Newsletter from 03/04/2011
NAB 2011 - An Exhibitor Preview
James Cameron and Vince Pace to Deliver NAB 2011 Keynote Address
James Cameron's films have blazed new trails in visual effects and set numerous performance records both domestically and abroad. His films have earned numerous nominations and awards from a variety of organizations, including "Titanic's" 14 Academy Award nominations (a record) and 11 Oscars (the most any movie has received), which included Cameron's wins for Best Picture, Best Direction and Best Editing. "Avatar" won Golden Globes for Best Director and Best Picture, and won three of the nine Academy Awards for which it was nominated. "Avatar's" astonishing cinematography and success is the result of a collaboration between director James Cameron and cinematographer Vince Pace.
Broadcast Pix Adds Chyron’s Lyric PRO 8
Broadcast Pix has fully integrated Chyron’s Lyric PRO 8 into its system. Producers can use the Chyron software to create sophisticated titles and 3D animations, access them from any Broadcast Pix control surface, see them on its Fluent View display, and play them from its graphic and clip stores. With just a click, titles can be edited live on-air. The system will also run files created on other Chyron systems and take advantage of Chyron’s optional AXIS services, which enable anyone with an Internet connection to instantly access broadcast-quality news graphics, charts, quotes, maps, and weather.
The new Granite and Slate 500 systems significantly lower the entry point for Broadcast Pix systems with a control panel to $24,900 and $14,900, respectively. They provide a tactile control surface with comprehensive monitoring of video and files, as well as complete control of the system's clip store, CG, cameras, and other devices. The new 1 M/E control panel supports up to 18 sources and six keyers for overlays of picture-in-picture boxes and graphics, yet is so compact that it fits in a rack drawer.
New 3D Camera Test Chart from DSC Labs
The 3-DZ consists of five LED lights with adjustable brightness for daylight and studio settings to help simplify the adjustment of virtually any 3D rig. The four corner LEDs provide basic frame alignment and "The Schnoz," a central, adjustable LED, is used to set interocular distance and convergence. Horizontal and vertical indices in 100th (image width) increments also assist in precise and repeatable alignment. "The Schnoz" is adjustable from chart plane to 305 mm (12") in front of the chart surface, and the 3-DZ's graduated set-square, along with X/Y axis adjustment, helps ensure that "The Schnoz's" LED is centered and positioned at the desired distance in the Z plane.
CLIPSTER with Mezzanine and 3D Support
At DVS's booth SL3305, NAB visitors will discover how CLIPSTER® can optimize their workflows. DVS will be showing the new features that CLIPSTER® offers including extended mezzanine workflow support for IMF and MXF AS-02. The newly integrated batchlist function allows quick and automated processing of DCI/IMF and other deliverables. Plus, thanks to automatic 3D correction, stereoscopic material can be edited at maximum speed. CLIPSTER® also facilitates convenient processing of RAW material from the ARRI ALEXA camera, enabling subsequent control of camera parameters during post production.
EVS Launches XT3 - New 8-Channel Production Server
The new server, that will be available from July 2011, offers the industry’s highest level of flexibility. It is now available in two versions, a 6RU chassis supporting up to eight HD/SD channels (including 6in/2out) or six channels in 3D/1080p mode, or a 4RU chassis supporting up to seven HD/SD channels or four channels in 3D/1080p mode. It supports up to 96 audio tracks (16 audio tracks per video channel) and can be configured in an extensive range of natively-supported video codec (including the new Panasonic Avc-Intra) without requiring hardware change. For 3D or 1080p operations, the XT3 offers the flexibility to select between dual-link HD SDI or single-link 3G SDI connectivity with a simple software setting.
