Video News

reprinted from an Anthology Solutions press release
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Santa Clara, CA, July 31, 2006 – Anthology Solutions, Inc., maker of the Yellow Machine Terabyte

Class FailSafe Media Servers, today announced that the Yellow Machine is also the optimal hub for

digital content in the home. By storing and serving digital music, photos, HD video and games to

the digital home, the Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA)-compliant Yellow Machine now enables

consumers to play content on the broadest range of digital media players. Available today, the

Yellow Machine software version 3.3 with Digital Entertainment Power Tools, can help preserve the

large and growing digital libraries of TiVo and Microsoft Media Center users. New RapidReady

Startup also allows consumers to simply connect their network cables, power up and enjoy

thousands of hours of content.

"Yellow Machine is among the leaders in delivering reliable Smart Storage. As the options for

digitizing more pieces of content increase, so do consumer challenges in saving and sharing

photos, music, video and other media," said Kurt Scherf, Vice President and Principle Analyst at

Parks Associates. "The Yellow Machine helps consumers solve the challenges in digital storage so

that consumers can reliably and affordably preserve, secure and access their digital memories and

assets."

The Yellow Machine v3.3 plays with the most popular digital home music players such as a Roku

Soundbridge, Slim Devices Squeezebox, and Sonos ZonePlayer. Video / gaming players such as
D-Link GamerLounge, Sony VAIO RoomLink Network Media Receiver, Philips Streamium and Xbox 360

also connect to the Yellow Machine for a complete digital media experience from anywhere on the

home network. New RapidReady Startup allows the Yellow Machine to auto-detect networked devices

and configures itself on the network without a PC, eliminating the need for users to have

networking expertise. Users can also save content to the Yellow Machine from any TiVo, Media

Center PC, digital camera or digital camcorder with a set of free Yellow Machine Power Tools for

Windows XP, available for download from the Yellow Machine website.

"The latest features in Yellow Machine help me beyond the digital home; it allows me to enjoy my

digital life, both at home and work. RapidReady Startup provides peace of mind by intelligently

configuring itself and the network automatically, no matter where I take my Yellow Machine," said

Visko Hatfield, Hatfield Photography. "Yellow Machine has improved the productivity in my

photography workflow. The media server feature allows me to take my Yellow Machine home and view

pictures, listen to music, and watch my video collection. It’s the most enjoyable productivity

tool I have purchased."

Anthology also introduced a new line of hardware enhanced for the prosumer experience. The Yellow

Machine Q400 series enhances backup and server performance and keeps your storage system

operating at optimal levels with integrated communications and a bundled universal power supply.

The Yellow Machine Q400 also offers a 3-year warranty on parts and labor and the Yellow Machine

protection guarantee.

"All Yellow Machines can now serve as both your FailSafe storage and media server for your

digital home," said Ted Theocheung, vice president of marketing and business development for

Anthology Solutions. "Yellow Machine v3.3 is about enabling anyone to enjoy the benefits of the

digital home experience; it’s the only choice for preserving your precious digital content,

serving it to all the devices you own and making the entire process simple and easy."

The newest Yellow Machine Digital Entertainment enhancements and RapidReady Startup joins

existing best-of-class features:

FailSafe storage technology, a Yellow Machine exclusive in its class – provides 1000 times

greater data reliability than a single hard disk by utilizing RAID plus disk scrubbing

technologies, which prevents data loss by automatically monitoring and correcting data errors

before they occur.

Professional grade Automated Backup – EMC Retrospect Professional software is preinstalled to

back up six Windows or Macintosh PCs and assist in disaster recovery. The professional release

offers both file and disk image backup, and is multi-PC network backup optimized.
Remote Access with secure VPN connectivity – enable access to the Yellow Machine, network and

computers from any web browser or LAN to LAN configuration
All-in-one network device – with included router, double firewall, 8-port switch and network

attached storage.

Yellow Machine half terabyte models start at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $549.

