Archive for February 14th, 2012

St. Paul, Minn. – February 14, 2012 – At the Beer Dabbler Winter Carnival Craft Beer Festival in St. Paul, an annual event that hosts over 60 breweries presenting over 200 craft beers, participants are always looking for new ways to interact and have fun while frolicking in the freezing cold Minnesota air. This year, the Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company of Chippewa Falls, Wis. sponsored its first ‘silent disco’ during the festival. The unique event featured 30 pairs of Sennheiser RS 120 wireless headphones for attendees to enjoy while shaking it up on the dance floor.

The silent disco, which lasted 4.5 hours on the evening of January 28th, was an instant success, drawing both eager dance participants and curious onlookers who found the spectacle entertaining to watch — even through bystanders could not hear the music. From a technical perspective, the event could not have been simpler to run, requiring just 30 pairs of Sennheiser RS 120 headphones, two Sennheiser transmitters, an Apple iPad and an Apple iPod Shuffle.

“People were skeptical at first, but by 8:00 p.m. when the disco closed, there were more than 100 people still waiting in line for their turn to dance,” said Matthew Kenevan, owner and founder of Beer Dabbler. “Everyone loved the silent disco, whether they were dancing or watching, and the Sennheiser RS 120 wireless headphones delivered excellent sound quality while making the technical side as simple as possible to run the event.”

The silent disco was designed and run by Full Compass Systems, a national leader in professional audio, video, A/V and lighting systems. In addition to the audio equipment that formed the basis of the silent disco, Full Compass Systems also provided the disco lighting (and disco ball) under a canopied 25 x 25-foot dancing area.

“When we were approached about doing the silent disco, we immediately recommended Sennheiser RS 120 headsets,” said Manny Figueroa, national/international account manager at Full Compass Systems. “They delivered outstanding audio quality throughout the evening — even in 17-degree temperatures — with no additional battery charge required.” A Leinenkugel refreshment stand kept the dancers’ thirst quenched while they danced between the hours of 3:30 and 8:00 pm.

Following the overwhelming success of its very first silent disco, the Beer Dabbler Winter Carnival will now make this an integral part of the festival each year. Kenevan plans to double the size of the event next year, and will purchase twice the amount of Sennheiser RS 120 wireless headphones.

“We had a lot of good feedback on both the silent disco and the Sennheiser RS 120 wireless headphones,” Kenevan commented. “I was able to deliver top of the line audio quality for everyone who participated. I could not have been more impressed with the outcome. I’m looking forward to adding more next year!”

Grass Valley, CA (February 14, 2012)— AJA Video Systems delivered v3.0 firmware for its Ki Pro and Ki Pro Mini 10-bit 4:2:2 flash disk recorders today. Packed with features that give users greater flexibility and capability for filmmaking, broadcasting and everything in between, v3.0 firmware is available as a no-cost download for current Ki Pro and Ki Pro Mini customers.


“This is a major release that really expands the industry-leading feature set for Ki Pro and Ki Pro Mini,” said AJA President Nick Rashby. “We’ve added some brand new features to support camera recording based on users’ requests, and for those using the devices more as post production tools, we’ve added unique new features like transferring files over Ethernet and FireWire, and super out timecode window burn.”


Some of the key new features for Ki Pro and Ki Pro Mini are:


• Data Transfer via FireWire 800 – Ki Pro can now be configured for data transfer to FireWire 800-equipped Apple computers, for situations where the unit is not easily accessible for physical data removal.

• Data Transfer via LAN connection – Allows transfer of files through standard Ethernet networking for Ki Pro and Ki Pro Mini.

• Super Out – Ki Pro and Ki Pro Mini can now burn timecode and transport state into the video signal, providing at-a-glance status to users monitoring output, without having to check the device itself. It is also convenient for times when video is dubbed from Ki Pro/Ki Pro Mini to another source to track timecode throughout post. A user selectable Super Out (window burn) option for SDI has also been added to both Ki Pro and Ki Pro Mini.

• Playlist creation – A new feature for the web UI adds flexibility in selecting clip playback order for both Ki Pro and Ki Pro Mini.

• FireWire 400 (1394a) port enabled—Provides Ki Pro support for camera start/stop commands as well as timecode values; particularly useful for HDV cameras that may lack LTC to SDI timecode outputs.

• HDMI timecode support in Ki Pro Mini for Sony NEX-FS100 and other Sony NXCAM cameras.

• ExpressCard/34 Support – Ki Pro now supports ExpressCard/34 (34mm wide) memory cards (not ExpressCard/54). Check the AJA Ki Pro support page for recommended cards.

