Fluid Mask Software Demo [7:25m]: Download

Here at the NAB 2007 Expo floor you find all sorts of interesting and unique concepts and innovations. One such product is a software package called Fluid Mask. In a nutshell, it does greenscreen “knockouts” on still images without any greenscreen. Sounds somewhat hokey and unreliable at first thought, but we found the demo to be rather impressive. The software analyzes a image (for the most part automatically) and “poof” removes the background from headshots cleanly and simply. So, what does this have to do with video? I’m glad you asked…the company is developing a version for video use. And in the meantime, you can use the current software to process image sequences MUCH faster than standard roto work. A very unique product that we found to be rather amazing.

Click the Download link above or watch via our FreshDV iTunes Podcast Feed.

 Avid Media Composer Update [3:14m]: Download
 Avid Media Composer Update [3:14m]: Download

We sat down with representatives and a editor from Avid to get an update on what direction the company is moving and find out about the new version of Media Composer. Also, Avid fans interested in the new Script Sync feature should also check our video demo of that software…anyone who has ever painstakingly pored over a script and shot list will be amazed by ScriptSync.

Click the Download links above or watch via our FreshDV iTunes Podcast Feed.

 SyncVue Pro Demonstration [11:43m]: Download

We got a hands-on demo of the latest SyncVue Pro update. Kendal is a SyncVue user, and he was happy to see improvements and features added to an already fantastic software package. If you need a remote collaboration or review software for your edits, check this one out.

Click the Download link above or watch via our FreshDV iTunes Podcast Feed.

 Apple Motion 3 Demonstration [26:56m]: Download

This is the Motion 3 demonstration that Apple presented at various intervals throughout the day. It’s a 30 minute rundown of the major feature updates in the new version of Motion. Some really cool stuff…pervasive 3D, automatic audio keyframing, SmoothCam, Motion Tracking, and much more.

Click the Download link above or watch via our FreshDV iTunes Podcast Feed.

 Avid ScriptSync Demonstration [5:39m]: Download
 Avid ScriptSync Demonstration [5:39m]: Download

Avid’s ScriptSync is the hot new Media Composer feature that uses voice recognition to magically match a script with audio dialogue. It’s pretty amazing to see in action, and is largely automatic. Hard to explain though…it’s a lot easier to understand once you see the feature in action, and we arranged for a hands-on demonstration from Avid. Watch and be amazed.

Click the Download links above or watch via our FreshDV iTunes Podcast Feed.

 Hands-On with Apple Color [8:33m]: Download

After a good bit of bargaining, Apple finally granted FreshDV an exclusive demonstration of their hot new Final Cut Studio app, Color. An trainer took us aside and walked us through some of the major workflow features and capabilities of this new addition to Final Cut Studio.

Time was very limited, but we managed to get a good overview of the application and demo of it’s amazing power…curves, 8 levels of secondary color, motion-trackable power windows and bezier masking for precise corrections, node-based effects and adjustment controls, noise removal and grain control, a built-in library of customizable look presets, and much more. This is a very cool announcement for FCP users, check out the video for a taste of what the FCP Studio upgrade contains for end users.

Click the Download link above or get it via our FreshDV iTunes Podcast Feed.

 Ikegami Storage Options [7:22m]: Download

Ikegami wants to move away from tape acquisition, and is showcasing several handy solid-state storage options. We take a look at the flash and hard disk cartridges which record in DnxHD format.

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 NAB Day 2 Misc [7:27m]: Download

Here’s another compilation video podcast from the 2007 NAB Expo floor.

*Varizoom took a few minutes to demonstrate the DV Media Rig.
*We got a look at the Advanta Jib from Dykortech (It actually uses Canola oil for hydraulics).
*Sweet New Prime lenses from P&S Technik.
*Super-thin Redline Wide Angle Adapters.
*Unique swing-away filter system from VFGadgets (works with the Redline adapters).

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 Dalsa Evolution Overview [7:02m]: Download

Rob Hummell, the President of Dalsa gives us the scoop on the new Evolution digital cinema camera, and it’s associated Flashmag storage media. He covers all the major features and capabilities of the new camera and storage solution, and common workflows for filmmakers. Great stuff.

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 AJA HD-IO Details [6:32m]: Download

Torrey Loomis of Silverado Systems (an AJA reseller) gives us the details on AJA’s new HD ingest/encoder/breakout box solution and answers a few questions. The AJA IO-HD offers HD-SDI, Firewire 800, supports the new ProRes codec on-board, and many many other options.

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 Redrock Micro [5:10m]: Download

We stopped by the Redrock Micro booth and spoke with James Hurd about some of the new offerings they are bringing to market. For starters, we got a close look at the affordable matte box they are developing. But the big news was the 35mm adapter image flip solution prototype they are showing off. Image flip for the M2 that (according to Redrock) will cost you just 1/4 stop 1/2 stop of light, and an estimated $250-$500! And the icing on the cake was the remote follow focus unit they had on hand, seemed solid and well-built…again estimated at a mere $500. Very exciting stuff.

EDIT: It seems that the MicroX flip unit loses 1/2 stop of light rather than a 1/4 stop. See this forum thread for details.

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 Day 1 Misc [8:22m]: Download

Just a couple of the booths we visited on Monday…here’s a few unique companies exhibiting some very creative solutions at NAB Expo ‘07.

Panasonic P2 users may be intrigued by what Hoodman is bringing to market soon…can you say 3rd party P2 media? The Nada Chair is a very interesting shooters vest with a unique twist…I must say, this one caught me by suprise. And finally, VFGadgets has an equally cool product that will probably prove to be a hit with directors…the Eyeliner definatively solves talent eye line issues. Very simple, very cool.

Click the Download link above or get it via our FreshDV iTunes Podcast Feed.

 Panasonic P2 Updates [7:02m]: Download

Another great segment from the Panasonic Booth at NAB Expo 2007. We get a look at the Panasonic AG-HPG10 P2 Gear field playback/backup solution, as well as the P2 Mobile “Bridge” product.

Click the Download link above or watch via our FreshDV iTunes Podcast Feed.

 HPX-500 [6:53m]: Download

Here is our first NAB 2007 Video Podcast. Kendal and a rep from Panasonic take a close look at the new HPX-500 camera.

Let us know what other products you’d like covered and we’ll try to be your eyes and feet on the ground. :) Shoot us an e-mail or leave a comment…everything is nuts but we’ll try our best.

Click the Download link above or watch via our FreshDV iTunes Podcast Feed.