Archive of the Camera Accessories Category

SHELTON, CT, MARCH 8, 2012—For more than 20 years, 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, has crisscrossed the globe with Buck McNeely, host and producer of the outdoor adventure television series The Outdoorsman with Buck McNeely. From the frozen wilderness of Siberian Russia to the steamy jungles of Africa and many points in between, Anton/Bauer designs its products to deliver consistently reliable performance even in the most challenging shooting environments. Perfect for McNeely and his crew, Anton/Bauer batteries power the thrilling video that has propelled the exciting series to become the largest syndicated outdoor adventure program in the world. The crew’s recent two-week, on-location filming of an African safari is the latest example of Anton/Bauer batteries’ ability to ensure the show goes on, even in the most extreme environments.

McNeely and his crew traveled to Africa to film a safari storyline about a father and son documenting African wild life. The crew filmed stock footage of a virtual menagerie of animals in their natural habitats, including elephants, rhinoceros, baboons and Cape buffalo.

“In extreme climatic conditions, from deserts to the frozen wastes of the Arctic, and mountains to swamplands, we’ve found that Anton/Bauer products hold up,” says McNeely, founder, Outdoorsman International and producer of The Outdoorsman with Buck McNeely. “They perform very well, even in the chaotic filming environment of chasing wild animals as they leap and bound across the African plains. We also like the longevity of the Anton/Bauer batteries, because when we’re shooting, it’s usually from dawn to dusk. Additionally, the batteries are very portable, which enhances our ability to get into remote locations and shoot great footage.”

Currently, The Outdoorsman crew is relying heavily on DIONIC® 90 and DIONIC HCX batteries. Also in the crew’s arsenal are two CINE VCLX batteries, which are used during production with monitors, lights and wireless receivers. McNeely was drawn to Anton/Bauer almost two decades ago, when he found himself in the snow of the Rocky Mountains with a dying battery right before a crucial shot. At that moment, McNeely knew he needed a more reliable and durable power source. Today, he carries six to eight Anton/Bauer batteries when his crew goes on location and uses four batteries on average per day.

The DIONIC 90 was designed by Anton/Bauer to deliver consistently reliable performance even in the most challenging shooting environments on Earth. It offers a RealTime® display that continually updates the operator on how much run time remains and on the state of the current charge. Weighing only 1.7 pounds, the DIONIC 90 can be transported without restriction under the IATA and DOT safety regulations (http://www.antonbauer.com/Support/TransportationInformation). The 95 Wh battery can handle a maximum load of six amps, and offers run times ranging from six hours at 15 watts to 1.75 hours at 50 watts.

The DIONIC HCX offers 124 Wh battery capacity and a unique motion detection sensor, which puts the battery to “sleep” after a two-day period without a power draw. This feature significantly reduces self-discharge and provides extended storage and battery life with nearly zero capacity loss. To “awaken” the battery, customers need only move or attach it to a device. When airplane travel is required, DIONIC HCX users can carry on up to two batteries per person per flight.*

While in Africa, a region where unusually high power surges are typical, The Outdoorsman with Buck McNeely crew experienced severe issues with power spikes. In one incident, an extremely high power surge caused a spike to break through a surge protector and incapacitated a charger. McNeely located the nearest Anton/Bauer dealer, who immediately provided a contact for assistance. After having the charger fixed, another power spike completely incapacitated the charger, necessitating the need for a replacement charger. The Anton/Bauer dealer came through again, providing a loaner to ensure that production would not be halted in any way.

“Anton/Bauer means reliability. From its dealers to customer service to the folks at the corporate office, Anton/Bauer comes through every time,” says McNeely. “The Anton/Bauer team helped us to overcome our challenges and put on a great production…in fact, we may even have enough footage for half a dozen new episodes based on the content we shot in Africa. If not for Anton/Bauer, this excursion would not have been nearly as successful.”

*All carry-on / checked baggage passenger rules should be verified with your specific carrier prior to travel. For more information on Li-Ion travel, refer to www.antonbauer.com.

