You are browsing the archive for 2006 January.

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by Josh Mellicker

Bogen 501HDV , 055XB

Jan 31, 2006 at 3:44 pm in camera products by Josh Mellicker · Leave a Comment »

Inside the 501HDV is a powerful new feature that takes its inspiration from our top professional video head models – a fi xed counterbalance spring (set for a typical weight of camera + accessories of 2.5kg) that helps ensure both smoother tilt movements and greater equipment safety even when tilt locks are inadvertently left off. The easy-to-reach on/off switch allows the counterbalance system to be disengaged or re-engaged for different fi lming setups. But from the outside, the first thing  [read more →]

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by Josh Mellicker

Rode SM5 Shockmount

Jan 30, 2006 at 7:31 pm in camera products, film products, location sound, location sound gear by Josh Mellicker · Leave a Comment »

SM5

Suspension Shock Mount – (Clamp Adaptor)

A shotgun microphone suspension shock mount for high end video cameras. The SM5 shock mount is designed specifically to fit Panasonic® and Sony® video cameras with clamp mounts.Features a 4-way rubber suspension with an integral Ø24 mm and Ø27 mm clamp mount adaptor.The SM5 incorporates a two way mounting system with 1/4″x 20 and 3/8″ x 16 internal threads, for Tripod and Boom Pole mounting.

Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Price: $49.00

 [read more →]

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by Josh Mellicker

DVcreator Location Sound Package 2

at 5:08 pm in digital video news, location sound gear by Josh Mellicker · Comments are closed.

RODE VideoMic

RODE Longhaired Windmuff

RODE Boom pole

RODE VXLR 1/8″ to XLR adapter

Audio Technica Premium AT8314 XLR cables- Audio Technica 20?

Everything you need to capture high-quality audio

DVcreator Location Sound Package 2
Availability: Usually ships same/next business day
Regular $376 Package Price: $295.00

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Canon GL2

at 12:49 pm in digital video news by · 2 Comments »

Canon GL2

We’ve been shooting with the GL2 since June of 2002, and this camera, in our opinion, beats out the present competition for overall picture quality, flexibility and features.

Our Opinion on the GL2: Another winner from Canon. The GL2 fixes most of the things that were complained about on the GL1, adds the best new features from the XL1S, all in a nice compact, cool looking package with a flipout screen.

manufacturer’s website

Avatar of Josh Mellicker

by Josh Mellicker

Ultimatte DV Chroma Keyer

Jan 29, 2006 at 8:54 pm in visual fx products by Josh Mellicker · 1 Comment »

The Ultimatte DV is a huge timesaver! Forget having to Render – it’s done! Real-Time chroma key made simple! Feed your Camera into the Foreground input, an S-Video signal into the Background input – what you see out of the Output is your final composite!
We’ve beeen using an inexpensive DVD player as our Background source. Simply burn a DVD with your still images or animated backgrounds and you’re done.

The true beauty of the Ultimatte is being able to adjust your  [read more →]

Avatar of Josh Mellicker

by Josh Mellicker

Sennheiser MD46 Handheld interview microphone

Jan 26, 2006 at 10:02 pm in digital video news, location sound gear by Josh Mellicker · Comments are closed.

Sennheiser MD46 Handheld interview microphone

Unlike traditional handheld mics, the MD46 was designed to be used outdoors in even a slightly windy environment yet still pick up to about a foot away and mostly eliminating anything beyond. It was actually developed for the Olympics in Australia during the track and field events to interview the athletes. Listen to the superb quality of this mic in an interview with our friend Jerry Hoffman. This interview was shot using  [read more →]

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ffmpeg

Jan 24, 2006 at 11:18 pm in digital video news, DVD, web video by · 4 Comments »

FFmpeg is a cross-platform, open source audio/video conversion tool. It includes libavcodec, the leading open source codec library. An experimental streaming server for live broadcasts is also included.Download here: http://sourceforge.net/projects/ffmpeg/ ffmpegX is the OS X version.

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    by 22-02-1989

    How do I edit content from a DVD?

    at 9:58 am in digital video news, DVD, editing by 22-02-1989 · 28 Comments »

    It seems more and more common that editors are being asked to use content from a DVD- perhaps the client has provided you with last years annual report DVD… and wants you to redit it. (Remember, ripping off copyrighted content is a Federal offense with imprisonment and large fines possible!)

    You can use MacTheRipper to get the content from a DVD on your hard drive (OS X only)

    MPEG Streamclip is an application that converts MPEG files (including  [read more →]

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    How can I create graphics for video?

    at 9:17 am in editing, post visuals by · Leave a Comment »

    Photoshop is the old standby, but I don’t like it for video graphics. Someone as simple as grabbing an element and moving it is problematic. I much prefer FireWorks, or even Motion for still graphics, which has some nice layout functions.

    Flash is also an option for “PowerPoint” type slides, as well as Keynote.

