Here is a snapshot of some of the products highlighted at the biggest broadcast technology trade show in the world. National Association of Broadcasters trade show – or NAB – takes place in US gambling mecca Las Vegas this month.
BLACKMAGIC DESIGN
DaVinci Resolve 7.1 now adds clustered multi GPU processing to Mac OS X systems, improved support for Tangent Wave™ control panels, support for the JL Cooper Eclipse CX control panel and new file formats and codecs including support for Arri Alexa ARRIRAW, Phantom Cine, high dynamic range OpenEXR and more. Mac OS X users can see a massive improvement in processing power by installing more than one high performance GPU card. This gives super computer processing power and allows for many corrections to be done – all in real time even when grading direct from raw camera files such as RED or Arri. DaVinci Resolve 7.1 update includes a wide range of new file format and codec support for the latest professional cameras and scanners.
CLEAR-COM
Optocore GmbH, a pioneer in fibre-optic based audio and data network distribution, has entered into a strategic partnership with intercom solutions provider Clear-Com®, the market leader in Digital Matrix, Partyline, wireless and Intercom-over-IP systems for critical communication applications. Two ground-breaking products will be launched at NAB, enabling Clear-Com systems to uniquely operate on Optocore’s digital fibre (FX) and CAT5 (SANE) networks. The V3R-FX 4 CLEARCOM is a four intercom channel unit, while the X6R-FX 8 CLEARCOM is an eight intercom channel unit.
Clear-Com® will also introduce the HME DX210, which combines a perfect blend of wireless intercom performance, system compatibility with wired intercom systems and easy to use technology. It operates in the 2.4GHz band and enables interference-free communication for highly demanding productions.
EVS
The latest version of EVS’ IPDirector offers broadcasters and producers a unique opportunity to boost their workflow speed and efficiency. Its API and MOS protocol support ensure full interoperability with all types of third party systems, such as asset management, automation, and NRCS including Avid I-News, ENPS or Annova systems. At NAB EVS will introduce Xedio Flash, an integrated hardware and software system offering all-in-one newsroom capabilities.
HARRIS
Harris Selenio is the industry’s first integrated media convergence platform – a modular solution that combines traditional baseband video and audio processing, compression and IP networking features within a single, 3RU platform. Selenio hosts up to 28 channels of high-density baseband video processing and supports MPEG-2 and H.264 compression standards for SD, HD, mobile and 3Gb/s, as well as advanced audio capabilities including 5.1 and loudness control. A built-in web-based GUI provides functional block diagrams to simple configuration, monitoring and management of multiple functionalities.
The Harris Magellan family of router control panels delivers a fast, powerful and user-friendly way to control Harris and third party routing systems. Available as a series of 10 programmable hardware panel types in both 1 and 2RU versions, the Magellan template-driven panels provide intuitive, web-based configuration for quick and straightforward setup in local and remote operations.
HI TECH SYSTEMS
AVITA is a real-time production control system for video servers as well as a tool for recording, searching and playing media. It integrates into the production chain using metadata and its hardware modules are fully configurable and can be mixed and matched in any combination. AVITA is also available as a software only system. It can import, generate and export XML metadata and has a tablet PC or iPad browser interface for remote clip management and playback. AVITA will interface to industry standard servers via API and has sophisticated metadata search capabilities with shared databases between operators.
LAWO
Loudness metering, the latest feature of Lawo mc² consoles, will be demonstrated at NAB. Following EBU R128 and ATSC A/85 specifications, and based on ITU1770, the mc² series features 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 first for production consoles – a mc² series console offering integrated loudness metering.
Additionally NAB visitors will familiarise themselves with Lawo’s V4.12 software release, which will be demonstrated on the mc²66 MKII and the mc²90 consoles. Also new is the Lawo Remote App for the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch that can remote control faders, load snapshots and trigger many custom functions such as “routing connects’ or GPIs. The newest member of Lawos on-air radio and TV broadcast console family – the sapphire – offers desirable functions and proven Lawo technology in an innovative new design.
MULTIDYNE
MultiDyne Video & Fiber Optic Systems introduces the HD-3200, a 3G HD camera link with camera control and POV control, fibre transport system. This single fibre solution provides two-channel data and tally along with the HD-SDI video.
