Is the audio PCM or Compressed: Compressed AC3 (Dolby Digital (Dolby AC3) 2 CH)

Are the batteries the same as the DVX-100? No. The batteries for the AVCCAM line of products are a new type called Info Lithium. The big advantage is that they read out remaining battery life in minutes. (to the minute by the minute.)

Is the bayonet mount the same as the DVX-100: No it is different. Though the filter size is the same. (72mm).

What is the battery life on the HMC150?
2,640 mAh: Approx. 100 mins (1 hour & 40 min)
5,600 mAh: Approx. 230mins (3 hours & 50 min. [almost 4 hours])

What does PH mode stand for? Professional HD

Over the course of this contest, we will be testing out TMPGEnc 4.0 Xpress to conform all of the entries to a standard format for judging. The first look at this encoding software shows that it can import pretty much any file format that you can throw at it, and the resulting video output is very clean. It can’t directly handle ripped VOB files from a DVD, though, but it’s easy enough to import DVDs directly into the program for further processing. The program also makes cut-editing very easy to perform, the encoding is as quick as we could hope for on the system we’re running it on, and the batch encoding features work as advertised. It’s a very strong contender as far as encoding software goes.

Today at SIGGRAPH 2008, HP expanded its DreamColor technology portfolio with the introduction of a powerful mobile workstation – the HP EliteBook 8730w Mobile Workstation with DreamColor Display – that offers professionals exceptional color accuracy.

In addition, HP introduced the HP EliteBook 8530w Mobile Workstation, the HP EliteBook 8530p Notebook PC, a customer calibration kit for the now-shipping DreamColor LP2480zx Professional Display, and two additional high-performance displays to meet the demands of a new generation of visual computing customers.

“Mobility is becoming increasingly important to our most demanding, power-user customers,” said Stephen Dewitt, senior vice president, Personal Systems Group – Americas, HP. “HP is delivering on creative professionals’ most exacting computing needs by enabling power users to take their highly tuned graphics workstations with them wherever they go.”

Mobile workstations for the ultimate creative professional
Designed for the most sophisticated graphic-intensive applications, the new HP EliteBook 8730w is the only mobile workstation on the market to offer a 17-inch diagonal HP DreamColor Display, which offers millions of colors, a significant improvement to the 260,000 available colors on traditional notebook PCs. The notebook also offers an Intel quad-core processor, 8 gigabytes (GB) of memory and NVIDIA’s next generation of Quadro FX cards with up to 1 GB dedicated video memory.

The HP EliteBook 8530w and HP EliteBook 8530p add professional graphics capabilities in a convenient mobile format, making the notebooks ideal for extreme power users in fields such as animation, video production, broadcasting, photography, design and engineering. Both systems include a 15.4-inch diagonal display, Intel CoreTM 2 Duo processor and 8 GB of memory. Additionally, HP EliteBook 8530w supports Intel quad-core mobile processors.

Incorporating the latest mobile technologies and engineered to meet multiple durability tests, the EliteBook series features the HP DuraCase, a visually appealing, brushed anodized aluminum exterior combined with a magnesium alloy chassis designed for maximum protection to keep the PC looking good, longer.

Delivering on DreamColor display technology
The HP DreamColor LP2480zx Display, the world’s first affordable, color-critical display, was developed through a first-of-its-kind technology collaboration between HP and DreamWorks Animation SKG. The 24-inch diagonal HP DreamColor liquid crystal display (LCD) provides a range of more than 1 billion colors in a 30-bit, LED-backlit widescreen display.

The new HP DreamColor Advanced Profiling Solution, now shipping as an option, allows users of the HP DreamColor LP2480zx Display to custom calibrate color settings beyond the built-in factory pre-sets. The solution includes a customized DreamColor colorimeter and calibration software.

The DreamColor Display becomes even more powerful when combined with the new generation of 30-bit graphics accelerator cards – such as the ATI FireGL V7700 – for the most advanced application performance and visualization beyond 3D. The ATI FireGL V7700 delivers true 30-bit color, enabling never-before-achieved color palette ranges. When the display is combined with a 30-bit card, the user can both generate and display content using the full pallet of more than 1 billion colors, providing unrivaled color accuracy and the smoothest color transitions.

Widescreen displays for workstation users
The new HP LP2475w 24-inch Widescreen LCD Monitor and the HP LP2275w 22-inch Widescreen LCD Monitor are designed for workstation users who appreciate an expansive presentation for graphics, video and data projects. With high-resolution onscreen presentation, the monitors also offer a 1,000:1 contrast ratio and extra-bright screens.

