The TICO codec, an abbreviation for "Tiny Codec," [1] is a video compression technology created to facilitate the transmission of high-resolution video over existing network infrastructures, including both IP networks and SDI infrastructures, the result appears visually lossless. TICO codec was represented in 2013 by the Belgian company intoPIX. [2]
TICO XS compression technology offers a range of quality settings from mathematically lossless to visually lossless, then near-lossless, and lossy compression that can achieve a bitrate as low as 1 bit per pixel (bpp). TICO achieves near-zero latency, processing images within mere fractions of a millisecond, equating to only a few lines of pixels. The technology supports a different variety of resolutions, including HD and 4K, with capabilities extending up to 8192x4320 pixels, also higher resolutions, at different frame rate. TICO XS supports HDR and a range of bit depths from 8 to 16 bits. [5] [6]
| Formats | TICO-XS | TICO-RDD35 | IP NETWORKS & SDI MAPPING EXAMPLES |
| 8K 4320p60 | 2 Gbps - 6,4 Gbps | ~8 Gbps | 1 to 4 streams over 10 GbE (CAT 6) Single 3G/6G/12G-SDI |
| 8K 4320p120 | 4 Gbps - 12,8 Gbps | 1 to 2 streams over 10 GbE (CAT 6) Single 6G/12G-SDI |
TicoRAW is a compression standard for RAW Sensor compression that enables to achieve low latency, with delays as minimal as 32 video lines. It optimises software encoders and decoders to make use of modern multi-core CPUs and GPUs, allowing them to effectively use multiple sub-processors. TICO RAW seamlessly handles multi-core processing, allowing tasks to be split into numerous simultaneous operations without being limited to specific processing order. [7] . In 2021, Y.M.Cinema reported that Nikon’s Z9 uses TicoRAW to enable high‑efficiency 8K/60p RAW video recording by reducing RAW data bitrate “by a factor of 10 without impairing the quality.” [8] According to Nikon’s technical documentation, the N‑RAW codec used by the Z9 for video uses intoPIX technology. [9]
TICO RDD35 compression standard was created for transmission of 4K and 8K video content over networks with minimal latency. It uses visually lossless compression to save bandwidth without losing video quality, this helps existing infrastructure support high-resolution broadcasts. This fact makes TICO RDD35 suitable for live broadcasting. [10]
TICO XS FIP codec supports high-quality AV distribution in 4K and 8K. It allows 4K and 8K transmission over IP networks via Cat5e cables or wireless links with minimal latency and a small impact on AMD platforms. This technology finds use in wireless AV, displays, KVM, AV-over-IP, and gaming, providing reliable performance for long-term AV workflows. [11]