1 Beyond 3817 HD laptop

But 2004 was a bumpy road for HDV. At last year's NAB, more than a dozen HDV editing solutions were announced. But you couldn't find the three-chip camcorders or the expected VCRs (other than the JVC Clamshell HDV VCR), at least as working models or delivering products.

This past fall, the situation changed. Sony announced its well-regarded 1080i consumer camcorder. A few months later, it demonstrated a working professional model. But when professionals started shooting in HDV 1080i, they quickly found that post was very difficult. Software manufacturers got the message, and rushed to provide compatible software. Many readers are heading off to Las Vegas to both find working solutions to this dilemma and see the professional version of Sony's camcorder.

The editing frenzy over HDV is coming from those who have had the opportunity to test out the consumer version of the Sony camcorder in realworld conditions. These may be people who already shoot with HD camcorders, saddled with heavy batteries that last half an hour (the new HDV camcorder's batteries last up to 12 hours). They've discovered the cam-corder's excellent low-light capabilities, and most importantly, appreciate the ease of lugging the camcorder, tapes, and batteries to remote locations.

Boxx 7300 workstation

While HDV appears as though it may be this year's darling of compression formats, I plan to check out the others and see how they're received. The contending formats include Avid's DNxHD codec family; Canopus' HD and HQ codecs; Leitch's Velocity Q codecs; Panasonic's DVCPRO HD codec; and Pinnacle Systems' HD Elite codec. If Panasonic indeed offers a DVCPRO HD 24p camcorder for less than $10,000, it might seriously challenge Sony's HDV 1080i camcorder.

Solid state media acquisition, XDCAM HD, and hard disk backs to camcorders should also play into the mix of competing technologies. For example, the Focus Enhancements FS-4 Pro recorder will display support for the MXF, Avid OMF, and Pinnacle AVI formats. There is no word on whether it has the capability to handle compressed HD. There will be several other HD solutions, including the Ikegami Editcam, which will handle Avid's DNxHD codecs.

I also want to compare the interest in these codecs against the continuing popularity of uncompressed solutions. These include products by companies such as 1 Beyond, boardset manufacturers (such as Blackmagic Design, DVS, Bluefish444/Digital Voodoo, Aurora, and AJA), as well as Quantel and Discreet offerings.

HP xw9300 workstation

Apple and Avid: I combine these two because they are across from each other, so many attendees tend to oscillate back and forth between booths. Both companies have remained extremely tightlipped about what they will show, indicating that there may be some exciting new announcements. I am also interested in how these products fare considering the almost-religious zeal of the owner-evangelists in the light of the many new competitors.

One thing to focus on this year is workgroup connectivity. This is our first opportunity to see a working Apple Xserve and Xsan solution. I also wonder if there will be anything new with Motion, last year's big hit. Having appeared to be Panasonic-centric at last year's NAB, will that continue in the Apple booth, or will the company appear to be more Sony-focused this year?

Avid will have many products to check out, but I would not be surprised if many Video Systems readers first go see the anticipated Mac-based Avid Xpress Pro and the HD version of Xpress Studio. I have had Xpress Studio for over a month and love it, but I am anxious for the HD capabilities found on Xpress Pro. It will be interesting to see what is new with the Adrenaline and Nitris families, and if rumors about new workgroup products or capabilities prove accurate. The Avid Developer Community will also be on the floor, showcasing Avid's partnerships with leading third-party developers.

Panasonic AJ-SD255 DVCPRO/DV recorder

While comparing and contrasting the “pro” solutions, I must check out what is happening with Adobe Premiere Pro and its Digital Video Collection. I would also like to see Adobe's digital intermediate firsthand.

Assimilate has promised new features for its Scratch DI solution. Why would Video Systems readers be interested in a DI solution? Because the product is priced low enough to allow those who would never consider such a thing to decide expand their capabilities. The turnkey solution comes in around $55,000 complete and can handle video. More to the point, the product can handle very large files at high color-depths in realtime with the same speed and ease that the average editor is now used to dealing with uncom-pressed SD.

Rumors are flying that there may be some new products from Blackmagic Design, but whether there are or not, I am interested in learning more about the DeckLink Multibridge, the Workgroup Videohub routing switcher, the latest software for the HDLink, and what is new with the DeckLink family. I will then compare these offerings with those of competitors, including products from AJA Systems, Aurora, Bluefish444/Digital Voodoo, DVS, Matrox, and Pinnacle.

Leitch VelocityHD HD/SD NLE

But a major upgrade already has been promised: Combustion 4.0 (available in March on Windows, and May for Macintosh, for $995). Combustion 4 artists will have access to 3D compositing, comprehensive motion graphics capabilities, numerous filter and particle effects, advanced color correction, tracking and image stabilization technology, vector paint, warping and morphing, text effects, simple editing, animation and expressions, Flash output, and more. This should be well worth the visit to Discreet's booth.

The prices of the Leitch VelocityQ have dropped, and there are great promotions on Velocity HD. For the latter, some significant function advancement announcements are expected at NAB. While in the booth, check out the X75 HD, a versatile up-, down-, and cross-converter and HD frame synchronizer.

Rumors are that Matrox will be demonstrating the Matrox Axio and its newest Windows-based dual link Parhelia DL256 PCI graphics card for the 30in. Apple Cinema HD Display.

Just as Apple is high on my priority list, so is Microsoft, which also demonstrates state-of-the-art digital video solutions for production and distribution. The company's booth normally features interesting industry partners, and the Microsoft Digital Theater demonstrates the state of image-quality technology.

Pinnacle Liquid Chrome HD

Serious Magic has won Video Systems' Pick Hits awards for the past two NABs in a row, and rumors abound that it will introduce one or two completely new products at NAB. Personally, I hope one is an HDV version of DV Rack. If the new product or products are half as exciting as the Ultra or DV Rack, I am very anxious to see them!

Sony's biggest attraction may be the new professional HDV 1080i camcorder, the HVR-Z1U. Nevertheless, there will undoubtedly be a VCR such as the HVR-M10U to support this format, and an upgraded version of Sony Vegas will be editing the format. I expect a Blu-Ray HD DVD recording product be shown. I want to see the latest in computer LCD monitors that are now being used as HDTV test monitors (with the appropriate interface box and look-up tables).

Sony will also announce XDCAM support for the most popular NLEs. The company will push workflow, but if you are in postproduction ask if the workflow designs are AAF compatible.

I also want to check out the other mastering formats Sony will display. And with the recent announcements of XPRI purchases, I would like to see what is new and exciting with that product.

I also hope to see several of the NAB Pavilions, especially the NAB HD television station, NextGen Home, Digital Media Theater, Digital Asset Management, AAF/MPEG Forum, Sound Mixing, and the 5.1 Surround Pavilion.