Meanwhile another product, the HD-3400, is the ideal ’facility fibre link’, making the transition from composite video to HD-SDI video and has flexibility to handle either analog audio or AES audio along with embedded audio in the video HD-SDI stream.
MultiDyne’s LiGHTBoX-II is a weather-tight portable fibre transport system equipped to handle a wide range of communication needs and has the ability to capture events up close, while being linked back to the OB truck over tactical fibre.
PANASONIC
Panasonic Solutions Company has introduced AVCCAM Importer software, a QuickTime plug-in that eliminates the need to convert AVCHD files to ProRES422 files before editing in Apple Final Cut Pro. QuickTime Player can play AVCHD “.mts’ files and other software based on QuickTime Framework that can also handle AVCHD “.mts’ file directly after installation of AVCCAM Importer on a Mac. The AVCCAM importer will soon be available for free download on the Panasonic website.
Panasonic has also introduced the solid-state AG-HPD24 P2 deck with powerful features including 3D synchronised record / playback*; native 24P recording with variable frame rates; a super-fast USB 3.0 interface; and 24-bit, four-channel audio recording in AVC-Intra 100/50. Two HPD24 units can be synchronised for master-quality, full resolution isolated left / right channel 3D recording, either from cameras mounted on a 3D rig or the company’s AG-3DA1 integrated dual-lens 3D camera recorder.
A new versatile wireless system for Panasonic’s new AJ-HPX3100 master quality 1080p P2 HD camera recorder simplifies the process of utilising user-selected metadata. Comprised of the AJ-WM30 wireless module and AJ-SFU3100 software, the new system promotes a seamless transfer of critical camera information between the HPX3100 and a vast population of intelligent devices including PCs, iPads and iPhones.
The BT-LH910 is a powerful new 23cm (9in) LCD monitor for field and studio applications. Breakthrough features include a new high brightness; high contrast IPS panel; newly- developed 3D assist functions; and professional interfaces including HDMI and 3G-SDI. It offers 1280 x 768 WXGA pixel resolution.
The new AJ-PCD30 P2 drive is a three-slot P2 device with a super-speed USB 3.0 interface that delivers the industry’s fastest offloads from a solid-state source. The USB 3.0 standard facilitates dramatically higher transfer rates of up to 4.8Gbps, which achieves offloading AVC-Intra 100 footage at more than 15X real-time, making the PCD30 well-suited to use in long-form production.
Panasonic’s AJ-SF110 Video Ingest software and AJ-SF100 Linear Tape-Open (LTO) Archive software facilitates the secure storage and easy retrieval of P2 content.
PIXEL POWER
Version 9.5 of Pixel Power’s core software enables highly desirable new features for the company’s entire range of graphics systems. The new Automated Transition Logic (ATL) brings enhanced intelligence to template changes, simplifying operations and reducing the possibility of graphical playout errors. Version 9.5 includes full support for stereoscopic 3D graphics, across all Pixel Power graphics systems, with unique real-time control of depth and separation allowing ultimate flexibility at the point of playout. BrandMast™ – Pixel Power’s unique, combination branding graphics and master control system is enhanced with support for up to 10 independent key layers. It supports the most sophisticated graphics loos, and includes the addition of a newcCleanfFeed output bus and enhanced DVE inputs for added system flexibility.
QUANTEL
QTube is set to be Quantel’s NAB star. QTube delivers truly global media workflow, and allowing media assets to be quickly and securely accessed from any location where there is an Internet connection. More than just a media viewer, QTube offers metadata editing, quality downloads and even frame accurate editing; all over the Internet, with low latency and full security.
Qube is the new editor for Enterprise sQ and is the first Quantel broadcast product to take advantage of CUDA GPU accelerated processing. Qube includes 3G HDSDI interfaces and is powerful enough to handle 1080p60 and Stereo3D.
At NAB the focus for post-production is Stereo3D (see above) and workflow. Integration-enhancing developments in post across eQ, iQ and Pablo include ARRIRAW support for the Alexa and D21 cameras, two-way native DNxHD file interchange and 16 channel audio i / o.
ROSS VIDEO
The new CrossOver Solo from Ross Video is the perfect compact switcher for space restricted applications and limited budgets. Based on the highly successful CrossOver 12, the 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 is a 1 MLE production switcher with unmatched performance that’s flexible and easy to use. The Solo’s features include: 12 External Multi Definition SDI Inputs; a 10 Input Multi Viewer; SD / HD operation; six internally generated sources; three Keyers; and 2 x 2D DVEs.
