Archive for March 27th, 2012

Austin, TX, March 27, 2012– Every spring, thousands of artists and tens of thousands of record industry professionals flock to Austin, TX for a jam-packed schedule of live music showcases featuring everyone from young, up-and-coming bands to seasoned veteran performers. For six days, live music can be heard at almost any time of day emerging from every conceivable venue in downtown Austin, from the city’s bars, clubs and concert halls to churches, parks and empty lots.

One such makeshift venue – an auto repair shop – this year served as the main stage at the BandPage HQ, where FOH engineer/system tech and production manager Patrick Mundy used an Antelope Audio Isochrone OCX master clock to ensure PA system clarity in the acoustically unfriendly environment. “This was my second year of working showcases at the festival and my second year bringing my Antelope clock,” says Mundy.

BandPage is a popular application developed by RootMusic of San Francisco that launched in 2010. It runs in Facebook and allows artists to create customized fan pages.

The OCX does a fantastic job of stabilizing a digital mixing console when running high channel counts, he continues. “When you build up that much information on a digital desk without having the stabilization of the clocking you can get unfavorable results. Clocking your digital console with an Antelope clock is like turbocharging your desk. The difference between clocked and non-clocked audio is extremely noticeable. I don’t like to work without it.”

Mundy was part of the crew from DBS Sound in Los Angeles who teamed up with Austin’s Miller Pro Audio to handle audio at the BandCamp HQ’s three venues, comprising Empire Automotive, Club 606 and an adjoining outdoor patio. “I mixed FOH for such artists as Porter Robinson, Thomas Wynn and the Believers, Daedelus, TNGHT (Hudson Mohawke & Lunice), Das Racist, Nico Vega, Imagine Dragons, Robert DeLong, Saint Motel, Toy, Escort, Henry Clay People and many more,” he reports. “We also had appearances from such artists as J. Cole and Chairlift, who carried their own FOH engineers.”

Jeffrey Ehrenberg at Vintage King Audio initially introduced Mundy to Antelope Audio’s master clocks in 2008. Mundy purchased an Isochrone 10M Rubidium atomic master clock and an OCX for his Pro Tools|HD3 recording rig, and in 2009 permanently racked the OCX into a two-space unit and began to use it on all of his live shows.

“The OCX is a staple on my gigs from small corporate events to large arena festivals and everything in between,” says Mundy. “I find the clock and its jitter reduction allows me to get to the core of the sound and bring a better mix to listeners. It makes my life easier and I’m able to have more fun just being a front of house engineer and bringing out the natural qualities of the music versus trying to fix artifacts.”

Antelope Audio Zodiac D-to-A converters also made an appearance in Austin this year in the 45-foot UniqueSquared Mobile Studio bus. The mobile recording studio, outfitted with Sennheiser products, featured a number of listening stations where Zodiac DACs were paired with Sennheiser’s flagship HD 800 plus HD 700 headphones.

OLD LYME, Conn. – March 27, 2012 –Born in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Julio Figueroa is a percussionist and multiple Grammy award winner whose unique style of drumming has been featured on performances by artists such as Michael Jackson, B.B. King, Patti LaBelle and others. Like many other musicians today, Figueroa has created a semi-professional recording environment in his own home and simply uploads his tracks to an FTP server, where they are accessed by various production teams all over the world. He considers the Sennheiser-distributed TRUE Systems Precision 8 preamplifier a fundamental component of his setup.

“For drums and percussion, the Precision 8 captures my sound exactly as I hear it and this is what I value the most,” he states. Figueroa started with one Precision 8 and then acquired a second one so he could accommodate a greater range of percussion and other instruments, as well as take them on the road. “Now if I want to do a live recording I have everything I need,” he observes.

