Archive for March, 2012

SANTA MONICA, Calif. (February 29, 2012) — M3 (Music Mix Mobile), a New Jersey/California-based remote facilities company, were onsite at the 54th Annual GRAMMY® Awards with their Eclipse and Horizon trucks, which served as the control rooms for the broadcast music mixes of all of the GRAMMY Awards musical performances. It’s a real team effort, and several prominent members of the Producers & Engineers Wing® of The Recording Academy®, including John Harris, Leslie Ann Jones, Hank Neuberger, Phil Ramone, and Eric Schilling, began planning months in advance for this extraordinarily complex audio production.

Pictured here on show day in front of the Eclipse broadcast truck are legendary engineers Al Schmitt and Geoff Emerick (who were on site to supervise audio for Paul McCartney), Bob Clearmountain (supervising the Bruce Springsteen mix), and Broadcast Music Mixers John Harris and Eric Schilling. Missing is Telecast Audio Supervisor Hank Neuberger—who took the photo!

Partner and editor Bob Ackerman of The Colonie has joined Leo Burnett Chicago again to release another Special K spot.

Kellogg Special K’s “Closet Candy” opens with a woman enjoying a breakfast of Special K cereal in a tiny studio apartment. When opening the doors to her small armoire she discovers that she can actually step further through into a “closet that feels like a candy store” filled with hangers of colorful clothing, a revolving shoe rack and a full-length mirror. As we watch the woman try on various perfectly fitting outfits while admiring herself in the mirror, a voice-over comes on testifying, “Women who eat a healthy breakfast actually weigh less”.

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Manchester based dbn Lighting has supplied a custom LED and control solution to the city’s Whitworth Art Gallery which will run for three months as part of the “Cotton : Global Threads” exhibition – a compelling story about the production, consumption and global trade in cotton.

The light work is designed by artist Liz Rideal and involves the illumination of nine large windows on the top storey at the front of the building, with video material from a film – ‘Light Curtain’ – which is played back via a media server also supplied by dbn.

Challenges included having to fit all the necessary LED lighting equipment to light the windows into a 30 cm deep space, keeping each window’s physical lighting installation completely self-contained within its recessed space.

dbn’s Nick Buckley is project managing. dbn has worked for the Gallery several times in the past, and this project started last year when they were asked to look at how the windows could be lit from inside to create the specific colouration, texturing and effects that Rideal had in mind.

A number of options were explored, from which they chose the most practical and reliable, involving Chroma-Q DB4 LED battens and Chroma-Q ColorSplit fixtures – the latter offer a double bank of RGBA LEDs.

First, the windows were all masked precisely with frosted gel.

There are four of each type of fixture per window. The ColorSplits are positioned at the bottom of the window on the ledge with diffuser lenses lighting the lower half of the surface area. They are focussed and angled to minimise any hot spot areas.

The DB4s are rigged onto crucifix shaped pieces of scaffolding, and highlight the top half of the window. The metalwork is propped into the window area with scaffold-jacks and all contained within the 30 cm depth of the window frame.

Each window is about three metres high and 1.5 metres wide, and all the lighting fixtures have been optimised to produce the smoothest, most even coverage of the target surface.

The installation took two days to complete, and was diligently executed. Another requirement was that it did not damage or impair the glorious Victorian fabric of the building – which is listed – in any way. However, dbn is used to working under these exacting conditions.

Limited power was also a challenge, but one of the beauties of using LEDs is that the entire installation runs on three 13 Amp sockets ….. with plenty of headroom.

Rideal’s films are also being projected onto two screens in front of the building each evening, bringing the vibrancy, suggestion, detail, colour, textures and movement of cloth production and the creation of saris to the imagination of viewers.

The same footage is played back via a Hippo Critter media server through the LED units, animating the windows and enhancing and extending the visual impressions, perception and experience of the work to encompass the whole building.

Says Nick Buckley, “It is a real pleasure to be working with Luke Lovelock and his team at Whitworth Art Gallery, in a real combined effort as well as with Liz Rideal, whose work is accessible and highly acclaimed. It took some ‘out of the box’ thinking to achieve what she wanted, but the results create something completely unique and different for public enjoyment.”

For more press info on DBN Lighting, please contact louise Stickland on +44 7831 329888, +44 1865 202679 or EMail : louise@loosplat.com. To contact DBN direct, please call +44 161 273 4297 or check www.dbn.co.uk.

