Extron Electronics is pleased to announce the immediate availability of the DVS 605, a high performance video scaler that includes three HDMI inputs, two universal analog video inputs with auto-format detection, and simultaneous HDMI and analog high resolution outputs. The DVS 605 accepts a wide variety of video formats including HDMI with HDCP, HDTV, RGB, and standard definition video. It features advanced Extron video signal processing with 1080i deinterlacing, Deep Color processing, and true seamless switching for professional-quality presentations. The DVS 605 also features SpeedSwitchâ„¢ Technology that delivers ultra-fast switching speed for HDCP-encrypted content. It is available in models with audio switching plus HDMI audio embedding / de-embedding, and also 3G-SDI/HD-SDI output with genlock. more

New Product Breakthrough Delivers Uninterrupted Coverage for Large-Scale Broadcasts

LAS VEGAS, APRIL 16, 2012 ─ Clear-Com, a global leader in critical voice communication systems, today is pleased to unlock the Seamless Roaming capability for its Tempest2400 digital wireless intercom at the 2012 NAB Show (Booth C8008). Further enhancing one of the most feature-rich and robust system within Clear-Com’s wireless product line, Tempest Seamless Roaming will be most applicable in large mixed facilities that are separated by sizeable distances such as campus buildings, multi-studio environments and/or outdoor venues.

“With Seamless Roaming, a Tempest2400 wireless BeltStation can cover an extensive area with multiple zones that would not be adequately supported by a single BaseStation installation,� says Craig Fredrickson, Clear-Com’s wireless product manager. “This allows broadcasters to focus on critical production cues rather than having to change the settings on their wireless BeltStations when moving within a venue.�

Tempest Seamless Roaming is meant for individuals on the production team who must move freely and wirelessly from a given coverage area to another without interference or dropout of intercom communication. Base stations are linked together with the newest ZSync (Zero Synchronization) Technology. The ZSync Technology provides a zero sync reference that coordinates the hopping patterns of all connected BaseStations every time the system is powered up, irrespective of random time variation in power up sequences, to provide improved system performance and a seamless wireless experience.

With the Seamless Roaming feature, BeltStation users can migrate between as many as 16 different Tempest2400 BaseStations (coverage areas or zones). Both Seamless Roaming and iSelect Roaming are available to accommodate virtually every application need.

The Tempest2400, designed with Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) technology, utilizes a narrow band signal that is continually changing frequencies to powerfully burn through RF noise and interference. Because of FHSS technology, the Tempest system does not compete with signals from other 2.4 GHz wireless devices, minimizing frequency coordination and enabling flawless performance. Moreover, the wireless system features state-of-the-art 2xTX Transmission Voice Data Redundancy, which sends each packet of audio data twice on different frequencies and through different antennas, ensuring uninterrupted audio communications. Via four- and two-wire connections, it can interoperate with other Clear-Com intercom systems, as well as those from other manufacturers.

Tempest2400 offers three different modes of operations—Normal, Shared and Split. All modes are supported under the Seamless Roaming function. A single Tempest2400 in Normal mode can support between one and five full-duplex wireless users who always need to speak on the intercom system. However, in Split or Shared mode, an unlimited number of users can monitor the conversation and share talk capability. A combination of Tempest systems operating in either Normal or Shared mode can co-exist in the same environment for the ultimate in flexibility. Each digital BeltStation offers four audio channels. By stacking up to 10 BaseStations together, 50 independent, full-duplex wireless BeltStations can operate together in a single system.

About Clear-Com
Clear-Com, an HME company, is a global provider in professional voice communications systems since 1968. We develop and market proven intercom technologies such as Analog & Digital Partyline, Digital Matrix, Wireless and Intercom-over-IP systems for critical communication applications in broadcast, performance venues, military, government and enterprise markets. Recognized for our legacy of intercom innovations, production teams around the world have come to depend on Clear-Com for clear, reliable and scalable communications solutions. For more information, please visit www.clearcom.com.

