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Archive for April, 2011

Posted:
April 29, 2011
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Comments Off on Luxology Announces recoil Plug-in for Rigid Body Dynamics

Luxology Announces recoil Plug-in for Rigid Body Dynamics

Luxology LLC announced the availability of recoil, a new plug-in for modo 501 that accurately simulates dynamic rigid body interactions. Based on the popular open source Bullet physics engine, which is used extensively within the games and film industries, recoil realistically simulates dynamic forces and calculates accurate collisions between objects, allowing users to quickly create incredibly complex animations or automatically stack vast numbers of objects. The plug-in was developed independently by Eric Soulvie using the modo Plug-in Software Development Kit (SDK) and runs on both the PC and Mac versions of modo 501.

Utilizing version 2.77 of the Bullet physics engine, recoil simplifies the setup and execution of complex physical simulations by combining robust collision detection with a variety of constraints, forces and controls. By simply tagging any mesh item to be dynamic, the object is ready to respond to forces like gravity or collisions from other objects in a modo scene.

The recoil plug-in is a seamless extension to modo and offers a wealth of new functionality for modo 501 users:

  • Any mesh item can be made dynamic with recoil, making it subject to forces like gravity or collisions with other objects in the scene
  • Objects can be given “wake-up” conditions and an initial “impulse” behavior. A common wake-up event would be a collision, perhaps with an impulse behavior to jump up slightly and then respond to the force of gravity.
  • A system of connectors, including springs and motors enables complex linked behaviors like spinning gears, elastic coils or swinging chains
  • Dynamic simulation can be combined with traditional keyframe animation so that a swinging bat can collide with a tower of pins that scatter and fall to the ground
  • recoil is also useful for stacking objects so that they come to a resting position naturally, such as cubes of sugar in a dish or gumballs in a vending machine

For more about Luxology click here.

Posted:
April 29, 2011
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Comments Off on Redrock Micro Releases micro3D rig for Digital Video Cameras

Redrock Micro Releases micro3D rig for Digital Video Cameras

Redrock Micro, a leader in affordable professional-quality cinema accessories, announced the new Redrock Micro micro3D rig for professional stereoscopic 3D production. The micro3D delivers professional features and build quality at a price that makes 3D accessible to virtually anyone wanting to shoot 3D. The micro3D was recently awarded Best Support Rig of NAB 2011 by Videomaker magazine.

Recent advances in camera technology have dramatically reduced the price and size of video cameras that meet the requirements for professional quality 3D production. As an example, the Canon XF105 series digital video camera packs all the features needed into a compact powerful and inexpensive camera body. Despite these camera innovations, 3D support rigs have lagged behind, remaining heavy, cumbersome and expensive: that is until now. The new Redrock micro3D rig delivers professional features in new compact affordable solutions.

The micro3D rig is a state-of-the-art side-by-side (SxS) support rig for two-camera stereoscopic production. It is designed for today’s smaller format cameras and price-conscious stereographers looking to own high quality 3D gear. Like all Redrock equipment, the micro3D is built to the highest standards of professional quality and carries a lifetime warranty.

Key advantages of the Redrock micro3D rig include:

  • Full featured side-by-side (SxS) stereoscopic rig for digital video cameras
  • 18″ rail for range of interaxial adjustments with locking knobs
  • Unique tool less 3-point xyz adjustment plates for precision camera alignment
  • Bottom mounting plate with ¼” and 3/8″ taps for virtually any tripod mount
  • Innovative quick-release camera plates
  • Laser engraved markings for convergence, interaxial distance
  • Optional shroud designed for Canon XF105 series or similarly sized digital video camera
  • Support for a broad range of cameras including HDSLRs, Canon XF105, Canon XF305, Sony EX3, Red Epic, Red ONE
  • Rugged all-metal precision construction

For more about Redrock micro3D click here.

Posted:
April 29, 2011
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Comments Off on Innovision Optics’ Spintec Rain Deflector is Double Award Winner at 2011 NAB

Innovision Optics’ Spintec Rain Deflector is Double Award Winner at 2011 NAB

Innovision Optics announced that the Spintec Rain Deflector has been awarded both the Videography Magazine Vidy award (given for “Best of Show”) and the DV Magazine Black Diamond award (recognizing outstanding achievement in the advancement of the art and science of video technology) at the 2011 NAB (National Association of Broadcasters) convention and exhibition in Las Vegas.

