Will be sharing more thoughts and some video from IBC on tomorrow’s (16 Sep 2011) ‘StudioTech Live’, hope you can join us at 2PM eastern, 7PM UK.
The first Tricaster TCXD450 seen at the show was on the VFX paints stand. This UK company was demoing there very nice green screen material and frame (other colours available) and had a 450 sitting quietly on the side of the booth.
Had talked to the VFX guys at a previous show and got very close to buying one of their green screens, the quality is exceptional.
They offer a series of alloy frames that can be assembled and the material then attached/stretched to get a great surface for keys.
You can check them out on their website.
Talking of TriCasters most of the NewTek front people were there (except for Philip Nelson).
Spent a lot of time playing with the TCXD850 control surface and was impressed with what it can do. With the exception of things like importing video clips and actually starting the video session you can do nearly everything from the control surface. Certainly on the wish list for the studio.
The stand became especially busy each day between 5 and 6. Can’t think why.
For those interested in the new TCXD450 here is a shot of the back panel, the obvious limitation in this form factor is that the audio inputs are 1/4″ jacks, not XLRs:
Those of you looking for a new display might like to consider this offering from Panasonic the TH152-UX1, an 152″ Plasma display:
Panasonic were also showing new cameras and spent an hour playing with 3 new models the AG-AC130, AG-AC160 and the AG-HPX250. It certainly looks like these cameras are going to give the Canons a run for their money. The AG-AC160 is priced just above the Canon XF-105 but offers a lot more (not least a 21x lens) and the AG-HPX250 is 20% cheaper than the Canon XF-305 and might just even have a better picture. If the AG-HPX250 gets BBC approval (like the XF-305) then there will be some good competition. Only downside to the AG-HPX250 is that it uses the incredibly expensive (but reliable) P2 memory cards. Overall I liked the AG-AC160, it has SDI (but not genlock) and is attractively priced, wouldn’t mind a few of these for outdoor events!
We hope to get these cameras in the studio for test in the not too distant future.
Broadcax Pix announced their new Mica model. This 8 channel HD/SD SDI video switcher was impressive. Housed in a 4U rack mount unit it is hard not to compare it with the Tricaster TCX850. There are many differences but the two key being that is doesn’t stream or record internally, so you have to do this outboard. But there are things it does seem to do very well and that includes a macro function allowing you to create macros of settings, effectively allowing the creation of a large number of virtual inputs. All the switching is done in hardware and the delay is only 1 – 3 frames, perhaps better for live use than a Tricaster?
We will have one in the studio in October and will let you see it on action!
More information on the Broadcast Pix Mica page.
For those difficult to get aerial shots there is always this radio controlled helium filled balloon, complete with HD camera on a pan/tilt mount. Certainly looked fun.
And finally, if your control panel is not big enough then visit your local Grass Valley dealer and he can sell you a new desk:
