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Adobe and RED Collaborate to Create Next-Generation Raw Workflows

Posted by Safe Harbor Staff
November 17, 2008

RED and Adobe share the goal of developing a native raw workflow that keeps filmmakers close to the lens, so that you’re always working with the sensor data the camera captured. By always working close to the lens, without proxies or other restrictions, editors can adjust the look and feel of their work all the way through the production process, knowing that their changes are completely accurate.

The first step of this long-term partnership is the importer plug-in bringing native support for RED R3D files to Adobe Premiere Pro CS4, Adobe Encore CS4 and Adobe After Effects CS4, allowing 4K resolution native R3D files to be dropped straight onto the timeline without transcoding or rewrapping. It is now in beta and available for download at www.red.com/support.RED is making the beta plug-in available as early as possible to provide customers a more flexible workflow immediately, and in order to obtain feedback from the community on how best to develop this workflow. Over the coming months, you can expect to see new developments that move both companies closer towards our shared vision for advanced raw workflows.

Adobe Creative Suite 4 Production Premium software is an indispensable part of a film and video professional’s toolkit and leads the way in tapeless and raw workflows. The alliance with RED underscores Adobe’s commitment to integrate tapeless camera formats into its line of professional video products, and will enable advanced post-production workflows to be faster and more flexible.

Hollywood-caliber digital cinematography made more affordable: RED cameras have taken the digital filmmaking world by storm, making high-resolution digital cinematography accessible to many more productions. RED cameras capture extremely high resolution raw files, opening up the possibility of a digital production workflow that allows filmmakers to make image processing decisions throughout the post production process because raw files keep the image sensor data directly. Until now, a truly native, nondestructive workflow has not been possible in desktop video tools.
A native, raw workflow today: Importing R3D files directly into Adobe Premiere Pro, Adobe Encore and Adobe After Effects without conversion delivers a faster, color-rich workflow that gives users control of the look when they edit. Filmmakers can dynamically change the resolution; applying color correction to the footage in full resolution for example, and then lowering the resolution on the fly to gain better performance from their hardware as they scrub through edits.
A more powerful, streamlined workflow tomorrow: Because Adobe Premiere Pro works directly with the sensor data, editors can work with footage as close to what the lens saw as possible, opening up much richer, more powerful ways of working non-destructively on the color and look of their work.

Customers who want to get started with the RED and Adobe workflow today can download the free Adobe Premiere Pro CS4 and After Effects CS4 trials for Mac OS X or Windows at www.adobe.com/downloads and the RED importer plug-in at www.red.com/support.

DV MAGAZINE ANNOUNCES 2008 NAB BEST OF SHOW WINNERS

Posted by Safe Harbor Staff
April 17, 2008

Digital Video (DV) magazine, published by NewBay Media, announced its Best of Show awards today at the 2008 National Association of Broadcasters Convention.

NewBay Media's Broadcast & Video Group of products, which also includes Videography magazine, DV Expo and the Creative Planet Community of websites, is uniquely poised to recognize the full spectrum video technology. A select panel of engineers, production and post professionals and editors joined the magazine staffs to judge the Best of Show awards for each publication.

The Best of Show Awards recognize outstanding achievement in the advancement of the art and science of video technology. These awards include the Videography Vidy Awards, the longest-running NAB awards program; and the DV Black Diamond Awards, which launched in 2007.

"To receive an award, a technology is evaluated by our panel of editors and industry experts," says NewBay Media Broadcast & Video Group Vice President of Sales Eric Trabb. "The winning technologies reflect innovation and engineering excellence."

The award winners are as follows:

Audio-Technica AT2020 USB Microphone
Blackmagic Design Video Recorders
Cartoni Status Pro Head
DSC Labs Advanced Guide to Digital, Film and Television Production
EDIROL F1 Digital Field Recorder
Indie-Dolly Systems Universal Dolly
Innovision DV Probe
JVC MR-HD200
Litepanels Micro
Matrox MX02
Media Services Movie Stick
MOTU V3HD
Panasonic AG-HMC150 AVCHD
Prompter People Mic Light
Rosco LitePad HO
Sachtler SOOM
Sonnet Technologies Fusion F2 RAID
Sony PMW-EX3
T-Jib T-Slide
VariZoom Zero Gravity

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.

