Our Playout component, previously in beta, has now been released. Basically, the Playout is the implementation of our MultiGraph Technology for seamless file playback. The component is now also available as a standard DirectShow filter (see Playlist Source).

The key feature of the technology is the ability to switch files without a delay or black flash. I.e. play back multiple files as if it were one file. It is also possible to seek through the playlist as if it were a single file.

The files can be of different resolution, file format, audio/video format and have different frame rate. Files can be added, removed or re-ordered in the playlist during playback. The playlist itself can be managed by a simple XML file.

It is possible to define cue in and cue out positions for each file in the playlist – i.e. play only segments of certain files, not full files.

The output from the component can be easily sent to a DeckLink board (see DeckLink Sink) or to an external video encoding application (such as Windows Media Encoder).

Text & Graphics Overlay can be used for overlays and our QuickTime Source – for support of MOV files.

Similarly to our Video Mixer Object, the Playout component can be used from any COM-enabled development environment such as .NET, Delphi, Borland or VB6. Samples will be provided by request.