SYPHAnews - 31st October 2003

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Camera news

ARRI Demonstrates D-20 Technology Project
ARRI has demonstrated an experimental prototype of a digital camera as part of its D-20 technology project. Designed in collaboration with the Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits, the camera demonstrator is based on a single six-million pixel CMOS sensor that features an image area comparable to that of 35mm full aperture negative. Apart from the high resolution, the sensor also supports a high dynamic range, high-quality colour fidelity with a bayer colour-mask, and the ability to capture images at variable frame rates. The single-chip configuration, together with the large format, ensures that 35mm-format cine lenses can be used, and that they will have the same field of view and depth of field as on 35mm film cameras. An optical viewfinder and rotating mirror shutter were incorporated into the demonstrator. This concept provides not only for evaluation of focus and composition, but also allows the operator to see a larger image area than the sensor is capturing. An optical viewfinder also provides an image without power. For the signal processing inside the camera, thirty-two 12-bit A/D converters working in parallel are linked to an internal data bus that can handle bitrates of up to 10Gb/s. The raw data can be output using up to three HD-SDI links in parallel, directly to a hard-disk array. Once recorded, the images are reconstructed in an offline process. Alternatively, the demonstrator features an online processing path where the images are reconstructed internally in realtime and output in 1920 x 1080 pixel HD format via a single link. A third alternative has been developed to support handling variable frame rates. In this mode, the camera captures images at a frame rate of 72fps and outputs the raw data via dual HD-SDI links to an encoder specially designed by Snell and Wilcox. See http://www.arri.com

NLE news

Avid Ships Avid DS Nitris Family
Avid Technology has announced the worldwide availability of Avid DS Nitris and Avid DS Nitris Editor. These systems are the most powerful members of the Avid DNA family based on hybrid architecture, that is designed to leverage the capabilities of both host-based software processing and hardware-based acceleration for performance that scales with the power of host CPUs. The Avid DS Nitris family is designed to deliver realtime effects and colour correction with two streams of uncompressed 10-bit HD media and eight streams of 10-bit uncompressed SD media. It supports a wide range of high-quality formats, from compressed SD to 2k, and delivers a deep set of video and audio editing capabilities, including Symphony-style colour correction. The Nitris hardware is software programmable for future codecs, realtime effects, and other functions, via the Web or CD, and the family supports a broad set of I/O capabilities, including SDI and HD-SDI digital video and eight channels of digital audio at 24-bit 96kHz, as well as AAF and OMF media. The MSRP is US$78,995 for the Avid DS Nitris Editor system and US$145,000 for the Avid DS Nitris system. For existing Avid|DS HD customers, hardware upgrades to the Avid DS Nitris system are US$35,000. See http://www.avid.com

Avid NewsCutter XP 5.0 and Avid Mojo Now Available
Avid Technology has announced the worldwide availability of the Avid NewsCutter XP 5.0 system and the Avid Mojo Digital Nonlinear Accelerator (Avid DNA). The new version offers advanced news editing capabilities such as quick record, and is designed to provide journalists and editors with a robust, fast news editing solution for either the suite or the field. When paired with the Avid Mojo accelerator, the portable member of the Avid DNA family, NewsCutter XP 5.0 software benefits from a hybrid architecture designed to leverage the power of both host-based software capabilities and hardware-based acceleration. The new version includes enhanced integration with both the Avid iNEWS and AP ENPS newsroom systems, AAF and MXF support, Marquee real-time 3D titling, and support for 50Mb/s MPEG IMX, as well as DV25 and DV50. In addition, news professionals can attach the Avid Mojo accelerator to any qualified computer running NewsCutter XP 5.0 software with a single FireWire cable, and take advantage of DV composite and S-Video I/O, as well as realtime functionality, including output to tape. NewsCutter XP version 5.0 software is available with an HP xw8000 CPU for an MSRP of US$11,995, and NewsCutter XP software only (with no CPU) for US$6995. The Avid Mojo accelerator, which is sold separately, has an MSRP of US$1695. See http://www.avid.com

