Cambria FTC is optimised for both CPU and GPU-based encode workflows, delivering faster-than-real-time UHD transcoding on both platforms.

CPU-based encoding

Cambria FTC on modern multi-core CPU platforms delivers high-quality software encoding with full flexibility for complex format and analysis workflows. CPU-based encoding offers the greatest encoding precision and the widest codec and feature support. Multiple concurrent jobs can be run on a single node, making high-core-count platforms cost-effective for mixed workloads. Faster-than-real-time UHD throughput is achievable for standard H.264 and HEVC deliverables.

GPU-accelerated encoding

Cambria FTC supports NVIDIA NVENC GPU acceleration. GPU encoding delivers very high throughput per system, making it well suited to large-scale HEVC and H.264 workloads where speed and density are the primary requirements. Faster-than-real-time UHD HEVC encoding is achievable at high quality settings, with significant throughput advantages over CPU at scale.

Automated source analysis and event detection

Cambria FTC automatically analyses source files and detects a wide range of content and structural elements, which can be used as triggers for different transcoding workflows:

• Detection of black frames, colour bars, and ad insertion points
• Content-aware analysis for scene and graphic change detection - supporting highlight and clip generation
• Encoding complexity analysis for intelligent bitrate allocation
• Metadata generation including speech-to-text conversion

Smart watch folder architecture

Smart Watch Folders combine file monitoring with enhanced scripting to automate complex, conditional workflows. Each incoming asset can be inspected on ingest, with processing decisions made dynamically based on source properties such as format, resolution, frame rate, duration, or detected content characteristics. This enables automatic profile selection, file routing, and workflow execution without operator input - ideal for highvolume, repeatable operations.

Scriptable workflows

Cambria FTC provides fully scriptable workflows, configurable through a web-based script editor. Workflows can be adapted quickly as requirements change, without requiring custom development - making Cambria suitable for evolving production environments.

Source-adaptive bitrate ladders

Cambria FTC can automatically adjust bitrate ladders for DASH, HLS, or MSS output based on the encoding complexity of the source. Low-motion material is encoded at lower data rates; high-motion or complex content receives additional bitrate where it delivers real quality benefit. The result is more efficient bandwidth usage, consistent perceptual quality, and reduced storage and delivery costs.

Automatic target output configuration

Output settings can be automatically derived from source file properties - including resolution, frame rate, interlacing, and aspect ratio. This reduces manual configuration, avoids common errors, and keeps outputs aligned with source characteristics and delivery requirements.

Growing file support

Cambria FTC supports growing file processing - transcoding can begin while a source file is still being written or captured to disk. This significantly reduces end-to-end processing time for formats such as TS and MXF and is particularly valuable in time-sensitive workflows including news, sports, and live-to-file operations. 

Integration is not an afterthought in Cambria - it is a core design principle. Cambria FTC is built to fit cleanly into existing broadcast, OTT, and enterprise media environments through multiple integration approaches. 

Integration models

• API-driven integration for automation platforms, MAMs, and custom orchestration
• Plug-in architecture for third-party technologies embedded directly into transcoding workflows
• Native connectors to storage platforms, cloud services, and media management systems
• Standards-based interfaces to minimise custom development and operational friction

n8n workflow automation

Cambria FTC includes built-in scripting for intra-job logic. For inter-system automation, Cambria integrates with n8n - an open workflow automation platform. With n8n as the orchestration layer, Cambria FTC jobs can be triggered, controlled, and managed as part of broader workflows involving storage systems, content management platforms, AI services, cloud infrastructure, and operational tooling.

Plug-in architecture

Cambria FTC includes a plug-in architecture that allows third-party technologies to become integral parts of the transcoding workflow. Plug-ins operate directly within the processing pipeline, enabling tasks such as caption and subtitle processing, forensic and audience measurement watermarking, and DRM preparation - without external hand-offs or added workflow complexity. Supported plug-ins include EZ Title (captioning), NexGuard (forensic watermarking), and Kantar (audience measurement watermarking).

DRM and content protection

Cambria FTC integrates with industry-standard DRM and content protection technologies:

• Multi-DRM integration via Cipix, supporting PlayReady, Widevine, and FairPlay
• Forensic video watermarking using NexGuard during transcoding
• Audio watermarking using Kantar for audience measurement and tracking

MAM, storage, and cloud integration

Cambria FTC integrates with a wide range of media management systems and storage platforms, including:

• MAM systems such as Avid Interplay
• Cloud and object storage including Amazon S3 and S3-compatible providers, and Akamai NetStorage
• Harmonic VOS for direct upload and check-in of encoded assets

• Cambria FTC product brochure (download)
• Cambria FTC and Cambria Cluster customer brochure (download)
• Choosing Your Next Enterprise Transcoder (download)