Blackmagic Design today announced that its ATEM Constellation 8K live production switcher was used as part of an Ultra HD 12G-SDI and fiber live production workflow at WE Fest, the largest country music festival in the United States and the longest running in the world.

Now in its 37th year, the three day festival took place in Detroit Lakes, MN, in August 2019 with performances from stars such as Chris Stapleton, Keith Urban, Brooks and Dunn, LeAnn Rimes and more.

The ATEM Constellation 8K is the heart of a new flypack from Pennsylvania based full service video production company Upstage Video, which also includes Blackmagic Design’s Smart Videohub 12G 40x40 router, ATEM 2 M/E Broadcast Panel and more. Built specifically for the concert touring and music festival industry, the Ultra HD 12G-SDI and fiber flypack was responsible for switching and video distribution for WE Fest’s two 17’ x 27’ on stage screens and 12’ x 21’ front of house screen, as well as for closed circuit distribution and simulcasts in the VIP campsites and vendor areas.

“What’s unique about this flypack is that its modular design allows it to break into three racks with the director’s rack sitting front of house,” explained Upstage Video’s Project Manager Greg Brown. “In the U.S., most directors are typically set up backstage, while U.K. directors typically sit front of house so they can see lighting, etc. However, in the U.S., we’ve been seeing a trend where more and more directors prefer front of house because they want to have the energy from the show and the audience, which is hard to get backstage. It was important for us to develop a flypack that could easily provide a front of house director position with engineering backstage.”

Marshall Electronics, a leading provider of cameras, monitors, and accessories for professional broadcast video and A/V applications, introduces a new line of 8.5 Megapixel IP Cameras with smooth 30x Optical Zoom and triple-stream H.265/H.264/MJPEG capabilities.

The CV420-30X-IP model delivers up to UHD (3840x2160p) resolution at 60fps through simultaneous HDMI and IP streams, while the CV355-30X-IP delivers up to HD (1920x1080p) resolution at 60fps through 3G/HD-SDI (BNC), IP and HDMI. Both models start with a high performance Sony 8.5 Megapixel 1/2.5” sensor and 30x optical zoom block, providing flexible integration in networked HD and UHD workflows where image quality, reliability and versatility are of utmost concern. The 30X optical zoom range offers a flexible 4.6mm to 135mm focal length range, providing 68° horizontal angle-of-view (AOV) at its widest through 3° when fully extended, maintaining image crispness in both wide and tight shots from longer distances.

The IP ethernet I/O port supports triple stream H.265/H.264/MJPEG video with MPEG-TS support, common IP control protocols, and power (PoE) over a single Ethernet cable with stereo audio embedding through a 3.5mm input on the rear panel. The CV420-30X-IP and CV355-30X-IP utilize common control protocols including Visca over IP, Onvif and Pelco, and are compatible with the new Marshall VS-PTC-IP IP Camera Controller.

Sony has announced that its next-generation motion picture camera system, VENICE, was used for principal photography on the new ‘Downton Abbey’ movie, directed by Michael Engler, and produced by Gareth Neame and Liz Trubridge.   

With its forward-thinking full frame sensor, impressive colour science and user-friendly operation, VENICE was chosen by Director of Photography (DOP) Ben Smithard to scale the TV series’ drama onto the big screen through impressive picture quality and greater detail.    Real emotion in every frame “VENICE was the only camera system that could deliver a larger and more detailed image to match the movie’s enthralling storyline on the big screen,” explained Ben Smithard. “When it came to shoot challenging frames for the film, the VENICE never let me down. It performed well without any issues, wherever it was put – from being rigged on camera dollies, tower cams, cranes and even helicopters.” 

VENICE, the versatile next-generation full frame motion picture camera, has been created for and with modern cinematographers in mind. It allows creatives to capture stunning visuals in almost any format, including full frame 24x26mm, Super35 and Anamorphic, with a maximum resolution of 6048 x 4032. At the same time, its usability, reliability and flexibility allow it to seamlessly match any filmmakers’ shooting requirements and support them in bringing their creative vision to life. 