Sony Unveils PMW-EX3 Camcorder and XDCAM EX Technology at NAB 2008

Posted by Safe Harbor Staff
April 16, 2008

The expanding family of Sony’s XDCAM EX™ video production technology now includes new models that increase the benefits of a solid-state workflow. These include the PMW-EX3 camcorder, the PMW-EX30 deck, and the PHU-60K professional hard-disk unit.

Sony is also unveiling a prototype 32 GB version of the SxS PRO™ solid-state memory card.

"These new products significantly upgrade solid-state production, while continuing the series’ heritage of ExpressCard technology – the new standard of PC card interface," said Bob Ott, vice president of professional and optical products for Sony Electronics. "Now, users have access to an enhanced workflow and greater functionality, plus all the benefits of the original XDCAM EX camcorder, including superb full HD 1920 by 1080 image quality without spatial offsetting."

The PMW-EX3 camcorder features similar functionality to the PMW-EX1, but it allows user to make lens choices depending on the nature of their project, through its interchangeable lens system.

The PMW-EX3 camcorder features gen-lock and timecode in/out for multi-camera operation. For use in a studio configuration, model RM-B150/B750 remote controllers will adjust basic camera parameters such as gain, iris, white balance, pedestal, and gamma through the 8-pin remote connector on the PMW-EX3 camcorder.

The PMW-EX30 model is Sony’s first solid-state memory recorder/player. The 1080i/720P switchable unit has an HDMI digital connection for use with an external monitor. It has HD-SDI in/out, making it ideal for recording live HD content, as well as dubbing to other formats. The deck can also be used as an SxS PRO card reader/writer, and for feeding content to existing HD and/or SD non-linear editing systems.

Specifically designed for use with XDCAM EX camcorders, the PHU-60K hard-disk unit is a 1.8-inch, 60 GB external storage unit with an USB 2.0 interface. Users can achieve approximate recording times of 200 minutes in 35 Mbps HQ (high-quality) mode and 260 minutes in 25 Mbps SP (standard play) mode.

When attached to a camcorder, the hard-disk unit functions just like an SxS PRO card, with thumbnail views available on the LCD panel of the PMW-EX1 or PMW-EX3 camcorders or PMW-EX30 deck.

Sony’s unique CyberCapture™ technology allows clips to be recorded at a stable transfer speed, leading to fewer frame drops under challenging conditions such as extreme temperatures or vibrations and shock.

A new "dumping" system is used to protect the HDD from a 1.5m drop, and buffer memory is used to allow recording immediately after powering on. Also, a salvage function enables restoration of content damaged by battery/cable disconnection or accidental powering down during recording.

A 3-D G sensor and the buffer memory allow for stable recording. When the G sensor detects that the unit is being dropped, the head of the HDD is immediately parked to protect the HDD. The content is temporarily stored in the buffer memory and then restored in the HDD when it is operating again. Approximately 12 hours of continuous operation are possible on a small size BP-U30 battery.

32GB SxS PRO Memory Card
Sony plans to introduce a 32GB SxS PRO memory card later this year. One 32GB SxS PRO memory card will record 100 minutes of full HD 1920 by 1080 video at 35 Mbps, and 140 minutes of 1440 by1080 video at 25 Mbps. Pricing will be announced at a later date.

Clip Browser Version 2.0
The Clip Browser software that ships with each XDCAM EX camcorder at no additional charge is expected to be upgraded to version 2.0 this summer. Enhancements will include the capability to use XDCAM EX content within a DV editing workflow.

Optional plug-in software separately under development for Clip Browser 2.0 will export XDCAM EX files on SxS memory cards to Professional Media discs, allowing XDCAM HD optical disc products to seamlessly interoperate with content shot by the XDCAM EX camcorder.

Other optional plug-in software under development for Clip Browser 2.0 will enable XDCAM EX files to be viewed on a range of portable consumer devices or to be uploaded to video sharing web sites.

