Multi-platform and High Performance
Sofdec2 is a multi-platform video codec that can be played back on the PlayStation 4, XboxOne, Wii U, PlayStation Vita, PlayStation(R)3, Xbox360(TM), and Windows.
Uses an assembler for tuning and multi-core processors for load balancing to bring out maximum performance in your platform.
Multi Codec Support
Sofdec2 supports multiple video and audio codecs.
It is possible to select the optimum codec according to performance (e.g. CPU load) and compression requirements.
From the application side, there is no need to distinguish between the codecs, and multiple codecs can be used simultaneously. For example, you can use the H.264 codec for full-screen movie playback and the Sofdec.Prime codec to superimpose alpha movies on top.
Video codecs available
"Sofdec2" supports its own "Sofdec.Prime" codec as well as a "H.264/VP9" codec for video encoding.
Each codec has its own characteristics, and it is possible to select the best one according to the situation and requirements.
High-compression video codec H.264
It is an H.264/MPEG-4 AVC codec. Recent game consoles and smartphones have a function to play H.264 codec.
"Sofdec2" decodes the H.264 encoded data using the function of each device. Therefore, it is possible to play high-quality movies with high compression and performance via hardware support.
Higher-compression video codec VP9
Unlike H.264, it is a royalty-free codec.
Since there is no hardware support like with H.264, the playback load will be higher, but you can expect a higher compression ratio than H.264, as well as further reduction of the movie data size.
Original video codec with high image quality Sofdec.Prime
Sofdec.Prime, unlike more general encoding method, succeeds in faithfully reproducing the sharp texture and atmosphere peculiar to CG movies by actively maintaining high-frequency components, .
With other video codecs, after a certain level, raising the bit rate saturates the video quality, so it is difficult to achieve higher quality after that. With the Sofdec2 video codec, the higher you raise the bit rate, the higher you can increase the picture quality. There's no need to worry about artifacts such as Mach bands.
A Unique Voice Codec for High Sound Quality and High Compression
Sofdec2 uses CRI's unique codec for compressing voices.
For the audio codec, select either our ADX low burden codec or our HCA high compression codec.
They allow you to compress both video and voices with high sound quality.
Special Playback Features
Supports loop playback, sequential playback, seek playback, alpha movies, embedded cuepoints, and other special playback features.
(The H.264 codec has several functional limits. See Codec Selection for more information.)
User-Friendly Wizard-Driven Encoding Tool
Sofdec2 comes with an encoding tool that can easily provide professional level encoding.
With the use of the wizard interface, the optimal parameters for conditions are automatically set just by specifying the platform, file size, and other parameters.
This eradicates the need for tiresome trial-and-error testing that is usually expected during the encoding process, and enables the highest levels of output to be produced within a minimal amount of time.
Simple, Easy-to-Incorporate Runtime Library
The Sofdec2 runtime library reads files, decodes movies, and outputs sound, but does not draw movies.
Using a simple, easy-to-understand API, you can freely incorporate full screen movies, texture movies, or whatever else your application needs.
Support Multilingual Movies (Switching between Subtitles)
Sofdec2 is ideal for developing titles that will support multilingual subtitles and voices.
In addition to 5.1ch audio tracks, enables separate vocal tracks to be simultaneously played back.
Eliminates the need to prepare multiple movie data, which helps reduce the size of data.
Supports Data Loading during Movie Playback
You can use the ADX2 to load data while playing back a movie.
