Archive for February 13th, 2008

Avid Codec is Framework for HD Media Exchange in Broadcast and Post Production Environments

TEWKSBURY, Mass., February 13, 2008 – Avid Technology, Inc. (Nasdaq: AVID) today announced that Avid DNxHD®, a high-quality, low bitrate HD production codec, is the first codec compliant with the new SMPTE (Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers) VC-3 standards. The Avid DNxHD codec was submitted to the SMPTE organization as the framework for the VC-3 family of standards – and was approved after a two year testing and validation process. VC-3 standards enable content creators to facilitate efficient encoding and exchange of HD media, and are the first SMPTE standards for intra-frame, 720/1080 raster, 8/10 bit and 4:2:2 HD post production. more

**Stations Will Also Purchase Panasonic Studio Cameras**

SECAUCUS, NJ (February 13, 2008) — Panasonic Broadcast today announced that it has signed a two-year agreement with the Meredith Broadcasting Group to supply P2 HD solid-state camcorders group-wide to its 13 stations producing local news.

The Meredith Broadcasting Group, part of publishing giant Meredith Corporation (Des Moines, IA), includes properties in top-25 markets such as Atlanta, Phoenix and Portland, Ore., and reaches more than 10 million U.S. households. more

*120 Hz. BT-LH1760 Features Stunning Picture Quality *

SECAUCUS, NJ (February 13, 2008) – Panasonic announced a revolutionary enhancement in the performance of high-quality production LCD monitors – the 120Hz 17� BT-LH1760. The new monitor offers wide off-axis viewing and color reproduction, and provides the motion handling and latency advantages formerly provided only in CRT monitors. The LH1760 is a widescreen high definition display that delivers impressive color reproduction and now offers a vectorscope function in addition to Panasonic’s standard built-in waveform monitoring function. more

** HD/SD Camera System offers Easy Integration and Precision Control **

SECAUCUS, NJ (February 13, 2008) – Panasonic announced today the new AW-HE100 multi-format HD/SD camera that features an integrated pan-tilt-zoom mechanism with a unique ergonomic-design. The all-in-one HE100 combines outstanding image quality, super smooth pan/tilt/zoom operation and flexible system configuration.

Perfect for an array of applications ranging from high-resolution distance learning and videoconferencing, to broadcast and event staging, the HE100 provides incredible quality and easy integration for high definition and standard definition production environments. more

SECAUCUS, NJ (February 13, 2008) – Today, Panasonic announced plans to ship its compact
AK-HC1800 HD multi-purpose camera this April. This new addition to Panasonic’s line of premium high definition cameras is equipped with 2.2-megapixel 3-CCDs that provide native 1080i video capture for high-level, high definition production.

The HC1800 is a high-end HD video solution for applications ranging from news studio use and weather forecasting to sports. It delivers high resolution HD output in 1080/59.94i and incorporates an advanced single-channel transfer system and spatial offset processing features that reduce aliasing and provide finer resolution. The camera has a high sensitivity of F10 (at 2000 lx) and a signal-to-noise ratio of 60dB, which ensures images are crisp and accurate. more

** An Affordable, Second Generation Professional HD Camcorder **

SECAUCUS, NJ (February 13, 2008) – Panasonic announced today that the AG-HMC70, the industry’s first AVCHD shoulder-mount camcorder, will be available in April at a suggested list price of $2,495. Joining the AG-HSC1U handheld in Panasonic’s professional AVCHD line-up, the HMC70 provides institutional customers, event videographers, and web content producers full high definition quality, professional audio and video connectivity, and the fast production workflow offered by tapeless SD card recording. Used to capture important events or send live widescreen video to a projector or flat screen display, the HMC70 is as easy to use as a digital still camera. more

SECAUCUS, NJ (February 13, 2008) – Panasonic announces a new addition to its growing professional AVCHD product line that capitalizes on the phenomenal success of its popular DV-based AG-DVX100. The new, affordable AG-HMC150 handheld is scheduled for shipment later this year.

The HMC150 is designed to provide enhanced HD production capabilities for video enthusiasts who desire professional features, extended recording capability and the fast, simple and highly reliable workflow offered by tapeless, solid-state recording. The HMC150 features three native 16:9 progressive 1/3� CCD imagers with an optical image stabilization (O.I.S.) function to ensure stable shooting and a 28mm Leica Dicomar wide-angle zoom lens (35MM equivalent). more

* Permits Over an Hour of DVCPRO HD or AVC-Intra 100 on a Single P2 Card *

SECAUCUS, NJ (February 13, 2008) – Panasonic has announced a 64GB P2 solid-state memory card for its popular line of P2 HD and P2 solid-state camcorders and decks. With the arrival of the 64GB card in the fall, Panasonic will again have doubled the storage capacity of its P2 card from the current 32GB capacity, providing HD recording time dramatically greater than any tape or disc-based system. more

- Ellipse Enterprise Fibre Channel HBA for Mac OS X on Booth SL8208 -

St. Louis, Missouri, 13 February 2008 — Studio Network Solutions (SNS), a premier provider of post production storage systems for video and audio, today announced it will showcase the newest extension to its product family, the Ellipse™ Enterprise Fibre Channel HBA for Mac OS X, on booth SL8208 at NAB 2008. more

Morgan Hill, CA – February 13, 2008 – Today, the Poppy Jasper Film Festival (PJFF) announced it has added its first Short Script Competition to promote and support new filmmaking talent by creating a professionally-juried component to the annual film festival. This Competition is one of several new events and activities celebrating the festival’s upcoming 5th-year anniversary. Winners will be announced by June 30, 2008 and will receive recognition at the Festival’s Opening Night Awards Ceremony on Friday, November 14, 2008. The 2008 Festival runs November 14 -16. Entry forms are available online at www.poppyjasperfilmfest.org/ScriptContest. more