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Everyone seems to have a blog now, so we figured we’d jump in and have our own, focusing on the high definition revolution! We update this blog on a bi-weekly basis, including the hottest gear, workflows, technical notes, and happenings in our industry. We hope to be an additional source for your high definition research. Check out the archives to get caught up, and be sure to subscribe to our rss feed! Also found on this page is our video blog as well as our weekly podcast, which will feature even more information on high definition. So don’t let me take up more of your time, go ahead and start reading our posts and join the high definition revolution!
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| 4/14/2008 | ||
| Posted 11:33:52 AM by Staff Blackmagic Design NAB 2008 New Product Announcements!  It’s NAB time again, and we have some great new products we are announcing at the Las Vegas show. The new DeckLink HD Extreme! The current DeckLink HD Extreme has been shipping for 2 years and has been very popular. Our philosophy for this product was to design a PCI Express card that included HD at a standard definition price. We wanted to make HD affordable for everyone. The good news is it worked, and thousands of people have been able to upgrade to HD. It’s been very exciting, however after two years, it’s time to update the model with some exciting new features! The new DeckLink HD Extreme replaces the old model, and now includes HDMI capture and playback in addition to SDI and analog. So you can connect to an even wider range of decks, monitors and cameras. HDMI is great for capturing video from HDV and AVC cameras, so you can use the native video format of your editing software, such as uncompressed, ProRes, MJPEG, DVCPRO HD etc. This is nice, as these video formats are much easier to edit compared with HDV or AVC. HDMI playback is great for connecting to monitors and video projectors for low cost, big screen, digital monitoring. The HDMI in and out are on a second PCI bracket included with DeckLink HD Extreme, and you can plug this into any spare slot in your computer. Also included with the new model are 3D lookup tables on playback, and 3 Gb/s SDI so you get full film editing built in. Now you can simulate feature film stocks with the 3D LUT, and edit using 3 Gb/s SDI in native 2K. Of course with 3 Gb/s SDI, DeckLink HD Extreme is also ready to support future SDI video formats. It’s really nice to have a single card that can instantly switch between standard definition, high definition, and 2K. I think this is a very nice update for this model, and even if you never use the film features, then it’s nice to know film support is built in if you need it in the future. DeckLink HD Extreme is now in stock worldwide, and is still only US$995, and will be available at 4VideoEquipment.com. http://www.blackmagic-design.com/products/hd Broadcast Videohub When we introduced the Workgroup Videohub, the first thing people asked us was do we have a bigger one. Well now we do! Broadcast Videohub is a huge router with 72 inputs, and 144 outputs. You can have 72 edit systems or decks, plus 72 monitors all connected to Broadcast Videohub, and the routing connections can be changed from your Windows or Mac OS X desktop. 72 RS-422 deck control ports are also included. That lets you monitor and control any deck in your building. Broadcast Videohub also features 3 Gb/s SDI so all connections now switch automatically between SD, HD and 3 Gb/s SDI formats such as 2K. Of course SDI also carries 16 channels of audio. We have redundant power connections, and all this is packed into an 8 rack unit chassis that’s only an inch thick. It’s amazing, and please check the link below for more information. Broadcast Videohub is $14,995, and will be available in early July, and will be available at 4VideoEquipment.com. http://www.blackmagic-design.com/products/videohub Introducing Blackmagic Mini Converters Ever since I started in post production as an engineer, it’s always annoyed me how complicated some things are, even though they should be simple. Converters are like that, and I never understand what model is what. Blackmagic Mini Converters change that. We have thought of the product from a design perspective. Instead of a dozen models with small variations of the same thing, we have only 1 fully featured model for each conversion type. Also, we have given the converters easy to understand names instead of meaningless model numbers. So for example, if you want to use a big screen HDMI television for monitoring in your studio, you just get the Mini Converter SDI to HDMI model. It’s that simple. There are 5 models. SDI to HDMI, SDI to Analog, HDMI to SDI and Analog to SDI. The 5th model is a Sync Generator. Not only are the model names easy to understand, but also all models have the most