About HM Electronics, Inc. (HME)
HM Electronics, Inc. is a diverse group of companies providing solutions that enhance productivity and customer service in markets including restaurants, sports and professional audio. Founded in 1971, we sell, service and support products in 89 countries worldwide, via company-owned offices in the U.S., Canada, Europe, and China, and an extensive network of HME-authorized distributors, dealers and service agents. Every day quick service restaurants take over 24 million orders using HME systems. With the recent acquisition of Clear-Com, HME is the world’s leading provider of professional intercom systems. To learn more, visit www.hme.com.

ROTTERDAM, NETHERLANDS, APRIL 13, 2012 – Broadcast Facilities Nederland (BFN) has purchased two sets of factory-matched DPA Microphones 4006A omnidirectional microphones from the company’s Benelux distributor, Amptec. The omni mics have been selected to record sessions of the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra at the 2,200-capacity Grand Hall of de Doelen in Rotterdam, which will be used for broadcast.

BFN’s recording engineer, Rob Heerschop, first used the new mics for Mahler’s Fifth Symphony and was surprised by the clear and transparent sound they brought to the orchestral works at the complex.

“Broadcast Facilities Nederland and de Doelen own a permanent studio in the main hall, for which we knew we needed a small AB microphone and a wide AB microphone for basic recordings,� explains Heerschop. “The reason we chose DPA Microphones’ 4006A is that they are simply the best for the AB recording technique when it comes to natural sound, transparency and dynamics. With our setup, we are using the shortest possible path to the Millenia preamp above the ceiling to create the best sound without any loss. For complex productions, we can add our choice of a variety of other DPA microphones, such as the DPA 4015, 4011, 4003, 4028 and a pair of 4041s.�

“I am proud to have sold DPA Reference Standard microphones to de Doelen and Broadcast Facilities Nederland, who often have to work under extreme pressure and very complicated circumstances,� adds Martin Goosen, Amptec sales manager for DPA in the Netherlands. “It is very rewarding that they are so satisfied with the results.�

BFN’s music department is involved in many live radio and TV broadcasts and CD productions on location or in its concert halls and studios in Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Hilversum.

ABOUT DPA:
DPA Microphones A/S is a leading manufacturer of high quality condenser microphones and microphone solutions for professional applications in studio, broadcast, theatre, video/film and sound reinforcement environments. All DPA microphones and components are manufactured at the company’s purpose-built factory in Denmark.

For more information on DPA Microphones, please visit www.dpamicrophones.com.

Austin, TX – April 16, 2012 – Screen Innovations (SI), a leading US-based manufacturer of projection screens for residential and commercial applications, today announces that two prominent exhibitors at next week’s National Association of Broadcasters Show will feature Screen Innovations projection screens in their exhibits. The NAB Show®, which runs April 16-19, 2012 in Las Vegas, NV, supports the broadcast industry and features products and technologies for the Broadcast and associated industries.

In Epson’s booth (#SL14710,) a custom 36â€�(h) x 120â€�(w) 3.33:1 aspect ratio Black Diamond Reference Series screen and a 39″ (h) x 68â€�(w) 16:10 aspect ratio Black Diamond Zero Edge screen will be used to demonstrate Epson’s PowerLite Pro Z8450WUNL and Pro Z8455WUNL multimedia projectors.

In Sony’s booth (#C11001), a custom 84.375�(h) x 160�(w) 1.89:1 aspect ratio Solar 1.3 gain 4K rated SI screen will be used to demonstrate Sony’s new VPL-VW1000ES 4K SXRD projector. A video of the VPL-VW1000ES paired with an SI Black Diamond screen can be found here: http://vimeo.com/39005610.

For their respective demonstrations, both manufacturers will use Screen Innovations screens to showcase not only the technological prowess of their newest projectors, but also that of the onscreen image. SI’s Black Diamond screens were designed for – and excel in – high ambient light conditions, which a tradeshow floor most certainly provides, thereby providing NAB Show attendees the opportunity to see for themselves how well they perform in such an environment.