About Buck McNeely-Outdoorsman International
Buck has been producing THE OUTDOORSMAN TV series for 27 years. It is the largest syndicated adventure series in the world. It airs on over 500 TV stations in the USA and is in International distribution also. Visit www.outdoorsmanint.com for more info.

About Anton/Bauer
Anton/Bauer is recognized as the world’s innovator and a premier provider of batteries, chargers, lighting and other key mobile power systems for the professional broadcast, video and film industries. Based in the United States in Shelton, CT with offices in Europe and Asia, Anton/Bauer was established in 1970 and has expanded its product offerings to include many signature lines such as its leading Gold Mount® system, InterActive® chargers and Logic Series® batteries such as the HyTRON® 50, 100 and 140, and DIONIC® 90, 160, HC and HCX. Their products are compatible with every camera brand on the market today. Other Anton/Bauer high performance products include the Ultralight® 2, ElipZ®, CINE VCLX and the Tandem 150 Modular Charging System. Their superior-quality products have become an industry standard. For more information on Anton/Bauer, visit www.antonbauer.com.

About Vitec Videocom
Vitec Videocom brings together some of the most respected, most innovative and most sought-after brands in the industry: Anton/Bauer, Autoscript, Litepanels, OConnor, Petrol, Sachtler, Vinten and Vinten Radamec. It acts as an endorsing brand for these market-leading broadcast, film and pro video products, encouraging multi-brand system sales and simplifying the way that customers worldwide do business.

Vitec Videocom is an operating division within the Vitec Group, an international business serving customers in the broadcast, photographic and military aerospace and government markets. Vitec is based on strong, well known, premium brands on which its customers rely on worldwide.

Vitec Videocom – innovative products around the camera.

Programmable two-way audio device offers simple push-to-talk solution for camera opeartors, other personnel in video production environments

ZURICH, SWITZERLAND, March 6, 2012 — Barix is coming to the 2012 NAB Show (April 16-19, Las Vegas Convention Center, Booth C1139) with new Audio over IP broadcast solutions — including its first two-way audio application for the TV and video production space.

Barix is well-known in radio broadcast, with reputable IP audio solutions for studio-to-transmitter links, remote broadcast and syndicated program distribution. The company offers two-way IP audio devices for intercom, audio surveillance, confidence monitoring and more in a variety of markets.

At NAB, Barix will introduce its new Annuncicom PS1 Paging Station to North American audiences. The Annuncicom PS1 doubles as an IP paging and intercom device, with a simple and compact design ideal for use in fast-paced video production environments. A push-to-talk button allows technical directors to facilitate camera movements and communicate with production personnel while remaining mobile. Camera operators can mount a simple belt clip to the back of the device for on-cable attachments.

Power over Ethernet (PoE) capability allows studio and production personnel to move around the studio with freedom, using a single-wire, high-bandwidth IP connection.

“Camera operators are basically ‘tied’ to their cameras, so the idea of a plug-and-play IP intercom solution that begins operating upon connection can open up many new freedoms for production personnel,” said Johannes G. Rietschel, CEO and founder of Barix AG. “Production studios — television, radio or otherwise — can use existing IP infrastructure for intercom audio instead of RF technologies that can cause interference. This also replaces the need for bulky legacy solutions that require special cables and cannot re-use existing signal paths. The ‘partyline’ approach also means that everyone involved in the shoot has the same priority to talk on the same channel, further simplifying communications.”

The Annuncicom PS1 design features well-illuminated, highly responsive front panel buttons for easy push-to-talk functionality. It is operable with one hand, and the familiar surface means personnel can use it without looking at the device. A built-in speaker, headphone jack and volume control brings everything into a single compact package. With wall-mount and desktop mounting options, the built-in features also make the PS1 suitable as a facility-wide paging device and door intercom solution.

The PS1 is also useful as a confidence monitoring tool, especially in radio broadcast applications. The PS1 supports MP3 and AACplus audio decoding, allowing users to toggle through audio channels to confirm audio presence and quality in live broadcast environments.

