X2O Platform Drives Winning Live and On-Demand Video Content Delivery App Using Polycom(R) RealPresence(R) APIs

MONTREAL — Feb. 11, 2013 — X2O Media, a provider of software for real-time visual communication applications, today announced that the company has won first place in Polycom, Inc.’s (NASDAQ: PLCM) first ever App Development Contest. The contest challenged individuals and companies to submit solutions using Polycom(R) RealPresence(R) open application programming interfaces (APIs) to extend the value of the Polycom RealPresence Platform. X2O Media won the grand prize with an application that delivers live and on-demand video content to digital signage screens, Polycom VVX(R) IP phones, and video kiosks. more

EU Edition LinkCast Wirelessly Connects up to Four HD Sources to Displays or Projectors at Resolutions up to 1080p

SAN JOSE, Calif. — Feb. 11, 2013 — Atlona(R) today announced that its award-winning LinkCast(TM) Wireless HD System is now available for the European market. The EU-certified LinkCast Wireless HD System provides an easy and affordable way for users to get content in their home theaters from as many as four HD sources — including laptops, game consoles, Blu-ray(TM) players, and more — to displays, projectors, or AV receivers without the hassle and clutter of cables. more

New SMPTE Digital Library
Throughout the 2013 NAB Show, SMPTE will showcase the newly launched SMPTE digital library, which enables users to search and access content including the SMPTE Motion Imaging Journal (1916 to the present), the society’s conference proceedings, and the full suite of SMPTE standards, recommended practices, and engineering guidelines. Available on the HighWire online platform at library.smpte.org, the SMPTE digital library provides onestop access to SMPTE resources, informing professionals about the latest technology and industry research as they happen. Integrated search functionality allows users to expand their search across the entire SMPTE content set, and results reveal the number of hits and the source of the information. The repository is accessible to SMPTE members and nonmember subscribers around the world, including academic and corporate libraries, and members of the media. In-depth demonstrations may be arranged in advance.

Photo Link: www.wallstcom.com/SMPTE/DigitalLibrary.zip
Photo Caption: SMPTE Digital Library

SMPTE CamBook(R) 3
SMPTE’s CamBook(R) 3 is a precision tool designed to help users optimize image quality with ease and speed. With this convenient tool, engineers can align and set up cameras to REC 709, compare/match camera makes and models, and test lenses for colorimetry and resolution. In production, the CamBook 3 helps users select the best camera for the job and serves as a useful reference both on set and in post for color correction of images. The SMPTE-branded book is essentially three charts bound into one product. It features a number of popular DSC test elements, including the CamAlign(TM) colorbar/grayscale with “SpectroGray” patented spectrophotometrically neutral grayscale, a 12-chip colorbar with four standard skin tones, resolution trumpets, and both 16:9 and 4:3 framing lines. Additional DSC test elements include three “matte” reference chips (18 percent gray, DSC Warm, and 90 percent CamWhite), as well as a DSC BackFocus Pattern, all of which were previously unavailable in any CamBook.

Photo Link: www.wallstcom.com/SMPTE/CamBook3.zip
Photo Caption: SMPTE CamBook(R) 3

SMPTE OneShot(TM) Pocket Chart
Offered in a SMPTE-branded protective case, the DSC Labs OneShot(TM) pocket chart provides all of the color and luminance information necessary to match and reproduce color in dailies footage. When the chart is captured on camera, it serves as a reference that allows colors to be adjusted quickly and accurately to match the look predetermined by the director of photography. Printed with a matte surface that reduces glare, the OneShot chart can be incorporated into a shot with minimal reconfiguration of cameras and lighting. As a result, this pocket tool gives users a fast means of maintaining the right look and feel for motion images, even in high pressure, time-sensitive shooting environments. As the name suggests, the overall size of 6.25 inches by 3.75 inches can actually fit in your pocket. A lanyard is also included for convenience.

