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New in this update - SDI outputs interlaced video when frame rate is set to 1080p25 or 1080p29.97 and overlays are turned off. This update is now available for download from blackmagicdesign.com.

The LightWave 3D Group, a division of NewTek, Inc., announced a new Architectural Design Bundle that couples LightWave 11.5 3D modeling, animation and rendering software with WTools3D's LWCAD 4.5 CAD tools for LightWave. The bundle includes a powerful set of features that architects, set designers and interior designers can use to cost-effectively create professional 3D visualization and animation for the most demanding design projects.

NewTek unveiled 3Play 4800, a multi-camera replay server that redefines price-performance standards in live sports production. The new system, which offers more real-time capabilities than any other multi-camera replay server, gives sports producers unprecedented access to redundant capture, sophisticated visual effects, live replay switching, high quality slow motion, and social media publishing—all within a single, turnkey system. 3Play 4800 is available immediately.

Panasonic has announced AVC-ULTRA plug-ins for Avid Media Composer 6.5, both Mac and Windows versions. Avid and Panasonic has been collaborating since 2004 to achieve seamless file-based workflows encompassing the evolution of the P2 solid-state format. The latest Avid software development kit facilitates comprehensive workflow tools for the AVC-ULTRA codec family, including AVC-Proxy, AVC-Intra and AVC-LongG.

Panasonic’s AVC-ULTRA offers master-quality and/or low-bit-rate 10-bit, 4:2:2 recording in Full HD to meet a variety of user needs from mastering to transmission. AVC-Proxy encodes are made in parallel with higher bandwidth production formats, enabling fast, efficient offline editing, at bit-rates from 3.5 megabits down to 800 kilobits per second. AVC-Intra currently provides fully integrated production, with native workflow from a camcorder, to near-line and offline editing, to final broadcast, transmission and mastering. AVC-LongG, designed for applications where file size is critical, offers 10-bit, 4:2:2 sampled recording in a much smaller file size, saving storage cost and transfer times over MPEG-2 while maintaining equal or better video quality.



AJ-PS001 activates the AVC-Proxy Re-Link feature, which allows the user to import AVC-Proxy and edit natively; edit sequence are re-linked to corresponding high-res clips automatically. The proxy workflow yields faster file transfer and less storage space, and is an ideal solution for breaking news, long-form documentaries and reality television. AJ-PS002 activates the AVC-Intra Export feature, which allows the user to export AVC-Intra 100/50 clips. The AJ-PS002 will export from either a P2 card or a specified folder in the hard drive, and supports spanned clips. It also includes DV to DVCPRO HD import and export, and AVC-Intra 100/50 import capability. The AJ-PS001 and AJ-PS002 plug-ins will be available in June 2013.

AJ-PS003 activates AVC-LongG Export, with a choice of file sizes up to 50Mbps. AJ-PS004 activates AVC-LongG Import, which allows the user to import P2 AVC-LongG clips and edit them natively on the timeline, enabling seamless integration between AVC-ULTRA camcorders and Avid Media Composer. The AJ-PS003 and AJ-PS004 plug-ins will be available in October 2013.

Panasonic announced delivery and pricing information for its new MicroP2 cards
Panasonic announced delivery and pricing information for its new microP2 series, the world’s first UHS-II compliant memory cards*, which continues the company’s evolution to higher-speed, lower-cost, more compact media. The simultaneous introduction of a microP2 Card Adapter assures that the new series of 64GB and 32GB microP2 cards will operate in current P2 hardware**. Panasonic has also announced a two-slot microP2 drive for plug-and-play offload of content.

The AJ-P2M064A 64GB and AJ-P2M032A 32 GB microP2 cards will be April 2013 with priced at 7795 a 5195 CZK, respectively. The AJ-P2AD1 microP2 adapter will likewise be available in April, with a suggested list price of 4295 CZK. The AJ-MPD1 microP2 drive will ship in April, with a suggested list price of 8320 CZK.



Panasonic has at the same time introduced two new products, the AJ-PX5000 P2 HD camcorder and AJ-PD500 half-rack recorder, both with built-in microP2 slots and AVC-ULTRA recording, which will be available in fall 2013. The microP2 cards will guarantee data writing up to the class200 mode of AVC-ULTRA, the company’s newest compression system***.

With an SD card form factor, the MicroP2 cards will ensure high-speed transfer, high reliability and the writing assurance of all P2 frame rates, formats and codecs. Furthering the versatility of the microP2 card adapter and microP2 card slots, their design allows Class 10 SDHC/SDXC cards (at bit rates only up to 50Mbps)to be used in P2 products****.

The microP2 card’s double-layered UHS-II interface facilitates transfer speeds of 2.0 Gpbs (1.7 times faster than standard P2 media, and 12x faster than ordinary SD media). Reliability is defined by Proof7 strength (resistance to water/dust, static electricity, bending and twisting, magnet, X-ray, wide temperature range, and safety built-in-fuse ); a flash memory error correction system, equivalent to a RAID system, to greatly strengthen data retention reliability; a Lifetime Counter that gives a notification when the card approaches the end of its life cycle, which is defined as reusable for up to five years when recorded on once daily, at full capacity; 100% screened flash memory; a Content Protection System (CPS) that password-protects the card; and a QR code for scanning and identification.

The microP2 drive and microP2 Adapter both feature CPS password protection. The microP2 drive has a USB 3.0 interface for transfer speeds up to 2.0 Gbps, and its two slots accommodate offloading of spanned clips. To use the microP2 card adapter, a firmware upgrade of current P2 hardware is required. P2 hardware can be upgraded to microP2 use on the following schedule: in April 2013, the AJ-HPX3100, AG-HPX250, AG-HPX255, AG-HPX600 camcorders, AG-HPD24 deck, and AJ-PCD20, AJ-PCD35, AJ-PCD30, AJ-PCD2 drives; in June 2013, the AG-HPX370 camcorder and AG-HPG20 recorder; in August 2013, the AJ-HPX2000 camcorder, and AJ-HPM200 and AJ-HPD2500 recorders. To download the free upgrade, visit http://pro-av.panasonic.net/en.

Panasonic’s microP2 solid-state UHS-II compliant memory cards ensure highly reliable video, audio, and metadata recording, especially in challenging conditions of extreme temperature range, shock, and vibration. P2 cards allow professional users to benefit from a fast, easy, file-based workflow and exceptional reliability.

* As of UHS-II compliant memory card, March 2013

** The microP2 card and microP2 card adapter will not support all P2 products.

***With the exception of 1080/60p/ 50p within class 200.

****The performance of the Class 10 SDHC/SDXC card will depend on the quality of the card being utilized.