NAB 2008 - Cineform 2K & 4K Workflows for Mac & PC: Download

Cineform is probably most well-known for their intermediate codec for Windows users on Premiere Pro. About a year ago they started offering the same solution for users on the Intel Mac platform. If you’ve never worked with it, the Cineform codec is a mature workflow for a variety formats, and is essentially resolution agnostic. It can be helpful in solving the unique challenges of long-GOP MPEG editing and they offer one of the simplest and methods of getting proper 24p HDV from the Canon HV20 and HV30. At NAB this year they were showing off their workflow for 2K and 4K formats, including a few exciting options for Red One users. Of note is the unique “active metadata” LUT solution they have integrated into the codec…it’s a real showstopper. In the following video, Cineform’s David Taylor walks us through the featureset they now offer, and some of the unique reasons users should take a look at Cineform. It’s an exciting segment for those that have an interest in post for cameras like the SI-2K and Red One. Watch via the attached download link or at FreshTV.

FreshDV’s coverage of NAB 2008 is made possible by the support of the following companies:
Cinevate | DSC Labs | Imagineer Systems | Letus | Redrock Micro | Videoguys | Zacuto

 NAB 2008 - Cinevate MP.1 and cinema accessories [12:15m]: Download

About two years ago, Cinevate announced the Brevis35 35mm lens adapter system. This year at NAB 2008 they were showing off their brand new microprocessor-controlled lens adapter system, the Brevis MP.1 35mm adapter. In this video segment, Cinevate founder Dennis Wood walks us through the new system, shows off their carbon rods and new adjustable riser/plate, and demonstrates the Cinevate mattebox. He also mentions the new Ballare dolly system, stay tuned for more coverage of the Ballare. Download the attached video or watch online at FreshTV.

 Redrock microMattebox: Download

One year ago at NAB 2007, Redrock Micro showed off a pre-production version of their forthecoming mattebox system. Quite honestly they promised a host of features unheard of at an affordable price point. This was a tall order, and we were cautiously hopeful that they would be able to deliver everything as promised. Now a year later, Redrock is showing off their finished mattebox system, and we believe that it is everything they originally promised and more. In this video segment, Redrock’s Brian Valente walks us through the featureset of the mattebox system and answers some key questions. Color us impressed, and we believe that you will be as well. Also, stay tuned for an unexpected announcement from Brian Valente. Download the attached video or watch online at FreshTV.

 Podcast Video: Download

At NAB 2008, Ikan showed off a unique doorway dolly solution that packs down into a lightweight and compact travel case. We get a look at the design in this video segment, as well as a rundown on the latest HD LCD monitoring solutions. Watch via the attached download link or at FreshTV.

FreshDV’s coverage of NAB 2008 is made possible by the support of the following companies:
Cinevate | DSC Labs | Imagineer Systems | Letus | Redrock Micro | Videoguys | Zacuto

 Podcast Video: Download

In the last six months, Letus has solidified their stance in the 35mm adapter market with the introduction of the Letus Extreme. At NAB 2008 they were also showing their brand new Letus Ultimate, a high-end system that utilizes a spinning ground glass design to deliver improved bokeh rendering. In this interview, you’ll get one of the first looks at the new Letus Ultimate as we talk to the engineers behind the design. Watch via the attached download link or at FreshTV.

 Podcast Video: Download

With Sony’s introduction of two new SxS camcorders in recent months, solid-state media is obviously a big topic for NAB. Indeed it was a theme we saw throughout the show…whether it’s P2, SxS, or CF, it is clear that flash-based media is here to stay. This video segment is a behind the scenes look at the robust nature of Sony’s SxS media. FreshDV spoke with shooter Alister Chapman about his experiences with the tapeless media in the Arctic. Watch via the attached download link or at FreshTV.