M-S Decoder and Mic Placement
In addition to the transparent sound characteristics of the Precision 8, Figueroa also appreciates the unit’s powerful integrated M-S decoder, which provides greater versatility and enables him to control the stereo spread of his drum overheads via the front panel of the unit with minimal mic repositioning. “For jazz, that M-S capability is incredible if you want to get a great room sound. You set up a couple of mics (cardioid and figure-8 pattern) and it is just unbelievable,” he says. Figueroa frequently uses both the M-S technique and the “Recorderman” technique simultaneously, along with four additional mics on individual drums. This provides him with tremendous flexibility when it’s time to mix down.

Figueroa, who has over 60 snare drums to choose from and four full kits (Jazz, Classics, Collectors and Performance series) from drum manufacturer DW, wants to stay focused on the sounds he is getting out of his instrument rather than fiddling with knobs and settings. “The TRUE Systems Precision 8 is great for someone like me who is not overly technical,” he says. “The units are simple to use right out of the box and there is nothing complicated about it. This means I can get to work faster.”

By using his Precision 8 preamplifiers, Figueroa is confident that when his producers access his percussion tracks on an FTP site, they will like what they hear. “My engineer and producer colleagues get a pristine-sounding file and they can tweak it any way they want for the mix,” he explains. “This is very important when you are doing tracks from a remote location because there is no producer here to tell you how they’d like it to sound. Since the sonic signature is more transparent, this gives them more flexibility in the final stages of the production.”

Tried and TRUE quality
The TRUE Systems Precision 8 uses a high-voltage composite architecture with discrete devices plus integrated circuits, and offers very low noise and distortion as well as high headroom. The totally balanced dual-servo design eliminates nearly all capacitors in the audio path and is DC-coupled at the output. This results in a very detailed and transparent sound characteristic.

Features of the Precision 8 include:

• Eight highly transparent solid state microphone preamps in a 1 unit rack configuration
• Built-in M-S (Mid-Side) decoding for creative spatial image control
• Active, high-impedance instrument inputs (“DI’s”) selectable on two channels
• 5-segment level indicators with peak-hold feature and selectable peak reference
• Smooth continuous gain controls
• Easy integration with MDM’s, HDR’s, DAW’s, or consoles
• Dual DB25/TRS outputs for flexible interconnection

Woodland Park, NJ – FSR, manufacturer of audio and video switching, control products, and connectivity boxes, has introduced an easy-to-install WE-IPAD2-SLV iPad® 2 enclosure designed to provide a secure, yet accessible housing for the versatile tablet. Jan Sandri, president of FSR Inc., announced the launch today from headquarters in Woodland Park, NJ.

Convenient single cable Installation is a breeze using the FSR IT-CHRG-P2U PoE to USB charger that derives ample power from a standard PoE network connection, and does not require PoE+. The rear of the tamper resistant casing includes three position horizontal and vertical adjustment holes for mounting in either orientation, as well as a symmetrical hole pattern for rapid mounting to a standard 2-gang box, with no electrical drop needed.

A full view camera port, home button, and speaker port for clear audio are all recessed into a sturdy .090” aluminum case for a sleek look with no visible hardware. Plain face models are also available.

The WE-IPAD2-SLV IPAD enclosure is shipping now. An iPad® 3 enclosure is coming soon!

About FSR
FSR, established in 1981, manufactures a wide variety of products for the audio / video, education, hospitality, government, and religious markets, including AV floor, wall, table, and ceiling connectivity boxes, as well as a full line of interfaces, distribution amplifiers, matrix switchers, seamless switchers and CAT-5 solutions.

All FSR products are designed and manufactured in its Woodland Park, NJ facility. The company is an Energy Star Partner and complies with the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to demonstrate its deep commitment to preserving the planet. FSR offers live 24/7 technical and sales support throughout the country from expertly trained technicians and sales representatives. For more information: http://www.fsrinc.com.

iPad is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

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FSR Contact: Jan Sandri
973-785-4347 • mailto:sales@fsrinc.com

Press Contact: Desert Moon Communications
Harriet Diener
845-512-8283 • mailto:harriet@desertmooncomm.com

Staines, UK – Shotoku Broadcast Systems, a leading international manufacturer of advanced camera support products, recently completed the successful installation and commissioning of a state-of-the-art IP-based camera control system for The Weather Network, Canada’s leading provider of weather information services. The announcement was made by Shotoku sales director James Eddershaw from the Company’s European headquarters in Staines, UK.

