The Music Producers Guild’s efforts to establish an industry standard for embedding ISRC data within digital music files has received a significant boost with the announcement by MAGIX Software GmbH that it will incorporate EBU (European Broadcasting Union) Broadcast WAV files in the latest software upstate for its popular Sequoia Digital Audio Workstation.

André Standke, Product Manager Sequoia, MAGIX Software GmbH, says: “For years, Sequoia has been an integral part of leading broadcast and mastering studios worldwide. We focus our attention on delivering the best sound and tools by working closely with engineers and music producers including Sterling Sound in New York, Air Studios, Alchemy Mastering in London and many more.

“As optical media is gradually replaced by file and server based audio content, we will continue to support the changes to the mastering process with innovative developments such as EBU tech3352 and we are happy to announce this feature is now incorporated into Sequoia, our number one product on the market.”

From the MPG’s point of view, the importance of ISRC cannot be understated. ISRC, which stands for International Standard Recording Code, is uniquely allocated to every song recorded. These codes are then registered with royalty payment agencies, thus ensuring that recording artists and copyright holders are properly remunerated for their work when it is played on radio or TV.

In the past the ISRC information was included within sub data streams of a CD, but in today’s digital age, where music is often stored on digital WAV files, the ability to securely associate ISRC data with specific tracks has been lost. This is because the only common way to incorporate ISRC into a WAV file is via the file name – and if someone changes the file name or it is truncated or amended by a software program, the vital ISRC information can easily go missing.

To resolve this problem, the MPG’s Mastering Group has been working closely with the EBU to develop an industry-approved method for embedding ISRC data within a WAV file. Following discussions, it was agreed that the best solution was to use was the EBU’s existing Broadcast WAV File (BWF), a variant of the traditional WAV file that was developed for use by broadcasters. The EBU has now agreed to adopt the BWF as standard so that all-important ISRC data can be securely associated with specific tracks.

MPG Mastering Group board member and Alchemy Mastering Engineer Barry Grint, who is leading the BWF initiative, adds: “MAGIX’ decision to incorporate BWF into Sequoia is a significant step forward for the MPG’s initiative and we are delighted that the company has embraced BWF as the standard specification for file exchange. The new system is simple to implement and, once adopted, it will allow ISRC to flow through the whole production chain. We now hope that other DAW manufacturers will follow suit.�

Grint adds that ISRC is set to become the cornerstone of every aspect of digital asset management, from tracking and reporting through to royalty reporting and song identification.

“The entire music industry needs a robust and secure system for identifying tracks, and who had input into their creation, so that we can safeguard the incomes of all artists and copyright owners,� he says. “Ultimately, the adoption of BWF as standard will provide a cornerstone for the MPG’s Credit Where Credit is Due campaign, which aims to highlight the woeful lack of credit information within the digital domain. Our overall goal is to ensure that all music creators receive proper credit and proper payment for their work, and having an industry-standard technical solution that allows credit information to be included in the metadata is a major step forward in achieving this ambition.�

-ends-

For more information about Sequoia Digital Audio Workstations, please visit www.sequoia-audio.com.

About Music Producers Guild (UK):

The Music Producers Guild (UK) is an independent and democratic organisation that encourages the highest standards of music production, and actively engages with other music industry organisations to campaign and lobby on matters of important mutual interest.

The MPG represents and promotes the interests of all those involved in the production of recorded music, including producers, engineers, mixers, re-mixers, programmers and mastering engineers. www.mpg.org.uk

Christie®, a global leader in cinema projection, is pleased to present Paramount Pictures’ highly anticipated G.I. JOE: RETALIATION on March 28 at AMC Theatres’ (AMC) Burbank 16’s ETX theatre. Christie is joining forces with AMC using laser projection technology to project the 3D movie at brightness levels of 14 foot lamberts (ft-L) – a “first� in the world of commercial cinema projection – on a 65-foot wide screen. This technology test will last for a two-week period and will be the first time that the average moviegoer will be able to enjoy compelling, immersive 3D images delivered at 2D light levels.

Paramount, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures (MGM) and Skydance Productions, in association with Hasbro®, will release G.I. JOE: RETALIATION in digital 3D theaters across the U.S. and Canada beginning March 28.