The Spintec RD deflects rain and snow from the front element of a video or film camera instantly by spinning a specially produced optical flat glass filter at 3000 rpm. The spinning glass creates both a centrifugal effect which instantly removes rain drops (and even water splashes) and a vacuum effect which removes the lighter snowflakes.  Professionals capturing live action video under extreme conditions, such as the Discovery Channel hit Deadliest Catch, have been quick to put the Spintec RD system to use.

The unit easily mounts on both internal focus lenses and external focus lenses with external diameters of 75-105mm. For internal focus lenses the Spintec RD simply snaps on the front of the lens. External focus lenses are mounted via special bracketry, which mounts onto standard 15mm rods. The Spintec RD operates via a 12 volt power supply directly off the camera battery.

For more about Innovision Optics’ Spintec RD click here.

Posted:
April 29, 2011
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Boris RED Version 5 Now Available

Boris FX, a developer of integrated effects technology for video and film, announced that Boris RED Version 5 is now available. Boris RED is a plug-in application for transitions, professional text, and advanced composites inside Adobe, Apple, Avid, Grass Valley, Media 100, and Sony video editing software. Boris RED 5 introduces support for 64-bit applications such as Adobe Premiere Pro CS5 and After Effects CS5, adds 60+ new filters, and provides a score of new user interface and workflow enhancements.

Boris RED 5 new feature highlights include:

  • Support for 64-bit Video Editing Applications. Boris RED 5 adds new support for Adobe CS5 under 64-bit Windows operating systems. Free forthcoming software updates will add support for Sony Vegas Pro 10, Grass Valley EDIUS 6, and Adobe CS5 for Mac.
  • 40+ Filters from Final Effects Complete. Boris RED 5 includes 40+ filters from the legendary Final Effects Complete VFX plug-in collection. Newly-added designer effects and transitions include Mr. Smoothie, Ball Action, Bubbles, and Wiggle Edges.
  • High-quality Image Restoration Tools for smoothing and softening skin imperfections and removing jaggies, DV compression artifacts, and unwanted noise from image clips.
  • New 3D Particle Effects. Particle Array 3D creates a grid of particles oriented in 3D space. Pin Art 3D creates a pin board look based on a layer image.
  • UpRez for high-quality SD to HD conversions, facilitating the resizing of image clips while minimizing the data loss that is usually associated with resizing media in a host application. The UpRez filter includes several high-end image processing algorithms to enhance the sharpness and smoothness of the final result.
  • Realistic In-Camera Effects include Lens Blur for emulating a rack defocus effect where out-of-focus highlights of an image clip take on the shape of the lens shutter.
  • Stylized Effects include LED, Damaged TV, Tile Mosaic, Scan Lines, and Prism.
  • Painterly Effects simulate pencil-sketched images, the wash look of a water color painting, a rotoscope toon-animation look, and charcoal drawings.
  • 50+ New Transition Effects. Freshly redesigned, the Boris RED keyframe library features over 50 new transition presets ranging from popular swish pan and rack defocus effects to glow dissolves, tilt-shifts, and light wipes.
  • User Interface and Workflow Enhancements include ergonomic, drag-and-drop panels and a curve editor for smooth parameter animation. In addition, many of the included Boris Continuum Complete and Final Effects Complete filters include a new Compare Mode feature that lets users compare the filtered result with the unfiltered source via either a side-by-side view or a live split-screen view.

For more about Boris RED click here.

Posted:
April 29, 2011
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Comments Off on CRU-DataPort Introduces ToughTech Duo

CRU-DataPort Introduces ToughTech Duo

Sleek and sophisticated may not be the average consumer’s initial thought regarding hard drives, but CRU-DataPort’s engineering ingenuity has changed the playing field with ToughTech Duo. This high performance RAID portable storage system works with two 2.5″ notebook drives or solid state drives to back-up and store data. Designed for professional photographers and digital media users while on location or in the studio, ToughTech Duo maximizes storage in a mini footprint (3.5” x 6.26” x 1.34” or 89mm x 159mm x 34mm) to ensure data integrity and protect digital assets. ToughTech Duo guards against data loss by writing the same information in real-time to both drives. It also saves from costly system downtime as the system can continue to run while the ToughTech Duo restores data on the hard drive.

Innovative features abound with ToughTech Duo including front-accessibility with removable trays to swap drives and a smart LCD menu to monitor drive health and to configure RAID mode. ToughTech Duo boasts a passive thermal design using all-aluminum material for optimal heat dissipation, which requires no fans thus making the unit ultra quiet. Connecting to any host computer via FireWire 800/400, USB 2.0 and eSATA provides flexibility, while the eSATA interface option offers the fastest transfer rates. ToughTech Duo also supports bus power with an included FireWire cable. Shipping with a multi-country compatible AC power supply makes international use very convenient. A standard Kensington security slot is integrated for a lock to prevent theft. Unique trays make swapping drives easy and safe without tools. This is beneficial when ejecting a drive to send to a colleague or when replacing both drives to access a 2nd RAID set. Alternatively, secure the drives with provided screws in extreme environments where additional stability is needed. ToughTech Duo was designed for easy access – swapping drives will not void the warranty.

