Video News

Reprinted from a Darim press release:

Darim Vision (http://www.darim.com), a leading provider of integrated MPEG Encoding, Streaming, Broadcasting, and Security solutions, announced today that the long awaited MPEGator 4, the real-time multi-format MPEG-4 encoder, is now shipping. Available immediately, this fourth iteration of the popular MPEGator product line, is packed full of exciting advanced features. For pricing, please call Darim at 1-888-GET-MPEG (438-6734) or email us at usasales@darim.com.

The successor to the award winning MPEGator 1 capture card, the MPEGator 4 is an entirely hardware based real time MPEG-4 video encoder that also supports MPEG-2 and MPEG-1 formats for compatibility with legacy applications. The MPEGator 4 is engineered to deliver the highest quality video with the smallest possible file size. Featuring 9-bit video digitizing, special inter-frame video filtering circuitry, and professional YUV component input connectors, this powerful workhorse provides users the tools they need to shine when working with demanding applications like video content creation, archiving, and video streaming. A royalty free Software Development Kit (MSDK) is also available for those who need more customization.

“We are very pleased to announce the immediate availability of this powerful professional tool. At Darim we have striven to remain ahead of the curve — anticipating technological improvements,” said John Houston, vice president of marketing at Darim. “The MPEGator 4 is a real life example of this philosophy. It truly is the most encompassing video encoding tool on the market.”

MPEGator 4
The MPEGator 4 is the most advanced MPEG-4 encoder available today. With features like full D1 and frame rate, the MPEGator 4 is opening new power encoding solutions for Video CD production, video conferencing, digital security systems, and multimedia content creation. The MPEGator 4 has the same software development kit (SDK) format as its predecessor, the award winning MPEGator 1 so customers can easily migrate their existing legacy MPEGator 1 systems to encode MPEG-4 content without any modification to their applications. The defacto standard in digital video encoding solutions the MPEGator 4 is presently the only choice for high quality, real time MPEG encoding medium for broadcasting, corporate events, advertising, medical, and promotional settings with cost sensitive budgets and the need for the highest quality MPEG-4 digital video recording and playback.

Reprinted from an Xdrive press release:

Xdrive (www.xdrive.com), the premiere provider of online data storage, announced today the launch of Version 2.0, a service that will deliver the power and convenience of digital videos to millions of consumers.

The Xdrive digital video service offers millions of digital camcorder owners, along with their friends and family, a convenient way to share digital home movies. Xdrive also provides its members access to secure online photo storage and the ability to create albums in an advertising-free environment.

“Before today, no other service offered a way for consumers to share their home movies,” said Brett O’Brien, president of Xdrive. “With high quality digital camcorders becoming more and more popular, Xdrive offers the missing link to providing friends and family with a way to view the home movies camcorder owners create.”

Xdrive is easy to use. The service allows members to upload digital video and photos and instantly share them with family and friends. No more trying to email huge files that won’t go through. Xdrive supports a variety of video formats: MPEGs, Windows Media Player, Real Player, Quicktime, DVDs, and more. Xdrive also supports music files.

Xdrive is secure. Once Xdrive members upload their digital videos to the site, they are stored in a private, secure, and advertising-free environment. Members’ content is password-protected and available only to those who are invited to view.

Xdrive is affordable. The service offers 500 megabytes for $9.95 per month. More space is available for an additional fee. Members who are invited to view videos and photo albums can do so at no cost to them.

Xdrive is a smart choice. The service can also permanently store all home movies and photos. Loss of computer data is common due to viruses, crashes, and theft. By using Xdrive, members can ensure that that all their precious moments are safe and secure.

Reprinted from a Roxio press release:

Roxio, Inc. (NASDAQ:ROXI) , defines a new software category with the unveiling of Roxio Easy Media Creator 7 at the world’s premier launch pad for emerging technology, DEMO 2004, taking place in Scottsdale, Arizona. Easy Media Creator 7 represents the realization of Roxio’s long term vision to bring together its complete line of next generation, full-featured photo, video, music, burning, and authoring applications to deliver the first and only comprehensive, integrated digital media suite for the PC.

Dozens of new features, refinements, and an enhanced burning engine make Easy Media Creator 7 an exciting upgrade for Roxio’s existing customer base of over 100 million. However, by seamlessly combining the improved burning suite of Easy CD & DVD Creator, with its best-of-breed PhotoSuite 7 Platinum, VideoWave 7 Professional, and online music service Napster, Roxio extends the appeal of Easy Media Creator 7 to include any consumer looking to take complete control of their digital lives. These sentiments were echoed in PC Magazine’s review entitled Roxio Gets it Right in which the reviewer asserts “Roxio has finally pulled all the parts together from its in-house and acquired media creation utilities, and Creator 7 now sets the standard.”