For more information on the award-winning Yellow Machine products please visit www.YellowMachine.com.

reprinted from an iStockphoto press release
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July 31, 2006 – iStockphoto, the world’s leading community-powered marketplace for stock photography and illustrations, today announced it is now accepting user-generated video, expanding its premier image collection to include royalty-free (RF) stock video, film, and animation clips for as little as $5. This will be the first time that stylish, high-quality video will be offered at such compelling pricing from such a reliable, trusted source. Anyone can apply to become a video contributor at http://video.istockphoto.com. iStock videographers will collect downloads, earn royalties and receive ‘video reels’ like photographer canisters to show their sales levels.

iStockphoto democratized access to great images by offering them for as low as $1. Now its nearly 1 million registered users average one image downloaded every three seconds. iStock has received thousands of requests to offer high-quality, low-cost video over the years. This is the right time to answer that demand because of the explosion in consumer appetite for video combined with the relative affordability of HD video cameras. Video, film and animation artists can finally join the vast international marketplace of iStockphoto, with its reputation for selling the best contemporary content at incredible prices. Anyone who contributes in these mediums in the first 90 days will receive 10 free credits, useable for any product on iStock. iStockphoto members who refer video contributors will receive a bonus of $1 per clip, up to the first fifty clips accepted for RF use by their referees.

Robust Collection to Launch in September

Beginning in September, iStock will sell broadcast-quality footage, with a focus on digital formats, including HD video. Thirty-second clips will start as low as $5. The new video clips will be accessible at both video.istockphoto.com and www.istockvideo.com.

"We’re offering thousands of videographers around the world the opportunity to reach a global audience and make money," said Bruce Livingstone, founder and CEO. "There is a huge demand for video; people want up-to-the-minute, top-quality footage, but current prices are keeping most potential clients out. iStock is excited to provide videographers that same immediate connection between artists and global customers, just as we did with stills."

Clip Size and Price Points

Size Width RF Price/Clip

Small 320×240 $5

Medium 640×480 $10

Large 720×486 (NTSC/PAL) $20

HD 720 1280×720 $35

HD 1080 1920×1080 $50

Being based just a few hours North of the Adobe headquarters, we are privy to occasional visits from members of their team with carefully guarded secrets in tow.  Today we got to spend the morning and early afternoon with three Adobe team members that, under strict agreement not to let it leak, shared with us the latest upgrade to one of their products. But we can tell you WHEN we can tell you…so be sure to check back with us September 12th for all the details - well, make that ANY details.

After getting a demo of the new features, we packed up and went over to our favorite local eatery, Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. Yes, that’s where the famous Sierra Nevada Pale Ale is brewed. Why do you think we live here; for the trees?

reprinted from IT Business Net
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An Excerpt from Esther Schindler’s piece:

More than ten years ago, engineers at Apple Computer developed a high-speed method of transferring data, which they dubbed FireWire. The company included it on all new Macintoshes, and also brought the technology to the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), hoping it would become a cross-platform standard. It did. In December 1995, the IEEE released an official FireWire specification called IEEE 1394, which describes data-transfer speeds of 100 Mbps, 200 Mbps, and 400 Mbps.

Today, FireWire is defined by the IEEE 1394-1995, IEEE 1394a-2000, and IEEE 1394b standards. Devices that use these standards can move large amounts of data using simplified cabling, hot swapping, and transfer speeds of up to 800 megabits per second.

But that’s today, or at least today’s technology. How is FireWire evolving?

Coming up, 1394 and Ethernet will be able to reside on the same device, so both data including audio and video can run over 1394 and Ethernet along the same CAT-5 cable. In effect, explained a representative of the 1394 Trade Association, the system will decide which standard to use to maximize efficiency for the application. 1394c is a way to reuse the gigabit Ethernet PHY for the 1394 protocol by defining how that PHY can be used in a 1394 environment.

The bottom line is that with one piece of silicon, a 1394c-equipped network will pass 1394 signals to 1394 devices and Ethernet signals to Ethernet devices. That device spec is now being approved by the 1394 Trade Association and the IEEE 802.3 committee. It is expected to be in place by summer.

