Manfrotto unveiled the 504HD today at NAB. One of the most innovative fluid video heads ever introduced by Manfrotto, the new 504HD incorporates a full-range of new state-of-the-art features and industry-leading versatility in a chassis boasting the company’s hallmark Italian style and design.

The 504HD is the first in a series of video fluid tripod heads that will feature Manfrotto’s revolutionary Bridging Technology. A unique design which adds style and enhances performance, the bridge design improves rigidity as well as reduces the overall weight of the head. Additionally, the bridge design protects the ergonomically improved, PAN friction control dial from knocks.

All structural components of the new 504HD are made from aluminum, with the PAN axis rotation unit using ball bearings to obtain smooth, totally vibration-free controlled movements that can be adjusted using the head’s Fluid Drag System (FDS) variable friction system. FDS, available on both the PAN and TILT axes, ensures consistency and precision at all temperatures, with all types of equipment and under all loads.

The new 504HD has been designed to offer a load capacity of up to 16.3 pounds, making it suitable for a wide range of camera equipment. Additionally, the redesigned CBS counterbalance system offers four presets to accommodate a number of camera weights, including 0, 2.5kg-5.5lb, 5kg-11lb and 7.5kg-16.3lb. Levelling the head is also easy thanks to the 75mm diameter half ball and the back-lit bubble level.

Further adding to the versatility of the Manfrotto 504HD are two 3/8 inch threads which have been integrated into the top plate to allow accessories, such as monitors and arms, to be directly and securely attached to the head. Attaching theses accessories directly to the head helps cut down set-up time, keeps the camera hot shoe free and does away with have to use a clamp.

The 504HD will be paired with the 546B and 546GB, two new tripod systems which are also being introduced at NAB 2010. These two systems will offer amazing value, delivering professional performance at an unbeatable price. The 546B and 546GB feature 75mm half balls and newly designed spreaders. The new 504HD is also suitable for the Manfrotto PRO series of video tripods with mid-level or ground spreaders and for the Manfrotto 536K and 535K MPRO carbon fiber, single leg tripods.

The 504HD will be available in 4 systems:

• 504HD - $400

• 504HD, 546BK (with bag) – $730

• 504HD, 546GBK (with bag) – $810

• 504HD, 535k (with bag) – $999

• 504HD, 536k (with bag) – $1,100

Kata today introduced its new Air Bag System (ABS) at NAB. The perfect protective carrying solution for the globe trotting videographer or cameraman, the Kata ABS is an inflatable case designed to never weigh down the on-the-go shooter.

The Kata ABS is stored folded in a compact carrying pouch and can be inflated in  roughly one minute to provide adequate protection for stowing one’s camera in the overhead compartment of an airplane. The Kata ABS will come in two sizes, including the ABS-HD ($165.00) and ABS-HDV ($110.00).

Today during NAB, Anton/Bauer debuted it’s Tandem 150 Modular Power System which brings users more power supply options during on-location or outdoor shoots. At just two and a half pounds, the Tandem 150 unit is the smallest and lightest charger and on-camera power supply available on the market. This fully automatic system functions by separating the Gold Mount device (QR-TM) from the power supply (PSU-150), allowing a user to simultaneously charge a battery and power a camera. When a 75 watt draw is exceeded, the system automatically stops charging and performs solely as a 150 watt power supply. When the camera is turned off or the load is reduced below 75 watts, the Tandem 150 system instantly resumes normal operation, as a simultaneous charger/power supply. Users can operate the system from AC at 100 to 240 volts AC or 50-60 Hz.

The Tandem 150 system, which is currently shipping worldwide, also provides ultimate flexibility for shoots in isolated areas, with two unique methods of charging. For productions where sunlight is available, crews can charge the system using the award-winning Anton/Bauer Solar Panel, previously introduced at NAB 2009. An important component of the Tandem 150 system, the Solar Panel allows users dealing with remote location video capture to charge any battery in the Anton/Bauer product line when sunlight is available. Crews working out of their cars during a night shoot, in an isolated location, or in an area where power is not immediately accessible have yet another simple option for all charging needs – a car’s dependable vehicle power outlet.