“For consumers, maintaining their digital lives on the PC today is a cumbersome task that forces them to manage and learn multiple applications that don’t work together,” said Tom Shea, President of Roxio. “Easy Media Creator 7 addresses this problem by allowing consumers to effortlessly organize, edit, protect, and share a lifetime of photos, music, video files, and data within a single, elegant environment.”

Key Benefits of an Integrated Suite:

Reprinted from a JVC press release:

Underscoring its position as a leader in high definition video technologies, JVC today introduced the world’s first portable high definition player/recorder, the CU-VH1. An ideal complement to JVC’s HD camcorders, the new CU-VH1 HDV-format player/recorder brings unprecedented flexibility to HD video production with multi-format playback and a range of recording options.

Suitable for use in the field, in the studio or at home, the JVC CU-VH1 features a 3.5-inch LCD monitor, an iLink interface for non-linear editing and dubbing, component outputs for multi-format playback, and an SD card slot for capturing stills from tape and transferring them to PC through a USB connection. It records and plays back Mini DV cassettes, and for high definition recording and playback adheres to the HDV format, a standard agreed upon by major consumer electronics manufacturers.

“JVC was the first to bring HD video creation to consumers with our introduction of the GR-HD1 camcorder,” said Dave Owen, General Manager, Consumer Video Division, JVC Company of America. “With the introduction of the CU-VH1 we’re reinforcing our commitment to HD enthusiasts by providing them with even more playback, editing and dubbing options.”

For playback, the new CU-VH1 is extremely versatile. It will play back signals recorded in 720/30p (MPEG-2), 480/60p (MPEG-2) and 480/60i (DV). This includes any footage shot with either of JVC’s two HD camcorders the GR-HD1 and JY-HD10. It includes up- and down-conversion so that HD recordings can be viewed on virtually any television or monitor. It frame doubles 30 frames-per-second 720/30p HD recordings for viewing on progressive 720/60p analog HD monitors, or converts 480/60p or 720/30p signals to 1080/60i HD. The player/recorder can also down-convert to 480/60p or 480/60i for playback on progressive or NTSC monitors. 16:9 HD, SD or DV footage can be played in 16:9 or 4:3 letterbox modes.

Footage can also be viewed on the CU-VH1’s built-in 3.5-inch, 240,000-pixel high resolution LCD monitor. There’s a brightness control, and the monitor folds flat into the top of the unit when not in use.

The CU-VH1’s recording capabilities include digital-to-digital recording to and from video equipment and a PC, and recording to and from analog devices. An iLink interface allows digital-to-digital dubbing between the CU-VH1 and HD cameras and decks (D-VHS). Both the iLink interface and a USB connection allow HD and SD MPEG-2 material to be transferred between the CU-VH1 and a PC for playback or non-linear MPEG-2 editing. DV recordings and digital stills can also be transferred through iLink. With the USB connection it’s also possible to drag-and-drop digital stills or other content on the memory card to a PC.

Built-in digital-to-analog and analog-to-digital conversion allows easy dubbing between digital and analog sources. S-Video, composite and audio connectors function as both inputs and outputs, allowing HD/SD or DV sources to be dubbed from the CU-VH1 to an NTSC deck or analog material dubbed from an NTSC source onto Mini DV in the CU-VH1. Component video outputs allow dubbing from the CU-VH1 to a professional deck.

The CU-VH1 can also capture progressive HD, SD and DV 1280 x 720 JPEG stills and save them to an SD card. Stored images can be viewed individually or automatically as a slide show. In addition, a Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) request allows the user to easily select images and how many of each for automatic printing.

To easily access specific scenes, thumbnail images of what is shot on tape can be automatically stored on a memory card while shooting or manually during playback. In addition, tape time code or day and date subcode can be displayed on screen.

To ensure that the CU-VH1 is suitable for portable use, component BNC outputs (with supplied RCA adapters), S-Video, composite and audio inputs/outputs and iLink IEEE 1394 and USB inputs/outputs are protected by guard bars and a rugged cover. The SD memory card/MultiMediaCard slot, microphone jack and headphone jack are similarly protected.

The CU-VH1 uses the same batteries as the JVC GR-HD1 and JY-HD10 high definition camcorders, and the included AC power supply charges these batteries. The included battery (BN-V416U) on a full charge lasts up to 1.5 hours. An available optional battery (BN-V428U) provides power for up to two hours, 50 minutes.

The JVC CU-VH1 measures 8-5/16 (W) x 2-1/6 (H) x 6-1/8 (D) inches. It weighs 2.5 lbs., or 2.6 lbs. with the battery pack, Mini DV cassette and memory card.