About Black Diamond Screens
Designed to solve complex two-piece projection system installation challenges, SI Black Diamond screens essentially change the commercial landscape by enabling projection to work in almost any environment, anytime, day, or night. Featuring micro-seamed construction, Black Diamond delivers a stunning, flat panel-quality image for virtually any application imaginable.

About Screen Innovations
Screen Innovations (SI) is a leading manufacturer of projection screen technologies for residential and commercial applications. Delivering needed solutions, aesthetically pleasing designs and competitive price points, SI screens provide unparalleled ambient light rejection and video image reproduction.

A highly innovative, industry-specific Screen Innovations design and engineering team works tirelessly, constantly evolving the category in order to effectively bring projection to the mainstream. Operating under the principle that “No matter the budget; Screen Innovations has the best available screen solution to suit your needs,� SI aims to resolve the issues that have historically hamstrung the projection screen industry.

Handcrafted in the USA, each Screen Innovations product carries a lifetime replacement policy, and is produced utilizing advanced custom robotics and green manufacturing practices. Dedicated to corporate and consumer responsibility, every SI screen is manufactured in the most efficient manner possible.
For more information about Screen Innovations, visit: www.screeninnovations.com/. To download product images, logos and associated content, visit: http://www.screeninnovations.com/downloads/.

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Screen Innovations Media Contact:
Katye (McGregor) Bennett
KMB Communications
O. (425) 374-8930
C. (425) 328-8640
E. Katye@KMBComm.com

April 16, 2012 — NAB Show, Las Vegas, Booth SL5624: Digital Rapids – the trusted provider of innovative solutions and technology for bringing content to wider audiences — is showcasing practical, real-world examples of the exceptional efficiency and flexibility of the upcoming Digital Rapids Transcode Manager 2.0 automated, high-volume media processing software at the 2012 NAB Show.

Powered by the new Kayak workflow platform (please see separate press release), version 2.0 of Transcode Manager combines its long-standing hallmarks of superior output quality and format flexibility with intelligent, logic-driven workflow automation; dynamic, on-demand licensing and deployment; intuitive, visual workflow design tools; and a deep ecosystem of third-party technology partners. Demonstrations will highlight how these core capabilities and key new features address the opportunities and challenges faced by premium content providers today, from enabling advanced multi-platform publishing to solving efficiency bottlenecks in high-volume operations. more

Cameras and Monitors Will Help Support Upcoming Summer Events

LAS VEGAS, APRIL 16, 2012—Bexel (2012 NAB Show Booth C6833), a unit of the Vitec Group’s Services Division and a leading worldwide provider of broadcast services and solutions, has announced a multi-million-dollar commitment to Panasonic with the purchase of the company’s newest P2 AJ-HPX3100 cameras as well as HPM-200 P2 mobiles, 64GB P2 cards and hundreds of 17�, 15� and 9� monitors and peripheral gear. The purchase is part of Bexel’s ongoing efforts to support broadcasters during this summer’s larger sporting events, as well as other sports-related and reality television productions.

The new AJ-HPX3100 camcorder is a compact, lightweight 2/3-inch P2 HD shoulder-mount camcorder, ideal for scripted, documentary, nature, cinema and commercial programming production. Similar in size to the popular HPX370, it offers two P2 slots and records in multiple worldwide formats.

“This purchase of the Panasonic HD camera equipment is extremely timely, considering this new gear will immediately go into service in London,� says Tom Dickinson, chief technology officer, Bexel. “Our clients want a turnkey workflow for production, specifically sports coverage, which requires a fast turnaround. One of the reasons we added the HPX3100 to our inventory was that it has Wi-Fi built into it. This allows users the ability to stand next to the camera with a device such as a tablet and see the content on the camcorder. The user can select and highlight clips, significantly reducing turnaround time.� The gear will also be used by clients in need of equipment that can withstand the grueling production schedules of other televised productions, such as reality TV broadcasts.

