Video News

Reprinted from a Boris FX press release:

Boris FX, the leading developer of integrated graphics and effects technology, today announces the availability of the Boris Title Toolkit, a set of dynamic new plug-ins developed exclusively for Adobe After Effects. The Title Toolkit plug-ins create broadcast-quality, animatable titles directly in the native After Effects user interface. Boris Vector Text, Text Scrambler, Title Crawl and Vector Shape plug-ins let After Effects users experience a breadth of titling capabilities in a familiar environment for maximum quality, speed, and creativity. Video editors, graphics artists, and compositors can create, format and animate titles and vector graphic elements in 3D space with features like Text On a Path, Type On and Motion Blur. The Title Toolkit also provides a variety of parameters to randomize, jitter and scramble text characters and styles, build vector shapes that can link to text, create film-quality rolls and crawls, animate text fill, borders, and shadows and link to built-in After Effects or third-party parameters. Creating broadcast-quality titling in After Effects for film and television has never been easier.

“Boris Title Toolkit allows Adobe After Effects users to take advantage of the sophisticated and versatile titling capabilities we offer throughout the industry,” says Boris FX founder and president Boris Yamnitsky. “The introduction of our new plug-ins provide a workspace for After Effects users to easily produce high-quality, animatable titles within the After Effects application.”

Title Toolkit plug-ins include:

Reprinted from a Bogen Photo press release:

These days, many of the most popular 35mm and digital point-and-shoot cameras will fit nicely into your pocket. But while computer chips and cameras have continued to shrink in size and weight, many of the most common photographic accessories have remained the same size. All of that has changed with the introduction of Manfrotto’s new 714B Digi tripod.

Designed specifically for today’s lightweight, compact cameras, the 714B Digi tripod offers a number of innovative design elements that come together to create a unique blend of stability, portability and ease of use. Perhaps the most innovative new feature is an ultra compact, built-in ball head that is actually recessed into the tripod’s center column. Not only does this make the 714B ready to use in an instant, it also enables it to fold down to a height of just 17″. A new single hinge design for the leg pivot further enhances the compactness of the 714B Digi, as it allows the leg to fold shorter than conventional models.

Ball head tension is controlled via a convenient handle located at the bottom of the 714B’s center column. By allowing a preset, yet adjustable tension, the 714B eliminates the need to lock off handles before taking each shot. Users can simply set the tension for their gear and forget it.

While it is very lightweight and easy to carry, the 714B Digi also offers all the features and benefits of a full size tripod. A four-section tripod, the 714B extends to a maximum working height of 52.3″ with the center column down, and 64.1″ with the center column fully extended. As is the case with all Manfrotto tripods, the 714B Digi was designed for quick, easy and reliable use. It features quick flip leg locks, an innovative three-faced center column and comes complete with a carrying case with twin shoulder straps for backpack style transport.

Reprinted from a Pinnacle press release:

Pinnacle Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: PCLE) today announced Pinnacle Edition 5, the latest version of the company’s mid-range video editing and DVD-authoring software for professional videographers, educators, and advanced video hobbyists. Pinnacle Edition 5 leverages processing power from the PC’s central and graphics processor units (CPU and GPU) to offer hundreds of striking real-time transitions and filters to power-hungry creative professionals.

Key new features in Pinnacle Edition 5 streamline the editing workflow and helps content producers create compelling professional-grade video faster and more efficiently than ever before. New real-time accelerated graphics processor (AGP)-based 2D and 3D video effects dramatically improves productivity by allowing editors to process more video, graphic layers and effects in real time. Pinnacle Edition uses a scalable architecture designed to deliver improved performance in connection with future CPU or GPU upgrades. Editors can also author DVD right from the editing timeline, eliminating the time-consuming process of exporting and importing files to a separate authoring application. With Pinnacle Edition’s powerful editing features, DVD authors now can create sophisticated menu structures, motion menus and motion buttons using the familiar editing tools of Pinnacle Edition.

“ATI recognizes Edition 5 is the first video editing software application that natively supports 3D acceleration. This is a major breakthrough for the professional video editing and graphics industry,” said Godfrey Cheng, director of marketing, multimedia products, ATI Technologies, Inc. “ATI is the leader in delivering the world’s fastest graphics and highest quality video solutions. With the addition of ATI graphics and video technology, Pinnacle’s solution will be unrivalled for video editors. ATI is proud to be Pinnacle’s partner in these efforts.”