Quantel Unveils Full Scope Of V2 Software For generationQ
Quantel has unveiled the full scope of its new version 2 software release for generationQ. Alongside numerous new tools and capabilities in the areas of workflow, editing and effects, V2 delivers significant speed gains across the generationQ range and also evolves the system's ergonomics further, with more responsiveness and instant visual feedback. Among the many workflow improvements are a new project-based library system; I/O improvements including Windows Media 9 support; 720/60p support on the timeline; and HDCAM-SR support on iQ. Editing improvements include a project-based library; complex trim; and a custom transitions and transition maker. New effects and paint features include 3D compositing environment with camera view; unlimited layers; integrated text; a process tree; multiple animatable ambient; and point and spot lights. Audio capabilities include rubberbanding; stereo/mono CD import; effects such as compress, limit, reverb and EQ; and AAF publish for audio post on systems such as SADiE and Pro Tools. There are also many improvements to the Qscribe titling software that is available both as an integrated part of the generationQ range and as a standalone product. The V2 software will ship in December 2003. See http://www.quantel.com

Panasonic Works with Pinnacle to Offer Efficient Workflow with P2 Series
Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., best known for its Panasonic brand products, today announced that it will work closely with Pinnacle Systems to offer interoperability between Panasonic DVCPRO Professional Plug-in (P2) solid-state memory-based professional products and Pinnacle IT-based networked media solutions for broadcast news, sports, editing and content delivery. This seamless interoperability will expand to allow customers to benefit from the more efficient and less-expensive workflow of tapeless acquisition and editing. Pinnacle networked media products that will support P2 technology include Vortex networked news systems, Liquid editing systems, Team Sports solutions, MediaStream servers and Palladium Store shared storage systems. See http://www.panasonic.co.jp/global/top.html

Incite and Sony Develop XDCAM Integration for Incite NLE Products
Sony and Incite have decided to join forces to integrate Sony XDCAM Professional Disc technology into Incite products. This will allow all Incite NLE software, connected to a Sony XDCAM Professional Disc or camera to read and edit the video/audio/metadata files from the Professional Disc. Apart from speed, this workflow has the advantage of: direct access to clips, sequences and vital metadata important for IT workflow production and archiving; lower entry-level cost and maintenance; and greater high-resolution recording capability. Using the Sony XDCAM optical disk in conjunction with Incite NLEs and media management software, the user can simultaneously create proxy files while shooting high-resolution files. This parallels the Incite BroadNet workflow, where proxy editing NLE applications and high-resolution craft editors share and exchange projects edited in different resolutions. See http://www.inciteonline.com

Matrox Announces Certification of Adobe Premiere Pro Plug-in and Offers Trade-up for Pinnacle Users
Matrox Video Products Group has announced that Adobe Systems has certified the Adobe Premiere Pro drivers for the Matrox RT.X100 and RT.X10 series realtime video editing platforms. Key features of Matrox RT.X100 Xtreme Pro with Adobe Premiere Pro are full-quality, full-resolution editing, superior realtime 3D effects with spline keyframe control, realtime filters including pan and scan, old movie, soft focus, realtime analogue and DV capture and print-to-tape, realtime MPEG-2 capture and encoding and faster, more versatile capture and export tools. The drivers are now available for download from the Matrox website. Owners of the Pinnacle Pro-ONE, Pro-ONE RTDV, DV500, DV500 Plus, DV500 DVD, as well as selected Canopus and Matrox products can now take advantage of three trade-up bundles. Purchasers must already own an older full version of Adobe Premiere. The Matrox RT.X100 Xtreme Pro hardware trade-up bundle is US$599 and includes the Matrox RT.X100 Xtreme hardware and Matrox X.tools software only (purchasers must obtain Adobe Premiere Pro through Adobe). The Matrox RT.X100 Xtreme Pro Suite trade-up bundle is US$799 and includes the Matrox RT.X100 Xtreme hardware, Matrox X.tools software, the upgrade version of Adobe Premiere Pro, Adobe Encore DVD, and Adobe Audition. The Matrox RT.X100 Xtreme Pro Collection trade-up bundle is US$1199 and includes the Matrox RT.X100 Xtreme hardware, Matrox X.tools software, the upgrade version of Adobe Premiere Pro, Adobe Encore DVD, Adobe Audition, and Adobe After Effects Standard. See http://www.matrox.com/video

