News posts from 2004 Q1

Richard Veil · March 2nd, 2004, 04:46 PM

Quick Release Rings: redefining the word "Speed Ring" This revolutionary ring allows you to release the tension of Lightbank poles with the flip of a lever. Now setting up and tearing down Lightbanks is truly quick and easy. This new design also allows the Lightbanks to be collapsed without disassembly which also it makes it convenient to move Lightbanks through doorways or narrow sets. The rings are constructed of high-grade aircraft aluminum anodized in a beautiful blue cast. Sizes will include a full range of Chimera Speed Rings beginning with the popular 6.0" series and then on to the 7.5" as well as the Quartz, Daylite and Daylite Senior Rings.

The 6.0 Quick Release Ring will be available in June 2004. It will be sold with a variety of inserts fitting a majority of strobe lights and some smaller continuous lights. It will also be sold separately for the customer to convert their existing Chimera Speed Rings to the new Quick Release style. Call for details. Chimera 888-444-1812, 303-444-8000 or check the web site for updates: www.chimeralighting.com OctaPlus Banks: We received numerous rave reviews for our new OctaPlus Banks when we showed it at PhotoPlus in November, but we were not 100% satisfied that it lived up to Chimera standards. We decided to delay the release until summer and allow the engineers more time to fine-tune the design. While we understand that it is disappointing that the OctaPlus is not available immediately, we know once you use the improved version you'll appreciate the wait.

Richard Veil · March 2nd, 2004, 04:50 PM

Come visit us!!!!!

NAB
Las Vegas Convention Center
Starts: April 19 Ends: April 22, 2004
Booth Number: 9730 www.nab.org

THIS SHOW IS HUGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Charles Papert · March 2nd, 2004, 05:03 PM

"Huge" doesn't begin to describe NAB; it takes me 3 days to get through it, and I'm probably only checking out 5% of the booths in depth!

See ya there, Richard.

Richard Veil · March 2nd, 2004, 06:32 PM

We have to talk.....

YOU ARE THE MAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

R

Douglas Spotted Eagle · March 3rd, 2004, 05:23 PM

For you NAB-er's.....
We're holding an NAB breakfast, so come by and have breakfast on us. This is a VASST breakfast, we're announcing the new book series, we'll have some fun giveaway stuff from Artbeats, ADS, M-Audio, and other companies. Even if you're not a breakfast-eater, c'mon by and grab a cup of coffee on your way to the convention. Maybe you'll win somethin'....
Details:
Place: Stardust Resort & Casino (In the hospitality suite by the pool. I don’t know the name of the room)
Date: Wednesday, April 21, 2004
Time: 7:30- 9:30AM
Details: Coffee To Go! (we will supply paper cups for those on the run) Tea, Juices, Pastries, and Fruit.
Please drop me or Mannie an email if you'd like to know more, or if you'll be planning on attending. dse at sundancemediagroup dot com or mannie at sundancemediagroup dot com

Rob Lohman · March 4th, 2004, 06:47 AM

http://www.research.philips.com/Info...904&lNodeId=13

Quote:

At this year’s CeBIT Exhibition in Hannover Germany, Philips Research is demonstrating a unique variable-focus lens system that has no mechanical moving parts. Suited to a wide range of optical imaging applications, including such things as digital cameras, camera phones, endoscopes, home security systems and optical storage drives, Philips’ FluidFocus system mimics the action of the human eye using a fluid lens that alters its focal length by changing its shape. The new lens, which lends itself to high volume manufacturing, overcomes the fixed-focus disadvantages of many of today’s low-cost imaging systems.

Mark Richman · March 4th, 2004, 10:56 PM

Encodes and Decodes everything from Mpeg1/2/4 to Windows Media files on the graphics card GPU and memory. Not the way we do it now, with our system CPU and system memory.

Also, HDTV and PVR capabilities. There are even rumors of Doom III being bundled with the video card.

Where will this card rank when compared to Avid/Matrox/Canopus video solutions? Will it cost a $1,000 like Avid/Matrox/Canopus video cards? This could get interesting.

Yep! Good news for us, if true.

Here's the link http://www.theinquirer.net/?article=14524

Joe Carney · March 5th, 2004, 11:49 AM

ATI has had many of these features for some time. The latest all-in wonder supports hdtv and wm9 and mpeg4.

Gints Klimanis · March 5th, 2004, 02:10 PM

It's just another graphics chips family. For example pricing, look at the previous generation of nVidia graphics: GeForce FX , and the 5000 series boards.

Mark Richman · March 5th, 2004, 10:56 PM

Correct. This is just another chipset family. But a better one.