“We’re pleased to work with Pinnacle to bring the dreams of every world-be movie maker closer to reality with our digital video offerings,” said Jeff Schindler, director of digital media group at Gateway. “Pinnacle’s new Edition software will be a key component of our industry-leading digital video solutions that combine all the hardware, software, and hands-on training customers need to create compelling films.”

Pinnacle Edition family includes:

Reprinted from a SmartSound press release:

SmartSound Software, Inc., the leading provider of soundtrack creation technology for visual content creators, today announced a reduction in the price of CDs from its library of royalty-free audio content, making it more affordable for users to add new CDs to their existing collection of SmartSound music.

The price of Professional CDs has been reduced from $129 to $99.95, and the price of Multimedia CDs has been reduced from $69 to $49.95. Each CD contains approximately 15-20 pieces of original, royalty-free music. When used with SmartSound products such as Sonicfire Pro 3.0 and Movie Maestro, the user can create professional-quality soundtracks that add drama and punch to any visual media project.

People who work with visual media need access to a wide variety of audio selections when creating soundtracks. This is true for both professionals and enthusiasts who need access to top-quality music that will fit a wide variety of projects and solutions that are affordable and fast.

“SmartSound’s music and audio CDs are critical to the success of my business, and the new pricing makes it possible to add many more choices when I’m working on a project,” said Mike Braun, owner of Buffalo Audio, a Denver, CO company that creates custom audio for professional Web sites. “My production studio faces daily schedules that are only possible to meet using SmartSound. Standard sound libraries are too expensive and aren’t flexible enough to edit. Looping software from other companies takes too long to develop a soundtrack. SmartSound is fast, affordable, easy to use, and delivers in quality.”

SmartSound audio CDs are available for use with Movie Maestro and the new Sonicfire Pro 3.0, launched last month. Among the new features of Sonicfire Pro 3.0 is the ability to preview, purchase and download single audio tracks from the SmartSound library - even tracks they don’t own - for immediate use. A 44k track can be purchased for $19.95, making a great option for users under a tight deadline or needing a special piece for a project.

“We know that our users require a broad range of music and sound in order to get the most out of their soundtracks,” said Kevin Klingler, president and CEO of SmartSound Software, Inc. “SmartSound has always been on the leading edge of the media creation industry, and the new pricing structure allows a greater number of people to benefit from SmartSound’s unique capabilities.”

Reprinted from a Plextor press release:

Plextor Corporation, a leading developer and manufacturer of DVD and CD recording equipment, today announced the new PX-504UF DVD+R/RW drive. The external DVD/CD burner delivers fast 4X DVD+R Writing, 2.4X DVD+RW Rewriting, and 12X max DVD-Reading; the versatile 6-in-1 drive also supports 16X CD Writing, 10X CD-Rewriting, and 40X CD-Reading.

The PX-504UF DVD+R/RW drive features Plextor’s first dual interface to support both Hi-Speed USB 2.0 and full-speed compliant IEEE-1394 FireWire for high-speed data transfer. Now PlexWriter customers can easily share a single DVD/CD recorder among multiple Apple Macintosh and Microsoft Windows-based personal computer systems. The new Plextor drive also bundles a package of premium digital media software from Roxio (Nasdaq:ROXI), including Easy CD Creator 5.3 DVD Edition, and PhotoSuite 5 SE and Toast 5 Lite.

“Many of the people who purchase PlexWriter drives also use Apple Macintosh computers, and we want them to be able to take advantage of the performance and convenience of FireWire connectivity,” said Howard Wing, vice president of sales and marketing for Plextor. “It’s not uncommon for a single household to have both Windows PCs and Apple Macintoshes. With the new PX-504UF, Mom and Dad can use the PlexWriter drive on the Windows PC to backup work data to a CD, and then five minutes later the kids can use the exact same external drive to play a DVD on the Macintosh in their room.”

