Category Archives: Information

Nikon COOLPIX W150 is Waterproof

Information

Nikon announced the U.S. retail availability of the COOLPIX W150, the latest rugged yet family-friendly compact digital camera. Thanks to being both waterproof and shockproof, the COOLPIX W150 allows users to easily capture and share unforgettable moments on every adventure, vacation or get-together.

The W150 boasts an extremely easy-to-use design, sharp image quality and variety of unique scene models, making it a great travel camera for the whole family.

With a 13.2-megapixel image sensor, 3x optical zoom and full HD video recording, the COOLPIX W150 offers the flexibility to easily capture both stunning still images and Full HD videos, wherever life takes a person. Even those who have never used a camera will immediately be comfortable snapping shots due to the simple menu system, 2.7-inch 230-k dot LCD screen, and Target Finding autofocus, which allows for easy detection and focus on the primary subject.

Built to capture memories, the COOLPIX W150 is waterproof up to 10m (33 feet), shockproof from 1.8m (6 feet) and freezeproof up to ~10° C (14° F). Additionally, the COOLPIX W150 is equipped with a variety of scene modes and editing functions, allowing users to seamlessly upload to their phone wirelessly for sharing, all with the Nikon SnapBridge app.

The COOLPIX W150 in white will be available in the U.S. in early September 2019 at a suggested retail price (SRP) of $169.95.

Line 6 Introduces Marketplace

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Line 6 LogoLine 6 has introduced Marketplace, an online store where users of the Helix guitar processor and HX products can purchase premium presets and impulse responses (IRs) created by select third-party vendors.

“We are extremely excited to officially open Marketplace,” said Adrian Haselhuber, Director of Product Management, Line 6. “With these unique sounds, Helix and HX product users can explore many new creative options. Thanks to the enthusiastic support of our development partner community, the expanding Helix and HX platforms are poised to become even more beneficial to musicians.”

The Marketplace will help the network of third-party vendors forge new relationships with customers.

At the Marketplace, you can download purchases directly to your computer, and then upload them to your device via your HX Edit software. Marketplace products are compatible with Helix Floor, Helix Rack, Helix LT, HX Stomp, and HX Effects, as well as the new Helix Native plug-in.

Marketplace vendors include: 3 Sigma Audio, Ben R Vesco, Celestion, Chad Boston Store, Chad Huskey, Choptones, Craig Anderton, Eric Broadbent, Fremen, Glenn DeLaune, Gore Boards, Jason Sadites, Live Ready, OwnHammer, Peter Hamm, Robbie Calvo, and Simone Gianlorenzi.

Marketplace produces have minimum software and firmware requirements as follows:

  • Helix/HX firmware version 2.7 or higher
  • HX Edit software version 2.7 or higher
  • Helix Native software version 1.7 or higher

Telestream Announces the Next Generation of Wirecast Gear

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Telestream, a global leader in file-based media workflow orchestration, media streaming and delivery technologies, announced the latest version of Wirecast Gear, a new generation of the company’s award-winning live video streaming production hardware.

Powerful, purpose-built, and easy to use, the fully configured workstation allows anyone to broadcast professional live productions in a matter of minutes. The new Wirecast Gear will be demonstrated for the first time at the upcoming IBC tradeshow (booth 7.C16 & 7.C14) and will start shipping mid-September, 2019.

With Wirecast Gear, live event producers can focus on production and streaming instead of worrying about hardware system compatibility, configuration, and integration. It is ideally suited for marketers, educators, corporate and online trainers, event producers, sports broadcasters, worship service staff, news gatherers, and anyone who wants to deliver professional live streamed productions out of the box.

Wirecast Gear’s new hardware speed represents a significant performance increase compared to previous generation hardware. With more CPU cores, higher clock speeds, and faster RAM, and the latest NVMe storage, Wirecast Gear is the highest performing turnkey system offered in its price range.

The 400 series builds on the Gear – 300 series’ server-grade processing and adds a professional NVIDIA Quadro GPU that can produce up to four simultaneous 1080p 60fps encoders and an SDI program output or multi-view without using additional CPU bandwidth. Wirecast Gear can also create more ISO and archival grade encounters simultaneously for future repurposing of content.

Wirecast Gear supports up to five simultaneous cameras via baseband SDI or 4 cameras via HDMI depending on model. With six channels of audio, and professional XLR/TRS balanced audio inputs, audio signals are always pristine, even with longer cables. For enhanced portability and durability, the system has no moving parts except for the fan.

