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Grass Valley Announces EDIUS Commercial Contest

Posted by Safe Harbor Staff
October 28, 2009

Hey Filmmakers!

It's time to show off your editing skills! All you need to do is cut a commercial for Grass Valley™ EDIUS™ non-linear editing software to get a chance to win thousands of dollars of production gear!

The Grand Prize is a full post-production suite comprising:

HP ProBook loaded with EDIUS software
Panasonic HDC-HS250K video camcorder
LaCie d2 Quadra external hard drive (1TB)

The style and message is entirely up to you – the only requirements are that the commercial promotes EDIUS software and uses humor. So be funny! Go nuts!

The competition is open for entries until December 9th, 2009.

For more details on how to enter, click here!

Grass Valley Announces EDIUS Neo 2

Posted by Safe Harbor Staff
April 21, 2009

Neo 2, the latest version of the popular Grass Valley™ EDIUS® Neo video editing software, brings improved performance, a wider toolset and a full array of powerful Blu-ray high-definition (HD) disc production capabilities that independent video professionals and small production companies have requested during the past year.

EDIUS Neo 2 shares the feature set and functionality of the proven EDIUS 5.1 software and can handle any type of SD or HD project with ease. It includes a fast, flexible user interface, real-time editing and conversion of different aspect ratios (4:3/16:9), and real-time editing and conversion of different frame rates (such as 60i, 50i, and 24p).

The new Neo 2 software package also provides powerful nonlinear editing features common to all EDIUS solutions, such as multi-track, mixed-format HD/SD editing, chroma keying, titling, and DVD authoring.

New options include the Grass Valley FIRECODER Blu board, for accelerated Blu-ray output support and the Grass Valley HDSPARK PCI Express board that offers real-time, HDMI-based video preview with separate audio output for high-quality monitoring.

"Grass Valley is leveraging the power and flexibility of its EDIUS software tools and bringing them to a wide range of customers that need to complete all types of projects," said Jeff Rosica, Senior Vice President of Grass Valley. "Our goal is always to help those using video to achieve their goals in the most cost-effective way. The new Neo 2 editing package is a great example of the success of that strategy."

The latest version of Neo software also features, for the first time, GPUfx, which allow users to leverage the computer's graphics card to accelerate rendering performance; a new "Layouter" feature that lets users keyframe 2D and 3D effects; lots more DVD menu presets; and the ability to output projects to AVCHD H.264/Blu-ray disc for distribution and client approval.

The EDIUS Neo 2 software offers native editing of various formats—including AVCHD, HDV, DV, Windows Media, and QuickTime – and a seamless, real-time workflow that supports the mixing of all formats within the same timeline. In addition, the software features the revolutionary Canopus HQ Codec, which delivers the highest image quality and performance available on any HD editing platform. It not only provides superior luma and chroma sampling of HD video, but also features an adjustable bit rate for increased video quality when capturing and encoding on high-performance systems.

Pricing and Availability
The new Grass Valley EDIUS Neo 2 software will be available in May for $199. Existing Neo customers can upgrade their software for $129 and can also upgrade to a full version of EDIUS for $599.

WEVA Partners With Universal Studios Florida For WEVA EXPO 2008 Tour

Posted by Safe Harbor Staff
April 17, 2008

WEVA International has partnered with Universal Studios Florida Production Group to plan an exclusive, behind-the-scenes tour of the Universal Studios Production Facilities for professional videographers in conjunction with the WEVA 18th Annual Wedding & Event Video Expo, August 11-14, 2008. WEVA EXPO 2008, the wedding and event video industry's largest convention and trade show will be held at Orlando Grande Lakes Resort, just 10 minutes from Universal Studios Florida.

The largest working motion picture and television studio outside of Hollywood, Universal Studios Florida boasts 9 state-of-the-art soundstages, multiple broadcast studios, and more than 100 backlot sets. Numerous feature films (including The Waterboy, Matinee, and Parenthood) have been shot on the studio backlot.

Home to cable network’s Nickelodeon, Universal Studios Florida has hosted TV programs as diverse as The Ellen Degeneres Show; The Food Network's Emeril, Live!; The Steve Harvey Show; America's Most Wanted; Fear Factor; BattleBotsIQ and TNA (Total Nonstop Action). TNA, today's popular contemporary wrestling show, is taped in Stage 21 - (adjacent to the park).