The five camera package combined legacy with new remote systems, and included Shotoku’s lightweight TG-27 pan tilt heads mounted on TI-11 elevator pedestals. All five systems came under the control of the company’s high performance TR-8B Joystick panel and used Shotoku’s unique DigiPort IP network to replace legacy serial with modern, more flexible IP-based interfaces. The entire upgrade was carried out by The Weather Network staff assisted by a Shotoku engineer, and was installed into a live, working studio without disruption.

“We’ve benefitted from the use of robotic cameras in our operations for many years,” said Kiko Grusecki, The Weather Network’s Director of Broadcast Operation. “But our system needed to expand and adapt to our camera upgrade plans. Shotoku helped us plan a smooth, cost-effective replacement without disrupting our on-air operations.”

About Shotoku Broadcast Systems
Shotoku Broadcast Systems is an international leader in the manufacture and marketing of a full range of camera support products with emphasis on manual and robotic pedestals and pan/tilt heads for the television broadcast industry. The Company also provides robotic camera systems capable of interfacing with third-party equipment. Established as an engineering design firm specializing in advanced mechanics and electronic control systems, Shotoku maintains headquarters in Japan with offices in Staines, UK and Torrance, CA. The Company’s robotic camera systems are designed, developed and manufactured in Staines, UK.
For further information: www.Shotoku.co.uk

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Shotoku contact: James Eddershaw
+44 (0)1784 224 650 • info@shotoku.co.uk

Press contact: Desert Moon Communications, Harriet Diener
+1-845-512-8283 / harriet@desertmooncomm.com

Anaheim, CA — ViewZ, a subsidiary of Orion Technology and a leading OEM manufacturer and international supplier to the professional television industry, today revealed the appointment of Larry Enroth to the newly created position of director of sales—broadcast and post-production. His selection coincides with the launch of ViewZ’s broadcast products division, offering a full range of technologically advanced reference display monitors to markets throughout the Americas. The announcement was made by Daniel Hwang, president of ViewZ, from the company’s U.S. headquarters in Anaheim, CA.

Enroth will oversee the sales, distribution and technical support network for ViewZ’s line of professional monitors, including popular sizes of portable and viewfinder displays for production, reference monitors for studio or post-production, and multi-viewers for the control room. All support 3G with ultra-wide dynamic range, feature 12-bit processed backlit LED illumination and come with a two-year factory warranty. Details at www.ViewZUSA.com

“I’m excited at the opportunity to bring these top-notch monitoring solutions to the broadcast and post-production community,” said Enroth. “ViewZ is well positioned to leverage its leadership in many other vertical markets and deliver the same level of quality and value to the professional television user.” A Certified Broadcast Television Engineer, Enroth has served in senior sales management and business development positions for a number of media technology companies. He may be contacted at sales@ViewZUSA.com or 1-888-99-VIEWZ (888-998-4399).

“We are very pleased to have such an experienced industry veteran join our growing company to lead sales and distribution to broadcast and television professionals in the Americas,” said Hwang.

The full range of ViewZ monitor solutions will be on display in NAB Booth C-3940.