Photo Link: www.wallstcom.com/SMPTE/OneShotPocketChart.zip
Photo Caption: SMPTE One Shot(TM) Pocket Chart

Resources:
Link: www.wallstcom.com/SMPTE/SMPTEDigitalLibrarySellSheet.zip
Caption: SMPTE Digital Library

Company Quote:
“At the 2013 NAB Show we will highlight an array of convenient tools and resources for motion-imaging professionals. We’re particularly excited to showcase the powerful search capabilities within the rich SMPTE digital library, which offers unprecedented access to valuable SMPTE material for today’s media ecosystems as well as ancillary industries such as military, security, and healthcare.” — Barbara H. Lange, executive director of SMPTE

Company Overview:

The Oscar(R) and Emmy(R) Award-winning Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE), a professional membership association, is the worldwide leader in developing and providing motion-imaging standards and education for the communications, technology, media, and entertainment industries. An internationally recognized and accredited organization, SMPTE advances moving-imagery education and engineering across the broadband, broadcast, cinema, and IT disciplines. Since its founding in 1916, SMPTE has published the SMPTE Motion Imaging Journal and developed more than 600 standards, recommended practices, and engineering guidelines. SMPTE members include motion-imaging executives, engineers, creative and technology professionals, researchers, scientists, educators, and students from around the world. Information on joining SMPTE is available at https://www.smpte.org/join.

NEW RELEASE: Radio-Assist(TM) 8.2 Automation Solution
NETIA is unveiling version 8.2 of the company’s Radio-Assist(TM) digital audio software suite at the 2013 NAB Show. This latest release of NETIA’s flagship software boasts three powerful enhancements, all of which will be showcased throughout the show.

Cloud Management
The introduction of cloud-based management for Radio-Assist(TM) gives users the ability to access the system database from any network-connected workstation. Particularly valuable for multisite radio broadcasters, this capability enables authorized users everywhere to access, retrieve, and work on the same content, without the need for time-consuming media transfers. In addition to enabling faster, more productive operations through shared media access, cloud-based management enables broadcasters to reduce reliance on server infrastructure and, in turn, lower the total cost of ownership.

By storing content in the cloud, Radio-Assist can serve as an online production database or as online content archive. Radio-Assist archiving tools enable seamless management of the archive/restoration process in the cloud. Users can simply trigger the archiving process as a background task and subsequently use simple search requests to retrieve content. In disaster recovery situations, the content stored in the cloud by Radio-Assist can help to ensure continuity of service even when ground-based facilities are compromised.

iSnippet Audio Editing Tool for iPhone(R) and iPad(R)
The Snippet range of editing tools available within the Radio-Assist(TM) automation products is now available for iOS devices. Sharing the same look and ergonomic principles as the Snippet desktop interface, the new iPhone(R)- and iPad(R)-compatible iSnippet tool allows field reporters and other remote users to enjoy the Radio-Assist audio editing capabilities — familiar from the desktop — on their portable devices.

Teleprompter
The new teleprompter module for the Radio-Assist(TM) suite gives presenters and journalists convenient visual access to news scripts, which scroll continuously across the presenter’s screen, linked with the playout system in the studio. Customizable features such as text size, color selection, automatic speed control that adapts to reading speed, and read length may be configured in user profiles tailored to presenter preferences.

Image Link: www.wallstcom.com/NETIA/Prompteur_HD.zip
Image Caption: NETIA Radio-Assist(TM) Teleprompter

NETIA Content Management System (CMS)
At the 2013 NAB Show, NETIA will showcase the latest version of its media asset management (MAM) platform, which allows users to manage all processes within the global production environment — from editing through post and distribution — through simple, easy-to-manage workflows and task automation, accessed through one unique and straightforward interface. With the NETIA CMS, users can connect all of their partners and vendors within a single production ecosystem, simplifying the sharing and managing of media assets.

Metamodel Editor
The latest version of the NETIA CMS includes new features within its metadata management module. Enriched with a new metamodel editor, this graphical tool enables the user to manage and customize the metadata model structure.

