News

Blackmagic Camera 6.7 Update will feature a new de-mosaic algorithm that dramatically improves sensor response on URSA Broadcast cameras, resulting in better color fidelity and cleaner images. In addition, new sensor recalibration features improve the overall image quality by compensating for stuck pixels. Image gain controls can now be adjusted in ⅓ stop increments which gives customers finer control so they get cleaner images with less noise.

Blackmagic RAW support has also been added to URSA Broadcast. Blackmagic engineers have created a specific sensor profile for the image sensor used in URSA Broadcast so Blackmagic RAW understands how the camera sees images. Blackmagic RAW combines the high end image quality of RAW with the ease of use, speed and file sizes of traditional video formats. Noise management, sensor profiling and edge reconstruction algorithms are used to produce high quality, visually lossless images. Plus, the files are small and all processing is GPU and CPU accelerated, making them fast to use and easy to work with.

Because everything is saved in the Blackmagic RAW file, customers can change camera settings such as gain, white balance, exposure, contrast and saturation after the shoot, all without any loss of quality. Blackmagic RAW also includes non-destructive LUTs that can be applied and saved as metadata in the file while users are shooting. That means customers get broadcast quality images with incredible color that can go straight to air. Best of all, the files still contain all of the camera’s RAW sensor data so customers can always edit them later too.

In addition, this update features image adjustment controls to compensate for B4 lens distortion such as chromatic aberration, along with the ability to remap the VTR and Return buttons on B4 lenses. Press and hold focus controls have also been enabled on the built in touch screen making it faster and easier to accurately focus shots. Plus, URSA Broadcast now supports an even wider range of B4 broadcast and Canon EF lenses than ever before.

This new update also adds new features that broadcast customers have requested such as 720p support on both SDI output and input. Customers also get sidetone adjustments for talkback so camera operators can speak loudly in noisy environments while keeping their voice mixed down in their earpiece. Live level microphone inputs can now also be adjusted. In addition, customers can now lock timecode to the SDI input and jam sync accuracy is greatly improved so that timecode sync is maintained between power cycles.

Support has also been added for HDR metadata packing HLG and PQ transfer characteristics (ST2082-10) via SDI. Customers can now disable or remap the camera’s function buttons, as well as disable the HFR button to prevent accidentally changing the frame rate between shots. For audio, customers using URSA Broadcast now choose between -18 or -20dB audio alignment levels.

Blackmagic OS has also been updated and now adds ⅓ stop gain increments to the gain slider, the ability to quickly switch media from the heads up display, and new PRE and LUT status icons for pre-set timecode and LUT usage. In addition, new 2:1, 1:1 and 5:4 frame guides have been added, along with the option for custom frame guides. The media formatting interface has been improved, making it more intuitive so users are less likely to accidentally format a card.

The display of audio meters has also been improved with improved ballistics and the ability to set -18 or -20dB reference levels.

Blackmagic Camera 6.7 Update also adds general performance improvements and greater reliability when using external reference and when working with sources that have embedded audio. In addition, thermal management has been improved as has auto focus and auto exposure performance. Playback for clips that have been renamed is also improved.

STARDOM announces a new 2 bay USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type C storage – ST2-B31+, comes with USB Type C connector, can support the data transmission speed up to 10Gbps, provide 24 W USB Power Delivery and also provide one Mini DisplayPort to extend the 2nd monitor.

ST2-B31+ can support two 3.5” or 2.5” hard drive or Solid State Drive (SSD) and comes with USB 3.1 Gen2 interface, the data transfer rate up to 10Gbps!! User could enjoy searching data, editing high resolution photos or watching videos with extreme high speed. ST2-B31+ is also built in four RAID Modes, including RAID 1 (Safe Mode) / RAID 0 (Speed Mode) / JBOD (Two Independent volume) / BIG Mode, which can be set according to the different user needs. Besides, ST2-B31+ supports USB Type C connector with plug and play, users could easily insert any sides of USB cable without distinguish front or back side.

LightWave 3D 2019.1.3 is available now in the Registration system as a free update for registered LightWave 2019 users. The fix that will affect the largest number of users is a change required for Layout/Modeler/Hub proper linking by OS changes introduced in recent Windows 10 updates that impacted the launch timing of the applications. Fixes in Layers Panel, Network Render Controller, Modeler LScript and for copying the License Key during Mac installs round out this maintenance release.

New beta update for DaVinci Resolve Studio 16.1 improves editing and snapping behavior on the Cut page, features redesigned timeline rulers, more accurate waveform drawing and introduces interface refinements that make it easier to see small cuts on the upper timeline. In addition, this update dramatically improves render speed for unchanged DNxUncompressed clips, includes additive compositing options to the Light Rays and Glow Resolve FX plug-ins, improves sound library searches, addresses playback issues for clips with different sample rates, and more. New support for encoding AVC Intra 50, 100 and 200 has also been added to DaVinci Resolve Studio. Get it here.

Blackmagic Design announced ATEM Mini a new low cost live production switcher specifically designed to allow live streaming to YouTube and business presentations via Skype. ATEM Mini will be available in November 2019 for 289 EUR ex. VAT.