Yes, ATI has some of these features. HDTV and PVR, I have used them both. IMHO TiVO is better and more enjoyable.

However, if you understand video, CPUs, memory, system bus', encoding and decoding processes you realize this is something of importance.

Quoting the article from theinquirer.net "This means that all decoding and encoding operation previously done by software and very CPU dependant will be able to be processed on NV4X chips. We are not aware specifically how Nvidia plans to do that but it sounds promising."

Simply put, NVidia will be relieving most if not all of the video stress in your/my computer system CPU, memory and bus. And I haven't even touched on the PCI Express versions coming.

I am sure this forum will light up about these new video cards after they are out.

Till then, enjoy what you have. What a far way we have come in such a short amount of time.

Gints Klimanis · March 5th, 2004, 11:15 PM

nVidia's processors have also included MPEG and video decode acceleration functions for several years now.

BTW, I *am* excited about nVidia's nv4x family of graphics processors, particularly because I work there.

Mike Cavanaugh · March 6th, 2004, 09:20 PM

I just came from spending a day at the New York Showbiz Expo (which replaced last year's DV Expo)

IMHO, the show tried to spread itself too thin, covering a number of specialties and formats, but not doing a good job of any of them. That said, I attended some excellent free sessions - most notably a dynamite session on Effective Location Sound, by John Goolsby, who specializes in weddings, but offered real world practical tips for anyone who does any live event.

I have to say I was most disappointed with the turnout (or lack thereof) of vendors. The big boys were all there, with the high ticket toys. But the main thing missing, that was available last year, were vendors with small items, tapes, camera accessories, mic's etc. I went prepared with a list of things to shop for such as tapes, filters, shotgun mic, camera bag, inexpensive camera stabilizers etc. After visiting the expo floor(s) (They had exhibitors on the 2nd and 18th floors!) a couple of time, I bought a $15 DV tape rack. I wanted tapes, but there was only one or two vendors and neither carried Fuji. I had about $500 cash and some plastic with me and was prepared to go home broke - Maybe I should be grateful!

One brief highlight, the one and only Chris Hurd was helping out at the Canon booth and we had a chance to very briefly chat!

Chris Hurd · March 6th, 2004, 11:54 PM

Mike, I wish we'd had longer to converse! Maybe not about the cameras on the counter, but about what you're doing and things in general.

I didn't get a chance to post in my "Meet you at these events" thread for this particular show because I was only there for two of the days and it was a pretty small little thing. It was kinda strange that they broke up the show over two separate floors far apart from each other. You're right, it's a different scene than it was last year. By the way, this one was formerly known as The New York DV Show. DV Expo is a different show which is still on for July at Javitts Center. There's too many of these things to keep 'em straight anymore.

Didn't get to see my friend Chris Ward; he was too busy giving seminars the whole time and I couldn't leave the show floor. Had some excellent Indian food tonight in Queens with some buddies, though. That was my highlight of the trip.

Stick around a bit longer next time, Mike! Ya won't have to buy anything!

;-)

Keith Loh · March 8th, 2004, 02:19 AM

Pentagon to offer direct news service from Iraq and Afghanistan

More here:

"The U.S. military will launch its own news service in Iraq and Afghanistan to send military video, text and photos directly to the Internet or news outlets."

The story further talks about how Army camera teams equipped with DV cameras, laptops and satellite will be able to get on scene in areas restricted to other press and broadcast 'focused' material to small and medium markets.

http://www.wtnh.com/Global/story.asp?S=1675781

Anhar Miah · March 9th, 2004, 08:10 AM

This is really interesting, i can think of the beneift and wide range of applications this can have. This will solve the problems many FIXED lens systems have such as those Solid state "pocket" camcorders which although usually have really bad resolution (320*240) and very slow frame rates, they are cathing up and when the frame size and frame rate are good enough they will kill of the tape, solid state camcorders for consumers are becoming a reality, the whole idea of capturing your family memories and then being able to edit it immediatley just by inserting it into t a card reader, no need for firewire, and when your finished just save back to the card!