Monitoring
The new release of NETIA CMS includes a recording feature with which users can schedule specific recordings or continuous channel ingest. Video is stored in the MAM database along with corresponding transcript text files, generated by a speech-to-text engine. A new monitoring feature facilitates the searching and browsing of these recorded channel feeds, either according to a timeline or through a full-text search. Upon locating the appropriate content, the user can extract, repurpose, and export the relevant video segment.

Image Link: www.wallstcom.com/NETIA/Monitoring_Mix.zip
Image Caption: NETIA CMS Monitoring

Company Overview:

NETIA, a GlobeCast company, is a leading provider of software solutions that enable efficient management and delivery of content to today’s full array of media platforms. Relied on by more than 10,000 users in 200 installations in more than 40 countries, NETIA solutions allow content producers and owners to manage content from ingest to delivery, targeting multiplatform outlets including the Internet, VOD, IPTV services, and mobile devices.

NETIA provides content management solutions to major radio and television brands and to multimedia groups around the world. Clients include the Associated Press, ABC, Radio Globo in Brazil, SBS and ABC in Australia, MediaCorp Singapore, RAI Italy, RTL and Radio France, RTBF in Belgium and France Televisions. NETIA has its headquarters in France, with offices in the United States, Paris, Rome, and Singapore, in addition to a global network of professional distribution partners.

All trademarks appearing herein are the property of their respective owners.

GLOUCESTERSHIRE, U.K. — Feb. 6, 2013 — The IABM (International Association of Broadcasting Manufacturers) today announced the appointment of Yves Dupuis as the organization’s director of market intelligence. In this newly created role, Dupuis will be responsible for the new IABM Market Intelligence Division, which is a key area of development for the association

“Back in 2006, the IABM launched the Global Market Valuation and Strategy Report — a ground-breaking piece of work creating an accurate assessment of the total value of the broadcast and media technology supply market. In the years following, we have produced four more editions of this report and it remains the definitive valuation report in the market today,” said Peter White, director general of the IABM. “We are now building on the platform of this report together with the various pieces of business intelligence that we provide on a regular basis to our members, to create a portfolio of market and business intelligence that will help support the leaders in our industry in their strategic decision-making. The establishment of this new division will add focus for our investment and commitment to this objective, and we are delighted that someone as knowledgeable and talented as Yves has joined us to head up this initiative.”

Dupuis has spent the bulk of his career in the broadcast manufacturing industry, first at Leitch as an engineer in operations and later at Miranda as an analyst in planning and business development. Over the past dozen years, particularly in the latter role, Dupuis has developed an understanding of the specific, growing, and largely unmet market intelligence needs of strategy makers and product directors.

“Through tough economic times, the worldwide market for video technology continues its growth because people everywhere love video content. However, this opportunity for suppliers is anything but easy to seize, given the tremendous tumult and complexity beneath the surface of video technology markets,” said Dupuis. “Navigating these difficult waters requires detailed information on the present and past state of markets, informed opinion on the directions markets are taking, and analysis that elucidates the meaningful links between markets and their drivers. The IABM is increasingly well-positioned to meet its members’ needs in those regards.”

# # #

About the IABM:
The IABM, the International Association of Broadcasting Manufacturers, is the authoritative voice of the broadcast and media technology supply industry worldwide. Its wide range of services to members encompasses market research and intelligence, expert representation at standards bodies and broadcasting unions, executive networking opportunities, and preferential purchasing. A presence at every major broadcast tradeshow, the IABM also provides a valuable channel for communication between broadcast manufacturers, government, and regulatory bodies. Additional IABM activities include awards programs for innovation and scholarships designed to stimulate the development of the broadcast and electronic media industries on an international basis. For more information, please visit www.theiabm.org.

All trademarks appearing herein are the property of their respective owners.

Photo Link: www.wallstcom.com/IABM/Dupuis.zip

R&D Branch of NEP to be Led by Jeff Joslin, 17-Year Company Veteran

PITTSBURGH — Feb. 6, 2013 — NEP today announced a significant expansion of NEP Labs, the company’s research and development branch dedicated to creating innovative new technologies for mobile broadcasting professionals. Jeff Joslin, previously NEP’s vice president of engineering, has moved into a newly created position as vice president of NEP Labs and chief engineer, reporting to Chief Technology Officer George Hoover.