New arrangement increases presence and highlights the importance of the Middle East for two of pro audios most respected brands

DUBAI AIRPORT FREE ZONE, UAE – Solid State Logic is pleased to announce that it has appointed Sennheiser Middle East (SeME), a division of Sennheiser UK, to be a manufacturer’s representative in the Middle East for SSL console products including C-Series Digital, Duality and AWS Consoles. Over the past 20 years, SSL has built up a significant music, film and broadcast customer base across the Middle East and SeME has built an extensive client network developing Sennheiser’s business in the region. This new partnership reflects SSL’s ongoing success and commitment to the region and will enhance both companies’ ability to develop strong customer relationships and deliver exemplary customer service.

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ATG Broadcast & AmberFin Ease Transition to File-based Workflows at
UK’s Biggest Commercial TV Network

AmberFin and its UK channel partner, ATG Broadcast, today announce a contract with UK-based television network, ITV. As part of a strategic technology transformation designed to broaden the application of high definition file-based workflows at ITV, AmberFin’s iCR Unified QC (UQC) system is being used in projects that focus on the high definition production and distribution of leading ITV series, Emmerdale and Coronation Street.
ATG Broadcast contributed to the project by installing the hardware infrastructure to support the operation of AmberFin’s iCR software system.
ITV’s strategy sees the creation of a new high capacity file-based workflow that enables the movement of complete programmes throughout its enterprise operations. This means that large capacity media files containing entire episodes shot in high definition can be shared between ITV’s London, Leeds and Manchester sites as well as with service partners such as Technicolor and ITFC.
The application of AmberFin UQC is important as it ensures that all the HD master files created within this tapeless workflow environment are guaranteed top quality and fit for purpose within all areas of ITV’s broadcast and electronic media operations.
“These two pilot projects are part of a long-term strategy that sees us refreshing the way that we share, manage, distribute and exploit content throughout ITV’s operations,” commented Andrew Ioannou, Director of Strategy (Technology) at ITV. “We need rigorous QC in our workflow to ensure that any media file produced is fit to broadcast. We selected AmberFin as our QC partner since their technology is a great fit for the business as we move forward into file-based workflows.”

AmberFin UQC

AmberFin UQC provides a unique approach to quality control, combining multiple tools for baseband checks during tape ingest, file-based QC after ingest, and overall operator-controlled QC, including annotation and mark-up.

It features the seamless integration of two industry-leading tools: Snell’s Hyperion and Digimetric’s Aurora so that all aspects of QC are now integrated within a single unified timeline to give users an instant and highly accurate visual display of potential quality issues throughout the ingest and transcoding process. QC processes can be implemented at any point in the lifecycle of an asset, using the most appropriate technique. Easy to read reports and a range of graphic displays aid operators easily identify the source, nature and position of an error with a thumbnail of the frame where it occurred.

Snell’s Hyperion provides real-time baseband QC on ingest and automatically checks for VTR playback issues and common audio and time code faults; this ensures that users do not spend valuable time capturing hours of material only to find out later that it was faulty. Digimetric’s Aurora provides file-based QC after ingest and checks for common file wrapper anomalies to prevent expensive mistakes. Aurora tools also automatically check for a variety of compliance violations, including container metadata and delivery metrics, thereby reducing the burden on operators.

Because QC requirements vary from facility to facility and from project to project, each application requires a different level of manual intervention. To that effect, AmberFin has developed mark-up and annotation tools that allow operators to highlight potential issues, make recommendations and provide information that can be sent on to downstream applications for action. Human readable reports with time code and thumbnail references can be created and exported, simplifying the decision-making process, while machine readable XML reports can be exported to DAM, MAM and automation systems.

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About ITV

ITV is the largest commercial television network in the UK. It is the home of popular television from the biggest entertainment events, to original drama, major sport, landmark factual series and independent news. It operates a family of channels including ITV1, ITV2, ITV3 and ITV4 and CITV which are broadcast free-to-air on analogue (ITV1 only), Freeview, digital satellite (Sky/ Freesat) and cable. ITV is also focused on delivering its programming across multiple platforms including itv.com, video on demand on cable television and other ‘closed’ platforms, mobile devices and games consoles. ITV Studios produces and sells programmes and formats in the UK and worldwide, and comprises of ITV’s UK and international production operations, international distribution, home entertainment, publishing, merchandising and licensing.

About ATG Broadcast

ATG Broadcast (www.atgbroadcast.com) is one of the world’s most successful providers of high–end reliable and easy-to-operate integrated systems for broadcasters and programme makers alike.

ATG Broadcast’s engineering skills extend from front-end studio systems to transmission-based systems for multiple deployment platforms. ATG Broadcast offers a comprehensive portfolio of services including workflow design, project planning, equipment installation, software configuration, commissioning, documentation and on-site training.
ATG Broadcast is part of Dan Technologies’ Systems Integration Division, one of Europe’s leading suppliers of audio, video, transmission products and digital media solutions.