Roland Announced the DJ-707M DJ Controller

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Roland announced the DJ-707M DJ Controller – a four-channel, four-deck Serato DJ Pro controller engineered for the perfect balance of functionality and portability. DJs searching for more than song mixing now have tools to manage complex event audio requirements, all-in-one with the powerful benefits of a portable live sound audio console, loudspeaker management system, and fully-fledged performance DJ controller.

Designed in consultation with leading event DJs, the DJ-707M is built to efficiently manage the wide-ranging needs of mobile DJs. The compact controller packs more specifications than larger, bulky controllers and the reinforced internal and external metal parts ensure it can withstand life on the road. Plus, it’s compact size allows it to sit between turntables and DJ media players, and it is DVS Upgrade ready for component DJ set-ups.

The DJ-707M features seven inputs, including front mounted auxiliary inputs to easily connect instruments from guest musicians or two additional microphones. Built with the DNA of a professional audio console, the DJ-707M features two studio-quality XLR microphone inputs. Each channel also has its own gain, low-cut switch, and noise gate, plus effects from reverbs and delays to key-based audio-pitching and auto-ducking.

Dual USB inputs allow up to two instances of Serato to be run on separate computers, creating seamless transitions between DJs or backup rigs. Its USB input can also be used to connect an iOS device for mobile playback.

Dedicated Serato DJ Pro controls allow for creation and triggering of hot cues, loops, effects, drum patterns, and samples, plus switching between four Serato decks. Roland’s hardware effects can be assigned individually to the dedicated hardware Filter/FX knob to finnese blends or accentuate scratches. DJ-707M’s standalone mixer allows computer-free performance using CDJs, turntables, mics, and more.

Driven by the sound of Roland’s TR-909 and TR-808 drum machines, the DJ-707M also contains launchable preset rhythms for adding punch to classic tracks, crafting transitions, or creating accompaniment for instrumentalists. Other on-board OSC sound effects include sweepers and synth stabs.

Fujifilm Launches Two New UA Series Lenses

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Fujifilm launches FUJINON UA18x7.6BERD (UA18x7.6) and FUJINON UA23x7.6BERD (UA23x7.6) to the UA Series of 4K-compatible broadcast lenses.

The UA18x7.6 and UA23x7.6 are 4K-compatible broadcast lenses with design and advanced portability. The use of unique optical technology delivers high image resolution and rich tonal gradation. Both are highly versatile, with UA18x76 covering focal lenses from 7.6mm to 137mm (18x zoom), and the UA23x7.6 covering focal lengths from 7.6mm to 175mm (23x zoom).

Fujifilm will launch the UA18x7.6 in September 2019 and the UA237.6 in October 2019, expanding its broadcast lens lineup to 13 models in total, supporting premium-quality 4K video production.

The UA18x7.6 and UA23x7.6 can be pared with a 4K camcorder to reduce the physical strain of videographers who carry their equipment on the shoulder. Furthermore, the lenses contain ED lens elements to control the various types of aberration to achieve amazing sharpness. The company’s unique multi-layer coating helps achieve rich tonal gradation to produce 4K video of astonishing quality. These lenses can be mounted on an HD-compatible broadcast camera.

Main Features:

Compact design for advanced portability

  • The two compact lenses adopted Fujifilm’s unique optical design, with the UA18x7.6 weighing at 1.74kg and measuring 204mm long and the UA23X7.6 weighing 1.95kg and measuring 221.4mm long.
  • They can be paired with a 4K camcorder to reduce the physical strain of videographers who carry their equipment on the shoulder.

Unique optical technology for excellent sharpness and richness

  • The lenses are ED and fluorite elements to effectively control various types of aberration, achieving outstanding image sharpness. The company’s HT-EBC (High Transmittance Electron Beam Coating) multi-layer coating boosts the rate of light transmittance, delivering rich tonal gradation.
  • These lenses can be mounted on an HD-compatible broadcast camera.

Natural bokeh achieved with nine-blade diaphragm

  • The use of nine-blade diaphragm achieves an aperture shape closer to a perfect circle. This creates beautiful soft lights and natural bokeh into the video expressions.

Addition of two lenses with different zoom magnifications

  • These lenses use the “multi-group zooming” method that moves multiple lens groups for zooming.

Newfangled Audio has Punctuate Intelligent Transient Monitor on Sale

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Newfangled Audio is offering a sale on the Punctuate Intelligent Transient Shaper. The Punctuate plug-in is now available on it’s own for the first time ever! Get it for a limited time for $49 (50% off).

Transient shapers are used by top mix engineers to either crank up or soften the transients of instruments, emphasizing either the attack or sustain. However, traditional transient shapers work on the whole signal at once, modulating the whole frequency range when the transient snap is only happening in one band.