“With users now working in so many different types of broadcast and film environments, it’s critical that solutions address this issue and provide even more options for crews,” says Shin Minowa, vice president of marketing and business development. “The Tandem 150 Modular Power System does just that, giving industry professionals working on-location or in remote areas a lightweight solution with several choices for power supply. We certainly focused on ease of use for this system.”

The Tandem 150 system is a very promising solution for videographers on the go.

Today at NAB the ikan Corporation announced the release of their new line of monitors, the VX series.

“The brand-new VX7 7″ LCD monitor boasts a panel resolution of 1024 x 600 and features LED backlighting, HD-SDI inputs, Blue Plus Freeze Frame and multiple power options. The monitor now sports a sleek, newly designed housing that puts all major features just one button away.”

In addition to the VX7, the VX9 (measuring 8.9″), is available. The VX9 possesses the same inputs as the VX7, has the same resolution and claims it will “serve perfectly for a director’s or client monitor on virtually any set.”

Key features include:

• HDMI, HD-SDI, Component and Composite inputs.

• LED Backlighting

• Moveable Pixel to Pixel

• Blue Screen

• Overscan and Underscan

• 1024 x 600 resolution

• Multiple power options (Sony, Canon 900, Panasonic D, AB-Mount, V-Mount)

Ikan’s news release states “each monitor provides a bold new entry into the marketplace at prices that will once again illustrate ikan’s commitment to providing the features you need at the price you want.”

Panasonic announced a new line of professional Blu-ray Disc media designed for secure digital data archiving in professional applications. The new recordable Blu-ray Disc (BD-R) will be available in two grades – Archival Grade and Century Archival Grade – with spindle packages in the 2^nd and 3^rd quarter respectively of this year.

Due to Panasonic’s advanced phase change recording technology, the Archival Grade discs have an expected archival life of more than 50 years at a room temperature of 77°F and a relative humidity of 80%. The high durability of Panasonic Blu-ray Discs has been verified by TÜV Rheinland, the world- famous quality and safety certification institution. All archival discs will be inspected and certified to keep the professional quality, ensuring further enhanced durability.

The Century Archival Grade model features a new recording layer structure that ensures longer shelf life. The disc’s recording layers are protected on both sides with newly-developed layers that are extremely close-grained to keep out external materials such as water and dust. The Century Archival Grade Disc has an estimated life of 100 years.

Both Archival and Century Archival discs adopt “Tough Coating”, a double protective layer with hard coat and cover layers for added durability and high elasticity. The new hard coat is designed with a harder material that is more resistant to scratches and fingerprints and offers superior repellency against water and oil. The elastic cover layer material protects against pressure marks. With this optimally balanced “Tough Coating,” the new discs offer greater reliability and easier handling under various conditions for professional use.

Both models will have inkjet printable type and thermal printable type.

Today, Panasonic introduced the new AG-MSU10 P2 Media Storage Unit, a portable workflow tool that simplifies the process of backing-up or aggregating P2 content to a larger removable solid-state drive. Delivering fast, stable transfer of data, the compact P2 Media Storage Unit removes the need for computers or larger, more expensive appliances in the field and can quickly free up P2 cards for additional shooting.

The MSU10 boasts a small form factor with two slots: one for a P2 card, and the second for the AG-MBX10 removable housing that encloses a standard 2.5” SATA solid-state drive (SSD). Equipped with USB 2.0 and eSATA connectors, the drive can be connected to PCs and Macs, including laptops.

“A highly portable device like the P2 Media Storage Unit becomes even more convenient with the inclusion of the removable MBX10,” said Steve Cooperman, Product Line Business Manager, Media & Production Services, Panasonic Solutions Company. “The operator can quickly download P2 content, and then walk away with a featherweight SSD unit that can be powered by virtually any computer.”

The P2 Media Storage Unit features a 3.2” LCD screen and simple one-touch operation. It provides P2 thumbnail display and supports master-quality 10-bit AVC-Intra (100/50) and DVCPRO HD, DVCPRO50, DVCPRO and DV recording formats. Content is transferred from a P2 card to the solid-state drive at four times real-time when recording in AVC-Intra 100 or DVCPRO HD. The MSU10 is battery-operated.

The AG-MSU10 will be available in October at a suggested list price of $2,500. Widely-available SATA solid-state drives are not included but can purchased affordably from a variety of sources.