WOODBURY, New York – At NAB 2013, Hitachi Kokusai Electric America will introduce the Z-HD6000 CMOS HDTV studio camera, featuring a new 2/3-inch CMOS camera processor at the 2013 NAB show taking place April 6-11 in the Las Vegas Convention Center. Hitachi Kokusai Electric America will exhibit in booth C4309.

With its 2.6 million pixel, 2/3-inch, 1920×1080 raster MOS RGB sensors, the new Z-HD6000 raises the bar on picture quality. The new Z-HD6000 improves operational and cost efficiency within studio environments because its camera head provides extra power, communication channels, and other built-in features not typically found in cameras of its class.

“We’ve designed the Z-HD6000 camera with integrated features that enhance the studio production workflow, while saving our customers money,� said Sean Moran, vice president of Sales, Broadcast & Professional Division at Hitachi Kokusai Electric America. “By incorporating useful operational features in the camera system, we’ve eliminated the need for external hardware and extra wiring; making our system simpler to use, integrate, and deploy.�

Access to power

Having built-in access points for extra power means that studio personnel can run a teleprompter in addition to a floor or studio monitor from the camera head without the need for external power sources. Joe Tymecki, chief technical officer of Vermont Public Television, owns four Hitachi SK-HD1000 digital HDTV studio cameras, which also have this feature. “Because the camera head provides a high amount of power for the teleprompter, it made integrating our system a lot easier,� said Tymecki. “It saved us the expense of the extra integration time and of having to acquire external power.�

Better communication

With built-in access to multiple communication channels, the Z-HD6000 also provides: two IFB channels for listen only, two aux feeds that can send video to the operator, two video feeds that can go to talent and studio monitors, a second intercom channel for the floor manager or spotter, and a tally viewable in the talent prompter, among other features. “Occasionally we need a floor director or additional production talent who do not have access to wireless headsets,� Tymecki explained. “It’s nice when these extra production people can just plug into a camera head in the studio without impacting the camera operators.�

The Hitachi Z-HD6000 also offers new features and functions including: ‘no vertical smear’, F12 standard sensitivity with over 60dB of signal-to-noise ratio, and an RLAC real-time lens aberration correction function. However, the Z-HD6000 also retains all the popular features and functionality inherent in the existing Hitachi HDTV camera line, such as: fiber or digital triax cable operation, external auto-setup, advanced color correction, and improved skin tone detail.

At the 2013 NAB Show, Hitachi will also exhibit the new SK-HD2200 full body HD production camera, featuring new 2/3-inch, 1080/60p progressively scanned Ultra-Advanced UAIT-CCDs; as well as the Hitachi SK-HD1200 native 1080/60p studio/EFP camera; SK-HD1000 dockable studio/field camera; Z-HD5000 HDTV studio/field camera; and DK-Z50 multi-purpose HDTV camera.

About Hitachi, Ltd.

Hitachi, Ltd., (NYSE: HIT / TSE: 6501), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a leading global electronics company with approximately 360,000 employees worldwide. Fiscal 2009 (ended March 31, 2010) consolidated revenues totaled 8,968 billion yen ($96.4 billion). Hitachi will focus more than ever on the Social Innovation Business, which includes information and telecommunication systems, power systems, environmental, industrial and transportation systems, and social and urban systems, as well as the sophisticated materials and key devices that support them. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company’s website at http://www.hitachi.com.

Martyn ‘Ferrit’ Rowe with sound engineers at Max Production

Following the recent purchase of an MLA Compact 24, both Martin Audio Regional Application Support Engineer Chris Pyne and Technical Training Manager Martyn (Ferrit) Rowe arrived at Max Production’s HQ in Sha Tin district to carry out the intensive three day training course afforded all Martin Audio MLA network partners.

The course was conducted by Ferrit and attended by ten of Max Production’s senior and junior staff as well as technicians and an interpreter from Budee, the MLA territorial distributor.