The LP2475w holds a sharp resolution at 1,920 x 1,200 and has a 102 percent color gamut; the LP2275w has a resolution of 1,680 x 1,050 with a 92 percent color range. Both displays have wide viewing angles and feature height adjustment, tilt, swivel and 90-degree pivot rotation – including a built-in HP Quick Release stand that enables wall and arm mounting for panoramic presentation. Both displays also meet stringent ENERGY STAR guidelines and are EPEAT Silver registered.

Pricing and availability
The HP EliteBook 8730w Mobile Workstation is expected to be available later this month at the starting U.S. list price of $1,699. The HP EliteBook 8530 series is expected to be available in September starting at $1,499.

The HP LP 2275w 22-inch Widescreen LCD Monitor is available today and the HP LP2475w 24-inch Widescreen LCD Monitor is expected to be available in North America in September for estimated starting U.S. street prices of $459 to $649, respectively. The HP DreamColor Advanced Profiling Solution is now available for Microsoft Windows users for a price of $349. It is expected to be available for Macintosh users in September.

We’re taking it out for a test drive this week, and will report our impressions live at http://www.videomaker.com/live.

There will be footage from the HMC-150 to download, and the chat room will be active, so if you have a question about the HMC-150’s functions or features,  join the live show and we’ll try to answer it for you right there.

P.S. If you can’t make the live show, the review will be looping on our channel afterwords at: videomaker.com/live

Get notifications/reminders for Videomaker live events

Rode has released the Procaster for those needing a nice sounding voice microphone, but not needing to spend thousands of dollars on a top-end diaphragm mic. This model includes an internal pop filter, which is a nice touch, for keeping plosives (the “P” or “B” sounds) from distorting.

From a RODE press release:

Introducing the new RØDE Procaster broadcast quality microphone.

The RØDE Procaster is a professional, broadcast quality dynamic microphone, specifically designed to offer no-compromise performance for voice applications in broadcast environments.

Featuring a tight polar pattern and tailored-for-voice frequency response, the Procaster is perfect for every application where a great sounding, rugged microphone with superior ambient noise rejection is demanded.

With its retro inspired design, the Procaster combines a traditional aesthetic with advanced technology to create a broadcast workhorse that is destined to quickly become an industry standard.

“My voice is my signature, and I won’t compromise when it comes to microphone
performance.” commented Ken Sparkes, the ‘Voice of Austraila’, when given an
opportunity to field test the Procaster. “The RØDE Procaster is one of the few microphones to come on the market in recent years that I believe will become an industry standard for ‘on air’ excellence.”

The Procaster is fully compatible with the RØDE PSA1 studio arm and PSM1 shock mount, for professional microphone mounting.

Key features:
•    Broadcast quality sound
•    High output dynamic capsule
•    Balanced, low impedance output
•    Internal shock mounting of capsule for low handling noise
•    Internal pop-filter to reduce plosives
•    Robust, all metal construction
•    Designed and manufactured in Australia
•    Ten year warranty

For more information on the Procaster, please visit www.rodemic.com/procaster

Shutterstock’s new On Demand plans are ideal solutions for stock image users who need quality images in limited quantities. Customers can download images anytime over a one-year period by paying a one-time fee of $49 or $229, depending on the quantity and resolution of the images desired. Within the plans, prices range from $4 per download for smaller sizes to $10 per download for the largest sizes and for vector images.

“We’re always looking for ways to better serve the needs of our customers,” said Shutterstock CEO and Founder Jon Oringer. “On Demand provides a flexible option for businesses and individuals who do not always need the volume of images provided by our original subscription plan. In the constantly changing online stock photography marketplace, the addition of On Demand allows us to cater to the full spectrum of stock photo users.”

Shutterstock’s success is closely linked to its original subscription-based plan, now renamed the “25-A-Day” plan, which allows up to 9,000 downloads per year from Shutterstock’s library of more than 4 million royalty-free images, for as little as 28 cents per image.

In conjunction with the launch of On Demand, Shutterstock’s customers are now able to buy and use any of Shutterstock’s plans simultaneously in a single account. All of Shutterstock’s plans use straightforward pricing structures that do not rely on complicated credit systems.

“Shutterstock has always been focused on flexibility and simplicity, making On Demand a natural addition to our product line,” said Adam Riggs, Shutterstock’s President. “Whether you use On Demand alone or a combination of our 25-A-Day, On Demand, and Enhanced License subscription plans, we are confident our premium library and affordable pricing will meet all of your image needs.”