Punctuate uses a model of the human ear to run a set of transient shapers across the whole spectrum of human hearing. This allows you to tailor the attack of a whole range of instruments, busses, and whole mixes without messing with the entire frequency range. The result is unparalleled transient shaping power focused where you need it, and not where you don’t.

Features:

  • Multi-Band Transient Emphasis or Suppression magically reshapes the dynamics or your single channel or whole mix
  • Auditory Modeling means that even drastic changes sound natural
  • Intelligent Adaptive Algorithms allow you to control up to 26 transient shapers with just 4 controls
  • Integrated metering shows you what the algorithm is doing at all times
  • Filter Bank page lets you modify the filters and solo each channel for expert tweaking if desired

Blackmagic Design Announced New UltraStudio 4k Mini

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Blackmagic Design announced UltraStudio 4K Mini, a new capture and playback solution for Thunderbolt 3 computers with 12G-SDI, HDMI, analog video and audio connections that lets customers build solutions for editing, color grading, live broadcast graphics, archiving from traditional broadcast decks and live internet streaming.

UltraStudio 4K Mini is available immediately from Blackmagic Design resellers worldwide for US$995.

The new UltraStudio 4K Mini model is a portable Thunderbolt 3 capture and playback solution packed with the latest broadcast technology, including 12G-SDI, HDMI 2.0, and analog formats up to 4K DCI at 60p, and 12-bit hight dynamic range capture in all formats up to 4K DCI at 30p.

It is small enough to fit in a rack or be used on a desktop. The front panel features push button controls, an LCD for monitoring signal and setup, an XLR microphone input and a 1/4” headphone jack. UltraStudio 4K Mini features USB for connecting a keyboard and mouse, plus it will trickle charge their laptop computer when connected to the Thunderbolt 3 port. There’s even a built in SD card reader allowing instant access to their camera media cards.

With UltraStudio customers can connect to virtually any video device. All UltraStudio models include SDI in and out, HDMI for monitoring on TVs and projectors and analog YUV/NTSC/PAL video balanced analog input for archiving from legacy analog broadcast tape decks. The UltraStudio 4K Mini and Extreme models add an extra HDMI input plus a balanced analog audio for connecting to in-studio monitoring.

But on revolutionary Thunderbolt 3 technology, UltraStudio uses a blazingly fast single cable connection to any computer that has the bandwidth to handle the highest resolution video formats easily. Thunderbolt ensures low latency and highly accurate time synchronization for the highest quality capture and playback. UltraStudio 4K models also include an AC power connection, perfect when working in studios.

UltraStudio 4K Mini Features:

  • Thunderbolt 3 interface for 40 Gb/s capture and playback
  • 3 models available with both portable and rack mount options
  • Ideal fo edit monitoring, live graphics, archive and streaming
  • 12G-SDI, HDMI 2.0, YUV/NTSC/PAL video and balanced audio
  • Supports 45W trickle charging to connected computer
  • Supports all SD, 720p, 1080i, 1080p, 2160p and 4K DCI formats
  • Front panel with LCD, mic input, headphones and SD card slot
  • Compatible with DaVinci Resolve for editing, color, VFX and audio
  • Includes support for Mac, Windows and Linux

Yamaha Debuted PSR-SX700 and PSR-XS900 Arranger Workstation Keyboards

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Yamaha debuted the PSR-SX700 and the PSR-SX900, two 61-key Arranger Workstation keyboards for composing, arranging, and playing confidently out at gigs.

These elegant, all-in-one instruments, which replace the PSR-S775 and PSR-S975 respectively, inherit inspiring content and powerful features from Genos, the world’s most advanced Digital Workstation keyboard. Just as Genos set a new standard when it was introduced by the company last year, the new mid-priced keyboards are poised to raise the bar for workstations at more affordable price points.

How an Arranger Workstation sounds, and the ease of which the user can control these sounds, are critical considerations to the creative process. The PSR-SX700 and PRS-SX900 offer unmatched ultrarealistic and expressive Super Articulation Voices, with greater real-time control over a performance than other similarly-priced keyboards on the market today.

Both share a brilliant 7-inch TFT touch screen that incorporates the same intuitive graphic user interface offered on Genos, allowing users to easily navigate Voice and Style arrangements, as well as assess and adjust other settings.

Six new assignable controller buttons have been added beneath the touch screen, each of which can be arranged in a desired function. Simply pressing the button during a performance or composing/arranging session enables the user to jump directly to relevant controls in the display.