Barix will also introduce the Exstreamer 105, its latest-generation IP audio decoding device for radio broadcast environments. The Exstreamer 105 retains all the high-quality features of its predecessor, the Exstreamer 100, while adding a MicroSD slot to the front panel for a sleeker design and enhanced content protection. This is particularly useful in broadcast operations where the device is streaming content direct-to-air, including small studios, unmanned operations and in-store networks.

About Barix AG (www.barix.com)
Barix AG, headquartered in Zurich Switzerland, specializes in research and development of state of the art IP based communication and control technology. Barix products are stand-alone and able to remotely connect worldwide over standard networks / Internet offering new and improved solutions to the professional audio distribution, communication and automation industry. Barix products provide solutions in audio over IP (audio distribution and monitoring, communication, security) and automation (remote controlling, monitoring and maintenance).
# # #
Barix AG, Seefeldstrasse 303, 8008 Zurich, Switzerland
Phone: +41 43 43322 11, Fax: +41 44 2742849
Barix Technology Inc, St. Paul, MN – (866) 815-0866

http://www.barix.com

http://www.ip-audio.info

Key Third-Party Components Broaden Color Management Options for SCRATCH and SCRATCH Lab Artists

The ASSIMILATE Store, the unique on-line marketplace to discover, trial, and purchase SCRATCH Lab, as well as third-party software and selected hardware accessories, continues to build its creative arsenal for DITs and post-production artists with the addition of two LightSpace color management tools from Light Illusion. LightSpace CMS provides fully-integrated, facility-wide color management for on-set, post-production, and broadcast workflows, and gives SCRATCH and SCRATCH Lab artists the confidence that a matched look is present at every point in both production and post-production. Light Space CMS is available now at the ASSIMILATE Store, priced at $4,495 (USD). Also available now on The Store is its subset product, LightSpace CMS – Main Component Only, which is specific to LUT conversion and ripping, and priced at $825 (USD).

Take Control of Your Color with LightSpace CMS Tools
LightSpace CMS is capable of visualizing film images on digital displays, as well as accurately matching different displays, which allows operators, colorists, supervisors, DPs and directors to be confident that a matched final look is accurately portrayed across a wide range of target environments. Key features and options include the following.

LightSpace CMS

· Main Component (LUT building, conversion, adjustment, ripping, preview, and graphical 3D LUT display)

· LUT Burn-in

• Color Space Conversion

• Calibration Interface

• LUT Manipulation

• Display Profiling & Profile Management

• ASC CLD Tools

LightSpace CMS – Main Component Only is available separately for those who only require the following…
• LUT Building

• LUT Conversion

• LUT Adjustment

• Ripping LUTs

• LUT Preview

• Graphical 3D LUT Display

“More and more key third-party partners are joining the ASSIMILATE Store because it’s the ideal marketplace for the SCRATCH and SCRATCH Lab community to discover and buy the products they need to build their workflows” says Steve Bannerman, VP Marketing at ASSIMILATE. “We’re excited by the addition of Light Space CMS and the power, ease of use and quality that it brings to our artists. Color management is a crucial component of our artists’ workflows, and nobody brings a better reputation to the market than Light Illusion.”

SCRATCH Digital Workflow Tools
ASSIMILATE’s SCRATCH and SCRATCH Lab deliver the industry’s most comprehensive toolset for data-centric digital cinema and broadcast productions for 2D and 3D stereo projects at up to 5K resolution and beyond. New 6.1 versions of both software, running on Mac OS X and Windows 7, feature SDI output via AJA Kona 3G graphics cards, wicked-fast dailies rendering, improved metadata and timecode handling, and enhanced RED workflow support.

