The RF amplifiers market in India has seen an exponential growth in terms of sales and usage in the recent years. The forthcoming Commonwealth Games in India in 2010 will give the market a further boost. An overview

The year 2007 proved to be a good year for the manufacturers of RF amplifiers adding several satellite communication companies and DTH service providers as major customers. The Indian market for broadcast RF amplifiers can be segmented into microwave power amplifiers, high power amplifiers, block upconverters, and low noise amplifiers. Frequencies of these amplifiers include C band, Ku band, and Ka band. Most of the manufacturers believe that the RF amplifiers market would boom in coming years, with players such as Reliance, Sun TV, Videocon, and Bharti Airtel planning to foray into the DTH market. Other main factors driving the RF amplifiers market in India include increase of news channels (live transmissions), growth of DSNG/OB vans, and even telecom networks where cell phone companies demand RF equipment. Low range RF amplifiers are typically in demand from the telecom companies.

A major trend in the RF amplifier market is the shift from earlier technology, traveling wave tube amplifier (TWTA) to solid state power amplifiers (SSPA). A key advantage of this technology shift has been the reduced power consumption and has also led to low operating costs. Other advantages include easy installation, easy deployment, easy operation, and easy repair. Retail, e-governance, e-banking, communication on the move, and defense market are other key sectors that would benefit from usage of RF amplifiers.

Some of the major RF amplifier players in India include CPI, Rtronix, Terrasat, and Xicom. Several other players such as Amplus, Richardson, and Nautel have also established good base in India, providing all kinds of RF amplifiers to their customers.

According to CPI, the biggest segments and customers for usage of RF amplifiers include DTH platforms and DSNG vans. The company plays a pivotal role in the satellite communications industry, providing amplifiers with different bandwidth.

Rtronix received orders of RF amplifiers for 35 DSNG vans, five fixed sites, and six teleports. The total sales of the company were valued at Rs. 5.26 crore. The company has sold a total of 104 units of RF amplifiers to its customers.

Reliability, manageability, and efficiency continue to be the buzzwords for the RF amplifiers market in India. With increasing focus on Commonwealth Games in India in 2010, the RF amplifiers market is surely to boom and make its strong presence as demand from major service providers and users of RF amplifiers would grow.

RF amplifiers are an integral part of all communication base stations and are one of the most expensive component/sub-assemblies in broadcast products. The broadcast sector is taking all measures to reduce the cost of this vital component while still maintaining its expected performance level.

MAJOR PLAYERS

AMPLUS COMMUNICATIONS

Amplus Communications manufactures and supplies RF amplifiers in India. The company has seen an exponential growth and sales of RF amplifiers in 2007. In the last two years, the growth that the company has achieved was quite encouraging. The company has also added a lot of customers in the last two years. This year, Amplus is targeting around USD 2 million that includes the antennae and RF. It is targeting around USD 1 million for the RF amplifiers segment. Most of the service providers buy from them and supply to the end customers.

The company provides various amplifiers. The power range starts from 1 watt and goes upto 250 watt in all the frequency bands (C, Ku, INSAT C, and Ka) for any application. The power output includes 1 watt, 2 watt, 4/5 watt, 10 watt, 20 watt, 40 watt, 60 watt, 80 watt, 100 watt, 125 watt, 150 watt, 200 watt, and 250 watt.

Major customers include Tatanet, ISRO for their Master Control Facility (MCF), NTPC, Hughes Network Systems, Essel Shyam, HCL Comnet, Infinium India Limited, Indiasign, Bharti Comtel Limited, Prodelin India Limited, NDTV, Wire & Wireless India Ltd (Zee), ORG Telecom, and Bharat Electronics Limited. Amplus basically provides RF amplifiers and antennae to these customers.

According to the company the market is enormous for RF amplifiers since amplifiers are being used everywhere, especially in the satellite communications systems. The company expects that more than 100 channels are under planning to come up as broadcasters. Around 4-5 DTH operators are also expected to come which will boost the RF amplifiers market. Even in communications sector, the major segments which are going to come include retail, e-governance, e-banking, communication on the move, and defense market. VSAT connectivity will also grow because the price has come down. The availability of satellites is high and it is cost effective. There is also availability of bandwidth. This also helps in reducing the latency, delays and provides a faster response. Wherever there is a VSAT there is a need for an amplifier. The anticipated growth of VSAT is going to be three to four times a year. The VSAT deployment presently is 1 lac and the company anticipates around 10 lac VSATs in the next three years.