Read full article here:

http://hardware.itbusinessnet.com/articles/viewarticle.jsp?id=37967#

We had the opportunity a few weeks ago to talk to the folks at HP about their new entry-level workstation, the xw4400. Publicly announced today at noon, both Charlie and I, who are gluttons for more, bigger and, faster, are impressed with the overall performance of this new workhorse. The big news is the incorporation of the brand new Intel Core 2 Duo processor.
While the overall recipe will mean better performance for video editors, one interesting aspect has changed with this latest generation of Intel procs…the clock speed has been reduced. Intel labels this new technology as an “Out of Order Engine,” resulting in more math getting crunched per clock cycle. HP’s benchmarks claim that a 2.7GHz Core 2 duo chip runs about 1.75% faster than a 3.8GHz Pentium 4. Plus, with fewer clock cycles, the CPU runs cooler, and HP has taken advantage of this by using slower, quieter fans.
So if you were hoping to be the first on your block to trumpet ownership of a 4GHz machine…sorry.
Other new enhancements to the xw4400 include: a 975X Express (Glenwood DG) chipset; next gen integrated (Broadcom 5755) 10/100/1000 LAN (PCIe); Serial Attached SCSI controller/drives (optional); and a host of new offering for advanced video cards based on the PCIe bus.

reprinted from a Canon press release
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LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., July 26, 2006 – Both of Canon’s new three-CCD HD camcorders – the XH A1 and XH G1 models - provide broadcasters, cinematographers and production facilities with a full line of professional, high quality, low cost HD solutions. Broadcasters, Event videographers, and cinematographers with tight budgets will appreciate Canon’s flexible, powerful and feature rich XH A1 and XH G1 HD camcorders. Whether on set, in the field, or shooting a feature film, these two camcorders offer selectable frame rates and deliver stunning 1080i HD video.

Building on the image quality of the award winning XL H1 model, the XH A1 and XH G1 HD camcorders offer a Genuine Canon 20x HD zoom lens, Super Range Optical Image Stabilization, 60i, 24F, 30F frame rates and total image control. The XH A1 model will be available in late October for an estimated selling price of $3,999, while the XH G1 model adds HD-SDI output with embedded audio and timecode; Genlock synchronization and Timecode In/Out and will be available in mid-November for an estimated selling price of $6,999.

"Canon is now offering a full range of HD solutions that give professionals the control they need at a price point they can afford." said Yukiaki Hashimoto, senior vice president and general manager of the consumer imaging group at Canon U.S.A., Inc., "Joining the open architecture of the XL H1 model, Canon’s newest camcorders round out our high definition line by providing features and design demanded by a wide variety of professionals."

Both camcorders have three 1/3 inch native 16:9 1440 x 1080 CCDs that capture images at 1080i resolution. The camcorders feature 60i, 30F and 2F selectable frame rates to allow users to adapt to each assignment. At the 30 Frame rate, camera operators can capture high-speed subjects with spectacular clarity. Filmmakers can utilize the 24 Frame rate to create the look and motion of movie film. The 60i frame rate works well in applications such as ENG or Reality TV. For a fee, users can also send their cameras in to Canon’s Factory Service Center for an optional 50i/60i upgrade to conform to PAL standards.

Professional Optics for Professional Performance

Calling on more than 70 years of optical excellence in manufacturing lenses for broadcast and still photography, the camcorders feature a Genuine Canon 20x HD Video Lens. This lens includes both fluorite and UD (Ultra-Low Dispersion) glass elements to achieve HD performance throughout the whole zoom range. These elements minimize color fringing even at high magnifications. Multi-Coating reduces flare and ghosting. The "L" series lens has a focal range of 32.5mm - 650mm (35mm equivalent), delivering exceptional versatility for a wide variety of shooting situations, especially documentary and newsgathering applications that demand a wide field of view. In addition to manual focus and zoom rings, the lens includes a manual iris ring for the smooth, fine adjustment that professionals prefer. For added control, a High Speed Zoom Mode allows the zoom to respond more quickly and intuitively. Furthermore, the lens contains two built-in Neutral Density Filters (1/6 and 1/32).

The Canon XH A1 and XH G1 HD camcorders feature Canon’s Super-Range Optical Image Stabilization to help deliver smooth, steady video even at longer focal lengths. The system uses two detection methods (gyro and vector) to sense the widest range of vibrations from hand-held shake, to vibration from a moving vehicle. By using optical stabilization, it can compensate for a greater degree of camera shake and avoid any loss in image quality, unlike electronic image stabilizers.