Canopus DVStorm2 and DVRaptor RT2 Receive Adobe Premiere Pro Certification
Canopus have announced that its line of DVStorm2 and DVRaptor RT2 DV realtime editing solutions have been certified by Adobe Systems for use with its new Adobe Premiere Pro editing software. In addition to the advanced features found in Adobe Premiere Pro, including a streamlined interface, multiple nestable timelines and powerful new audio controls, Canopus NLE customers will continue to enjoy the realtime render-free editing capabilities they are accustomed to with DVStorm2 and DVRaptor RT2. Canopus is bundling Premiere Pro with DVStorm2 Ultra. DVStorm2 Ultra combines DVStorm2 and the Storm Bay breakout box with the Adobe Video Collection, which comprises Adobe Premiere Pro, Adobe After Effects, Adobe Audition and Adobe Encore. DVStorm2 Ultra has an SRP of US$1299. Canopus has also announced DVStorm2 Pro+, which features component video output and MPEGCraft, a frame-accurate MPEG editing tool. DVStorm2 Pro+ comes with EDIUS LE realtime editing software, and the Adobe Video Collection. The DVStorm2 Pro+ Adobe Premiere Pro plug-in allows users to preview and output both native Premiere Pro effects and Canopus effects simultaneously in realtime. When using the full version of Canopus EDIUS or Adobe Premiere Pro, DVStorm2 Pro+ delivers five simultaneous realtime video streams and unlimited title and graphics layers. DVStorm2 Pro+ has an SRP of US$1599. See http://www.canopus.com

CineForm Launches Aspect HD for Adobe Premiere 6.5
CineForm has announced the availability of Aspect HD for Adobe Premiere 6.5. Aspect HD is a software-based realtime high-definition video engine that provides realtime editing of HD content on current Intel Pentium 4 PCs. It is designed to offers a realtime, multistream editing solution as an effective companion to the JVC GR-HD1 and JY-HD10U cameras, as well as to the emerging class of HDV camcorders. Aspect HD employs a proprietary and symmetric, yet visually lossless, video codec and video effects engine. Using a 2.8GHz Pentium 4 PC with HT (Hyper-Thread) technology and a simple RAID 0 configuration, up to four HD streams plus transitions, effects, and motion are possible, all simultaneously, all in real time, and without the need for any specialised hardware. After editing, HD video can be exported to a wide variety of HD, SD and web distribution formats. Aspect HD for Adobe Premiere 6.5 is available directly from CineForm for US$1200, not including a copy of Premiere. A version of Aspect HD for Adobe Premiere Pro will ship Q4 2003, and purchasers of Aspect HD for Adobe Premiere 6.5 will be upgraded free of charge. See http://www.cineform.com

MacroSystem Certifies nNovia QuickCapture for Casablanca Combination
nNovia and MacroSystem have announced that the nNovia QuickCapture portable IEEE-1394 DV-to-Disk recorder has been certified for use with Casablanca editors. QuickCapture supports the complete AV/C protocol, which allows it to instantly and seamlessly connect to any Casablanca system. nNovia has added a 'Casablanca' section to its website that contains application notes and tips to assist users as they begin using these products together. QuickCapture is now available, and pricing begins at under US$1000. See http://www.nNovia.com

