Video News

Making money in online video supported by ads is no longer a new concept. So what’s next?

Making the ads yourself.

There’s a website out there called XLNTAds that gives you a chance to make video ads for various clients, and if they like what you’ve come up with, there’s a cool $5,000 in it for the creator.

User generated content supported by user generated ads. It leads to an interesting conundrum:

While the vast majority of user generated content is going to be garbage, you can bet that user generated ads are going to still be the cream of the crop. So does that mean people will end up watching for the ads more than the content?

From a Noise Industries Press Release:

NOISE INDUSTRIES SHIPS FxFACTORY 2.0
Award-winning compositing and effects plugin for Apple Pro Video Applications adds 52 new innovative filters and advanced rendering

Boston MA – Nov 21, 2007 – Noise Industries, developer of visual effects tools for the postproduction and broadcast markets, today announced the availability of FxFactory version 2.0. FxFactory is an extensive 2D / 3D compositing and effects plug-in environment offering over 200 GPU accelerated filters that have been developed for the Apple FxPlug architecture. FxFactory filters extend and enhance the production capabilities of Apple Final Cut Studio 2 (Final Cut Pro 6 and Motion 3) and Final Cut Express 4.0 solutions.

FxFactory 2.0 adds a slew of clever organic and temporal based filters that enable users to push the limits of effects production; delivering that unique or realistic look with stunning image quality and outstanding results. FxFactory 2.0 also optimizes core processes and workflows; support for latest OS (Leopard), field-based rendering, and improved contextual controls significantly accelerate overall effects production and delivery.

“Aside from our first roll out, FxFactory 2.0 is the most significant release to date,” comments Niclas Bahn, director of business development Noise Industries. “We have studied the Apple products closely and been mindful about the development so that every addition to FxFactory extends and compliments effects capabilities in the Apple Pro Apps – not mimic them. Our users will find that 2.0 is a quantum leap ahead of its peers in uniqueness and performance.”

Highlights of FxFactory 2.0

• 52 new FxFactory plug-ins; a new total of 122 filters, generators, and transitions (which support high-precision rendering). All plug-ins are fully customizable. Some new filter notables;

Random Crop - repeatedly crops the image according to a given range and speed, to generate a smooth animation.

Light Streaks - animates light streaks originating from a given
luminance range in the original image.

Heat - simulates both the distortion and color adjustments caused when light passes through a hot gas. Ideal for text treatments

Artist Sketch - generates a stylized version of the original image which simulates a black & white artist sketch

• Redesigned plug-in management interface: provides plug-in previews and the ability to search for specific plug-ins within an FxPack.

• Improved contextual parameter interface: parameters are disabled and/or hidden when they are not relevant to the current parameter
configuration, making the plug-ins even more intuitive to use.

• Improved Perspective Reflection and Video Conference: easier to use versions of the popular Perspective Reflection and Videoconference plug-ins

• Field-based rendering: many plugins now incorporate a technique that may double the rendering speed and reduce filtering artifacts.

• Support for OS X Leopard: FxFactory is now validated for operation on Apple OS 10.5 (Leopard).

• Support for Apple Final Cut Express 4: FxFactory is now compatible with Final Cut Express version 4.0 or later.

Apple Final Cut Studio and Final Cut Express users can test drive FxFactory and partner expansion FxPacks by downloading the 15-day trial version from:www.noiseindustries.com/fxfactory

Pricing and Availability
Noise Industries FxFactory 2.0 is available today from Noise Industries resellers and direct from the web site www.noiseindustries.com. FxFactory Pro 2.0 is available for a MSRP of $399.00 USD. FxFactory Pro 1.0 customers can upgrade for a reduced price of $129.00 USD.

If you haven’t read the latest on Final Cut Express 4 drop down a couple posts or click here if that’s too much work.

While the price drop on Final Express 4 (from $299, now $199) has got us excited, it was revealed that unlike the last version, FCE 4 will not be bundled with Soundtrack. Bummer. Apple’s position is that GarageBand (free) will fulfill the needs of prosumer editors who want to create jamming music scores. Good point Apple. But, doesn’t that really soften the news about your price drop? Maybe just a little? Honestly, we’re not surprised by this decision– the latest Soundtrack Pro 2 is not the best fit for this audience.