“As a leader in innovation in the movie exhibition industry, AMC Theatres continues to push the envelope, looking for new ways to improve the movie-going experience for our guests,� said Dan Huerta, vice president, Digital Systems, AMC. “We are delighted to enlist a technology leader like Christie to provide a sneak peek at a major advance in movie-illumination levels that is on the horizon.�

Mark Christiansen, EVP of World Wide Operations for Paramount Pictures said, “We fully support the advancement of cutting edge technologies to further enhance the theatrical presentation for moviegoers. Laser projection provides incredible brightness, making each film look all the greater, but its impact on 3D is startling.�

Noted Dr. Don Shaw, senior director, Product Management, Christie Entertainment Solutions, “Audiences will be impressed with 3D shown at 14 foot-lamberts, which is much brighter than current technology produces on most screens. This test of our laser technology will demonstrate how spectacularly a moviemaker’s vision can be realized when shown at light levels normally only possible for 2D movies. Audiences who attend the AMC Burbank 16 during the laser demonstration will see a 50 percent increase in the typical contrast ratio for 3D on a crystal-clear 4K projector and we’re confident that the average moviegoer will relish this new level of immersive experience.�

Christie Laser-Projection Juggernaut Gaining Speed, Building on Previous Successes
Commenting on the laser projector test, Dr. Shaw said, “This is not the first time that Christie has employed laser technology to stretch the boundaries of digital cinema projection. Last year, Christie also showed select exhibitors in Asia how 72,000 Lumens could be achieved, in a demonstration of our prototype laser projector in Beijing.

“And at IBC 2012 Amsterdam this past September, I was pleased to preface the showing of Hugo 3D – the first CPG (Cameron Pace Group) certified movie – along with noted stereographers, Demetri Portelli and Corey Turner (‘Transformers: Dark of the Moon’), which was then projected using Christie’s laser-light projector prototype.�

Christie hosted its first laser projector demo for cinema industry luminaries including Douglas Trumbull, Gordon E. Sawyer Academy Award winner, at its High Frame Rate Summit held in its manufacturing and engineering headquarters in Kitchener, Ontario in April 2012.

Visit Shotoku at NAB Booth # C9032

Torrance, CA • Shotoku Broadcast Systems, a well-established leader in manual and robotic camera support, and virtual reality tracking, has announced plans to exhibit a mix of new and established products that target sports, studio, virtual reality, and field production applications at NAB 2013 in Booth C9032. The Company, known for technologically advanced and sturdy pan & tilt heads, will highlight its latest models, including a VR Tracking EFP head, and a new X-Y Tracking VR Dolly Crane System for Virtual Studios.

SX-300 Pan & Tilt Head
Shotoku’s ergonomically designed SX-300 is a robust state-of-the-art pan & tilt fluid head perfectly suited for field production, OB and studio use. The unit’s high capacity 38kg (83 lbs) payload and wide-balance capability supports a vast variety of cameras, lenses and accessories. The 300 head will accommodate flat base or 150mm ball. Operators can expect top class performance and reliability from the SX300’s VISCAM technology for smooth and adjustable pan & tilt drag with reinforced torque.

SG-900 Pan & Tilt Head
Shotoku’s SG-900 manual pan & tilt head offers vibration-free speed in an ergonomically designed sturdy package. Ideal for OB and studio production with Teleprompters or box type lenses, the SG900 supports 90 kg (198 lbs), and features single knob balance adjustment. The unit incorporates the VISCAM ultimate fluid drag system to control smooth pan & tilt movement and REULAUX perfect balance system for maintaining the camera’s center of gravity. The SG-900 is suitable for various pedestals including Shotoku’s TP-200 lightweight, 2-stage pneumatic pedestal and both the TP-80 and TP-90 studio models.

SX-300VR Virtual Tracking EFP Head
For VR studio applications, Shotoku’s new SX-300VR offers precise tracking and uncompromised operation. Drawing on decades of extensive VR experience, the ergonomic design features a robust, reliable platform for a wide range of camera and lens configurations. The SX-300VR provides high-accuracy, real-time data output with absolutely no loss in manual performance. Like all Shotoku VR systems, the unit combines with the Serial Position Interface (SPI) for frame-synchronized high-resolution data tracking, compatible with all leading VR graphics systems. The VISCAM Fluid-Leaf Drag System supplies smooth continuously adjustable pan & tilt drag with enhanced torque and unparalleled levels of operator control. Capable of supporting payloads up to 38kg (83 lbs.) and available in 4-Bolt, M70 Mitchell, or 150m-ball mount, the SX300VR is an extremely flexible option for a range of studio configurations. The head may be simply mounted on a tripod, or for real-time full 3D tracking, one of Shotoku’s VR pedestals such as the TP-90.