Non-linear editors can deliver higher-quality footage and accelerate the post production process by editing XDCAM EX files natively. Major NLE vendors have solutions that support a true file-based workflow with XDCAM EX files without the need for transcoding. Adobe is announcing native support for XDCAM EX through its Adobe Premiere® Pro CS3 video editing and production software. Also, this summer, Avid’s non-linear editing systems are expected to fully support 35Mbps HQ (high quality) mode at 1920x1080/60i and 1280x720/60p.

The new XDCAM EX products are expected to be available in the third quarter of 2008.

Panasonic Announces Six New Additions to P2 HD Lineup

Posted by Safe Harbor Staff
April 14, 2008

At NAB 2008, Panasonic Broadcast reinforced its leadership in solid-state high definition video production with another doubling of card memory capacity, and new key additions to its line of P2 HD solid-state products. Foremost among these announcements is long anticipated introduction of two new advanced P2 HD VariCam™ camcorders. The fully solid-state VariCam 3700 and VariCam 2700 build upon the unrivaled legacy of the VariCam HD Cinema Camera, globally recognized as the industry’s premier digital cinematography acquisition tool widely used to create major films, documentaries, television shows, and national commercials.

Providing evidence of the worldwide success and momentum that P2 is enjoying, Panasonic announced that it has delivered more than 80,000 P2 HD/P2 units worldwide with over 840 television networks and stations having adopted the solid-state recording format. In the U.S., the ever-growing list of television stations, groups, and networks converting to P2 includes KABC, Barrington, Cordillera, Cox, Cowles, Dispatch, Entravision, Fisher Broadcasting, Fox, Freedom, Gray, Griffin Communications, Journal, Liberty, McGraw-Hill, Media General, Meredith, Morgan Murphy, Nexstar, Quincy, Raycom, Sinclair, Univision, Waterman, Weigel and Young Broadcasting.

These next-generation P2 HD VariCam camcorders, VariCam 3700 (model AJ-HPX3700) and VariCam 2700 (model AJ-HPX2700), represent a synergistic pairing of Panasonic’s popular solid-state recording technology and unique VariCam features and capabilities. These new 2/3" Native HD resolution models greatly advance digital filmmaking with features including master-quality, full-resolution 10-bit 4:2:2 AVC-Intra 100 recording; variable frame rates in one-frame increments; HD-SDI output of 23.98PsF/24PsF; and a multi-gamma function including Film-Rec for the prized VariCam look closely matching the color and response of film stocks.

Other P2 HD announcements at NAB 2008 include the fully solid-state AG-HPX170 P2 HD handheld camcorder; a 64GB P2 card (model AJ-P2C064) that provides unprecedented high definition recording capacity; and the AJ-PCD35 Express Card, a new five-slot P2 solid-state memory drive with an ExpressCard interface that increases simultaneous access to P2 content on ExpressCard-equipped notebook or desktop computers.

"With these forward-looking introductions, Panasonic is bolstering its position as the industry leader in solid-state video production," said Robert Harris, Vice-President of Marketing, Panasonic Broadcast. "In addition to independent frame recording, full-production quality HD, exceptionally-reliable solid-state operation, unrivalled flexibility and a faster file-based IT workflow, the ‘beauty of P2 HD’ now encompasses the creative flexibility and unique look that VariCam users have treasured."

The new flagship model of the P2 HD VariCam line, the VariCam 3700 offers full native 1920x1080-pixel acquisition and independent frame recording with 10-bit/4:2:2 sampling. The HPX3700 2/3" 2.2 megapixel 3-CCD camera also offers a 4:4:4 RGB dual-link live output to deliver pristine images ideal for composition of visual effects even while recording. Tailor-made for feature films, television episodic and commercial production, the VariCam 3700 records in full-raster 1920x1080 resolution in AVC-intra 100, and records in AVC-Intra 50 and DVCPRO HD as well. Its variable frame rate function has a range from 1fps to 30 fps in 1-frame increments, and it is equipped with three HD-SDI outputs (dual-link plus monitor). The VariCam 3700 is backed by Panasonic’s five-year limited warranty* and will be available fall 2008.