The good news is, we’ve been around GarageBand and Final Cut Express enough to know that these two in combo will be sufficient, so don’t sweat it if you think you’re not going to get your money’s worth. We just thought you Soundtrack lovers of former Final Cut Express HD would like to know. For you, it’s all about the $99 upgrade.

Sony’s Broadcast division announced two new HDV camcorders and a new HDV/DVCAM/DV deck as well. These new camcorders are totally pimped-out with all sorts of bells and whistles that shooters will enjoy. Let’s dig in.

The Shoulder-Mount HVR-S270U HDV Camcorder
Go big or go home, right? We think that’s the philosophy here as the Sony HVR-S270U takes the form of a big, professional style camcorder that has authority. The HVR-S270U HDV camcorder records in 1080i or 1080p HDV, DVCAM and DV. The 1080p variety comes in at 24p or 30p frame rates and is recorded to tape as progressive. With the three ClearVid 1/3″ CMOS sensors we suspect the image quality will be notable. Also, the HVR-S270U is an interchangeable lens system, shipping with a stock 12x Carl Zeiss lens. An optional 8x Carl Zeiss wide-angle lens and a Sony SLR adapter adds to this camcorder’s versatility. The Sony HVR-S270U HDV camcorder is also packing some heat with a HD-SDI (and SD-SDI) output. Additionally, it will accept standard-size cassettes allowing shooters to capture up to 4.5 hours on select Sony tapes. The Sony HVR-S270U HDV camcorder will be available in February for $10,500 (MSRP).

Well, it looks like Sony is going to give Canon’s XL-H1 a healthy dose of competition. There are quite a few more features on the Sony HVR-S270U (and the handhel HVR-Z7U for that matter) that give it a competitive edge. Sony has an optional memory-recording unit that attaches to camcorder (nothing too new here), an accessory charger that has four battery slots (nice touch) and an impressive simultaneous CompactFlash card record mode. This last particular feature caught our attention. As you’re recording to tape you can also record your choice of 1080i HDV, DVCAM, or DV to CompactFlash. With Sony’s Professional CompactFlash cards you can put up to 72 minutes on a 16 GB card. Who needs to downconvert when you can record simultaneously to DV? This is definitely a feature worth learning more about in a future review from us. Again, this feature is also available on the less-expensive, handheld version, the Sony HVR-Z7U HDV camcorder.

The Handheld Sony HVR-Z7U HDV Camcorder
In comparison to the previously mentioned HVR-S270U camcorder, the HVR-Z7U is basically the smaller, lighter version. With the HVR-Z7U, you won’t find HD-SDI, nor will you be able to use the standard-sized cassettes. That said, we’re delighted to see that the Sony HVR-Z7U HDV camcorder also features an interchangeable lens system, the 1080p capability and the simultaneous recording to CompactFlash. This is one of the first handheld prosumer camcorders featuring a interchangeable lens system with a stock lens that is fixed-gear and not the typical servo controlled lens. This is quite an improvement in tactile control, offering shooters a level of precision that’s hard to achieve on servo-based lenses. The HVR-Z7U HDV camcorder also features XLR-inputs and manual gain control for channels 1 and 2. Sounds like it could be a serious contender. The HVR-Z7U HDV camcorder we be available in February for $6,850 (MSRP).

reprinted from an Apple press release:

CUPERTINO, California—November 15, 2007—Apple® today released Final Cut® Express 4, a significant upgrade to its powerful video editing software based on Apple’s award-winning Final Cut Pro 6, with a new low price of $199. Final Cut Express 4 adds support for the latest AVCHD cameras, allows mixing of standard and high definition content on a single timeline, includes the ability to import iMovie® ‘08 projects, and gives users access to hundreds of sophisticated FxPlug cinematic effects and filters.

“Almost a million digital filmmakers have made Final Cut their editing application of choice,” said Rob Schoeben, Apple’s vice president of Applications Product Marketing. “With the introduction of Final Cut Express 4, Apple makes it easy for anyone to join the rapidly growing community of Final Cut editors worldwide.”

The new Open Format Timeline in Final Cut Express 4 allows users to mix and match DV, HDV and AVCHD material*, all in realtime using the same industry-leading editing and trimming tools found in Final Cut Pro. Supporting both 1080i and 720p HD resolutions, Final Cut Express 4 automatically performs the necessary scaling, cropping and frame rate adjustments. When starting projects from scratch, the new simplified setup automatically configures everything based on the first clip dropped on the Timeline.

