DV Guru

'Full HD' and modes of deinterlacing

Brian Liloia — 2007-01-30T21:40:00+00:00

Filed under: Hardware

Steven Mullen at Digital Content Producer takes a hard look at methods of de-interlacing after examining the so-called "Full HD" marketing program used to promote televisions, camcorders, etc. with 1920x1080 resolution and 60p display / capture capabilities. It's a heavy read, but if you want to gather a better understanding of types of de-interlacing, and how they differ from each other, this is a useful explanation. Mullen concludes that a Full HD device must be capable of displaying or outputting a 1080/60p signal.

(via FresHDV)

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MCA introduces internal Blu-ray burner for Macs

Sheila Ward — 2007-01-25T22:48:00+00:00

Filed under: Hardware, Media

Attention Power Mac G4/G5 and Mac Pro owners, MCE has introduced an internal Blu-ray burner for your rig. The drive is user-installable and along with Blu-ray is compatible with all DVD and CD recordable media. Speed specs include 2X read/write speed for Blu-ray, 8x read/write for DVD-R and 24x write/32x read for CD-R media. But wait, there's more. The drive is bundled with the new Toast Titanium 8 software with Blu-ray support. The price is listed as $699 but here's a tip. If you already have Toast Titanium 8, or just don't want it, you can opt out when you checkout and it subtracts $49 from your total. So that brings it down to $650 for just the drive.

[via Engadget]

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JVC SR-DVM700 - Mini DV, DVD, and Hard Drive Player/Recorder

Chris Tew — 2007-01-24T15:20:00+00:00

Filed under: Production, Editing, Hardware, Gear

The JVC SR-DVM700 is a versatile media storage vessel for anyone who needs to offload video footage from a variety of sources and/or needs to move around a lot of media in various formats. The SR-DVM700 can offload and copy media from Mini DV tapes, DVD-R/RWs, DVD-RAM, and pretty much any other analog device. It also has its own 250GB internal hard drive for storing media. The device is expected to be hitting Japanese stores pretty soon. No word on releases in other territories.

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Videomaker's 'best products of 2006'

Brian Liloia — 2007-01-24T13:07:00+00:00

Filed under: Cameras, Hardware, Software, Gear

Videomaker has whipped up a "best of 2006" list for consumer and low budget video creators, including a bunch of notable cameras, software, and other gear that stand out from the rest of the crowd. Camcorders receiving attention include the Canon Elura 100 (best consumer camcorder), Canon HV10 (best high-def consumer camcorder), JVC Everio GZ-MG505 (best hard drive camcorder), Sony HDR-FX7 (best prosumer camcorder), and the Panasonic AG-HVX200 (breakthrough camcorder of the year). Check out the full story for some other useful recommendations. 2006 has been another big year for upping the quality in affordable video production equipment.

(via Digital Camcorder News)

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Camcorderinfo Poll: HDV wins!

Adam Nielson — 2007-01-24T07:02:00+00:00

Filed under: Trends, Cameras, Hardware, Gear, The Shoot

I've been meaning to post this for a bit now, but things have been a bit hectic lately. Anyway, our friend Richard Baguley over at camcorderinfo posted the results of his poll on video formats. He asked readers to vote on which format they will consider when buying their next camcorder.

The results clearly favored HDV. It seems to be a popular choice which, given the DV tape standard, seems familiar to users. Surprisingly, AVCHD, the new format from Sony and Panasonic had a strong showing. I was also glad to see almost no one is considering those damn DVD camcorders. Click READ below for the complete results.

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iRec: capture video straight to iPod

Brian Liloia — 2007-01-22T13:22:00+00:00

Filed under: Hardware, On-the-go

Korean company iCube has released a new iPod dock that can record video up to 640x480 resolution and a 2.5Mbps bitrate from any composite or S-Video source (TV, camcorder, etc.) straight to the iPod. Dubbed the iRec, the device then organizes captured video and files can be transfered to your PC / Mac once synced up again with iTunes. Unfortunately, you can only schedule a stop time with its built-in record timer function. At roughly $180, the device seems a bit pricey for what its offering, but there you have it.

(via Engadget)

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External drive basics for your editing system

Sheila Ward — 2007-01-16T20:20:00+00:00

Filed under: Editing, Hardware, Media

Final Cut Pro guru Larry Jordan provides some basic information about external storage solutions in this video over at Studio Daily. Topics include Firewire, SATA and data transfer rate comparisons. If you are just getting started in editing and new to the external storage game, this will give you a good start.