“Video professionals know that Bexel is the go-to company for equipment needs because of their knowledge and expertise,� says Joseph Facchini, vice president of sales, Panasonic System Communications of North America. “We are delighted that Bexel has chosen Panasonic P2 HD cameras and master-quality recorders, as well as our production-tough monitors, to equip world broadcasters covering the games this summer.�

The master-quality HPX3100 offers new features, including 24-bit audio in AVC-Intra 100/50, wireless metadata input capability via wireless LAN and a high-quality proxy recording option. The HPX3100 is equipped with six advanced gamma settings, including Film-Rec 600% mode (made popular by the VariCam), film-like shutter controls and intuitive film camera-like operation. It also features a built-in reverse scan that allows unique setups such as mounting the camera upside down or usage of an ultra prime lens or an anamorphic lens adapter to create a 2.35:1 aspect image.

To compliment the new camcorders, Bexel has purchased nearly 200 monitors. The high-definition LCD monitors range in size from nine to 17 inches. Bexel has also added to its inventory a significant amount of peripheral equipment, including mobile HD recorders, E-Series readers and memory cards.

“Providing clients with what they need from soup to nuts is always a driving force behind Bexel’s purchases. This new equipment, combined with our existing HD inventory, provides our customers with some of the most up-to-date HD technology,� adds Dickinson. “It also helps them ease the stress of meeting demanding production deadlines.�

For more information, stop by Bexel Rentals (Booth C6833) and Bexel Professional Sales (Booth C9046) at the 2012 NAB Show or visit www.bexel.com.

About Bexel
Bexel is the pre-eminent worldwide provider of broadcast services including video and audio equipment rentals, fiber services, new audio sales, used equipment sales, and repairs/maintenance. Bexel provides brilliantly designed and flawlessly executed systems and solutions to all customers – including producers of the biggest and most important televised events in the world. For more information, visit http://www.bexel.com.

A Snapshot of The Vitec Group
Vitec is an international Group principally serving customers in the broadcast, photographic and military, aerospace and government (MAG) markets. Listed on the London Stock Exchange with 2011 revenue of £351 million, Vitec is based on strong, well known, premium brands on which its customers worldwide rely. Vitec is organized in three divisions: Imaging & Staging, Videocom and Services. Imaging & Staging designs, manufactures and distributes equipment and accessories for photography, video and events. Videocom designs and distributes systems and products used in broadcasting and live entertainment, film and video production and MAG. Services provides equipment rental, workflow design and technical support for camera, video, audio, fiber optic and wireless technology used by TV production teams and film crews. More information can be found at http://www.vitecgroup.com.

The Christie LX501 and Christie LX601i projectors debuted today at the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) show in Las Vegas. Both projectors are the first offerings of a new 3LCD product platform: The Christie LX501 is a 5000 lumen XGA (1024 x 768 resolution) projector with up to 3000:1 contrast ratio and is designed for small-to-medium sized venues in higher education, corporate environments and government agencies.

