Exciting technologies announced at NAB

OK, I’ve rounded up some of the best new product announcements at NAB Conference (National Association of Broadcasters) and have included them in my not-nearly-complete-but-it’s-a-list-nonetheless:

Apple Computer computer announced the new 17″ MacBook Pro. Now we have the power of the Intel Duo chipset inside a Mac! Plus, with the free download of Bootcamp from Apple, you can install Windows XP on this laptop! A PC and Mac all in one?! I’ve already ordered mine!

ETC is introducing three new Source Four field-angle versions to fill the gaps in any TV studio’s lighting rig: the Source Four 14°, 70°, and 90° — more tools for more lighting positions. Each of these new spotlights will boast the signature functionality, ruggedness and optical power of the Source Four brand, while adding new flexibility to any light plot.

Grant Petty, CEO, Blackmagic Design pointed out in their latest press release a new real-time capture solution for HD and SD. “We now have a product that adds the same revolutionary change to live production that non linear editors have enjoyed since the DeckLink series cards were first introduced. Now, when a live performance is over, so is the edit.” Two cameras connect SDI video into Multibridge Extreme and Blackmagic On-Air mixes the two video inputs in real time. The editor can mix between the two camera shots in real time and video output can be transmitted, broadcast, or recorded directly to disk for distribution via the Internet. I think this will be very useful for churches recording for multi-site/multi-venue.

Canon’s HDgc general class lenses signals the growing popularity of tapeless HD cameras. The new lenses combine the best optical features of Canon’s lenses, including reduced chromatic aberration, and high and well-controlled MTF, with digital operational tools that include Shuttle Shot, Framing Preset, Speed Preset, and more in a line-up that delivers HD optical quality, and other higher-end lens advancements. The HDgc lens line includes for 1/2-inch CCD cameras: the KH21ex5.7 IRSE (telephoto version), the KH10ex3.6 IRSE (wide-angle lens), and a 16x standard version that will be available in late 2006. Digital “eDrive” is available on all three of these lenses, and represents a principal difference (along with a built-in 2X extender) between these models and the more economical KH20x6.4 KRS (for 1/2-inch HD CCD cameras) and the KJ20x8.5B KRS (for 2/3-inch HD CCD cameras).

Clear-Com announced SoftVoICE 1.0, intercom software for use on standard personal computers running Windows XP. SoftVoICE works in partnership with VoICE (Voice over Internet Communications Equipment), a 1-RU 4-way VoIP interface frame that connects remote users seamlessly and efficiently over low-cost house LANs (local-area networks), private WANs (wide-area networks), and other communication links using Internet protocols. Each VoICE frame enables an Eclipse Matrix to convert four of its physical station ports into SoftVoICE connections. Like its hardware counterpart, SoftVoICE uses state-of-the-art audio CODECs to provide low latency audio digitization in user-selectable formats from 3.5KHz to 16KHz. Up to four computer clients can connect simultaneously to one of any digital matrix system in Clear-Com’s Eclipse family. Adding a second VoICE system facilitates another four remote PCs, with no ultimate limit on connections other than bandwidth.

Christie Digital had two great announcements:
* Roadster S+20K features a contrast ratio of 1800:1, high quality optics and 10-bit image processing to provide crisp, clean images and perfect color saturation. Driven by a powerful 3-chip DLP SXGA+ engine and delivering 20,000 ANSI lumens, this is a product for churches using large projection in very bright venues.
* The Christie LX120 is the brightest LCD projector – bar none. With an incredible lumens and quad UHP lamps, you get extremely powerful, high performance. It boasts a 1300:1 contrast ratio along with 12,000 lumens.

Draper, Inc., is introducing two new motorized projector mounts. The Phantom works on a simple principle. The projector is mounted into a framework above the ceiling. When activated, a trapdoor lowers the projector into the room using a precision actuator with pre-set limits. The projector is easily aligned during installation to provide a direct light path onto your Draper screen. The Orbiter conceals the projector above the ceiling and quickly rotates it into the “show” position at the touch of a switch or wireless transmitter. The Orbiter’s compact design allows it to fit into small ceiling cavities. Both the Phantom and the Orbiter include a universal projector mounting bracket.

Ross Video’s Synergy SD continues to advance with the launch of version 16 software providing major additions to the extensive array of device control interfaces, operational enhancements and support for the latest version of OverDrive. Added device interfaces include: Avid Airspeed and EVS maXS Servers, Canon and Sony Robotic Cameras, Chyron Duet CGs, Extron Routers, Look Ahead Serial Tally (LAST) for interface to virtual sets such as BrainStorm and enhancements to the Miranda K2 virtual monitor wall system. Operational enhancements include: added features in the Custom Control macro system, independently mappable Auxiliary Buses, CCU override latch mode and quick random access cueing of Servers, VTRs and DDRs via the numeric keypad, to name a few. This software release is free to all Synergy SD customers with a current version control panel CPU board.
Another recent advancement is SmartConversion, for their Multi-Def switchers, enabling mixed format sources to be used in a production, automatically switching in up and down converters in the background as needed. This frees the TD to focus on the production while Synergy handles format translation. Synergy SD users familiar with the award winning Aspectizer option will immediately understand SmartConversion’s power and flexibility.

Sennheiser will introduce the NET 1 Network System, which acts as a hub for up to ten Sennheiser wireless systems, at NAB 2006. The new NET 1 intelligently coordinates and automatically configures frequencies for all connected components and portable units through wireless sync on the front panel. It also offers stand-alone operation via an intuitive front panel interface or connection via Ethernet to a PC for comprehensive control of frequency coordination and all parameters vital to the operation of multi-channel RF systems. The unit offers frequency scanning and automatic frequency coordination of all connected components, with wireless synchronization to transmitters and wireless monitor receivers from the front panel, and real-time monitoring of frequencies, RF level, AF level and battery telemetry. Software may be updated via the Internet.

Zylight is proud to announce the Z50, the first in a line of next-generation LED lighting instruments. Designed under license from Color Kinetics (NASDAQ: CLRK), a leading innovator of LED lighting systems and technologies, the intelligent Z50 is able to instantly change from fully calibrated 5600K to 3200K white light with the push of a button. When switched to creative color mode, the Z50 can output any color of the rainbow including pastels, eliminating the need for gels. Finding the color that lighting professionals need is fast and easy, and presets are provided for storing favorite selections. The innovative HD-led technology packs over 230 LEDs into a single square inch, producing a soft, wide output with no hotspots. An included adapter allows professionals to mount any existing three-inch lighting accessory they may already have, such as a barn door or snoot.

NewTek’s Tricaster has a new brother: The Tricaster Pro, a new, enhanced version of the portable, live presentation system that is based on the Intel Pentium D processor. TriCaster PRO mixes multiple live component cameras with pre-recorded video, overlay titles, images, external computer displays and even live web pages with simultaneous output to video, projector, and the Internet. TriCaster PRO brings powerful new functionality to the award winning product line. New features include a waveform monitor/vectorscope, push streaming, and enhanced editing capability and component video inputs and outputs.

By Anthony D. Coppedge, CTS (http://www.anthonycoppedge.com/)

Anthony Coppedge provides consulting to churches for developing and growing a Media Ministry, building teams, casting vision and even choosing the right equipment. He lives in Bedford, Texas with his wife and two daughters and can be reached at [email protected].