Archive for June 5th, 2012

SEATAC, WA — Professional video and audio systems integration firm Advanced Broadcast Solutions (ABS) today announced it recently completed a master control upgrade for Pierce County TV (PCTV), which operates two government channels and one educational channel from its facilities at Clover Park Technical College in Lakewood, Wash.

Overseen by the Rainier Communications Commission (RCC), a cooperative of Pierce County and cities and towns within the county, PCTV creates and manages government access programming for the area. It maintains a busy production schedule, including Pierce County News, a weekly news program produced in its studio, andRainier Country, an Emmy-nominated newsmagazine. PCTV also provides coverage of government meetings for Pierce County and six local cities. Programming is available via cable television and at www.piercecountytv.org.

The previous master control supported two-channel SD composite video output for PCTV and University Place TV (UPTV), a channel dedicated to the city of University Place. However, the new master control also needed to support Clover Park Technical College Television (CPTC Television), an educational channel with its playback equipment located in a separate room in the same building.

Another important requirement of the new master control was that it could eventually transition to full HD-SDI. “We saw on the horizon the opportunity to move to HD,” noted Ben Ramsey, PCTV cable operations specialist. Currently, studio and field footage is shot in 1080i using Panasonic AG-HPX300 P2 HD cameras, then downconverted for cablecast. However, PCTV recently received confirmation from Comcast that PCTV will be distributed in HD starting next year.

ABS arranged for meetings with equipment manufacturers at the 2011 NAB Show last spring so PCTV personnel could research their options. PCTV then designed the system and put it out to open bid. After winning the bid, ABS worked with PCTV to refine the system and made suggestions for improved operation. Installation of the new master control began in October 2011. After several weeks of testing, the three stations were switched to the new system in February 2012.

Based around PlayBox Technology automation, the new master control includes three AirBox playout servers and Capture Box capturing . Other new equipment includes Tektronix test and measurement tools, a Blackmagic Design router to handle the new SDI signals, and Blackmagic OpenGear A/D and D/A converters. “We still have a lot of legacy equipment,” Ramsey noted.

The upgraded space is “a lot more productive,” according to Ramsey. It includes a separate control station; previously, all work was performed at the equipment racks. A Harris Predator multi-display controller feeds two 42-inch Panasonic LCDs at the control station. PCTV also plans to install walls around the new equipment racks to reduce fan noise.

PCTV has maintained a long relationship with ABS, and Ramsey said the entire upgrade process went very well. “As a government entity, all equipment projects go out on open bid, but ABS is very helpful when we’re looking for new equipment, whether they win the bid or not,” he said. “They are experts in this field and we enjoy working with them.”

About ABS:

Based in SeaTac, WA, ABS (Advanced Broadcast Solutions) delivers customized, technologically superior solutions for broadcast, corporate, house of worship, entertainment, government, and educational facilities – from design and integration to installation and support services. Since 1982, its experienced technical staff has installed more than 700 systems for clients including Fisher Communications, Cowles California Media, Real Networks, Cisco Systems, and Microsoft Studios. For more information, call 206-870-0244 or visit www.advancedbroadcastsolutions.com.

Grass Valley, CA — AJA Video Systems announced support for Thunderbolt on Windows with select products in its line of professional video I/O solutions. Today Intel is demonstrating the first Windows PCs with Thunderbolt ports to deliver ultra-fast bi-directional 10Gbs performance to video professionals.

The speed of Thunderbolt-enabled data transfer offers myriad advantages for video workflows. “The popularity of Thunderbolt is apparent in the rapid rate of adoption of our Io XT video I/O device with dual-Thunderbolt ports,” said Nick Rashby, president, AJA Video Systems. “The increased speed provided to external devices by Thunderbolt has really given our Mac customers great flexibility and we’re looking forward to providing the same level of support to our Windows customers as well.”