The professional-grade Christie LX601i XGA projector offers 6000 lumens and is suitable for similar venues requiring higher brightness. Designed to fill the needs of ProAV integrators and end users, the Christie LX601i includes features to simplify integration during setup and troubleshooting, as well as providing a quick and easy messaging display for users.
“This new platform introduces two new products that provide customers with solutions that address both budgetary and professional needs without compromising feature sets – with four additional widescreen options to follow soon,” said Frank Anzures, senior product manager, Business Products, Christie.
With this new 3LCD platform, Christie is also introducing a hybrid filter rated up to 20,000-hours with no moving parts – reducing the need to change filters frequently – and long-life lamps ranging from 3000 to 4000 hours in eco-mode (2500-3000 hours in standard mode); lowering the cost of ownership.
Both the Christie LX501 and Christie LX601i are rated for high altitude use up to 10,000 feet (3048 meters). “At higher elevations, 3LCD projectors typically can’t cool properly and run the risk of shutting down,” said Anzures. “However, with the altitude ratings for this projector line, customers in high altitude regions can have the confidence to choose either of these models.”
The new platform allows end users to monitor, control, and broadcast messages to the projectors in the network. “This functionality gives organizations the ability to send important information – such as emergency alerts – simultaneously to everyone in the network,” added Anzures.
As well as providing easier third-party integration with Crestron RoomView(r) and AMX Device Discovery, the Christie LX501 Christie LX601i also includes DICOM(r) (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) Simulation Mode for use in medical training environments.
Benefits of Christie LX501 and Christie LX601i 3LCD Projectors
* Filter rated up to 20,000 hours with no moving parts for easy maintenance.
* Select models on the platform feature an LCD display showing setup menus and diagnostics.
* Built-in security bar enables users to lock out select information or access to key functionality.
* High altitude rating up to 10,000 feet (3048 meters).
* Suite of optional lens – including enhanced standards lens with larger zoom ratio – with repeatable lens recall allows greater projection placement flexibility and multi-screen presentations.
* Environmentally friendly using only 0.4 watts in power saving mode.
* Closed Captioning for NTSC video signal support.
* Digital keystone functionality with 8-point geometry correction.
“The benefits of both the Christie LX501 and Christie LX601i are usually not offered in this category of products. With this new platform, Christie is introducing a benchmark platform with flexible ProAV capabilities and affordable choices for the fixed install marketplace,” Anzures concluded. “Christie is also looking forward to introducing widescreen projectors in this product line in the near future.”
Both the Christie LX501 and Christie LX601i ship in May 2012 with a three-year parts and labor warranty.

About Christie(r)
Christie Digital Systems USA, Inc. is a global visual technologies company and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ushio, Inc., Japan, (JP:6925). Consistently setting the standards by being the first to market some of the world’s most advanced projectors and complete system displays, Christie is recognized as one of the most innovative visual technology companies in the world. From retail displays to Hollywood, mission critical command centers to classrooms and training simulators, Christie display solutions and projectors capture the attention of audiences around the world with dynamic and stunning images. Visit www.christiedigital.com.

Christie® hosted a high frame rate (HFR) Summit yesterday at Christie’s worldwide center for engineering, research and development in Kitchener, Ontario, touring cinema-industry luminaries through its manufacturing facility and providing the first-ever laser projection of high frame rate cinema and alternative content on to a 30-foot white screen.

Recent Gordon E. Sawyer Academy Award winner Douglas Trumbull, Ian Bidgood, Technical Director, Park Road Post Production; Matt Cowan, Chief Scientific Officer, RealD; John Helliker and Bert Dunk, Directors at the Screen Industries Research and Training Centre and Demetri Portelli, Stereographer met with Christie engineering and product development staff for a vibrant information sharing session and discussion on high frame rates, laser projection, and the future of 3D and 4K projection.

“Our guests were very impressed with our demonstration of high-frame rate content using one of our prototype laser projectors,� said Don Shaw, senior director, Product Management, Christie Entertainment Solutions, “as well as the laser projector development roadmap we shared in these frank discussions.�

Big, Bright and Crystal Clear Will Spark Cinema Industry Renaissance
The consensus of the assembled industry experts was that the industry needs to differentiate itself from the plethora of varied viewing options, from tablets to home theaters and all manner of exhibitor setups, to raise itself out of its current malaise.

Doug Trumbull said “Spectacular movies delivered at high-frame rates, on to big and vividly bright screens, will enable the production and exhibition of amazingly immersive cinema experiences that will be far more powerful than any other medium.�

Echoing Mr. Trumbull’s sentiments, Ian Bidgood suggested that “…3D images must be awe-inspiring to bring back the crowds to theaters worldwide, and the higher brightness levels that are required to do justice to these images, along with higher frame rate material, will be delivered by Christie’s technology in the laser field, with new projector and cinema solutions for today and the future.�

Christie plans on incorporating laser projection technology into its cinema product line, business products line and visualization and simulation solutions where it benefits its customer base.

