The preview release of Martin Professional's new version Maxedia software, Maxedia 4^TM RC, is now available. Maxedia 4 RC is the latest software update for Martin's user-friendly Maxedia^TM high performance media server. The final release of Maxedia 4 will take place later in the spring.

The new software features a host of improvements including an entirely new video engine using the latest high-performance professional video codec. The new video engine is optimized to play multiple Full HD 1080p H.264 MPEG-4/AVC MOV&AVI Codec.

Improvements with Maxedia 4 include:

H.264 MPEG-4/AVC MOV&AVI HD Professional Codec

The delicate balance between fast codec and low compression codec can be difficult to find. H.264 MPEG-4/AVC is the only codec that can deliver high quality video while maintaining a decent file size.

Pixel accurate video output

Maxedia 4's pixel accurate video engine ensures that video is reproduced in its exact format. Video played in its original resolution will not have any artifact or a "block" look.

State-of-the-art video engine

Using the latest video cards and new multi-core processors, the new video engine is capable of playing up to 8 full HD 1080p at the same time without frame drop. Maxedia 4 is capable of running two separate video engines simultaneously and a total of 20 layers can be active at the same time. Each layer can display videos, 3D animations, graphic effects, sound-to-video effects and much more.

Ultra-widescreen

Maxedia 4 supports screen resolutions up to 3840 X 1024 per output making it ideal for multi-screen projections or even extra large LED displays.

Multi-screen keystoning and edge blending

Each Maxedia 4 engine has its own screen keystoning, warping and edge blending settings. This allows corrections needed to fix parallax, alignment, distortion, or size on the projection surface. Furthermore, one Maxedia output can be split up into three distinct outputs using the Matrox TripleHead2Go device, and each of the three outputs can be individually keystoned and edge blended.

Pixel mapping for RGB and CMY fixtures

Maxedia 4 features the latest version of pixel mapping, one of the most advanced in the industry. The Maxedia 4 pixel mapping engine can control a multitude of fixture types from RGB to dimmer and can even take control of the CMY color mixing of moving heads while other parameters remain on the external DMX controller.

Support for Live HD-SDI capture video input

Maxedia Broadcast now supports the BlackMagic HD-SDI video port for high quality/low latency video capture up to 1080i, 720p Live HD-SDI.

Intuitive user interface

Continuing the Maxedia reputation for intuitive user interface use, the new Maxedia 4^TM contains several improvements for an even simpler interface.

Live diagnostic tool

The new Maxedia 4 video engine comes with a diagnostic tool that shows how much CPU/GPU is used. This can help to troubleshoot video files using bad codecs or to see how many video files can be played at the same time before reaching system limits.

CITP 1.1 protocol remote thumbnails

Used to exchange thumbnail information between a media server and lighting console, Maxedia 4 makes brilliant use of the CITP protocol and is fully compatible with Maxxyz^TM 2.4 and higher.

More resolution for Maxedia Pro^TM and Maxedia Compact RM^TM

Along with the new Maxedia 4 engine comes a new level of video resolution for Maxedia Pro at Full HD and Maxedia Compact RM at HD.