TK-53LVRII / TK-53VRII VR Dolly Crane Systems for Virtual Studio
Shotoku, the world’s only manufacturer of a X-Y tracking base for virtual reality cranes, will present its leading model VR crane to the American market for the first time at NAB 2013.

A unique set of VR features coupled with a sturdy twin arm structure provides vibration-free, high performance with a single operator. The VR Dolly Crane System allows any studio to be easily transformed into a virtual environment without the need for targets on the ceiling, floors, or walls, or infrared sensors. Reliable, accurate and immediate VR data, including pan/tilt, zoom, focus and X/Y camera date is sent to the graphic computer via RS422 cable. A Pan Bar control unit maximizes optimal pan & tilt operation.
The TK-53VRII also features Shotoku’s unique SPi-Touch 2 point calibration system for quick set-up.

Click on harriet@desertmooncomm.com to schedule an NAB booth visit with Shotoku!

About Shotoku Broadcast Systems
Shotoku Broadcast Systems is an international leader in the manufacture and marketing of a full range of camera support products with emphasis on manual and robotic pedestals and pan/tilt heads for the television broadcast industry. The Company also provides robotic camera systems capable of interfacing with third-party equipment. Established as an engineering design firm specializing in advanced mechanics and electronic control systems, Shotoku maintains headquarters in Japan with offices in Staines, UK and Torrance, CA. The Company’s robotic camera systems are designed, developed and manufactured in Staines, UK. For further information: www.Shotoku.tv
# # #
Shotoku contact: James Eddershaw
+44 (0) 1784 224650 / info@shotoku.co.uk

Press contact: Desert Moon Communications / Harriet Diener
+1-845-512-8283 / Harriet@DesertMoonComm.com

LOS ANGELES, MARCH 21, 2013 – Pacific Television Center (PacTV), a Los Angeles-based independent global transmission and production company, recently equipped its mobile microwave truck with a Vislink wireless camera system, providing its clients with instantaneous live video from the various red carpets during the 2013 awards season. The Canadian Broadcasting Channel (CBC) and Channel 7 Australia were among the broadcasters that used the PacTV service to transmit live red-carpet interviews during the major U.S. film awards that took place in Los Angeles last month.
“What’s nice about using the Vislink wireless camera system with our ENG truck is that it increases our geographical coverage and allows us to perform a single encode throughout our network,” says George Lopez, vice president of operations, PacTV. “Even if a client covering the red carpet action doesn’t have cabling access to our truck, the new camera system allows them to shoot wirelessly and send an ASI feed to Canada, Australia, the Asia-Pacific region or anywhere else. We are excited to offer our clients this upgrade in service.”
The dual band Vislink L1500 is a 5.8-/6.4-Ghz wireless camera system that provides SD/HD with MPEG-2 encoding and offers ultra-low latency with selectable DVB-T and LMS-T digital modulation. PacTV has successfully tested and used the transmitter to reach distances, more than a quarter mile without a drop in signal. A crew can certainly be confident that they will achieve a wireless connection to PacTV’s mobile microwave truck.
“We were thrilled to have PacTV utilize the Vislink system for its awards season coverage,” says Kevin Dennis, regional sales manager, Vislink. “The combination of the diversity receive system and untethered wireless camera operation provided the team with the reliability it needed to capture live events as they unfolded, without interference. By combining the technical strengths of PacTV and Vislink, both companies have been able to come together to offer quality services to clients.”

RelampIt continues to be committed to environmental, social and economic responsibility. They are especially focused on preserving local resources, as Long Island offers a very unique ecology; one of the many reasons why Long Islanders choose to live and work in a place where the high cost of living can be a significant challenge. On March 12, 2013, RelampIt sponsored an awards breakfast hosted by the Seatuck Sustainability Business Council.

