788T recorder
by Sound Devices
Sound Devices’ latest addition to its 7-series line of digital audio recorders, the 788T eight-track recorder, is now shipping. The 788T is designed specifically for multi-track, on-location productions and features eight fully-featured microphone inputs and eight tracks of recording. In a stainless steel and aluminum chassis weighing less than 4 pounds and roughly the size of a hard-back novel, the 788T accommodates individual controls and connectors for each of its eight inputs, plus numerous additional I/O and data connections. It comes equipped with a 160GB 2.5-inch internal SATA hard disk drive, which provides up to 30 hours of 8-track, uncompressed 24-bit audio recording in industry standard Broadcast Wave files. Additionally, CompactFlash cards with UDMA support and external FireWire mass storage volumes can be used for recording and playback. Contact Sound Devices, 608-524-0625, www.sounddevices.com.
Omega flypack
By Calrec
Calrec recently unveiled a flypack version of the Omega with Bluefin console. The desks use military-spec connectors offering an adaptable solution to OB requirements. Calrec’s standard flypack enables all digital signal processing, power supplies, and I/O interfacing to be housed in a compact double rack, which allows the control surface to be mounted on top. Contact Calrec, +44 (0)1422 841310, www.calrec.com.
PortaMic 5.1
By Holophone
The newest microphone in the Holophone line, the portable PortaMic 5.1 is a camera-mountable surround microphone equipped with Dolby Pro Logic II encoding technology. Simply connect the mic to a camera or surround recording device and it’s ready to capture 5.1 channels of discrete audio. The Logic II encoder allows the mic’s six channels to be recorded to two, so that it can be captured by any broadcast camera or stereo recording device. Contact Holophone, 416-362-7790, www.holophone.com.
Fusion mixer and recorder
By Zaxcom
Zaxcom’s Fusion high-resolution audio mixer and recorder is optimized for use in reality television, surround recording, and ENG applications. Fusion can mix together 16 inputs to eight output busses for recording up to eight tracks. The system records on two CompactFlash cards simultaneously. With the Fusion’s DSP-based audio tools, users can adjust over 300 mixer cross-points and 200 controllable parameters. Four balanced AES inputs with sample rate conversion allow eight channels of audio to come from four different devices with varying sample rates or unlocked sample rate clocks. Contact Zaxcom, 973-835-5000, www.zaxcom.com.
Q8 studio reference monitors
By Equator Audio Research
Equator’s new Q8 studio reference monitors are now shipping. Measuring 13x13x13 inches and featuring an 8-inch woofer coupled with a high powered, 1-inch compression horn driver, the Q8 enclosure is constructed of 13-ply Baltic Birch and is heavily braced for cabinet rigidity. Contact Equator, 888-772-0087, www.equatoraudio.com.
Ultrazone ZMX8210 mixer
By Behringer
The new Ultrazone ZMX8210 is the first offering from Behringer tailored specifically for the commercial sound and install markets. It features six mic/line inputs with phantom power, two stereo line inputs, three independent output zones and a four-band master EQ. Euro-type connectors provide easy and flexible connections to mono inputs and output busses. Control inputs are provided for remote volume setting and channel selection. Bus links allow two units to operate as master/slave for double the number of inputs. Contact Behringer, 425-672-0816, www.behringer.com.
D-CODE
By Holophone
Holophone is simplifying workflow when editing the Holophone PortaMic 5.1’s and H4 SuperMINI’s Pro Logic II encoded audio with the introduction of the Holophone D-CODE multi-channel Pro Logic II decoder. Designed for desktop use, the D-CODE takes the two audio channels, which are encoded using the H4’s or PortaMic 5.1’s encoder from the camera’s recording medium or other two channel source, and decodes it into six discrete audio channels. The recording device is connected to the D-CODE through two RCA inputs on the front of the device for an easy transfer from the camera to the computer. Decoded audio is delivered via 6 RCA analog outputs or Multi-Channel USB directly to the user’s computer. The six discrete audio files can then be edited in any professional editing program such as Apple’s Final Cut Pro, Sony Vegas or Adobe Premier. It retails for $599.00. Contact Holophone 416-362-7790, www.holophone.com.
Camera Support
RED Dolly
By Matthews
Matthews Studio Equipment has introduced its new RED Dolly. Based on the original dolly built in 1976, which was used for one production then retired, the new dolly is more maneuverable than a wheelchair. All four wheels provide eight different locked positions allowing for crabbing, roundy-rounds, pivoting on its own axis and smooth transitions. It measures 24” wide by 33” long and weighs 119 pounds. Contact Matthews, 818-843-6715, www.msegrip.com.