• Additional RS-422 Functionality for Ki Pro to support use in post-production applications.

• LANC Support – Ki Pro now supports LANC, enabling camera operators to control shooting via LANC-based controllers and LANC enabled cameras.

• 1080 Variable Frame Rate Support for certain Canon camcorders, for Ki Pro and Ki Pro Mini.

• Presets can now be created, saved and recalled for easier interaction with device settings in Ki Pro and Ki Pro Mini.

• Continued Recording Option – v3.0 adds an option for continued recording upon video input loss. Ki Pro and Ki Pro Mini will generate a status change video frame, then pick up recording automatically when a valid video signal is returned.


v3.0 firmware is available as a no-cost download for Ki Pro and Ki Pro Mini owners. Ki Pro is available through AJA’s global network of resellers at a US MSRP of $3,995, and Ki Pro Mini, for a US MSRP of $1,995. For a complete set of features and technical specifications for Ki Pro, Ki Pro Mini and v3.0 software please visit www.aja.com.


About AJA Video Systems, Inc.
Since 1993, AJA Video has been a leading manufacturer of high-quality and cost-effective digital video interface, conversion, acquisition and Desktop solutions supporting the professional broadcast and post- production markets. With headquarters in Grass Valley, California, AJA maintains an extensive sales channel of dealers and systems integrators around the world. For further information, please see our website www.aja.com.


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An Advocate for Artistic and Sonic Integrity Is Feted by the Music Production Community

Audio Industry Leaders Support Fifth Annual GRAMMY® Week Celebration at The Village Studios in West Los Angeles

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (February 14, 2012) — In what has become a much-anticipated evening that kicks off music’s biggest week ahead of the annual GRAMMY Awards®, Wednesday, February 8, 2012, saw the fifth annual GRAMMY® Week event held by The Recording Academy®’s Producers & Engineers Wing®. The event, which took place at The Village Studios in West Los Angeles, brings to center stage the irreplaceable contributions made by the recording engineers and record producers whose technical expertise and brilliance warrant GRAMMY Awards of their own. Created specifically to honor individuals who, in the words of Recording Academy President Neil Portnow, have “championed creative freedom” throughout their career, the event has previously honored T-Bone Burnett, Island Records’ Chris Blackwell, and five individuals associated with Atlantic Records: Tom Dowd, Ahmet and Nesuhi Ertegun, Arif Mardin and Jerry Wexler. This year’s Producers & Engineers Wing event, which preceded the 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards on Sunday, Feb. 12, 2012, airing live on the CBS Television Network, singled out music producer and entrepreneur Jimmy Iovine, engineer and producer for artists including Bruce Springsteen, Patti Smith, U2, the Pretenders, Dire Straits, Stevie Nicks, Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers and many more. Portnow presented The Recording Academy President’s Merit Award to Iovine in front of a star-studded audience that included such individuals as Alex da Kid, Mary J. Blige, Colbie Caillat, Diddy, Simon Fuller, Brian Grazer, Dave Koz, Nigel Lithgow, Stevie Nicks, Robbie Robertson, and will.i.am and Taboo from the Black Eyed Peas.

After musical performances by singer/songwriter and “I Love The Way You Lie” co-writer Skylar Grey and singer/songwriter Lana Del Rey, Iovine arrived onstage to receive The Recording Academy President’s Merit Award from Portnow. By that time, the crowd was charged, applauding Iovine both for his contributions to record making and for his entrepreneurship. Iovine founded Interscope Records, one of the most successful labels in the world, and more recently he established Beats Electronics, his consumer headphone venture with colleague Dr. Dre, one of many GRAMMY Award winners in the audience that night.

Iovine singled out many people to honor with a personal note of thanks, including Stevie Nicks (whom he praised for her unique vocal style), Elliot Scheiner – the first producer Iovine ever worked with and whom he credits for giving him the studio bug (“He wore boots and a leather jacket with a matching leather bag, and at the end of the night he went home with a beautiful woman and I said, ‘That’s what I want!” Iovine recalled to the delight of the crowd) – as well as engineer Roy Cicala, label head and producer Doug Morris, the late studio owner Eddie Germano and artists such as Mary J. Blige and Tom Petty. Even as he celebrated his current role as chairman of Interscope Geffen A&M Records, a unit of Universal Music Group, and his 20 years as a label head, Iovine credited others for guiding him and for teaching him to give that back throughout his career. He noted, “People were constantly giving me opportunities I wasn’t really ready for,” but that prompted him to rise to meet those challenges and do the same for several generations of artists, producers and engineers over more than four decades.