“We’re pleased to be expanding our relationship with a leader in the CD and DVD burning market,” said Brad Duea, vice president of worldwide OEM sales for Roxio. “By integrating Easy CD Creator 5.3 DVD Edition, PhotoSuite 5 SE and Toast 5 Lite with its new external PX-504UF drive, Plextor is providing its customers with a flexible and powerful package of hardware and software so users can easily create and manage their digital media, whether they have a Mac, a PC or both.”

Plextor PX-504UF DVD+R/RW Drive
The Plextor PX-504UF is a highly versatile DVD/CD burner specifically designed to deliver high-quality recording performance. The drive gives users the ability to create, edit, and share customized DVDs and CDs using video, photos, audio, and data. Users can use the Roxio applications to back up and archive up to 4.7GB on a single-sided Recordable DVD disc and create photo albums for viewing with DVD players.

Lossless-linking technology enables users to perform basic editing tasks directly on the DVD disc, so there is no need to reload DVD content back to a PC to make minor changes, and no need to re-burn an entire DVD after making small edits. The unit features a 2MB data buffer and burst data transfer rates of 5.5 MB/sec., allowing users to burn a 4.7GB CD disc in less than fifteen minutes.

Software Bundle - Roxio Easy CD Creator 5.3 DVD Edition, PhotoSuite 5 SE, and Toast 5 Lite
Roxio Easy CD Creator 5.3 DVD Edition includes DVD Builder, Roxio’s DVD authoring application that allows consumers to capture digital video, add transitions and background music, create animated menus, organize clips and photos into custom slide shows, and burn to a DVD or CD that can be played in set-top DVD players. Easy CD Creator 5.3 DVD Edition combines the power of Easy CD Creator Basic and DVD Builder into one complete, easy to use, integrated solution. Easy CD Creator 5.3 DVD Edition includes DirectCD (packet writing), CD and DVD pre-mastering, DVD video authoring, one-button CD copier, and the ability to create enhanced and mixed-mode CDs. Easy CD Creator 5.3 DVD Edition simplifies the production of DVD videos while also providing the ability to create music CDs, photo slide shows synchronized with music, data CDs and DVDs, and back up copies of personal discs.

Roxio PhotoSuite 5 SE allows consumers to capture, organize, edit and share digital photos. It includes simple electronic albums and a combination of automated and advanced photo editing tools, including the ability to easily remove red-eye and wrinkles, lighten or darken, crop and rotate. Consumers can also print and share online or quickly E-mail them without leaving the program. With PhotoSuite 5 SE’s integrated Easy CD Creator burning technology, Plextor consumers will be able to burn photos to CD, Video CD or DVD.

Roxio Toast 5 Lite is a limited version of Toast 5 Titanium, the comprehensive, all-in-one DVD and CD burner software that enables consumers to create, organize, share and store all of their digital content on CDs or DVDs. Roxio’s award winning Toast DVD and CD burner software works with Mac OS X and Mac OS 9.1

Pricing and Availability
The Plextor PX-504UF DVD+R/RW drive is scheduled for shipment to distributors and resellers in North and South America in June 2003. It will also be available nationwide through Best Buy stores. The PX-504UF drive has a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $329.00 USD. All retail packages include unlimited toll-free technical support and one-year full warranty. Reservations for the PX-504UF drive are now being accepted at http://www.plextorshop.com.

Reprinted from a Thomson press release:

Aimed at attracting a wider audience to the latest innovation in DVD technology, Thomson (Euronext Paris: 18453) (NYSE: TMS) is introducing an RCA DVD + RW/+R recorder with a suggested retail price of $599 in August. Designed for simple consumer DVD recording and playback, the DRC8000N includes a no-fee, on-screen program guide, multiple recording modes, USB input and progressive scan playback.

“Consumers have quickly embraced the DVD format, making it the fastest growing consumer electronics product in industry history, and we expect fast acceptance for the advantages that recordablity affords,” said Mark Redmond, Vice President, Worldwide Audio and Video. “With the DRC8000N, we are targeting a wider range of consumers, not just early adopters. The advanced convenience features of the DRC8000N make it an exciting product for video buffs looking for a better way to store their home video recordings and favorite television programs.”