About ViewZ
ViewZ, an established OEM manufacturer of professional-grade LCD and LED monitors, is a subsidiary of Orion Technology, a leading Korean manufacturer of image display solutions with operations in Asia, Europe and North America. The company offers a comprehensive range of high quality monitoring products used in transportation, security, medical, educational, industrial, military and other professional applications. ViewZ is committed to technology leadership with affordable cutting-edge designs, advanced features and exceptional reliability. The office in Anaheim, CA manages sales, distribution and technical support to customers in the Americas. For details, please visit: www.ViewZUSA.com
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ViewZ contact: Larry Enroth
+1-714-630-3380 / larry@viewzusa.com

Press contact: Desert Moon Communications / Harriet Diener
+1-845-512-8283 / harriet@desertmooncomm.com

Nice Shoes Colorist Ron Sudul recently finished a pair of stirring international spots for the nonprofit group One Million Trees. The studio teamed up with The Academy of Film & the Arts Directors Armondo Acosta, Frederik Cassiers and Martijn De Schrijver, expertly modifying their raw black-and-white footage with wisps of color.

The projects are journeys through the forests of Flanders, Brakelbos and Overpelt in Belgium. A mix of aerial views and shots from the dense forest floors, the spots explore the human relationship with trees. Friends in Trees features a man and young girl ascending into the soaring branches. Lost without Them follows a fleet of helicopters in pursuit of one man wandering through the woods.

The Academy of Film & the Arts sought Sudul for the project after admiring his work coloring Paris with a similar ambiance in a Pierre Morel-directed spot starring Justin Timberlake for Givenchy’s Play fragrance. The production company told Sudul to run with his instincts and do the color grade unsupervised.

“The Academy really had a lot of trust in me, just based upon my reel, which was very reassuring,” remarked Sudul. “When it came time for the review, they said that we had nailed their look right away. The campaign was shot beautifully, so it was that much easier to put the effect on and make it look good.”

Nice Shoes turned the spot around in just a few days, running two or three layers of color onto most portions of the film, for a total of five minutes of footage for each :30 spot. They balanced this work along the campaign’s global production pipeline, which swept to the West Coast for an edit and back to Europe for finishing.

“Since this was for a nonprofit cause, rather than a commercial endeavor, the Academy really wanted to make this an artistic effort, which is why they sought Ron and allowed him to exercise creative license,” noted Nice Shoes Senior Producer Pat Portela. “What he created is a really gorgeous example of the beautiful work we pride ourselves on producing at Nice Shoes.”

Visit Nice Shoes
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Credits
Product: ’1 miljoen bomen’
Spots Title: ‘Trees. We’d be Lost Without Them’
Air Date: March 2012

Prod Company: The Academy of Film & the Arts
Director: Armondo Acosta, Frederik Cassiers, Martijn De Schrijver
DP: Eugene Hertoghe
Producer: Sebastien Brumagne
Production manager: Helle Jensen

Editorial: The Academy of Film & the Arts
Editor: Eric Phillips, Emmanuel Dewan
Producer: Sebastien Brumagne

Color Grading: Nice Shoes
Colorist: Ron Sudul
Color Assistant: Mengting Hsiao
Sr. Producer: Pat Portela

Music: Sálfræðingur
Composer: Johann Johannsson

Audio Post: Filip Haentjens, Eric Phillips

Shoot Location: Forests of Flanders, Brakelbos & Overpelt (Belgium)
About Nice Shoes
NYC-based Nice Shoes is a full service, artist-driven design, animation, visual effects and color grading studio specializing in high-end commercials, web content, film, TV and music videos. Since its inception in 1996, the studio has prided itself on consistently reinvesting in its talent, technical backbone, and client experience to set the standard of excellence both creatively and technically. Key company principals include: CEO/Partner Dominic Pandolfino, Colorists/Partners Chris Ryan and Lez Rudge, VFX Artist/Partner Rich Schreck, MD Kristen Martini, CD Brian Bowman, CIO Robert Keske, Senior Producer Pat Portela, and Brand Director Justin Pandolfino.