Iovine also praised the pro audio manufacturing community for its contributions, and indeed The Village was filled with technology demonstrations from sponsors West L.A. Music and Westlake Professional Sales, as well as co-sponsors including Harman International brands AKG Acoustics, JBL, and Lexicon; Iron Mountain; Avid; Musician’s Institute; Music Marketing; Shure Incorporated; Beats Electronics; Ultimate Ears; Focusrite Novation; Prism Media Products; Apogee Electronics Corporation; Full Sail University; Guitar Center Professional (GC Pro); Lurssen Mastering; Sennheiser Electronic Corporation; SoundExchange. Eco-friendly cocktails were provided by VeeV.
Looking over the crowd of audio professionals gathered at The Village that evening, Maureen Droney, Senior Executive Director of the P&E Wing, observed, “Each year, we take a night to honor the people who work behind the scenes to make great-sounding recordings. You are the glue, the foundation that holds the music business together. Day after day, you are the problem solvers, and the creatives who help others to shine. This is your night to shine. It has been challenging in recent times to keep commercial studios in operation and to maintain a focus on the importance of creating music that sonically reflects the artist’s intention. Thanks to the dedication and outspokenness of Jimmy Iovine and others like him, that trend is starting to change. The public is beginning to realize that the sound of the music they are listening to is not as good as it can be and they are starting to demand better. Producers and engineers deserve recognition for being in the forefront of the quest for better sound.”

Photo File 1: Jam_Portnow_Iovine_Droney.JPG
Photo Caption 1: Shown L-R: Producer Jimmy Jam; President/CEO of The Recording Academy®, Neil Portnow; honoree Jimmy Iovine; and Producers & Engineers Wing® Senior Executive Director Maureen Droney, at the P&E Wing Event at The Village Recording Studios on February 8, 2012, in Los Angeles, California. Photo courtesy of The Recording Academy/WireImage.com/Michael Kovac. Photographed by Michael Kovac. © 2012.

Photo File 2: Portnow_Iovine.JPG
Photo Caption 2: Shown L-R: President/CEO of The Recording Academy® Neil Portnow and honoree Jimmy Iovine, posing onstage during The 54th Annual GRAMMY® Awards P&E Wing Event at The Village Recording Studios on February 8, 2012, in Los Angeles, California. Photo courtesy of The Recording Academy/WireImage.com/Lester Cohen. Photographed by Lester Cohen. © 2012.

New UCP-LC Control Panels for UTAH-400 Routing Switchers
At the 2012 NAB Show, Utah Scientific will show a new family of menu-based router control panels. The new panels feature high-resolution, full-color LCD displays and buttons, offering a new level of user-friendly operation for today’s increasingly complex routing systems. more

Ability to Trigger Fast, Secure File-Based Media Transfers From Within the Xytech MediaPulse(tm) System Significantly Reduces Time and Error Associated with Complex Processes

(INDIAN WELLS, CA) Signiant, a global leader in enterprise file transfer software for the media and entertainment industry, and Xytech, the leading provider of media and broadcast facility management software, today announced the integration of their flagship products. The joint solution, which makes the secure digital media transfer capabilities of the Signiant Media Manager(tm) software available from within the Xytech MediaPulse facility and operations management system, will be demonstrated this week at the 2012 Hollywood Post Alliance (HPA) Technology Retreat.

“Virtually all of our customers who need to exchange high-value digital media quickly and securely between facilities are using Signiant in their operations – often in a very large-scale way. Signiant is just a giant presence in our industry,” said Greg Dolan, Executive Vice President of Xytech. “All too often, media companies face a difficult and costly process when attempting to integrate multiple systems for automating workflow processes. In creating this interface, and announcing our support for it, our two companies are offering customers an out-of-the-box solution that is powerful and easy to implement.”

Xytech’s MediaPulse platform is a comprehensive and feature-rich resource, work order and asset management solution for broadcasters, studios, media services companies, and transmission service providers that offers a full suite of planning, scheduling and financial management tools. Signiant Media Manager adds state-of-the-art capabilities for highly secure, fast and managed transfers of digital assets between content owners, post-production houses, distributors, and other media organizations.

Through the integration, Xytech customers will be able to automatically trigger the exchange of digital content from within the scheduling component of MediaPulse to advance workflow efficiencies and reduce the possibility of error. Users will also be able to manage and view the status of Signiant exchanges in real-time from within the MediaPulse interface, and those actions can be automatically included in the resource management workflow and converted into billable activities.