Backward Compatibility and Free On-Screen Guide Provide Added Convenience
Combining the recording ability of a VCR and the digital quality of a DVD player, the RCA DVD recorder allows consumers to record their favorite television shows and home videos onto a DVD disc that can be played in most DVD players currently on the market. The DRC8000N also incorporates the free, easy to navigate GUIDE Plus+ interactive TV guide that makes recording off air programs simple with the one-touch record function.

Key advantages of the +RW/+R format include the ability to append and edit video right on the disc and support of editing, overwrite, partial overwrite and append, thus enabling users to record video using the DRC8000N recorder and data using a DVD+RW/+R PC drive on the same disc (requires compatible DVD+RW PC drive and appropriate software). Finalization time for a DVD+R disc is the fastest of all DVD recording formats.

Digital Photo Playback and SmartRecord
The DRC8000N incorporates mp3 decoding and Digital PhotoView, which enables playback of digital photo files from a CD-R/RW disc in a rotating slide show format with mp3 playback during the slide show. A USB input connects to a flash card reader for transfer of digital photos or mp3 files and can decode from a flash card without copying to disc for playback and preview.

The unit offers six record modes: one, two, three, four, six and eight hours. In addition, when using the timer record function, the SmartRecord function automatically sets the quality level to the best quality that fits the available space on the disc.

The recorder has progressive scan capability when playing prerecorded DVDs and plays DVD video, DVD +RW/+R, CD, CD-R, CD-R/W, CD-ROM, and multisession CD, VCD and SVCD. The unit has Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS passthru, SRS TruSurround, satellite and cable box control, and includes a high quality time base corrector with digital noise reduction to significantly improve the quality of copies made from VHS tape to disc.

DVD Disc Editing and Picture-in-Picture Playback
The RCA DRC8000N incorporates several convenience features, enabling consumers to easily record and catalog up to eight hours of video onto a DVD disc. The disc library can store data for more than 400 recorded titles (assuming an average of five titles per disc), catalogued by title, genre and disc number, which can be searched and sorted by title and genre. The disc menu function helps consumers quickly locate a specific title on the disc in the recorder. After the user highlights a specific program title, playback preview automatically begins in a picture-in-picture window.

Other features include chapter hide/unhide, which allows the user to automatically skip playback of selected sections of a recording. Additional features are text title labelling, user selectable disc write protection and quick disc erase.

Rear connections include one set of YPrPb component video outputs, S-Video input and output (one each), composite video input and video output (one each), analog audio in and out (one each), optical digital audio out and coax digital audio out. Additional inputs for S-Video, composite video, and analog audio are available on the front panel.

High-End Design for New Progressive Scan RCA DVD Players
Four new RCA progressive scan DVD models with ultra-thin designs are being added to the line up. Two models, the RCA DRC310N (available June, suggested retail price $119) and the DRC312N (available June, suggested retail price $129) incorporate a slot load design, a new feature for set-top DVD players and one that is typically found in more expensive models. The DRC105N (available May, suggested retail price $89) and DRC230N (available May, suggested retail price $99) have drawer load mechanisms.

All four models play DVD, CD, CD-R/RW, VCD, DVD +RW/+R, mp3 and WMA discs, offer DTS Passthru and feature Digital PhotoView with rotation, slide show, and zoom/pan capability. Playback features include multi-speed fast and slow motion (forward and reverse), jitter free still picture, frame-by-frame advance (forward and reverse), user selectable aspect ratio selector in 4:3, 16:9 and letterbox modes, screen fit, forward and reverse skip, Scene Again (one button instant replay), bookmark functionality, repeat, random play, IntroScan (CD only), zoom-still running on DVD and VCD, and full multi-angle playback.

Convenient Hard-Disc Recording
Continuing in the line is the RCA Scenium Personal Video Recorder DRS7000N - the industry’s first combination DVD player and personal video recorder, offering more than 30 hours of recording time and a convenient, no-fee GUIDE Plus+ interactive TV Guide. This progressive scan player incorporates a Gemstar GUIDE Plus+ interactive TV Guide with one-touch recording for easy time shifting of favorite shows. Other key functions include the ability to pause a live TV program for up to 45 minutes, one button fast forward, 10-second review and the ability to watch one previously recorded program while recording another.