Instant AF (Auto Focus) - The Next Generation Focusing System

Since it is critical to achieve very sharp focus when shooting in High Definition, the XH A1 and XH G1 models feature Canon’s revolutionary new Instant AF focusing system. It offers a dramatic improvement in auto focus speed and accuracy (compared to traditional autofocus systems). The Instant AF feature uses an external sensor, in combination with Canon’s autofocus system, to significantly decrease the time it takes to find focus, even in low light conditions. This new system achieves focus instantaneously, reducing focus "hunting." Users can especially see the benefits of Instant AF in high brightness, and night shooting situations. Camera operators can capture fast, accurate focusing, even when following a moving subject.

Canon’s DIGIC DV II Image Processor

The XH A1 and XH G1 camcorders feature Canon’s DIGIC DV II proprietary digital signal processor, which Canon designed specifically for HD acquisition. Found also in Canon’s flagship XL H1 HD camcorder, the DIGIC DV II processor provides highly accurate color and tonal reproduction needed for high HD image quality. A new noise reduction system, combined with a new gamma system, helps to reduce noise in monotone and shadow areas. The fast processing speed of the DIGIC DV II chip allows video and photos to be shot simultaneously. Furthermore, the processor’s low power consumption, contributes to longer battery life.

Design

The XH A1 and XH G1 HD camcorders are designed to handle a variety of different shooting situations. Canon housed the 2.8 inch Widescreen LCD securely beneath the handle, which allows it to swing out easily when needed. The handle provides an additional record start/stop and a zoom control, making it ideal for low-angle shooting. The new models include toggle switches, which are standard on high-end video equipment for gain, color bars, and white balance. To reduce camcorder size, an internal battery compartment holds one Canon BP-950G or the large capacity BP-970G battery. Both camcorders offer two built-in XLR terminals with mic/line level and phantom power, an external microphone holder for attaching shotgun microphones, a voice-recording mode, and two-channel manual audio level adjustment allows precise control.

Complete Customization

The image, display items, and functions of the Canon XH A1 and XH G1camcorders can be uniquely customized for different applications and users. Camera Operators can finely adjust a total of 23 image settings, including color gain, RGB independent gain, and 6-axis matrix. These cameras provide a wide range and degree of image adjustment. Users can store a total of nine image presets in the internal memory, or to a Secure Digital (SD) Memory Card for exporting to other XH A1 or XH G1 camcorders.

Users can fully customize the camcorder’s display as well, matching the preference of the shooter, or set up for a specific application. The camera operator can hide or display up to 21 different items and they can also personalize (or design for different shooting conditions) up to 20 custom camera functions. Users can save and read up to three groups of settings from an SD Card.

Additionally, camera operators can use the sky detail function for removing detail or noise in the sky without affecting other areas of the picture. Users can also increase video gain up to +36dB, for capturing images in extreme low light situations.

The XH G1 HD Camcorder and the Professional Jackpack
Like the XL H1 model - the XH G1 HD camcorder includes Canon’s Professional Jackpack Terminals, which are a trio of connections that provide professionals with outstanding quality and versatility: HD-SDI/SD-SDI Output, SMPTE Timecode Input/Output, and Genlock Input.

The HD-SDI connection outputs an uncompressed 1.485 Gbps digital signal with embedded audio and LTC Timecode, reducing the number of cables and improving the camera operator’s mobility, or integrating seamlessly into broadcast studios. Professionals can also use the HD-SDI output for playback or easy capture and transfer. The signal can also be set to SD-SDI, during shooting or playback.

Users can easily facilitate multi-camera shoots with the XH G1 model due to the camcorder’s Genlock synchronization input. This feature permits trouble free switching of XH G1 camcorders in a multi-camera situation. With its SMPTE time code input/output terminal, each camera on a shoot can lay down synchronous time code.