A perfectly portable storage system for photographers, ToughTech Duo also serves as an optimal mobile data acquisition solution for insurance adjusters and appraisers in the field and as a back-up tool for small business professionals or home office owners to secure financial records, medical files and other critical data. To see our newest digital storage solutions for safeguarding data in each phase of digital asset workflow, please visit us in booth # 1457 at WPPI in the MGM Grand Conference Center in Las Vegas, NV February 21-23, 2011. For a chance to win the new ToughTech Duo or RTX220-QR portable storage enclosure, please submit photos to the CRU-WiebeTech photo contest at http://www.wiebetech.com/photo_contest.

For more about ToughTech Duo click here.

Posted:
April 29, 2011
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Comments Off on Singular Software Announces PluralEyes for EDIUS Public Beta Program

Singular Software Announces PluralEyes for EDIUS Public Beta Program

Singular Software, developer of workflow automation applications for digital media, is pleased to announce that it has opened PluralEyes beta testing for EDIUS, the popular NLE editing system from Grass Valley. PluralEyes is known in the post-production community for dramatic acceleration of workflows for multi-camera, multi-take and dual-system audio productions by analyzing audio information to automatically synchronize audio and video clips.

For more about PluralEyes click here.

For more about EDIUS click here.

Posted:
April 27, 2011
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2011,Cameras,Live This Week,Software,Workflow
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Comments Off on Digital Production Buzz — April 28, 2011

Digital Production Buzz — April 28, 2011

Scott Morris, Ned Soltz, Philip Hodgetts, and Walter Biscardi

HEADLINES: Ned Soltz joins The Buzz! Plus, edit video in Photoshop and other CS 5.5 news, more metadata madness, and chastising Apple for Final Cut Pro X — all this, plus Pick Our Brains, on this week’s show!

This week’s episode of the world’s only interactive talk radio program covering Digital Production, Post-Production and Distribution is filled with information and entertainment designed for the independent filmmaker or industry professional.

Click to listen to the current show:

D P BuZZ - April 28 , 2011 [ 1:00:29 ] Download

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Join host Larry Jordan and co-host Michael Horton, as they talk with:

Scott Morris Senior Director of Marketing, Adobe Systems, Inc.

We spoke with Scott Morris, Senior Director of Marketing for Adobe Systems, Inc., as part of our recent 2011 NAB Show coverage (listen to our first

      interview here
) and didn’t begin to learn all the new software and features in the Adobe CS 5.5 release. We invited Scott back to tell us more on how to manipulate video in Photoshop, how they are expanding support for metadata, and their new software Adobe Story and Adobe Audition. Plus, he’ll also cover support for third party applications such as the iPad and Photoshop Express on mobile devices. Lots of very, very cool stuff!

Ned Soltz Contributing Editor, DV and Videography magazines.

We are delighted to announce a new family member at the Digital Production BuZZ. Please welcome Ned Soltz, contributing editor at DV and Videography Magazines, to our list of regulars. Ned is especially interested in camera equipment and the gear that supports it; so spending time each month talking with Ned is something we are really looking forward to. Plus, his knowledge of technology combined with his memory of arcane facts is uncanny. Join us for this segment and you’ll understand why we are such fans. Welcome, Ned!

Philip Hodgetts, CEO, Intelligent Assistance

Philip Hodgetts, CEO, Intelligent Assistance, is another of our Buzz regular correspondents and an expert on all things technical. However, he has a real love for metadata. With the release of Adobe CS5.5, and the sneak preview of Final Cut Pro X, metadata has suddenly become a key aspect of virtually every NLE. We want to talk with him about why metadata is so important. Then, we want his thoughts on how Adobe is implementing metadata in its CS5.5 products and his speculation on what Apple is doing with Final Cut Pro X. As we move entirely to tapeless workflows, understanding metadata becomes critical to asset management. Like it or not, metadata is part of our new editing life. We are hoping Philip can explain how we can like it.

Walter Biscardi, Founder, Biscardi Creative Media

Walter Biscardi, runs Biscardi Creative Media, a Post-Production facility located in Greater Atlanta. A video professional with multiple network credits, Walter is a popular blogger and a forum moderator for Creative Cow and LAFCPUG. He’s also an outspoken critic of Apple’s recent “Sneak Peak” of Final Cut Pro X. So, we invited him on this week to explain his concerns about what Apple has shown us so far.