The Seatuck Sustainability Business Council’s mission is to provide a forum for Long Island businesses to collaborate and promote best practices in sustainability. This awards breakfast highlighted a local business whose commitment to sustainability is both cutting edge and deep rooted in the company culture and which can be a model for other Long Island businesses. CA Technologies (Computer Associates) was honored with this year’s Seatuck Sustainability Business Council Leadership Award.

In addition to the award presentation, there was a panel discussion about the “Who, What and Why of Sustainability in Business� with expert panelists from well known local companies: North Shore LIJ Health Systems, TD Bank and The Estee Lauder Companies. RelampIt’s Gina Sansivero was present at the event, where RelampIt set-up a tabletop exhibit of products and services. She believes, “this is a perfect venue for RelampIt to showcase our services to the local community. It is a group of like-minded professionals from a variety of industries who share a passion about conservation and responsible business practices.�

RelampIt provides re-lamping services for the projection display industry. RelampIt has developed a process that allows projection lamps to be reclaimed and re-newed at a reduced cost without compromising lifetime or performance. RelampIt also offers a no charge projector lamp recycling service. The RelampIt Projector Lamp Recycling Center focuses on reducing waste and environmental contamination from the lamps found in projectors. For more information about relamping and recycling or to become a RelampIt dealer, call 1(631)244-0051, email gms@relampit.com or visit our website at www.relampit.com.
For more information about Seatuck, please visit www.seatuck.org

Haivision’s Makito X2 delivers extreme quality to reduce bandwidth needs by as much as 50 percent and provides the highest HD encoding density available for live streaming

MONTREAL and CHICAGO — March 21, 2013 — Haivision today announced the general availability of Makito™ X2, the company’s next generation, dual channel, low-latency HD-SDI H.264 encoder. The Makito X2 is the first Haivision product to incorporate the company’s Makito X Series technology, delivering higher quality video to meet HD streaming challenges at a significantly reduced bitrate. The Makito X2 also achieves the highest 1080p60 H.264 encoding density supporting up to 12 sources in a single rack unit chassis.

The Makito X2 carries forward the extreme performance of the original Makito with 55 millisecond encoding latency. Tailored for the most demanding enterprise, medical, and military applications, the Makito X2 also supports multi-bitrate (MBR) streaming and can output 4 different stream bitrate profiles per source (from 32 kbps to 25 Mbps) over MPEG transport stream or RTMP. Other advanced and mature features, many inherited from the Makito, include downscaling, de-interlacing, deblocking, forward error correction, encryption, closed captioning, and key length value (KLV) metadata for full motion video (FMV) applications.

“In order to address today’s video workflows within the enterprise and across the Internet, system designers look for bandwidth efficiency,� said Mirko Wicha, president, and CEO of Haivision. “Not only does the Makito X2 yield the same quality at half the bandwidth, it couples this with remarkable density, performance, and features so our clients can address mission critical applications.�

Haivision’s low latency encoder is ideal for virtually any streaming challenge, including video backhaul, interactive applications, HIPAA compliant streaming in healthcare, delivering critical video feeds to financial traders and general purpose campus IPTV. The Makito X2 can also support enterprise head-end projects such as delivering HD channels throughout a facility over secure, encrypted multicast video using Haivision’s Furnace to centrally manage set top boxes and performance multiview players for broadcast monitoring. Supporting multi-bitrate streaming and a variety of stream encapsulations, the Makito X2 delivers high quality video to decision makers, collaborators, and casual users regardless of location, network, or device.

Haivision will demonstrate the Makito X2 at the NAB Show in Las Vegas on April 8-11 at booth SL6605.

More information about Haivision is available at www.haivision.com.

About Haivision
Haivision delivers advanced technology for streaming, recording, managing, and distributing secure IP video and interactive media within the enterprise, education, medical/healthcare, and federal/military markets. Haivision is a private company based in Montreal and Chicago, with technical excellence centers in Beaverton, Ore.; Austin, Texas; Atlanta, Ga.; and Hamburg, Germany. With a global sales and support organization, Haivision distributes its products through value-added resellers, system integrators, distributors, and OEMs worldwide. More information is available at www.haivision.com.