It is available this month at a nationally advertised value of $1,999.00.

Reprinted from a Primera press release:

Primera Technology, Inc., the world’s leading developer and manufacturer of CD/DVD disc duplication and printing equipment, today announced its Bravo II Disc Publisher.

Instead of copying and labeling discs one at a time, Bravo II is designed for hands-free, automated production of up to 25 CDs or DVDs per job (50 discs with kiosk mode). An advanced robotic mechanism is used to transport discs into the built-in 52x CD-R recorder or optional Pioneer combo DVD±R/CD-R recorder. After recording, discs are transported to the integrated printer and printed in full color directly onto the surface of the disc.

The Bravo II Disc Publisher is a robust, professional version of Primera’s Bravo Disc Publisher. It has many new features, including:

Highest Print Resolution
Bravo II increases the print resolution from 2400 to 4800 DPI. 4800 DPI is the highest print resolution currently offered for direct-to-disc printing.

AccuDisc Technology
AccuDisc is a patent-pending suite of hardware and firmware enhancements that provides the most accurate and precise disc picking on the market. Utilizing advanced LED optics instead of mechanical components, AccuDisc eliminates misalignment of the picking mechanism. It also prevents the feeding of double discs into the recordable drive.

USB 2.0 Interface
Bravo II uses a single high-speed USB 2.0 cable for connecting to the user’s PC or Mac computer. Previously, the Bravo Disc Publisher required two cables: a USB 1.1 cable for printing and robotic control and a FireWire cable for the data interface. USB 2.0, with a data transfer rate of 480Mb/s, is 20% faster than the FireWire interface.

Faster Throughput
Bravo II has increased its disc production rate by 10% over the Bravo Disc Publisher. This is accomplished with a faster picking mechanism, increased robotic speed and 15% faster printing speed.

“With Bravo II, our customers will enjoy incredible 4800 DPI print resolution, a self-configuring interface with USB 2.0 and the industry’s best reliability with our exclusive, patent-pending AccuDisc Technology,” said Mark D. Strobel, Primera Technology’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “Bravo II is ideal for the duplication of video, software and music as well as mission-critical applications such as medical imaging, digital photo processing, kiosks and service bureaus. You can even connect a Bravo II to your office network for enterprise-wide disc publishing.”

Bravo attaches to any PC running Windows 2000/XP through its built-in USB 2.0 interface. Bravo comes equipped with PrimoDVD 2.0 duplication software by Sonic Solutions. Sonic has partnered with Primera Technology to offer a complete, professional disc duplication solution. A professional labeling software program called SureThing CD Labeler Primera Edition is also included for graphic design.

Bravo also attaches to any Mac running Mac OS X. Bravo comes equipped with Charismac Engineering’s Discribe V5.0 duplication software and Magic Mouse Production’s Discus labeling software. Mac and PC users can also design labels in any of their favorite graphic design programs such as Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, etc.

Two Bravo II models are available:

Reprinted from an Outerspace Software press release:

Outerspace Software today announced the availability of BluffTitler DX9, the easiest way to add 3D text animations and effects to videos and photos. BluffTitler DX9 uses Microsoft’s DirectX 9 technology and 3D hardware acceleration to create broadcast-quality, animated 3D titles in realtime — results are shown instantly, without rendering. Animations can be played in realtime by the BluffTitler player and screensaver or exported to video and picture formats for use in videos, multimedia presentations and websites.

BluffTitler makes it easy to create dazzling 3D titles from any TrueType font with a wide variety of bevel styles and texturing options — including high-resolution JPEG, BMP and PNG textures, animated MPEG and AVI movie textures and reflection mapping. Still or moving images can be imported as backgrounds or morphed into a variety of animated 3D shapes such as spheres, cubes, cylinders and donuts. Animated point, ambient and directional lights illuminate the scene. Any number of independent layers containing 3D text, video, pictures, particles and plasma effects can be created and animated independently.

“At less than $40 US, BluffTitler DX9 is the first program that delivers the power of professional-quality, hardware accelerated titling at a price that even hobbyists can afford,” said Michiel den Outer, founder of Outerspace Software. “Video and graphic design professionals will appreciate BluffTitler features such as realtime display, customizable effects, intuitive animation facilities and reusable preset features that allow them to work more quickly than ever.”

In addition to its powerful text and graphic animation capabilities, BluffTitler’s particle layer can be used to create special effects such as fire, explosions, smoke, fireworks, dripping ooze, rain and snow. Particles can be attached to 3D text objects so the effects appear to be emitted from the text itself. BluffTitler’s plasma layer creates instant animated “eye candy” effects such as fractal clouds, bouncing lights and tunnels.