“The powerful combination of Signiant and Xytech’s MediaPulse offers media companies greater flexibility and control than ever before in scheduling and managing digital content throughout its lifecycle, which often requires the seamless and secure electronic transfer of media to business partners such as post -production facilities and distributors,” said Rick Clarkson, Vice President of Product Development at Signiant. “Since we share many large media customers, our partnership with Xytech is a logical next step in both companies’ ongoing strategies to deliver maximum end-to-end value in workflow automation.”

Editor’s Note: The joint solution will be demonstrated by Xytech in the 2012 HPA Tech Retreat Demo Room, February 14-16 at the Hyatt Grand Champions Hotel in Indian Wells, CA.

About Xytech
Xytech Systems Corporation(tm) is the leading global provider of facility management software for today’s media and broadcast companies. Leveraging a 25-year history of innovation and market expertise, Xytech brings unparalleled proficiency to its customers with flexible, transparent and evolutionary solutions that set the standard for successfully managing the continuous business realignments that define today’s marketplace. Xytech’s collaborative MediaPulse platform and suite of solutions enable craft workflow and asset management systems to work seamlessly with the company’s renowned planning, scheduling and financial management tools. Xytech has over 450 software deployments in more than 20 countries around the world and is headquartered in Mission Hills, California, with regional offices in New York and London.

For more information, please visit www.XytechSystems.com or call +1.818.698.4900 (US) or +44 (0)20.7903.5170 (UK).

About Signiant
Signiant automates, accelerates, manages and securely controls the movement of high-value digital content within and between media and entertainment organizations. Signiant solutions go far beyond simple transport to streamline file-based workflows and facilitate the integration of IT infrastructure with media technology. From content creation through cross-platform distribution, Signiant software enables new business models, reduce costs and integrate with existing investments. Headquartered in Burlington, MA, with offices around the world, Signiant connects tens of thousands of enterprises and media professionals in more than 50 countries. More information is available at www.signiant.com.

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Media Contact:
Chris Purse, 818.303.8088
ignite strategic communications
chris@ignite.bz or mimi@ignite.bz

Introduces industry-leading dailies solution for episodic television to the New York market.

HOLLYWOOD—MTI Film has installed three Control Dailies systems at Nice Shoes, New York. The new systems will enable the facility to expand beyond its core market, commercial post production, into television and film, with a proven dailies solution for New York-based television productions.

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Autodesk issued a call for submissions for the 2012 Best of the Best Show Reel, which will premiere at NAB on April 16 in Las Vegas, NV. The reel will be showcased in front of thousands of broadcast and film professionals at the Autodesk NAB booth (SL3315) from April 16-19, on the AREA, the Autodesk Website, Autodesk You Tube Channel and at other events throughout the year.

Commercial, broadcast, music video, episodic, short, feature film, digital media, and interactive projects created during 2011 using any of the following Autodesk Digital Entertainment Creation software tools are eligible for submission: Flame Premium, Flame, Smoke, Maya, 3ds Max, Softimage, MotionBuilder and Mudbox.

Autodesk is also seeking high-resolution images for inclusion in its marketing materials leading up to and surrounding NAB.

To submit your work or learn more about the submission process, please visit: http://www.autodesk.com/film-submityourwork

The deadline for imagery submission is December 9th, 2011, and the deadline for video content submissions is February 24th, 2012.

Anton/Bauer Batteries Central to Cameraman’s Commercial, Television, Film and Corporate Work

LOS ANGELES, FEBRUARY 14, 2012—Anton/Bauer®, part of Vitec Videocom, a Vitec Group company and a premier global provider of batteries, chargers, lighting and other mobile power systems for the professional broadcast, video and film industries, is the battery supplier of choice for West Coast-based Steadicam owner/operator Robert Starling, SOC. more

ALTON, ENGLAND, 14 FEBRUARY 2012 ? Clear-Com, a global leader in critical voice communication systems (BVE Stand 11D76), is pleased to announce that systems integrator Broadcast Networks has selected the Clear-Com Encore Partyline System as its intercom system of choice for the company’s new Land Rover Live Production Vehicle. Broadcast Networks chose the Clear-Com partyline system for its ability to adapt to the changing uses of the truck, which include SNG, audio, film and live production. The system will be used primarily for communications between the OB van staff members within the truck and in the field.

Due to the size of the truck, Broadcast Networks needed a space-saving intercom system that was versatile enough to fulfil each client’s communication requirements. Clear-Com’s Encore Partyline system, with its compact design, comprehensive features and flexibility, fit the bill perfectly. Broadcast Networks was also impressed that the rugged system could withstand the rigors of any production.