The RCA Scenium DRS7000N Personal Video Recorder offers audio, video and photo album capability and can store thousands of digital images with RCA’s Digital PhotoView. In addition, the unit can hold 1,000 mp3 audio files on the hard drive. The player has component video, S-Video, composite video, and analog audio outputs; two sets of S-Video, composite video and analog audio inputs; a USB input, optical and coaxial digital output jacks and a headphone jack. The DVD player is compatible with DVD, CD, CD-R/RW, mp3, VCD, DVD+R/RW, and DVD-R/RW (if recorded in compatible mode) playback discs.

The RCA Scenium Personal Video Recorder has a suggested retail price of $499.

Reprinted from an In-Sync press release:

In-sync releases Speed Razor 5.5 editing software for the Windows NT, Windows 2000 and Windows XP platforms. Speed Razor 5.5 is designed to work with pinnacle Targa 3000, Pinnacle Reeltime, Matrox Digisuite, Matrox Digisuite LE, Matrox Digisuite LX, Matrox Digisuite DTV, Newtek Video Toaster, as well as legacy hardware platforms like DPS Perception and Fast DV Master.

Speed Razor 5.5 brings exceptional MPEG capabilities which result in a much higher quality MPEG than what is ordinarily delivered in editing applications with features like customizable frame rate, 20 pass variable bit rate encodes, manual VBR, Constant Quality, RealTime constant Bit rate, and RealTime CQ encoding and much more.

In-sync has rewritten the EDL import and export module to include a new in-sync EDL importer / exporter as well as support for importing and exporting AVID EDLs. In addition Batch capture now auto generates an in-sync EDL to ensure that your project is always safeguarded.

Other features include faster saving projects, Audio True Scrub, precise VU Meters, support for Type 1 and Type 2 Audio for DV, and an updated Druid system diagnostic utility. Speed Razor 5.5 projects are fully compatible with Speed Razor HD 2.0 and Blade 2.1, which provide for cross platform support so production companies can supply shows in any format for their customers.

Pricing and Availability

Reprinted from a Canopus press release:

Canopus Corporation, makers of award-winning, digital video editing products, today announced a new line of professional realtime MPEG encoding and DVD authoring solutions for DVD producers, multimedia professionals and video enthusiasts. The first products to be released in this series are the MPEGPRO MVR and the MPEGPRO EMR. Both products feature advanced pre-filtering and variable bit rate encoding capabilities to provide excellent quality MPEG-1 and MPEG-2 video even at low bitrates, making it a perfect solution for preparing video for CD, DVD or network transmission. While the MPEGPRO MVR is a PCI-based board, the MPEGPRO EMR is an external unit that connects to the computer through the USB-1 or USB-2 port and lets users create high-quality MPEG streams, even on a laptop computer.

High-Quality, Low-Bandwidth MPEG-2 Video Compression
Both MPEGPRO MVR and MPEGPRO EMR feature advanced image filtering, such as 3D digital noise reduction, 3D frame synchronizer, line time base corrector and 3D Y/C separation (NTSC only), to provide enhanced image quality. The MPEGPRO line supports both Main Profile at Main Level MPEG-2 (MP@ML) and I-frame-only encoding. When using MP@ML, the MPEGPRO MVR and MPEGPRO EMR deliver the high-quality video and audio MPEG-2 output required by today’s video professionals. MP@ML features true IBP frame format, which provides the highest-quality video at the lowest bandwidth. In addition, MPEGPRO MVR and MPEGPRO EMR’s variable bitrate capability (from 1Mbps to 15Mbps) is one of the most effective techniques used to maintain video quality while reducing file size.

With composite and S-Video inputs, the MPEGPRO Series is scalable up to full-D1 resolution with NTSC and PAL format support. On the audio front, this series supports MPEG Layer 2 audio compression.

The MPEGPRO Series features the company’s family of MPEG tools that provide powerful MPEG encoding and editing capabilities. Users encode MPEG-1 and MPEG-2 files in realtime directly from DV and analog sources using Canopus’s MediaCruise control software, which features an easy-to-use GUI for effortless capture and encoding. Canopus is also including MpegCutter, a handy MPEG-editing tool for basic editing tasks. In MPEGPRO EMR, MpegExplorer for advanced desktop search and preview of MPEG files and MpegRe-encoder for high-speed conversions of high-bitrate MPEG files to lower-bitrate files is also included. The award-winning Ulead DVD Workshop SE is also included, bringing a rich palette of DVD authoring tools to MPEGPRO Series users.

