Just like many of you, I have always looked at the annual NAB Show in Las Vegas as a way to connect with many of my industry friends and colleagues. It's always been a real trip to be the tech nerd that I am and check out new production gear on the NAB floor. Alas, as all of you know by now, that will not be happening.  But I can tell can you that we at ProductionHUB have been getting lots of new gear information that I cannot wait to share with you.

I would also check out all of the online webinars, workshops, and product updates that companies are getting online. We are posting their information as quickly as they come up, so check NABHUB and ProductionHUB for frequent updates. I have already sat in on quite a few of these online events and plan on "attending" as many as possible. There are all kinds of formats and some will even allow for questions live! Oh ya, and the best part so far is that many are free and open to the public! Lastly, while not every product announcement listed is purely NAB related, we just couldn’t wait and had to share the news. Here we go!

Blackmagic Design ATEM Mini Pro

Blackmagic Design recently announced the ATEM Mini Pro, a new live production switcher with all the features of ATEM Mini but now with extra features for recording, streaming, and monitoring. ATEM Mini Pro includes a new hardware streaming engine to allow direct streaming via its Ethernet connection to YouTube Live, Facebook and Twitch. There is also support for recording the stream direct to USB flash disks in H.264, plus support for recording to multiple disks for continuous recording. The new model also includes a multiview on the HDMI video output that allows all inputs to be monitored on a single monitor, as well as the live status of recording, streaming and the audio mixer. 

Features include: 

• Miniaturized control panel based design.
• Supports connecting up to 4 cameras or computers.
• USB output operates as a webcam and supports all video software.
• Live streaming via Ethernet supported on ATEM Mini Pro.
• Recording to USB flash disks in H.264 supported on ATEM Mini Pro.
• Two stereo audio inputs for connecting desktop or lapel microphones.
• Automatically standards converts and re-syncs all HDMI inputs.
• Includes free ATEM Software Control for Mac and Windows.
• Internal media for 20 RGBA graphics for titles, opening plates and logos.
• Includes ATEM Advanced Chroma Key for green/blue screen work.
• Multiview allows monitoring of all cameras on ATEM Mini Pro.
• Audio mixer supports limiter, compressor, 6 band EQ
• Supports remote HDMI control with Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Cameras. 
• ATEM Mini Pro is available immediately from Blackmagic Design resellers worldwide for US$595. 

JVC PROFESSIONAL VIDEO 

JVC Professional Video, a division of JVCKENWOOD USA Corporation, has added support for the SRT (Secure Reliable Transport) open streaming IP protocol to its CONNECTED CAM series of broadcast cameras. Incorporated into the GY-HC900, GY-HC500 and GY-HC550 professional cameras, this latest update further enhances the cameras  level of IP connectivity. 

“Since introducing CONNECTED CAM, we adopted the QoS technologies to enable efficient IP-based workflows that are robust and secure,” says Edgar Shane, General Manager, Engineering, JVCKENWOOD USA Corp. “The addition of the SRT streaming protocol offers CONNECTED CAM customers another choice for video over IP transport in addition to existing Zixi protocol support that’s been in place.”

Developed by Haivision, SRT is an open source video transport protocol and technology stack. It is optimized for video streaming across unpredictable networks. The protocol, relies on end-to-end 128/256-bit encryption to keep content secure. SRT support for JVC CONNECTED CAM cameras is available as a firmware upgrade from the JVC Professional Video website.

“By introducing support for the SRT protocol, JVC CONNECTED CAM can leverage any network to deliver a best-in-class video streaming experience - a powerful tool for content creation,” says Jesús (Suso) Carrillo, Director SRT Alliance at Haivision. “SRT connects edge devices to the cloud in a reliable and secure way, whether it be for live news gathering or transferring files to the studio. With this implementation, JVC CONNECTED CAM ensures reliable cloud-based workflows, whatever the network conditions.” 

Lindsey Optics

Lindsey Optics Unveils Large Format Optical Viewfinder

New LF Supports Fast Format Changes and Diverse Lenses

Lindsey Optics introduces the Large Format Viewfinder (LF) to provide optical through the lens viewing. With a sleek, modular design, it supports a range of formats from Super 35 to Alexa 65.

The company’s CEO Dwight Lindsey explains, “We created our LF Viewfinder for filmmakers who prefer to test a ‘look’ by viewing directly through the actual lens instead of electronic means like monitors or digital tools. Our Large Format Viewfinder solves the viewing issue, while also meeting the need for format diversity.” 

At the heart of the LF Viewfinder design are interchangeable modules for quick and easy tool-free format changes. With a push of the red button, each module slips in and out of the LF barrel and securely nests in place. Included in the LF package are 3 modules: Large Format (ARRI Alexa 65 and RED Monstro 8K), Full Frame (Sony Venice) and Super 35.

The LF is designed for an intuitive and comfortable balance regardless of changing loads. The contoured oak handle offers a firm and comfortable grip while the Handle Pivot knob activates rosette adjustment. When needed, the included Handle Extension with dovetail slide facilitates center of gravity refinement. An adjustable Kipp arm secures the Handle Extension to the Viewfinder.

The LF Viewfinder features an LPL lens mount and includes an LPL to PL adapter. The Eyepiece provides diopter adjustment from -4 to +4. There are 1/4-20-attachment points at the base of the viewfinder, base of the handle extension and Oak handle base.

Lindsey Optics’ Large Format Viewfinder ships complete with the Viewfinder, 3 modules, 3 ground glasses, Oak Handle and Handle Extension—all in a fitted carrying case. For more information visit: www.lindseyoptics.com

NewTek.TV

NewTek has created its own TV channel, NewTek.TV.  NewTek TV will provide up-to-date on technology news, live demos, support, and expert advice. NewTek will be using their own toolset to show 

IP-based, software-defined visual storytelling. 

