Category Archives: Information

Camlet is the World’s First Multi-Device Camera Mount

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CamletSometimes it seems like we really are living in a brave new world when it comes to the many options we have available for mobile media gathering. What used to require a huge rig with tens of thousands of dollars worth of equipment can now be achieved (in many cases) with a mobile phone, tablet and/or a prosumer-grade camera. But there are still challenges when it comes to using these devices efficiently while also making them come together to ultimately create a single entity that’s better than the individual parts.

Many devices have tried to solve this problem in recent years. And the latest entrant to the field is Camlet, an accessory touted as the world’s first multi-device camera mount. Camlet works by pairing a dSLR or mirrorless camera with a mobile device such as a tablet or phone using the Camlet cable and mount system. This “merges” the two devices, allowing for complete control of the camera from the mobile device using either Camlet’s specially designed control app or other apps created by third parties.

Camlet is flexible so it can be used in a variety of different ways. If your camera is on a tripod, Camlet can raise your mobile device up over the top of the camera to make it easier to see. Or if you’re mobile, you can fold Camlet back so the mobile device acts more like a large-screen viewfinder. Camlet can even turn the mobile device around so it’s facing forward, which would be a great solution for vlogging or other times when you need to monitor the video but can’t actually be behind the camera.

Camlet is being launched thru a Kickstarter campaign that’s currently at $41,000 of it’s $45,000 goal. The campaign has just less than three days before it’s over. If you’d like Camlet to be a part of your next camera rig, head over to the link at the top of this article and make a pledge!

IK Multimedia Introduces iKlip Grip

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IK Multimedia iKlip GripIK Multimedia introduces iKlip Grip. It is a multifunctional smartphone video stand with Bluetooth shutter control. It is four accessories in one.

The iKlip Grip is a multifunctional video stand with Bluetooth shutter for smartphones, compact video cameras, audio field recorders, and more. It can be used as a desktop tripod, grip handle, monopod or tripod adaptor. It can securely hold any smartphone with a screen size from 3.5” to 6” even when the device is in a protective carrying case.

In addition, iKlip Grip features a standard mounting system for connecting small mobile video cameras like GoPro, compact digital cameras, and stand-mount audio field recorders.

The secret to iKlip Grip lies in its ingeniously secure and expandable holding bracket system. Users can precisely position any smartphone at any angle to capture photos, videos and audio. The iKlip Grip features an expandable spring-loaded soft-touch rubber bracket that provides superior secure holding power.

Repositioning the held smartphone is as simple as expanding the brackets to release the phone, then re-securing it. The iKlip Grip holding bracket features a standard ¼” threaded tripod screw mount so that it can be used with standard tripod as a mobile device adapter.

The base handle of iKlip Grip provides two functions. With its ergonomic hand grip, iKlip Grip fits comfortably into almost any hand to provide a secure and rock-steady way to shoot video on the move on any smartphone, compact video recorder, or field recorder. The base handle is split into three equal sections that can open out to form a secure tripod stand for stationary media capture.

The iKlip Grip also features a pivoting ball-joint attachment system that provides a full 90° range of angle adjustment plus 360° of rotation. The iKlip Grip comes with 17.5”/45cm detachable telescopic extension arm. It gives users an easy way to position their device from 10” to 22” (25 to 55 cm) away – high above the crowd for optimal video and audio recording.

JK Audio’s CellTap 4C is a Compact Solution for Recording Calls

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CellTap4CFrom podcast interviews to important personal conversations, there are many reasons why someone might need to record a phone call. But there aren’t many solutions out there that really make the process of call recording simple or practical. Things can be a little easier if you’ve got a bunch of audio gear already, and you just happen to be sitting by it at the time a call happens. But what about those times when you’re mobile or just need a quick call-recording setup? That’s where the new CellTap 4C by JK Audio comes in.

CellTap 4C is an update to its predecessor, simply called CellTap. The new version includes an updated headset jack and a more streamlined design. CellTap 4C has a total of three 3.5mm (mini-plug) connections. Connect the jack marked “Phone” to a cell phone’s headphone jack, connect the “Headset” jack to any headset with a built-in microphone and then connect the “Record” jack to an external device, such as a computer or portable audio recorder. Now, you’ll be able to speak with the caller and record both sides of the phone call (your voice and the caller’s voice) as separate channels on your recording device. (CellTap 4C outputs a stereo signal with each voice panned hard left/right.)

This device could be particularly useful to podcasters who are always looking for new ways to record phone/VoIP interviews. JK Audio was smart in making the output a true two-channel signal, as individual voices can often be unbalanced in single-channel recordings.

CellTap 4C should hit the market this month and is expected to retail for $99.00.

Behringer Parent Company acquires TC Group

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Behringer LogoMusic Group, the parent company of audio gear manufacturer Behringer, has acquired TC Group, an audio hardware/software manufacturer. This move bringss the brands of Tannoy, Lab Gruppen, Lake, TC Electronics, TC Helicon and TC Applied Technologies into the Music Group fold, along with Behringer, Midas, Klark Teknik and Turbosound.