SEACHANGE
The SeaChange Universal MediaLibrary (UML) Grid Storage is a high-availability (HA) storage solution that utilises the iSCSI architecture and offers high performance, high capacity, full redundancy, and scalability for enterprise and multimedia data storage. It is central to the entire SeaChange Media Architecture. It accommodates a massive storage capacity of up to 144TB in a 5RU storage matrix. Unlike the traditional content library that only caters to transmission playout or production storage, the UML combines the traditional linear playout support with production and streaming into an all-in-one product. It is an open storage and server infrastructure that is simple to manage and cost-effective, allowing direct ingest, edit-in-place, archive, and play-to-air functionalities. In addition, the UML effectively supports studio and post-production workflows as it integrates with non-linear editing systems such as Final Cut Pro or Avid Media Composer.
SNELL
NAB will see the US launch of the Sirius 830, the latest in Snell’s large scale multi-format expandable routers. The 15RU Sirius 830 offers a more compact 288 x 288 frame size for mid- to-large-scale studio or OB productions, with the ability to add an additional 140 independently controllable outputs for connection to any Snell or third-party multiviewer solution.
Snell’s RollMechanic V2, is also due to be launched at the 2011 NAB Show, and is available within the Centra environment. The Snell network manager performs batch operations and supports cloning, the latter ensuring that once a setup is configured, it can be copied and easily relayed to all other boards for fast facility-wide updates.
Also launched at NAB is a major upgrade to Snell’s IT-based playout systm, (IC), and is available in a range of turnkey packages, proving complete playout solutions that are easy to install.
SONY
Sony is focusng on high-end digital imaging at NAB 2011, including the rumoured and long-awaited debut of a 4K camera.
“Our attention to higher resolution and higher quality premium images links Sony’s 4K story with technologies across our range,’ explaied Olivier Bovis, Sony Europe’s general manager for content creation.
The “4K story’ can be enhanced to spectacular effect if Sony wheels out a 4K capable camera. Long anticipated to be in the works, the prototype may be revealed in Las Vegas sporting an 8K, 20.4-megapixel single CMOS sensor with a PL lens mount outputting 16-bit RAW.
Speaking at Sony’s Broadcast and Professional Solutions headquarters in Tokyo two years ago, the worldwide head of the division, Dr Kyung-soo Ahn, confirmed that a 4K system was of high importance to Sony. But we will not introduce a 4K camera for another year or more, the reason is not because we cannot, but unless you have a proper backbone infrastructure you cannot produce 4K images.’
At the time Sony was developing post-production tools to visualise and manipulate 4K images based on its Cell high performance microprocessor.
That infrastructure finally appears to be falling into place. Sony’s 4K workflow unveiled a year ago is intended to link hardware, software and files throughout the production process, from pre-viz to shooting and high post and preservation.
A core component is Ellcami, a resolution-independent multi-format input, transcoding and output system, also built on the Cell.
A NAB Sony will announce details of availability and pricing for its SR Memory Pack. This solid state recording format delivers transfer rates over 5Gbp/s and a storage capacity of up to 1TB that is enough to support native acquisition of resolutions up to 4K.
Sony will also highlight a full range of stereo acquisition systems, storage and workflow, as well as its technical expertise.
“This links right through to the projection side where stereographic content can be shown to its maximum effect at cinemas fitted with our 4K projector,’ said Bovis.
VIEWCAST
ViewCast’s Niagara 4100 quickly and easily stream HD content to broadband and mobile networks, including live adaptive streaming to Apple iPhones and iPads. It is ideal for live sports and newsgathering operations, webcasting, or any streaming application that requires rock solid performance on the go.
This rugged, portable unit can ingest standard or high definition SDI video, and accommodates a variety of audio types, including embedded SDI, AES/EBU, and balanced and unbalanced stereo. With ViewCast’s SimulStream® technology, the Niagara 4100 can simultaneously stream multiple resolutions at multiple data rates in multiple streaming formats, including MPEG-4, Adobe® Flash® H.264, Windows Media® (Silverlight® compatible), and Apple iPhone.