“Thunderbolt delivers unparalleled performance, flexibility and simplicity to personal computing.” said Jason Ziller, Intel’s director of Thunderbolt Marketing, “Products like the Io XT from AJA Video Systems help highlight what Thunderbolt makes possible.”

About AJA Video Systems, Inc.
Since 1993, AJA Video has been a leading manufacturer of high-quality and cost-effective digital video interface, conversion 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.

Thunderbolt and the Thunderbolt logo are trademarks of Intel Corporation in the US and other countries

Burbank, CA… For those with a career interest in the creative arts, lynda.com (www.lynda.com) is a terrific online destination. The site is an education / training resource where one can learn and develop skills in a variety of disciplines, including photography, audio, video, web services, and more. Featuring broadcast quality production, the instructional videos themselves serve as motivation to learn about how they were created. Musicians and others interested in audio production will likely find producer/engineer and author Bobby Owsinski’s courses particularly compelling.

With sixteen books that are considered staples in recording, music, and music business programs at colleges around the world, Owsinski is best known for authoring “The Mixing Engineer’s Handbook,” “Music 3.0: A Survival guide For Making Music In the Internet Age,” and the upcoming Ken Scott Memoir “Abbey Road To Ziggy Stardust.” His production skills are highly respected and he most recently finished producing the latest album for LA-based rockers SNEW. With credits like these, it comes as no surprise that Owsinski relies on the industry’s best production tools—including microphones from Mojave Audio and sibling company Royer Labs. more

Philip Loeb has joined forces with Keith Reynaud and Gloria Pitagorsky to create Heard City, a boutique audio post-production company servicing the advertising, motion picture and television industries. The citizens of Heard City include an all-star lineup of mixers and sound designers in Cory Melious, Jodi Levine, Evan Mangiamele and Brian Scibinico.

Heard City is a beautiful new 7,000-square-foot, Wayne Turett designed space in New York’s Flatiron District. Brooklyn-based design firm Brook Landscaping was commissioned to decorate the loft, using unconventional wall surfaces, bespoke furniture pieces and even incorporating reclaimed materials to give Heard City it’s distinctive and comfortable vibe. The space consists of five mix rooms, including a Dolby-certified 7.1 cinema room and four 5.1 surround-sound studios. Complete system and room parity, along with the most current Pro Tools platform available, allows projects to seamlessly flow from one studio to another. Heard City is one of the only audio post-production studios in the country with these capabilities.

“Collaboration with our clients is key,” stated Pitagorsky. “It begins with the critical ear we offer in pre-production and ends with the seamless delivery of the final product.”

Even as their new space was under construction, Heard City was busy collaborating with clients such as Budweiser, IBM, Puma, NFL, Google, ESPN, AT&T, Time Warner Cable, Microsoft, American Express, Dish Network, and Target to name a few.

Visit Heard City

Cory Melious
Cory Melious splits his time between documentaries, feature films, TV series and commercials. His most recent work was the Tribeca Film Festival award-winner Asad. His reel includes spots for UPS, AT&T, Chobani and American Express, as well as the film Blue Valentine, Kanye West’s Runaway music video, the Peabody Award-winning PBS show Art21: Art in the Twenty-First Century and several seasons of the critically acclaimed TV drama Damages.

Jodi Levine:

Jodi Levine is a rare talent gifted with a remarkably discerning ear and a sterling professional pedigree. Her reel boasts a slew of distinctive projects that have been featured at Sundance, Tribeca, Cannes and SXSW. That she has built such an impressive career in the male-dominated sound industry only serves to make her more of a standout.

Evan Mangiamele:

Evan Mangiamele, since moving to Heard City, has worked with Puma, eMusic, Microsoft and American Express. Not only was he the Pro Tools system design expert, but he likes chicken too.

Brian Scibinico:

Brian Scibinico has worked as a sound designer and mixer on an array of projects including commercials and video games such as Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. Other projects include award-winning TV miniseries, documentaries and independent feature films, such as the 2010 Sundance Film Festival Special Jury Prize Winner Gasland, Oscar-winning short The New Tenants and the Oscar-nominated, Emmy-winning documentary Which Way Home.

