimensions: One rack unit (19 x 13 x 1.75 inches)
When I did the compression for the material, I tried various bit rates and GOPs. With this unit, I found that I could try various rates to find what looked the best without worrying about finding a player that would work without breaking the bank. When you have to go to a high bit rate, the player market just isn’t there. The material I used for HP didn’t look good at 20 Mb/s or even 40 Mb/s. I needed to get it up to 60 Mb/s and 80 Mb/s. All the other players would only do 40 Mb/s at MPEG-2 4:2:0.
The ability to have the different playback modes is what HP really liked about this solution. I can even remotely change the playback clips and order from my office, so the material in the home theater store can be fresh and play in a constant loop.
Peer Reviewer: Ronald Williams, systems integrator, The Landmark Group, Los Angeles. The Landmark Group designs systems for the entertainment industry, feature film houses, HDTV post production houses, and production companies.