Chris Pyne, who conducted the introduction and initiation course, explained the content of the workshop. “The formal class room audio theory and system functions plus software and venue design studies take place over two days. The third day is dedicated to system rigging and safety, with system optimizations, listening tests and problem solving. We also do a sub bass array and system design class.�

He confirms that he will be returning in March to support Max Production with a major concert at the Asia World Arena utilizing the company’s entire MLA and MLA Compact inventory.

Summing up, Pine adds, “It was an enjoyable experience, with the Max management clearly pleased and excited by owning the first MLA system in Hong Kong. South-east Asia is proving a very strong growth area for both MLA and MLA Compact.�

Photo caption: Martyn ‘Ferrit’ Rowe with sound engineers at Max Production

For more about Martin Audio, please click to www.martin-audio.com.

About MLAâ„¢ (Multi-cellular Loudspeaker Array)
The result of many years of intensive R&D, MLA’s methodology replaces trial-and-error array design with intelligent numerical optimization of the array’s output based on a highly accurate acoustic model. The multi-cellular format has six individual cells in each enclosure, each with its own DSP and amplification.

With up to 24 enclosures, each MLA array has up to 144 cells — too great a number to optimize manually, or by ear. Instead, Martin Audio’s proprietary Display2â„¢ system design software automatically calculates FIR DSP filters for each cell and a redundant-ring audio network (U-NETâ„¢) downloads the settings into each array enclosure. Martin Audio’s VU-NETâ„¢ software provides real-time control and monitoring of the system.

MLA delivers a frequency response and SPL consistency never before achievable; a very high system output (140dB peak, per cabinet @1m); Automatic optimization of the array, both physically (splay angles) and electronically (DSP); Computer control and monitoring of the entire system, and total control of sound system balance for engineers and sound technicians.

MLA is fully integrated, with Class D amplification, DSP and U-NET digital audio
network built into each enclosure. MLA complete systems are ready-to-use, with MLA, MLD and MLX enclosures, flying hardware, software, cabling and training all supplied. Everything needed is included. All ancillary items — from tablet PC and Merlin™ controller to network interconnects and mains distro — are also included in the complete system package. This ensures full compatibility worldwide, down to cabling and accessories.

Additional features include 90° x 7.5° dispersion; a compact size (1136mm wide x 372mm high x 675mm deep), one-box-fits-all (festivals to theaters) application range and a global voltage, power factor corrected power supply.

MLA’s compact size and very high output allows it to be shipped using smaller trucks, offering considerable savings and reduced carbon footprint. The system also includes the MLX powered, flyable subwoofer capable of an unprecedented measured peak output of 150dB @ 1m; MLD downfill cabinet, and Merlin 4-in/10-out system controller and network hub. Audio input is via analog, AES3 or U-NET.

By adopting these principles and system components MLA is optimized for every member of the audience — from a 2,000 capacity theater, to a 20,000-seat arena, to a 100,000-person festival site. It will deliver the engineer’s exact mix to every seat (up to over 150 meters) with precision, exceptional power and clarity.

About Martin Audio®
Founded by audio engineer David Martin in 1971, Martin Audio pioneered the use of all-horn-loaded bass designs in world-class touring loudspeaker systems for groups such as Pink Floyd, ELP and Supertramp. Located outside of London, Martin Audio now embodies a sophisticated mix of acoustic design, research, mathematical modeling and software engineering for a wide range of products in the installation, cinema and touring sound markets.

Sydney, Australia – Fairlight, a leading force in digital audio technologies, is proud to announce that France Télévisions has chosen Fairlight’s Audio Post Production system EVO to upgrade 25 of their regional studios. Recent changes to France Télévisions production and distribution of regional news and programs required a complete workflow solution seamlessly integrating audio post in a news production environment.

Following a detailed technical and operational evaluation process as part of a European Union tender, Fairlight EVO was chosen by a France Télévisions expert review panel out of many international suppliers as the preferred audio post solution. Fairlight EVO’s superior tactile control surface, the high speed processing power of its CC-1 Media Engine and the customization opportunity of the new iCan technology was recognized by France Télévisions to deliver faster and higher throughput. The expertise to handle complex workflows through innovative management tools such as TTWASS (Total Tapeless Automation System Suite) together with strong service support from Broadcast Architech, Fairlight’s distribution partner in France, supported the decision to partner with Fairlight.