powerful features available. All models have both audio and video. The audio is on standard 1/4-inch jack connectors, and can be switched between balanced analog and AES/EBU. So you get both types of audio built in as standard. On HDMI models you can also use the HDMI audio. We also include automatic switching between SD and HD. Plus, all models feature the new 3 Gb/s SDI standard and USB for updates. That helps future-proof them as they can adapt to changes in video standards over time. On the SDI to HDMI and SDI to Analog models we also feature redundant inputs. That lets you connect both inputs, and if one input is lost, the Mini Converter will automatically switch over. These models also include loop-through SDI video. The Sync Generator model is a little different as it has 6 sync outputs for genlocking equipment in your studio, and it can be switched between Black Burst, or Tri-Sync signals for all SD and HD television standards. All Mini Converters are the same price at $495, except the Sync Generator model which is only $295. They are just starting to ship now and should be available in the next week, and will be available at 4VideoEquipment.com. There is also a rack mount model called Broadcast Converter, which is a bi-directional, and contains most of the features of the Mini Converters for US$995. This model allows you to incorporate analog devices in to your digital workflow because it converts SDI or HDMI to analog and analog to SDI & HDMI at the same time. http://www.blackmagic-design.com/products/miniconverters Introducing Blackmagic Video Recorder We have re-invented the home video recorder with this product! Video Recorder is a compact USB plug-in that captures from analog video direct to H.264 files which are compatible with iPod, iPhone, Apple TV, YouTube and iTunes. You can also do full resolution captures which are great for archiving your old videotapes to your computer. But the best thing is you can capture your old home movies in to your computer for instant syncing to your iPod. Video Recorder encodes your video in real time to H.264, which is the native video format used on these mobile devices, so you don’t have to wait for long renders. There are two models. The standard Blackmagic Video Recorder model is for consumers, however it has broadcast quality analog component and composite video inputs, and we have really put in the best quality video even though it costs a little more to do that. It also has RCA analog inputs for connecting to video equipment such as DV cameras, VHS players, etc. There is also a professional model called Blackmagic Video Recorder SDI which features an SDI input with RS-422 deck control. There are millions of hours of home movies sitting on old videotape which need to be converted to computer format before these precious memories are lost, as the tapes degrade over time. But there are also millions of hours of professional videotaped programs which also need to be moved to computers so they can be sold to customers online, or used in IPTV applications. This is why we decided to do two models, although consumers will only be interested in the analog model. We have a really nice software application which comes with Video Recorder for capturing video. On the SDI model, the software has deck control built in so you can control a remote broadcast deck. Video Recorder will be available in July, and will retail for US$119. Video Recorder SDI will retail for US$295, and will be available at 4VideoEquipment.com. It’s going to be really nice to have a product that my parents can use! http://www.blackmagic-design.com/products/videorecorder That’s it for this update. Please check our web site for more information and some videos on most of these products. With 10 new products at this show, it’s going to be an exciting NAB show for us, and if you’re coming to Las Vegas this year, please drop by our booth to check them out! - Grant Petty CEO, Blackmagic Design |
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| 3/22/2008 | ||
| Posted 10:35:36 AM by Staff MOTU Releases Windows Drivers for the V3HD Firewire Video Interface  MOTU V3HD NOW SUPPORTS ADOBE PREMIERE PRO CS3 FOR WINDOWS, ADDING DVCPROHD SUPPORT CAMBRIDGE, MA – Tuesday, March 18, 2008. MOTU, Inc. is now shipping Windows support for the V3HD FireWire video interface and converter. Users can download the new PC drivers and software at v3hd.com, giving them immediate and complete compatibility with Adobe Premiere Pro CS3 (Version 3.1 or higher) running on Windows XP or Vista (32). "The V3HD is a one-of-kind I/O device for Premiere Pro CS3 Windows users," said Jim Cooper, Director of Marketing for MOTU. "With plug-and-play FireWire connectivity, hardware-accelerated P2 capture and comprehensive I/O, the V3HD sets a new standard for video capture and monitoring for Premiere users." The V3HD is the first and only video