FreshDV’s coverage of NAB 2008 is made possible by the support of the following companies:
Cinevate | DSC Labs | Imagineer Systems | Letus | Redrock Micro | Videoguys | Zacuto

 Panasonic Varicam 2008 NAB Video Podcast [10:59m]: Download

At NAB 2008 Panasonic was showing off two brand new Varicam models with P2 and a variety of other improvements. This video segment is a walk-through the new feature set and ergonomics of the new Varicam P2HD camcorders, the AJ-HDC2700 and 3700 series. Watch via the attached download link or at FreshTV.

FreshDV’s coverage of NAB 2008 is made possible by the support of the following companies:
Cinevate | DSC Labs | Imagineer Systems | Letus | Redrock Micro | Videoguys | Zacuto

 Panasonic New Camcorder Models: Download

If you are looking for information on the new HVX-200A or the HPX-170, look no further. In this interview and camera walkthrough, Panasonic’s Jan Crittenden Livingston talks about what has changed in the new models. Download the attached video or watch at FreshTV.

FreshDV’s coverage of NAB 2008 is made possible by the support of the following companies:
Cinevate | DSC Labs | Imagineer Systems | Letus | Redrock Micro | Videoguys | Zacuto

 Red Digital Cinema Interview: Download

Here’s an interview with Ted Schilowitz, Red’s “Leader of the Rebellion.” In it he dishes on Scarlet, Red Ray, Red Epic, and where they stand as a company at this time. Great interview, and if you’ve not had a chance to see Scarlet, here it is. Quick side-note…the word is that Red One will be getting a full sensor upgrade once Epic ships. Download the attached video or watch online at FreshTV.

FreshDV’s coverage of NAB 2008 is made possible by the support of the following companies:
Cinevate | DSC Labs | Imagineer Systems | Letus | Redrock Micro | Videoguys | Zacuto

 Sony F35 Digital Cinema Camer: Download

Sony’s new F35 camera takes the F23 and adds a brand new S35 frame-size sensor, 800% expanded dynamic range, and much much more. Here’s the scoop. Download the attached video or watch online at FreshTV.

FreshDV’s coverage of NAB 2008 is made possible by the support of the following companies:
Cinevate | DSC Labs | Imagineer Systems | Letus | Redrock Micro | Videoguys | Zacuto

 Canon New Camcorders at NAB 2008: Download

Today in the South Hall Canon took some time to talk with us about their two new HDV camcorder models. Download this video for the full scoop. Download the attached video or watch online at FreshTV.

FreshDV’s coverage of NAB 2008 is made possible by the support of the following companies:
Cinevate | DSC Labs | Imagineer Systems | Letus | Redrock Micro | Videoguys | Zacuto

 DSC Labs Calibration and Test Gear [11:42m]: Download

At NAB 2008, DSC Labs was showing their latest series of charts and test patterns for video professionals. Michael Kent gave us a walkthrough of their offerings, and talked about who uses DSC patterns and why…from law enforcement, to HD and DV shooters, to VFX applications. We hope that this segment impresses on shooters the need to routinely work with reliable calibration equipment, whether it be for testing or daily shooting in the field. Download the attached video or watch online at FreshTV.

 Zacuto Support Systems and Accessories [14:25m]: Download

Zacuto was showing a lot at NAB 2008, there are a number of new products and updates in their line. In this video segment, Zacuto’s Steve Weiss takes us through the latest gear and accessories they are bringing to market, including the new 19mm support system for RED One shooters. Download the attached video or watch online at FreshTV.

Yesterday Sony announced their latest camera in their hand held Xdcam lineup the PMW-EX3. It looks to be a very promising camera however perhaps a touch high in price. The unofficial word from the press conference places the price somewhere just under $13,000 for the package. We will be at Sony’s booth this morning getting the official word on features and price. You can check out an advanced video posted by Philip Bloom.

Here is a press release via camcorder info.