Jean-Claude Kathriner, CEO of Fairlight says “We are delighted that France Télévisions is joining the increasing number of broadcasters around the world selecting Fairlight technology for their audio post production requirements. We are looking forward to working closely with France Télévisions and Broadcast Architech to ensure smooth implementation of the systems.� Installation of the first regional studios is scheduled for January 2013.

About Fairlight:
Fairlight is a Sydney-Australia based leading manufacturer of professional video and audio recording, editing and mixing systems offering desktop, console and mouse based environments. Fairlight is at the forefront of audio IP, having received numerous Scientific and Technical Academy Awards. Pioneering 3D sound development and customized control surfaces acknowledged by industry leaders as being the fastest and most ergonomic available. www.fairlight.com.au

Broadcast Architech is based in Paris-France and the exclusive distributor of Fairlight products in France, Belgium and Luxembourg. www.broadcast-architech.com

Fairfield, NJ–– With its latest firmware update, all models in Middle Atlantic Products’ suite of RackLink™ Power Management products now fully support InfoComm’s recently published Energy Management Standard. RackLink products provide integrators and facility managers with the necessary features and functionality to implement the standard. These include the monitoring and logging of power consumption, room occupancy and outlet state, as well as individual control of connected devices.

The standard, which provides a guideline for efficient energy management of AV systems through the control, monitoring, and conservation of electric power, was published in June of last year. RackLink models are currently the industry’s only available option to meet certain requirements of the standard such as power factor monitoring and providing a fine degree of resolution in their measurement accuracy.

Audiovisual control system solutions company Control Concepts partnered with Middle Atlantic to develop the RackLink system’s critical open-architecture communication with control systems. Control Concepts President Steve Greenblatt also served as a member of the InfoComm Energy Management Standard Task Group. He notes, “Middle Atlantic has shown a commitment to the InfoComm Energy Management standard from the onset of RackLinkTM product development ensuring that the design and control capabilities meet all the requirements in addition to including a host of added features. Middle Atlantic went as far as to upgrade firmware, software, and control modules once the standard was released to address specific nuances added prior to finalization.”

“RackLink was designed to enable the best possible practices in ensuring power-efficient AV systems,� said Bob Schluter, Middle Atlantic Founder and fellow member of the InfoComm Energy Management Standard Task Group. He also noted the ease with which the RackLink system complies with the standard: “All the required measurements are consolidated in one box, so there’s no need to mix data from separate places. RackLink systems also output that data in a useable format that requires no manipulation.�

For more information about the RackLink system and Middle Atlantic Products, please click to www.middleatlantic.com or call 1.800.266.7225.

EMERYVILLE, CALIF. – Advanced Systems Group (ASG), a leading West Coast video and film integration firm, today announced that veteran industry engineer Tim Mundorff joined the company’s Professional Services department, effective Jan. 14. He will focus on design services and engineering.

Mundorff has more than 20 years of engineering experience. Most recently, he served as a senior systems engineer for Sony PSA Solutions Engineering, where he developed a space and cost efficient central file management and applications system as well as systems design for dual projector 3D solutions for multi-cinema complexes. He has also worked as senior systems engineer for Radium/Reel FX Studios in California, project engineer at Ascent Media Systems and Technology Services, and senior proposal engineer at Sony Systems Integration.

“We are very pleased to welcome Tim to our Professional Services team,� said Dave Van Hoy, president, Advanced Systems Group. “He has extensive experience in systems engineering across a variety of professional AV applications, and is a valuable asset for our customers.�

Mundorff is based in the company’s main office in Emeryville. Contact him at (510) 654-8300 or via e-mail at tsm@asgllc.com.