Pricing and Availability
MPEGPRO MVR and MPEGPRO EMR will be available this month through Canopus authorized dealers and system integrators for a suggested retail price of $499 each.

Reprinted from a NewTek press release:

NewTek, Inc., manufacturer of industry-leading 3D animation and video products, today announced Genesis, the first video production system designed from the ground up for the needs of worship service media production. Drawing on NewTek’s award-winning video and graphic production technologies, the needs of live production, editing and graphic creation are all addressed with a powerful turnkey solution designed for easy operation.

“The religious video market has a unique set of challenges” said Jim Plant, President and Chief Executive Officer of NewTek, Inc. “Tight budgets, volunteer staff, long live productions with lots of graphics, and a variety of projects from video projected during services, to video for shut-ins, to fund-raising videos. We’ve listened to what religious producers have told us, and we created a system designed to exactly fit their needs. We believe our new Genesis system will change the way churches present their message, and bring broadcast quality switching, editing and graphics to thousands of ministries around the world.”

The Genesis system meets live-production needs for worship services with an 8-input switcher for cameras and video decks. Genesis also includes hundreds of effects, animated backgrounds, graphics, titles, fonts, and other elements that will instantly give productions a professional polish. Plus, Genesis is compatible with other graphics software, from Adobe Photoshop to Microsoft PowerPoint. Genesis is versatile, with real-time video output of broadcast quality formats from Beta SP and D1 to DVCam and Mini-DV, as well as web-streaming.

“The NewTek system is unique as a video edit station in that it’s also a TV control room enabling churches to create a broadcast quality production studio at a very reasonable price,” said Tom Schmidt, of Broadcast Ministry Services. “In the past, we would purchase an analog component switcher and then begin to add monitors and waveform/vectorscope. Now, for the price of the switcher alone we get all the production tools plus an excellent non-linear editor plus much, much more.”

Genesis Includes:

Reprinted from a Toshiba press release:

Continuing its leadership and innovation in the DVD marketplace, Toshiba today announced the introduction of its second generation DVD recorder, the D-R1. This new model is another industry first from Toshiba with its introduction of Super MultiDrive. In addition to the industry leading DVD-RAM format and DVD-R, Super MultiDrive is developed to allow playback and recording of DVD-RW, as well. With this innovative advancement, the D-R1 gives users a hassle-free solution and more flexibility in their home recording and viewing choices.

The new recorder also incorporates the Time Slip function, which offers the ability to simultaneously record, and playback; enabling consumers to pause live television as well as begin viewing a program recording that is already in progress.

“With the rapid market adoption of DVD players, the Toshiba D-R1 DVD recorder offers consumers the ability and flexibility to record their favorite programs directly on to DVD,” said Jodi Sally, Director of Marketing, Toshiba Digital A/V Group. “Toshiba’s new D-R1 recorder offers the highest quality DVD viewing experience possible with ColorStream Pro Progressive Scan playback and numerous options for personalizing the DVD recording experience.

Whether new to DVD recording or a seasoned enthusiast, the D-R1 is designed with convenience features that will enhance any home viewing experience, such as IEEE 1394 Digital interface which allows consumers to transfer their home video to DVD.”

The thumbnail features of the D-R1 allow users to fully personalize their experience. For example, thumbnails with customizable text allow easy recognition of the content on a particular disc. In addition, the chapter creation function enables the user to designate the point at which they wish to have a chapter break, making it easy to identify specific chapter locations in the future. Playlists are also easily created, with users having the option of customizing the playback order of content regardless of its position on the disc. Users can easily and accurately create thumbnails for titles and chapters to optimize their recordings.

With multi-format compatibility, ease of use and convenience features such as a variety of front A/V inputs, including A/V Composite and S-Video, the D-R1 is at the forefront of the growing DVD recorder market.

With an industry first product, and in order to make a stronger presence at retail, Toshiba designed the D-R1 to standout on the shelf from the competition. The D-R1 features unique, top operational buttons for versatility in home theater set-up and user-friendly operability. The stylish unit is thin, and intuitively designed. The D-R1 will be available in September 2003 at a suggested retail price of $599.99.