Canon XL H1
Canon has finally released its first HDV camcorder, the XL H1. It boasts an interchangeable 20x HD zoom lens, multiple gamma curves, and 1080i video recording via 1440×1080 pixel CCDs. Uncompressed HD for broadcast is also available by using the HD-SDI output. Not enough? Like many HDV camcorders, the XL1 has genlock and true SMPTE time code. The Skin Detail setting is just one of a plethora of image tweaks that can be saved and traded on an SD Card.
The XL H1 also allows for adjustment of color gain and phase, sharpness, setup level, vertical detail, color matrix, coring, gamma, knee, and black stretch. Canon’s DIGIC II image processor ensures correct color whether you’re shooting video or stills. Canon’s viewfinder/LCD combo includes action safe markers, cinema-style aspect ratio guides, zebra patterns, and a black-and-white mode. With the XL H1 you have multiple ways to check focus, ensuring that your viewers don’t rush to the optometrist after watching your new HD movie. Using the Magnify feature, a zoomed-in portion of your image is presented in the LCD allowing you to easily see how sharp your subject is.
Watch for our full review in next month’s issue of Videomaker.
http://consumer.usa.canon.com
Ulead Adds Support for HD DVD and Blu-ray Video Discs
Ulead/Intervideo has announced support for HD DVD and Blu-ray in its release of Ulead DVD MovieFactory 5. Users will be able make HD DVDs and Blu-ray discs when paired with the proper drive. This addition will accompany the already long list of options in the current version of DVD MovieFactory. Menu creation and video editing are still included features, along with Dolby Digital encoding, disc copying, and Double Layer DVD burning. An HD DVD or Blu-ray disc burner isn’t required to run Ulead DVD MovieFactory 5.
http://www.ulead.com
Turn Your Mini DV into HD
Red Giant Software has released a plug-in that adds pixels to your video. Yes, you read that right. Using the Instant HD software with Adobe’s Premiere Pro, After Effects, or Apple’s Final Cut Pro, you can up-convert your video to High Definition standards. There is a caveat: Instant HD works only with progressive video, so you’ll need to convert your interlaced masterpiece before Instant HD can start on it. Owners of the Panasonic AG-DVX100 and Canon XL2 progressive camcorders are ready to take full advantage of Instant HD’s capabilities. Red Giant sells this plug-in on its website for $99, along with other plug-ins such as Magic Bullet Suite and Knoll Light Factory. Much to Red Giant’s credit, its plug-ins have been used on many big-budget movies: The Day After Tomorrow and The Aviator to name a few.
http://www.redgiantsoftware.com/instanthd.html