TapeOnline, an authorized dealer of blank recording media and accessories including blank DVDs, Mini DV tape, gaffers tape, jewel cases, and much more now offers Rip-Tie cable ties. The new Rip-Tie cable ties can be found at http://www.tapeonline.com/cable-ties.aspx.

Rip-Tie cable ties, made with Velcro, are a reusable cable management product that helps organize and bundle messy cables and cords. Unlike wire twist ties and string, Rip-Ties are long-lasting, quick and easy-to-use.

“No one likes messy, knotted up cables,” said Lauren Vantrease, Sales Assistant at TapeOnline. “Our new Rip-Tie products make it easy to clean up your workspace, home office, production room, or computer area. They can be color coded, are reusable, and cost effective.”

Mike Merryman, Videographer at LifeView Resources agrees. “We often shoot in operating rooms, a place where neatness and speed are important elements. Rip-Ties allow us to quickly deploy cables and then secure them out of harm’s way.”

TapeOnline offers a variety of Rip-Tie cable tie products including, among others, Rip-Tie Lite, EconoCinch, and WrapStrap. Products are available in a wide range of colors, lengths, durability, and price.

Rip-Tie Lite, TapeOnline’s most economical cable tie, is made of Velcro and attaches with a die-cut slot and loop. Rip-Tie Lites can be purchased in a variety of colors including black, blue, yellow, and green. They range in length and cost as little as $.80 a tie. Rip-Tie Lites are ideal for organizing computer and network cables, phone charger cords, or audio and video cables.

TapeOnline’s most durable tie, the EconoCinch product, is priced at $1.99/tie and offers a 4 3/4” bundling diameter, prefect for bundling large cables or hoses.

TapeOnline also offers customization for the Rip-Tie cable tie products. For a minimum quantity of 250, TapeOnline can print a company logo on any Rip-Tie. To customize any Rip-Tie item, simply email TapeOnline at info@tapeonline.com.

It’s imagers are 3CCD’s that scan the image at 1080p/60 for better quality scaling to the recording formats. The HPX 170 also comes with HDSDI output for integration into broadcast and post production facilities. This model also sports a reassuring five year warranty from Panasonic.

More Details in the press release below-

From a Panasonic Press Release:

PANASONIC ANNOUNCES AVAILABITY AND PRICING FOR NEW
AG-HPX170 FULLY SOLID-STATE P2 HD HANDHELD CAMCORDER

** New Lightweight P2 HD Handheld Offers 20 HD/SD Record Formats, 20-Step Variable Frame Rates, Widest Zoom Lens, HD-SDI Output and 5-year Warranty **

SECAUCUS, NJ (August 6, 2008) – Panasonic Broadcast today announced that its new AG-HPX170 fully solid-state P2 HD handheld camcorder will be available in late September at a suggested list price of $5,695, which includes a 16GB P2 card in the box along with The HVX and HPX Book by Barry Green. Building on the AG-HVX200’s phenomenal success, the HPX170 features high definition and standard definition recording, the widest zoom lens in its class, and an HD-SDI interface for connection to baseband production and distribution infrastructure, all in a lightweight 4.2-pound body

Fully solid-state, the two-slot HPX170 is an ultra-mobile HD/SD camcorder that offers the compelling advantages of P2 technology including: no moving parts, unlike tape, hard disk drive, or disc-based systems; instant random access to recorded HD or SD content; a faster IT compatible file-based workflow; and the ability to operate in harsh environments with resistance to temperature extremes, shock and vibration.

Providing exceptional, independent-frame compression in 20 HD and SD formats, the HPX170 records in a variety of 1080i/1080p and 720p formats in DVCPRO HD, 480i in DVCPRO50 and DVCPRO, and 480i in DV. It is switchable between 16:9/4:3 aspect ratios.

The HPX170’s 1/3” progressive 16:9 3-CCD imager offers an excellent signal-to-noise ratio, lower noise and smear and better low-light performance. Its digital signal processor with 14-bit A/D conversion and 19-bit processing assures high-quality recordings necessary for broadcast and top-level production. Because the HPX170 scans the initial image at a native 1080p/60, images maintain the highest quality possible across conversions.

For shooting versatility, the compact P2 HD handheld comes with a wide 3.9mm – 51mm (equivalent to 28mm on a 35mm lens) 13X Leica Dicomar zoom lens (the widest in its class). Precise zoom and focus operation is assured with features like a cam-driven manual zoom ring, 10X digital zoom, manual focus ring and aperture control, as well as valuable HD focus assist functions including histogram, 2X center blow-up and a Focus Bar.  It also has built-in waveform and vectorscope display features. The camera’s Dynamic Range Stretch (DRS), as a 60p/60i feature, automatically suppresses blown highlights and dark shadows.  In addition, an Optical Image Stabilizer (O.I.S.) function automatically corrects blurring so images remain crisp and sharp.

