Get the Latest BuZZ Each Week

ATTO Announces Thunderbolt Certification for Windows

ATTO Technology, Inc., a global leader of storage and network connectivity and infrastructure solutions for data-intensive computing environments for 25 years, has announced full Thunderbolt interoperability and certification with Windows 7 and 8 for its line of Thunderlink and ThunderStream storage connectivity products. The line includes the Thunderlink Thunderbolt to Fibre Channel, Thunderbolt to SAS/SATA, and ThunderStream Thunderbolt to SAS/SATA RAID Desklink devices. As the industry’s only connectivity provider that allows Thunderbolt access to enterprise class storage, ATTO offers a full suite of software-based productivity and performance-enhancing solutions that support Windows 7 and 8 platforms.

ATTO Desklink devices represent the latest in next generation, high-performance storage and network connectivity products for Thunderbolt-enabled platforms, including mobile devices such as laptops and Ultrabooks. These solutions allow professionals to use high-end, data-intensive applications on Thunderbolt-enabled platforms and portable computers in highly-mobile environments. They are the only Thunderbolt connectivity products on the market that incorporate the versatility to handle any protocol and any host while addressing the demands of rapidly evolving work environments and allowing access to enterprise data center networks.

Included in ATTO’s broad portfolio of Windows 7 and Windows 8 certified solutions are:

  • The ATTO ThunderLink FC 1082 acts as an external Thunderbolt to Fibre Channel adapter, connecting all-in-one systems and mobile computing platforms to 8Gb/s Fibre Channel SANs and storage devices. With dual port configurations, the 8Gb/s Fibre Channel Desklink device is an ideal solution for users looking to achieve the highest I/O and data throughput for advanced video and access to IT applications.
  • The ATTO ThunderLink SH 1068 Desklink device gives you the freedom to connect your Thunderbolt-enabled platform to SAS/SATA storage devices. In addition, SAS tape drives can be connected to the ThunderStream to provide access for backup software and LTFS tape applications.
  • The ThunderStream SC 3808D adds ATTO’s industry-renowned RAID protection to SAS/SATA disk arrays. This protection may be enhanced by adding tape devices for use with backup software and LTFS tape applications.

Click to learn more about all certified ATTO products.

Click to learn more about ATTO Thunderbolt Desklink products.

Click to learn more about Thunderbolt Technology.

 

 

Digital Production BuZZ – August 1, 2013

  • The Making of “Contrition”
  • Jonathan Handel on the latest Guild voting
  • A low-cost way to archive projects using LTO tape
  • Tips for decreasing stress

GUESTS: Ric Perez-Selsky, Jonathan Handel, Rony Sebok, and Jessica Sitomer

Click to listen to the current show.
(Mobile users click the MP3 player underneath image.)

*Right click on Download and “Save Link As…”

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

Ric Perez-Selsky, Independent Filmmaker

We first met Ric Perez-Selsky in his role as the Technical Director for Popsugar, but like many of us, he makes films as well! His recent short, “Contrition,” was given an Award of Merit at the Accolade Film Competition and he is now submitting it to Sundance. We’ll speak with him about the making of his film, along with his plans for festivals and marketing.

Jonathan Handel, Entertainment Attorney, TroyGould

The BuZZ is fortunate to have Jonathan Handel, our very own legal eagle, as a regular contributor. This week, he updates us on the guilds and takes us behind the scenes to witness more very interesting events.

Rony Sebok, VP Technology, 1 Beyond

It is easy to back-up your projects to hard disks when all you need is a copy. But what about long-term archiving? Hard disks just are not good for the long-term. That’s where LTO tape comes in. Tonight, learn everything you need know about LTO technology from Rony Sebok, VP Technology at 1Beyond, Inc.

 

Jessica Sitomer, President, The Greenlight Coach

Jessica Sitomer, the Greenlight Coach, is perhaps one of the most insightful career advisors on the planet. This week she is back to the BuZZ with more tips on how to be successful in the entertainment arena.

The Buzz is all the information you need now to know what’s coming next!