    GIMP is a free, open source graphics program very similar  [read more →]

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    How do I create a broadcast master?

    at 8:45 am in broadcast by · Leave a Comment »

    If you shot and edited a project in DV format, this is one recommendation:

    1. Check your edit to make sure luma (brightness) and chroma (color saturation) levels are within broadcast-legal ranges. Adjust if necessary.
    2. Check your project for audio clipping, and adjust levels if needed.
    3. Make sure you’re completely out a second before the time limit- that is, for a :30, all music tails and fades should be complete by :29, or you run the risk off getting cut off by the slop  [read more →]
    Avatar of Josh Mellicker

    by Josh Mellicker

    Edirol R-4 Pro

    Jan 23, 2006 at 6:30 pm in location sound gear by Josh Mellicker · 5 Comments »

    The R-4 Pro shares the R-4′s rugged construction, robust feature set and great sound quality, but the R-4 Pro also includes AES/EBU support, SMPTE time code and superb electronics. Record up to four channels at 24-bit 96KHz and monitor each channel discretely. The durable DC input jack allows for industry-standard battery packs to extend your record time. Its 80GB hard drive will store up to 125 hours of high quality audio. You can plug in any standard  [read more →]

    Avatar of Josh Mellicker

    by Josh Mellicker

    Sennheiser PRO Studio monitor headphones

    Jan 20, 2006 at 1:24 pm in location sound, location sound gear by Josh Mellicker · 4 Comments »

    Sennheiser HD280PRO Studio monitor headphones

    Pros always monitor their audio with a good pair of closed eared headphones. The HD280 Professional is Sennheiser’s most significant closed, circumaural headphone to be introduced in years. Designed to exceed the demands of the professional environment, the HD280Pro boasts extremely robust construction combined with extensive features that meet the requirements of today’s most demanding applications. The unique collapsible design combined with swiveling ear cups, offers maximum flexibility in any application. Very  [read more →]

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    After Effects 7

    Jan 18, 2006 at 10:35 am in post visuals by · Leave a Comment »

    creativecow.net review

    creativemac.com review

    Demos at MGLA (Motion Graphics Los Angeles) meeting, courtesy of the Pixel Corps:

    After Effects 7.0 intro

    After Effects Graph Editor

    After Effects HDR Demo

    Avatar of Josh Mellicker

    by Josh Mellicker

    Synfig vector-based 2D animation software package (free!)

    at 10:04 am in digital video news, visual fx products by Josh Mellicker · 14 Comments »

    Synfig is a cartoon animation package with tweening- vector based so the results can be output at any size.

    From their site:

    “Synfig is a powerful, industrial-strength vector-based 2D animation software package, designed from the ground-up for producing feature-film quality animation with fewer people and resources. While there are many other programs currently on the market to aid with the efficient production of 2D animation, we are currently unaware of any other software that can do what our software  [read more →]

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    ImagePlay- free image effects software

    at 9:56 am in digital video news by · Leave a Comment »

    ImagePlay – Easy Image Effects

    See the Project Page for REALbasic Source Code

    Description:

    Run a series of effects on an image; tweak them, rearrange them, remove them, all without messing up the source image.

    Features:

    ?Ä¢ Image Layers (and Masks)
    ?Ä¢ Effects Layers
    ?Ä¢ Live Rendering of effects as you change them

    ?Ä¢ Masks can have effects sepperate from those of the layer surface
    ?Ä¢ Auto-Masks keep in sync with the layer surface
    ?Ä¢ Drag&Drop to start new projects or add layers
    ?Ä¢ Export preview  [read more →]

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    Celtx software for film and video producers

    Jan 17, 2006 at 1:38 pm in digital video news, film, planning, planning products by · Leave a Comment »

    Celtx is the first comprehensive software package designed for people who work in the Pre-Production of Film, TV, Theatre and New Media. It provides all of the tools you need under one application and works on all platforms.

    Story Development Tools Celtx includes Scene and Character Development tools that help spur creativity. Use the customizable forms to build out the story line of your project. Any information will be added to your project database and automatically pre-populate your script and  [read more →]

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    Interesting speculation on contrast between Google and Apple's approaches to democratized media

    at 1:32 pm in digital video news by · Leave a Comment »

    Click here for the article.

    Avatar of Josh Mellicker

    by Josh Mellicker

    Serious Magic DV Rack 2.0

    Jan 15, 2006 at 11:17 pm in digital video news by Josh Mellicker · Comments are closed.

    DV RACK 2.0 SD features 10 essential tools that help your shoot faster and get better results from your DV camera.

    Designed to run on a laptop, DV Rack gives you an impressive array of production tools to help you shoot better and faster while saving you time and money.

     

    Analyze, Continuity & More

    Analyze your audio, check continuity between shots, and take advantage of DV Rack’s useful production tools to get the best quality video out of your camera.

    Fix  [read more →]

    Avatar of Josh Mellicker

    by Josh Mellicker

    Sennheiser MKH-416 shotgun

    at 11:09 pm in location sound, location sound gear by Josh Mellicker · Comments are closed.

    Sennheiser MKH-416

    One of the best shotgun mics on the planet! Very, very smooth sounding. Used commonly in feature films and for Voice Overs that you hear in radio commercials. Pick up pattern is very focused. Phantom power is required. Very small and lightweight. This is Guy Cochran’s favorite shotgun mic. “You’ll hear detail you didn’t know could be recorded with this mic.”