FishFace housing
By Polecam
Polecam’s FishFace submersible pan and tilt camera housing can be used to a depth of 4 meters on the Polecam or independently down to 10 meters. Its carbon fiber support arm incorporates drainage holes which allow the boom to flood and clear quickly. Features include 360 degree pan capability and the same fully unrestricted movement as a standard Polecam dry head. A split O-ring cable gland can be used to seal cables without having to break existing connections. A domed port allows parallax errors at the air/water junction to be corrected. Pan/tilt control is via a fully sealed one-piece gearbox. Contact Polecam, +44 (0)1234 855 222, www.polecam.com.
MovieJib light crane
By MovieTech AG
MovieTech has added the new MovieJib to its series of cranes. It can be extended up to half a meter in seconds without tools. The self locking crank drive makes balancing with counter weights easy. No additional strengthening outriggers are required for use. It can be mounted and used on a tripod or on a MovieTech dolly and is also compatible with a wide range of MovieTech accessories. Contact MovieTech, 089-43 68 91 3, www.movietech.de.
Stasis Flex
By Anton/Bauer
Stasis Flex builds on the innovations of the original Stasis body support, redirecting the geometry of a handheld camera to make use of the shooters body as a stable platform. Stasis Flex can be used as a standalone body support, with hard points on the rear pad to mount peripherals like wireless receivers, hard drives or transmitters. Contact Anton/Bauer, 203-929-1100, www.antonbauer.com.
Telescoping Camera Mount
By Telemetrics
Telemetrics has introduced the new Telescoping Camera Mount (TCM). It is ceiling or TeleGlide Track mountable and can integrate with most existing camera systems, regardless of manufacturer. The new TCM is a fully servo controlled motorized camera positioning device that adds vertical positioning to pan/tilt camera movement for both fixed positioned cameras and for those used with the Telemetrics TeleGlide Camera Trolley System. It cam be controlled using various Telemetrics control panels and computer software with position, preset and motion control capability. It can support a 55 pound payload and has a telescoping speed of 2 feet per second. Contact Telemetrics, 201-848-9818, www.telemetricsinc.com.
TRP-100 pedestal
By Shotoku
Shotoku has introduced its TRP-100 robotically controlled pedestal. Controlled by the Shotoku TR-8T control system, the TRP-100 pedestal allows full X, Y, and height camera movement in conjunction with conventional pan and tilt motion. The pneumatically balanced, three-stage pedestal supports any camera configuration up to 220 pounds while gliding through 2.5 feet of elevation at up to 1 foot per second. Contact Shotoku, 310-782-8491, www.shotoku.tv.
Vector 750 head
By Vinten
Vinten has combined the functionality and durability of the Vector 700 Standard and H versions and incorporated them into the new Vector 750 pan and tilt head. The new Vector 750 features a C.G. range span of 80mm-250mm. To facilitate the use of camera accessories such as a talent monitor and spotlights, the 750 features a maximum payload of 165.3 pounds. It is designed with a spring- and cam-free counterbalance mechanism, eliminating the need for time-consuming cam changes when altering camera configuration. Contact Vinten, 845-268-0100, www.vinten.com.
SOOM support system
By Sachtler
SOOM, from Sachtler, is a multi-functional camera support system for Mini DV to HDV camcorders. It configures into 4 distinct support tools, all in one compact system. In SOOM TriPod mode, the system’s 75mm bowl can be mated to a Sachtler FSB and features single-stage legs providing a vertical height range from 27 to 56 inches and an integrated TriSpread mid-level spreader. For more height, TriPod becomes HiPod via its integrated center column, the SOOM Tube, capable of telescoping vertically to a variable lens height of over 8 feet. In Monopod configuration, the SOOM Tube removes from the tripod to function as a monopod sporting a height range of 34 to 62 inches. A fold-away foot bracket allows the operator to firmly secure its base to the floor. For going low, the TriSpread mid-level spreader removes from the standard tripod to become a single stage baby tripod with a height range of 8 to 19 inches. Contact Sachtler, 845-268-0100 www.sachtler.us.
CC-1 camera control unit
By Nucomm
Designed to work with Nucomm’s CamPac 2 HD/SD COFDM camera-back transmitter, the new CC-1 expands the features of the CamPac 2 through a software-based data interface that allows the CP2/CC-1 to work with various types of camera manufacturer control panels and command protocols. The CC-1 uses the camera manufacturer’s original remote control or operations control panel, allowing video operators to work within a seamless environment between wired and wireless cameras. The CC-1 is available in two radio options, either a licensed 450MHz or an unlicensed spread spectrum 900MHz. Contact Nucomm, 908-852-3700, www.nucomm.com.