Omneon Announces New Tools for SPECTRUM Server
Omneon Video Networks has announced three new additions to its MEDIACONTROL suite of control utilities for the Omneon SPECTRUM media server system. The PLAYTOOL, RECORDTOOL, and TRANSFERTOOL enhance system operations by simplifying control over media playout, ingest, and management functions, with easy-to-use graphical interfaces. For users who do not require automatic control over other external devices, the PLAYTOOL utility supports manual or automatically triggered playout of multiple clips from an Omneon SPECTRUM. It allows a list of clips to be assembled and automatically scheduled for back-to-back playout. Multiple instances of PLAYTOOL can be run simultaneously to control multiple channels of playback. RECORDTOOL facilitates the ingest into Omneon SPECTRUM systems by allowing clips to be recorded on either a regular, repeating basis, or as a one-time event. It supports segmented recording, which allows editing to begin on long-duration content during ingest. TRANSFERTOOL is an FTP control utility that allows users to view, copy, peer-to-peer transfer, and manage media that via a GUI. These new media tools are available as standalone products or can be purchased as part of the Omneon MEDIACONTROL suite. See http://www.omneon.com

DAW news

Steinberg Announces Nuendo 2.1
Steinberg, the Audio Group of Pinnacle Systems, has announced version 2.1 of the Nuendo media production system. Nuendo 2.1 offers new networking technology that supports the full range of editing tools over a network, on projects, audio, MIDI and even video tracks. It allows users to connect multiple Nuendo workstation computers via standard LAN network cards, with complete management of access rights and user groups that make it easy to collaborate on large scale projects. The entire project, or just selected tracks, can be opened on multiple computers for other members of the network to access and edit. It also supports central data management over a server. This enables multiple Nuendo workstations to access several projects, including all audio and video files and sound libraries. The standard network access built into Nuendo supports recording to, as well as copying and play-back from, dedicated servers or other workstations - all that is required is a TCP/IP LAN. Combining separate Nuendo 2.1 projects can be done easily via a merge project function that fuses tracks from one project into another. Also added are many musical features such as a new Time Warp tool for creating complex tempo maps right from the project window or any editor, a Freeze functionality for VST instruments to drastically improve CPU performance, and improved handling of multiple audio or MIDI parts within the editors. Nuendo 2.1 is available at selected Steinberg dealers for an MSRP of US$1499.99. See http://www.steinbergusa.net

Steinberg Announces WaveLab 4.01
Steinberg, the Audio Group of Pinnacle Systems, has announced version 4.01 of the WaveLab audio editing and mastering software. This free update offers an array of new features including scripting support for automated audio editing, format and batch processing, recording and playback, AES31 support, audio error detection and correction, extended format support, MPEG Layer 2/MUSICAM support, Windows Media 9 and Ogg Vorbis support, and CD Text. WaveLab 4.01 is available at selected Steinberg dealers for an MSRP of US$599.99. See http://www.steinbergusa.net

Digidesign Ships Pro Tools|HD Accel and Pro Tools 6.2 Software
Digidesign is shipping Pro Tools|HD Accel, a replacement for the original HD Process card introduced with Pro Tools|HD (the HD Core card does not change). The Pro Tools|HD Accel card is included with Pro Tools|HD 2 Accel and HD 3 Accel systems, and may also be purchased separately. HD Accel cards allow for higher voice counts and feature nearly twice the raw DSP power of HD Process cards, plus additional Pro Tools 6.2 software optimisations. The benefits are bigger and better mixes at any sample rate, support for more complex plug-in algorithms, increased plug-in counts, and an overall leap forward in operational efficiency. Pro Tools TDM 6.2 software ships with all Pro Tools|HD and Pro Tools|HD Accel systems and cards, and is the first release to support the new HD Accel cards. It combines the 6.1 feature set with support for the new, sixteen-input 96i I/O audio interface, Windows Media Audio 9 and Windows Media Audio 9 Pro import and export (Windows XP systems only), specialised plug-ins, and other features. Pro Tools|HD Accel systems include the standard DigiRack plug-in bundle, plus the latest HDpack plug-in bundle. The list price for the HD Accel card is US$4995, and system prices are US$10,995 for Pro Tools|HD 2 Accel and US$13,995 for Pro Tools|HD 3 Accel. See http://www.digidesign.com