capture/playback solution for Premiere Pro CS3 that provides hardware-accelerated DVCProHD (P2) capture from any HD video input, including HD component or HD-SDI sources. The V3HD dovetails with the new P2 workflow features recently introduced in Premiere Pro CS3, allowing users to immediately play back P2 clips (either imported or ingested) on a variety of SD and HD formats simultaneously, with no transcoding necessary. Conversely, the V3HD allows Premiere Pro users to capture any video source, either SD or HD, while simultaneously employing hardware-accelerated encoding and up/down conversion, in the following supported formats: uncompressed SD (standard AVI clips), DV, DVCPRo50 and DVCproHD. The V3HD is also the first and only all-in-one capture/playback solution for Premiere that provides both SD and HD capture over FireWire, allowing Premiere users for the first time to build comprehensive, yet compact and portable desktop workstations based on PC laptops or notebook computers equipped with FireWire, without the need for separate PCI expansion products. Advanced features include an "Export to Tape" feature that allows users to lay back clips, or an entire project, to a tape deck using the V3HD's extensive machine control features. The V3HD also supports Premiere Pro's Batch Capture features. The V3HD Windows support download package is now available here: http://www.v3hd.com/support/downloads.html Print-ready and web-ready product images are here: http://www.motu.com/marketing/motu_products/v3hd/ Purchasing Information The MOTU V3HD can be purchased at 4VideoEquipment by calling 1-888-984-3489 or visiting their website at www.4VideoEquipment.com About MOTU MOTU is a leading developer of computer-based video and audio production software and hardware peripherals. MOTU and Mark of the Unicorn are registered trademarks of Mark of the Unicorn, Inc. Adobe and Adobe Premiere are registered trademarks of Adobe Systems, Inc. Other products mentioned are the trademarks of their respective owners. |
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| 1/9/2008 | ||
| Posted 5:07:49 PM by Staff AJA KONA AND IoHD Products Supported on NEW APPLE MAC PRO (MA970LL/A) AJA is excited to be working with the latest and most innovative product releases from Apple. The newest Mac Pro is no exception. With faster processing speed and a new PCI Express 2.0 graphics slot standard, the newest Mac Pro is sure to be popular with video professionals. AJA’s KONA capture cards are the perfect hardware companions for the PCI Express slots found in the Mac Pro. The newest Mac Pro and AJA KONA PCI Express cards work together to provide users of Apple Final Cut Studio with professional audio and video I/O connectivity for SD, HD and even 2K resolutions. The native FireWire 800 ports on the Mac Pro allow the Apple and AJA co-developed IoHD product to interconnect seamlessly and easily providing visually stunning Apple ProRes 422 quality for SD and HD projects. AJA's latest driver releases for the KONA and Io products, in addition to supporting Apple's innovative hardware, also support Apple's latest, and most advanced operating system, Leopard. AJA support for the newest Mac Pro is available now. Leopard operating system compatible drivers may be downloaded for AJA's KONA and IoHD products from: http://www.aja.com/html/support_swd.html And remember, our sales and support staff at 4VideoEquipment are here to help you with any pre-purchase questions, and installation questions. Just give us a call at 1-888-984-3489 or email sales@4videoequipment.com |
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| 12/20/2007 | ||
| Posted 7:21:25 PM by Staff Matrox MXO 2.1 Software Released - Adds Mac Leopard OS X Support and more What’s new in Matrox MXO 2.1? · Leopard support · Apple Color support · Adobe Premiere Pro CS3 support on the Mac · Genlock timing offset controls Mac OS X v10.5 (Leopard) support With 300+ new features, Leopard is the most impressive Mac OS X version yet and is now fully supported by Matrox MXO. We are proud to bring you timely support for this new release, ahead of our competition. Apple Color v1.0.2 support Color, Apple’s new professional color grading application lets you quickly and easily experiment with primary and secondary color grade adjustments in HD and SD. Matrox MXO lets you accurately view your Color work on an inexpensive Apple Cinema Display or other DVI monitor. It provides all the tools you need: · Matrox calibration utilities let you adjust and control your DVI monitor exactly like you would a broadcast HD/SD monitor. Controls for hue, chroma, contrast, brightness, and blue-only are provided. This unique control gives you completely accurate color representation you can trust. · Super black and super white monitoring on the DVI display expands your viewable color range with Final Cut Pro. · User-selectable 1:1 