The Dan Technologies Systems Integration Division covers a wide spectrum of operations ranging from designing, installing and commissioning studios, playout centres, news-rooms and satellite systems to providing the complete infrastructure of television and radio stations for major broadcasters and service providers worldwide.

The Dan Technologies Group operates from offices in the United Kingdom, Germany, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Vietnam and Dubai.

About AmberFin

AmberFin is a company at the heart of solving file-based workflow problems for content owners, broadcasters, sports organizations and post-production houses. The AmberFin Media Factory, based on the iCR family of modular software products, digitizes and transforms new and archived content, combining a service oriented design philosophy with intelligent use of cost-effective generic IT. This enables customers to save time, increase revenues and grow in-line with business demands.

Unique to the Media Factory system, AmberFin’s industry first approach to Quality Control, known as Unified Quality Control (UQC), introduces a QC mark that brings a new level of trust to media assets. UQC uniquely combines an automated process with a human touch, enabling more efficient and effective decision-making and new levels of confidence in the file creation and transformation processes.

AmberFin has experienced growth of 90% in the last year thanks to hundreds of iCR systems being deployed worldwide. Systems that are trusted where quality matters by some of the world’s leading media organizations including Sony Pictures, NBA, Turner Broadcasting, ZDF, NRK, National Geographic, BT, Discovery and Warner Brothers.

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OXFORD, UK: In a special pre-Easter holiday promotion, Sonnox is offering a rare 35% price reduction on all plug-ins and bundles throughout the month of March. Available from authorized resellers as well as the Sonnox website, the Spring Sale encompasses individual Sonnox plug-ins as well as bundles such as the popular Sonnox Elite Collection which includes: Oxford EQ, Dynamics, Inflator, Transient Modulator, Reverb, Limiter and SuprEsser.

Sonnox Sales & Marketing Manager, Nathan Eames says, “It’s been well over a year since we’ve had a sales promotion like this. We intend it to enable new customers to join the countless professionals all over the world who enjoy the same high-quality plug-ins for their work. Pro Tools 10 users will even get free upgrades to our forthcoming AAX Native plug-ins, so there has never been a better time to buy!”

The Sonnox Spring Sale ends March 31st 2012. For more information please visit: www.sonnox.com

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KOREA, FEBRUARY 28, 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, recently equipped Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation (MBC), a leading Korean public broadcaster, with 30 DIONIC® HC batteries. more

Christie brings three zones of innovation to Digital Signage Expo in Las Vegas, March 6 – 9, that illustrate the company’s comprehensive, award-winning digital signage solutions to help engage customers, increase advertising and promotional sales, and deliver corporate brand messages. As a world-leading display technology provider with more than 80 years of experience, Christie designs, builds, deploys and provides technical support and ongoing remote management of the widest range of high-resolution, highly interactive digital signage for designers, architects, builders and brand managers.
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On Display at DSE, Christie Booth #1051
The Christie booth at DSE includes Christie MicroTiles with The BuzzWall™ concept of Arsenal Media, a leading content marketing agency specializing in the digital out-of-home industry; a two-panel Quick Serve Restaurant digital menu board; and customer videos highlighting Christie’s accomplishments as the single-source provider of customers’ digital signage networks.
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Zone 1 – The BuzzWall
Christie teams up with Arsenal Media to showcase The BuzzWall in action. Composed of 24 MicroTiles and three content zones, it is a version of the Apex Award and Content Award-nominated BuzzWall installed in the lobby of the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood. The interactive display helps Sun Life Financial, as a show sponsor, maintain brand integrity and create impact in a meaningful, cost-effective way.
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“The BuzzWall allows people to ‘play’ with the interactive tiles and manipulate the content being shown. It allows display venues to easily change the branding of their content to fit with audience needs while staying within budget,” noted Sean James, vice president, Managed Services for Christie.
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Zone 2 – Digital Menu Boards
Christie and partner Allure Global Solutions, an enterprise software development company, showcase an example of the latest dining experience in the digital age, a Quick Serve Restaurant menu. Two flat panel monitors demonstrate how menus can be visually engaging and easily adjusted with unlimited content – while helping proprietors stay within budget.
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Zone 3 – Christie Monitoring and Managed Services for Digital Networks
Booth visitors will learn more about how Christie designs, builds, deploys and supports digital networks through managed services and a state-of-the-art Network Operations Center (NOC), a 24/7/365 facility where experienced technicians monitor customers’ digital investments – managing more 50,000 devices in over 1800 locations across North America. As a single source solutions provider, Christie can be the cost-conscious provider of digital networks by working with customers every step of their digital signage rollout.
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Multimedia presentations at the booth will demonstrate how Rave Cinemas, Fresh, and Sun Life Financial have invested in Christie’s solutions to create dynamic digital signage to promote their brands.
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“Video Wall Technologies: Understanding the Choices”
For show attendees who want to learn more about video wall technologies, Christie’s U.S. Director of Sales for MicroTiles, Mitch Rosenberg, will take part in a panel discussion “Understanding the Choices,” which will provide insights into different video wall technologies and what makes them tick, on March 7 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Refer to registration details at http://www.digitalsignageexpo.net/seminars.
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Christie with Rave Cinemas
Christie will join Rave Cinemas at the last stop of the DSE Digital Signage Guided Installation Tour, Tuesday March 6, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Rave Cinema 18 at Town Square. Rave Cinemas is dedicated to enriching the movie-going experience for audiences across the United States
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Christie Products Around the DSE Show Floor
Christie products can also be found at partner booths throughout DSE, including Almo Professional A/V, Booth #631, with a uniquely shaped configuration of 14 Christie MicroTiles, with content driven by Christie’s recently launched Christie JumpStart. JumpStart is a straightforward and robust content management solution that works with digital displays requiring up to four video inputs like MicroTiles, Christie FHD551-X flat panels or other large-format digital displays. Arrow Electronics, Booth #645, will showcase a 6 wide by 2 high Christie MicroTiles table array and Scala, Booth #601 will display an irregular 35-tile video wall using Christie MicroTiles.
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Finalists in DSE Apex Awards on March 7
In collaboration with its partners, Christie products and installations dominate the DSE Apex Awards with nominations in four categories. The annual awards honor innovation in the development and deployment of technology in the global digital out-of-home industry, and this year these include, for Retail, Fresh® (a Louis Vuitton Company), with integration partner Materials & Methods, for Event Venues, Sun Life Financial BuzzWall at Kodak Theatre, with content partner Arsenal Media, and for Business, Industry & Government, the Christie Network Operations Center (NOC), again with Arsenal Media. Both Fresh and the Sun Life Financial interactive BuzzWall installations feature the renowned Christie MicroTiles ?winner of 18 industry awards worldwide. To create captivating visual displays, two additional Apex Award finalist projects used Christie MicroTiles: Christie partner, Westbury National Show Systems, for Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics, in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada, and Christie partner Zebradog, for the Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery, both in the Education and Healthcare category.