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

Twitter: www.twitter.com/haivision
Facebook: www.facebook.com/haivision
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/haivision

For further information, please contact:
Jennifer Gazin, PR and Communications Manager
Tel: +1 (514) 334-5445
Email: jgazin@haivision.com
Website: www.haivision.com

WAYNE, NJ – JVC Professional Products Company, a division of JVC Americas Corp., will introduce a variety of new products, reveal major broadcast industry sales, and unveil an upgraded version of its handheld mobile news camera, the GY-HM650, at the 2013 NAB Show (Booth C4314), which runs April 8-11 in Las Vegas, Nev.

When equipped with a Verizon 4G LTE modem connected to the back of the camera via USB, the GY-HM650 2.0 upgrade leverages the camera’s unique dual codec technology to stream live video transmissions in the background while shooters continue to record footage. The camera already records HD or SD footage in multiple file formats – including native XDCAM EX™ (.MP4), Final Cut Pro™ (.MOV), and AVCHD – and is capable of uploading recorded clips to an FTP server.

“Attendees were very impressed with our built-in file transfer technology when we debuted the GY-HM650 at the NAB Show last year, but that just scratched the surface of what this camera can do,� said Dave Walton, JVC assistant vice president of marketing and communications. “We have added direct support for 4G LTE modems and leveraged our unique dual codec technology to generate live TV streams. Now, you can continue to record footage while you transmit video back to your broadcast facility in real time. It all happens in the camera with a small Verizon modem attached, so there’s no backpack or other add-ons required.�

Customers who currently own GY-HM650s will be able add the new features at no charge with a firmware upgrade.

Also at NAB, JVC will premiere its new GY-HM70U ProHD camcorder. With an MSRP of $1,995, the GY-HM70 will appeal to event/wedding videographers and educational users who want a full-sized, shoulder-mount camcorder but have limited budgets. Built around a 1/2.3-inch 12 megapixel CMOS imager and JVC’s advanced FALCONBRID high-speed processor, the camera records 1080/60p, 1080/60i, and 480/60i (SD) footage in the AVCHD Progressive format to dual SDHC/SDXC memory cards.

Priced for the entry-level professional video market, the GY-HM70 offers a number of innovative features, including JVC’s unique, hot swappable dual battery system, which allows for hours of continuous, uninterrupted shooting. It also includes a high quality 29.5mm wide-angle GT lens that offers smooth 16x dynamic zoom performance, as well as an optical image stabilizer, auto focus, focus assist, and manual focus, iris, and shutter controls.

JVC’s new PS-840UD Professional Series ProVérité 4K 84-inch LCD monitor will make its NAB debut as well. Designed for commercial installations requiring high quality on-screen images at an affordable price, it has a native screen resolution of 3840×2160, four times the resolution of HD, with 120Hz refresh rate and 10 bit color depth. The monitor is scheduled to ship in June with a suggested list price of $14,000.

JVC will also introduce a new portable/studio monitor, the DT-F9L5U. Ideal as a camera viewfinder or field production monitor, it features an 8.2-inch IPS panel with 1280×800 pixel array and mercury-free white LED backlight, plus a variety of inputs for current and legacy equipment. Also on display, JVC’s new GM-552D is a high contrast, full HD 55-inch monitor designed for 24/7 continuous operation in broadcast facilities and other applications.

Traditionally, JVC provides one of the NAB Show’s larger booths. Located in the Central Hall, this year’s exhibit will include a presentation area (with seating) to showcase the GY-HM650 2.0. An expansive camera demonstration area will provide hands-on access to GY-HM600 and GY-HM650 ENG cameras, as well as GY-HM790 ProHD cameras in full studio configurations. Another section of the demonstration area will be dedicated to economical camera options, including the GY-HM70 and GY-HM150 models. The booth will also feature JVC’s extensive professional monitor product lines, as well as an area dedicated to JVC’s professional Blu-ray recorders.

ABOUT JVC PROFESSIONAL PRODUCTS COMPANY

Headquartered in Wayne, New Jersey, JVC Professional Products Company is a division of JVC Americas Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of JVC KENWOOD Corporation. JVC is a leading manufacturer and distributor of broadcast and professional video and audio equipment. For further product information, visit JVC’s Web site at http://pro.jvc.com or call (800) 582-5825.