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Blackmagic Design's DeckLink HD Studio now available

Sheila Ward — 2007-01-15T20:18:00+00:00

Filed under: Hardware, Post-production

Blackmagic Design has announced that DeckLink HD Studio is now available to the masses. DeckLink HD Studio is a capture and playback card that supports both HDMI and analog component video. The card allows you to work in 1080i and 720p along with NTSC and PAL video, plus provides instant switching between HD and SD. Check out the specs here, plus compare it to the other DeckLink products. MSRP is $995.

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ATTO gets 'SAS'sy with the Mac

Adam Nielson — 2007-01-12T21:20:00+00:00

Filed under: Business, Production, Hardware, Post-production, Pro

Long time Apple host card maker ATTO debuted it's new Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) adapter Tuesday at Macworld Expo. Designed for the Mac Pro, the PCI Express card gets high-end users connected to RAID storage over one of the fastest connections possible. It doesn't take a genius to figure out that's great for video editors.

I won't bore you with all the details of SAS technology. Suffice it to say, SAS offers speed improvements over traditional SCSI, while eliminating some of it's hassles (now, what did I do with that terminator?) At around 3Gb (Gigabits not bytes) per second data transfer, SAS is a relatively affordable option for HD video editors, and provides reliability as well.

ATTO has been supporting the Mac platform for nearly 2 decades, and generally make great products. You can bet their new cards will have been tested specifically for the Mac Pro, and will perform as advertised. Click READ for a link to the product page.

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Intel's new quad core chip, Core 2 Quad

Brian Liloia — 2007-01-10T12:28:00+00:00

Filed under: Hardware

Ok, so no new Mac system announcements this go-round at Macworld, but Intel has some brand new quad core chips up their sleeve that might just find their way into some future, as-of-yet unknown Apple system. Dubbed the Core 2 Quad, this latest processor is aimed at desktop systems with its four processor cores running at 2.4GHz. It's priced at about $850, and definitely intended for serious high-performance users. The chip should be hitting sometime shortly after CES.

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Apple TV

Ajit Anthony — 2007-01-09T16:14:00+00:00

Filed under: Hardware, At Home

Apple TV was released at the annual Macworld keynote address by Steve Jobs. It was first introduced as ITV, a couple of months back. Apple TV allows users to recieve iTunes content to store and play them. The device will cost $299 and will be available in February (Apple is taking orders now).

The device comes with an internal 40GB drive which equates to 50 hours of movies. It plays back video in Hi-def 720P and an Apple remote is included. It is powered with an Intel processor. The wireless transmission uses 802.11b/g/n wireless networking protocols. Can work on both Mac & Pc with iTunes installed.

As a video podcaster, I cannot tell you how exciting all of this is. My viewers can now watch my shows in their living rooms and not on the computer. This is a big deal because it changes the nature of viewing on the web. Short pieces work better on the computer while in the living room, longer pieces work better. The web as a distribution model looks a lot rosier with Apple TV.

Another interesting thing to note is the importance of iTunes in all of this. It is the center of the entertainment center. If I were Microsoft, I would worry less about Mac OS X and more about iTunes.

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Apple iPhone

Ajit Anthony — 2007-01-09T13:15:00+00:00

Filed under: Hardware, Gear, On-the-go

Apple introduced the iPhone today at their annual Macworld. The iPhone is 3 devices in one: 1) phone 2) media player 3) an internet device (a mini computer). There are devices that do similar things but none withe touchscreen interface that Apple has not only created but patented. When you watch the demos, you are astounded at the simplicity and elegance of the touchscreen implementation. OS X has never looked so good. For so long people have been talking about which product will be the iPod killer, well here it is, from Apple.

The iPhone will be released in June for the price of $499 (4GB) and $599 (8GB). It will have a Flash disk (I love it) which means less energy, less likely to break when dropped, much faster and quieter. It will be available through Cingular which probably will be the biggest drawback for many. iPhone uses quad-band GSM + EDGE phone, no 3G. It has a megapixel camera (yawn). The headphone also acts as a microphone. ~~Because the operating system is basically OS X, we can assume it is only Mac compatible~~. Update: People have commented that it will be available on both Windows and Mac.

How does this affect DV users? This is the true video iPod. Like Apple TV, this is yet another distribution channel for indie filmmakers. Next time you are out with your friends and you want to show them a cool video blog, a short available online or even your own work, you can just pull out your iPhone and show.

Media is finally becoming mobile which means that more and more, the success of a video will depend on the social interaction. One person showing another, instead of just reading or watching a review. The peer to peer interaction will bring new classics to the masses, one user at a time.

We also aren't sure how much this thing can do. I doubt you can edit something on the iPhone but it would be interesting to see if you somebody came out with applications that could possibly aid media creation. I mean, we already have widgets that perform cool DV-related tasks, the iPhone will only expand on that.