You can’t find people or interviews like this anywhere else! It’s another fascinating show.

It’s all the information you need now — to know what’s coming next!

The Digital Production BuZZ airs LIVE Thursday from 6-7 PM Pacific Standard Time. Ask questions during the show on our Live Chat, listen live, download an episode from the archives, or subscribe to the podcast either through iTunes or our website. Whatever you do, DON’T miss this week’s show!

Posted:
April 25, 2011
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Press Releases
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Comments Off on Larry Jordan’s NAB Show BuZZ Powered by Digital Production BuZZ Amazes Listeners Following NAB Show 2011

Larry Jordan’s NAB Show BuZZ Powered by Digital Production BuZZ Amazes Listeners Following NAB Show 2011

(PRWEB) April 25, 2011

The 2011 NAB Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, ended April 14, but the broadcasts created by Larry Jordan and his NAB Show BuZZ powered by the Digital Production BuZZ continue to be available on the show’s dynamic new webpages. Starting April 9, NAB Show BuZZ aired eight comprehensive daily one-hour Special Reports, announced news and interviews via the DPBuZZ Twitter feed, and in the Digital Production BuZZ Weekly Newsletter, successfully creating an impressive body of work for listeners to enjoy, Larry Jordan announced.

“The NAB Show BuZZ has always been synonymous with the best coverage of the NAB Show,” said Larry Jordan, the BuZZ host and executive producer. “Combining extensive coverage of breaking news with in-depth interviews of industry leaders allows the NAB Show BuZZ to help people who attended the show to catch up on what they missed, and people who were unable to attend the show to feel like they were there.”

“This year we covered the news with our returning staff of reporters, editors, writers and added a new twist: an on-site webmaster and extensive use of DPBuZZ Twitter and Facebook,” said Cirina Catania, the BuZZ’s supervising producer. “This gave us the ability to continually broadcast breaking news. It was particularly exciting during the dramatic Final Cut Pro Supermeet when Apple announced Final Cut Pro X. “#newFCP” got a real workout! The Twitter feed was then complimented by a blog by Larry Jordan and a wrap-up as part of the April 14th show. You can’t get this kind of coverage anywhere else.”

Over the 3.5 days the trade show floor was open the NAB Show BuZZ 20-person crew created:
-A new interactive website interface
-Over 10.5 hours of finished programming
-68 in-depth interviews posted to the NABShowBuzz website
-8 Special Reports
-More than 200 Twitter and Facebook posts of breaking news.

Syndicated on websites around the world, the NAB Show BuZZ, powered by Digital Production Buzz, is heard by listeners in over 130 countries. Comments from places as diverse as Australia, the France, and India told the BuZZ team how valuable the NAB Show BuZZ coverage was to them as they were kept up-to-date and well-informed.

The NAB Show BuZZ, powered by the Digital Production BuZZ, was sponsored by Pond5, the world’s stock media marketplace, AJA Video Systems, a leading manufacturer of high-quality, cost-effective digital video interface, conversion and desktop solutions, Accusys, worldwide leader in design, manufacturing, and marketing of RAID products, and Automatic Duck, the creators of timeline integration software for digital media artists.

The Digital Production BuZZ at NAB 2011 
This year at NAB 2011, the BuZZ created eight, one-hour, daily Special Reports and dozens of one-on-one interviews, presenting in-depth coverage of industry leaders featuring the latest technology on display at the NAB Show 2011. The Digital Production Buzz, hosted by Larry Jordan, posted a new one-hourshow of NAB highlights every evening (Las Vegas time), starting Monday, April 11th; with interviews posted directly to the NABShowBuzz website throughout the day.

About the 2011 NAB Show 
The NAB Show, held annually in Las Vegas, is the world’s largest electronic media show covering filmed entertainment and the development, management and delivery of content across all mediums. With nearly 90,000 attendees from 151 countries and more than 1,500 exhibitors, the NAB Show is the ultimate marketplace for digital media and entertainment. From creation to consumption, across multiple platforms and countless nationalities, the NAB Show is home to the solutions that transcend traditional broadcasting and embrace content delivery to new screens in new ways. Complete details are available here.

About NAB 
The National Association of Broadcasters is the premier advocacy association for America’s broadcasters. NAB advances radio and television interests in legislative, regulatory and public affairs. Through advocacy, education and innovation, NAB enables broadcasters to best serve their communities, strengthen their businesses and seize new opportunities in the digital age. Learn more here.