The new ATEM Mini makes it easy to create professional multi camera productions for live streaming to YouTube or innovative business presentations using Skype. Simply connect ATEM Mini and customers can switch live between 4 high quality video camera inputs in dramatically better quality images. Customers can even connect to a computer to present PowerPoint slides or add a gaming console. The built in DVE allows exciting picture in picture effects, perfect for live commentary. There's loads of video effects too. To live stream, ATEM Mini has a USB output that works like a webcam, so customers can connect to any video software. There's also HDMI video out for projectors. Microphone inputs allow high quality desktop and lapel mics for interviews and presentations.

ATEM Mini features a compact control panel based design with all video, audio and control connections on the rear panel. The front panel includes easy to use buttons for selecting sources, adjusting audio inputs, as well as selecting video effects and transitions. The rear panel includes HDMI inputs for connecting cameras or computers, plus additional microphone inputs. The ATEM Mini program is output via an HDMI video out as well as a USB for webcam output. The front panel buttons are large and easy to use by feel, so its even possible to use the switcher while presenting. Customers also get audio mixer buttons for live audio mixing.

ATEM Mini is very easy to use, as customers simply press any of the input buttons labelled 1 to 4 on the front panel to change or cut between video sources. Customers can choose between cut transitions or effects transitions by selecting the cut or auto buttons on the panel. Unlike cut, the auto button tells ATEM Mini to use a selected video effect when switching between inputs. Customers can select from exciting transitions such as a commonly used dissolve, or more dramatic effects such as dip to color, DVE squeeze and DVE push. The DVE is perfect for picture in picture effects and customers can instantly set up different picture positions from the buttons on the control panel. There is even a still store for titles and graphics accessible via external software control.

With 4 independent HDMI inputs, customers can connect up to 4 high quality consumer video cameras. All connected sources will re-sync to the switcher if they operate at different video standards, which means all inputs just work and customers can handle unknown equipment if customers are visiting new venues or locations. Imagine using the low light capability of professional cameras for theater production and music videos.

To ensure the maximum compatibility possible, ATEM Mini features a USB connection that operates as a simple webcam source. That means customers can plug in and instantly get working with any video software. The software is tricked into thinking the ATEM Mini is a common webcam, but it's really a live production switcher. That guarantees full compatibility with all software in full resolution 1080HD quality. Choose any software customers like, such as Open Broadcaster for live streaming, or Skype for point to point presentations. ATEM Mini works with software and platforms such as Open Broadcaster, XSplit Broadcaster, YouTube Live, Facebook Live, Skype, Twitch TV, Periscope, Livestream, Wirecast and more.

The HDMI program output is perfect for connecting ATEM Mini into an external recorder or monitor. ATEM Mini supports recorders such as the HyperDeck Studio Mini and Blackmagic Video Assist. Customers get a high quality output with switcher program video, plus live audio from the internal audio mixer. The HDMI output can even be connected to video projectors in large venues. If customers connect the ATEM Software Panel customers can even change the HDMI output direct from any of the video inputs. There's also a low latency setting allowing output of connected gaming consoles on the HDMI output. If customers enable broadcast style mix effects switching, the HDMI output can be used to preview sources before a transition.

With two independent 3.5mm stereo audio inputs, customers can connect desktop and lapel microphones. With 2 extra stereo audio inputs, customers can ensure a host and guest both have lapel microphones when doing interviews. All audio inputs to ATEM Mini include buttons on the panel for adjusting audio level and enabling inputs into the audio mixer.

The ATEM Software Control app unlocks the hidden power of the ATEM Mini as customers get total control over the switcher features, plus the software is included free for Mac and Windows. ATEM Software Control features a visual switcher user interface with parameter palettes for making quick adjustments. Although customers can normally connect via USB, if customers connect using Ethernet it's possible for multiple users to connect to ATEM Mini using separate copies of ATEM Software Control on different computers. Customers can even save the switcher state as XML files. If customers need clip playback, customers can even control HyperDeck disk recorders via Ethernet.

The built in "media pool" allows loading of up to 20 separate broadcast quality RGBA graphics for titles, opening plates and logos. Customers can even use still frames for complex effects such as graphic wipes. ATEM Mini can even grab stills from the video output and add them to the internal media pool. Customers can easily manage the still store graphic using the included ATEM Software Control app, or customers can download directly from Photoshop software using the ATEM Photoshop plug-in. The Photoshop Plug-in is perfect for graphics that need to change often, such as scoreboards, as customers can update the text and download directly into the switcher, allowing graphics to get on-air fast.

For news or on-set presentation work, ATEM Mini is the perfect choice as it features an ATEM Advanced Chroma Key for high quality chroma or luminance keying, plus an additional downstream linear keyer. Customers can even use it for title overlays simply by using PowerPoint or other software with a green or blue background and the keyer will knock out the green and make the background transparent.

With a built in Fairlight audio mixer, the ATEM Mini makes it possible to do extremely complex live sound mixing. The internal mixer features a total of 12 channels so customers get the ability to mix audio from all sources. 8 mixer channels are de-embedded from the HDMI inputs, while an extra two stereo audio channels are input via the 3.5mm microphone connections on the rear panel. Each input channel features the highest quality 6 band parametric EQ and compressor, limiter, expander and noise gate as well as full panning.

The HDMI output is a true "aux" output so customers can clean switch each of the 4 HDMI inputs or the program feed to this output. Customers can even "direct" switch input 1 to the HDMI output for low latency for eSport. If customers select broadcast style mix effects switching, customers can also output a preview feed, allowing verification of the source before transitioning to it.