About ASG:

Advanced Systems Group LLC of Emeryville, Calif., with offices in the Bay Area and Southern California, has provided engineering, systems, integration, support and training to the broadcast, film, creative, and corporate video markets since 1997. With unmatched experience in Apple-based newsroom systems, shared storage, archiving, editing, finishing, and VFX systems, ASG has become one of largest installers of post production and shared storage systems on the West Coast. The ASG team is highly focused on customer success, and has installed and supported more than 185 SANs, production, and post production systems over the last six years. For more information, visit www.asgllc.com or call 510-654-8300.

Award-winning band The xx has bought two DPA d:factoâ„¢ II Vocal Microphones after being impressed by their audio quality and ability to deliver an incredibly natural sound during a recent tour of the US.

The band, which comprises Oliver Sim, Romy Madley-Croft and Jamie Smith, won the 2010 Mercury Music Prize for their debut album xx. They were introduced to DPA’s d:facto Vocal Microphones by their live sound engineer Rik Dowding who was keen to find an alternative to the microphones Oliver and Romy had been using.

“One of the most important things about working with this band is the translation of the very intimate, late night vocals of the albums to a live situation,� Dowding says. “Higher mic gains introduce unwanted stage noise into the microphones, especially in smaller venues. In order to get that ‘in your face’, yet delicate sound, I needed a mic that had great feedback rejection. In truth, I’d been looking to improve our microphone choice for some time.�

Dowding’s solution was to hold a microphone shoot-out to see what else might work. His monitor engineer, Craig Donaldson, recommended including the new DPA d:facto vocal microphone after reading an article about them in the trade press.

“DPA has a great reputation for audio quality so we were interested to see what this new vocal microphone was capable of,� Dowding says. DPA’s UK distributor Sound Network was happy to supply a demo unit and the battle began.

“It was immediately obvious that the d:facto was the best microphone on show, especially for Romy who has a very warm, breathy and distinctive voice with some sibilance,� Dowding says. “To deal with that we needed a microphone that could deliver exceptional audio clarity, yet not display the usual Rock n’ Roll coloured sound associated with proximity effect and artificial high mid boosting. The d:facto was perfect – in fact Romy noticed the difference immediately, noting how much clearer her voice sounded when she heard it through her in-ear monitors. It was also noticeable to me how good the mic’s feedback rejection was.�

The DPA d:facto Vocal Microphone was tested even more thoroughly at a pre-US tour gig at Brixton Academy, London, and once again it performed flawlessly.

“At that point we decided to use it for Oliver’s vocals as well because we were so pleased with the sound we were getting,� Dowding says.

The xx toured the US with d;facto vocal microphones and are using them on the next leg of their tour which takes place in Australia. They also used them for a gig at Abbey Road Studios where they were recorded for a live session on Absolute Radio.

“There is no doubt that the d:facto Vocal Microphone does take a while to get used to because it doesn’t colour the sound and has a flat response,� Dowding adds. “But once you realise how good it is in dealing with proximity effect, and how much clarity it delivers, you quickly become a convert. Add to that the ability to use it with most wireless systems without compromise and you have a very powerful package.�

-ends-

Editors’ information:

DPA Microphones is the leading Danish Professional Audio 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

Extron Electronics is pleased to introduce a new, two input 3G-SDI Card for the Quantum® Elite videowall processing system that accepts SDI, HD-SDI, and 3G-SDI signals. The new 3G-SDI input card features Extron high performance scaling technology, motion adaptive deinterlacing, and film mode cadence detection to ensure high quality image presentation on videowall displays. Automatic source format detection captures 480i and 576i SDI sources, HD-SDI sources up to 1080i/60 Hz, and 3G-SDI sources up to 1080p/60 Hz, complying with SMPTE 259M, 292M, and 424M digital video standards. SDI, HD-SDI, and 3G-SDI input support is also available for the Quantum Connect videowall processing system.

“Many videowall installations incorporate SDI, HD-SDI, and 3G-SDI signals from sources such as cameras and production equipment,” says Casey Hall, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Extron. “Quantum’s 3G-SDI input card supports direct connections for these signals, eliminating the need for external conversion to DVI or other signal formats.”