An iPhone could be very useful in production. It could make a wonderful off-site logging tool. With the camera and iChat, location scouts can not only shoot locations but also get feedback from the director instantly. Maybe, with enough hacking, the iPhone could become a little Wacom tablet of sorts. iPhone ushers in the next generation of portable media and computer devices which in general bode well for Indie filmmakers.

As a Mac follower, even I am truly impressed on what this thing is capable of. The touchscreen interface is revolutionary like Jobs says. It looks like a lot of fun, just like the original scroll wheel was for the iPod. Here is my prediction, if iPhone delivers like promised, this device will bring in more switchers than any hardware, software Apple has ever created.

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Semi-Live coverage of Macworld 2007 Keynote

Ajit Anthony — 2007-01-09T11:40:00+00:00

Filed under: Hardware, Software

Today is biggest day in the Mac calendar. Apple fueled the rumor machines by placing a graphic on their front page that read "The first 30 years were just the beginning. Welcome to 2007." So there is a lot to expect from this year's Macworld. Wall Street Journal, a couple of days ago, said that an Apple phone is eminent. They had correctly predicted the Intel move last year so phone rumor seems like a lock.

On the Pro Apps side, there really hasn't been much noise. I doubt we will hear anything about Final Cut Studio or even the Pro sound applications. However, I am guessing that there should be some new hardware. If you are a general Apple fan, you will probably want to check Engadget and Tuaw for coverage as they have bloggers at the Jobs keynote. Stay here if you want DV related news (we will touch upon the other stuff).

This morning Wall Street Journal also reports that Paramount movies are coming to iTunes, making that the second big studio to do so after Disney.
Engadget reports "When the press barrier came down it was a mad rush to the elevator, people being trampled." Yikes. Gizmodo has the pics.
Jobs finally on stage: ""We're going to make some history together today." This better be good Stevie!
The usual progress report. All signs are healthy. 50% of new Mac users are switchers. Nice. Steve shoots down any rumor of iTunes sales slowing down claiming that iTunes now sells more music than Amazon becoming the 4th largest music retailer.
50million TV shows & 1.3 million movies movies sold on iTunes.
It is true, Paramount movies are now sold on iTunes.
Apple TV is official. It was introduced last keynote with a placeholder name: ITV. Apple TV sounds a lot better. Transmits content from computer like movies and music to home entertainment center. USB 2, Ethernet, WiFi, HDMI, component, audio, and optical out. No real news here but for the name.
More on Apple TV. General specs: Hi-def 720P. 40GB, 802.11b/g/n and, sure enough, Intel processor. 40GB will store 50 hours of video
Jon comments: "Intel officially released quad-core chips at CES yesterday, so here's hoping for an 8-core Mac Pro announcement." I think this is very likely but if there are other more important announcements, a G5 update will be released in a general press release way.
Apple TV looks pretty damn cool. iTunes sends movies to Apple TV behind the scenes and are stored on the drive. Fantastic news for video podcasters like me. People can now watch podcast shows in their living room. Priced at $299.
Is it just me or is 40GB too small?
~~Widescreen iPod. Woohoo! With touch controls. The true iPod video?~~
Apple Phone is announced. It is all in one device: music player, phone, internet.
After ridiculing all other phone devices (including my beloved Blackberry), he announces "a new technology called multi-touch." Here is the kicker, it runs Mac OS X. Reminder to self: "This is a DV blog, so shut up on the iPhone." However, this is very very cool.
Last note on the iPhone, it looks very cool. One more thing: it has a 2 megapixel camera built right in.
New slogan for the iPhone: The iPod killer. This thing is a great portable media player. It is a mini-laptop so it pretty much plays anything that your computer plays.
This isn't DV related but Google and Yahoo CEO's on stage with Steve. They seem very excited to be associated with the iPhone.
I really wish Jobs would give out more info on the specs on the device. How many gigs? How much RAM? What is the processor? and so on. He is having too much fun.
Apple iPhone is priced at $499 (4GB) & $599 (8GB). Available in June with Cingular. Glad I'm on Cingular, I was thinking of switching.
Keynote comes to an end. This might be the best Macworld ever! The two products Apple introduced today are very important to DV people, I will tell why in upcoming posts.

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Buffalo LinkStation Live and TeraStation Live NAS units

Sheila Ward — 2007-01-08T19:45:00+00:00

Filed under: Hardware

More you-can-never-have-enough-storage news, Buffalo Technology has introduced the LinkStation Live and the TeraStation Live network attached storage devices. The LinkStation comes in 250GB, 320GB, 500GB and 750GB models, the TeraStation comes in 1TB or 2TB models. Each supports 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet, has two USB 2.0 ports and a print server for network printing. The higher-end TeraStation has a little more processing power and support for RAID 0, 1, 5, 10 and JBOD.