About Heard City:

Heard City is a boutique audio post-production company located in New York’s Flatiron district servicing the advertising, motion picture and television industries.

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

NYC-based sonic collective Butter snagged a well-earned prize from this year’s CLIO Awards with their work on Unclutter, a :60 spot from Merkley + Partners for Smartcar.

The humorous spot finds a young man under attack in his suburban home, hounded and harried by the suddenly animate household objects flitting about his living room and kitchen. To soundtrack this flying army of stuff, Butter composer Judson Crane created a frenetic original score packed with darting woodwinds and bounding string arrangements. Crane’s bustling composition grows faster and more complex as the clutter attack becomes more intense, then dissolves into a tranquil cello phrase as he escapes into the temporary sanctuary of the outdoors, and on and on–adapting nimbly to the spot’s high-energy narrative. The composition received the CLIO Award’s Bronze prize in the “Music-Original” category.

Visit Butter

Credits
Client: Smartcar
Spot Title: Unclutter
Air Date: November 2011

Agency: Merkley + Partners
ECD: Andy Hirsch
CD(s): Sakib Afridi, Eddie Van Bloem
Producer: Alex Kobak

Production Co: Smuggler
Director: Guy Shelmerdine

Editorial Co: Stitch

VFX Co: MPC

Music: Butter
Composer: Judson Crane
EP: Ian Jeffreys
About Butter
Butter is a creative sonic collective committed to maximizing the impact and effectiveness of music and sound design for moving pictures and environments. Working within a collaborative environment featuring four in-house composers, access to myriad others throughout the sound world, and a core creative team, the studio emphasizes a friendly, inviting atmosphere.

Clients include Smart Car, Kayak, Keystone beer, Clinique and Lysol, via high-profile agencies, including Merkley + Partners, Saatchi & Saatchi and Euro RSCG. Butter also scored a stirring film portraying the construction of the new buildings at the World Trade Center site in New York. The studio has had work shortlisted at Cannes.

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

TORRANCE, Calif., June 4, 2012 — Acura has launched a comprehensive marketing campaign to debut the ILX, an all-new compact luxury sedan positioned as the gateway to the Acura brand. The Gen Y-focused campaign developed with rp&, Acura’s agency of record, is designed to help usher energetic, young consumers into the luxury market with TV, digital and print advertising.

“A rich array of standard Acura features, at a starting price of $25,900, makes the ILX the ideal gateway to the luxury market and the Acura brand for a new generation of young buyers,” said Mike Accavitti, Vice President of National Marketing Operations. “This campaign will serve to engage potential customers looking to complement their active lifestyles.”

Featuring notable tunes from The Ting Tings and Nick Waterhouse, the two TV and in-theater ads utilize a split screen portraying synchronized Gen Yers simultaneously building their careers and social lives, winding through airports and corporate offices on one side and navigating upscale resorts and nightclubs on the other. In each ad, the character ends the journey in the driver’s seat of an ILX. “Life should be equal parts responsibility and fun,” says the voice-over. “Introducing the new Acura ILX. Move up. Without settling down.”

“These ads capture the duality of a typical Gen Y lifestyle—working their first job and trying to make an impression while also making time to have fun and live it up,” said Susie Rossick, Manager of Acura Advertising. “The Acura ILX is the kind of vehicle that can impress in any setting, and we wanted to convey that with these spots.”

Both TV spots are now live on Acura’s YouTube channel (“Airport“, “Office“) prior to their on air debut which begins June 4 with a national presence during the NBA conference finals on ESPN June 5, as well as the NBA finals on ABC on June 15 and 17. Cable TV includes networks such as G4, Spike TV, AMC and the E! channel.