The Digital Production BuZZ airs LIVE Thursday from 6-7 PM Pacific Daylight 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!

Cinedeck Targets Tapedeck Replacement, Media Ingest & Archive at IBC 2013

Cinedeck LLC, pioneering developer of capture systems for digital cinema, broadcast and post production, will showcase the multi-faceted capabilities of its product line as direct, cost-effective VTR deck replacements, plug-and-play ingest servers for broadcast, and in archive remastering operations, at IBC 2013, Amsterdam, 13-17 September (Hall10.F39).

Cinedeck RX3G and MX recorders continue to grow in popularity in digital cinema, live, OB and studio production, delivering 2D/3D, 444, Dual-Link, 60P, single/multi-cam recording. Now, brand new Playlisting and RS-422 deck control features, underpinned by an unrivalled range of codecs, realtime multi-format playback and advanced operational toolsets, allow the RX and MX to also undertake a wide range of everyday non-linear editorial, telecine transfer, duplication, archive remastering and post production operations. These leading-edge features also support the RX3G and MX as ideal alternatives to more expensive file-based media ingest servers in broadcasting environments.

Cinedeck MX and RX both create ready-to-edit files in realtime, eliminating time-consuming ingest/transcode processes and enabling fast gateways from production-to-post. Along with small form factors, they also feature Cinedeck’s renowned intuitive touchscreen interface, reducing training time and speeding deployment. Both systems record master and proxy codecs to redundant file destinations, including internal SSDs, local attached storage and network storage (SAN/NAS), creating production and back-up files simultaneously.

Additional features including color LUT import, Segment Record, enhanced Burn-in options, Closed Caption support, H.264 Streaming, and Extended Encoder Audio Support put Cinedecks on an entirely different level compared to other ingest and recording solutions.

Click here for more information about Cinedeck at IBC 2013.

 

Noise Industries Releases Text Panels

Noise Industries‘ Text Panels offers title effects with customizable backgrounds, borders and geometry.

Available exclusively for Final Cut Pro X.

Click to view a YouTube demo of Noise Industries’ Text Panels.

Click for more information about Noise Industries’ Text Panels.

Discover MotionVFX’s New mLOGO3 for FCPX and Motion 5

Simple, effective and ready to use.

MotionVFX‘s mLogo3 is a collection of 30 high quality logotype animations designed to be used within Final Cut Pro X and Motion 5.

Just put in your logo, customize it and you are ready to rock.

Click for more information about MotionVFX’s mLOGO3.

Zacuto Unveils Three New Products

Zacuto recently announced the release of three brand-new products; The Enforcer, The Marauder and the Digital Rod Mount. Find out more below:

The Enforcer

The Enforcer is the first of its kind, a foldable DSLR run’n’gun rig. It’s small enough to fit in your back pocket but when unfolded, it’s an extremely stable DSLR camera support. .

The Enforcer includes Zacuto’s Gorilla Plate V2 as the platform for your camera. You can attach your Zacuto Z-Finder Mounting Frame to this Gorilla Plate V2. Attach your camera to the plate with the single ¼ 20 screw and quick release on and off the Enforcer with the red quick release ratcheting lever. The Gorilla Plate can be attached at two different points. Keep the Enforcer in a vertical position for use with a Zacuto Z-Finder. This will give you the correct distance from your eye to the Z-Finder eyecup. Extend the Enforcer via the red push lever to place the camera further away for use without a Z-Finder. This gives you a bit more distance to focus on the camera LCD.

Click for more information about Zacuto’s Enforcer.

The Marauder

The Marauder is the first of its kind, a foldable DSLR run’n’gun rig. It’s small enough to fit in your back pocket but when unfolded, it’s an extremely stable DSLR camera support.

The Marauder is similar to one of our most popular DSLR kits, the Striker. But, as opposed to our Striker (which is composed of multiple parts and rods that are highly adjustable and can be reconfigured in an infinite amount of positions) the Marauder unfolds instantly to fit you and is ready to shoot in seconds. It folds up just as fast and can then fit into any carry on, backpack, purse, camera bag or cargo pants pocket. The Marauder includes both a gunstock and an adjustable handgrip to create a small stable framework.