The Peli™ Air Case range has been expanded with the launch of the new 1745 case; designed for long equipment, such as tripods. Peli Air cases are waterproof and crushproof and offer additional sizes to the Peli Protector and Peli Storm case lines.

The 1745 case features press and pull latches to keep the lid firmly closed during transit but to open easily on arrival. Stainless steel bearing wheels are built in for easy transportation of heavier loads. The 1745 is 1118mm long x 426mm wide and 206mm deep (internal measurements) and is available with Pick n Pluck™ foam for protection against impact, vibration and shock.

The Peli Air range has been hugely popular and there are now twelve sizes available. They are all engineered to maintain the same level of durability as the classic Peli cases, but reduce the weight of each case by up to 40 percent. The Air case range is constructed of premium lightweight HPX2 resin, the next generation of Peli’s proprietary formula that rebounds from stress without breaking.

Peli Air cases carry the legendary “You break it, we replace it” …forever.™

The CAM340+ is a portable high-quality HD intelligent camera that allows a user to communicate from anywhere. Compatible with all common applications, it connects to a computer via a single USB cable and provides a superior video communication experience.

With a versatile monitor mount, which can accommodate displays up to 4cm thick, easy-to-carry size, and durable construction, the CAM340+ gives users the flexibility to make any room or space a huddle room. A performance-quality multi-glass lens with deep focus and impressive 120° FOV gives an ultra-wide field for view video conferencing, allowing everyone at the table into a meeting with minimal distortion. An optional wall mount and remote control is available.

Meetings can be in 4K, giving a picture technology that quadruples the pixel count of Full HD, creating sharper images. With a 4X zoom, the CAM340+ scans the room with no moving parts and no loss of quality. AVer uses SONY EXMOR sensor, features ePTZ (electronic pan tilt zoom) and built-in microphone ideal for the huddle room and small conference room.

Blackmagic Design today announced that Teleclub, Switzerland’s leading Pay TV network, has implemented an UltraHD video playout system, built around a Blackmagic Design 12G infrastructure, to support an increased volume of linear and pay per view (PPV) live sports channels.

The network recently expanded its output to offer more than 83 channels, including eight in Ultra HD, broadcasting in German, French and Italian, and covering a wide range of sports including top flight European and national football leagues, ice hockey and others via its IPTV platform.

“We needed to double Teleclub’s capacity to feed additional HD and UHD PPV channels, studio production facilities, as well as additional commentary and graphics elements,” explains Remo Val, system and software engineer, Teleclub. “When we considered our UltraHD requirements, it was clear that a single link 12G-SDI network would ensure we had enough capacity in our server rooms and keep cabling and signal distribution hubs as streamlined as possible.”

18 ATEM 4 M/E Broadcast Studio 4K have been installed, with each one serving two of the HD or UltraHD channels, with a separate M/E attributed to each channel. Each switcher is paired with a video/CG server, developed inhouse at Teleclub using DeckLink Quad 2 capture cards and Caspar CG, for live video playout.

Leading London boutique post house Fifty Fifty has added a second Baselight grading suite as part of its expansion programme. With the growing interest in top end content for broadcast and streaming, both suites are equipped for 4K and HDR Ultra HD, and certified for Dolby Vision grading and delivery.

SMPTE®, the organization that is defining the future of storytelling, today announced that Silicon Valley icon and renowned philanthropist Steve Wozniak will help to honor the motion-imaging industry leaders being elevated to SMPTE Fellow status at the SMPTE 2019 annual technical conference (SMPTE 2019), which runs from Oct. 21-24 at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites in downtown Los Angeles. During the SMPTE Awards Gala on Thursday, Oct. 24, Wozniak will introduce new SMPTE Fellows and present them with plaques recognizing their achievements.