Extron Quantum Series videowall processing systems deliver reliable multi-image presentations for demanding, mission-critical environments. They feature high performance graphics and video processing, and a dedicated high-speed video bus that maintains real-time performance under heavy input loads. Quantum Series processors can simultaneously display hundreds of windows of high quality graphics and video, making them ideal for medium to large videowall systems in environments including public spaces, corporate buildings, surveillance, visualization, and command and control.

Visit our Web site at www.extron.com for more information.

Pure ethernet drivers deliver picture previewing and streaming video in Control4 environment,
thus eliminating the need for costly 3rd party video encoders, granting a lower bottom line for a higher level of integration. Drag-and-drop setup makes for fast-and-easy configuration.

Pompano Beach, FL – March 12, 2013 – IC Realtime, a global leader in the design and manufacture of advanced visual surveillance solutions for residential and commercial applications, now has Control4™ drivers for its Dual Core series of NVRs, DVRs and HD DVRs.

The drivers, developed by Extra Vegetables, bring enhanced functionality to the recorders in the Control4 environment – namely picture previewing and streaming video. Installers can also take advantage of technical support from IC Realtime should they need assistance loading the driver into Control4′s Composer design software.

According to IC Realtime Integrated Technologies Manager Christoffer Callaway, the driver is designed to be extremely easy to load. “Drag-and-drop the driver into your project, point to the IP address and you’re done. It’s that simple,� says Callaway.

�The increased functionality also benefits end-users in that they can take advantage of a centralized interface that manages total home control as well as surveillance,� adds Callaway.
�In other words, users don’t have to leave the Control4 environment to access the IC Realtime system. That’s a really nice convenience.�

IC Realtime Dual Core series recorders shipping effective March 2013 are equipped with the new Control4 compatible firmware. Installers can easily update firmware of recorders in the field by contacting the IC Realtime technical support department at 954.736.4211.

Control4 drivers are made available for download directly from Extra Vegetables at http://extravegetables.com/products/ic-realtime-nvr.

About IC Realtime
IC Realtime is a global leader in the design and manufacture of advanced visual surveillance solutions – founded by experts with a combined 35 years of experience in the development, marketing, sales, installation and support of security and alarm equipment. The company offers a wide variety of analog and IP cameras, DVRs, NVRs, software Apps and accessories. www.icrealtime.com.

About Control4
Control4 is a leading provider of automation systems for homes and businesses that provides personalized control of lighting, music, video, energy and security through more than 2,200 custom integrators, retail outlets, and distributors in over 72 countries. By delivering insightfully simple, personalized control solutions that enhance the lives of individuals and families, Control4 is the automation platform of choice for customers, major customer electronics companies, hotels and businesses around the world. For more information visit www.control4.com.

See us in Las Vegas, April 8th – 11th 2013. Booth SL3305

NAB is the world’s largest event covering the development, management and delivery of content across all mediums. At this year’s show, representatives from Vizrt’s worldwide offices will be on hand to demonstrate the company’s completely integrated graphics and video workflow. Vizrt technology enables operators to distribute and monetize content to mobile devices, web portals and any screen. Highlights within the Vizrt booth will be its recent advancements for media asset management (MAM), broadcast graphics, as well as online and mobile video delivery.

Two public shows, scheduled each the hour, will provide live, interactive demonstrations of the latest Vizrt products in action. One show will focus on new technology for weather reports, while the other will provide a broader overview of using live virtual set and immersive graphics technology.

Developing for the future

The powerful Viz Engine, Vizrt’s real-time 3D compositing system, now has IP-streaming capability. This allows broadcasters to stream multiple formats and resolutions simultaneously for efficiently creating online and mobile graphic and video content.

Broadcasters are beginning to look beyond HD to 4k. At NAB, Vizrt will preview the breakthrough 4k rendering capability of the Viz Engine.

Live encoding and high-speed video branding

Encode live video from high-resolution to any format at speeds faster than real-time for online and mobile devices with the Viz Media Engine. The multi-platform production workflow allows broadcasters to have high-quality video and custom graphics and branding for every device, all happening in a single step.