Bringing the IP future of Broadcast News into focus

The creation, distribution and on-air display of broadcast graphics are perhaps the most complex, labor and time intensive parts of the news production process. That’s why it’s important for news department staff to work collaboratively and in many cases simultaneously to get the story out before the competition does.

The key is a fully networked operation that leverages the benefits of the Internet Protocol (IP) to send files in a highly deterministic and reliable way. An IP infrastructure also costs less to deploy and often necessitates less manpower to do so.

After extensive field research and invaluable customer feedback, Vizrt has now embarked on a new product roadmap for its next-generation Viz Engine—the core of its real-time compositing technology—that takes into account all of the advantages of IP while conserving spacing and processing capacity. If new producers want to get the story first, and with the most comprehensive graphics support, they have to move to a workflow that requires the least amount of effort and the most flexibility. Vizrt will display this technology at NAB 2013 in Las Vegas.

Petter Ole Jakobsen, Vizrt’s Chief Technology Officer, said that the industry needs to migrate to a platform that can do more with the same resources. IP is the most enabling part of the puzzle.

Yet Jakobsen has even bigger ideas for IP across the product line. The IP-based Viz Engine requires only a network connection and IP input/output. He envisions a day when IP triggers are used to control a media server to play out a rundown of stories, complete with complex transitions, without the need or a traditional production switcher. Vizrt’s timeline editor application is used to place desired graphics and video clips on a timeline. Users then drag the video and graphics elements that are built as MOS objects over to the playlist in Viz Trio—all from within such popular newsroom computer systems.

This process saves significant time and manpower while getting the story to air faster. And using this strategy often times results in less on-air technical errors. For news stations, it’s a veritable win-win all the way around. And since this dedicated server easily fits as a component within a facility’s existing IP-based workflow, there’s no need to interface the unit with the station’s routers, SDI cabling, or other SDI infrastructure. The IP-based Viz Engine can also work in a hybrid mode, SDI in and IP stream out, providing simultaneous output to air as well as to online and mobile environments. The time saving combined with a look that, until now, has not been available for IP productions is thus a fact.

“The idea is to save cost while bringing the reporter and producer closer to their final story, that way the story is conveyed in the most comprehensive way,� Jakobsen said. “We are looking at ways to make our software tools very easy to use and very task-specific so that teams of people can be as efficient as possible.�

Indeed, Vizrt’s IP strategy also allows reporters to edit clips on-site and transfer them back to the station using any IP-enabled transmission device. That could be an expensive mobile production truck or a handheld cell phone. It also supports the tight integration of third-party products alongside the wide array of Vizrt production tools — such as a new Adobe integrations with Viz Media Engine and Viz World as well as the Viz Trio character generator (CG) and Viz Content Pilot. Again, this saves time and resources and gets news to air faster.

Yet the strategy is more than just about speed.

The IP-based Viz Engine handles streaming media and audio and video clips while compositing the graphics in real-time into an IP stream. The IP-based Viz Engine and the Viz Media Engine media asset management (MAM) solution represents a complete, end-to-end solution that allows broadcasters to manage all of their content—from ingest to distribution. This workflow enables them to increase speed and volume, and adapt content for delivery to multiple platforms.

Harnessing the full power of IP, journalists and producers of live newscasts can search for and access Vizrt graphic templates and media content from Viz Content Pilot that open up within a newsroom computer system. Graphics templates are created using the Viz Artist 3D design software and transferred as files across an IP network. Journalists access the Viz Content Pilot template interface from within the newsroom computer system, and then use Viz Media Engine to retrieve the content they want from a Vizrt or third-party media asset management system.

It’s clear that today broadcasters have to work smarter and faster in order to support all of the various distribution platforms (TV, Internet, Mobile video) that are now used to consume news content. Vizrt is determined to help its broadcast news customers leverage the benefits of IP and all of the cost efficiencies and flexibility it brings.

With this capability, the news team can create an unlimited number of graphics where the selected video clips play in pre-designed graphics templates, and streamline production in the process. The maturity of IP technology components and a change in attitude towards video as an IP file has helped broadcasters see what their future in a whole new light. Vizrt’s Jakobsen said the emergence of IP is an evolution that is a long time coming.

