Thursday, October 23, 2008

Autodesk Acquires SoftImage

Mark Christiansen | 10/23- 01:25 PM

$35 million for 3D product line

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.

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Thursday, October 23, 2008

Ripple Training Announces Tutorial Aimed at After Effects Users

steve martin | 10/23- 12:50 PM

Ripple Training today announced Motion for After Effects Users tutorial through iTunes

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

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Thursday, October 23, 2008

Redrock Micro Launches Cinema Accessories for Video DSLRs

Matt Jeppsen | 10/23- 08:00 AM

Redrock delivers the missing link for transforming new Canon, Nikon video DSLRs into production-ready cinema solutions

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 and www.redrockmicro.com.

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Sunday, October 19, 2008

HD Expo Kicks Off

Matt Jeppsen | 10/19- 12:50 PM

Popular Technology Event Returns to Burbank for Two-Day Event

October 16, 2008 (Burbank, CA) HD EXPO returns to its Burbank roots for the second year in a row with two full days of world-class panels, exhibitions and education on October 29-30, 2008.  Over the course of the two day event, HD EXPO will present panels featuring the world’s leading 3D experts, view 3D screenings, and listen and interact with panels featuring top, award winning editors and cinematographers. HD EXPO’s exhibition, which includes a sold out trade show floor, will present a number of new products, key manufacturers and technology companies.

Wednesday, October 29th kicks off a start-to-finish RED workflow demonstration featuring RED’s Leader of the Rebellion, Ted Schilowitz, and a full line up of RED’s technology collaborators.  American Cinema Editors presents “See What’s Coming - Meet the Editors of The Hottest New and Upcoming Releases” featuring a lineup of editors credited with the hottest recent and upcoming features, including “Twilight,” “The Secret History of Bees,” “Nick & Nora’s Infinite Playlist,” “Changeling” and “Righteous Kill.” Editors Joel Cox, ACE, Nancy Richardson, ACE, Myron Kerstein, ACE, Terilyn A. Shropshire, ACE and Paul Hirsch, ACE talk about the impact of technological tools on the Art of Editing with Carolyn Giardina from The Hollywood Reporter.  Wednesday ends with a cocktail party and networking event open to attendees, panelists, and exhibitors.

In 2007, HD EXPO launched a successful 3D Day, where presentations of groundbreaking technology and content unfolded to standing room only audiences.  HD EXPO’s Second Annual 3D Day returns for a state of the art and beyond lineup of panels including “Myth Busting 3D: Stop the Myths. Hear the Truth,” which will be moderated by Vince Pace and feature key players in the rollout of this compelling “new” format.  “Myth Busting 3D” will analyze a number of key projects that have or will be released shortly, including; “Avatar,” ”Final Destination IV” and “Journey to the Center of the Earth” with the filmmakers and experts who made them.  Attendees will be taken to the edge of their seats for “3D Sports: A Win for Fans. A Win for Entertainment. A Win for Revenue,” in a game-changing discussion with key sporting organizations including the NFL, NBA, WWF, and moderator Pace, who shot the groundbreaking presentation of the NBA playoffs in 2006.  Doug Bankston, contributing editor of American Cinematographer, will be conversing with Peter Anderson, ASC, during “American Cinematographer One-On-One Conversation: The Cinematographer and 3D.” 3D day will feature 3D screenings during and after the panels.

HD EXPO will present an entire spectrum of educational offerings during the two day event including free intensives from Panasonic, BandPro, Sony, and Adobe.  Prior to the expo, three highly regarded professional workshops will be presented; The P2 Camp, VariCamp, and making its west coast debut after a highly successful New York premier is the Lighting Filter and Gels for HD workshop; presenting in-depth, expert training for cinematographers and other production staff.

“Kristin Petrovich, CEO of HD EXPO stated, “These two days present really valuable information and a great opportunity for our attendees to dig deep into the resources, network, and experts to prepare for what’s next.  3D Day, on its own, offers some of the most insightful and important information about this game-changing technological and creative development that you can find anywhere.  The Pace 3D Production vehicle, which will be on site during both days of HD EXPO, is the first of it’s kind in the world, and our attendees can see it in action, probably one of the only times that’s an option.  This is our 8th year in Los Angeles, and our panelists, presenters, exhibitors are presenting some of the most compelling information and technology we’ve ever seen.”

For further information about panels, education or exhibition at HD EXPO, visit hdexpo.net, or call 818.842.6611.

About HD EXPO
HD EXPO creates venues where entertainment technology and creative vision converge. In its eighth season, HD EXPO is dedicated to promoting the adoption and growth of entertainment technology for content creators by building a community of experts and users through shared knowledge, information and education.  In addition to annual March and November expositions in Los Angeles, Chicago and New York, HD EXPO produces workshops and training internationally and an online resource of education and streaming content.