At the NAB show, EVS will organize a workshop dedicated to production technology migration for broadcasters and production companies. The workshop is based on 2 case studies, allowing attendees to better understand every aspect of a tapeless transition project. The following case studies will be proposed by EVS to all NAB attendees:
NBC/Access Hollywood Workshop
SkyNews HD Workshop
FOR-A HVS-4000 Production Switcher Makes U.S. Debut
“The new HVS-4000 was designed to handle a variety of production challenges,” said Pedro Silvestre, Sales Director, FOR-A Corporation of America. “With options that can support 1080p* and 3D production, our switcher can easily grow with our customers as their production needs evolve. Customers can also easily upgrade to a 3 M/E model from a 2 M/E version.” The HVS-4000 comes with a control panel for the 2 M/E version and one for the 2.5 M/E and 3 M/E models. The 2 M/E switcher comes with either 16 or 24-buttons. The control panel for the 2.5 M/E and 3 M/E models enables direct access to preset content, including a macro bus and event recall button for each M/E. And the 2.5 and 3 M/E versions come with either 24 or 32-buttons.
New Features and Functionality for Kayenne and Kayak
The new functionality in Kayenne v3.0 and Kayak v7.0.4 gives TDs control over multiple cameras directly from the switcher control panel via an Ethernet interface. This includes tally for each camera, with controls that include Auto Iris, Auto Black Level, Filter Wheel Position, and Color Bars. Scene Files from multiple cameras can also be recalled from the switcher quickly and simultaneously. This includes complex setups, such as camera shading which are created and stored by video engineers on location or in the studio. In addition, the new software provides simple installation and reliable three-color tally to Grass Valley cameras over Ethernet, and can be used to place cameras into a useable, but not necessarily fully-shaded rehearsal mode.
Hamlet - New Approach to High-Precision, Multi-Channel Quality Control
The DS900 uses a new version of Hamlet’s bespoke digital modular test and measurement platform, designed to deliver more processing power while at the same time reducing the cost of the individual input modules. It includes an optional built-in test signal generator and space for up to four input modules which can be of mixed formats: analogue and digital, composite or component, standard definition, HD or 3G. Embedded audio can be decoded from any input and there is an option for surround sound monitoring. For each input the user can select up to four test displays, and the built-in multiviewer presents all four inputs simultaneously with up to 16 windows on a suitable monitor (DVI or XVGA).
IABM: Understanding Broadcast Buyers
Clyde Smith, senior vice president of global broadcast technology and standards for the Turner Broadcasting System, will be a featured speaker at the session, designed to give vendors new insight into the criteria buyers use to assess technology solutions. The workshop will also include a presentation by the IABM's director general, Peter White, on the latest market research findings from the IABM's Global Market Study, quarterly financial index, and Broadcaster Survey conducted in the weeks prior to the NAB Show. In addition, attendees will have the opportunity to share their views and ask questions during a floor discussion.
Jünger Audio Shows new Products
Dynamics processing specialist Jünger Audio will be showing a number of new products at this year’s NAB Convention in Las Vegas (Booth C6742), including an updated version of its best-selling B46 LEVEL MAGIC™ digital dynamics processor and new software to enable broadcasters to log loudness levels: The stand-alone B46 processor, Loudness Logger for C8000 and the T*AP TV Audio Processor. Alongside these new innovations, Jünger Audio will show LEVEL MAGIC™ in a complete set-up that offers a fully integrated workflow solution for managing surround sound and Dolby coded 5.1 audio signals in production, ingest and playout. This includes 3G HD/SDI De-embedding/Embedding with VANC, Dolby E resynchronisation with in-built video delay and Dolby Metadata management and/or generation.
VSM Controls Cheetah Routers Manufactured by PESA
PESA’s Cheetah line of routing switchers combines the latest in robust technology with flexibility and is well suited for government, military, broadcast, mobile, telco, and corporate applications where large numbers of signals need to be switched. Cheetah provides high-quality signal routing with matrix sizes 64X64 up to 1024X1024. L-S-B software developers have implemented the PESA protocol into the vsmStudio software providing two different control scenarios for the routers: On the one hand the Cheetah routers can communicate directly with the VSM and thus be operated on VSM control panels. On the other hand the VSM is compatible with the PESA controller PERC2000 enabling the routers connected to the PERC2000 to be controlled at the VSM user interface. Both the PESA router control and the VSM control system are based on an IP network structure. Thus all router controls of the manufacturer can be controlled with the VSM.
