It’s been a busy time at Adobe lately, as they’ve released today new versions of just about every piece of software that they make. But for Videomaker readers, lets break down their new Creative Suite 4 Production Premium bundle, available in October for $1,699.

We managed to finagle a beta version of CS4, that we’ve been playing with for a while now and I’ll go through some of the new features of each part of the package below. But first off, a broad overview is in order. As you may have heard already, there’s been a shift to a new interface across the board for all apps. This common interface makes working in each individual program a lot easier, especially as most users might not be as savvy in one app, as they are in another.

Talking with Adobe about CS4 in a general sense revealed that this release was all about stability and work flow enhancements, rather than new features. That’s not to say there’s not anything new (I highlight these below), but I applaud the effort in refining the core usefulness of the programs. Many people make their living in Adobe applications, and solving work flow issues is by far more important on a day to day basis than the latest effect.

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Red Digital Cinema announced on their scarletuser.com forum, that their highly anticipated Scarlet camcorder has been taken back to the drawing board in response to recent market changes. They promise that the new Scarlet will be better than the originally planned model, but details were not yet forthcoming.

Release dates have been moved from early 2009, to just 2009. We’ll post updates about Scarlet 2.0 here as they come out, but as for now, everything you thought you knew about Scarlet is wrong.

Reprinted from an Imation press release:
Imation Corp. (NYSE:IMN), exclusive licensee of the “TDK Life on Record” recording media brand, today announced the first 6x Blu-ray recordable (BD-R) and Blu-ray recordable double layer (BD-R DL) media for the U.S. retail market. Imation is also launching a full line of TDK Life on Record Blu-ray disc cleaning and storage accessories to protect and maintain high-definition content on this new media format.

“As more consumers create new digital memories in high definition, those memories will be relived on Blu-ray media,” said Jean-Paul Eekhout, global brand director of the TDK Life of Record brand, Imation Corp. “The TDK Life on Record brand continues to be a sought-after Blu-ray pioneer both as the first-to-market with 6x Blu-ray recordable media, and for unique technology and accessories that make TDK Blu-ray media more durable and compatible with Blu-ray players.”

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News from IBC today, JVC Professional has announced it will support Sony’s XDCAM EX format that uses MPEG-2 video and SxS flash memory cards for storing video. JVC’s first XDCAM EX product will be the KA-MR100G docking media recorder, that will attach to current JVC Pro Camcorders, allowing the tape based cameras to record directly to SxS media.

Can a native XDCAM EX camcorder made by JVC be far behind?

 From a JVC Press Release:

JVC Announces Alliance with Sony to Support XDCAM EX
Professional Video File Format which Records on SxS Memory Cards
KA-MR100G Media Recorder to be First JVC Native XDCAM EX File Based Device

IBC, Amsterdam (September 12, 2008) – Victor Company of Japan, Ltd. (JVC) announced today its alliance with Sony Corporation to support the XDCAM EX MPEG-2 professional video file format^*1 and SxS (S-By-S) solid state flash memory cards^*2. JVC is committed to develop products based on the XDCAM EX file format utilizing SxS memory cards to bring this high quality, high bit rate recording option to JVC professional video product customers^*3. The compact SxS memory card provides high speed data transfer capability designed especially for professional video camera applications.

“JVC is committed to collaborating with world-class partners to provide the best solutions and the widest range of options for our professional video customers,” stated Hiroyuki Takekura, Managing Director, Professional Systems Business, Victor Company of Japan. “Our goal is to offer a variety of recording options including major video file formats and field-proven media. We are extremely pleased with our alliance with Sony Corporation to support the XDCAM EX file format and the SxS memory card and thereby expand our professional application capabilities.”

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Reprinted from a Sony press release:

Sony is expanding its industry leading line-up of high-definition video products with two new HDV™ cameras designed to meet the needs of professionals and prosumers.

With the HDR-FX1000 Handycam® camcorder, more adept consumer videographers gain access to cinematic features, including 24P scanning and advanced color settings for around $3,200. With the HVR-Z5U camcorder, professionals will appreciate its native 24P recording and other professional features—all for less than $5,000—as well as tapeless recording capability through an optional CompactFlash™ adapter.

“The HDR-FX1000 is appealing to the amateur videographer shooting weddings or the aspiring cinematographer,” said Kelly Davis, director of camcorder marketing at Sony Electronics. “The combination of film-like movie quality and advanced color settings makes it possible for prosumers to achieve the deep cinematic look they crave at a reasonable price.”

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Do you have a Sony EX1 (or other camcorder of roughly the same size)? Ever wish you could carry it, a laptop, and all your accessories in one sweet bag? Well Petrol has just released the Camlap Trolley Backpack. It’s a new bag from one of the most trusted names in camcorder protection accessories. More details below:

From a Petrol Press Release

Petrol Intro’s Trolley/Backpack to Transport EX1 and More

Petrol, a Vitec Group brand, introduces the Camlap Trolley Backpack.
This versatile new roll-along professional camera backpack has been specially designed to safely carry a Sony PMW-EX1, a laptop computer and plenty of accessories.

The Camlap unzips quickly from top to bottom, offering an ultra-wide U-shaped opening for fast and easy access to contents while on the job. Inside the generous main chamber, internal adjustable binding straps and Petrol’s proprietary sliding pipe system (SPS) secure the camera and keep it firmly – and safely – in place. Four removable rigid dividers can be custom configured into pockets for holding and organizing important accessories. The contents are protected on all sides by layers of durable cushioned fabric. A second, padded rear pocket cradles a laptop computer with up to a 17” screen.

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