Still images

The XH A1 and XH G1 camcorders can both capture 2.0 megapixel photos at 1920 x 1080 resolution to an SD card, which comes in handy in pre and postproduction, storyboarding, and continuity applications. The user can capture photos in video color space while simultaneously recording video to tape. In addition, professionals can use the camcorder as full featured digital still camera, capturing photos in digital camera color space, complete with metering modes, shooting modes, and the option of using a Canon EX Series Speedlite Flash on its dedicated flash shoe. The camcorder includes a still image histogram and EXIF display for exposure verification.

For more information, www.usa.canon.com.

Howdy from the Videomaker team!

Our fun trip over to Canon has become a very fruitful one. Our own Morgan Paar was on hand to see the new HDV offerings in the form or the XH G1 and XH A1.
These are two cams that will replace the GL2 this Fall. Both record 1080i video, have balanced XLR inputs, and 3 (yes, THREE) rings on the lens. Each cam can also store 9 custom presets in its internal memory. The $3,999 Canon XH A1 features a 2.8″ LCD in a new flip out design, and three 16:9 CCDs. The $6,999 XH G1 differs primarily by featuring a professional jack pack, a 24-frame mode, and more image tweaking options.

Check out the full details here.

reprinted from a Sonic Solutions press release
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Santa Clara, California (July 25, 2006)—Sonic Solutions, the leader in digital media software, broke new high-definition ground today with the release of Toast 7 with Blu-ray Disc (BD) support - the first application of its kind for the Mac. The software ushers in a new era of advanced optical disc recording providing Mac users with the ability to store as much as 50 GB of data on a BD-R (recordable) or BD-RE (rewritable) disc. The Blu-ray Disc capabilities extend Toast’s long history of Mac-platform firsts and exemplify Sonic’s commitment to helping the industry make a successful transition to next-generation formats. Toast 7 with BD support is available exclusively for original equipment manufacturers developing next-generation external BD drives. The first drives to feature Toast 7 with BD support are expected to be available later this quarter.

Making the recently impossible now possible for Mac users, Toast’s Blu-ray Disc features include Toast Dynamic Writing, which for the first time enables users to record files simply by dragging and dropping files onto a disc in the same convenient way they would move or copy files to a removable storage device. The ability to store as much as 50 GB of data makes Toast an ideal solution for archiving extensive digital music collections or protecting critical files and precious memories too large to fit on a standard DVD. In addition to its Blu-ray capabilities, Toast 7 is now also a universal application that runs natively on both Intel-based and PowerPC-based systems.

"We are extremely pleased to continue our pioneering work and provide Mac users with new ways to exploit the full power and potential of the platform," said Stan Wong, general manager, Roxio division of Sonic Solutions. "The inclusion of Blu-ray Disc capabilities adds to an already unrivaled lineup of digital media features that have made Toast a retail leader and the standard for CD and DVD burning on the Mac. Toast 7 with Blu-ray Disc support represents a compelling solution for manufacturers of next-generation BD drives who want to provide their Mac customers with a product that has become synonymous with quality and innovation."

Toast 7 with BD support is the latest in a long series of high-definition initiatives by Sonic Solutions, which began its pioneering work on next-generation formats over two years ago. Sonic has taken the leading role in helping the industry make a smooth transition to high-definition, spearheading the High Definition Authoring Alliance (HDAA) in 2005 to prepare Hollywood and their authoring facility partners for the rollout of BD and HD DVD titles. More recently, Sonic announced an extension to the Alliance with the formation of an Advisory Group (HDAA AG), comprised of top-tier computer and consumer electronics companies. The HDAA AG is collaborating with the HDAA to ensure high-definition formats deliver reliable, consistent and dynamic viewing experiences across platforms. Sonic has also released a number of high definition software applications that are in use today in both the professional and consumer markets.

For more information on Sonic’s involvement in high-definition formats visit: http://www.sonic.com/HD

reprinted from a Kata press release
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Ramsey, New Jersey (July 21, 2006) – Announcing the launch of its new Ergo-Tech Collection, Kata is giving consumers worldwide a new reason to get excited about what they put on their backs, shoulders or belts. Boasting state-of-the-art designs that look as though they were taken from the pages of a sci-fi novel, Kata’s new bags, packs and cases are most definitely ahead of their time and were designed to be the definitive carrying solutions for the future. A unique blend of cutting-edge technologies and materials are at the heart of the Ergo-Tech Collection and together with its unprecedented design, are sure to elevate Kata’s position as a leading manufacturer of ergonomic and protective carrying solutions. As with the entire Kata line, the Ergo-Tech Collection will be distributed exclusively in North America by Bogen Imaging.