NAC Introduces Hi-Motion II
The Hi-Motion family of Ultra Slow Motion Camera Systems from NAC Image Technology have been embraced by broadcasters for live coverage of the World Cup events in Germany and South Africa, the Olympic Games in Beijing and Vancouver, and a variety of professional sporting events, including international motor racing, cycling, tennis, football, baseball, rugby, cricket, golf, boxing and horse racing. This worldwide experience has resulted in technological advances allowing the Hi-Motion II to mirror the operation of a standard HDTV broadcast camera. The Hi-Motion II is the only 3-chip HD Ultra Slow Motion Camera System in the world capable of capturing more than 10X high speed images in Full HD (1920 X 1080). NAC's Hi-Motion II Ultra Slow Motion digital camera system uses HDTV standard ENG or Box Lenses without the need for any adapters, and provides a 4X improvement in light sensitivity as compared to the Hi-Motion.
Television has Changed - Take Control
NewTek, a worldwide leader in video and 3D animation products, will present the second annual "Broadcast Mind" event at this year's National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Show. Some of the most successful digital media influencers in the industry will discuss how to succeed in the new television landscape. The free event will be held Tuesday, April 12 at the Renaissance Hotel Ballroom (adjacent to the Las Vegas Convention Center), beginning with a cocktail reception at 6:00 p.m. PT, followed by a 6:30 presentation. NAB attendees will connect with influential broadcast industry figures, including: • Adam Carolla, radio and TV personality and host of the Adam Carolla Show • Leo Laporte, "The Tech Guy" and founder of TWiT Live • Mark Fratto, associate athletics director for communications, St. John's University • Steve Hellmuth, executive vice president of operations and technology, NBA
Orad Shows PlayMaker
PlayMaker, the world’s first 8 channel slow motion server, is now further enhanced, offering a complete tapeless workflow with tied integration to NLE systems such as Avid Media Composer and Apple’s Final Cut Pro. Based on DVC Pro codec PlayMaker can export files along with its medadata, in either Quick Time or MXF formats, directly to the nonlinear editing systems for fast editing and import it back for playback. Another useful feature that will be demonstrate is the PlayNet module which allows networking multiple PlayMakers and transferring clips between them. With a click of a button, the operator can engage any server on the network, browsing through remote clips lists or playlists, and select one to preview, copy, or playback instantly. To improve the communication between the operators in the truck, PlayMaker’s “Inbox” module allows the operators to send links to clips, very similar to how emails are sent. Operators can browse through the inbox list and select any clip that was “emailed” to him for preview or import, significantly enhancing the production efficiency.
P+S Freestyle Rig for Carmen 3D
"Carmen 3D" strikes a delicate balance between theatrical music performance and 3D cinema and in the process introduces a new operatic experience. Shot during live performances, "Carmen 3D" captures a night at the opera, from the pre-curtain call tension and backstage preparations to the spectacle of Bizet's drama of love, lust and heartbreak. How was the work of two directors--one stage and libretto and the second motion picture--united into a single vision? How did the filmmakers create the best 3D possible through camera placement and movement, lens choice, etc., while minimizing distractions for the audience? How did the process impact the actors' performances and the work of the various department heads, from makeup to set design? A glimpse into the creation of the first 3D opera photographed for feature film release.
Petrol Bags Introduces new DSLR Carriers
An array of new video-enabled DSLR backpacks will be shown, including the DSLR/Personal Computer Backpack, ultra-lightweight while offering maximum protection; the hiker’s DSLR Campack Plus, designed to carry up to two video-enabled DSLR cameras and a laptop with up to a 17” screen; and the small-sized Digiback Jr. DSLR Backpack, a smart and ergonomic solution for DSLR transporting and carrying. When it comes to rolling bags, Petrol will showcase the DSLR Camera Rollpak, a 2-in-1 professional camera trolley and backpack; and the Deca Rolling U-Bag that provides a versatile, semi-hard camera bag carries designed to be easily carried over the shoulder or to roll on a hide-away wheel and tote assembly.