Because of Gen Y’s inherent interest in digital media, Acura plans to support the ILX launch with its largest-ever budget allocation to interactive media. Placements are scheduled on sites such as Xbox LIVE, Pandora and GOOD.

Consumers can also interact with the all-new ILX at Autoweek ride-and-drive weekend events this summer in Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Philadelphia and Chicago. Approximately 200 attendees are expected to participate each day.

Visit RPA
View Media

Credits
Titles: “Airport” & “Office”
Client: Acura
First Air: June 4, 2012

Agency: rp&
Exec VP, Executive Creative Director: John Hage
VP, Head of Art: Phillip Squier
Associate Creative Director/Copywriter: Jon King
Art Director: Brian Hall
VP, Executive Producer: Jack Epsteen

Production Company: MJZ
Director: Joaquin Baca-Asay
Director of Photography:Joaquin Baca-Asay

Visual Effects: A52

Editorial: Arcade
Editor: Stewart Reeves

Music Supervisor: Chris Douridas
“Airport” Track: Nick Waterhouse, “Say You Wanna Know”
“Office” Track: The Ting Tings, “Hit Me Down Sonny”
About RPA
RPA, headquartered in Santa Monica, Calif., is a leading independent advertising agency. RPA builds momentum for brands by offering its clients truly integrated campaigns that resonate throughout its disciplines, which include traditional advertising, interactive, and direct and event marketing. RPA’s client list includes American Honda, both the Honda and Acura brands, ampm, ARCO, Castrol, California Department of Public Health, Intuit Small Business, La-Z-Boy, Farmers Insurance Group and Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. For more information, visit http://www.rpa.com.

About rp&

rp& is a full-service marketing communications division of RPA, headquartered in Santa Monica, Calif. Established in 2008, rp& has been responsible for the development of all Acura National, Regional, Online, Direct Mail and Event Marketing communications. For more information, visit http://rp-and.com/.

Additional ways to connect with Acura:

Media Information: www.acuranews.com
Consumer Information: www.acura.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Acura
Twitter: www.twitter.com/Acura_Insider
YouTube: www.youtube.com/acura

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

After collaborating on a mammoth Gillette campaign starring an enormous roster of global Olympic athletes, Decon and three-time Cannes Gold award-winning director Christian Lyngbye have decided not to let a good thing fade – the shop is adding him to their permanent roster.

The signing follows the 360-degree campaign that included film (shot by Lyngbye), print and digital (handled by Decon) elements. “Christian was so excited about joining our company that we finalized negotiations as soon as I signed with Decon,” noted Decon EP Misha Louy. “He quickly built rapport with everyone on our team.”

At Decon, Lyngbye will explore his passions – an enthusiasm that shines clearly in the Gillette Olympic spots. Cap, starring US swimmer Ryan Lochte, is a meditative journey that switches between scenes of the athlete shaving and preparing to dive into competition, all while solemnly contemplating the meaning of putting on his US skullcap. Tyson Gay, by contrast, launches forward in the high-energy Mind Game, which features a blend of intense racing, focused shaving, and graphics showing how Gillette delivers a smooth shave.

After working in Europe for the past several years, Lyngbye is looking forward to re-entering the US market, especially with the force of Decon’s hybrid model and digital capabilities behind him. “My father ran a record label, so I was immediately drawn to Decon’s unique setup,” noted Lyngbye. “I’ve been looking to modernize my work and cross over into the digital realm, and Decon has the expertise to guide me there. I really believe in this studio and am unspeakably excited to join their crew.”

“Christian has a rare combination of experience and enthusiasm,” noted Decon Co-Founder Peter Bittenbender. “We basically had a hands on interview period with him, where we could see how he worked and how much he invested in each project. He’s very passionate about his work, and it shows in every single thing that he does.”

