Tag Archives: NAB 2015

Mike Dell talks Ham Radio and more at NAB

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Podcast Help Desk artworkEver wonder what the first true digital medium of communication might be? Most of us probably think of something that involves old modems or maybe some kind of wireless communications system. But the truth is that it goes back much farther than that.

Mike Dell is host of Podcast Help Desk. He’s also a member of the Rawvoice/Blubrry support team. He stopped by Don Baine’s booth to talk about some of his experiences as a new media producer, as well as his love for a truly “old” medium, ham radio.

 

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Brinno Brings Time Lapse Cameras to NAB

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Brinno logoThis post kicks off a series of video presentations recorded at this year’s National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) trade show in Las Vegas. These videos showcase new products that may be of interest to professional media producers.

In this clip, Don Baine met up with Chris Adams from Brinno. Chris arrived with three different products to display.

The first is the PeepHole Viewer, or Front Door Security Cam. This camera mounts onto an existing door peephole. It uses a motion sensor to detect when someone’s at the door and it records time lapse video of whoever (or whatever) is there. This device would be great for anyone who wants to know if that parcel was really dropped off when the courier said it was or for anyone who just wants some added security on an exterior door.

Next up, Chris showed off the Brinno TLC200Pro. This is a small but powerful time lapse camera capable of recording short bits of HDR video over extended period of times. It’s optimized to run for months off of one set of AA batteries. The TLC200Pro would be a great way to capture time lapse footage of something like a construction site. The device has an articulating lens and can be used with an optional weatherproof acrylic case so it can be left outside in any environment.

Chris’s final demonstration came in the form of Brinno’s latest version of the TLC200Pro. The new version is smaller and the camera itself is weatherproof, meaning it doesn’t need a case like the TLC200Pro. This new version of time lapse camera works with a smartphone app to set up shots and control the camera. Media recorded by the camera is then sent via Wi-Fi to the smartphone where it can be further transferred and manipulated. Like the TLC200Pro, this camera can run for months at a time on a single charge. This camera would be perfect for anyone who wants to record nature scares over an extended period of time.

The TLC200Plus is expected ro retail for $269.00 while the newer version is expected to sell for $299.00.

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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.

Christie D Series and Christie Freedom Series Featured at NAB 2015

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Screen Shot 2015-04-14 at 11.51.24 PMChristie is introducing two of its powerful projector series at NAB 2015. They are the Christie D Series of 3LCD projectors and the Christie Freedom Series of laser illuminated projectors.

Christie has unveiled five new 3LCD digital projectors in the Christie D Series. Featuring brightness ranges of 6000 – 8000 lumens with a single lamp and an optional 0.38:1 Ultra Short Throw lens, the new Christie D Series with 10,000:1 contrast ratio boasts one of the brightest single lamps in the market offering XGA, WXGA and WUXGA high resolution.

The Christie D Series is whisper-quiet. Its performance, quality, and easy integration make it ideal for higher education, corporations, museums, houses of worship, and more to use. Its innovative and elegant design seamlessly integrates into any environment. The five new D Series models replace the Christie LHD700 and LX700, in addition to the Christie LW551i, LWU501i and LX601i.

Some of the features of the Christie D Series include: portrait or landscape mode that provides installation flexibility, a single connect cable option called Christie One-Connect – via HDBaseT, multiple lens options, and third party integration: AMX, Creston.

The Christie Freedom laser illumination system platform includes the Christie Solaria CP42LH for Cinema (capable of up to 48Hz), the Christie ProVenue D4K60LH (capable of up to 60Hz), and the Christie Mirage 4KLH for immersive environments. The Christie Mirage 4KLH is the only laser system capable of up to 4K resolution at 120Hz in a single projector.

The Christie laser production system used in all models is based on scalable laser light source with a choice of projection heads and a fiber cable that connects the laser light source with the projection head. The complete laser projection system is engineered to produce high brightness levels and exceptional color utilizing a high bit depth 4K resolution imaging engine.

Visit Christie Technology at Booth SL6817 at NAB 2015.

NewTek Unveils 3Play Mini at NAB 2015

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NewTek 3Play MiniNewTek unveiled the 3Play Mini at NAB 2015. The 3Play Mini is the world’s only sports production suite you can carry anywhere. This lightweight device allows sports video producers to add professional quality instant replay, slow motion, sophisticated transition effects, and a broad range of other integrated production capabilities to their shows without being constrained by space, location, or cost.

The 3Play Mini is powerful enough to drive your entire show. Or, it can plug into a switcher or video board and turn any production into amazing fan experiences that attract big audiences, advertisers, and sponsors.

Out of the box, operators can control 3Play Mini with almost any touchscreen wireless mobile device or use an optional 3Play control surface.

3Play Mini can make any event look larger and more professional on screen while livening up boring scoreboard feeds. It can be synced with a game clock and used for official reviews. It also offers preview and playback at any angle, or multiple angles, of a recorded event to deliver the best viewing perspective for replay and official verification.

Use 3Play Mini to instantly and simultaneously publish content to multiple destinations, including Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and other websites, dedicated FTP servers, and second and third screen platforms. It also includes animated, warped visual transition effects for switching and in-program editing such as transitions between replays, stingers, and overlays.

The 3Play Mini can also do side-by-side playback. Replay the action from two synchronized angles simultaneously, on a single output channel using the DSK overlay. Position, scale, and crop the camera angle assigned to the overlay for comprehensive, frame-by-frame analysis of the play under review.

The 3Play Mini is available immediately for $9,995 USMSRP. An optional control surface is available for $2,995 USMSRP. International pricing will vary.

NewTek will be demonstrating the 3Play Mini at Booth #SL3312 at NAB 2015.

Brainstorm Showcases Latest Version of Infinity Set at NAB 2015

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Brainstorm MultimediaBrainstorm Multimedia is showcasing the latest versions of its entire range of products from virtual sets with augmented reality, through to real-time 3D graphics, multi-purpose playouts and graphics for news systems at NAB 2015. This includes the Infinity Set, the Aston 3D, eStudio and BrainNews.

The Infinity Set is the main attraction. It is enhanced by a 20 x 20 foot green screen theater where eye-catching presentations will be given every 20 minutes. A “must see” feature of the Infinity Set is the TeleTransporter, Brainstorm’s revolutionary “virtual traveler” functionality giving users the unique ability to perform real-time insertions of live characters in a live event happening at a remote location.

Brainstorm’s TrackFree Technology combines tracked and trackless productions for maximum flexibility, creativity, and visual impact. It has the capability to detect the exact location of the presenter and ensure the correct positioning of the talent within the 3D scene. Infinity Set’s patented 3D Presenter capability generates a true 3D representation of the live presenter and can cast virtual shadows and reflections over other real and 3D objects within the virtual environment.

Ashton 3D is Brainstorm’s cutting-edge real-time 3D graphic creation, CG and playout solution. It continues to evolve with version 1.4.2 with three different configurations: Aston 3D, Aston 3D Lite and Aston 2D. The latest release provides compatibility with a dedicated keyboard for CG operation.

The eStudio is Brainstorm’s flagship product. It is the industry’s fastest real-time 3D render engine. It’s capabilities will be demonstrated to provide all encompassing real-time 3D environments.

BrainNews is a sophisticated MOS-compatible on-air graphics control system that enables News departments to access and integrate Brainstorm’s 3D graphics into their workflow without the need for continuous output from a graphics department.

Brainstorm Multimedia will be collaborating with UNISET on the booth. UNISET will be providing the impressive green screen theater environment for the Infinity Set.

Visit Brainstorm Multimedia at Booth SL5517 at NAB 2015.