Digidesign Announces New Multichannel 96kHz-Capable Pro Tools|HD Audio Interface
Digidesign has announced 96i I/O, a new audio interface for Pro Tools|HD and Pro Tools|HD Accel systems with Pro Tools TDM 6.2 software. It is a multichannel 96kHz-capable Pro Tools|HD audio interface and allows users to introduce output from third-party outboard gear into the Pro Tools environment. It offers sixteen analogue inputs with balanced or unbalanced A/D conversion, a 24-bit-capable S/PDIF digital I/O port, A/D and D/A converters of the same quality as those of the Digidesign 96 I/O ensuring the same fidelity going into and coming out of Pro Tools. In conjunction with Pro Tools 6.2 software, 96i I/O also acts as a virtual patch bay, enabling users to change connections with just one click. As with the other Pro Tools|HD interfaces, 96i I/O includes a peripheral port to facilitate connection to additional Pro Tools|HD gear. It can also be used as the primary interface for Pro Tools|HD or Pro Tools|HD Accel systems, both of which require a Digidesign HD audio interface to operate. Up to six 96i I/O units can be used to provide 96 inputs for Pro Tools|HD systems. See http://www.digidesign.com

MOTU Announces Digital Performer 4.1 Support for Pro Tools HD Accel
MOTU has announced that Digital Performer 4.1 fully supports the Digidesign Pro Tools HD Accel. Digital Performer 4.1, which is available as a free update for registered DP4 users, takes full advantage of the increased maximum track and voice count of Pro Tools HD Accel. In addition, Digital Performer 4.1 users can run new Accel-compatible plug-ins. See http://www.motu.com

MOTU Unveils 896HD 192kHz FireWire Audio Interface
MOTU has unveiled the 896HD FireWire audio interface for Mac and Windows computers. This replaces the 896 at the same price and adds new features, including 22 simultaneous outputs, 192kHz operation, 8-bus monitor mixing and stand-alone operation, DSP-driven digital mixing and monitoring for all 18 inputs, and front-panel fader control. Additional features are ADAT sync input, word clock input/output, two IEEE1394 FireWire connectors, IEC power receptacle, universal compatibility with virtually all audio software on Mac OS 9, Mac OS X and Windows Me/2k/XP, and includes AudioDesk sample-accurate workstation software for Mac OS with 24-bit recording/editing and 32-bit automated mixing/processing/mastering. The 896HD is expected to ship in Q4 2003 with a price of US$1295. See http://www.motu.com

Cakewalk Releases SONAR 3 Producer Edition
Cakewalk has released SONAR 3 Producer Edition, the latest version of its software-based production environment. SONAR 3 Producer Edition offers precise tools for accurate, effective real-time editing and extensive customisation, allowing for the fine-tuning of the studio to match the user's workflow. It boasts over 100 new features and refinements that include a streamlined user interface, Dynamic Console View, Universal Bus Architecture, enhanced MIDI routing and synth layering, integrated DXi and VSTi Soft Synths and ReWire clients, Ultrafunk Sonitus:fx Suite, VSampler 3.0 DXi and professional content from leading sample and loops developers. SONAR 3 Producer Edition has an MSRP of US$719. See http://www.cakewalk.com