Click for more information about Zacuto’s Marauder.

The Digital Recorder Rod Mount

The Digital Recorder Rod Mount enables you to attach your large recorder to a pair of 15mm lightweight spaced rods. Slide the Digital Recorder Rod Mount onto the rods (most likely on the rods behind your baseplate) and tighten in place with the two red quick release ratcheting levers. The Rod Mount features two ¼ 20 screws in a sliding track to attach your accessory. The track length from screw centers at their widest is 1.35” or about 34mm.

The Digital Recorder Rod Mount is compatible with the HXR-IFR5 Sony Recorder, AstroDesign HR-7510, and other recorders or ¼ 20 accessories.

Click for more information about Zacuto’s Digital Recorder Rod Mount.

Digital Production Buzz — July 25, 2013

  • Sony Creative Software Updates Sound Forge and Spectral Layers
  • Making Final Cut Pro Backups Easier
  • Editing “Looking for Lenny”
  • Better Marketing Through Interactive Video

GUESTS: Mike Scheibinger, Nicholas Pisarro, Jr., Andrew Kimery, and CJ Bruce

Click to listen to the current show.
(Mobile users click the MP3 player underneath image.)

*Right click on Download and “Save Link As…”

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

Mike Scheibinger, Senior Product Manager, Sony Creative Software

Mike Scheibinger is the product manager for the brand new Sound Forge Pro 11 and the amazing Spectral Layers Pro 2; both of which were released on Monday by Sony Creative Software. We don’t get much opportunity to talk about media software for the PC, so we invited Mike to stop by and tell us more.

Nicholas Pisarro, Jr., Founder, NP Associates LLC

Nicholas Pisarro, Jr.,CEO of NP Associates, LLC, has developed complex software and hardware for over 40 years. He’s also been working with Final Cut since version 1. Recently, he created a new product for Final Cut Pro X, called “Backups for Final Cut Pro” that makes backups… easy! We talk with him this week about some recent updates and a survey about who’s actually using Final Cut Pro X and his software.

Andrew Kimery, Editor, “Looking for Lenny”

Andrew Kimery was the editor on “Looking for Lenny,” an in-depth, controversial documentary – six years in the making – explores the boundaries of free speech and free thought in the context of Lenny Bruce’s comic legacy. Director Elan Gale created an amazing film, but the real saga was in how the film was finally assembled for release – which Andrew tells us about this week.

CJ Bruce, Managing Director, New Antics

CJ Bruce is a Founder and Managing Director of New Antics. Previously the CEO of Video Army, CJ has been providing video marketing and production services for brands from Jamba Juice to Salesforce.com to smaller brands and local businesses for over five years. So, why is he on The Buzz? Because his company specializes in creating interactive videos for marketing. We want to learn more to see if there are ways the rest of us can make some money with this.

The Buzz is all the information you need now to know what’s coming next!


The Digital Production BuZZ airs LIVE Thursday from 6-7 PM Pacific Daylight 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!

Ross Video Gives SneaK Peek Of IBC 2013 Products

Ross Video has grown dramatically over the past year with an expanded EMEA team. At IBC, Ross will be showing a complete range of new products and solutions this year that make the Ross stand a must see. Here’s a preview of some of the things to expect from Ross at the show.

DashBoard Control & Monitoring

Version 6.0 sees DashBoard mature into an open control platform enabling users to quickly build unique, tailored CustomPanels designed to make complex operations simple.DashBoard now provides control and monitoring to hundreds of products from over 50 partners within the openGear, openGearConnect ecosystem, and of course, most Ross Video products. DashBoard’s ability to craft application specific solutions across this breadth of products is what makes version 6.0 so special.

Vision Tritium Series Production Switchers

Introducing Vision Tritium – 3 MLE Production Switchers with Vision Octane production power. Tritium combines the stunning Vision Octane feature set within an incredibly budget sensitive new package.