“Our expanded focus on NEP Labs is a direct result of NEP’s commitment to serving our clients and improving internal processes and workflows,” said NEP CEO Kevin Rabbitt. “As a long-time driver of innovation at NEP, Jeff is ideal to assume this full-time, dedicated role. We’re confident he will lead NEP Labs to develop breakthroughs in areas such as new technologies and interfaces, improved workflows, and technical processes across all NEP brands worldwide.”

Created in 2011, NEP Labs is responsible for several key innovations designed to streamline and simplify engineering tasks aboard NEP’s industry-leading fleet of mobile broadcast units. One such system, spearheaded by Joslin, is nSight — a real-time automatic system for monitoring, controlling, and troubleshooting broadcast facilities. In addition to solution development, NEP Labs is involved in scientific evaluation and grading of products in order to guide equipment purchase decisions.

With Joslin’s new role, NEP Labs is now staffed with two full-time resources and one part-time developer, with plans to expand the staff further in 2013. The organization’s focus for this year includes prioritizing projects in the pipeline and identifying those that will add the most value for the entire NEP family of companies, including the mobile units division. A center of expertise for NEP Labs is to work with manufacturers who provide highly sophisticated and yet generic broadcasting technologies, and then simplify and tailor the solutions to meet the specific requirements of live mobile television production workflows.

“For more than three decades, NEP has been dedicated to developing and applying new technologies and solutions to meet our clients’ evolving requirements,” Joslin said. “Now, with the expansion of NEP Labs, we have an even more formalized process for identifying and creating systems that make the job of live broadcasting easier and more repeatable. One of our key objectives is to offer solutions for simplifying optimizing equipment setup. The goal is to free engineers from time-consuming configuration and allow them to maximize their creative and prep time for a broadcast.”

# # #

About NEP
With the world’s most advanced equipment, largest fleet of mobile units and global production studios to suit every genre, NEP enables its clients to execute, deliver, and display exceptional productions on any platform around the world. For more than 30 years, NEP has ensured its clients’ success by delivering superior service and building lasting relationships with a passion for continuous innovation. NEP’s talented staff is committed to acting with integrity and working as a team to deliver comprehensive solutions for remote production, studio production, video display, webcasting, and power generation that set the global industry standard. For more information, visit www.nepinc.com.

At the 2013 NAB Show, Bittree will display its newest innovations in patchbays and patching solutions, each designed to help integrators and audio/video specialists achieve greater flexibility in rapidly changing media environments. Bittree highlights at this year’s show include a new line of fiber feed-through panels to support today’s increasingly fiber-based operations, as well as coaxial audio patchbay solutions — offering a specialized, high-density alternative to video-patching equipment in today’s demanding digital audio environments.

Bittree Products on Display at the 2013 NAB Show:

Digital Audio Coaxial Patchbay, 75 Ohm
Bittree’s digital audio coaxial patchbay was developed in response to the rapid growth of digital audio content. Traditionally, many installers used video patchbays for digital audio patching. Designed for discreet AES signals, the Bittree digital audio patchbay offers significant cost savings over video patchbays for this purpose, and the BNC rear interface is designed specifically for fast and easy installation.

Photo Caption: Bittree Digital Audio Coaxial Patchbay
Photo Link: www.wallstcom.com/Bittree/Coaxial75ohm.zip

Bittree Fiber Patch Panels
At the 2013 NAB Show, Bittree will showcase a new line of fiber patch panels developed in response to the rapid growth of fiber optic cable in broadcast and AV environments. Available for LC/LC, ST/ST, and SC/SC, these fiber feed-through panels are the industry’s first to provide optional designation strips. With the addition of this new fiber product line, Bittree now provides a single source for resellers and integrators to purchase both copper and fiber patching systems.