Music Group has recently made big investments in upgrading its manufacturing facilities. It’s likely that the company made this acquisition to improve its service and support of the professional A/V market, including venues and touring productions. Also, many of TC Group’s products are complementary to those that Music Group (and specifically Behringer) is already producing. The two companies are known for their audio processing and production devices as well as electric guitar and voice enhancement products.

This move would seem to be further proof that Music Group’s trajectory is on the rise. For years, Behringer, the company’s flagship brand, carried a bad reputation. Its products were often seen as cheap, inferior toys when compared to other brands. Many critics claimed that Behringer’s products were just ripoffs of superior gear made by companies like Mackie or DBX. A few years ago, Behringer went on a mission to try and reverse the company’s negative perception. Since then, Behringer has worked hard to improve its products and they even turned a skeptic like me around as I now own a couple of their rack-mounted processors.

The news of this acquisition is further proof that Music Group is headed in the right direction.

 

Cotton Carrier Introduces Side Holster for Photographers

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Photo_Cotton Carrier_Side Holster 1Cotton Carrier’s Side Holster, which has been a key component to their popular Camera Vest and Carry-Lite camera carrying system, is now available individually. It comes packaged with a sliding shoulder strap and a built-in safety tether.

The Side Holster with Sliding Tether is designed for all levels of photographers, from amateur to pro, and for casual to moderate use. When added to the Cotton Carrier lens bag and belt systems, the Side Holster allows photographers to carry two cameras at once. Add the Side Holster to a 2 Camera Vest, and photographers can safely carry three cameras on one Camera Vest.

The Side Holster features a secure camera locking system (with instant release). It is designed to carry one camera. It is perfect for photographers to use at a wedding, sports event, while out in nature, or for studio photography.

The Side Holster, Sliding Tether, and Camera Hub are covered by the Cotton Carrier lifetime warranty. MRSP is $49.00.

Panasonic Debuts High Frame-Rate Projector at NAB

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Panasonic logoMore pixels and more frames! That’s the direction that video is heading in 2015. And while this trend has been making progress in terms of LED and other types of video displays, projectors have lagged behind. That is, until today. During NAB 2015, Panasonic unveiled the PT-RZ12KU, the world’s lightest 3-Chip DLP laser projector.

This 12,000 lm WUXGA resolution (1920 x 1200) projector boasts 120 Hz frame-replacement technologies and is compatible with high frame rate contents, reducing blur from motion to deliver a clearer image. It will provide the highest image quality for rental and staging, sports production and digital signage solutions. The PT-RZ12KU also comes with a contrast ratio of 20,000:1 that, with the high-resolution performance, makes it ideal for simulation, monitoring, and specialist education roles. This projector excels in large exhibition venues, virtual reality theaters, and in corporate applications.

The new PT-RZ12KU projector allows for vertical, horizontal and tilting 360-degree projection enabled by a laser light source. With multi-screen projection and geometric adjustment Panasonic emphasizes its focus on system and installation flexibility for many different types uses.

This new projector should hit the market during summer of 2015. No information has yet been given on retail pricing.

Blackmagic Brings Many New Products to NAB

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Blackmagic logoIts not unusual for manufacturers to announce new products at conventions like NAB. But this year, A/V equipment manufacturer Blackmagic may be going for a record. The company is bringing 38 new products to the show. There’s no way I can cover them all in one post but here’s some highlights:

Blackmagic URSA 4.6K Cameras: The new URSA 4.6K image sensor features a Super 35 size with a resolution of 4608 x 2592 at 120 frames per second. With an extremely wide 15 stops of dynamic range it really rivals most traditional 35mm film stock.

Blackmagic Micro Cinema Camera: This is a miniaturized Super 16mm professional digital film camera with a new expansion port that lets you use PWM and S.Bus model airplane remote controls to operate the camera wirelessly for capturing action anywhere.

Fusion 8 Studio: Fusion has been Hollywood’s leading visual effects and motion graphics tool for over 25 years, and has been used on thousands of feature film and television projects. The new version features a node based user interface that’s an easy and incredibly fast way to work when you have multiple clips, effects and layers on an effects.

Blackmagic Video Assist: This device has a bright, 5 inch high resolution 1920 x 1080 HD monitor and touchscreen with a wide 135º viewing angle and it records broadcast quality 10-bit 4:2:2 video onto widely available SD cards in ProRes file formats. The SD cards can be mounted directly on a computer for cloning and backup using the included DaVinci Resolve Lite so you get a complete editing and color correction solution included.

Smart Videohub 12G 40×40: This useful piece of gear is a native 12G-SDI router with 40 inputs and 40 outputs. All the connections and controls are exactly the same as the regular Smart Videohub 40×40 which is the 6G-SDI model. So this new model is a direct replacement for that router when you need 12G-SDI. Works with Mac and Windows.

