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MillimeterHDV@Work
Apr 25, 2005 5:25 PM
HDV draws crowds at NAB
by Trevor Boyer
HDV was one of the great stories of NAB 2005 in Las Vegas. The MPEG-2-based format was on everyone's lips, from broadcasters to independent producers on tight budgets. Sony and JVC showcased their new HDV camcorders, and many NLE manufacturers announced support for HDV, whether natively or through transcoding. The format, which Video Systems has been covering extensively since the debut of the JVC GR-HD1 camcorder at NAB 2003, is finally considered as "real" as HD - just much more accessible.
Attendance at NAB 2005 was way up; at 104,427 it was over 100,000 for the first time since 9/11. This can be attributed to many factors, including an economy that's generally more robust, but a major reason has to be the continuing democratization of video production. Storage is always getting cheaper, as is editing software. The DV format has become acceptable in many situations for TV broadcast. HDV just opens up even more opportunities. With price points that would have marked them as less-than-professional products just a few years ago, HDV camcorders are delivering HD resolutions that can be cross-converted and played out to air (see the Miranda release below). HDV footage can now be edited by most major NLEs. Visit NABlog for our initial reporting from NAB, and look out for our full post-show wrap-ups in upcoming issues.
Apple releases Final Cut Pro 5 with HDV editing capabilities
At NAB in Las Vegas, Apple unveiled Final Cut Studio, the ultimate HD video production suite that features Final Cut Pro 5, a major upgrade to the Emmy award-winning editing software for DV, SD, HD and film. Final Cut Studio also includes state-of-the-art tools that complement Final Cut Pro 5 such as Soundtrack Pro, a revolutionary new audio editing and sound design application that makes video projects sound as good as they look; Motion 2, the world’s first real-time motion graphics application with GPU accelerated 32-bit float rendering; and DVD Studio Pro 4, the first commercially available DVD authoring software that burns high definition DVDs to the latest HD DVD specification.
“The arrival of Final Cut Studio ushers in a new era of high definition video production that relies on effortless integration of video, audio and effects to elevate production values,” said Rob Schoeben, Apple’s vice president of Applications Marketing. “Final Cut Studio allows producers to edit in a broad range of HD formats, add stunning motion graphics, sculpt the perfect soundtrack and burn their projects to high def DVDs.”
At the heart of Final Cut Studio is Final Cut Pro 5, the top choice of professional editors whether they are working in DV, SD, film, or all major HD formats including HDV, DVCPRO HD and fully uncompressed HD. Native HDV (long GOP MPEG-2) support in Final Cut Pro 5 enables users to edit camera native HDV without generation loss. Powerful new multicam tools let editors cut from up to 128 sources, with simultaneous real-time playback of up to 16 angles at a time, making Final Cut Pro 5 ideal for episodic television, sporting events and concerts. A new IMX codec in Final Cut Pro 5 allows for native editing of broadcast content from Sony’s XDCAM. Direct support for Panasonic’s P2 solid state media gives editors a high-speed solution for tapeless transfer of DVCPRO, DVCPRO50 and DVCPRO HD video. New Dynamic RT, an intelligent system that automatically adjusts image quality and frame-rate during playback, allows editors to see more real-time effects at the highest possible quality. Additionally, the RT Extreme engine in Final Cut Pro 5 has been enhanced to allow uncompressed HD effects to be viewed in real-time. New audio capabilities in Final Cut Pro 5 enable users to capture up to 24 simultaneous audio channels at high-quality 24-bit 96kHz and use audio control surfaces.
Soundtrack Pro, a revolutionary new audio editing and sound design application included in Final Cut Studio, features an innovative waveform editor with flexible Action Layers that allow users to instantly re-order, bypass or change any edit, effect or process. Intelligent Find-and-Fix features quickly identify and repair common audio problems. An integrated multitrack mixer allows editors to apply common effects to multiple tracks and group common tracks using busses. With over 50 professional plug-ins including Space Designer, Match EQ and Linear Phase EQ, Soundtrack Pro provides a powerful set of tools to sculpt the perfect sound for any production. Soundtrack Pro comes with over 5,000 Apple Loops that add depth to the action and emotion of pictures with musical elements and sound effects ranging from earthshaking explosions and whooshes, to subtle ambient effects. AppleScript capabilities built into Soundtrack Pro simplify and accelerate the video production process by automating common and repetitive audio tasks.