A fully solid-state implementation of the highly-regarded DVCPRO HD VariCam, the VariCam 2700 offers 2/3" native HD resolution 3-CCDs and produces cinema-quality, independent frame, 1080 and 720 images with 4:2:2 10-bit sampling in AVC-Intra 100. The camera also supports recording in a more bandwidth efficient AVC-Intra 50 compression as well as the ubiquitous DVCPRO HD. Designed for sports, documentaries, independent films and other projects where versatility is essential, the VariCam 2700 offers intuitive operation with advanced gamma setting, variable frame rates (from 1 fps to 60 fps in 720p mode), as well as two separate HD-SDI outputs. The VariCam 2700 is also backed by the industry’s leading five-year limited warranty* and will be available fall 2008.

A tool designed for professional media producers, the AG-HPX170 solid-state handheld camcorder enables high definition and standard definition recording, the widest zoom lens in its class, and a HD-SDI interface for connection to baseband production and distribution infrastructure, all in a lightweight 4.2-pound body. Building on the phenomenal success of the AG-HVX200, the HPX170 is equipped with three new premium 1/3-inch CCDs and a high-performance digital signal processor with 14-bit A/D conversion and 19-bit processing to deliver broadcast-quality, independent frame recordings. The HPX170 offers a 13X Leica Dicomar zoom lens with a 28mm wide-angle setting (the widest in its class), and a 20-step frame rate selection in 720p mode for variable-speed shooting in the 12fps to 60fps range to acquire fast- or slow-motion in-camera effects. The HPX170 is backed by Panasonic’s five-year limited warranty and will be available fall 2008.

Incorporating these new premium quality 3-CCD imagers and the 28mm zoom lens of the new HPX170, is the latest version of the popular HVX200, the HVX200A. Offering both the advantages of P2HD solid-state variable speed acquisition and a mini DV tape mechanism, the HVX200A is ideal for producers and educational institutions that are transitioning from an older standard definition, tape based infrastructure to file based, high definition production.

Quickly outpacing the storage capacity of tape and disc-based systems, the new AJ-P2C064 64GB P2 card can hold more than four hours of DVCPRO footage (64 GB X 4 minutes per GB), or more than two hours of DVCPRO50, AVC-Intra 50 (64 GB X 2 minutes per GB) or 64 minutes of AVC-Intra 100 or DVCPRO HD. With five 64GB P2 cards installed, an AJ-HPX3000 P2 HD camcorder can record for 5.3 hours in AVC-Intra 100 or DVCPRO HD (6.6 hours in 1080/24pN) and 10.6 hours (13.3 hours in 24pN) in AVC-Intra 50 or DVCPRO 50. The reusable 64GB P2 card is ideal for long-form production and other applications that require long record times, and is scheduled for initial deliveries in fall 2008.

The AJ-PCD35 Express Card P2 memory card drive provides professionals with a faster, more convenient file transfer workflow with the latest generation of ExpressCard computers. The external P2 memory drive can transfer data from up to five P2 cards, making content immediately available to nonlinear editing systems and servers. The PCD35 plugs easily into a laptop or tower computer’s PCI Express card slots, is compatible with Windows XP and Mac OS X, and features DC operation via its AC adaptor. The AJ-PCD35 will be available later this year at a price similar to the current AJ-PCD20 drive that offers USB 2.0 and IEEE1394 connections.

