Newsletter from 06/03/2011
NAB 2011 – A First Product Preview
Axon
Axon arrives in Las Vegas having posted its strongest ever annual sales growth. The company has seen a remarkable expansion in revenues during 2010, which was 25% higher than 2009 sales. This growth positions Axon as the leading supplier of signal processing equipment (digital glue) in HD & 3D OB vans (source: live-production.tv). This year, Axon will also open offices in Russia and Singapore. “We come to NAB at a tremendously exciting point in Axon’s development with a range of strategically important new products and really strong sales growth especially in Europe,” commented Jan Eveleens, Chief Executive Officer at Axon. “We are committed to continuing our growth and expansion: North America is a focus, so NAB promises to be an important event for us.”
BMS
Broadcast Microwave Services (BMS) Inc. debuts new Microwave and Camera products at NAB 2011. A new line of integrated HD devices, perfectly compatible to each other, consisting of the BMS Ultra Light HD Cam, linked to the ground breaking wireless transmitter and the compact designed 2-way diversity USB receiver for highly mobile and flexible broadcast transmission applications. BMS’ cutting edge technology is supporting many revolutionary features to provide the closest alternative to a wired HD camera that you will find in a really small and lightweight housing.
Camera Corps
"The broadcast industry is experiencing a surge in demand for efficient stereoscopic production equipment to meet the needs of new 3D television channels," comments Camera Corps Technical Director Jim Daniels. "The CC-3D Universal RCP is equally suitable for use with 3D and 2D systems. Up to two stereoscopic rigs can be controlled on a paired-camera basis to maintain predetermined adjustment offsets between left and right cameras, or as individual cameras if preferred. The panel is intuitive to operate, allowing fast and easy operation during outside broadcasts as well as for live stage or studio events."
Chyron
Chyron's Lyric PRO 8 graphics creation software continues to put the broadcaster in control of the graphics. With new scriptless conditional intelligent transitions and delivery of superior-quality real-time 3D animations, Lyric PRO 8 enables users to improve the look of on-air graphics with ease and accuracy. Cloud-based content-creation tools are a significant part of Chyron's product roadmap, and they've been extended to Lyric PRO 8 with the introduction of Web-enabled control over Lyric messages and playout. With native support for stereoscopic 3D, scriptless transitions, and touch screen-enabled graphics, Lyric PRO 8 is a worldwide leader for sports and news applications.
DK-Technologies
In light of the recent CALM legislation on audio loudness in the US, DK-Technologies is using the NAB 2011 platform (Booth C7840) to highlight the numerous audio and video metering products within its range that are complaint with ATSC recommendations, as well as the European EBU R128 and ITU BS1770/1771 recommendations. The company is also promoting a free software update offer to all customers with a MSD or PT0 600 series audio meter, which will enable them to use the new Recommendations. All new MSD and PT0 600 series meters will automatically have these specifications included, allowing customers access to use both ATSC and EBUR128 recommendations.
DNF
DNF Controls has been providing simple, precise, reliable, repeatable, and tactile production control solutions for more than 20 years. The company offers a wide range of control solutions that fit the individual needs of a production by providing random access to video content and scripted playout of video elements. This allows users to work with their existing equipment and within their existing infrastructure, while supporting future growth and changes. DNF Controls' scalable, flexible, and intelligent production control systems are easy to configure and reconfigure, and they support MOS.
Egripment
For many years Egripment has been one of the leading companies in the field of Camera Support Equipment for both the Film and Television Industry. At NAB 2011 we will show and demonstrate a variety of new innovations and developments for every ‘professional’ and ‘prosumer’ customer. A compact and completely noddle Remote Head. The 305 is very fast and offers the smooth responseand reliability that Egripment heads are known for. Besides these new developments, our extensive range of cranes, dollies, remote heads and accessories provides an answer to every possible need.
EVS
At the NAB Show, EVS will be unveiling a full range of integrated solutions and applications for streamlining production operations, e.g. the latest version of EVS’ IPDirector offers broadcasters and producers a unique opportunity to boost their workflow’s speed and efficiency. Its innovative architecture, modularity and advanced database management system means that it can be easily adapted to a wide variety of TV and broadcast production facilities. New API and MOS protocol support ensuring full interoperability with all types of 3rd-party systems, such as asset management, automation, and NRCS including Avid I-News, ENPS or Annova systems.
FFV
Fast Forward Video (FFV) has been developing and manufacturing digital video recording (DVR) technology for more than 25 years and has built a solid reputation for durable, user-friendly designs that offer superior image quality. At the 2011 NAB Show, FFV will demonstrate an array of its award-winning DVR solutions, each designed with customer requirements in mind and built to the demanding specifications of today's media operations. The latest example is the sideKick HD, a multiformat, straight-to-edit camera-mountable DVR.
i-movix
At the 2011 NAB Show, I-MOVIX will debut the latest version of SprintCam® Vvs HD (Phantom®-Powered), the groundbreaking ultra-slow-motion system for live HD broadcast production. Raising the industry ultra-slow-motion performance bar yet again, SprintCam Vvs HD now operates at frame rates up to 2,700 fps in 1080i50 or up to 5,800 fps in 720p60 (more than 200 times slower than live action) and provides instant replay at native HD resolution and image quality. Featuring all the outstanding quality, performance, and usability for which I-MOVIX SprintCam systems are renowned, SprintCam Vvs HD delivers an unprecedented level of convenience and creativity in ultra-slow-motion action.