It will also be possible to use the systems to produce any number of different graphics (based on any parameter – geography, time of day, weather etc) – which again opens up the door for regionalized sponsorships/commercials allowing for a easily accessible new revenue stream for customers.

“I think the industry has reached a point where it does not deny the benefits of an IP infrastructure anymore and is looking for ways to implement it with the least amount of effort,� he said. “At Vizrt, we’re focused on making deployments easy, fault tolerant and future proof. We really believe that our engineers are working on the IP future of broadcast news today.�

Vizrt will display the IP-based Viz Engine and the Viz Media Engine at NAB 2013, booth SL3305.

About Vizrt:

Vizrt provides real-time 3D graphics and asset management tools for the broadcast industry – from award-winning animations & maps to online publishing tools. Vizrt’s products are used by the world’s leading broadcasters and publishing houses, including: CNN, CBS, Fox, the BBC, BSkyB, ITN, ZDF, Star TV, Network 18, TV Today, CCTV, NHK, The Globe and Mail, Times Online, The Telegraph, and Welt Online. Furthermore, many world-class production houses and corporate institutions such as the Stock Exchanges in New York and London use Vizrt systems.

Vizrt is a public company traded on the Oslo Main List: VIZ, ISIN: IL0010838154. For further information please refer to www.vizrt.com

Martin Burkhalter / CEO / +41 22 365 75 01 / MBurkhalter@vizrt.com

Tomer Wald / CFO / +47 5351 8040 / TWald@vizrt.com

HÃ¥vard Myklebust / EVP Products & Marketing / +4791845602 / HMyklebust@vizrt.com

New East Coast Location, U.S. Team Supports Company’s Commitment to U.S. Market

LANCASTER, PA, MARCH 20, 2013 — As part of its expansion into the U.S. market, RTW, a leading vendor of visual audio meters and monitoring devices for professional broadcast, production, post production and quality control, is proud to announce today the opening of its new facility in the United States. RTW’s U.S. branch, RTW International, Corp., is officially open for business in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The new office is the first U.S. location launched by the Cologne, Germany-based RTW, offering further proof of the company’s continued dedication to supporting its customers and dealer networks in the U.S.

You’ve got to trust your meters. A user needs to trust in the device he is using for measuring and, therefore, trust its manufacturer. RTW has been a reliable source of innovative audio measurement tools for more than 45 years, bringing its pedigree of precise German engineering to each of its innovative solutions. Along with the company’s ground-breaking products comes a commitment to service. RTW has a longstanding reputation of working with its customers to ensure their experience with RTW products is a positive one.

Over the years, countless audio engineers and mixers have relied on RTW products to meet critical audio standards all over the world. With the advent of the CALM Act, RTW has recognized a clear need in the U.S. marketplace for its loudness metering tools and has now, based on that need, planned to further expand its operations and customer reach in the United States. RTW prides itself on providing the best customer service it possibly can and recognizes the importance of location to its customers, which is why the company has opened its Lancaster, Pennsylvania office.

The new U.S. office will house all customer service, repair and final product assembly activities for U.S.-based RTW customers, further reducing product delivery lead times. To lead the office, RTW has hired Christopher Spahr to be its new U.S. Director of Sales and Operations. In this new role, Spahr will oversee all brand, sales and market development in the United States. In addition, Werner Haase, from the RTW development team in Cologne, will join Spahr in Lancaster, overseeing product service and final assembly.

To view a video interview with Christopher Spahr, please visit RTW’s YouTube channel via the following link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMD8SY5_1UM&feature=youtu.be

“Our U.S. customers are very important to us,� says Andreas Tweitmann, CEO, RTW. “The goal for the new production facility in Lancaster is to focus our efforts on the U.S. market. Not only does this help us support our growing network of dealers, led by Group One, but ultimately, it benefits our end users, as we will be able to provide them with the best services and availability of products possible. With Christopher heading up RTW’s U.S. team, we will be able to stay in close contact with all of the dealers in this network, helping them to understand and anticipate current and future needs of the North American market so that we can produce devices specifically for U.S. needs.�

Guided by its thorough research, knowledge and commitment to quality, RTW has produced a range of products for the professional audio community that are reliable, easy-to-use and compatible with a variety of leading audio equipment available in today’s marketplace. Over the last few years, it has significantly expanded its product offerings with the successful TouchMonitor series of audio meters. Its award-winning TouchMonitors, the TM7 and TM9, debuted in 2010; since then, RTW has introduced updated versions of those products, as well as the latest additions to this family including the TMR7 for radio stations, and the TM3, which is the entry-level device of the TouchMonitor series.