These new P2 HD products join an existing line-up that includes: the AJ-HPX3000 2/3" native 1080p shoulder-mount camcorder featuring three 2/3" high-density 2.2-million pixel CCDs to acquire master-quality, full-raster 1920 x 1080, 4:2:2 10-bit images using the built-in advanced AVC-Intra codec; the AJ-HPX2000 2/3" shoulder-mount camcorder with three HD native resolution 2/3" imagers to record pristine quality video in more than 30 HD/SD formats, and offers AVC-Intra capability as an option; the AG-HPX500 2/3" shoulder-mount camcorder, a highly affordable, full 2/3"camcorder recording in more than 32 HD and SD formats; the AG-HVX200A 1/3" 3-CCD Handheld P2 HD/DV camcorder, now featuring improved progressive 3-CCD imagers, a DSP that increases sensitivity while lowering noise and smear, and a new 13X zoom lens; the AJ-HPM110 P2 Mobile field recorder featuring six P2 cards slots for unmatched recording times in intra-frame DVCPRO HD/50/25 and DV formats, as well as optional master-quality, full-raster 1920 x 1080 10-bit, 4:2:2 AVC-Intra recording; the AG-HPG10 P2 Gear, a one-pound, battery-operated, two P2-slot unit providing viewing, backup recording, file management, and HD-SDI bridging of P2 recorded content; and the five-slot AJ-PCD20 internal/external drive providing easy access to and high-speed transfer of P2 content via USB 2.0 or IEEE1394 to a desktop or laptop.

Focus Enhancements Previews New FS-5 at NAB 2008

Posted by Safe Harbor Staff
April 14, 2008

Focus Enhancements, Inc. (NASDAQ: FCSE), a worldwide leader in media management and ultra wideband (UWB) wireless technology, has announced that it will showcase its soon-to-be released, ultra-portable FS-5 Direct To Edit(R) (DTE) recorder at NAB 2008 from April 14-17 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Booth SL2605.

Designed for use with popular DV and HDV cameras, FS-5 introduces a groundbreaking and unique new technology for tapeless acquisition. FS-5 advanced features provide users with the ability to quickly and efficiently log custom metadata wirelessly via a laptop, smartphone or other WiFi capable device while recording media. Users will be able to select metadata formats that are compatible with different nonlinear editing (NLE) systems as well as media asset management systems such as Focus Enhancements' award-winning ProxSys(R) solution.

"With Direct To Edit Technology, we revolutionized the acquisition process by making it possible to record in a number of different native NLE file formats that can be used directly in popular NLE systems," said Matt McEwen, director of product alliances for Focus Enhancements. "Now that tapeless workflow is becoming the media acquisition standard, users are seeking a flexible means of easily adding metadata, that is compatible with their editing and asset management systems, to their content. We believe our FS-5 addresses those needs by merging content creation and content management in a new way to allow for easy media identification making the end-to-end workflow seamless for broadcast and video production groups."

In addition to unprecedented metadata capabilities, new features and capabilities include:

Increased Direct To Edit file format support with the addition of MXF HDV 720p30 and 1080i 50/60 support for Avid NLE systems
50% weight reduction and a 60% reduction in size when compared to the entry level FS-4 model
New rugged and lightweight 1.8" disk drive technology utilizes the UDF file format
New low-power and fan-less design utilizes a 3-hour (record time) removable Li-Ion battery pack
Newly designed user interface and menu system feature an easy to navigate scroll wheel and 320 x 240 color backlit LCD display for menu and status viewing
USB 2.0 interface for fast computer mounting and connection of accessories
Wired or optional Wireless network capabilities

The FS-5 will complement the Focus Enhancements family of video production products that enable video pros to go from acquisition to editing with unparalleled speed, efficiency, and reliability. Compatible with most HDV and DV camcorders and editing software, the company's Direct To Edit video recording technology converts the output from camcorders or VTRs to a NLE format and records to disk via FireWire.

By combining DTE Technology with advanced caching and disk recording, camcorders paired with Focus Enhancements DTE recorders ensure that shots are never missed and critical footage is always ready to edit instantly.

Pricing and Availability
A 100GB version of FS-5 is expected to be available in Summer 2008 for a suggested price of $2,195 (US). For more information, please visit www.focusinfo.com.

Motu Ships Windows Drivers for V3HD FireWire Video Interface

Posted by Safe Harbor Staff
March 19, 2008

MOTU, Inc. is now shipping Windows support for the V3HD FireWire video interface and converter. Users can download the new PC drivers and software at v3hd.com, giving them immediate and complete compatibility with Adobe Premiere Pro CS3 (Version 3.1 or higher) running on Windows XP or Vista (32).