To get a complete rundown of everything Blackmagic brought to this year’s NAB, check out the company’s press release section on its website.

Sennheiser and Apogee Launch Digital Clip-On Mics at NAB 2015

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Sennheiser Apogee clip on micSennheiser and Apogee have teamed up to create new digital clip-on microphones that help you to capture sound professionally. They are great for journalists who need an easy solution for field interviews, lecturers that want to record a talk, or a parent who wants to record their child reading out loud.

ClipMic digital and MKE 2 digital combine Apogee’s A/D conversion expertise with Sennheiser’s microphone design knowledge to give users optimum sound quality for their recordings. They are especially designed for iOS devices. Both microphones feature a Lightning connector to directly connect to iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, thus creating high-quality, ultra portable solutions for recording speech.

Analog clip-on microphones require a mic pre-amp and audio interface to be able to record the signal. While all iOS devices are equipped with a built-in analog input and mic pre-amp, they are optimized for telephone calls and not professional quality audio recording. Apogee’s award-winning mic pre-amp and A/D conversion circuitry are built into ClipMic digital and MKE 2 digital. This gives users maximum gain with minimal noise. The A/D converter provides a resolution of up to 24bit/96kHz.

The Sennheiser/Apogee digital clip-on microphones plug directly into the Lightning adaptor on the iOS device. The headset socket can be used to monitor the audio that is being recorded.

Apogee’s MetaRecorder app is the perfect companion to ClipMic digital and MKE 2 digital. The MetaRecorder is the first audio recording app for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch to offer intuitive multi-take recording, tagging, and file organization for any field recording scenario. MetaRecorder features 24 bit/96kHZ recording quality plus software control of the mic input level and recording presets.

After you are done recording and adding metadata tags like Keywords, Favorites, and Markers, share the recorded audio and Final Cut Pro XML files to Dropbox directly from MetaRecorder. When imported into Final Cut Pro on a Mac, the captured metadata greatly simplifies the process of organizing and parsing your media. This makes post-production workflow go much faster.

The MKE 2 features a high maximum sound pressure level and superior signal-to-noise ratio. This clip-on microphone is fitted with Sennheiser’s Umbrella diaphragm. An acoustically inactive membrane stretches across the active acoustical diaphragm, impeding moisture ingress into the high-preforming acoustics of the capsule.

Essential features of MetaRecorder can be controlled from Apple Watch – start and stop recording, add a take to Favorites, add Markers or set your microphone input level.

Visit Sennheiser at Booth # C2055 at NAB 2015.

Tagboard and Hootsuite Partner to Create Seamless Social TV Workflow for Media Companies

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KUSA TouchscreenTagboard, an innovative social media solutions company, has announced that it has partnered with Hootsuite, the world’s most widely used social relationship platform, to create the first seamless social display workflow for media, sports, and entertainment companies. For broadcasters, implementing a social TV solution allows networks and advertisers to engage in a real-time conversation on the viewer’s platform of choice by highlighting audience social media activity during the broadcast.

The integration offers joint clients of both Tagboard Enterprise and Hootsuite Enterprise the ability to add a Tagboard app to their Hootsuite social media management dashboard. Clients will then be able to search and find social posts within their Hootsuite dashboard, and with one click, send the posts to Tagboard-powered displays; on air, through live screens, or online.

The Tagboard app for Hootsuite is now available for joint Hootsuite Enterprise and Tagboard Enterprise customers, and can be found in the App Directory.

Visit Tagboard at NAB 2015 where it is participating in the third annual SPROCKIT (Booth # N2530-18). SPROCKIT is a program that recognizes startups in media and entertainment that have immense potential to share up the industry.

SwiftCam Presents Two Red Dot Award Winners at NAB 2015

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SwiftCamSwiftCam is presenting two Red Dot Award winning products at NAB 2015. They are the SwiftCam M3s and the SwiftCam G3s. These two products won over the 38-member jury of the Red Dot Award: Product Design 2015. There were 4,928 entries from 56 countries.

SwiftCam M3 is the first app-controlled 3-axis handheld gimbal for smartphones. It has been designed to let everyone easily shoot and share movie-smooth videos simply by using their own smartphones. It is built with a proprietary 3-axis stabilizing system, unique 360-degree panning capability, versatile shooting modes, and user-friendly joystick control.

The SwiftCam M3 also has a one-button 360-degree shoot. Upcoming functions include face tracking, broadcasting and timeshift shooting.

The SwiftCam G3s for GoPro is for “actionistas”. It is also built with a proprietary 3-axis stabilizing system, unique 360-degree panning capability, versatile shooting modes, and user-friendly joystick control.

Both SwiftCam M3s and SwiftCam G3s will be available in the United States soon in Q2 with the retail price of USD349. Visit SwiftCam in the South Hall (Upper) at booth SU14103 at NAB 2015.