...media processing framework designed to provide on-demand access to Snell's award-winning image processing algorithms in file, virtualized broadcast, and digital media environments. The launch of the Snell On Demand framework is a bold step that marks the beginning of the company's migration of its image-processing tools from dedicated hardware platforms to software-based applications that can be elastically provisioned in file, cloud-based, and virtualized infrastructures.

By taking advantage of advances in cloud computing and virtual machine technologies, the Snell On Demand framework enables immensely scalable solutions, from a single computing instance to a cloud-computing environment delivering a service over a network. Snell On Demand allows users to deploy processing solutions on reliable, cost-effective commodity IT infrastructure rather than employ dedicated hardware for discrete processing operations. By providing access to Snell's world-class signal-processing algorithms and tools as flexible, highly efficient software implementations, Snell On Demand enables users to differentiate their service offerings for their clients and end users.

Users can scale Snell On Demand according to their needs. To increase performance, users may add acceleration hardware or commercially available off-the-shelf products such as graphics processing units (GPUs), or they may choose to distribute processing applications across multiple virtual machines or server farms. The framework assures ease of integration with cloud providers, thus supporting delivery of Snell product solutions as a service on a network.

The first Snell On Demand product, which will be demonstrated at the 2013 NAB Show, is Alchemist OD, a software-based frame-rate converter that offers rapid conversion of media files. For international program delivery or integration of international content into domestic schedules, Alchemist OD will provide the world's best quality frame-rate conversion. The initial product implementation will support broadcast standards from SD to 3G 1080p, with frame-rate and format conversion between common broadcast file formats.