This summer, WEVA EXPO 2008 attendees will have a rare opportunity to take an optional pre-convention, behind-the-scenes tour of Universal Studios that is being planned for Monday August 11, 2008 (starting early afternoon, ending before the official WEVA EXPO 2008 Opening Night Gala at 5:45pm).

"As announced at our NAB event this week, WEVA is already at work with the Universal Studios Production Group (USPG) designing a backlot tour that is ‘professional to professional’ rather than the standard ‘visitor’ version normally presented to park guests," relates Dan Argenas, WEVA’s Director of Association Communications. "Our goal is to offer WEVA EXPO 2008 attendees an inside view of state-of-the-art television and film production that’s up close and personal."

The WEVA and USPG teams are finalizing details of the tour, including ground transportation (private busses will depart from the JW Marriott). Watch WEVA.com for more news on the Universal Studios Tour and continuous updates on all WEVA EXPO 2008 Wedding and Event Video Sessions, EXPO 2008 Trade Show, and EXPO 2008 Special Events.

WEVA Announces Location for January Event

Posted by Safe Harbor Staff
October 9, 2007

Las Vegas’ legendary Imperial Palace, located "Center Strip" next to the Flamingo, has been named as the host hotel for WEVA’s Wide World of Weddings & Events the brand new winter convention and trade show for wedding & event videographers, co-presented by WEVA and PMA® with huge Trade Show exhibits being held at the Las Vegas Convention Center this January.

WEVA/PMA guest room rates at the Imperial Palace start at under $71/night. Rooms are limited. To be assured of getting low-cost rates, make your hotel reservations now through PMA Housing toll-free at: 800-248-8804 or 517-788-8100 or email: housing@pmai.org.

Register Online - Over 200 WEVA & PMA Sessions Included
Convention registration has already opened! WEVA sessions will start Tuesday afternoon January 29, 2008 at the Imperial Palace hotel. Open to all videographers, registration is only $199 for WEVA members and is all-inclusive. A special WEVA/PMA hotlink for WEVA member discount registration will be announced shortly.

Attend your choice of over 45 cutting-edge WEVA sessions for wedding and event videographers that will all be presented at the Imperial Palace Tuesday afternoon January 29 thru Thursday January 31 when the 2008 Trade Show opens at the Las Vegas Convention Center (use the Imperial/Flamingo Monorail for easy Convention Center access).

The Trade Show will be open 3 days: Thursday January 31 through Saturday February 2, 2008, and will feature special WEVA events for videographers on the Show Floor, including hands-on edit system training, and more (see below) on all 3 Trade Show days. At this year's convention, your WEVA/PMA registration also allows you to attend your choice of over 200 PMA '08 sessions (listed at www.pmai.org) at no additional cost.

Cutting-Edge Wedding & Event Video Sessions
WEVA sessions at the Imperial Palace will feature wedding and event video seminars, workshops, extended system training, New Worldwide Showcase of WEVA Award-Winning Wedding Video Creativity, Same-Day Edit sessions, all-new WEVA Latino sessions in Spanish, New Mock Wedding & Love Story Shooting Exhibitions, HD Technology Panels, and more.

Featured speakers will include leading wedding and event videographers from the US, Canada, Mexico and the Asia-Pacific region, and renowned marketing experts, including top business consultant Robert Gordman author of the best-selling book The Must-Have Customer and a contributing writer for WEVA's Wedding & Event Videography Resource Guide.

The complete WEVA program line-up and trade show schedule will be posted soon on the WEVA website and www.PMAI.org where you can also view all other group sections of programming including digital imaging production, marketing, networking, special events, parties, and convention activities that are available at no additional charge to all WEVA registrants.