“The Clear-Com Partyline system is able to interface with and support the maximum number of cameras that we can use in the vehicle. It has everything we need in a convenient-sized package,” says Paul Wallis, Sales Director for Broadcast Networks. “We’ve designed a cutting-edge 4×4 live production vehicle, and we needed to have intercoms that won’t let us down during productions. In our decades of experience with Clear-Com, the company has always provided a reliable solution. That reason, combined with the company’s unrivaled after-sales support, is why we selected Clear-Com as a partner.”

To adhere to the space of the Land Rover, Broadcast Networks designed the audio gear, which includes the Clear-Com Encore MS704 Main Station, to fit into rack layouts. This setup is very flexible and cost-effective, maximising the uses of the truck. With this rack solution, Broadcast Networks can swap out the different types of gear, easily transforming the truck from an SNG vehicle to a live production vehicle, from one day to the next. The company also forecasts the use of the truck in audio and film production.

“We’re very proud to partner with Broadcast Networks on this ground-breaking project that takes a twist on traditional OB,” says Dan Muchmore, Clear-Com Regional Sales Manager for the UK and Ireland. “The varied and intense applications of the truck are perfect examples of everything that Clear-Com intercom systems can be used to accomplish. We’re excited to discover all that our system and the truck can achieve over time.”

Recently unveiled at IBC 2011, Broadcast Networks had selected the Land Rover model for its 4×4 off-road capabilities, which will allow production teams to venture further into uncharted OB territory, such as regions with more extreme temperatures and weather. Available for rent or purchase, the current model of the truck will soon be used for a documentary from Cutting Edge Productions focused on luxury holiday homes that are being built in Scotland. The Land Rover was specifically commissioned for the film due to its ability to climb the rough terrain at the construction location. Based in Hampshire, United Kingdom Cutting Edge Productions is highly regarded within the industry as a creative production house. Several awards have been won for their programmes and many have been shown on satellite and terrestrial channels. For more information, please visit: http://www.cuttingedgeuk.com/contact-video-production-in-hampshire.html

Broadcast Networks is the first integrator to incorporate a Land Rover into its OB fleet. Since customers can also purchase the modified vehicle, the company has arranged a deal with Land Rover to offer the truck with a full manufacturer’s warranty. This ensures that, like its equipment, the truck will also always work to the best possible standard of off-road performance.

About Broadcast Networks Ltd
Broadcast Networks is a UK-based Systems Integrator with clients the world over. From High Definition studio systems to Outside Broadcast vehicles, on location communications to satellite uplinks, Broadcast Networks offer a totally integrated and bespoke solution. The team’s technical and operational experience means it can meet the demands of both broadcast and IT-centric projects. The company’s very flexible approach and a high level of commitment and service ensure it meets all customers’ needs. More information about Broadcast Networks can be found at: www.bcnet.co.uk.

About Clear-Com
Clear-Com, an HME company, is the global leader in mission-critical voice communication systems for professional productions. Since 1968, Clear-Com developed and marketed a comprehensive range of analog, digital and IP-based wired and wireless intercom technologies for party-line and point-to-point communications. Recognized for our legacy of intercom innovations, production teams around the world have come to depend on Clear-Com for clear, reliable and scalable communication solutions. More information about Clear-Com can be found at www.clearcom.com.

About HM Electronics, Inc. (HME)
A privately held company founded in 1971, HME has continued to be a leading provider of innovative technology focused on enhancing productivity and customer service for multiple markets including pro audio, sports, and restaurants. HME developed the first wireless intercom system for pro audio and continues to introduce exciting, cutting-edge wireless intercoms that enhance communications, increase productivity and facilitate creativity for virtually any application. HME’s comprehensive line of wireless intercoms – including the award winning PRO850 UHF and DX Series Digital Intercoms – are designed with the user in mind. In addition to pioneering the first wireless intercom for the pro audio industry, HME was the first to develop the wireless headset system for the drive-thru quick service restaurant market. More information can be found at www.hme.com.

Superior picture quality is the hallmark of Fast Forward Video’s award-winning line of digital video recording (DVR) systems, and this year’s NAB attendees will understand why. Attendees will have their first look at the new sideKick HD(TM) — a multiformat, straight-to-edit camera-mountable DVR that raises the bar for image quality when paired with today’s state-of-the-art camcorders. At the 2012 NAB Show, the sideKick HD will be the headliner for FFV’s full line of durable, user-friendly DVR solutions, each designed with customer requirements in mind and focused on delivering the highest-quality output possible. more