Lawo
Loudness metering, the latest feature of Lawo mc² consoles, will be demonstrated at the company’s booth C2628, in the Central Hall at this year’s NAB show. Following EBU R128 and ATSC A/85 specifications, and based on ITU1770, the mc² series will feature loudness metering for every channel. The metering is shown in the Channel Display and the GUI Main Display; a permanent display of the integrated measurements is provided within the GUI. This is a first within the Lawo product range and a world’s first for production consoles — a mc² series console offering integrated loudness metering.
Linear Acoustic
The AERO.air™ continues to solve the newly regulated "commercial loudness problem" and now offers more features in a sleek, smaller, and lighter 2RU chassis. Many optional upgrades on last year's model are now standard features. HD/SD- SDI I/O allows for de-embedding and re-embedding up to 16 channels of audio plus SMPTE 2020 (VANC) metadata. UPMAX-II™ provides a more spacious and stable 5.1 upmix from a stereo source. CrowdControl™ ensures dialogue is preserved even in rich stereo mixes. The new AERO.air retains all the features that has made it the proven choice for DTV audio transmission and loudness management.
never.no
never.no visitors will enjoy a full 360-degree view of an interactive broadcast and companion app for an iPad workflow, thus gaining first-hand understanding of the benefits IS and the Synchronized Companion App can bring to their own broadcasts. Live demos of everything from interactive sports applications to user-driven music channels will afford visitors a chance both to sample the user experience on iPads and TV and also sit in the producer's seat to control the interactive workflow in real time.
Ross Video
Ross’ compact switcher line-up adds the new CrossOver Solo, a 1 MLE production switcher. Standard features include 12 HD/SD Inputs, Internal MultiViewer, 2 Channels of 2D DVE, Synchronization and Up/Down Conversion, and 4 internal channels of Media Store for instant stills, keys and media wipes. Based on the highly successful CrossOver 12, Solo has the same features and specifications; however, the main electronics and signal I/O are combined with the panel as a single unit - reducing cost and size. CrossOver Solo is just $9,995 (US MSRP). NAB 2011 also sees the release of version 4.0 software for all members of the CrossOver switcher family; adding a number of highly desirable features such as animated graphic transitions. This software update is free to all existing CrossOver users and can be downloaded from the Ross Video website.
Sensio
In 2010, 3D broadcasting went from possibility to reality and SENSIO Technologies was there every step of the way. A major milestone was the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, broadcast in live 3D and brought to 33 countries through SENSIO technology. Judged "Best 3D TV Technology or Project" by Cable and Satellite International (CSI), SENSIO® Hi-Fi 3D, the flagship 3D-enabling product line, was adopted by major TV manufacturers and cable TV distributors this past year. At the 2011 NAB Show, SENSIO — ever-mindful of the economic and resource constraints facing equipment manufacturers today — will be presenting a newly expanded offering that specifically addresses the broadcast industry's concerns about image quality and compatibility in 3D, right down the line. The company will be demonstrating its end-to-end solution in partners' equipment, and will be present at the Miranda Technologies booth N2515 in the North Hall.
Snell
Today's broadcast and media facilities require smart, adaptable, and straightforward solutions as they transition to digital, HDTV, and 3Gbps operations, and as they seek to deliver content to a variety of platforms in direct response to consumer demand. With these needs in mind, Snell will showcase a variety of new and enhanced products at the 2011 NAB Show that enable greater automation and more flexible media handling in live production, playout, infrastructure, media restoration, and transformation environments.
Shotoku
Continuing to build on the success of the TR-T touch control systems, Shotoku announces the latest release of TR-T system software. The new release enhances numerous areas of the system operation to meet the demands of customers seeking larger, more complex facility-wide installations. Increasingly, large operations require ultimate flexibility to enable any control system in any location to rapidly re-configure for control of cameras and studios in other physical locations. The TR-T system has always supported this functionality but now makes the task of re-configuration even easier and quicker. The TR-T system is not just for large scale operations however, smaller systems will also benefit from the many added features aimed at making day-to-day operation easier. Automated functions allow precise control over shot recall, with minimal intervention, enabling an operator to truly multi-task, without losing any of the on-air flexibility normally associated with dedicated camera operators.
T-VIPS
T-VIPS, a global leader in professional video contribution and distribution solutions, today announces that NAB 2011 will see new functionality and products launched across its product ranges: video transport; monitoring & switching; and transport stream processing & remultiplexing. The company’s on-booth demonstrations will show how the company is enabling broadcasters and operators to save time, money and resources by increasing operational efficiency and reliability, reducing the requirement for capital investment and through simplifying workflows. The new product introductions at NAB will include the CP546 Transport Steam Monitor, a powerful tool for the continuous monitoring of transport streams, services, PID’s and PSI/SI/PSIP tables, ensuring fast fault detection and diagnostics.