BluffTitler’s simple, intuitive user interface lets even novices quickly create professional-quality titles with ease. Animation options include simulated physics for creating text that bounces, pumps, speeds up or slows down. The software even includes wild text effects such as hairy, spiked and exploding text. A special “VJ mode” allows BluffTitler to be controlled from a MIDI keyboard for live performance applications.

Pricing and Availability
BluffTitler DX9 version 1.5 is available now for just 30 Euro (under $40 US). To download the free demo or purchase the full version of BluffTitler online, visit www.blufftitler.us.

System Requirements

Reprinted from a Panasonic press release:

Panasonic has introduced the AG-DVC30, a highly-versatile 3-CCD Mini-DV camcorder. This ultra-compact, 2.4-pound camcorder delivers the high picture quality and high sensitivity professionals demand as well as inventive features including infrared nighttime and movie-like recording modes.

Equipped with three 410,000-pixel 1/4″ CCDs, the AG-DVC30 offers four shooting styles — a simple, sleek configuration (resembling a consumer camcorder) for “no permits required” or undercover shooting; with its standard detachable handle and large 3.5″ LCD monitor, it’s perfect for low- and multi-angle shooting; with the addition of its optional XLR mic adaptor and unidirectional mic, it’s outfitted for high-level pro audio performance; and by adding its optional infrared light, the camera can capture detailed black-and-white images in the dark (at 0 lux).

“The AG-DVC30 has been designed for videographers who demand the very best image quality, combined with absolute mobility,” said Stuart English, Vice President, Marketing, Panasonic Broadcast. “Its innovative features and economical price will make it attractive to a broad range of professionals, from law enforcement officers to sports videographers, wedding photographers and video journalists.”

The AG-DVC30 is equipped with a newly-engineered, wide-angle 16X Leica Dicomar zoom lens with Optical Image Stabilizer (OIS) and a focal length of 39.5 to 632 mm (35mm still camera equivalent) to meet virtually any broadcast and professional need. The new lens has low-dispersion glass to substantially reduce chromatic aberration, flare and ghosting. For sports applications, the 16X high-speed optical zoom takes only one second to transition between wide and telephoto modes.

First 3-CCD Mini-DV Camcorder to Offer Infrared Recording
The AG-DVC30 is the world’s first 3-CCD camcorder to offer Super Night Shooting (SNS) recording in black-and-white. Its built-in infrared capabilities supports near-field acquisition; and with the addition of its optional IR light, recording distance is extended for remote surveillance applications. In IR mode, the camcorder allows professionals to view people or objects in complete darkness.

The AG-DVC30 includes digital stamping of date and time into the image, an especially useful feature for legal depositions, court reporting, surveillance monitoring and evidence gathering.

The unit’s full range of automatic controls includes focus, iris, white balance and neutral density. Its AUTO/MANUAL button permits easy switching between manual and full auto. The camcorder’s large focus ring provides for smooth operation of focus, zoom or iris (menu selectable). It offers easy viewing with an electronic viewfinder and large 3.5″ color LCD monitor.

Movie-Like Recording Mode and Rugged, Magnesium Alloy Body
The AG-DVC30 provides a movie-like mode that combines a cine-style gamma curve and a 30-fps frame recording function that electronically interpolates interlaced images to create frames, producing images that are remarkably film-like. The camcorder also offers a Lumi Flick menu item for generating an old-time movie effect. Its slow shutter function uses image accumulation to allow shutter speeds of up to one-fourth the normal frame rate for higher sensitivity in color recording. The show shutter can also be used to capture artistic motion effects.

The feature-packed unit offers three user-settable buttons and four scene files featuring control of detail, chroma level, chroma phase, color temperature, master pedestal, AE shift and skin detail. Top-quality professional audio functions include a two-channel, two-color audio level meter that is displayed in the viewfinder and LCD, an (optional) XLR microphone adapter with +48V phantom power; and level controls (CH1/CH2).

With its rugged, die-cast magnesium alloy construction, the AG-DVC30 has a solid, well-balanced body that professional bodybuilders would envy. Its removable handle conforms neatly to the hand and is positioned at the AG-DVC30’s center of gravity for optimum balance.

The camcorder allows back-up recording by another DV recording device via its IEEE 1394 interface using the DV synchro function.

Its impressive list of standard features also includes synchro-scan shutter recording (1/60.3 — 1/250 sec.), a built-in SMPTE time code generator/reader, and SMPTE- compliant color bar display and recording,

The AG-DVC30 will be available in March at a suggested list price of $2,595. The optional Infrared light (model AG-YRL30G) has a suggested list price of $380.