Here are some of the highlights: 

• Making IP Video a Reality for You Demo
• NDI demos
• Interviews with thought leaders in our industry
• Live production demonstrations
• Customer panels on support
• Guest speakers
• NewTek university free sessions and more.
• NewTek.TV will launch on Friday, April 17th, 2020.

disguise

disguise has launched ‘disguise OnDemand’ - a virtual hub that features access to free training and webinars exploring key features and elements of the disguise workflow. Held in multiple languages, multiple times a day, the platform will feature exclusive content,  and the opportunity for the community to take part in specialist discussions on key industry topics, and hear from customers during spotlight discussions on showstopping case studies.

Designed as a place for the community to learn and keep up-to-date on all things regarding disguise, free online training sessions take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays. They are planning on running a condensed version of the Fundamental and Pre-Production Workflows Training, broken down into a series of six one hour sessions where attendees can learn the core features, including the timeline, stage, configuring output feeds, and how to set up devices. 

As part of a wider initiative to reach out to the disguise community, disguise is also offering the ‘Designer’ software free until September, and giving a series of discounted USB dongle giveaways, as well as partnering with Notch on a ‘codemeter’ dongle sharing scheme, allowing more people to access to both their software. register by visiting www.disguise.one/en/training-webinars/. 

K-Tek

K-Tek introduces the new Interview Boom Pole that doubles as an extended handgrip offering safer news interviews. For times when it is necessary to “keep your distance,” this fully professional pole extends to 6’/1.84m to provide ample social distance between interviewer and interviewee and also lets the interviewer stay out of frame when required.

This 2-section pole offers a reach of 6′ (1.84m) but can collapse down to 3’ 2″/98cm and weighs just 10-oz/285g. 

The Interview Pole comes standard with a 3/8″ threaded stud and a 5/8″ adapter insert. It is compatible with all professional shock mounts and microphone clamps (with 3/8″ or 5/8″ attachment) for handheld microphones. A foam grip provides comfortable handling.

The Interview Boom Pole (KIP) has a list price of $129.95. The Interview Pole is available from authorized K-Tek dealers. For more information visit www.ktekpro.com. 

RUSHWORKS PTX Model

RUSHWORKS’ new PTX Model 1L PanTilt head includes a more powerful tilt motor and a larger L-shaped tilt platform. The latest in the PTX series allows expanded compatibility with wider and heavier camera/lens combinations, including DSLR and mirrorless bodies like the Sony Alpha series and the versatile RX10 IV “bridge” camera with a 25x optical zoom lens. 

BABYZOOMER Servo Zoom Control For PTX Model 1L and Model 2

BABYZOOMER kit allows operators to use a wide range of non-power zoom lenses from several manufacturers on the cameras of their choice. 

BABYZOOMER is a good match for RUSHWORKS PTX Model 1L, a versatile unit that accommodates a wide range of camera weights and balances, including the increasingly popular use of DSLR and mirrorless cameras for video production, but the kit also works with RUSHWORKS PTX Model 2 for larger cameras like the URSA Mini, Canon, and many more. RUSHWORKS

Camera control software also interfaces via IP with the ATEM Production Studio, providing automatic input selection and Preview/Program transition from the touch-screen user interface.

RUSHDOLLY

Shipping with A new interface and PTZ centering, The small and lightweight RUSHDOLLY, is great for both studio and remote operations, AND is now fully integrated with RUSHWORKS VDESK, REMO, and Ctrl+R Production Systems. It features a new, interface that supports the creation of up to eight static or motion presets with sophisticated ramping and preset delay parameters. One can select a mounted PTZ camera to automatically stay centered on the object or person in the shot as the dolly travels from the Start to the Stop position.

Shotoku Broadcast Systems

Shotoku Broadcast Systems an international leader in the manufacture and marketing of a full range of camera support products, is announcing an addition of a carbon fibre EFP tripod to its manual support solutions. The Company had planned to introduce the tripod at NAB 2020 under the banner of its North American operation, Shotoku USA, but is instead alerting the market electronically and remotely as the industry settles into a new business paradigm. 

SX200 and SX260 ENG/EFP Systems

The recently launched Shotoku SX200 and SX260 pan and tilt heads incorporate a brand-new design featuring Shotoku’s “Truebalance” for perfect counterbalance that is also easy to adjust throughout the range and has an intuitive display to indicate the current setting.  The drag system uses Shotoku’s well-known Viscam design but adds a new actuation system that combines the convenience and speed of selection of a stepped system, with the fine-tuning and on-shot adjustment of a continuously variable design. The SX200 has a max payload of 44Lbs (20Kg) and the SX260 55Lbs (25Kg).  The systems come standard with 2 stage ENG Carbon Fibre legs and are one of the lightest on the market at these payloads.  With the SX200/SX260 heads crossing over to the EFP application, the new TTH1002C 100mm carbon fibre EFP tripod has been added to provide an extremely rigid solution, useful when using longer lenses for sports and documentary production.

That Was Just Part One

Those are just a few of the “pre NAB” announcements that we have received so far. I know that there will be a lot more in the weeks ahead, so be on the lookout for our Virtual pre NAB Part Two. To sum it all up, it's a brave new world out there and we are aiming to provide you as much industry news and information as we can on a timely basis. But hey if we are missing on someone or something, just let me know! 

You can email me directly: mfoley@productionhub.com.

Thanks and stay safe!