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Sunday, October 19, 2008

CRAM for Apple Compressor takes the guesswork out of encoding presets

Matt Jeppsen | 10/19- 11:00 AM

CRAM is a collection of application specific presets for Apple Compressor

RobotHand Software is proud to announce CRAM for Compressor.  CRAM is an add-on for Apple’s Compressor software.

CRAM for Compressor includes a variety of presets for handling HD, RED, NTSC and PAL footage.  Presets
include High Quality DVDs from HD and RED footage, Playstation 3 movies, suberb quality H264 for the web, Apple Trailer like quality and more.

CRAM for Compressor embraces the idea that uncomplicated workflow is essential for users. By simplifying the encoding decision process CRAM will save even experienced users hours of trial and error as well as producing quality results every time.  CRAM also includes Compressor Droplets of presets so that they can easily be utilized for a drop and drop process in a simple or even fast paced work environment.  Be sure keep an eye on http://www.compressorpack.com for videos on understanding Compressor and using it more efficiently as well.

CRAM for Compressor currently requires Final Cut Studio 2 to utilize all functions and will be available in a lite versions for Final Cut Studio 1 per request.  We are also soliciting requests for specific presets to include in the final v1.0 release.  Please email requests to

Pricing and Availability
CRAM for Compressor is currently available for preorder at a discounted price of $29.  Compressor will begin delivery via digital download on November 26th and available for immediate purchase at that time for $39.
For additional information about purchasing CRAM for Compressor, email or visit http://www.compressorpack.com.

Press Contact

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Friday, October 17, 2008

Safe Harbor Announces New Tutorial for Matrox RT.X2 Users

Scott Gentry | 10/17- 08:48 AM

Safe Harbor Computers, a leading supplier to professional videographers, today announced the release of “HDV & Blu-ray for the R

This DVD, aimed at all levels of RT.X2 users, provides over 90 minutes of unique instruction on the steps, tips, and tricks necessary to maximize an HDV-to-Blu-ray workflow in the RT.X2.

Highlights include:

• The technical details of HDV and Blu-ray
• Supported HD formats and ingest procedures
• The proper workflow for using HD with your RT.X2
• Monitoring options including downconversion
• Mixed-format editing and aspect ratio conversions
• Encoding options and settings for Blu-ray
• Blu-ray menu creation using Encore and Photoshop

About the Instructor
Jeff Pulera is a professional videographer with 15 years experience. He also works for Safe Harbor Computers, sharing his knowledge and real-life editing experiences with their customers. His company, Digital Vision Productions, specializes in corporate, event and wedding videography. The author of many tech reviews and articles, Jeff is widely known throughout the industry as the “Matrox guru.”

Pricing and Availability
“HDV and Blu-ray for the RT.X2” is available exclusively from Safe Harbor Computers.  Suggested retail is $49.99. For more information or to order, please visit http://www.sharbor.com.

About Safe Harbor Computers
Safe Harbor Computers (http://www.sharbor.com), with offices in Waukesha, WI, is a family-owned business dedicated to providing professionals in the DV, HD, special effects, animation, and NLE industries with the products and training they need to produce show-stopping results. Well-known for their knowledgeable and friendly staff, commitment to customer service, highly-regarded TSUNAMI workstations, competitive pricing, and 20 years’ experience, Safe Harbor Computers is your one-stop shop for high-quality products developed by reputable vendors.

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Thursday, October 16, 2008

NVIDIA introduces NVIDIA Quadro CX

Randy Boyes | 10/16- 03:32 PM

The accelerator for Adobe Creative Suite 4

SANTA CLARA, CA-OCTOBER 16, 2008- Today NVIDIA introduced its new accelerator for Adobe®® Creative Suite®® 4 software, the NVIDIA®® Quadro®® CX. This new GPU provides creative professionals with a faster, better, more reliable way to maximize their creativity. Quadro CX was architected to deliver the best performance for the new GPU-optimized features of Adobe Creative Suite 4.

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Thursday, October 16, 2008

Adobe Creative Suite 4 now shipping

Randy Boyes | 10/16- 03:25 PM

Milestone release radically improves creative workflow efficiency

SAN JOSE, Calif. - Oct. 15, 2008 - Adobe Systems Incorporated (Nasdaq:ADBE) today announced the immediate availability of the Adobe® Creative Suite® 4 product family, the highly-anticipated release of industry-leading design and development software for virtually every creative workflow. Delivering radical breakthroughs in workflow efficiency - and packed with hundreds of innovative, time saving features - the new Creative Suite 4 product line advances the creative process across print, Web, interactive, film, video and mobile.

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