About the Digital Production BuZZ 
Digital Production BuZZ is one of the longest-running podcasts about technology bringing listeners all the news they need now and in their digital future. It remains a leader in programming related to digital video production, post-production and distribution, keeping its listeners in touch with the trends and technologies, people and practices essential to keep them up-to-date and entertained.

New episodes of the weekly Digital Production BuZZ air live every Thursday from 6:00 to 7:00 pm PST. Listen live at the show’s website or download the program later on iTunes. The BuZZ also offers a Newsletter that gives listeners a behind the scenes view of each week’s show, available here.

Executive producer and host of the Digital Production BuZZ is Larry Jordan (internationally-renowned digital media expert, Apple-certified trainer, author, and member of the Directors Guild of America and Producers Guild of America). Michael Horton co-hosts (actor, film editor, and founder of the Los Angeles Final Cut Pro User Group and organizer of the world-renowned SuperMeets). Cirina Catania produces (writer/director/journalist and member of the Producers Guild of America and the Writers Guild of America.)

About Larry Jordan & Associates, Inc. 
Larry Jordan & Associates, Inc. provides high-quality, engaging training and information covering video production and post-production for practicing professionals and students through a variety of media worldwide. The company was founded by Larry Jordan, an internationally-renowned digital media analyst, producer, director, consultant and Apple-Certified trainer. Jordan’s FREE Monthly Final Cut Studio Newsletter is read by Final Cut users around the world available here.

To schedule an interview on the Digital Production BuZZ
contact Cirina Catania, Supervising Producer
buzz(at)catania(dot)us

Laura Peters
Marketing Director – for Sales and Advertising
Larry Jordan & Associates, Inc.
Laura(at)larryjordan(dot)biz

Posted:
April 25, 2011
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Comments Off on Schneider Optics Announces New 3-D Windows

Schneider Optics Announces New 3-D Windows

Schneider Optic’s new 3D Windows are made of anti-reflective water-white glass to protect valuable 3D beam splitters which are susceptible to damage from flying debris and are difficult to clean without damaging. Schneider Optics offers a full line of optical glass anti-reflection coated windows in stock and custom sizes to provide low-cost protection. These protective windows can be used with long focal length lenses without reducing resolution and are easily cleaned. Schneider also produces economical Optical Grade Polycarbonate windows that can be used when durability and protection is the foremost concern.

For more information click here.

Posted:
April 25, 2011
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Comments Off on Vinten Radamec Demonstrates Virtual Reality Systems at NAB 2011

Vinten Radamec Demonstrates Virtual Reality Systems at NAB 2011

At NAB 2011 Vinten Radamec, a Vitec Group brand, highlighted its full capabilities by integrating its solutions in a Virtual Reality set up with three of the industry’s leading graphics providers. The set ups demonstrated the full scope of Vinten Radamec’s solutions as the broadcast industry.

The future of virtual reality technology was clearly demonstrated at the three Vinten Radamec sets at the NAB 2011 show floor. The dedicated VR sets show how Vinten Radamec’s solutions are designed for ease of integration with third party equipment, by displaying its products working live with software from leading graphics providers, Brainstorm, Orad and Vizrt.

Broadcasters visiting the stand could see how simple and easy it is to convert robotics to virtual. This was demonstrated through one of the set ups which incorporates the Fusion FP-188VR pedestal working with an FH-100VR head controlled by a Vinten Radamec HDVRC control system and partnered by a Brainstorm rendering system. The set up showed the cost effectiveness of using robotics combined with virtual sets as users will have the benefits of low head count and low costs in the studio.

Another of the Vinten Radamec systems on display showed the benefits of full 3D virtual reality tracking. The set featured the Vinten Quattro SE, a lightweight and compact manually operated pedestal with built in encoders, which provide precise real time digital electronic positioning over the floor and in elevation, combined with the Vinten Vector 950i pan and tilt head and connected to an Orad rendering system.

The third set up displayed the Vector 750i encoded pantographic head up on a platform simulating a typical sports OB situation working on a single rendering system provided by Vizrt. This demonstrated how easy it is to deploy virtual or augmented reality applications in a sports outside broadcast or any other kind of dynamic set up environment.

The equipment used in the three NAB 2011 sets is part of Vinten Radamec’s extensive range of robotic heads, pedestals and control systems which are suitable for a variety of applications including studio, outside broadcast and legislative broadcasts. The control and location information from Vinten Radamec VR heads and pedestals is on an open interface and ready to work with any graphic solutions providers.

For more information click here.

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