Developed with the mobile consumer in mind, Ergo-Tech ideally complements lifestyles which are dominated by electronics. In the design process, Kata took into account the various gadgets and gizmos that consumers interact with on a day-to-day basis and created the ultimate on-the-go collection of carrying solutions to meet their needs. With more than 17 models, each uniquely designed to accommodate a range of electronics, including digital cameras, cell phones, MP3 players, PDAs, laptops, and more, Kata’s Ergo-Tech Collection gives a new meaning to the word versatility.

"As we’ve seen throughout the digital revolution, electronics have evolved to become a fundamental part of our everyday lives," said Paul Wild, President of Bogen Imaging. "Not a day goes by that you don’t see people walking down the street listening to an MP3 player, talking on a cell phone, or taking a picture with a digital camera. The popularity of these portable electronic devices was the primary driving force behind the launch of the Ergo-Tech Collection and Kata’s desire to offer consumers a high-tech bag to complement their high-tech gear," added Mr. Wild. "Unlike traditional bags designed for imaging gear and its accessories, these have special compartments designed for the hi-tech electronics which the photographer often brings along. This is sure to make the Ergo-Tech Collection a hit throughout the entire consumer electronics arena."

Setting it apart from the competition and other bags in the Kata line, the Ergo-Tech Collection is made from Kata’s revolutionary Elasto-Guard material. Consisting of two layers, Elasto-Guard is a flexible material that will adjust to the ever changing shapes and movements of the carrier’s body, while also able to shift shape in order to fit the variable equipment within.

The external layer is made from a high-resistance stretchable knit/weave and the middle layer consists of a one to three millimeter, closed-cell, waterproof elastic foam padding. Like Kata’s Global Digital Collection (GDC), the Ergo-Tech Collection features the same, tried and trusted ‘yelloop’ internal fabric. Vibrant, scratch and static resistant, ‘yelloop’ enables the attachment of dividers and provides unmatched cushioning.

While the Ergo-Tech Collection offers consumers a futuristic design, it also offers a new level of protection. Each bag features designated safe guard zones, where extra internal, modular padding is added to protect the gear within. In addition, safe guard zones also feature Flexi-Shield, a technology specifically designed for the Ergo-Tech collection. Flexi-Shield, Kata’s new, high-frequency, molded flexible reinforcement, appears in the form of ridges on the exterior of safe guard zones for ultimate protection.

Additional information and hi-res images are available by accessing the Bogen Imaging Press Room at: wwwbogenimaging.us

reprinted from a Matrox press release
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Matrox MXO Now Shipping

Portable Broadcast-Quality Audio/Video Output Adapter Streamlines Mac-based Video Production Workflows

Montreal, Canada, July 18, 2006 - Matrox Video Products Group today announced that Matrox MXO is now shipping. An easy-to-use DVI-to-audio/video output adapter for the Mac, Matrox MXO, takes the DVI output from a Mac computer or laptop and converts it to broadcast-quality video. Users can preview Apple Final Cut Pro projects or the output of other QuickTime-based applications such as Apple Soundtrack Pro and Motion, as well as Adobe After Effects as they will actually appear on TV and record them frame accurately to tape. Matrox MXO can also be used to provide a flicker-free video output of the computer desktop with any application, allowing the user to record and display Keynote and PowerPoint presentations, web browser sessions, and software application training.

"Matrox MXO incorporates patent-pending technology that provides important workflow enhancements for video production professionals on the Mac platform," said Alberto Cieri, Matrox sales and marketing director. "It’s a cost-effective external box that’s easy-to-use and portable. Final Cut Pro users will wonder how they ever worked without it."

Price and availability
Priced at $995 US in North America, Matrox MXO is now available through a worldwide network of authorized dealers