For the ultimate creative flexibility, the HPX170 offers an expanded 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. Professionals can select from six advanced gamma modes including CineGammaTM, which produces the warm tones characteristic of film recordings.

The HPX170 has two P2 card slots, so users can record up to 64 continuous minutes of the highest quality DVCPRO HD recording using currently available 32GB P2 cards. Record times will double with the release of Panasonic’s 64GB P2 card in the fall. Other user-friendly recording modes offered are hot swapping for non-stop recording, loop record, pre-record, interval and one-shot recording.  New functions have been added to the User buttons including last-clip delete, Pre-Record, and the variable frame rates can be toggled through. A time/date stamp function makes the camcorder ideal for use in law enforcement and legal environments. An enhanced metadata input features a software keyboard to add key data about the shooting environment.

The HPX170 records four channels of uncompressed, 16-bit digital audio for superb audio performance
It is equipped with an HD/SD-SDI output standard for live feed productions as well as for editing and monitoring. It also has a 6-pin locking IEEE 1394 interface and an USB 2.0 interface for fast P2 content transfer into NLE systems, and offers a composite output, component output (mini D-terminal.) The camera also features a built-in stereo microphone and two-channel XLR audio input terminals supporting 48V phantom power supply and is switchable between mic and line.  Manual audio level volume is offered on two of the channels.

Other convenient operational features include SMPTE time generator/reader, clip preview on the camera’s 3.5” color LCD monitor, instant recording startup, shot marker, text memo, six pre-set scene files, the ability to load new settings into the camera via an SD card slot, three assignable user buttons, and remote control of zoom, rec, focus and iris.

The AG-HPX170 is backed by Panasonic’s five-year limited P2 HD warranty.* This warranty is unprecedented in cameras at this level.

About P2 HD

P2 HD all solid-state products offer high-definition recording without the mechanical wear and environmental limitations of tape, hard disk, and optical disc based systems. P2 HD ensures the highest reliability, especially in challenging conditions of extreme temperature range, shock, and vibration. P2 HD products provide a significant reduction in maintenance costs, longer useful product life, and immediate access to recorded video (no need to digitize, ingest or create proxy video files) and metadata. P2 HD provides the reliability of solid-state production; the immediate connectivity to existing IT infrastructures; the speed, ease of use and portability of P2 cards; and interoperability with leading NLE systems.

About Panasonic Broadcast

Panasonic Broadcast & Television Systems Co. is a leading supplier of broadcast and professional video products and systems.  Panasonic Broadcast is a unit company of Panasonic Corporation of North
America. The company is the North American headquarters of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (NYSE: MC) of Japan, and the hub of its U.S. marketing, sales, service and R&D operations.  For more information on Panasonic Broadcast products, access the company’s web site at www.panasonic.com/broadcast

ZaPrompt Pro has a free evaluation period and can be downloaded from cheapteleprompter.com

From a Gilbert and Company Press Release:
8/6/08- Gilbert and Company Inc. released a major update to ZaPrompt Pro, the companion software for the TELMAX(tm) series prompters.
ZaPrompt Pro is a dual platform (Mac/PC), dual monitor prompting software with a robust easy to use User Interface.  By utilizing a unique framework we are able to accomplish a very smooth scrolling text even with scripts 60 minutes or longer.
In our new release we have added some great features to make ZaPrompt pro an even better prompter software.  These new feature include:

•    Spell Checking
•    Find and Replace
•    Improved RTF reader
•    Margin controls for the scrolling canvas
•    Script Browser so users can browse there script using the mouse wheel in the Scrolling Canvas
•    More keyboard shortcuts
•    More robust control panel
•    More highlight colors
•    Script Bookmark control allowing users to easily add Bookmarks to their script
•    Toggle between starting the Scrolling Canvas Paused or Playing
•    Ability to scrub the Progress Bar to browse the script while it is in scrolling mode
•    Improved Help Viewer
•    And more……
Since we first introduced ZaPrompt Pro in April of this year we have constantly improved the software based on the needs of our customers as we will continue to do in the future.

ZaPrompt Pro can be downloaded for a free 30 day evaluation period from our website ZaPrompt.com or can call us at 800.634.5017 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Eastern Standard Time.  You can learn more about the TELMAX(tm) Prompters at cheapteleprompter.com