Panasonic upgrades its advanced switcher with new AV-HS400A multi-format HD/SD

Randy Boyes | 10/29- 02:00 PM

SECAUCUS, NJ (October 29, 2008) – Panasonic has announced the immediate availability of the new AV-HS400A multi-format HD/SD live switcher. The new HS400A offers all the powerful features of its predecessor (AV-HS400) including built-in MultiViewer image preview, full 10-bit HD processing, an expandable HD/SD architecture with 3D digital effects—and adds a host of new capabilities for improved performance and even greater ease of use. The introduction of two additional I/O option cards further expands the versatility of this powerful and cost-effective live switcher.

Mammoth HD expands Vertical HD libraries

Randy Boyes | 10/29- 01:51 PM

Mammoth HD’s Vertical HD Footage Galleries have been expanded with new footage of lifestyle, scenic, locations, sports - shot on HD Cameras ‘tilted’ for the Vertical aspect and on RED cameras in 4K where the vertical aspect has been cropped from the original 4K footage.

Front Porch Digital acquires SAMMA Systems

Randy Boyes | 10/29- 01:47 PM

LOUISVILLE, Colo.—Oct. 29, 2008—Front Porch Digital, the global leader in content storage management (CSM) for the broadcast, media, and entertainment industries, today announced that it has acquired New York-based SAMMA Systems Inc., the global leader in the migration and preservation of videotape to digital files.

Utah Scientific acquires Sandar

Randy Boyes | 10/29- 01:41 PM

SALT LAKE CITY — Oct. 27, 2008 — Utah Scientific today announced it has acquired Sandar, an important European manufacturer and distributor of routing switchers whose marketing reach in Northern and Eastern Europe and in Asia neatly complements Utah’s historical strength in the Americas. Sandar, like Utah Scientific, has been a renowned name in the broadcast industry for 30 years, and its products are widely used by many of the top broadcasters and telecom operators in Europe and Asia. The new company will be known as Utah Sandar.

Linear Acoustic and PRECO ink West Coast distribution deal

Randy Boyes | 10/29- 01:36 PM

LANCASTER, Pa. — Oct. 27, 2008 — Linear Acoustic, a manufacturer of customer-centric multichannel sound solutions for digital broadcast, today announced that PRECO, Inc. of Burbank, Calif., a distributor and systems integrator of HD video, switching, routing, conversion, and test and measurement equipment, will serve as the new distributor for the company’s west coast customers. PRECO will provide the full line of Linear Acoustic audio processing systems, including the company’s new AERO range of solutions targeted to the demands of digital broadcasting.

Music 2 Hues releases a new addition to its Flagship Series production music line.

Randy Boyes | 10/29- 01:31 PM

Enfield, CT USA October 20th 2008—Andy Wells, president of Music 2 Hues adds, “With the addition of this new release we are providing our content developers with new and exciting music selections. The new title: *“Soft Acoustic Pop”*  is now shipping worldwide. “This release satisfies the needs of our clients who have been asking for a CD of somber, smooth, and light upbeat acoustic guitar styled music”.

Autodesk Acquires SoftImage

Mark Christiansen | 10/23- 03:25 PM

In yet another major acquisition in the 3D space, Autodesk announced today that it has acquired the SoftImage unit from Avid.

This puts three of the most popular 3D animation packages - Maya, 3D Studio Max and now SoftImage XSI - into the hands of a single corporation which also owns Mudbox and RealViz.

The acquisition price of $35M represents a 90% markdown (with inflation) from the $285M paid by Avid to purchase SoftImage from MicroSoft a decade ago.