April 13, 2008 – Sony announced the release of a new camcorder in its XDCAM EX series, the PMW-EX3 ($13,000 MSRP). This is the second model from Sony to use the SxS media format, a flash memory card similar to Panasonic’s P2 card. It is a step-up model from the PMW-EX1. Most of the body is similar in design to the EX1, but the new PMW-EX3 features a removable lens system. At the same press conference, Sony also announced a prototype 32GB SxS card. (View photo gallery)

The PMW-EX3 is 1080i/720P switchable. There are connections for Genlock and Time Code, making it suitable for multi-camera shoots. The camcorder ships with a kit lens, though the initial press information does not offer much information. The photo indicates that it has a maximum aperture of f/1.9, with control rings for zoom, focus, and aperture.

Also included with the PMW-EX3 is the Clip Browser Ver.2.0 software, which will allow XDCAM EX video files to be used in a DV editing workflow. There are optional plug-ins for exporting XDCAM EX files on SxS cards to Professional Optical Disc, and another to allow for simple upload to the web.

Sony clearly has plans to expand and popularize the SxS solid state format. In conjunction with the PMW-EX3 camcorder, they announced the PMW-EX30 recorder/player deck. It features two SxS card slots, HDMI, FireWire (iLink), and HD-SDI in/out ports, along with a color LCD monitor.

To extend recording times beyond the capacity of the SxS cards, Sony rounded out their XDCAM EX announcements with the PHU-60K hard disk recording unit. This 60GB storage device connects via USB, and offers recording times of up to 200 minutes in the highest quality (35Mbps) and 260 minutes in SP mode (25Mbps). The HDD unit features drop protection technology, along with a salvage function that allows content restoration damaged by power or connection disruption. The PHU-60k is powered by battery.

The adoption of the XDCAM EX format appears to be going well for Sony. According to the company, Adobe is set to announce native support for the format on Premiere Pro CS3. Avid is also expected to have support for 35Mbps 1920×1080/60i and 1280×720/60P.

The Sony PMW-EX3 camcorder retails for $13,000. The PMW-EX30 recorder/player unit retails for $30,000. The PHU-60K hard disk recorder price has not been announced. All products are expected to be available in the third quarter of 2008.

FreshDV’s coverage of NAB 2008 is made possible by the support of the following companies:
Cinevate | DSC Labs | Imagineer Systems | Letus | Redrock Micro | Videoguys | Zacuto

From Gefen comes an interesting solution to ad additional monitors to your system via USB ports instead of traditional graphics cards:

msrp: $129.00

The USB to DVI Graphics Adapter allows you to use your computer’s USB port to connect extra monitors. The extra monitors can be configured to either mirror your primary screen or extend the Windows desktop, allowing visibility of more applications. The USB to DVI driver uses little computer resources and offers a vast array of screen resolutions and color depths. This ensures that there is little difference in performance between a directly connected screen and a screen connected through the USB port.

How it works

This product is compatible with all 32-bit versions of Microsoft Windows ™.

Up to six USB to DVI Graphics Adapters can be connected to a PC at a time. If you attach more adapters to a PC, subsequent ones will not be active.

Minimum hardware requirements for the PC are:

• PC with 1.2GHz or higher processor clock speed required. Intel Pentium/Celeron family, or AMD K6/Athlon/Duron family, or compatible processor recommended
• 512 megabytes (Mb) of RAM
• At least one USB 2.0 port
• 12Mb of available disk space
• SuperVGA (800 x 600) or higher-resolution video adapter and monitor
• CD-ROM or DVD drive

Note: Apple OS X drivers are now available.

Features:

• Up to 6 VGA to DVI Adapters can be used on one computer.
• DVI-I output, connect both a VGA display and or a DVI display.
• Output resolutions up to 1600×1200

Specifications:

• Compatible with all 32-bit versions of Microsoft Windows
• USB connector: mini-USB female
• DVI connector: DVI-I 29-pin female
• Dimensions: 3.2″ W x 0.8″ H x 2.2″ D
• Shipping weight: 1lb.

FreshDV’s coverage of NAB 2008 is made possible by the support of the following companies:
Cinevate | DSC Labs | Imagineer Systems | Letus | Redrock Micro | Videoguys | Zacuto