Cameras/Accessories
SK-HD1000 studio/field camera
By Hitachi
Hitachi’s SK-HD1000 studio and field production camera has been upgraded in features and performance. It offers a 60dB HDTV signal-to-noise ratio at F10.0 and 1100 horizontal TV lines of resolution. The SK-HD1000 is based upon next-generation, high dynamic range RGB 2/3-inch progressive CCDs, each with 2.2 million pixels, 14-bit A to D converters, and Hitachi’s new digital circuits enabling depth of modulation, tonal reproduction and highlight handling characteristics. Contact Hitachi, 516-921-7200, www.hitachikokusai.us.
LDK 8300 Slo-mo camera
By Thomson
The Thomson Grass Valley LDK 8300 is the company’s latest high-speed, super slow-motion camera. It captures video at 150 HD fields per second. A new fiber interface delivers the extremely high data rate produced by the LDK 8300 back to the servers. The camera also incorporates Thomson’s Anylight anti flicker system which completely eliminates any perceived changes in light levels due to any differences in the mains power frequency and the synchronization with artificial lights. Contact Thomson, 503-526-8160, www.thomson.net.
AG-HPX170
By Panasonic
Panasonic has announced that its new AG-HPX170 fully solid-state P2 HD handheld camcorder is now available at a suggested list price of $5,695.00, which includes a 16GB P2 card. The two-slot HPZ170 provides independent-frame compression in 20 HD and SD formats. It records in a variety of 1080i/1080p and 720p formats in DVCPRO HD, 480i in DVCPRO50 and DVCPRO, and 480i in DV. It is switchable between 16:9/4:3 aspect ratios. It features a 1/3” progressive 16:9 3-CCD imager, 14-bit A/D conversion and 19-bit processing. It scans the initial image at a native 1080p/60 and comes with a wide 3.9mm – 51mm 13X Leica Dicomar zoom lens. It offers a 20-step frame rate selection in 720p mode for variable-speed shooting in the 12fps to 60fps range, and records four channels of uncompressed, 16-bit digital audio. Contact Panasonic, 201-392-4458, www.panasonic.com/broadcast.
Z-Focus
By Zacuto
The Zacuto Z-Focus mechanism employs a set of gears that connect to and spin the focus ring or Zacuto zip gear on the camera lens, thus producing an extremely accurate follow focus that allows the operator or assistant to pull accurate focus. The integrated magnetic white disk allows the focus puller to create distance marked for repeatable focus pulls. It is completely gear driven, features a worm gear adjustment screw to allow users to tighten gear play, and has interchangeable drive gears. It also features a magnetic dry erase marking disk, standard accessory port for Zacuto or Chrosziel follow focus whip or speed crank, and a lightweight design. Contact Zacuto, 312-863-3452, www.zacuto.com.
MB-130 matte box
By Birns and Sawyer
The BirnsGear MB-130 is a new matte box designed to hold two fully rotatable filter trays. It will cover fields of up to 4.5mm and comes standard with two combo filter trays that will hold either 4x5.65-inch filters or 4x4-inch filters. A spare filter tray is also included that will hold a 138mm round filter for the rear stage. The MB-130 attaches either directly to the lens or can be supported by 15mm mini rods, 15mm studio rods, or 19mm studio rods. A standard top flag is included; side flags are optional. Contact Birns and Sawyer, 323-466-8211, www.birnsandsawyer.com.
Zeiss DigiDiopter
By Carl Zeiss
Band Pro Film & Digital has introduced the Carl Zeiss +0/5 DigiDiopter. DigiDiopters are designed to work in conjunction with the ZEISS DigiPrime and DigiZoom series, as well as all other top grade 2/3” HD lenses. Weighing about 10 ounces each, DigiDiopters can be attached to the camera lens, or to each other, via a single thumbscrew. A self-centering clamping mechanism maintains a proper distance between diopter and lens and keeps them parallel to each other. The +0.5 can be placed on top of the +1 DigiDiopter to provide a +1.5 magnification or on top of the +2 DigiDiopter to offer a +2.5 magnification. Or all three may be stacked together to affect a full +3.5 magnification. Contact Band Pro, 818-841-9655, www.bandpro.com.