    The MKH 416 is a short gun interference tube microphone. Its excellent directivity and compact
    design, high consonant articulation  [read more →]

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    Flip4Mac WMV-9 Component

    Jan 14, 2006 at 3:35 pm in digital video news, web video by · Leave a Comment »

    Flip4Mac™ WMV is a collection of QuickTime components that allow you to play Windows Media video and audio files on your Mac using your favorite QuickTime-based applications.

    Here is the product line:

    http://www.flip4mac.com/wmv.htm

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    Apple surpasses Dell in total market value

    at 8:18 am in digital video news by · 1 Comment »

    Nine years after Michael Dell said he’d shut down Apple and give the money to the shareholders, over the last few days, Apple has passed Dell in market value, at $72.13B compared to Dell’s $71.97B.

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    by Michelle

    Rode NTG-2

    Jan 13, 2006 at 10:45 am in location sound, location sound gear by Michelle · Comments are closed.

    RODE NTG-2 Shotgun mic

    Finally a killer shotgun, at a killer price! Neutral, mellow sound with clarity that can not be beat by mics costing twice the price! Phenomenal product for the emerging DV creator. Great reach in a small package. Can be powered with an AA battery or phantom. Dollar for dollar this is certainly our top pick!

    The new RODE NTG-2 is a lightweight condenser shotgun microphone, designed for professional applications within  [read more →]

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    Post-CES opinion piece about the future of DVD

    Jan 12, 2006 at 2:09 pm in DVD by · Leave a Comment »

    http://www.straight.com/content.cfm?id=15323

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    iPod-Ready Jeans…

    at 2:06 pm in digital video news by · Leave a Comment »

    Well, at least Calvin Klein didn’t announce iPod-ready briefs… http://www.informationweek.com/neshowArticle.jhtml?articleID=175803855

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    Can box office success be predicted?

    Jan 11, 2006 at 1:47 pm in Uncategorized by · Leave a Comment »

    Two scientists at Oklahoma State have come up with a statistical model to predict whether a movie will be a blockbuster or a flop – whether or not you believe it works, the whole idea is pretty interesting… Read more here:

    arstechnica.com link

    MSN article

    And here’s the documentation.

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    Canon XL H1

    at 1:28 pm in cinematography by · 7 Comments »

    • Uncompressed 1080/60i 4:2:2 HD-SDI output at 1.485 Gbps
    • Multi-format external HD recording to HDCAM, DVCPRO HD, etc.
    • Genlock input and TimeCode input /output
    • 20x HD L/SR OIS lens (5.4mm-108mm, f/1.6-f/3.5, 72mm fil.)
    • 3 x 1.67mp CCDs (native 16:9 shape), 1440 x 1080 effective
    • Digic DV II processor supporting 30fps & 24fps (25 fps in Europe)
    • This camera has been updated and replaced with this model.

    XL H1 Watchdog

    Avatar of Josh Mellicker

    by Josh Mellicker

    Edirol VC-300HD

    Jan 10, 2006 at 5:27 pm in broadcast, broadcast products, editing products, film products by Josh Mellicker · Leave a Comment »

    Main Features

    Multi-format In/Multi-format OutDesigned for a wide range of workflows in mid, post and live video productions, the VC Series offers flexible format conversion of Digital/Analog, HD/SD or compressed/uncompressed signals. The VC series also accepts signals and direct connections from computer RGB sources. A wide variety of output devices like record decks, data projectors or plasma/LCD displays can be directly connected.Designed for the Highest Quality ImageThe VC Series uses high quality A/D and D/A converters for  [read more →]

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    by duncan

    Advanced Final Cut Pro 6 Hands-On Workshop at University of Michigan

    Jan 8, 2006 at 5:17 pm in digital video news by duncan · Leave a Comment »

    These advanced hands-on workshop cover intermediate to advanced levels of editing, motion graphics and audio sweetening with Final Cut Pro taught by one of the top Final Cut Pro instructors in the world.

    This workshop is recommended for veteran Final Cut Pro editors, who want to take their editing  [read more →]

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    What's a Camera Test?

    Jan 7, 2006 at 11:40 pm in cinematography, lighting, location sound, planning by · 4 Comments »

    Veteran DPs (directors of photography) will shoot camera tests in advance of filming a project – trying different lenses and different camera settings to achieve the visual style and effect they want for the film.  Rolling some tape well in advance of your shoot, in one of your locations or somewhere similar and experimenting will give you a huge advantage on the day of the shoot.

    This means you won't be burning time experimenting with camera settings, filters, and mics on  [read more →]

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    How do I "Shoot for the Web"?

    at 11:32 pm in cinematography, web video by · 2 Comments »

    When shooting video for delivery on the internet, keep the following in mind:

     

    Shoot everything tighter
    Smaller movies mean you need to make your subjects bigger. Close-ups provide energy and detail even at small screen sizes.

    Minimize camera movement
    The key element in great looking low-bandwidth video is to keep each frame as similar to the previous and subsequent frame as possible. Every pixel of a frame that is different from the previous frame must be stored in your online movie, which in turn  [read more →]