With version 3.0, we've streamlined the Stream software lineup from three levels into two. Stream LE remains our base-level software with core functionality, while StreamPro and StreamEnterprise have been consolidated into the new Stream FE , building on Stream LE with expanded workflow automation and integration capabilities. (See the Stream Software Comparison Chart for differences between Stream LE and Stream FE). Stream 3.0 is a paid upgrade (see purchasing details below).

Key features in version 3.0 (all available in Stream FE; those marked with * are also available in Stream LE) include:

Expanded and Enhanced Format Support
Stream FE 3.0 features new or enhanced support for numerous compression and container formats through a series of optional format modules (sold separately):

• Avid DNxHD input and output (requires MXF module)
• GXF input* and output
• LXF input* and output
• Dolby® Digital (AC-3) and Dolby® Digital Plus*
• DV/DVCPro 25/50/100(HD) in AVI*, MOV or MXF (MXF wrapper module sold separately)
• DV/DVCPro 25/50 in LXF or GXF
• Enhanced H.264 encoding performance and quality with existing DRC Studio AVC Encoder and DRC AVC for Flash option modules
• Enhanced timecode support with existing MXF option modules
• New QuickTime® wrapping of MPEG-2 D10
• Support for VP6-S profile in existing On2 VP6 option modules*

Select sets of format modules are also available as bundles for easy ordering.

Expanded Video/Audio Plug-In Framework and Watermarking Plug-Ins
Stream FE 3.0 incorporates a significantly enhanced video and audio processing plug-in architecture, including brand-new audio plug-in capabilities. These software-based processing plug-ins augment the systems' hardware-based video and audio processing with additional functionality and distinct settings for each concurrent output format:

• New audio plug-in framework, with four included plug-ins: Level (Volume), Channel Remapper/Selector, 5.1 to Stereo Mix-Down, Stereo to Mono Mix-Down
• Additional included video processing plug-ins: Proc Amp, Black & White, Rotate 90 Degrees, Burn-in Timecode/Time-of-Day
• Support for third-party DirectShow and DMO audio and video plug-ins
• New optional Civolution Teletrax module (sold separately) embeds watermarks for content tracking and monitoring*
• Updated optional Civolution (Philips) CompoTrack forensic watermarking module (sold separately) for content protection*
• New optional Thomson NexGuard forensic watermarking module (sold separately) for content protection*

Enhanced Closed Caption Support

• Full CEA-608 and 708 Closed Captioning support (including 608 to 708 translation from 608-only sources) for MPEG-2*, VC-1, DRC Studio AVC Encoder and ATEME H.264 Encoder
• 608 Closed Captioning support in DVCPro*
• Closed Caption preservation while transcoding from MPEG-2 source*
• HD-SDI ancillary data support*
• Caption retiming during Inverse Telecine from 29.97 to 23.976fps

Stream FE 3.0 also includes a wide array of refinements and minor enhancements, including 2-pass encoding in Group Codecs and Clip Lists; DVD publishing enhancements and more.

How to Upgrade to Stream 3.0
Stream 3.0 is a paid upgrade. Existing StreamPro and StreamEnterprise users can purchase an upgrade to Stream FE 3.0. Stream LE users can purchase an upgrade to Stream LE 3.0 or step up all the way to Stream FE 3.0. Purchased upgrades include Software Maintenance for a period of one year.  (Customers who received the Stream software as part of a Digital Rapids hardware purchase after January 1, 2009 are eligible for a free upgrade at the equivalent software level).

For more information on purchasing Stream software upgrades and optional format modules, please contact us.