Polecam’s Goalcam, StadiumCam and DSLR Starter Pack
"Televising major sports matches has hitherto been notoriously time-consuming and labour-intensive," comments Polecam founder and Managing Director Steffan Hewitt. "Our solution to this complexity is a three-component system consisting of two GoalCam cameras to capture the goal-scoring highlights, plus a StadiumCam with an extremely wide viewing angle. The GoalCam/StadiumCam system conforms to the Polecam ethos of achieving high image quality, true-portability, fast installation and easy operation. Once set in position, each camera can be left to supply video for the entire duration of a match. The system is logical complement to standard Polecam rigs as well as the long-range zoom cameras traditionally used to get close to the action."
"Polecam Starter Pack enables an entire new generation of video producers to experience the creative advantages of our truly-portable camera crane," explains Polecam founder and Managing Director Steffan Hewitt. "The ability to create dynamic pan and tilt shots round a very wide radius, to shoot over the heads of a crowd and to get in ultra-close to the action, is appreciated by Polecam operators around the world. We have been under pressure to introduce an entry-level Polecam system for some time and have achieved this without compromising on quality. If you are coming to NAB, this is a real must-see!"
RTW to Announce Key Product Updates
RTW, a leading manufacturer and distributor of professional audio metering and control devices, will make several significant announcements during the upcoming 2011 NAB Show in Las Vegas at their booth C1739. RTW will reveal upgrades to several of its top-performing products including the TouchMonitor series, DigitalMonitor 10500X-PLUS and the SurroundControl 31900/31960 series. In addition, the company will announce a raffle during NAB, giving attendees the opportunity to win a TM9.
New Gun Microphones from Sennheiser
At the NAB Show in Las Vegas, audio specialist Sennheiser is presenting two new MKH series shotgun microphones that can be used either as analogue or digital microphones. The compact MKH 8060 is a versatile short-gun microphone, equally at home on or off camera, while the long MKH 8070 rifle microphone is a specialist for more distant sound sources and is the perfect choice for sports reporting and nature recordings. Both models feature a natural and very lifelike sound, as off-axis sound is attenuated without colouration. Their radio-frequency condenser principle also makes both microphones extremely weather-resistant, ensuring that they can cope even with climatically difficult conditions, such as extreme cold and moisture.
Element Technica and SGO Collaborate
The collaboration integrates Element Technica’s 3D rigs, through bi-directional meta-data capability, with SGO’s flagship DI and Stereo 3D Mistika post production system, which enables live interaction between all functions and accepts almost any image resolution from SD to 5K and beyond, in 2D and Stereo 3D. Mistika supports real-time ARRI, RED, SI-2K and other native data workflows, and seamlessly integrates timeline-based editing, conforming, infinite layer compositing, colour grading and image restoration all in one complete system with various toolsets working together in the timeline. SGO's new on-set innovative development and production solution, Mistika Live, extends Mistika's functionalities to the start of the production process, and is able to captures rig, lens and camera set-up data, along with the geometry, exposure and colour errors. Consequently, when using the Mistika post system during the finishing stage of the post production process, requirements to translate the meta-data from one manufacturer’s protocol to another, are eliminated, preventing attendant errors that can often result from such a process.