Price and Availability

Available immediately on the ASSIMILATE Store, LightSpace CMS from Light Illusion is priced at $4,495. Click her for more information: http://store.assimilateinc.com/products.php?product=LightSpace-CMS

LghtSpace CMS – Main Component only is priced at $825. Click here for more information: http://store.assimilateinc.com/products.php?product=LightSpace-CMS-%252d-Main-Component-Only

SCRATCH Lab is available on the ASSIMILATE Store, priced at $5990; for a trial version, see www.assimilateinc.com. For SCRATCH reseller and pricing information see www.assimilateinc.com.

ASSIMILATE is the premier provider of digital workflow and post-production tools, that have proven essential to the successful creation of thousands of studio and independent features, television shows, music videos and corporate video productions. The company’s SCRATCH products, running on Windows and Mac OSX, are the heartbeat of today’s most demanding digital post-production and dailies workflows for 2D and stereo 3D productions. They equip Directors, DPs and Artists with the state-of-the-art, intuitive, data-centric solutions they need to meet the continual challenges of increased creativity and productivity amid ever-shrinking budgets. ASSIMILATE’s SCRATCH data-centric DI system, is the most comprehensive, end-to-end cinema and broadcast imaging tool for playback, conform, editing, color grading, compositing and finishing of RED and other digital workflows. SCRATCH Lab delivers a comprehensive toolset for the review, versioning, color correction, conform and output of on-set or VFX dailies. ASSIMILATE a privately held company, with headquarters in Santa Clara, California, USA, offices in London, UK, Groningen, NL and Beijing City, CN and markets its products worldwide via a global reseller network. To learn more please visit www.assimilateinc.com

London, UK –Codex Digital, the leading developer of digital media recorders and media management systems for film and television production, today announces full support for the new ARRI Alexa Studio.

The combination of the Alexa Studio, with its 4:3 sensor and optical viewfinder, and the Codex Onboard Recorder, is already proving to be a popular choice for feature films. The combination is currently being used on films such as Skyfall (Roger Deakins, ASC, BSC) and The Lone Ranger (Bojan Bozelli, ASC).

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Angel Entertainment needed a durable, lightweight, highly mobile 3D system to document the Le Mans International Race – so they choose the 3D Film Factory’s new 3D Bullet Rig.

Sebring, Florida – For the first time in history, a 3D film crew will document first-hand the trials and tribulations of a GT2 racing team as they power thru the gruelling 24 hour Le Mans Race. To do so, German based Angel Entertainment needed a 3D system that was durable, lightweight, highly mobile and completely self-contained. After researching all the available systems they choose the new 3D Bullet Rig from the 3D Film Factory.

For this particular application, the crew decided on the Bullet Rig, the most versatile, mobile rig available today. It can be used in handheld mode (grips and shoulder pad included), or used with Steadicam, EasyRig, jib or just simple tripod filming. Priced at a fraction of other professional 3D rigs (under $6K), this affordable beam-splitter rig is the perfect solution for location, reality, or action 3D filmmaking. Its features actually surpass that of other more expensive rigs.

The Bullet rig utilizes solid rails (not rods) to provide total rigid support for loads up to 50 lbs. and more. The rig also features a sturdy carry handle that can be used to mount on-board 3D monitors, led light panels, and fits perfectly into the EasyRig adapter for all-day, mobile use.

“The 3D Bullet Rig is going to take 3D production to a whole new level. I love this rig. It’s incredibly light, rock steady not like the rod system rig. This rig shoot from your shoulder, or tripod. It’s a 3D filmmakers dream, very versatile“, said veteran stereographer Keith Driver. “Most 3D rigs are bulky, expensive and worst of all – tripod bound. They require a crew to operate. We’ve shot 3D projects in Africa, the Middle East, Hollywood soundstages, you name it we’ve done it in 3D. And we realized we needed a more mobile 3D rig. A 3D rig you could just pick up and shoot with.”

The 3D Bullet Rig makes handheld 3D filming effortless and smooth by transferring the weight to your waist and shoulder. Each Bullet rig includes a shoulder mount system which includes an adjustable shoulder pad and handle grips. The result is hours of mobile, handheld 3D filming capability. In addition, the rig features a standard tripod mounting plate (¼-20 and ?-16 holes).