Ripple Training Announces Tutorial Aimed at After Effects Users

steve martin | 10/23- 02:50 PM

October 23, 2008 Redondo Beach, CA. – Ripple Training, the premiere DVD and Online training destination for users of Apple’s Final Cut Studio, has launched a tutorial aimed at After Effects users. “My goal in producing this tutorial is to help AE users understand that Motion is not a replacement for After Effects, but rather a tool that when used correctly, can open up new creative possibilities” said author Mark Spencer. Some of the typical questions that After Effects users ask when approaching Motion for the first time are: Where is the Project Panel? Can I have more than one Comp in a project, Where is the timeline? Can I use Expressions?  “We tried to approach this title from the perspective of someone in the trenches that needs to get something done quickly using Motion.  We therefore don’t waste your time explaining what a keyframe is or how a transfer mode works”
Motion for After Effects Users is presented in 9 lessons and includes all the necessary media files for following along in Motion.  The tutorial is offered in HD resolution through iTunes and playable on Macs, PCs and Apple TV. The tutorial can be found at Ripple Training’s web site at: Motion for After Effects Users
About Ripple Training Inc:
Since its launch in 2002, Ripple Training has become the premiere destination site for users of Apple’s Final Cut Studio with nearly 40,000 visitors per month. Training is offered in both DVD-ROM and online editions through iTunes. For more info, go to rippletraining.com

Redrock Micro Launches Cinema Accessories for Video DSLRs

Matt Jeppsen | 10/23- 10:00 AM

October 23, 2008 Dallas, TX – Redrock Micro, the leading provider of cinema accessories for digital filmmakers, today launched new cinema accessory bundles for video DSLR cameras from Nikon, Canon and others. These Redrock products deliver the necessary form factor, support, and features that transform video DSLRs into full-fledged, production-ready cinema tools. 

“Canon is very pleased with the tremendous response the new Canon 5D Mark II has generated from the filmmaking community,” said David Sparer, Senior Manager, Professional Products Marketing for Canon USA. “We are excited about what Redrock’s products bring to the table, expanding the 5D Mark II’s potential with the form factor and tools needed for digital cinema production.”

The latest releases of video DSLRs produce amazing high quality HD video and deliver the advantages of 35mm lenses, but remain awkward for use in video and movie production. Redrock accessories bring the needed cinema form factor, support, and features to video DSLRs, including:

- Rock-solid 15mm support system
- Follow focus for accurate and repeatable focusing
- Swing-away mattebox for light management and easy access to changing lenses
- Shoulder mount and handgrips for steady handheld use
- Support cage for enhanced stability and low angle shots

Redrock accessories are highly regarded as high quality, extremely affordable solutions designed for ownership. The modular approach allows photographers and videographers to select only those items needed, and expand as their needs grow.

“We have taken our expertise from years of developing low cost, high quality cinema accessories for independent filmmakers and have now made them available for video DSLRs,” said James Hurd, Chief Revolutionary for Redrock Micro. “This new breed of cameras combined with Redrock cinema accessories creates a powerful package for producing incredibly high quality cinema results.”

“The Redrock cinema accessories complete the picture for me,” said Vincent Laforet, Pulitzer prize-winning photographer and author of the buzz-creating clip ‘Reverie’ shot with a prototype Canon 5D Mark II. “The 5D Mark II combined with Redrock gear creates a new era of low cost, incredibly high performance options for indie filmmakers. I have never been more excited to be involved in digital still and motion photography.”

The Redrock bundles for video DSLRs are being showcased at Photo Plus in New York October 23-25th in the Canon and Zeiss booths.
The Redrock Micro video DSLR bundles are available to ship November 1, 2008 and can be found at www.redrockmicro.com.

About Redrock Micro
Redrock Microsystems delivers high quality cinema accessories for digital filmmakers at revolutionary prices. Redrock Micro’s products are designed to enhance DV, HD and video DSLR cameras including Panasonic, Sony, Canon, and JVC for true cinema-style shooting. At the heart of the Redrock family is the award-winning Redrock M2 Cinema Lens adapter, which creates the shallow depth of field, angle of view, and focus techniques typically only found in 35mm motion pictures. Additional cinema accessories include the microFollowFocus, microMattebox, microSupport system, and microShoulderMount. Through a unique business approach of direct-to-customer and build-to-order, Redrock delivers the quality and features of premium solutions at a fraction of the price. This approach is ideal for independent filmmakers, owners/operators, film educators and students, and budget-conscious moviemakers. Redrock Micro has offices in Dallas, Texas, and Hollywood, California. Redrock Micro can be reached at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) and www.redrockmicro.com.

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