A full 3 MLE modular production switcher with 48 x 32 Multi-Definition inputs and outputs, 6 real 3D DVEs, 16 channels of internal MediaStores, 16 keyers, UltraChrome chroma keys, built in dual head MultiViewers, massive external device control and much more all wrapped up inside a very affordable package.

The Tritium processing engine is matched up to a stunning Vision series modular 3 MLE panel with your choice of 24 or 32 direct access crosspoint buttons, featuring our cool Ross PanelGlow RGB buttons and DualDisplay touch screen menu system. Tritium is also fully upgradeable and will accept standard Vision Octane components.

With Tritium there is no basic package – no options necessary, a Tritium system is fully loaded.

Vision Series Production Switchers

New 1080p (3G) processing technology has been added to our flagship Vision Octane series of Production Switchers. Built on the standard Octane production engine but with new state-of-the-art FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) devices that allow 1080p production without compromise.

Vision Octane 3G not only accommodates 1080p /50 or 60 production but also adds dual 2D DVE resizers with combiner to every MLE key as well as two more DVE channels for transitions. This makes it possible to create 8 box shots on every MLE in the system and transition them dynamically. In addition, Vision Octane 3G has significantly expanded MLE MediaStores, each MLE now has 8Gb of storage for still and animated graphic playout.

Vision Octane 3G is shipping as of IBC 2013.

Carbonite Series Production Switchers

Introducing the Carbonite C2S, a new 24 button 2 ME panel forCarbonite incorporating individual ME Effects Memory keypads. The C2S has all of the features of the very popular C2M panel and adds ME effects memory controls in addition to the standard global controls. This new panel brings the number of Carbonitepanel choices to 7, continuing the expansion of this rapidly evolving product line.

Carbonite eXtreme

Carbonite eXtreme is a truly revolutionary production tool with all of the horsepower of Carbonite wrapped inside a highly configurable signal routing and management system. It can be configured with any Carbonitecontrol panel and NK router panels and when combined with ourXPression graphics systems, BlackStorm playout servers and ourDashBoard control systems, you have a complete ‘state of the art’ production system with full signal management. Nothing like this has ever been seen before, it is a real game changer.

Carbonite eXtreme merges production switching with signal routing and distribution in the same chassis, this combination simplifies installation and operation immensely while also offering huge cost savings. The eXtreme chassis can be configured with an I/O of up to 144 x 144 in increments of 8 and internally houses the award winning Carbonite production switcher. With eXtreme, it is now simple to manage complex productions across multiple output destinations.

NK Series Routing Systems

The affordable NK Series video, audio and machine control routing solutions will be shown at IBC. The 64×64 chassis and 72×72 chassis are now 3G, making the entire video matrix line up from 16×4 to 144×144 all 3G.

Master Control System

The MC1 – simple, robust and affordable Master Control System has taken the industry by storm in its first year. Integrated DVE for squeeze back, increased multi-channel operation with enhanced graphics capability and extended EAS interfaces are just a few of the new extras for the MC1 this year.

openGear

openGear, the open frame standard backed by multiple vendors and deployed by many customers, continues to lead the market with Ross showcasing the third generation OG3 frame with three times the power capacity coupled with dedicated GigE buses to every slot plus many more features. openGear is a must see at IBC.

New openGear products range from a new family of distribution amplifiers fully compliant to 3G offering single, dual and quad configurations with the option of high density HD BNC or standard BNC I/O to a new family of Fiber conversions for Ethernet over Fiber in single, dual, and triple configurations.

GearLite

The GearLite line has grown substantially with the addition of SDI to Fiber conversions with both LC and ST connectivity, 3G distribution and audio MUX/DMX.

OverDrive Automated Production Control System

OverDrive, the world’s leading APC system, now works with third party vision mixers. Ross has long been the industry leader in third party device control and has now added vision mixers to the ever growing list of controllable devices. In addition, v14.0 offers a re-engineered newsroom plug-in that streamlines the preparation process, allowing productions to get to air faster, with less effort and fewer mistakes. Version 14.0 also adds customer driven features like trailing audio support, color coding to easily identify incoming MOS elements, automated multi-platform publishing, and a remote database option for multi-site production.