Visit Decon
View Media

Credits
Client: Gillette/P&G
Spot Title(s): Cap, Mind Game
Air Date: April 30, 2012 (Mind Game – broadcast), May 30, 2012 (Cap – digital)

Agency: BBDO
CD(s): Toygar Bazarkaya, Jon Krevolin
AD: Allison Baker
Copy: Evan Freitas
EP: Misha Louy
Producer: Bobby Jaques

Prod Co (1): CastaDiva Productions
Director: Christian Lyngbye
DP: Nigel Bluck
EP: Luca Oddo
Producer: Fabio Nesi

Prod Co (2): Decon
Director: Christian Lyngbye
DP: Nigel Bluck
EP(s): Peter Bittenbender, Misha Louy
Producer: JD Davidson

Editorial Co: Cut and Run
Editor: Jay Nelson
EP: Rana Martin

Post/Effects Co: Framestore
EP: James Razzal

Telecine Co: Nice Shoes
Colorist(s): Chris Ryan

Shoot Location: London, Barcelona, Montreal
About Decon
Idea shop, production company, and record label; we are a new creative force generating culturally relevant solutions in content, music and experience.

Formed out of necessity and fueled by passion, we have developed an ethos that ensures all work is aesthetically and intellectually progressive. We have grown three distinct businesses under one brand, which operate autonomously, but when combined, create unparalleled brand solutions for our clients and partners. Our work not only starts chatter, it brings about change. We are a group of creatives from all walks of life; ideas and their execution are our medium.

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

Huntsville, Alabama – PESA, a leading U.S.-based custom design and build manufacturing company for professional audio and video signal distribution, will showcase its new easyPORT series of “throw down” multi-format converter boxes at InfoComm 2012 (Booth N1327), which runs June 13-15 in Las Vegas, Nev.

At the heart of the easyPORT concept is PESA’s compact four-port utility switch, which incorporates standard SFP-type pluggable module card cages. The easyPORT card cages can be populated to fit practically any combination of input and output signals, including HDMI/DVI, 3G-SDI, ASI, NTSC/PAL, and IP-to-ASI conversion. An internal switch fabric allow users to select which input goes to which output. The module can also be set as a distribution module, allowing any single input to be transmitted to up to four outputs.

All video formats are transcoded or converted internally, and signals can be distributed over several possible transmission paths, including coax, fiber, and CATx for IP. easyPORT is currently available in 22 different configurations to handle a wide range of video conversion and distribution needs, but “blank” boxes can be customized for specific I/O applications. For example, HDMI can be converted to 3G-SDI, NTSC/PAL can be encoded to SDI, ASI can be converted to an IP transport stream, and coaxial cable runs can be converted to fiber optic transports. With a 3G-SDI backbone, signal quality up to 1080p60 can be supported.

With built-in Ethernet and USB connectivity, easyPORT modules can be controlled over a network or locally. Each module includes PESA’s user-friendly CATTRAX software, which provides a simple interface for diagnostics, setup, and switching. Both USB and network connections can be displayed simultaneously, and multiple easyPORTs on the same network can be controlled and managed from a single software session. Changes for networked modules can be done anywhere on the network, but if a local check is required, the module can be simultaneously connected to a PC via USB.

The compact easyPORT can be mounted under a table, on the wall, or in an optional 1 RU power distribution frame. Up to four modules can be installed in a frame for shared power, reducing the need for multiple AC power plugs.

About PESA

As a leading provider of audio/video connectivity, PESA offers a wide selection of routing switchers, matrix switchers, extenders, converters, media extenders, and signal processing gear to support government, military, industrial, commercial, broadcast and mobile truck applications. PESA offers one of the widest ranges of AV products – from large scale fiber optic routing to single-point CAT-5 DVI extenders – each with the integrity and innovative high performance technology expected from PESA. Our products are available around the world from a leading team of channel partners offering local support and installation; and all of our products are supported by 24/7 technical support. To learn more about our technologies and services visit www.pesa.com. PESA is located in Huntsville, Alabama with regional offices throughout the United States.

All products mentioned herein are trademarked property of their respective owners.