The Kitchener facility for projection, visualization/simulation, DLP Cinema and LED-based products and solutions is Registered to ISO14001 (Environmental Management System) and Registered to ISO9001 (Quality Management System).

Christie’s Commitment to HFR
The two main goals of Christie’s HFR activities are to help the industry develop the best HFR content and the best delivery system for HFR content. The first goal involves assisting leading-edge filmmakers and post-production companies in perfecting HFR movie creation, so the industry has the most engaging, entertaining content possible. The second goal is to assist exhibitors in showing these 3D HFR movies in all their glory. To these ends, Christie is helping create the standards for 3D HFR movies through formal and informal technology-development alliances with major producers and directors, post production facilities, studios and technology partners. On the exhibitor’s front, Christie provides one stop shopping for all the hardware, software and services that enable exhibitors to deliver a filmmaker’s vision in stunning 3D HFR quality.

LAS VEGAS, Nevada – At NAB this year, HARMAN’s Studer will show how efficiently it can control newsroom playout or production automation systems with its full range of broadcast consoles, demonstrating the expanded integration of the Ember protocol into Studer Vista consoles at booth C2619 in addition to the existing inclusion in Studer’s OnAir range of consoles.

The Ember protocol provides seamless integration of Studer Vista and OnAir series consoles with 3rd-party broadcast control systems & newsroom production automation systems. Such a workflow enables broadcasters to add and expand newscasting without adding overheads in newsroom operations, and improves workflow and newsgathering ability while retaining the ability to go to manual override for breaking news.

“Supporting the networking and routing needs of broadcasters is nothing new for us at Studer,” said Katy Templeman-Holmes, Marketing Manager for Studer in the USA. “Some of the world’s largest broadcasters have trusted Studer for over a decade to manage the integrity of their network operations with the Route 3000, Route 6000, Pro-Bel and now we will further support broadcasters’ needs with the integration of Ember.”

Ember is a control protocol implementation that allows many audio console settings to be controlled over TCP/IP, in addition to the Pro-Bel SW-P-08 protocol that is supported already. An additional bonus to broadcast is Ember’s ability to support multi-connection setups, making it an excellent choice for installations requiring redundancy.
Ember connectivity allows the external equipment to transfer signal labels, and to control input channel gains, solo, mutes, plus AUX send levels and mutes, along with N-X (mix-minus) bus levels and mutes. Master channel levels and mutes can also be addressed along with Group and Aux master channels.

EMBER control is available across the range of Studer consoles, including the new compact OnAir 1500 console, so it can be used from large-scale public broadcast situations to small local stations according to budget.

EMBER will be shown with the Vista 5 series of consoles on the HARMAN Studer booth C2619 at the NAB show, in addition to the showcase of Studer’s five other new products being launched at the show. The new Vista 1 Compact will also support EMBER, in turn presenting a robust all-in-one solution for broadcasters looking to cost-effectively consolidate their studio operations.

HARMAN (www.harman.com) designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and infotainment solutions for the automotive, consumer and professional markets – supported by 15 leading brands, including AKG, Harman Kardon, Infinity, JBL, Lexicon and Mark Levinson. The Company is admired by audiophiles across multiple generations and supports leading professional entertainers and the venues where they perform. More than 25 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. HARMAN has a workforce of about 13,000 people across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and reported net sales of $4.2 billion for twelve months ending December 31, 2011.

Cinema industry leaders including (left to right) Matt Cowan (RealD Inc), Doug Trumbull (Trumbull Ventures LLC), Ian Bidgood (Park Road), Bert Dunk (Screen Industries Research & Training Centre), Demetri Portelli (3D Stereography) and John Helliker (Screen Industries Research & Training Centre) frame Christie’s laser projector prototype at Christie’s Kitchener manufacturing plant. Following a demonstration of high frame rate (HFR) content projected by the laser unit, the industry luminaries shared information and opinions on high frame rates, laser projection, and the future of 3D and 4K projection at Christie’s one-day HFR Summit.