Motion 2, the latest version of Apple’s groundbreaking, real-time motion graphics software, enables Final Cut Pro editors to add incredible motion graphics to their projects, whether they are working in DV, SD, HD or film. Motion 2 is the world’s first motion graphics software with GPU accelerated 32-bit float rendering for true film quality output. Replicator, a unique new automated design tool lets editors easily animate any number of duplicated movies or graphics along user defined grids and patterns. Motion 2 also includes over 130 accelerated filters such as 3D rotation, vignette and caustics, and more than 50 new particle effects that automatically generate spectacular animations like sparkles, bubbles and space clouds. In addition, third party developers can write their own effects with FxPlug, a professional plug-in format that takes full advantage of Motion 2’s real-time GPU accelerated performance and 32-bit float rendering. New MIDI support allows Motion 2 to be “played” like a musical instrument with animation changes triggered by playing a keyboard or using faders or knobs on a MIDI controller.
DVD Studio Pro 4, Final Cut Studio’s professional DVD authoring program, is the first commercially available DVD authoring software that lets users burn their HD projects to high definition DVDs based on the latest HD DVD specification. DVD Studio Pro 4 will be demonstrated at NAB with a prototype consumer HD DVD player from Toshiba set to debut later this year. Distributed encoding tools included in DVD Studio Pro 4 tap the power of networked Macintosh computers to dramatically reduce encoding time for high definition projects. DVD Studio Pro 4 also includes support for mixed formats and advanced scripting for the most sophisticated commercial titles.
Pricing & Availability
Final Cut Studio will be available in May through the Apple Store (www.apple.com), Apple’s retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers for a suggested retail price of $1,299 (US). Registered users from any previous version of Final Cut Pro can upgrade for $699 (US). Production Suite customers can upgrade for $499 (US). Final Cut Pro 5, Soundtrack Pro, Motion 2 and DVD Studio Pro 4 will also be sold separately. Full system requirements and more information on Final Cut Studio can be found at www.apple.com/finalcutstudio.
New Petrol HDV camera bags
Petrol, producer of professional bags and protection for production equipment, introduces the HDV WingBag and WingRoll: two lightweight, versatile camera bags tailored especially for the new Sony HVR-Z1U and HDR-FX1 camcorders.
The HDV WingBag is constructed of heavy duty Cordura and ultra-tough ballistic nylon over multi-layered walls of shock-absorbent foam padding. Reinforced panels provide extra protection and durability. Petrol's innovative design features lengthwise zippered "sidewings" that open to a large central cushioned compartment separated by a semirigid divider. On one side, a camcorder fits snugly, secured by a sturdy nylon strap. Opposite, a second chamber provides ample room for batteries, chargers, cables and other accessories. The divider's padded pouches are removable for extra space: enough to hold a laptop. For additional storage, each sidewing is equipped with a flexible interior mesh divider and a roomy exterior pocket. Other features include front and rear accessory pockets, adjustable ergonomic padded shoulder strap, top handle, exterior accessory straps, and heavy duty dual-directional zippers for fast and easy access. The HDV WingRoll bag features Petrol's telescoping, square-frame tote bar and inline skate wheels for smooth roll-along toting without play or jiggle.
The HDV WingBag is 17.7" (45cm) long, 6.9" (17.5cm) wide, 6.1" (15.5cm) high, and weighs just 106.9 oz. (3.03kg). Suggested U.S. List Price is $199. The HDV WingRoll is 18.3" (46.5cm) long, 6.3" (16.8cm) wide, 9.6" (24.5cm) high, and weighs 142.9 oz. (4.05kg). Suggested U.S. List Price is $229. For further information, go to www.petrolbags.com.
Miranda introduces HDV to HD-SDI interface
Miranda Technologies announced the launch of its new HD-Bridge Dec HDV to HD-SDI decoder, which enables inexpensive, high-quality HDV cameras to operate with HD-SDI editing systems and HD-SDI plant infrastructures.
“The HD-Bridge Dec will contribute to a significant step up in HD electronic acquisition. HD-Bridge Dec and HDV cameras don’t require the same level of financial investment as other HD cameras or film cameras,” said Michel Proulx, senior vice president of product development at Miranda Technologies.