Locking Lens Support
By Zacuto
Zacuto has released their new Locking Lens Support for securing and stabilizing lenses attached to Zacuto support systems. The Zacuto lightweight Locking Lens Support will handle long and heavy prime or zoom lenses and prevent the lens from rotating. It features Q-Mount (mounts to 15mm rods from underneath), 1” male rod (a short 15mm rod between Q-Mount and Zupport), Zupport (support for under the lens), and universal zip gear (surrounds and secures the lens). Contact Zacuto, 312-863-3452, www.zacuto.com.
Lens accessories for Sony HVR-Z7U
By Century
Now available at Schneider Optics is a full array of professional Century HD lens accessories to complement Sony’s HVR-Z7U and HVR-S270OU camcorders. These 72mm optical attachments provide high resolution image clarity, while enabling the camera to go wider, reach further, and move in closer than the lens alone will allow. Accessories for the HVR-Z7U include the .6X HD Wide Angle Adapter, Fisheye HD Adapter MKII, .3X HD Ultra Fisheye Adapter, and 1.6X HD Tele-Converter. MSRP starts at $490.00. Contact Schneider Optics, 818-766-3715, www.schneideroptics.com.
Lighting
Upgraded kits
By Chimera
Chimera has announced an improved 24x32 lighting kit. Chimera’s new Triolet Light replaces the Mogul Socket Ring as the light source. The #8000 kit contains Chimera’s new Video Pro Plus One Lightbank, the new Triolet Light, a long-lasting 500-watt bulb and a 10’ 8” Manfrotto light stand, plus Chimera’s 40 Degree Fabric Grid. The #8005 kit comes with a 1000-watt mogul lamp and the same contents as the #8000 kit. Contact Chimera, 303-444-8000, www.chimeralighting.com.
Fluorescent lights
By Ianiro UK
Ianiro UK has introduced a new range of fluorescent lights. Available in two and four bar sizes and with either 3200K or 5600K light tubes, the new lights operate at a frequency of 56KHz. They are housed in a lightweight aluminum casting and are available with optional honeycomb and gel frames. All lights in the new range have yokes that can be adjusted in height, from head to foot, with an attached sliding block for maximum flexibility. Contact Ianiro UK, +44 (0)1527 596955, www.ianirodirect.com.
50-watt Spiderlite bulbs
By Westcott
The F.J. Westcott Company is now offering twice the power of their daylight balanced fluorescent bulbs for the Spiderlite TD5 with a new 50-watt compact bulb. The new fluorescent bulb pack combined with a Spiderlite TD5 will provide over 900 equivalent watts of power. The new Spiderlite TD5 fluorescent bulb pack includes four 50-watt lamps as well as a 20-watt center lamp. The lamp is rated at 2250 lumens and 5500 Kelvin with a standard base. Life expectancy is 8,000 hours. Bulbs are $39.90 individually or $159.00 per pack of four 50-watt and one 20-watt. Contact Westcott, 419-243-7311, www.fjwestcott.com.
Portable dimmers
By Lex Products
Lex Products has introduced its new line of UL Listed Lex-Electrol 6KW to 24KW portable dimmers. The microprocessor-based controls and electrical components offer precise control and quiet operation. The units have DMX in and out for remote control, up and down buttons for precise, repeatable control at the unit, and traditional slider controls. Contact Lex Products, 772-978-7978, www.lexproducts.com.
True Blue
By ARRI
True Blue by ARRI is the newest generation of ARRI’s lighting product range. Reduced weight, compact size, and maximum light output are just a few of the benefits of the new lights. Maintenance and repair are facilitated by simplified access to internal components and the smooth lamp housing surfaces are easier to clean. The tilt lock has been improved by a stainless steel friction disc that locks tight to eliminate the danger of forward tilting when heavy, front-mounted accessories are in use. In addition, a new stirrup center adjustment allows the lamp head to slide until its center of gravity is either at or near the tilt lock, depending on the accessories attached. The new Stegmaier connector, a rotatable cable outlet, permits swift adjustment between ideal cable orientations for both ceiling-grid and floor-stand mounting. Improved barn doors are stronger, less susceptible to bending, and can be inserted vertically without being damaged when the lamp head is placed on a flat surface. Models currently available include T1, T2, T5, ST1, ST2, and ST5. Contact ARRI, 845-353-1400, www.arri.com.