The PSR-SX900, which incorporates a newly-designed, bi-amped speaker system with a wide audio field, is the new flagship of the PSR-SX line. It boasts 4GB of internal memory, 1337 instrument Voices, 56 Drum/SFX kits, and 480 XG Voices, as well as 329 Multi Pad banks. To ensure silky-smooth, high-quality sound, the DAC (Digital Audio Converter) on this keyboard has been upgraded to 32-bit, the same as those found in Genos and in the top-of-the-line Yamaha MONTAGE synthesizer.

The PSR-SX700 includes many of the same features at a lower price point, and boasts 1GB of internal memory, 986 instrument Voices, 41 Drum/SFX kits and 480 XG Voices, as well as 5 insert effect slots, 226 Multi-Pad banks, Main L&R line outputs and one USB to device port.

The Yamaha PRS-SX900 (MSRP $2,799) and PSR-SX700 (MSRP $1,999) are expected to ship in October 2019.

GoPro and Quik Apps Combine for Awesome Mobile Editing Experience

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GoPro announced its new GoPro app update, which integrates the best of the Quik video editing app into the GoPro app, and introduces a fresh visual design, improved storytelling tools, and enhanced filter capabilities, all powered by a revving new software engine. This is the first in a series of GoPro app updates designed to create a single app experience for mobile editing with all the utility functions for controlling your GoPro from your smartphone.

GoPro app users will immediately notice design updates, from a visual refresh and a more modern UI to a more intuitive navigation. But the real fun begins with the updates to the storytelling experience, with an improved QuikStory multi-clip workflow, which enables the GoPro app to better identify meaningful moments in your footage and suggest awesome story compilations of your photos and videos, automatically. These stories will include recently-shot GoPro content and users can also add any photo or video saved in the media library of their smartphone.

Another new capability of the GoPro app is the ability to mix and match filters in a single QuikStory. This update hands users the keys to more than 20 filter options and the license to apply multiple filter types within the same multi-clip video. The result is a highly-customizable editing experience with infinite creative options.

The GoPro app update offers additional creative flex by removing draft limitations of the previous editing model. Now your QuikStory video will remain in an always-editable format so you can go back and make changes at any time. This new functionality is a critical improvement from the previous Quik pass-through workflow, providing GoPro app users with a more powerful way to manage their media and update their edits on-demand.

Sony Introduced the RX100 VII Premium Compact Camera

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Sony has introduced a new addition to its award-winning series of RX compact cameras; the RX 100 VII (model DSC-RX100M7). Utilizing technologies that were previously available only in Sony’s acclaimed Alpha 9 full-frame mirrorless camera, the RX100 VII achieves new levels of performance in a compact camera, in both stills and movie shooting.

The RX100 VII is powered by a newly developed 1.0-type stacked 20.1 MP Exmor RS CMOS image sensor and the latest generation BIONZ X image processor, which work together to deliver peak autofocus and speed performance that has never been available in a compact camera. Flexibility of shooting is ensured by a ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T 24-200mm F2.8-4.5 high magnification zoom lens, making the RX100 VII a versatile choice for all types of shooting scenarios and users, ranging from photo enthusiasts to professionals.

The RX100VII offers a world-leading 357 focal-plane phase-detection AF points and 425 contrast-detection AF points. In addition, thanks to a newly optimized lens drive control, the world’s fastest 0.02 sec AF acquisition time is realized. A major leap in AF/AE tracking performance during continuous shooting means the camera preforms AF/AE calculations up to 60 times per second and captures fast moving action at 20fps with AF/AE tracking, ensuring that each moment is shot with swift and accurate focus.

In addition, the image sensor realizes blackout-free shooting for a completely live view, even when continuous shooting at 20fps; the same experience as the Alpha 9. The RX100 VII also debuts a new drive mode, Single Burst Shooting, for capturing the perfect high-speed shot at up to 90fps in JPEG/RAW format utilizing the anti-distortion shutter. Single Burst Shooting allows the photographer to frame fast moving action and shoot as if it is taking a single shot, but the camera will actually deliver seven still images taken at 90fps, 60fps, or 30fps, so the user can select the perfect moment.

For the first time in a compact camera, the RX100 VII introduces advanced Real-time Tracking and Real-Time Eye AF capabilities. Real-time Tracking utilizes Sony’s latest algorithm, introducing artificial intelligence-based object recognition to ensure that subjects can be captured with excellent accuracy, even via the touch panel on the rear screen. Real-Time AF, the latest version of Sony’s acclaimed Eye AF technology, employs A.I.-based object recognition to detect and process eye data in real time.

The RX100 VII compact camera will ship in August 2019 for approximately $1,200 US and $1,600 CA.