“The combination of HDV cameras and Miranda’s HD-Bridge Dec can deliver full-quality HD-SDI content at less than one-tenth of the cost of an HD or film camera. This new HDV interface will enable HD to move beyond the networks and high-end content producers, and to penetrate parts of the market that would have otherwise taken five years to move to HD. It is going to contribute enormously to the democratization of HD.”
The HD-Bridge Dec addresses multiple key HDV interfacing tasks required for the successful adoption of this format. Perhaps the most critical are broadcast distribution and playout, which require edited and stored HDV material to be converted into HD-SDI for direct on-air broadcasting. Post-production monitoring in the editing suite will also demand conversion of HDV to digital, analog, HD, and audio. Another core requirement is converting compressed HDV captured on-set into uncompressed HD-SDI so that it can be edited with HD-SDI systems for lossless content creation.
“Although it is anticipated that HDV will be used mostly for local broadcast news and simpler documentaries, HDV is not just of interest to smaller broadcasters and low-cost producers. At the other end of the production spectrum, there will be real interest from the big names in news, especially for generating HD content from places too unpredictable or dangerous to risk sending an expensive film or HD camera,” said Gilbert Besnard, director of product development at Miranda Technologies.
More information about the HD-Bridge Dec and other Miranda products is available online at www.miranda.com.
Adobe aligns with industry leaders to deliver OpenHD turnkey desktop solutions
Adobe Systems Incorporated announced it is collaborating with industry leading companies including HP, Intel, Microsoft, and Dell to deliver a line of open, scalable, certified desktop HDV and HD solutions optimized to meet the needs of video, film and broadcast professionals. Introduced at the National Association of Broadcasters Convention (NAB 2005), four new OpenHD Certified Solutions, supporting HDV to uncompressed HD RealTime, were demonstrated in the Adobe booth, #SL313, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
The Adobe Video Collection, which includes Adobe Premiere Pro 1.5, After Effects 6.5, Adobe Audition 1.5 and Adobe Encore DVD 1.5, is the cornerstone of these certified solutions, providing the software needed to capture, edit and output professional HD productions.
“OpenHD Certified Solutions will take HD to the mainstream, by offering choice and peace-of-mind to anyone thinking of moving their workflows to HD,” said Steve Saylor, vice president of Digital Video and Audio products at Adobe. “Technology leaders are combining their expertise to ensure that fully-configured HD systems are available right out of the box.”
OpenHD is being established by these industry leaders to deliver a line of integrated, certified, Windows-based HD solutions, making HD technology more affordable and accessible to a broader audience. Through a joint certification process, these companies will help ensure compatibility between hardware and software components, simplifying the purchasing process and giving customers the confidence that they are buying a validated turnkey system.
The OpenHD Certified Solutions being shown at NAB have been developed to fulfill the needs of a range of DV, film and broadcast professionals working on Windows XP Professional. The HDV solution, powered by 64-bit Intel Xeon processor-based Dell Precision 670 workstation, ensures compatibility with the HDV format and enables users to edit HDV footage similar to DV without adding any specific cards. Adobe and Sony have worked extensively together to ensure the utmost compatibility between Adobe Premiere Pro and the Sony HVR-Z1 camera and HVR-M10 recorder by providing integrated HDV workflows. As an end-result, this turnkey solution enables DV professionals to expand their portfolio to include high definition content.
The uncompressed HD and uncompressed real-time turnkey solutions, powered by the HP xw8200 Workstation and packaged with the Blackmagic Decklink HD and Matrox Axio capture cards respectively, fulfill the needs of the video professionals who work with 10-bit quality HD content. The HP xw9300 Workstation powers the compressed HD real-time solution in conjunction with the Cineform ProspectHD plug-in. For additional details on hardware specifications, pricing and availability, please visit the OpenHD Web site at www.openhd.org.
At NAB, Adobe hosted the MultiMedia World Conference Super Session titled, “Video: The Next Wave of Publishing” on Tuesday, April 19. In his keynote, Steve Saylor will presented Adobe’s vision for the future of video, followed by a panel discussion with representatives from Dell, HP, Intel, Microsoft, and Sony. Moderated by Cynthia Wisehart, editorial director of Millimeter and Video Systems Magazines, the panel discussed some of the latest trends in desktop video editing, including the new OpenHD initiative. For more information, visit www.adobe.com.