March 2nd, 2004, 04:46 PM	#61
Richard Veil Chimera Lighting Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Santa Cruz CA Posts: 293	Chimera Product News Quick Release Rings: redefining the word "Speed Ring" This revolutionary ring allows you to release the tension of Lightbank poles with the flip of a lever. Now setting up and tearing down Lightbanks is truly quick and easy. This new design also allows the Lightbanks to be collapsed without disassembly which also it makes it convenient to move Lightbanks through doorways or narrow sets. The rings are constructed of high-grade aircraft aluminum anodized in a beautiful blue cast. Sizes will include a full range of Chimera Speed Rings beginning with the popular 6.0" series and then on to the 7.5" as well as the Quartz, Daylite and Daylite Senior Rings. The 6.0 Quick Release Ring will be available in June 2004. It will be sold with a variety of inserts fitting a majority of strobe lights and some smaller continuous lights. It will also be sold separately for the customer to convert their existing Chimera Speed Rings to the new Quick Release style. Call for details. Chimera 888-444-1812, 303-444-8000 or check the web site for updates: www.chimeralighting.com OctaPlus Banks: We received numerous rave reviews for our new OctaPlus Banks when we showed it at PhotoPlus in November, but we were not 100% satisfied that it lived up to Chimera standards. We decided to delay the release until summer and allow the engineers more time to fine-tune the design. While we understand that it is disappointing that the OctaPlus is not available immediately, we know once you use the improved version you'll appreciate the wait. __________________ Strength and Honor RLV

March 2nd, 2004, 04:50 PM	#62
Richard Veil Chimera Lighting Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Santa Cruz CA Posts: 293	Big National Association of Broadcasters show Come visit us!!!!! NAB Las Vegas Convention Center Starts: April 19 Ends: April 22, 2004 Booth Number: 9730 www.nab.org THIS SHOW IS HUGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! __________________ Strength and Honor RLV

March 2nd, 2004, 05:03 PM	#63
Charles Papert Wrangler Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 6,810	"Huge" doesn't begin to describe NAB; it takes me 3 days to get through it, and I'm probably only checking out 5% of the booths in depth! See ya there, Richard. __________________ Charles Papert www.charlespapert.com

March 2nd, 2004, 06:32 PM	#64
Richard Veil Chimera Lighting Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Santa Cruz CA Posts: 293	Thanks Chris.. you ROCK>> We have to talk..... YOU ARE THE MAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! R __________________ Strength and Honor RLV

March 3rd, 2004, 05:23 PM	#65
Douglas Spotted Eagle VASST Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Stockton, UT Posts: 5,648	NAB Breakfast announcement For you NAB-er's..... We're holding an NAB breakfast, so come by and have breakfast on us. This is a VASST breakfast, we're announcing the new book series, we'll have some fun giveaway stuff from Artbeats, ADS, M-Audio, and other companies. Even if you're not a breakfast-eater, c'mon by and grab a cup of coffee on your way to the convention. Maybe you'll win somethin'.... Details: Place: Stardust Resort & Casino (In the hospitality suite by the pool. I don’t know the name of the room) Date: Wednesday, April 21, 2004 Time: 7:30- 9:30AM Details: Coffee To Go! (we will supply paper cups for those on the run) Tea, Juices, Pastries, and Fruit. Please drop me or Mannie an email if you'd like to know more, or if you'll be planning on attending. dse at sundancemediagroup dot com or mannie at sundancemediagroup dot com __________________ Douglas Spotted Eagle/Spot Author, producer, composer Certified Sony Vegas Trainer http://www.vasst.com

March 4th, 2004, 10:56 PM	#67
Mark Richman Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Sarasota Posts: 79	NVidia new graphic chipset Encodes and Decodes everything from Mpeg1/2/4 to Windows Media files on the graphics card GPU and memory. Not the way we do it now, with our system CPU and system memory. Also, HDTV and PVR capabilities. There are even rumors of Doom III being bundled with the video card. Where will this card rank when compared to Avid/Matrox/Canopus video solutions? Will it cost a $1,000 like Avid/Matrox/Canopus video cards? This could get interesting. Yep! Good news for us, if true. Here's the link http://www.theinquirer.net/?article=14524 __________________ Green Novice turning Yellow Pro Soon to be Ripe - So stand back!

March 5th, 2004, 11:49 AM	#68
Joe Carney Inner Circle Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Centreville Va Posts: 1,828	ATI has had many of these features for some time. The latest all-in wonder supports hdtv and wm9 and mpeg4.

March 5th, 2004, 02:10 PM	#69
Gints Klimanis Inner Circle Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 2,222	It's just another graphics chips family. For example pricing, look at the previous generation of nVidia graphics: GeForce FX , and the 5000 series boards.