pixel mapping means there are no scaling artifacts to interfere with the pristine view of your footage. With Matrox MXO there’s no need to invest in an expensive HD video monitor to do color grading. Adobe Premiere Pro CS3 v3.1.1 support All the features of Matrox MXO are now available to Adobe Premiere Pro CS3 users on the Mac. Use MXO confidently for inexpensive HD monitoring on an ACD or other DVI monitor, frame-accurate broadcast-quality HD/SD output from your Mac laptop or workstation, realtime downscaling from HD to SD, and genlockable HD/SD scan conversion for flicker-free video output of your computer desktop. Genlock timing offset controls Of particular benefit to broadcasters, the new MXO genlock timing offset controls can be used to align your video output relative to your external genlock source to compensate for cable delays within your facility. How to obtain the update The Matrox MXO 2.1 Release is a free update that can be downloaded at www.matrox.com in the support section of the website. You may also contact 4VideoEquipment if you have purchased the unit from them to be mailed a MXO 2.1 Update Disc. |
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| 12/10/2007 | ||
| Posted 7:24:09 PM by Staff AJA Announces Driver Support for Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard Leopard OS X 10.5 Compatible AJA Drivers Now Available! We are pleased to announce the immediate availability of Leopard-compatible AJA drivers for all current KONA products, and for the Io HD. The KONA 5.0 drivers (KONA 3, KONA 3X, KONA LH/LHe, KONA LS/LSE and KONA 2) and the Io HD driver version 1.1 are now available for download from the AJA website at the following URLs: http://www.aja.com/html/support_kona3_swd.html http://www.aja.com/html/support_konaLHe_swd.html http://www.aja.com/html/support_konaLSe_swd.html http://www.aja.com/html/support_kona2_swd.html http://www.aja.com/html/support_Io_swd.html The latest AJA drivers, in addition to Leopard OS X 10.5 compatibility, also offer Easy Setups for the 720/50p format now supported in Final Cut Pro 6.0.2, as well as various other improvements. **Please be sure to fully read the enclosed Release Notes contained in each driver download package. |
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Glidecam Industries Glidecam X-10 Dual Arm Professional Camera Stabilization System for 2000 and 4000 Pro (Vest & Dual Arm Kit) A body-mounted professional camera stabilization system for film and video cameras weighing up to 10 pounds when used with the Glidecam 2000 Pro, or for cameras weighing from 4 to 18 pounds when used with the Glidecam 4000 Pro. Our Price: $2,299.95 |
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Class on Demand Mac OSX Tiger Training These lessons focus on the information you need to quickly become comfortable with the powerful OS X Tiger interface. Our Price: $39.95 |
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Aichvee Aichvee Stabilizer Balancing Tool for Glidecam 2000 / 4000 Pro & Smooth Shooter The Aichvee Balancing Tool can hold the Glidecam 2000 Pro or 4000 Pro with Camera Safely & assist you in balancing any camera, light or heavy, in under 10 minutes! Quickly balance between mutiple cameras! Our Price: $169.95 |
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Canopus / Grass Valley Canopus ADVC-300 Analog to Digital Converter with Image Enhancement Tools The ADVC300 is the ultimate bidirectional analog to digital video converter unit for the video enthusiast. Our Price: $388.00 |
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Aja Aja IO HD 10-bit SD/HD 4:2:2 External FW Capture and Output With a single FireWire connection, any Io connects to a Mac Pro, MacBook Pro, or Power Mac and provides audio and video I/O, connection to VTRs, Genlock and integrated Final Cut Pro drivers. Our Price: $2,999.00 |
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Stardom Stardom SR6600 5-Bay RAID 0/3 Firewire 800/400/eSata External A/V Storage - 1.25TB MAC/PC With its high speed transfer rates using five hard drives in RAID 0 or 3 technology, the SR6600 RAID is a great compliment to any editing suite providing speed and data backup. Our Price: $2,469.95 |
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Class on Demand Basic Training for Adobe After Effects 7 In a series of 6 lessons targeted at first-time After Effects users, youll become comfortable with the basic functions and uses for After Effects. Our Price: $49.95 |
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Glidecam Industries Glidecam Low Mode FX Kit for 2000 Pro, 4000 Pro or Smooth Shooter The Glidecam Low Mode kit for 2000 Pro, 4000 Pro or Smooth Shooter provides low angle ground shots and sweeping shots. It also can be used as a High Mode accesory for higher perspective shots. Our Price: $229.00 |
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