LAS VEGAS, Nevada – The speaker lineup for the 2012 AVB Networking Conference was announced today. It will include technology leaders from a host of disciplines and applications including Bill Murphy, Director of Solutions Marketing, Extreme Networks who will discuss the core AVB technology; Jim Risgin, Vice President Engineering, On Stage Audio, who will present on his pioneering work with AVB in real-world applications; Vikram Kirby, Director of Technical Design, Thinkwell, who will speak from his experience deploying AVB in the field; Sam Berkow, Principal Consultant and Founding Partner, SIA Acoustics, who will be discussing AVB in large performance venue design; Michael Cusick, President, Specialized Audio Video Inc., who will address AVB in hospitality system design and Casey Sherred, Consultant, Acoustic Dimensions, who will be discussing AVB in house of worship design.

The AVB Networking Conference 2012, which will be held coincident with InfoComm 2012 on June 12 at 11:00AM to 4:30PM, is co-sponsored by Avid, Biamp, Extreme Networks, HARMAN, Lab X Technologies, Meyer Sound and Riedel Communications – all of whom have AVB-capable devices on the market today. The applications-based event will provide consultants, integrators and system designers with comprehensive details on how AVB technology can simplify system design and maintenance.

The AVB Networking Conference sold out very fast but complete video of the conference presentations will be uploaded to www.AVBNetworkingConference.com immediately after InfoComm.

Commenting on the speaker line-up, Adam Holladay market manager, HARMAN System Development and Integration Group (SDIG) noted, “That the AVB Networking Conference has completely booked out from the outset is a testament to the quality of the speakers also the market significance of AVB to the future of systems integration.”

HARMAN (www.harman.com) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets – supported by 15 leading brands, including AKG(r), Harman Kardon(r), Infinity(r), JBL(r), Lexicon(r) and Mark Levinson(r). The Company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 25 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 13,000 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported net sales of $4.3 billion for the twelve months ended March 31, 2012.

Electrosonic Founder Director Robert Simpson will host a session at InfoComm 2012 designed to end confusion about today’s high resolution display options. “Technology Trends in High Resolution Displays” will be held June 14 in the Las Vegas Convention Center.

The 90-minute course will identify what level of resolution is required for various situations, explain the differing needs of users of high resolution displays, update participants on the current status of the main display technologies and help them understand the scope for further developments. The session will also include news of the latest display developments from the SID symposium in Boston that will have taken place just before InfoComm.

Simpson will also discuss NHK’s 33 million pixel 85-inch LCD, “electronic paper,” current OLED status, the differences between LCD, LCOS and DLP as the basis of projection, and why the presentation of 3D images without glasses is so difficult.

A frequent lecturer on audio-visual and lighting control topics, Simpson opened the 2012 InfoComm Future Trends Summit at the Integrated Systems Europe Exhibition (ISE) in Amsterdam with this presentation. Simpson was the recipient of the InfoComm Distinguished Achievement Award in 2009.

“Training and education are very important components of the continuing development of our trade. It’s a pleasure to participate in this session and contribute to InfoComm’s ongoing activities,” says Simpson.

Electrosonic’s InfoComm exhibit will be situated at booth N1133 in the North Hall. Simpson will be available for further discussion at the booth following the education session.

InfoComm 2012, which runs from June 9-15, will feature more than 925 exhibitors and 300 educational sessions. It is expected that 34,000 AV professionals will attend the most comprehensive AV trade show in the world.

About Electrosonic
Electrosonic is an international audio-visual company that creates tailored, state-of-the-art solutions for a wide range of markets including theme parks, museums, video conferencing and control rooms. Since its founding in 1964, Electrosonic has built a strong reputation for working on complex projects, both large and small, and has developed lasting partnerships with customers and suppliers. Beyond complete integrated systems, Electrosonic provides a comprehensive scope of services including technical design, projector lamp sales, maintenance and operational support.

Learn more about Electrosonic. Visit http://www.electrosonic.com