T8 fluorescent lamps
By GE
GE has introduced 2-foot SHOWBIZ T8 High Output Cinema Linear Fluorescent lamps. The lamps provide the same high light output and color stability as standard T8 lamps, but now come in a shorter design to better accommodate space constraints. The 2-foot T8 lamps measure 1-inch in diameter and offer colors that match tungsten (3200K) and daylight (5500K) reference spectra. The lamps feature a 95 color-rendering index on the 3200K color and 97 color-rendering index on the 5500K color with the use of rare-earth and full-spectrum phosphors. Each offers 90 percent lumen maintenance over 2,000 hours of service. Contact GE, 216-266-9702, www.ge.com.
Post solution
MXO2
By Matrox
Designed to streamline editing workflow with Apple Final Cut Studio and Adobe Production Premium on MacBook Pros and Mac Pros, Matrox MXO2 provides broadcast-quality input/output, and up/down/cross conversion. Some of the features are HD/SD SDI, HD/SD analog component, YU/C, and composite inputs and outputs; HDMI input, output, and monitoring with calibration controls including blue-only; professional audio inputs and outputs with 5.1 surround sound monitoring; RS-422 machine control for frame accurate capture and print to tape; supports file-based workflows – XDCAM, XDCAM HD, XDCAM EX, P2. It is priced at $1,595.00. Contact Matrox, 514-822-6000, www.matrox.com.
SpeedGrade XR
By Iridas
Iridas has announced the release of SpeedGrade XR. Designed as a companion product for RAW camera workflows, SpeedGrade XR features Iridas’ new RealTime RAW 2.0 technology providing review, grading, and finishing of unrendered RAW formats at any resolution. XR can also play video formats (QuickTime and AVI) at HD, 2K, and 4K resolutions. The application offers primary and secondary grading tools, refined conform capabilities, animated masks, pan & scan, and numerous FX shaders such as bleach bypass, Technicolor 3-Strip, and more for creating stylized looks. SpeedGrade XR runs on Mac OS X and Windows XP and sells for $20,000.00. Contact Iridas, 905-773-6651, www.iridas.com.
HD1 film look effects
By Cinnafilm
Cinnafilm’s HD1 is a real time film look visual effects system that transforms HD digital video to the classic look of film at real time speeds. This new solution is based on highly advanced, patent-pending true motion estimation vector analysis and massive parallel processing technology that minimizes the time it takes to process interlaced digital video by harnessing the power of modern 3D graphics hardware, at a rate that delivers 30x to 100x performance improvement on computational video tasks. Contact Cinnafilm, 505-463-8891, www.cinnafilm.com.
DALSA RAW support
By Iridas
Iridas has introduced support for the DALSA RAW 4K format. This advance allows filmmakers using SpeedGrade instant real time review, conform, re-framing, and grading of native DALSA 4K RAW footage. Contact Iridas, 905-773-6651, www.iridas.com.
Toxik 2009
By Autodesk
Autodesk’s newest version of Toxik allows users to automatically generate and update compositions based on Render Layer and Render Pass setups provided by Maya software. Toxik 2009 facilitates the creation of stereoscopic content through a range of new enhancements, including support for stereo playback with linked pan and zoom, and a Multi-Stream feature that enables users to simultaneously process pairs of images via a single node. A new Lens Blur tool has been added as has a new Warp 2D tool that delivers advanced, nonlinear, spline-based warping of an image with precise local control. Contact Autodesk, 415-507-5000, www.autodesk.com.
Maya 2009
By Autodesk
Addressing the increasingly difficult challenges faced today in the post industry, Maya 2009 delivers a host of new features and enhancements. This latest version offers new selection features – true soft selection, and pre-selection highlighting. It also delivers intuitive, productive modeling enhancements, including symmetrical modeling with soft seams, a tweak mode for rapid modifications and a new Merge Vertex feature that enables users to combine parts of a mesh. A powerful new animation layering paradigm offers more flexibility for nondestructive create and edit animation. This toolset works with any attribute: animation layers can be blended, merged, grouped, and reordered, and can override or add to preceding layers. Contact Autodesk, 415-507-5000, www.autodesk.com.
DS version 10
By Avid
Avid Technology’s DS 10 runs on a new high-performance platform and includes full color-managed workflows and advanced color correction capabilities. It also features Interplay support, improved conform options, GPU real time processing, additional dual-link feature support, integration with Avid shared-storage solutions, and a new stereoscopic 3D container. The Avid DS 10 system also offers multi-stream, 10-bit uncompressed HD, Avid DNxHD codec, and finishing and mastering of SD, HD-RGB, and 2K/4K file-based support with real time playback up to 2K. Pricing begins at $59,995.00. Contact Avid, 800-949-2843, www.avid.com.