Inception Social Media Management

Inception Social Media Management allows clients to take control of social media, providing a single tool to create, publish and incorporate content from Twitter, Facebook or the web into productions. Inception adds new social features and workflow enhancements for IBC. Inception social publishing now includes Flickr as a destination. For incoming social content, Inception now supports feeds from both Flickr and Mass Relevance while supporting image upload in Inception Playlists. New workflow tools include additional shortcut keys and a powerful blacklisted words filter.

Virtual Sets & Augmented Reality

Ross once again raises the bar in trade show floor productions with Ross World Sport, a 10-minute sport-themed live show that showcases virtual sets and augmented reality. Using a whole catalog of Ross products, including XPression Real-Time Motion Graphics, Furio Robotic Camera Systems,OverDrive Automated Production Control, Vision Production Switchers, Inception Social Media Management, openGear Delay Cards, BlackStorm Video Servers, and Unreel UX Touchscreen Control, customers will be able to see the new “reality” of virtual production.

New this year is the incorporation of a hard-set element from partner, Erector Sets, Inc. This practical set allows for better visualization of augmented reality, which is defined as adding virtual elements to an existing physical set. In addition, there is seamless integration between the hard set and a green-screen virtual set wing, also designed by Erector Sets. This illustrates how a small set in a small studio can be expanded, virtually, to a much larger on-air environment.

XPression Real-time Motion Graphics

XPression continues its evolution as the new standard in real-time motion graphics at IBC 2013. Version 5.0 brings a whole host of new products and software releases that give enhanced functionality and more graphics horsepower to XPression users at all levels.

The most significant enhancement to XPression at IBC this year is the new FX Engine. This new effects framework allows users to enhance real-time 3D animation with powerful post effects, such as – motion blur, light rays, warps, wipes, custom drop shadows, and more. The FX Engine also adds depth-of-field and lens distortion to make virtual sets and augmented reality even more believable.

XPression Connect is a new social media player application that provides the missing link between moderated message feeds and on-air graphics playout. User can “connect” to multiple data streams and instantly turn them into on-air playlists, or drag and drop selected messages into custom playlists. There are options to crawl or tick the items and also whether or not to use avatar images. Connect includes support for the most popular social media providers, including Mass Relevance and Ross Inception.

XPression Prime GO! Is a new edition of XPression that supports Thunderbolt-enabled laptops and external video I/O devices for the ultimate in portable real-time graphics solutions. Prime GO! outputs video, key, and audio directly to video switchers without lossy compression. It’s also frame accurate for incorporation into complex switcher effects with RossTalk, P-bus, or GPI protocols.

IBC 2013 also sees the release of a new 64-bit XPression NLE plug-in. The updated software allows editors to have full access to XPression templates, edit text, and replace graphics, all from the latest 64-bit editing applications.

For the sport world, the XPression DataLinq Server now supports enhanced Excel, XML, and database connectivity, which provides the ability to lookup players by record number or user-definable data keys, without creating hundreds of pages with hard links. Data Pages also allow users to “pop” data into on-air templates on-the-fly.

There are several enhancements to MOS news workflow this year, too. Version 5.2 of the Ross VideoSignature Series by MediaBeacon asset/order management system offers a number of new features, including the ability to play XPression video clip proxies directly in the browser and checkerboard pattern alpha channel visualization. The new XPression Desktop Preview Server also enables operators to see previews of any number of XPression systems on the network in one user-configurable screen.

Furio and CamBot Robotic Camera Systems

Both Furio and CamBot will be showing at this year’s IBC including the new VR-600 Robotic Head and FRO-600 Furio System which provides a higher payload, quieter, rail-based system with tracking output for Augmented Reality and Virtual Sets.

Also showing is the new Ross Legislative Control System (LCS) which will be shown controlling the CamBot 500 Series. In a legislative environment, the LCS steers cameras, switches video and audio and brings up graphics all automatically via a simple touch screen user interface. The interface is very visual and is customizable to the exact layout required.