More info: TRUST 646 452 3388 (NY) 310 451 5153 (LA) trustcollective.com

Unit Delivers Reliable Performance

HUDSON, NH – Game Creek Video, a company providing remote sports and news event broadcasting production services for ESPN, ABC Sports, Fox Sports, the Yes Network, ABC News, NBC News and CNN, among many others, relies on Studio Technologies’ Model 46 Dual 2-Wire Analog Audio to 4-Wire Analog Audio Interface for party line intercom connections in nine of its remote OB trucks, one of the youngest fleets in the business. Game Creek Video chose Model 46 because of its extended feature set, signal monitoring, automatic nulling and rock-solid performance record for dependable install-and-forget-it performance. more

HOLLYWOOD—Andy Garcia makes his debut as a commercial director with a new campaign for Whirlpool that will air across Latin America and South America. The campaign, produced by Dark Light Pictures, focuses on how easy Whirlpool appliances are to use and introduces the tagline “Designed to simplify your life.”

more

Billerica, Massachusetts – Broadcast Pix™ today announced that ev1.tv, a local TV station covering the Emsland and Grafschaft Bentheim district in Lower Saxony, Germany, is using a Granite™ 5000 Video Control Center in the control room of its brand-new studio and a Slate™ 1000 Video Control Center in its OB van. Primarily, the station uses its systems to produce a daily newscast and talk show in the studio, while the production van is used to cover football games.

“In fact, everything you see on ev1.tv is produced with Granite or Slate,” said Nico Stähle, chief engineer for ev1.tv, which distributes its programming via cable and online. The new Broadcast Pix systems were purchased last summer through Studio Hamburg Media Consult International (MCI), which handled the Granite installation (Stähle installed the Slate in the production van).

Stähle said he chose Granite because he needed a 2 M/E mixer that was easy to operate. “For us, there’s no other bundle of hardware with the cost effectiveness of Granite or Slate,” he explained. “We can operate all components from the panel with no need for other external equipment. Plus, Granite fits perfectly in our workflow with our Final Cut Pro workstations.”

ev1.tv uses a number of Fluent™ built-in workflow tools in both systems, including the animation store and Harris CG to create animated lower-thirds. Fluent-View is used to display all sources and keys on a 52-inch LCD monitor in the control room, and Stähle appreciates the “attention to detail,” such as the integrated clock in the display.

“We do a lot with Fluent Macros,” Stähle added. “For example, for the open of our news show, the intro starts and automatically fades to the camera in the studio, the lower-third appears, fades away, and cuts to another camera. We also use a macro for the end of the show to display a crawl and other titles on an animated background.”

Programming is currently produced in SD, but Stähle noted there is no problem upgrading to HD or a mixed HD/SD production environment with Granite. With several months of productions complete, he said the Broadcast Pix systems have performed very well. “No problems at all,” Stähle said. “It is so easy to operate that, with the help of some macros, even our trainees can run a news show.”

About Broadcast Pix Broadcast Pix is the leader in live video production systems. Its Video Control Centers™ empower operators with patented techniques that combine cameras, clips and graphics to create compelling live video. The integration of a multi-format switcher, clip store, graphics system with a Harris or Chyron CG, and device controls provides the lowest cost of ownership at a fraction of the cost of a conventional control room to buy, staff and operate. Systems range from compact systems controlled by a touch-screen or voice-automation to sophisticated 2 M/E control panels. Customers include leading broadcast, corporate, education, religious, government, webcast, entertainment and mobile studios in more than 110 countries. Learn more at www.broadcastpix.com.

Broadcast Pix, Granite, Slate, Fluent, and Video Control Centers are trademarks of Broadcast Pix, Inc. Patented.

OSLO, Norway — March 27, 2012 — The SCTE (Society for Broadband Professionals) has confirmed that Bridge Technologies’ new microC(TM) is the joint winner of the Best CPE Solution category in its 2012 Awards for Technological Innovation. The winners were announced at the SCTE’s annual Gala Dinner on Saturday, March 17 at Woburn Abbey, Bedfordshire. more