Archive for April 22nd, 2009

Newest Addition to Fusion Product Line Designed to Meet Performance and Growth Requirements of HD-Focused Post and Creative Facilities

LAS VEGAS — April 20, 2009 — Sonnet Technologies today announced the Fusion™ RX1600RAID, a high-performance, high-capacity, direct-attached 3U rackmount storage system that provides data throughput speeds suitable for work with uncompressed HD video up to 2K resolution. Fusion RX1600RAID is designed to provide high reliability in demanding editing and content creation environments. With its drives formatted as a RAID 5 set, this 16-drive system delivers data transfer speeds up to 1,000 MB/sec read and 750 MB/sec write. An integrated SAS expander facilitates fast, easy expansion of the Sonnet system, enabling the user to connect additional 16-drive enclosures. more

LAS VEGAS — April 20, 2009 — Sonnet Technologies today announced the Fusion™ R400P four-drive RAID SATA rackmount storage system, an economical and easy-to-deploy solution for flexible, high-performance storage in studio, control room, and mobile installations. Available in configurations from 0TB to 6TB, Fusion R400P features a fast eSATA interface with an integrated port multiplier for single cable to host connectivity, and high performance, low noise fans that make it suitable for use in noise-sensitive environments. more

MINNEAPOLIS, MN (April 22, 2009) – Vaddio, the leading manufacturer and OEM distributor of specialty PTZ cameras and high-end camera control systems, introduces the ProductionVIEW HD-SDI camera control console with HD-SDI and SD-SDI video switching, video mixing and automated control functionality.

“Many of the integrated robotic cameras on the market today have SDI as a native output, or offer optional HD-SDI or SD-SDI cards,� explained Rob Sheeley, president and CEO of Vaddio. “We developed ProductionVIEW HD-SDI for users who need a quality HD-SDI switcher with joystick camera control built into a single console.�

Due to the increased demand of Serial Digital Interface (SDI) in live broadcast, Vaddio created the ProductionVIEW HD-SDI multi-camera control system with an integrated 6 x 2 HD/SD-SDI seamless video switcher. The ProductionVIEW HD-SDI is designed to connect easily via a single coax cable for video. ProductionVIEW HD-SDI includes the 3 Gigahertz HD-SDI standard (SMPTE 424M) for 1080p video, as well as SMPTE 292M (HD-SDI at 720p or 1080i) and SMPTE 259M (SD-SDI).

The control surfaces includes a broadcast-style 3-axis Hall Effect Joystick with twist handle zoom control, as well as separate Pan, Tilt and Speed control knobs. There are six discrete auto-sensing RS-232 camera control ports and 12 camera pre-sets per camera for storing frequent shots. Because ProductionVIEW HD-SDI is a live broadcast production console, not a computer, the entire system produces only one frame of delay – a critical requirement for live production where image magnification is used.

The system’s 6 x 2 switcher accepts any combination of input signals from HD-SDI and SD-SDI video sources, featuring both up/down conversion capabilities – the Program and Preview outputs have their own user selectable output resolutions. In addition, an external reference input is included to allow Program and Preview outputs to be connected to a house sync generator Gen Locked to another switcher or routing mixer.

ProductionVIEW HD-SDI is the ideal switcher and camera control system for those applications requiring the highest quality video for live event production.

About Vaddio:
Vaddio is the leading manufacturer and OEM distributor of specialty PTZ cameras and high-end camera control systems used in the broadcasting, audio/visual and videoconferencing industry. Headquartered in Minneapolis, MN, Vaddio also has operations throughout the Americas, as well as sales and support partners throughout the world. More information can be found on the Vaddio website, www.vaddio.com or at (800) 572.2011.

Alioscopy USA, a 3D visualization technology provider, has announced its involvement with Autodesk, Inc. at the 2009 National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) conference at the Las Vegas Convention Center (April 20-23,, 2009).

Located at the Autodesk booth (South Hall, Booth SL 2120), Alioscopy is demonstrating finished auto-stereoscopic 3D content playing on its LCD display. Attendees can see firsthand how artists and technical directors (TDs) can use Autodesk® 3ds Max® software (with planned future support for Autodesk® Maya® and Autodesk® Softimage® software) and Autodesk® Toxik™ software to help create and composite auto-stereoscopic 3D animated content for playback on Alioscopy LCD displays. more

New York & Minneapolis – (April 22, 2009) – Award-winning comedy/storytelling Director Matt Pittroff has kicked off 2009 with a humorous, new spot for The Toro Company via Campbell Mithun/Minneapolis. Twist’s Pittroff hit the ground running earlier this year — amidst a downward spiraling economy, Personal Pace® technology, and snow in the desert. The savvy director helped push the Toro® Recycler walk power mower — without ever turning it on! more

Installation by Japan’s Leading Broadcaster Is First Large-Scale Implementation of Full-HD MXF File-Based Workflow Across a Terrestrial Broadcast Facility

SUNNYVALE, Calif. — April 18, 2009 — Fuji Television Network (Fuji TV), Japan’s leading broadcaster, is using Omneon Spectrum™ media server and MediaGrid™ active storage systems as the foundation for the first fully HD file-based infrastructure implemented by a terrestrial broadcast station. Across its Tokyo broadcast facility, Fuji TV is leveraging an advanced MXF-based workflow to support highly efficient and reliable handling of HD content as programs are sent to air. more

Leading visual effects software developer, The Foundry (www.thefoundry.co.uk), is previewing Nuke 6.0, the next major release of it’s powerful VFX compositing software, expected for release in Q3 2009. more

LAS VEGAS, NV—At NAB (Booth N4031), world-leading media technology innovator Solid State Logic (SSL) will showcase the C300 HD Master Studio System.

Designed for the full spectrum of film and post-production applications, the C300 HD Master Studio System is a compact, assignable console for fast and efficient sweetening and mix creation. The C300 HD fully addresses the requirements of non-linear film and TV production, delivering the ultimate in operational efficiency in a cost-effective, scalable solution. more

Gravity LiveEdit Provides Flexible Content Control and Live Editing Capability for Pass-Through Channels

LAS VEGAS, NV—At NAB (Booth N4031), world-leading media technology innovator Solid State Logic (SSL) will demonstrate how pass-through channels can benefit from the new Gravity LiveEdit for SSL’s Gravity media asset management/production systems. LiveEdit takes full advantage of Gravity’s powerful media to air capabilities, enhancing production options for the broadcaster. more

Hilarious Two-Spot Campaign Featuring Janeane Garofalo and Alanis Morissette Promotes Worldwide Green Initiative

NEW YORK, NY — The Big Turn Off was the World Wildlife Foundation‘s Earth Hour campaign to get every one in the world to turn off their lights for one hour. Promoting this worthy cause are two funny spots featuring comedian/activist Janeane Garofalo and singer/songwriter Alanis Morissette, created by agency Leo Burnett, Chicago, with creative editorial and audio post work from BOND (www.bondedit.com), the full-service post house led by Creative Director Jeff Beckerman. The spots were directed by Jim Tozzi of production company THEM, New York. more