Click to find out more about Ross Video at IBC 2013.

Autodesk Releases Free App for Reviewing 3D Entertainment Assets

Autodesk Inc. has announced the launch of Autodesk FBX Review at SIGGRAPH 2013 for Microsoft Windows 7 and Windows 8 enabled devices. The standalone app gives professional artists and animators a powerful, lightweight tool to conduct detailed reviews of a wide range of 3D assets, including detailed 3D models, environments and character animations.

Intuitive, Full-Featured Asset Review

Modern workflows include numerous internal and external clients and stakeholders, many in different locations. Autodesk FBX Review allows any user on a Windows device or platform to view 3D assets with a robust feature set, without using commercial 3D animation software. For example, an artist working in Autodesk Maya can send an animation file to anyone who has installed FBX Review, and the recipient will have a full menu of features with which to view the assets.

By supporting a wide range of open 3D file formats, from popular digital creation formats like .fbx, .3ds, and .obj to .dxf, an Autodesk AutoCAD format, FBX Review gives artists the freedom to use their favorite 3D tools. Reviewers can then choose to view assets with various shading options, animations, cameras or lighting options in the Microsoft DirectX 11enabled viewport. Supported viewing options include:

  • Static and Dynamic Tessellation
  • Displacement and Vector Displacement Maps
  • Skin Deformations and Animation
  • Real-Time Shadow Maps
  • Reflection Maps
  • Light and Ambient Occlusion Maps
  • Image Based Lighting
  • Ground and Sky Ambient Color

To evaluate animations and scenes, FBX Review offers easy-to-use controls to cycle through animation takes and different camera angles to quickly play, pause and scrub-through animations. Scenes can be viewed with the cameras and lights native to the file or with the in-app perspective and orthographic cameras.

Mobile-Friendly Design

Autodesk FBX Review’s mobile support provides a near seamless way to continue the production cycle away from the workstation. Developed from the ground up for the Windows 8 platform, the mobile app incorporates the same full feature set as the desktop app, with a simple user interface that leverages the touch screen display, such as a multi-view camera that allows reviewers to pan, circle or zoom in on assets and touch sensitive animation playback and lighting controls. The mobile app simply requires Microsoft Windows 8 OS, 50 MB of disk space for installation and only 4GB of RAM. For optimal asset viewing, mobile devices should also include a graphics card that supports Microsoft DirectX 11.

Price and Availability

Autodesk FBX Review is available for free on The Windows Store for Windows 8 enabled mobile devices and tablets and Windows 7 and 8 supported desktops. You can download the app via The Windows Store or directly from Autodesk Exchange in the Autodesk Maya or Autodesk 3ds Max store.

Click for more information on Autodesk’s FBX Review or the complete system requirements.

MovieType Lite Now Available

Introducing MovieType Lite – a collection of presets and tools for creating professional, movie trailer-style graphics fast in newly released Cinema 4D Lite. With MovieType Lite, the popular MovieType tools are now available to all Adobe After Effects CC users.

Developed by John Dickinson and Brett Morris, MovieType Lite provides users with the key tools needed for creating dynamic, easy-to-make type animations. MovieType Lite includes over 230 professionally designed presets for blockbuster movie style looks.

The MovieType Lite package includes over 230 presets, plus a range of tools which fast track type design and animation in Cinema 4D Lite including: five type tools (Position, Rotation, Scale, Randomness), four camera rigs (Dolly, Arc, Helix, Rectangle), two light setups (Three Point, Light Sweep), Seamless Floor, Background Scene, Reflective Sky and Material Setup.

Additionally, upon purchase and installation, all users gain access to twenty-two video tutorials hosted by co-creator and expert trainer, John Dickinson, that cover all basics plus many general Cinema 4D techniques.

Stephen Panicara, motion graphics artist at renowned design studio ‘Capacity’ designed the latest promo for MovieType Lite using only the tools available and will be releasing future tutorials, sharing his insights and workflow. Stay tuned for further info on motionworks.net

Click for more information about MovieType Lite.