LinkStation Live available late January
250GB = $229
320GB = $249
500GB = $349
750GB = $749

TeraStation Live available late February
1TB = $699
2TB = $1299

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Sony's Blu-ray-equipped VAIO RM HD editing system

Brian Liloia — 2007-01-08T11:38:00+00:00

Filed under: Editing, Hardware, Gear

Here's a strange beast, indeed: Sony's VAIO RM HD video editing system is high-ish end setup with a writable Blu-Ray drive. With 1TB of storage, 2GB of RAM, a USB jog dial, just one Core 2 Duo processor, and lacking high speed FireWire 800 ports, the somewhat unbalanced setup comes at a very high cost, despites its inclusion of Adobe Premiere 2: $3,500. Coupled with the unconventional design, it's hard to tell just what Sony is aiming for with this system. Is it just a weak push to advance the Blu-Ray format with the inclusion of a writable drive? Anyway, get the full lowdown on Sony's site.

(via Engadget)

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LG unleashes first hybrid Blu-Ray and HD DVD player

Brian Liloia — 2007-01-07T18:44:00+00:00

Filed under: Hardware, Gear, DVD

LG's first hybrid Blu-Ray and HD DVD player, the BH100 is closer to reality with a recent introduction of the hardware. Consumers should no longer have to settle exclusively on either format when the player launches for $1,199 sometime during the first quarter of this year. The player features 1080p HDMI and component video output, 5.1 analog audio outputs, coaxial and digital optical outputs and an Ethernet connection. Expect more details soon.

(via EngadgetHD)

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Bella Pro series 3.0 keyboard reviewed

Sheila Ward — 2007-01-07T08:07:00+00:00

Filed under: Hardware

Bella recently released the new Bella Professional series 3.0 keyboard designed for video editors. If you've been thinking about getting one of these but haven't made up your mind yet, you can get some more information from this review over on EventDV. One thing I liked about this keyboard is the addition of international symbols on the front of the keys. This provides quick access to these characters without looking up the key combination to generate them. Nice feature. I've heard good things about the Bella keyboards and I think I just might add one of these to my arsenal.

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New LaCie goods

Brian Liloia — 2007-01-06T19:05:00+00:00

Filed under: Hardware, Gear

You may have already read about LaCie's brand new external Blu-Ray drive, but the company has several other products up its sleeve that are worth knowing about.

LaCie Quadra Hard Drive: Quadruple interface (eSATA, FireWire 800, FireWire 400 and USB 2.0), 500GB for $299
LaCie d2 SAFE Hard Drive: Biometric access contro, AES 128-bit hardware encryption, automatic file encoding, 500GB for $299
LaCie Ethernet Disk mini and Ethernet Big Disk
LaCie Ethernet Disk RAID: RAID 1, 5, 5+spare, and 10, four removable and hot-swappable drives, $999 for 1TB

Storage-hungry editors might find something tasty among these latest offerings. You can never have enough storage options, as we know.

(via Engadget)

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Why you should defrag

Brian Liloia — 2007-01-06T15:46:00+00:00

Filed under: Hardware

PerfectDisk's Stephanie Diamond recently sat down with VideoMaker's Charlie Fulton to discuss the importance of defragging, especially for video editors, who are constantly moving around many and potentially huge files. It's important that your fragmented PC isn't choking when it comes time to dealing with important projects, so give this podcast a listen for some quick tips on how to keep your PC running smoothly.

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Toshiba and LG announce HD burners

Sheila Ward — 2007-01-05T15:22:00+00:00

Filed under: Hardware

CES is in the air! Up next we have new HD burners from LG and Toshiba.

Toshiba has announced the SD-H903A, a drive that is able to read and write to HD DVD, DVD and CD discs, plus it has the capability to read HD DVD-ROM media. It has a SATA interface and an 8MB buffer. Write speed for HD DVD is a blazing 1x. The drive is scheduled to ship this month, but I'm not sure what the cost will be.

LG is trying to give us the best of both worlds with their combo player, now they've announced their Super Multi Blue Dual-Format drive. The GGW-H10N drive is able to read/write Blu-ray, DVD and CD discs, and read HD DVD-ROM media. It boasts a recording speed of 4x to Blue-ray BD-R discs. This unit will be released Q1 with a MSRP of $1200.

So it's on in the world of HD recording. Look for tons of products to be released this year. The best advice I can give you is to read the specs carefully before you purchase anything. This game can get very confusing with all the different formats running around.

[via Engadget]

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