2012 sees German smoke machine manufacturers, Look Solutions, celebrating their fifteenth anniversary, proudly selling their fog and haze generators – “Made in Germany” – to professionals worldwide.

Established by Kirsten Eicher and operating from an office and small workshop storing and dispatching a small product range, Look Solutions soon found it necessary to move in into its own large premises in Ronnenberg/Hannover. Now, with distributors in more than 31 countries all over the world and a subsidiary in the US, Look Solutions is a truly global company.

Part of its success is derived from the close working relationship between the Production, Consultation & Sales and Service departments which all share the same premises. This enables fast and constant communication creating the ideal conditions for the development of innovative products, allowing the designers to respond quickly to customers’ requirements and create products to fit an ever-changing market.

“Our product range is very different from the small beginnings of fifteen years ago,” explains Eicher. “We now produce machines which will cover all aspects of the market from the Viper range of fog generators to the Unique 2.1 hazer with its quick warm up time, the adjustable output and the very low fluid consumption. We have machines for specialised uses like the massive 9kW-generator Orka for a high quantity fog output or, at the other end of the scale, the unique Tiny-range of battery operated fog generators, which can be built into costumes and props for the theatre market. In 2007, the Tiny-Fogger was honoured with a Technical Achievement Award from the The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Most recently, with the launch of the new Cryo-Fog, we have a presence in the low-fog market.”

Originally concentrating on the theatre market, Look Solutions products are now sought after by fire brigades, air flow testing companies and amusement and theme parks as well as being employed on film sets and spectaculars such as the opening ceremony of the Asian Games in Doha.

“After 15 years in the business we are very excited and optimistic about the future,” says Eicher. “We are still as enthusiastic about our market as we were fifteen years ago and are already planning more products to bring to the market. As a first step to cope with the growing business we will move in into an even larger hall at the end of the year.”

Look Solutions also offers a range of accessories, flightcases and haze- and fog fluids.

More information can be found on the website www.looksolutions.com or www.looksolutionsusa.com.

Albuquerque, NM – March 2012… Unwasted Weekend, a recent program developed by Above The Influence, is a teen-focused anti-drug campaign created by the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP). The effort, supported by MTV through a series of style vignettes, included a shoot that recently took place in New Mexico. As with any location sound project, there is precious little time for re-takes, so ‘getting it right the first time’ is a crucial component of working in this business. That’s precisely why Matthew Israel, the location sound mixer on the project, uses wireless microphone technology from Rio Rancho, NM-based Lectrosonics. more