Tektronix Highlights new 3D Products
To produce 3D content, a range of new 3D production equipment is required to combine images from the two cameras, representing the Left Eye and Right Eye. One of the key monitoring elements is to ensure that the two cameras are well balanced and matched to create good quality 3D effects without causing discomfort for viewers. Tektronix has introduced several new displays for 3D production work that assist production teams who are determining the differences between the Left Eye and Right Eye images. The 3D Difference Map Display can be used to effectively detect disparity between the Left Eye and the Right Eye images during camera setup (alignment) of 3D production or 3D post production. The Anaglyph Display allows users to identify parallax (3D depth) of various objects within the 3D video image. The Checkerboard Display helps the user (such as a stereographer or a colourist) identify any differences in luminance levels (brightness), focus, and various colour characteristics between the Left Eye and the Right Eye images. For monitoring of depth of various objects within a 3D image, a Disparity Grid can be overlaid over various 3D picture displays. A Disparity Cursor is also available for precise measurement of the disparity between the left eye and right eye of an object within the image.
ToolsOnAir Teams with Camera Corps
In cooperation with Camera Corps, Ltd., Vienna-based ToolsOnAir will demonstrate the latest version of their acclaimed just: Broadcast Suite at booth SL1414 at NAB Show 2011 in the Las Vegas Convention Center, 11-14 April. Delivering full "TV Station in a Mac" capability, the demonstration will focus on multi-camera ingest and multi-camera post-production workflow using ToolsOnAir's just:in and LiveCut software. For multi-camera setups, ToolsOnAir's LiveCut supports up to 16 cameras in total, up to four HD streams on a single Mac Pro. Paired with just:in, LiveCut creates a professional production-ready environment that enables immediate on-the-fly ingest and editing of multiple camera sources in multicamera mode. LiveCut fully integrates into existing workflows and can be customised quickly to meet specific studio needs. LiveCut is already in use in several show production formats worldwide.
Vitec Group’s Live Event Area
The Vitec Group plc will hold a dedicated live event area at NAB2011 to share its knowledge and expertise on the latest products, technology and techniques in the broadcast and film industry. Representatives from key Vitec Group brands will be joined by independent industry experts to host a range of informative sessions for NAB2011 visitors on 11-14 April. The live event area will feature eight daily 30 minute sessions covering hot topics and tips on everything from how to transform studio lighting, to discussions on HDSLR and battery masterclasses. Specialists from key brands such as Anton Bauer, Litepanels, Manfrotto, Microwave Service Company, Nucomm, OConnor, RF Central, Sachtler and Vinten will lead the sessions and be on hand to share their extensive product knowledge.
Vizrt: Live 2D to Stereo 3D Conversion with Stergen
Designed specifically for 3DTV sports, Stergen’s software takes advantage of sports- specific features, such as the planar and uniformly colored playing field, enabling accurate segmentation of objects like players, balls, and goal posts. A known geometry is then assigned to those objects; for example, players and goal posts are vertical, the field is horizontal, and stands have a known slope. On–the-fly calculation of the scene’s geometry and its stereoscopic 3D image rendering are then performed. This stereo information can be used by various 3D graphics systems for positioning their graphics in the image depth dimenstion. The in-booth video displays will showcase the tight integration between the Stergen software and Vizrt’s own stereo 3D digital production workflow.
3D OBVan Directory 2011 is Shipping this Week
In our 3D OBVan Special 2011 we present 20 3D/3G OBVans from all across the world. Each truck is described in detail on three pages. In addition we present case studies about the production of the Ryder Cup 2010 in 3D, the Hockey Night 2011 in Canada in 3D. You will find an overview on available 3D rigs and a listing of 3D broadcasters. We also discuss the issue of cost savings by producing a 2D feed and a 3D feed with one truck.
On 140 Pages we cover
Portraits
- 20 3D/3G OB Vans
Reports
- OB Trucks for 2D and 3D Production
- The Power of Partnership
- 3D Rigs – An Overview
- 3D Broadcasters – An Overview
- CAN Communicate
- 3ality Digital Provides Cool Viewing
- 2D Graphics for the Hockey Night in Canada
- Ryder Cup 2010 – Live and in 3D
- Broadcast Milestones – Audio for 3D
- 3D Cinemas – Two Examples
- 3D Productions – Sports, Concerts, Shows