Photo Caption: Bittree Fiber Patch Panels
Photo Link: www.wallstcom.com/Bittree/fiber_patch_panels.zip

969-S Series Programmable Audio Patchbay
Programmable audio patchbays from Bittree’s highly popular 969-S series are mainstays in a wide range of large-scale broadcasting, mobile production, and postproduction operations. As the exclusive manufacturer of this unique design, Bittree offers a powerful blend of reliability and simplicity — making these systems the preference of installers and engineers alike. The patented front-panel programmable design of the 969-S series allows for quick and easy changes to the normal, and grounding for the entire patchbay or for individual circuits. The switched ground design maximizes reliability by eliminating differences in ground potential. Normals can be changed to full-normal, half-normal, or non-normal, and grounding can be changed to switched or bussed.

Photo Caption: Bittree 969-S Series Audio Patchbay
Photo Link: www.wallstcom.com/Bittree/969S-AudioPatchbay.zip

Bittree 3 x 32 Mini-WECO Monitor Patchbay
Bittree’s new 3 x 32 Mini-WECO monitor patchbay features an innovative design that adds an additional monitor row to the traditional Mini-WECO patchbay without exceeding the 2-RU panel height. Since engineers can now use the third row as a test point, this design has enabled new applications for patching — both in traditional broadcast studios and in industries ranging from aerospace and military to large content distribution centers.

Photo Caption: Bittree Video Mini-WECO High-Bandwidth Patchbays
Photo Link: www.wallstcom.com/Bittree/mini_weco.zip

Company Quote:
“Since rapidly changing broadcast conditions call for prompt and reliable responses, Bittree patching systems are now standard gear in many popular, high-profile productions. In addition to our market leadership in North America, we’re highlighting our increased international focus with key new customers and resellers in both the Asia-Pacific region and Latin America. Bittree delivers the top-quality, high-performance, high-density solutions required by media operations of any size, anywhere in the world.” — Glenn Garrard, CEO, Bittree

Company Overview:
Bittree offers a complete line of patching products, including audio, video, data, and integrated patchbays, as well as a variety of patchcords, tools, and accessories. Tailored for use in the postproduction, pro A/V, systems integration, and radio and television broadcasting fields, Bittree’s patching solutions are rigorously tested to ensure long-term functionality and dependability, especially for mission-critical operations and live events. To ensure consistency, performance, and adherence to rigid quality standards, all of the company’s patching products are designed, manufactured, and tested in its state-of-the-art facility in Glendale, Calif. More information is available at www.bittree.com.

SAN JOSE, Calif. — Feb. 7, 2013 — Atlona(R) today announced the release of new Control4(R) drivers for its PRO3HD, PRO2HD, and H2H families of HDMI(R) matrix switchers. The new drivers, which made their debut at ISE 2013, help ensure seamless integration and compatibility in residential and commercial AV systems using the Control4 platform. more

Minnetonka Audio will be demonstrating on Boxer Systems’ stand at this year’s BVE in order to highlight its new partnership. Boxer brings its multifaceted expertise to the representation of Minnetonka’s AudioTools Server (ATS) line of audio-focused post processing and automation tools, which have become the de facto standard among post and broadcast operations throughout Europe.

AudioTools Server (ATS) 2.5
At BVE 2013, Minnetonka will display the newest version of its flagship product, AudioTools Server (ATS) 2.5. ATS 2.5 is loaded with major enhancements including integrated failover protection; MP2, MP3, and AAC encoding; a new queue-monitoring application; and much more. ATS 2.5 is an enterprise software system for file-based workflows, designed to automate even the most sophisticated audio tasks. The system is also a complete solution for managing and processing linear PCM, Dolby(R) E, Dolby Digital(R), and Dolby Digital Plus content, as well as the audio essence in MXF and QuickTime(R) clips. More information about this revolutionary product is available at www.minnetonkaaudio.com.