Final Cut Express 4 makes it easy to import iMovie ‘08 projects and enhance them with advanced editing capabilities such as multiple layers of video and graphics, picture in picture effects and animated titles. It includes over 50 new FxPlug filters, including Soft Focus, Vignette and Light Rays, with hundreds more available from a rapidly expanding FxPlug developer community. With enhanced audio controls, users can automatically raise any clip to its maximum level without distortion using the new Soft Normalize and Gain controls. Final Cut Express 4 also features LiveType 2, which provides an intuitive environment for creating dynamic and fun animated titles and includes an extensive library of animated fonts, textures, templates and effects.

Pricing & Availability
Final Cut Express 4 is available immediately for a suggested retail price of $199 (US) through the Apple Store® (www.apple.com), Apple’s retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers. Owners of previous versions of Final Cut Express can upgrade to Final Cut Express 4 for just $99 (US). Full system requirements and more information on Final Cut Express 4 can be found at www.apple.com/finalcutexpress.

reprinted from a Sony press release:

PARK RIDGE, N.J., Nov. 14, 2007 – Sony Electronics’ latest HDV™ products include two new camcorders that feature interchangeable lens systems, native progressive recording, increased sensitivity for low-light conditions, hybrid solid-state recording and other features designed for video production professionals and pro-sumers.

The new models are the HVR-Z7U (handheld) and HVR-S270U (shoulder-mount) camcorders. Sony is also introducing the HVR-M35U playback and recording deck. These new products expand Sony’s line-up of HD production technologies, which includes the recently introduced PMW-EX1 XDCAM EX™ solid-state memory camera and the soon-to-be-available HVR-HD1000U shoulder-mount HDV camcorder.

“These new tools enhance the versatility of our professional HDV lineup, and open up a world of possibilities for HD digital video production,” said Bob Ott, vice president of professional video and audio products for Sony Electronics. “Sony’s new HDV camcorders and decks are ideal for documentaries, electronic newsgathering, independent production, music videos, web streaming, and more.”

The new camcorders use Sony’s 1/3-inch 3 ClearVid CMOS Sensor™ system enhanced by Exmor™ technology. With a 45-degree rotated pixel layout, the 3 ClearVid CMOS Sensor system offers sufficient pixel surface area while maintaining high resolution. The Exmor technology features a unique column-parallel analog-to-digital conversion technique and dual noise canceling, resulting in high-quality digital signals with extremely low noise, similar to the imaging technology used in the PMW-EX1 camera. The two new technologies combine to allow the new camcorders to perform significantly better in low-light environments with sensitivity of 1.5 lux. *

This imaging technology is complemented by Sony’s Enhanced Imaging Processor™ (EIP) system to achieve high resolution, high sensitivity, wide dynamic range, and excellent color reproduction.

Users can attach different lenses for extra flexibility, and both models have a universal standard 1/3-inch bayonet mount mechanism for easier lens changes.

Each camcorder comes standard with a 12x high-quality, multi-purpose Carl Zeiss lens for HD video, with a Vario-Sonnarâ„¢ T* coating to reduce reflections. A specially designed 8x wide-angle lens is also available as an option.

These new lenses give the camcorders the same functionality as Sony’s popular fixed-lens camcorders like the HVR-Z1U and HVR-V1U, thanks to built-in features such as auto-focus, optical stabilizer, and automatic back-focus adjustment.

Using a special adaptor, users can also attach the α lens series designed for Sony’s consumer digital SLR still cameras.

The camcorders offer 1080, 24p and 30p native progressive recording. The 3 ClearVid CMOS Sensor system and EIP technology create true 1080p images, which can then be recorded as progressive signals by the HVR-Z7U and HVR-S270U camcorders in the HDV format. The progressive HDV streams can be output from an i.LINK® interface and used for progressive editing with compatible NLE software.

The HVR-Z7U and HVR-S270U can switch between 1080p, 1080i in the HDV format, DVCAMâ„¢, and DV recording, and both can down-convert material from HD to SD, and output the video signals through its i.LINK interface and other SD output connectors. The HVR-Z7U has an HDMI output. The HVR-S270U is available with HD-SDI or SD-SDI connectivity, and also supports embedded audio and timecode.