The unique operating concept behind the TouchMonitor family is based on a 16:9 touch-sensitive screen, allowing a user to simply swipe a finger to interact with the graphical user interface. It offers not only a built-in online help function, but also allows for monitoring separate signal groups using multiple instruments at the same time.

All TouchMonitor meters are built from a state-of-the-art hardware platform. Depending on the user’s preferences, he can choose a device with analogue or digital connectors, or both, including 3G. In addition to the standard versions featuring desktop enclosures, external power supplies and an integrated stand, RTW also offers OEM versions that can be integrated into mixing-console surfaces.

The modular software concept of the TM7 and TM9 provides excellent value for money. Based on a user’s specific needs, he can purchase only those features that are necessary. Some of these options include Loudness meters, the Surround Sound Analyzer and VU meters (the addition of other available instruments that a user may be interested in, is always possible). The user can then individualize his view on the display to see only those instruments he needs in the size and arrangement he prefers. Both in terms of measuring devices and view, the TM7 and TM9 are entirely customizable.

The success of the TouchMonitor series has broadened RTW’s market reach, providing connectivity solutions to numerous professional markets. Now with a stronger presence in the United States, RTW plans to further that reach, supporting the professional audio community with its stellar German engineering, expertise and customer service.

ABOUT RTW
For more than 45 years, Cologne-based RTW has accompanied the steady technological progress in the professional audio industry with innovative instruments and technologies for visual audio monitoring in broadcast, production, post production and quality control. Its state-of-the-art audio and loudness metering systems have an excellent reputation throughout the world. With groundbreaking products such as the Surround Sound Analyzer, the company has been a key vendor of professional broadcast and audio metering equipment for decades.

RTW’s ranges of products currently includes the SurroundControl series for monitoring, controlling and routing stereo, multichannel and surround audio and the TouchMonitor range, which truly marks a paradigm shift in visual audio monitoring and loudness metering. Combining maximum flexibility and modularity with an intuitive touch-enabled surface and multichannel signal analysis, the TM7 and TM9 units are the essence of many years of experience. The attractively priced TouchMonitor TM3 entry-level system opens new markets, targeting applications such as journalist cubicles, edit suites and small control rooms.

For more information on RTW, visit www.rtw.de, www.facebook.com/rtw.de or call +49 221 709130.

WorldStage, the new brand for Scharff Weisberg and Video Applications, Inc., has acquired Riedel Communications’ Artist 64 Digital Matrix Intercom system.

“It was time to move to a digital intercom so we chose Riedel, which is an industry standard and recognized as one of the best digital intercom systems available,” says WorldStage engineer Geof Gibson. “Riedel intercoms were used on the Olympics in London and Beijing.”

The Riedel Artist line is a true network infrastructure based on highly-modular matrix mainframes. Individual Artist matrix mainframes can be equipped exactly as needed; not only the mainframes are modular and expandable but also the system’s distributed architecture. The scalability and expandability of the Artist make it a secure long-term investment.

The Artist 64 has a maximum matrix size of 1024×1024 and a maximum of 64 ports per frame. It features hot swap of all modules, redundant power supplies and redundant node controller.

Digital matrix intercoms offer numerous advantages, including high-quality audio; increased flexibility, functionality and reliability; and nearly infinite scalability. In addition, digital matrix intercoms have the ability to interface with a wide array of both digital and analog industry-standard intercom systems.

“The Artist 64 gives us superior audio quality and has incredible flexibility today and moving forward,” Gibson notes. “We have already used our new system for Mercedes at the Detroit International Auto Show and at the Intel Sales Management Conference in Las Vegas.”

WorldStage Inc., the company created by the merger of Scharff Weisberg Inc and Video Applications Inc, continues a thirty-year legacy of providing clients the widest variety of entertainment technology coupled with conscientious and imaginative engineering services. WorldStage provides audio, video and lighting equipment and services to the event, theatrical, broadcast and brand experience markets nationally and internationally.