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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.

Blackmagic Design Announces ATEM Studio Converter 2

PRESS RELEASE

April 12, 2013

Blackmagic Design announced ATEM Studio Converter 2, a new model of its popular ATEM Studio Converter product with enhanced talkback features, upgraded design and the addition of 6G-SDI support allowing support for Ultra HD video when 6G optical fiber modules become available. ATEM Studio Converter will retail for the same price as the old model, at approx. 1675 EUR.

ATEM Studio Converter is perfect for live production because it includes 4 optical fiber converters in a one rack unit size chassis, combined with built in talkback features. ATEM Studio Converter is designed to operate with ATEM Camera Converters and allows the use of low cost optical fiber to connect cameras long distances away from the live production switcher. ATEM Studio Converter supports both embedded SDI tally and also includes talkback features using the spare channels 15 and 16 in the SDI connections to the camera.



This upgraded model includes a dramatically upgraded industrial design with an elegant machined metal front panel that includes controls and connections to manage talkback, as well as built in power supply, eliminating the external power “brick” used on the older model. This new model includes common connectors such as balanced analog XLR and BNC connections, so features connections more commonly used in live production systems. There’s also a 12V DC input for redundant power supply operation.

With many new features for camera talkback, ATEM Studio Converter 2 allows easy management when multiple cameras are used in a live production. The front panel of the new model includes a built in speaker and XLR microphone input. This allows directors to monitor talkback from the front panel without using headphones, as required on the older model. The speaker on the front panel includes a mute button and volume control and the microphone input allows the use of flexible microphone “stalks” that lets the microphone be placed closer to the director without taking up desk space.

The ATEM Studio Converter 2 front panel also includes press to talk buttons and lock to talk buttons. These buttons allow the talkback to be disabled so the camera cannot hear the director and then talkback can be selectively enabled when the director needs to talk to a camera operator.

The ATEM Studio Converter 2 also includes the use of general aviation style headsets for talkback. This eliminates the high cost of talkback headsets for television production, while at the same time allows a much more robust headset than computer type headsets. Aviation headsets for general aviation are extremely common and range from a few hundred dollars and up, depending on the features required. They support extremely good quality noise cancellation and are available from multiple manufacturers and stores worldwide. Aviation headsets are extremely robust with industrial strength connections that are virtually impossible to break, so are much better suited to the often hostile environments found in live television production.

This new model of ATEM Studio Converter also features 6G-SDI to allow Ultra HD support in the future. Currently there are no optical fiber models available for 6G-SDI support, however this new model has all the technology required for Ultra HD and will be able to be upgraded by the customer when optical fiber modules are available that support 6 Gb/s speeds and Ultra HD.

ATEM Studio Converter 2 includes 6G-SDI outputs converted from the optical fiber input, so the feed from the video camera can be connected to either SDI connections on production switchers such as the ATEM range.

ATEM Studio Converter also includes a balanced analog XLR stereo audio output for each optical module, de embedded from each optical fiber input, so the embedded audio from cameras can be sent direct to audio mixers for external live audio mixing.

When running program feeds to each camera, ATEM Studio Converter also includes a global SDI input that feeds the optical fiber outputs on each converter. This global SDI input allows a single program feed from a live production switcher to feed all cameras on the live production and also allows talkback audio to be connected down to the cameras. This input is loop through so it allows program audio to be looped to more than a single ATEM Studio Converter.

“I am really excited about this product, because we built the ATEM Studio Converter to have all the conversion, talkback and tally you need for your cameras! This means it’s easy to manage getting cameras close to the action up to 25 miles away from the production switcher! Now the new ATEM Studio Converter 2 model is even nicer to use and allows much simpler management of lots of cameras and talkback on a busy production,” said Grant Petty, CEO, Blackmagic Design. “Not only does this new model include a dramatically nicer design, but it is also packed with the latest video technology ready for the future as well! Its fantastic!”

ATEM Studio Converter Key Features

• 4 built in optical fiber SDI converters, one for each camera feed up to 25 miles away.

• Optical fiber converters to 3G-SDI and de embedded balanced analog XLR stereo audio out.

• Global SDI input for sending program feed to all optical outputs.

• Microphone and headphone connections for commonly available general aviation style headsets.

• Built in talkback includes AES/EBU loops on rear for expanding to extra ATEM Studio Converters.

• Elegant machined metal compact 1 rack unit design allows portable use.

• Includes front panel talkback mic, speaker, headset connections and talkback buttons.

• Fully compatible with ATEM Camera Converters or other types of SDI optical fiber converters.

• Supports 6G-SDI so allows updating to Ultra HD when by swapping the SFP style optical modules.

Availability and Price
ATEM Studio Converter 2 will be available April for approx. 1675 EUR.

Press Photography
Product photos of the ATEM Studio Converter 2, and all other Blackmagic Design products, are available at www.blackmagicdesign.com/press/images.

About Blackmagic Design
Blackmagic Design creates the world’s highest quality video editing products, digital film cameras, color correctors, video converters, video monitoring, routers, live production switchers, disk recorders, waveform monitors and film restoration software for the feature film, post production and television broadcast industries. Blackmagic Design’s DeckLink capture cards launched a revolution in quality and affordability, while the company’s Emmy™ award winning DaVinci color correction products have dominated the television and film industry since 1984. Blackmagic Design continues ground breaking innovations including stereoscopic 3D and 4K workflows. Founded by world leading post production editors and engineers, Blackmagic Design has offices in the USA, United Kingdom, Japan, Singapore, and Australia. For more information, please check www.blackmagicdesign.com.