The HVR-Z7U and HVR-S270U use Sony’s XtraFine™ LCD and XtraFine electronic viewfinder for high-resolution and high-contrast images with remarkable color reproduction. The HVR-S270U features a new LCD/EVF configuration named “Dual Finder,” where the LCD located on the EVF enables multiple styles of operation.

The new camcorders offer the option of hybrid recording when using a supplied memory-recording unit, which attaches directly to the back of the HVR-Z7U or the side of the HVR-S270U and eliminates the need for cables. The unit automatically synchronizes with the recording action of the camcorder and a special shoe connector inputs and outputs an HDV/DV stream and supplies power to the unit.

This unit captures the HDV1080i, DVCAM, or DV stream output from the camcorder and can record HDV/DVCAM/DV files to a standard CompactFlash® solid-state memory card, while users are simultaneously recording to tape.

It will be compatible with Sony’s Professional 306x CompactFlash card as well as standard CompactFlash cards (2GB minimum capacity, 133x minimum speed). The recording times on an 8 and 16 GB CompactFlash card in HDV, DVCAM and DV format are approximately 36 and 72 minutes**, respectively.

The HVR-Z7U can deliver more than 60 minutes of recording time on miniDV videotapes, and approximate recording times of 63 minutes with Sony’s DigitalMaster™ cassettes (PHDVM-63DM). The HVR-S270U also accepts standard-size cassettes to provide more than 4.5 hours of continuous recording, with approximate recording times of 4 hours, 36 minutes** on Sony PHDV-276DM videotapes.

The HVR-M35U record and playback deck is compatible with HDV native progressive recording modes and supports HD/SD-SDI output with embedded audio and timecode data. It has a 60i/50i switchable function, and supports HDV1080i (60i/50i/24p/30p/25p) and DVCAM/DV (60i/50i).

The deck supports standard- and mini-size cassette, and accepts standard cassettes shot on the HVR-S270U or other shoulder-mount DVCAM camcorders. It can play back four-channel audio data in HDV1080i format recorded by the HVR-S270U, and it can also play back four-channel audio data in the DVCAM format. It also includes a 2.7-inch wide Clear Photo LCD plusâ„¢ screen, monaural speaker, edge crop adjust and a Duplicate Plus function for copying video and audio from another VTR.

A range of accessories is available for the new camcorders, including a Camcorder Support, an AC Adaptor Charger with four-battery slot, an LCD hood and more.

The new products are each planned to be available in February, at the following suggested list prices:

* HVR-S270U camcorder, $10,500
* HVR-Z7U camcorder, $6,850
* HVR-M35U deck, $5,540

Apple has released the latest version of Final Cut Express 4 today. The last major update came in May of 2006 when the added support for Intel-based Macs. This latest update adds support for AVCHD camcorders and also supports the open format timeline allowing editors to mix up different HD formats in one project. Final Cut Express 4 is definitely making inroads to more advance editing for consumers with an $199 price tag (or $99 upgrade). Moreover, you can take your iMovie ‘08 projects and import them into Final Cut Express 4. How do you like them apples?

Of course, we’ll be anxiously awaiting our review copy of Final Cut Express 4 and will let you know how that goes. Take a looksie at the screen grab below.

Final Cut Express 4 does not look all too unfamiliar to Final Cut Pro. But, those who will be migrating from iMovie ‘08 may feel like they landed on another planet. The latest update of iMovie ‘08 introduced casual editors to a completely new interface. It may have been too much too soon for many of iMovie’s users. How one moves from iMovie ‘08 to Final Cut Express 4 may end up being another interesting story. We’ll have to wait and see what happens.

reprinted from a Systemax press release:

FLETCHER, OH – November 14, 2007 – Systemax Manufacturing Inc., announced the availability of two new Endeavor Tower Workstations. The workstations will come standard with an Intel® 5000X chipset motherboard and Quad Core Intel® Xeon® processor E5310 1.6GHz CPU. Both models can be upgraded to the Quad-Core Intel® Xeon® processor E5335 at 2.0GHz 1333, providing all the power and speed necessary for CAD, animation, video editing or just surfing the web at record speeds.

Systemax’s new spacious server quality case will house the Endeavor systems. The new case offers Hot Swap Hard Drive Bays, which allow workstation users to pull out and replace hard drives without opening the case. Additionally, professionals will have the option of customizing the workstations with up to with a 4GB of Fully Buffered DDR2-667 RAM, and can chose between NVIDIA Quadro and ATI FireGL video cards. Both models will also feature a 20X DVD±RW dual layer drive, Microsoft Windows XP Professional 32-Bit and a 750-watt SLI Certified power supply. Professionals can upgrade to the $2,299 SKU for a 15K SAS hard drive solution, an important feature for users trying to access and retrieve the large files associated with workstations.

