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Lightworks Releases New Software for Touch System Lightworks has released version 1.5 of its Touch system software. The upgrade includes low-bandwidth Ethernet networking capabilities, which make it possible for multiple systems to use centralized storage for low-bandwidth material (up to 10:1 compressed). All shots in a gallery can be sorted based on any logged information, and editors can find alternate takes directly from the Stripview. Optical list formats have been improved, and multiple-reel cut lists and change lists can now be produced at the click of a button. The Lightworks Touch now supports the import of Broadcast Wave (BWF) files with metadata. Its real-time effects interface offers more than 80 preset effects, and the effects representation in the Stripview has been simplified. The upgrade is now shipping and will be available free of charge to existing Lightworks Touch users. Kodak Buys LaserPacific Eastman Kodak Company has entered into an agreement to purchase LaserPacific Media Corporation. A leading Hollywood-based post production company, LaserPacific will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary. The acquisition will enable Kodak to establish a major presence in television post production and further extend the company’s current digital service capabilities in the feature film market. The agreement is subject to the approval of LaserPacific’s stockholders, SEC regulatory compliance and certain other customary conditions.
Xenon Illumination Available in Modified KEMs A modified KEM with a brighter, sharper image and more accurate color is available from KEM technician Chinhda Khommarath. Dubbed “the SuperKEM,” it uses a custom-built xenon lamp module, and, as a result, produces a significantly brighter image that’s easier on the eyes. Standard KEMs use a tungsten bulb, which gives the image a yellowish cast. The Super-KEM’s light output is nearly identical to that of a projector and thus produces much more accurate color. The new lamp module mounts in a standard KEM with minimal modification and uses the KEM’s existing power supply. It draws just 35 watts, so compared to the standard bulb’s 100 watts, it lasts longer and uses less electricity. The machine is now in use on several features. Rental prices are the same as for unmodified versions. Khommarath can be reached at (818) 753-0807 or by e-mail at ckhommarath@hotmail.com. Blackmagic Announces HD Video Card Priced Under $2,000 BlackMagic Design announced DeckLink HD, an uncompressed 10-bit standard- and high-definition video card priced at only $1,995. Designed specifically for the Apple Power Mac G5, the card supports the PCI-X bus standard at 133MHz. It provides real-time effects at standard definition, offers jpeg compression of high-definition material at both 30 and 24 fps and features eight channels of sdi audio, internal sync generation, and serial deck control for Sony protocol decks. It works with Final Cut Pro and other applications, including After Effects and Photoshop. www.decklink.com/productsdeckhd.asp
Rorke Data Launches Cost-Effective Serial ATA-Based RAID Rorke Data has released the Galaxy 16 RAID, a 4TB Serial ATA to Fibre-Channel storage solution. Priced at $18,000, the Galaxy 16 is compatible with a wide range of Mac OS X and Windows-based NLE systems, as well as Rorke Data ImageSAN, and other third-party SAN applications. The Galaxy 16 includes RAID Watch, a new suite of tools that detect and manage damaged disks, minimizing potential data loss. Automatic Duck Pro Import 2.0 Released Available for both Windows and Mac OS X operating systems, Automatic Duck Pro Import 2.0 is a new translator that enables editors and graphic artists to import edited Avid and Final Cut Pro 3 sequences into After Effects (including version 6.0) or Boris RED, complete with keyframed effects. (The program should be compatible with Final Cut Pro 4 by the time you read this.) Pro Import 2.0 is shipping now and costs $495. Euphonix Moves to New Manhattan Facility Euphonix, the manufacturer of digital audio consoles and recording equipment, recently moved its New York sales and service operations into a new facility at 424 W. 33rd Street, Suite 560, New York, NY 10001. Peter Kehoe, director of sales eastern region, James Tunnicliffe, service manager eastern region, and Tony Langley, VP broadcast marketing will all be based out of the new office. The phone number is (212) 889-6869. Da Vinci Systems Launches Resolve Product Line Da Vinci Systems, Inc. introduced a new family of software-based color enhancement systems: Resolve FX (for network-based visual effects), Resolve DI (for digital intermediate applications) and Resolve RT (for mastering films in 2K resolution and higher). Resolve RT offers real-time color correction for 2K images as well as support for 3K and 4K images. The company also demonstrated Nucleas, its new digital intermediate product suite, which supports Discreet, RGB and DPX file formats, so that one color decision list (CDL) can be maintained as metadata across various platforms. |