Sonic Studio Releases HD Version 1.9
Sonic Studio has announced Sonic Studio HD version 1.9, its first major software revision since taking over the Sonic Studio workstation products from Sonic Solutions. Version 1.9 is the culmination of over a year of development effort to stabilise the workstation, boost performance and add functionality. Among the enhancements and additions is an entirely new mixing desk, 16-channel I/O support on a single board system, and an improved and optimised DSP allocation system for desk events processing. This version also resolves numerous long-standing issues with stability, synchronisation, and CD imaging. Sonic Studio HD version 1.9 is free to all Sonic Studio HD owners at no charge. See http://www.sonicstudio.com

Sound Devices Previews 744T and 722 Audio Recorders
Sound Devices has previewed two portable audio recorders, the 744T and 722. These offer portable multitrack recording, nonlinear file access, the ability to record to both internal hard drive and compact flash, high-speed data transfers via FireWire, up to 24-bit/96kHz data rates with high-resolution A/D, native MP3 file encoding, and extended runtime from on-board batteries. The 744T features 4-track recording and has an estimated retail price of US$4000 with a 40GB internal drive. The 722 features 2-track recording and has an estimated retail price of US$2000 with a 40GB internal drive. See http://www.sounddevices.com

TerraTec Ships Producer PHASE 22
TerraTec is shipping the Producer PHASE 22 PCI audio I/O and MIDI card. It offers studio quality at a starter price for professional computer-based recording and mastering. It has two analogue I/Os, supports up to 24-bit/96kHz audio, has an S/PDIF port, and 16-channel MIDI I/O. The optimised driver package features Windows ASIO 2.0 support, latency-free access to several inputs and outputs, and compatibility with the GSIF GigaStudio format. Up to four PHASE 22s can be cascaded and synchronised in a computer via a single driver, and the PHASE 22 can also be combined with the PHASE 28 for additional recording options. PHASE 22 has an MSRP of US$99, and a Mac OS version is due for release in December 2003. See http://www.terratec.com

Sony Pictures Digital Networks Announces Sound Forge 7.0
Sony Pictures Digital Networks has announced version 7.0 of its Sound Forge professional digital audio editing software. This is the first new professional software release from Sony Pictures Digital Networks since it purchased all of Sonic Foundry's desktop production software assets in July 2003. Sound Forge 7.0 includes many new features and enhancements such as automated time-based recording, audio threshold record triggering, VU meters for recording and playback, enhanced Spectrum Analysis tools, DirectX Plug-in effects automation, White, Pink, and Brown noise generators, Media Explorer Previewing, Project File Creation, and support for 24fps native DV video files. The MSRP for Sound Forge 7.0 software is US$499.95. Registered users of Sound Forge can upgrade for US$149.95. See http://www.sony.com/mediasoftware

Digidesign Previews the DigiDelivery Network Digital Transfer Solution
Digidesign has previewed the DigiDelivery Network Digital Transfer Solution, which is due for release in Q4 2003. This is a network appliance for exchanging any kind of file - from a single JPEG to a post session - by offering an efficient, secure means of transferring digital assets across the Internet. Downloads only require the click of a link, with no need to enter IP addresses, usernames, or passwords. Proprietary communication protocols and optional lossless compression reduce transfer times by as much as 50% over conventional transfer methods. In the case of dropped connections, Auto-Reconnect resumes deliveries where they left off instead of re-starting as with FTP. Additionally, each digital parcel is protected by the same heavy-duty encryption used by banks and government agencies, that guarantees data safety even if the appliance is stolen. DigiDelivery is the first module of Digidesign's fully-integrated collaborative workflow system, which is centred around a choice of two network appliances: Digidesign Serv|LT or Serv|GT. The Digidesign Serv|LT suits small to medium-sized facilities, and the Digidesign Serv|GT has higher data throughput and greater storage capacity, making it suitable for major production facilities and broadcasters. The target list price for a complete DigiDelivery system pre-installed on Serv|LT is approximately US$2995, and DigiDelivery with Serv|GT is expected to list for approximately US$9995. See http://www.digidesign.com

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