“We feel the best way to meet the specialized needs of creative professionals is to offer high levels of customization and superior components,” said Scott Strunk Director of PC Marketing for Systemax PC. “The Endeavor systems will be fine tuned to meet the high demands of computer aided design, video and audio production and graphic design.”

“The energy efficient performance of the Quad-Core Intel Xeon processor 5300 series helps the new Systemax Endeavor systems to unleash new levels of productivity and creativity for customers in the professional workstation segment” said Boyd Davis, general manager, Intel Server Platforms Group Marketing.

The new Endeavor line of workstations is available at www.systemaxpc.com in two SKU’s ranging in base price from $2,199 to $2,299.

reprinted from a Digieffects press release:

Wilmington, NC – November 12, 2007 – Digieffects, a developer of popular software plug-ins for Adobe After Effects, Premiere Pro, Apple Final Cut Pro, and Autodesk Combustion today announced that Universal Binary versions of Delirium, Berserk, and Aurorix are now available for Intel-based Macintosh computers.

Digieffects Delirium, Berserk, and Aurorix are now compatible with Universal Binary applications such as Adobe After Effects CS3, Adobe Premiere CS3, and Final Cut Pro 6. Since Delirium, Berserk, and Aurorix are backwards compatible, these programs will still run natively on Power PC-based Mac computers.

Existing Delirium, Berserk, and Aurorix customers moving to the Intel-based Macintosh platform can download free updates from the Digieffects web site at http://www.digieffects.com/softwareDownload.html.

Note: Universal Binary versions of Digieffects Fantazm, Buena Effects Pack, and Buena Effects Essentials will be available in early 2008.

reprinted from a Corel press release:

Free update from Company’s Digital Media Portfolio provides complete HD solution for video editing and DVD authoring; makes it easy to upload videos directly to YouTube(TM).

Ottawa, Canada – November 8, 2007 – Corel Corporation (NASDAQ:CREL; TSX:CRE), a leading developer of graphics, productivity and digital media software, today announced the Ulead® VideoStudio® 11 Plus Power Pack, the latest update to its award-winning consumer video editing and DVD authoring software. Available as a free download from www.corel.com, the new Power Pack enables users to enjoy the full benefits of HD when editing and viewing their favorite videos.

“Ulead VideoStudio 11 Plus is the first consumer video editing and DVD authoring software to offer a complete HD solution including BD, AVCHD, HD DVD and HDV support,” said Jeff Hastings, President and General Manager, Corel Digital Media. “We are focused on providing our users with the latest tools to enrich the way they live, work and play. With the new Power Pack, Ulead VideoStudio 11 Plus users can upload their favorite videos directly to YouTube and enjoy the latest HD support when editing videos and authoring DVDs.

The Ulead VideoStudio 11 Plus Power Pack includes the following new features:

-Upload directly to YouTube(TM): With the new Power Pack installed, users can easily encode and upload videos directly to YouTube from within Ulead VideoStudio 11 Plus.

-Blu-ray Disc(TM) (BDMV) Authoring: Users can edit their HD videos and author Blu-ray Discs complete with motion menus.

-Create AVCHD discs: Users can author HD content on standard DVD discs in the AVCHD format and play their discs on Blu-ray Disc players and Sony® PlayStation® 3.

-H.264 High Profile (HD) Encoding: Users can create HD videos using the H.264 video format and enjoy optimized encoding for multi-core processors, such as the Intel® Core(TM) 2 Duo Quad.

-Native .TOD format (JVC HD Camcorder) Import and Editing: Users can import and edit TOD video files in native form.

-M2TS File Import: Users can import .m2ts and .mts files directly from their AVCHD disc, hard drive, or memory card camcorder.

-New Menus, Templates and Overlay Graphics: The Ulead VideoStudio 11 Plus Power Pack offers a fresh set of menus, templates and graphics with over 50 new items.

Pricing and Availability
Ulead VideoStudio 11 Plus users in North America can download the Ulead VideoStudio 11 Plus Power Pack free starting today at www.corel.com/powerpack.