Snell partner BTV Post has completed the world's first successful conversions of low-frame-rate video in a beta test of Alchemist OD, the new software-only version of Snell's acclaimed Alchemist Ph.C-HD standards converter. BTV Post conducted tests on a variety of challenging and complex material and applied Alchemist OD to convert the footage from 25Hz to Digital Cinema 24Hz.
   

Snell's Alchemist is the industry's first conversion line to address the daunting challenges of converting digital cinema and other content that is typically created at low temporal rates, including 23.98, 25, and 29.97Hz. Previously, converting such material meant compromising picture quality unless the speed of the playback was altered, an especially unsatisfactory option for music and performing arts content since the off-speed playback results in a change in pitch. Alchemist OD, however, offers the unique ability to perform high-quality 4K conversions at these low temporal rates without affecting the audio.

Alchemist OD is the first product to utilize Snell's On Demand technology, a media processing framework that provides instant access to Snell's award-winning signal-processing algorithms in file-based, virtualized broadcast and digital media environments. With Snell On Demand software solutions, users can rapidly enter new markets and create new services that open up additional revenue-generation opportunities. This approach enables cost savings through the use of standard IT hardware and supports highly efficient operations that enable 24/7 asset use.