March 5th, 2004, 10:56 PM	#70
Mark Richman Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Sarasota Posts: 79	This is different from past chipsets in regards to video Correct. This is just another chipset family. But a better one. Yes, ATI has some of these features. HDTV and PVR, I have used them both. IMHO TiVO is better and more enjoyable. However, if you understand video, CPUs, memory, system bus', encoding and decoding processes you realize this is something of importance. Quoting the article from theinquirer.net "This means that all decoding and encoding operation previously done by software and very CPU dependant will be able to be processed on NV4X chips. We are not aware specifically how Nvidia plans to do that but it sounds promising." Simply put, NVidia will be relieving most if not all of the video stress in your/my computer system CPU, memory and bus. And I haven't even touched on the PCI Express versions coming. I am sure this forum will light up about these new video cards after they are out. Till then, enjoy what you have. What a far way we have come in such a short amount of time. __________________ Green Novice turning Yellow Pro Soon to be Ripe - So stand back!

March 5th, 2004, 11:15 PM	#71
Gints Klimanis Inner Circle Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 2,222	nVidia's processors have also included MPEG and video decode acceleration functions for several years now. BTW, I am excited about nVidia's nv4x family of graphics processors, particularly because I work there.

March 6th, 2004, 09:20 PM	#72
Mike Cavanaugh Major Player Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Albany NY Posts: 311	New York Showbiz Expo I just came from spending a day at the New York Showbiz Expo (which replaced last year's DV Expo) IMHO, the show tried to spread itself too thin, covering a number of specialties and formats, but not doing a good job of any of them. That said, I attended some excellent free sessions - most notably a dynamite session on Effective Location Sound, by John Goolsby, who specializes in weddings, but offered real world practical tips for anyone who does any live event. I have to say I was most disappointed with the turnout (or lack thereof) of vendors. The big boys were all there, with the high ticket toys. But the main thing missing, that was available last year, were vendors with small items, tapes, camera accessories, mic's etc. I went prepared with a list of things to shop for such as tapes, filters, shotgun mic, camera bag, inexpensive camera stabilizers etc. After visiting the expo floor(s) (They had exhibitors on the 2nd and 18th floors!) a couple of time, I bought a $15 DV tape rack. I wanted tapes, but there was only one or two vendors and neither carried Fuji. I had about $500 cash and some plastic with me and was prepared to go home broke - Maybe I should be grateful! One brief highlight, the one and only Chris Hurd was helping out at the Canon booth and we had a chance to very briefly chat!

March 6th, 2004, 11:54 PM	#73
Chris Hurd Obstreperous Rex Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: San Marcos, TX Posts: 27,368 Images: 513	Mike, I wish we'd had longer to converse! Maybe not about the cameras on the counter, but about what you're doing and things in general. I didn't get a chance to post in my "Meet you at these events" thread for this particular show because I was only there for two of the days and it was a pretty small little thing. It was kinda strange that they broke up the show over two separate floors far apart from each other. You're right, it's a different scene than it was last year. By the way, this one was formerly known as The New York DV Show. DV Expo is a different show which is still on for July at Javitts Center. There's too many of these things to keep 'em straight anymore. Didn't get to see my friend Chris Ward; he was too busy giving seminars the whole time and I couldn't leave the show floor. Had some excellent Indian food tonight in Queens with some buddies, though. That was my highlight of the trip. Stick around a bit longer next time, Mike! Ya won't have to buy anything! ;-) __________________ CH Search DV Info Net \| 20 years of DVi \| ...Tuesday is Soylent Green Day!

March 8th, 2004, 02:19 AM	#74
Keith Loh Air China Pilot Join Date: May 2002 Location: Vancouver, B.C. Posts: 2,389	U.S. military rolls out now DV news Pentagon to offer direct news service from Iraq and Afghanistan More here: "The U.S. military will launch its own news service in Iraq and Afghanistan to send military video, text and photos directly to the Internet or news outlets." The story further talks about how Army camera teams equipped with DV cameras, laptops and satellite will be able to get on scene in areas restricted to other press and broadcast 'focused' material to small and medium markets. http://www.wtnh.com/Global/story.asp?S=1675781 __________________ -- Visit http://www.KeithLoh.com \| stuff about living in Vancouver \| My Flickr photo gallery

March 9th, 2004, 08:10 AM	#75
Anhar Miah Major Player Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: United Kindom, England Posts: 290	Amazing This is really interesting, i can think of the beneift and wide range of applications this can have. This will solve the problems many FIXED lens systems have such as those Solid state "pocket" camcorders which although usually have really bad resolution (320*240) and very slow frame rates, they are cathing up and when the frame size and frame rate are good enough they will kill of the tape, solid state camcorders for consumers are becoming a reality, the whole idea of capturing your family memories and then being able to edit it immediatley just by inserting it into t a card reader, no need for firewire, and when your finished just save back to the card!