More Videographer Events at the 3-Day Trade Show
At the huge 3-day Trade Show (Thursday January 31 to Saturday February 2nd), in addition to a whole new world of exhibits, there will be additional WEVA events for wedding and event videographers on all three days - all optional and all at no additional cost right on the Show floor at the Las Vegas Convention Center, including:

Free - Hands-On Edit System Training on Computer Workstations (Presented in Spanish & English).
Free - Live Demonstrations of Wedding & Event Video Shooting Techniques.
Free – All-new WEVA HD Camcorder Shoot-Out Using Live Bridal Models and Featuring Just-Released HD/SD Cameras Both Palm-Size & Full-Size.
Free – WEVA Mock Bridal Show Booth Exhibit
Free – New WEVA/PMA Exclusive 2,000 square-foot Pavilion Housing a State-of-the-Art, Industry-wide Event That Will be Announced Soon.

"There’s never been anything on a scale this large for event videographers. WEVA’s Wide World of Weddings & Events at PMA ’08 is an exciting ‘first’ for professional videography. It will mark the launch of a new era in the expanding worldwide digital memories industry," said Roy Chapman founder and chairman of Wedding & Event Videographers Association International. "This collaborative convention will give videographers the biggest competitive-edge in wedding and event video creativity, techniques, technology, networking – and business profitability — in the history of our industry."

Low-cost guest rooms at the Imperial Palace (available through PMA Housing are less than $71/night January 28-31. For Friday, February 1st (the start of Super Bowl weekend) you can obtain a special PMA registration discount coupon ($29) to apply to the Imperial Palace room rate, which increases to $160 on Friday.

Collaborate, Innovate - Profit!
"With low-cost registration and discounted hotel rates, this brand new convention is the season’s best value for wedding and event videographers – and it answers the call from our members for an international winter event that takes advantage of the impact, and the new profit centers, emerging from the convergence of digital video and imaging technologies," said WEVA Director of Educational Development John Zale.

"Videographers will be able to get together at WEVA’s Wide World of Weddings & Events to network and discover new techniques, cutting-edge concepts, and state-of-the-art technologies that are transforming not only professional videography, but the entire digital memories industry."

Teaming with PMA for an all-new winter convention in the U.S., Zale added, "is a natural, and progressive extension, as WEVA and PMA have had solid success collaborating on previous events for our industry worldwide. That includes our Australia conference for videographers in May, and our industry’s first-ever convention in Canada last month."

WEVA’s Wide World of Weddings & Events at PMA 08 will enable fresh advantages and a completely new professional development experience for wedding and event videographers, manufacturers, and sponsors.

"The advancements in digital technologies, including IT, portable video, DI technologies, and new media, combined with the rising demand for video content online have created a need for a collaborative, cutting-edge event in the winter season. One that recognizes, and utilizes, key changes in digital technologies and workflow so that professional videographers nationally and internationally can take their skills, and their profit potential, to a whole new level – faster," Chapman said. "And, it’s why WEVA will continue to provide professional development events in both winter and summer seasons."

Contact PMA Housing now to be sure of getting low-cost guest room rates at the Imperial Palace for WEVA’s Wide World of Weddings & Events this January!

About Photo Marketing Association International (PMA)
As an international professional trade association, PMA® helps the worldwide photo imaging community achieve business success and adapt to new technologies. Its commitment to 20,000 members in 100-plus countries is part of an 82-year legacy that connects business owners to a network of knowledge and support.

PMA furthers this purpose through the development of educational programs and business services, marketing research, publications, and trade shows. For more information, visit PMA online at www.pmai.org.

About Wedding & Event Videographers Association International (WEVA)
WEVA International is the largest professional videographers association and our industry's leading provider of education that's on the cutting-edge. WEVA is dedicated to advancing the professional interests of videographers worldwide through continuing education at events such as Wedding & Event Video Expo, technical support, group benefits, advocacy committees, new media, including Wedding & Event Videography Resource Guide and streaming video on WEVA-TV.

Join WEVA now to access valuable WEVA membership benefits that can help you succeed in your business, including weekday job opportunities through ImageSpan's CurbStream Platform, plus low-cost Visa/MasterCard Merchant Status, low-cost Equipment Insurance, E&O Insurance, the new Equipment Financing Program for Videographers, WEVA NEWS MINUTE videos, WEVA On-The-Air Podcasts, and more. Membership also provides opportunities for professional videographer (MPV) accreditation, and system-training at WEVA EXPO. For further details contact the association at 941-923-5334 or email: info@weva.com

About This Blog

Safe Harbor's video and post production news blog offers you the latest announcements and updates from the industry.