TC Electronic
DB4 MKII and DB8 MKII conform to new EBU, ATSC and ITU Loudness and True-peak level standards across all platforms and all formats. The broadcast world's highest resolution, lowest latency and lowest distortion comes complimentary with DB4 MKII and DB8 MKII. The MKII versions feature the new EBU R128 and ATSC A/85 compliant LM6 Loudness Meter, new SNMP functions and one week of detailed logging, even without connection to a computer. In DB4 MKII, the LM6 meter is always available in addition to its two multichannel audio processors. With several thousand units operating constantly and globally, there is plenty of proof that the original DB4 and DB8 processors rarely fail. Now add the redundancy of the MKII versions: Same power supply, but two of them. Also, double up on fuses, double up on mains inlets and double up on the Swiss-made Papst fans.
Telecast
At the 2011 NAB Show, Telecast will show the CopperHead 3050, specifically designed to meet the unique requirements of electronic news gathering (ENG) and satellite news gathering (SNG), and the CopperHead 3200, which offers an affordable yet powerful multi-camera solution for a range of HD broadcasting applications. Both systems deliver uncompressed HD video and simultaneously transport bidirectional digital (SDI or HD/SDI) and analog (NTSC or PAL) video, as well as all two-way camera control, audio, video, data, sync, tally/call, prompter, and intercom signals between the camera and the base station. The new CopperHead 3400 pulls double-duty as the new standard fiber link for top-quality 3D production, as well as for live high-speed HD sports coverage. The system multiplexes four HD/SDI signals, as well as camera control, return video, intercom, and all of the other signals required for 3D rigs and/or Phantom-style high-speed camera systems. The CopperHead Pro is specifically designed for HD image magnification (I-MAG) applications in houses of worship, music venues, and corporate events. The CopperHead Pro offers a versatile and affordable solution that leverages the light weight, high reliability, and superior quality of fiber cable for projecting high-quality HD images.
TSL
TSL has been at the heart of the broadcast industry for 25 years and operates two separate businesses - an international, independent broadcast systems integrator and a Professional Products Group that designs, manufactures and sells worldwide a unique range of TSL-branded products. Making its world debut is the PAM1-3G16. The natural evolution of the PAM1-3G8, this new addition to the PAM product family combines the size and convenience of the original 1RU multichannel audio monitoring unit with a full 16 bargraph display and many of the advanced features of the multi-award winning PAM2-3G16, such as Loudness Measurement, Preset Standard Switching and advance monitoring mode selection.
Utah Scientific
At the 2011 NAB Show, Utah Scientific will introduce a new family of I/O boards that enables embedded signal processing (ESP) functionality in multirate UTAH-400 Series 2 routers. Utah Scientific's comprehensive line of advanced routing switchers includes the full range of analog, digital, and HD (3G) systems, with integrated high-density frame sizes from 32x32 to 1056x1056. Also new for the UTAH-400 series is the UTAH-400/MV, an integrated multiviewer option. The UTAH-400/MV integrates seamlessly with the router control system and does not require the use of dedicated router ports for monitoring. The multiviewer offers multiple outputs that allow the user to control the number of pictures to be displayed on each screen. Built-in cable extenders are included for easy installation and outputs can be formatted in DVI, HDMI, or HD-SDI, to support the widest-possible range of display devices.
Vinten
The new Vector 75 head will debut alongside a collection of Vinten’s highly acclaimed and multi award winning top quality camera support solutions. The Vector 75 offers the same outstanding camera carrying performance as the hugely popular Vector 750, but incorporates the standard LF drag control that helped make its predecessor, the Vector 70, the global industry standard for many years. The design, built upon the skeleton of the original Vector 70, now includes a range of standard features that address the pressures of today’s fast paced and cost conscious production company without compromising any aspect of camera control.
Wohler
During the 2011 NAB Show, Wohler will demonstrate why it is rapidly becoming known as the global broadcast industry's number one provider of signal management solutions. Front and center will be the company's award-winning monitoring systems for audio, video, and data as well as captioning and loudness, designed to meet the exacting specifications of Wohler customers. One example is Wohler's new MADI-8 monitor, developed in response to the demanding requirements of outside broadcasting. Other Wohler products on display will include the new, compact Pandora system for clear, configurable loudness monitoring; the Presto multiview source selector; three new versions of Wohler's award-winning HDCC-200A™ range of captioning cards; and enhancements to the flagship AMP2-16V audio/video processing monitor.
3D OBVan Directory
At NAB we will release our first directory on 3D Live Production featuring about 20 3D/3G OBVans from the US, Europe and Australia. The directory also give a comprehensive overview of available 3D camera rigs, and will feature some of the recent 3D productions. Readers will find a listing of on air 3D broadcasters. Every registered user of www.live-production.tv who has subscribed to our newsletter and has also opted for “receive prints” will receive her/his copy in April around NAB time.