Photo link: www.wallstcom.com/Minnetonka/ATSlogo.zip
Photo Caption: Minnetonka ATS Logo

Company Quote:
“Boxer is our gateway to the U.K. market. Since bringing this partner on board, we have seen a quadrupling of opportunities for AudioTools Server in the United Kingdom.”
– Markus Hintz, Director of Global Sales and Business Development, Minnetonka Audio

Company Overview:

An award-winning solutions provider for motion picture, video, broadcast, game, and optical disc production, Minnetonka Audio Software creates essential technology for the world’s top media professionals. Its revolutionary AudioTools Server is the file-based software alternative to hardware program optimizers, bringing expert audio automation to existing media production infrastructures. The AudioTools Server, SurCode, and discWelder product lines support the full array of audio codecs, file types, and standards for CD, DVD, Blu-ray(TM), broadcast, and digital television. The company is a leading provider of OEM audio solutions as well as file-based QC and loudness control. Spanning more than two decades of operation, the Minnetonka, Minn.-based company has a subsidiary in Germany and an international network of distributors and channel partners who share its commitment to quality and service. More information is available at www.minnetonkaaudio.com.

HEBDEN BRIDGE, U.K. — Feb. 5, 2013 — In response to customer demand, Calrec has added Automixer, an automatic mixing function, to its Bluefin2 signal-processing engine, the driving force behind its Apollo and Artemis mixing consoles. Automixer attenuates the output levels of all channels under its control to maintain consistent program levels in environments with multiple open microphones and unpredictable audio content. The feature is especially useful on panel-style discussion shows where guests might speak over each other and dramatically raise their voices.

Users can have eight separate Automixers, each of which can be assigned to control any number of mono input channels and group paths on the control surface. Unlike compression of a mix bus, or use of individual or linked compressors on paths, the use of an Automixer applies differing amounts of attenuation to each path, depending on its own level, as well as the overall mix level. Paths can be assigned different levels of emphasis to allow, for example, the host of a show to stand out from the guests.

Artemis user Ryan Davidson, a broadcast audio engineer at the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) who works on the live program “The 700 Club,” said that Automixer allows him to focus less on the faders and more on fine-tuning other parts of the broadcast.

“When you’re mixing for live TV, there are many variables to control, and if you have a segment with a good number of guests on set, you have to ride the faders to control the voices in the midst of everything else you’re doing. The more guests on set, the more faders there are to adjust,” Davidson said. “Automixer is so intuitive that you can pretty much leave the faders at zero, and they will mix themselves. No more missed mics! If someone starts to talk, Automixer is right on top of it, probably faster than a human could do it.”

José Alfredo Alanís, audio engineer at Mexico’s Grupo Televisa, echoes that sentiment.

“The Automixer feature is an amazing new tool because it’s easy to use and very smart,” Alanís said. “It’s like having many hands operating the fader levels. All you have to pay attention to are the gain structure and the output levels. The microphones are clean, without the annoying reflections from the floor or the holes between the guest and the main anchor. Calrec makes everything easier.”

Automixers can be selected on a channel-by-channel basis to be placed in the signal path pre-EQ, prefader, or postfader. Upstand metering can be configured to show Automixer attenuation alongside signal level on each path.

“At Calrec, our customers drive our product lineup, and Automixer is another example of that philosophy,” said Henry Goodman, Calrec head of sales and marketing. “We pay close attention to our customers and put a great deal of effort into developing products that will make their jobs easier.”

Automixer is an upgrade to the Bluefin2 software. More information about Bluefin2, Apollo and Artemis consoles, and other Calrec products is available at calrec.com.

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About Calrec Audio Ltd.
Calrec Audio, part of D&M Holdings Inc., is exclusively dedicated to excellence in audio mixing for on-air and live production. A broadcast specialist for more than 40 years, Calrec has developed a range of digital consoles relied on by the world’s most successful broadcasters. For putting sound in the picture, broadcasters put their trust in Calrec. More information is available at www.calrec.com and www.community.calrec.com.

Photo Link 1: www.wallstcom.com/Calrec/Televisa1.zip
Photo Caption: Calrec console with Automixer upgrade installed at Televisa

Photo Link 2: www.wallstcom.com/Calrec/Televisa5.zip
Photo Caption: Televisa audio engineer José Alfredo Alanís

Photo Link 3: www.wallstcom.com/Calrec/Automixer.zip
Photo Caption: Automixer GUI from Calrec’s Bluefin2 range of consoles