"The V3HD is a one-of-kind I/O device for Premiere Pro CS3 Windows users," said Jim Cooper, Director of Marketing for MOTU. "With plug-and-play FireWire connectivity, hardware-accelerated P2 capture and comprehensive I/O, the V3HD sets a new standard for video capture and monitoring for Premiere users."

The V3HD is the first and only video capture/playback solution for Premiere Pro CS3 that provides hardware-accelerated DVCProHD (P2) capture from any HD video input, including HD component or HD-SDI sources. The V3HD dovetails with the new P2 workflow features recently introduced in Premiere Pro CS3, allowing users to immediately play back P2 clips (either imported or ingested) on a variety of SD and HD formats simultaneously, with no transcoding necessary.

Conversely, the V3HD allows Premiere Pro users to capture any video source, either SD or HD, while simultaneously employing hardware-accelerated encoding and up/down conversion, in the following supported formats: uncompressed SD (standard AVI clips), DV, DVCPRo50 and DVCproHD.

The V3HD is also the first and only all-in-one capture/playback solution for Premiere that provides both SD and HD capture over FireWire, allowing Premiere users for the first time to build comprehensive, yet compact and portable desktop workstations based on PC laptops or notebook computers equipped with FireWire, without the need for separate PCI expansion products.

Advanced features include an "Export to Tape" feature that allows users to lay back clips, or an entire project, to a tape deck using the V3HD's extensive machine control features. The V3HD also supports Premiere Pro's Batch Capture features.

The V3HD Windows support download package is now available here.

WEVA EXPO 2008 Set for August 11-14 at Orlando Grande Lakes

Posted by Safe Harbor Staff
March 6, 2008

The WEVA 18th Annual Wedding & Event Video Expo (WEVA EXPO 2008), the wedding and event industry’s biggest convention and trade show, open to all wedding and event videographers worldwide, will be held August 11-14, 2008 at the breathtaking 500-acre Grande Lakes Orlando Resort, Florida’s premier destination.

Only 15 minutes from the Orlando International airport, Universal Studios, and Sea World, Grande Lakes Resort features two of the most respected names in hospitality - The JW Marriott, which will host WEVA EXPO 2008, and The Ritz-Carlton. Both hotels are directly connected and situated in the heart of a pristine and eco-friendly nature reserve that stretches across 500 lush and tropical acres surrounded by lakes.

The special guest room rate at the JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes, a 26-story masterpiece in mediterranean design, will be just $99/night (single or double occupancy & kids 18 and under stay free) for all EXPO attendees. This exceptional rate is valid three days before and after WEVA EXPO 2008. Each elegant guest room is equipped with high-speed Internet access that will be free for all WEVA guests. WEVA EXPO 2008 attendees staying at The JW Marriott will be able to enjoy all the facilities and services Grande Lakes offers indoors and outdoors, at both hotels, without any add-on resort fees.

Marriott reservation operators will begin taking WEVA guest room reservations next week. Visit www.grandelakes.com now and click on the videos, the photo galleries and cool 360-degree panoramas to get introduced to this lush and lavish tropical paradise.

"Grande Lakes Resort is an ultra, world-class property for hosting our industry’s largest and most exciting convention and trade show of the year," said WEVA International Chairman Roy Chapman. "The special rates and discounts arranged for WEVA attendees make it affordable for all videographers working at all levels to attend this year's EXPO."

"The JW Marriott at Grande Lakes is a picture-perfect environment for videographers who want to network. There are so many spots to relax and share information – whether you’re in a cutting-edge session on new wedding editing techniques, or at the huge trade show or sharing production clips on your iPod or iPhone at poolside - and you'll find a lot of pools, and whirlpools, dotted all around this scenic mega resort," said Dan Argenas WEVA’s Director of Association Communications.

Watch www.weva.com for more news shortly. Make plans now to attend the WEVA 18th Annual Wedding & Event Video Expo 2008 this summer!

About Wedding & Event Videographers Association International (WEVA)
Founded over a decade ago, WEVA International is the world's largest trade association for professional wedding and event videographers and leads the field with education that's on the cutting-edge of industry developments. WEVA is dedicated to advancing the professional interests of videographers globally through continuing education at events such as Wedding & Event Video Expo and WEVA's Wide World of Weddings & Events, technical support, group benefits, advocacy committees, new media, including Wedding & Event Videography Resource Guide and streaming video on WEVA-TV. For more information contact the association at 941-923-5334 or www.weva.com.

Focus Enhancements Adds FS-100 160GB Recorder to DTE Model Lineup

Posted by Safe Harbor Staff
October 8, 2007

Focus Enhancements, Inc. (NASDAQ: FCSE), a worldwide leader in media management and Ultra Wideband (UWB) wireless technology, announced the latest addition to the FS-100 Portable Direct to Edit® (DTE) Recorder lineup. The new FS-100 160GB model sets a new standard for long-form DVCPRO HD recording with up to 6.5 hours of recording in 720p24PN mode, 5.25 hours in 720p25/30PN mode or 2.5 hours in full frame rate 720p/1080i mode. With the introduction of the FS-100 160GB, Panasonic P2 camera/recorder owners now have a solution that combines the outstanding quality of DVCPRO HD with ultra-long record times.

"We have received numerous requests for extended record times from Panasonic DVCPRO HD P2 camera/recorder owners," said Matt McEwen, senior product manager for Focus Enhancements. "In response we created the new FS-100 160GB model, which records up to 6.5 hours—a length which was previously not economically viable for those using DVCPRO HD."

The new FS-100 160GB model joins the lower capacity FS-100 100GB model, which will continue to be available. Both models are shipping with the recently released version 4.0 firmware. In addition to P2 and QuickTime DTE recording, version 4.0 offers the following new features for FS-100 users:

Support for 720p PN record mode, which more than doubles available DVCPRO HD record times
PN variable frame rate (VFR) recording, which delivers stunning slow motion and fast motion effects
QuickTime Reference Movie support, which enables long record sequences to appear as a single file.

The FS-100 160GB model is available now through authorized Panasonic resellers for a US MSRP of $2,495. The FS-100 100GB model is available for a US MSRP of $1,995.

Motu Demonstrates V3HD at Safe Harbor

Posted by Safe Harbor Staff
September 27, 2007

Jim Cooper from Motu was in the Safe Harbor studio Wednesday, September 26 demonstrating the new Motu V3HD video converter box.

V3HD turns your Mac or PC desktop or laptop computer into a powerful HD/SD video production workstation equipped with all the video and audio I/O you need, with one simple FireWire connection.

In this photo taken from the demo, a DVCPRO HD Final Cut Pro timeline is being sent over Firewire to the V3HD, which outputs to several different formats simultaneously, including HDMI, HD SDI, HD Component, SD SDI, SD Component, and S-video. This setup allows you to monitor your video in every available format while you're working.

Some standout features that were demonstrated:

#1 – CONNECTIVITY
The V3HD will work with practically ANY tape format and/or connection, SD or HD. Regardless of what format you shoot, you can easily send it through V3HD into your PC or Mac. Even if shooting on Panasonic with P2 card, V3HD is still used for monitoring and output (not capture).

This makes it convenient to monitor on variety of displays, as well as record edits to almost any record deck. This counts for AUDIO as well as video. Great for studios where clients are bringing in their own gear, will provide interface for most any setup.

#2 - LOW OVERHEAD
DVCPRO HD does not require the huge hard drive arrays and ultra-fast processors that uncompressed video needs. It even works great with a laptop!

#3 - AUDIO
Has comprehensive audio features and connections, great control over monitoring, mixing and routing of signals.

#4 - STAND-ALONE CONVENIENCE
Unit can be used without a PC connection for signal conversion, is portable.

#5 - PC or Mac
Some users have both and can switch as simply as unplugging FireWire cable.

#6 - DVCPRO HD
DVCPRO HD is a widely used standard with good quality and smaller file sizes, a good compromise on quality and system requirements. V3HD is a great choice for those using Panasonic DVCPRO gear in their workflow already.

V3HD is shipping now - order yours today!

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