Weighing approx. 15 lbs. (5.8 kgs.) the Bullet Rig accommodates the Red Epic, Canon DSLR 5D, 7D, XF105, XF305, XH-G1, Sony F3, EX3’s, HDCP1, X5U, Z1U, Panasonic AF100, HPX250 and many other professional HD cameras.

The rig also features custom camera mounts that easily lock and load cameras into place using a standard quick-release plate from Bogen/Manfrotto. The horizontal camera mount offers IO (inter-ocular) adjustability from 0” – 3.5” (0 – 89 mm) and simple convergence movement from 0°-3°. Both functions are easily controlled using smooth, accurate finger knobs, with calibration markings. The vertical camera mount adjusts for perfect stereoscopic picture alignment by elevating and performing full x-y-z rotation (yaw, roll, tilt).

The light-weight, mirror box housing is constructed using space-age plastic that’s durable, corrosion-free and substantially cooler than a metal matte box. This ensures your beam-splitter glass with its expensive coatings will stay cool on hot days. The rig itself is hand-milled employing a nearly indestructible aluminium alloy frame.

Perfect for traveling light, the entire 3D Bullet Rig is ingenuously designed to set-up and break down in a matter of minutes, packing into a small, water-tight pelican case.

As a bonus, the horizontal rail easily detaches, along with the camera mounts, transforming into a side-by-side rig 3D for wide and landscape stereography.

Our opti-prime, 50/50 beam-splitter glass is optimized to meet the demands of 3D filmmaking. See specs. Within the matte box, a simple adjustment tool allows stereographers to fine tune the glass angle from between 44° to 46°.

The outcome is simply the world’s most affordable, professional handheld 3D rig.

It should be noted that using our simple Lanc system camera operators can now synch start/stop, focus, alignment, lens shift and many other vital functions thru both cameras or individually.

The 3D Film Factory offers a complete line of 3D beam-splitter rigs intended for HD camcorders, as well as larger ENG and broadcast style camera. In addition, we offer several inexpensive side-by-side rigs and real-time 3D viewing solutions. To learn more about 3D camera rigs, 3D viewing systems, 3D production services, or 3D training workshops visit – www.3DFilmFactory.com

About the 3D Film Factory
Established in 2008 by award-winning filmmakers and veteran stereographers, the 3D Film Factory has been the worldwide leader in professional, affordable 3D camera rigs and stereoscopic production s. We provide a host of 3D production services worldwide including, stereographers ‘for hire’, 3D camera rig rental, 3D viewing systems, and 3D post, as well as intensive 3D training workshops. Former clients include ESPN, NASA, Disney, HD Cinema, Pinewood Studios and Discovery. For more information visit http://www.3DFilmFactory.com

Unit Carries on Established Live-Link TraditionLas Vegas, NV – Studio Technologies, a world-leading manufacturer of dependable, individualized solutions for broadcast applications, is pleased to introduce the new Live-Link Jr. Remote Camera Interface System at the 2012 NAB Show (Booth C3747). Carrying on the successful tradition set by the original Live-Link system, Live-Link Jr. offers a generous feature set coupled with excellent audio quality and a compact form factor optimized for ENG and uplink vehicle applications. Providing everything needed for a single-camera live event, Live-Link Jr. delivers performance flexibility, ease of use and support for high-quality on-air (program), talent cue (IFB) and intercom audio. more

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

London, UK – Codex, the leading developer of digital media recorders and media management systems for film and television production, today announces an agreement with Sony to provide workflows for its ground-breaking F65 CineAlta™ digital motion picture camera.

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New Multi-Format, Camera-Mountable DVR Delivers Pristine Video Quality and Streamlines Production Workflows by Eliminating Time-Consuming Transcoding more

MATRIX Cheese Plate and Gold Mount System Will Be Among Products on Display for Regional Digital Media and Satellite Professionals

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, FEBRUARY 22, 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, will showcase several of its advanced power products at this year’s CABSAT 2012. more