Automated transcoding of video content is also processed through the Viz Media Engine for video on demand (VOD) services. Graphics and branding are added to the video content during the transcoding process ensuring an efficient, high-quality presentation for the end user.

Newsroom workflow

Vizrt gives journalists the edge for getting a story on-air and online quickly and efficiently with a newsroom workflow that integrates easy-to-use templates with the journalists’ native newsroom computer system (NRCS). With Viz Content Pilot, journalists access these templates for creating graphics, editing maps with Viz World and selecting videos from Viz Media Engine to add to a playlist for on-air use and online multi-platform delivery.

Video integration and clip store

Adobe and Vizrt combine to create a package that gives the editor complete control of graphic and video content from within Adobe Premiere Pro CS6 for live and post-production requirements.

Video content can be reached from the Viz Media Engine through Adobe Premiere Pro CS6 giving editors access to content across the complete asset management solution from Vizrt or using the Viz Media Engine as a bridge to other asset management systems.

The latest version of the Viz Media Engine offers a comprehensive media management platform from ingest to playout for local clip and still stores up to full enterprise media asset management and archive systems. At NAB, Vizrt will show the Viz Media Engine as an integral component of the unique unified workflow solution offering the tools to present efficient multi-platform delivery with consistent branding across all media channels.

Complete online workflow

This year at NAB, Vizrt will present a highly integrated workflow for online. Journalists and publishers can produce video and text other content from the same solution and use video efficiently in the storytelling.

Monetize video content online with a premium workflow with DRM through a cross-platform implementation with the Viz Media Engine and Vizrt partner Vimond.

Social TV

With the Social TV solution, your audience becomes part of the story. Using interactivity and visualization tools, broadcasters tell the story quickly and compellingly with viewer interaction. Content is captured from Twitter, Facebook, Flickr, YouTube, Instagram as well as third party partners like never.no, TrendrrTV and Mass Relevance.

Weather and news maps

Viz Weather has become a sophisticated weather forecasting and reporting system with the ability to use any data set and a large range of data visualization tools. See the system in action during our Viz Virtual Studio public show.

Viz World is Vizrt’s premiere mapping solution. With integrations with DigitalGlobe, OpenStreetMaps and Waze, broadcasters now have access to the world with imagery, streets and traffic data.

Sports analysis

Vizrt’s award winning sports analysis system, Viz Libero is now fully integrated into the Vizrt graphics and video environment. At NAB 2013 we will show the new virtual SLoMo and Virtual Presenter.

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

Vaddio, the global leader in robotic PTZ cameras and camera control systems, announces a major software update to the AV Bridge and ClearVIEW HD-USB PTZ camera. This update adds support for 4.2.0-encoded video applications including WebEx, Microsoft Lync and GoToMeeting.

“When recording lectures with detailed classroom and presentation content, HD video is essential and the higher video resolutions work great,� explained COO of Vaddio, Mark Steen. “But when you’re network only provides limited bandwidth, sometimes lower resolutions are the only way to go. Streaming an HD video call, only to have it scaled down on the soft client end, doesn’t make much sense and eats up a lot of bandwidth.�

Supporting lower resolution software applications now allows Vaddio’s EasyUSB products to be compatible with even more industry-leading videoconferencing and lecture capture programs.

For more information on the ClearVIEW HD-USB Camera and AV Bridge software upgrade please visit the Vaddio website at www.vaddio.com in the Tech Center.

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About Vaddio:
Vaddio is the leading manufacturer of specialty PTZ cameras and camera control systems used in the audiovisual, videoconference and broadcast industries. Your customers demand cutting-edge technology that’s simple to use. You want equipment that’s easy to install and reliable to operate. Vaddio serves integrators and operators alike – with broadcast-quality PTZ cameras and control systems that deliver the performance you need with the convenience you demand. More information can be found on the Vaddio website, www.vaddio.com or at (800) 572.2011.