Earlier amplifiers were on traveling wave tube (TWTA) technology and now with the advancement over the last few years, solid state power amplifiers (SSPA) have emerged as the best technology and as a better replacement of the TWTA technology. Although price-wise, SSPA is costlier than TWTA, but over a period of time, operation cost of SSPA will reduce the power consumption compared to the TWTA technology. The initial investment in buying the SSPA equipment is slightly higher than TWTA. The advantages of SSPA technology include easy installation, easy deployment, easy operation, and easy repair.

ANACOM

AnaCom Inc. is one of the leading manufacturers and designers of high performance C and Ku band satellite transceivers, block upconverters, solid state power amplifiers (SSPA), satellite IP networking products and offers a complete satellite networking solution.

The range of products of the company includes:

Ku-band VSAT transceiver series

The company's series of Ku band VSAT transceivers are available in transmitter output levels of 0 dBm, 2, 4, 8, 16, 20, 25, 40, 50, 60, 80, 100 and 125 Watts, in single or redundant configurations. Higher powers are available with external HPAs. These transceivers are ruggedly built for continuous outdoor duty in all types of environments. They are especially suitable for SCPC, MCPC, and DAMA applications. The upconverter, down converter, power amplifier, monitor, control, and power supply are included in a single enclosure. The only cabling required to the indoor equipment are IF cables. The LNC connects to the transceiver with a single coaxial cable.

A high stability crystal oscillator is used to lock the TX and RX synthesizers. The onboard microprocessor is used to give additional temperature and aging compensation. The features include easy installation, no indoor equipment needed, built in test facilities for improved maintainability and reduced dependence on external test equipment, compliant with Intelsat and Eutelsat specifications, frequency agile radio equipment, completely independent TX and RX frequency selection, superior phase noise, IESS 308 /309, and auto ranging power supply.

CODAN

Codan designs and manufactures medium power C-Band and Ku-Band RF sub-systems for use in satellite earth stations. With more than 20,000 systems installed and operating reliably, the company's satcom products represent quality and value to system integrators and service providers worldwide. Whether it be a GSM backhaul, offshore and maritime VSAT, or government and military VSAT network application, Codan's satellite RF sub-systems are critical to earth station's functioning. The company's purpose built manufacturing facility guarantees industry best lead-times and quality. All Codan satcom products come with a 3-year warranty, and are backed by global network of technical support specialists, partners and product repair centers.

Satellite products of the company include 6700, 6900, and 7900 series block upconverters (BUC) providing product flexibility and technical performance. The BUCs support the industry standard L-band IF and provide access to the standard and extended band RF frequencies.

Codan provides a range of power supplies and high power amplifiers that integrate seamlessly with their NGT transceivers, and are ideal for voice and data operations.

500 watt and 1 kW power amplifiers 3061 and 3062

Codan's power amplifiers are reliable, affordable, and designed to be used with the company's NGT transceivers. The 3061 provide 500 watt, the 3062 deliver 1 kW PEP output power, and both are ideal for voice and data operation.

Key features include:

NGT transceiver interface: Codan's NGT transceivers provide a simple interface to control and operate the power amplifiers.

Continuous mode operation. The amplifiers are rated for 100 percent continuous operation in all modes for either voice or data applications.

High efficiency. Advanced switched mode power supplies maximize efficiency of the amplifiers and reduce heat.

Protection and backup. Codan's power amplifiers are fully protected against all load conditions and excessive heat sink temperatures.

Antenna tuner interface. The amplifiers provide an interface to control an external antenna tuner or coupler.

Amplifier cooling. For increased reliability and durability, fans are thermostatically controlled and operate on two speeds depending on the heat sink temperature.

Rack mounting. Both amplifiers and associated power supply units can be used in 19" rack mount configurations and are 5RU high.

CPI

Communications & Power Industries (CPI) provides high power amplifiers (HPAs) for the satellite communications (satcom) industries. According to the company, 2007 was a good year in terms of sales for satcom HPAs. CPI's Satcom Division (CPI Satcom) is the worldwide leader in uplink amplifier products and systems for satcom. The company has played a pivotal role in the satellite communications industry since its inception.The biggest segments were:

DTH platforms. Ku band klystron high power amplifiers (KHPA) are used for uplinking at the rate of approximately one per transponder of the satellite. With Reliance, Videocon, Bharti, and Sun joining Tata Sky, Dish TV, and Doordarshan, this segment of the market is buoyant.

DSNG vans. With the proliferation of TV channels and their need to cover the multitude of breaking events, the DSNG van segment is also buoyant. Atleast one, and sometimes two, HPAs are used per van.

The main factor that drives the HPA market is technology. The market needs of HPAs include higher reliability and for this, coolness augmented by higher efficiency products is a must. Multiple stage depressed collectors and power savers are also important. Other key needs include hot swappable DC power supply modules in SSPAs, to yield "no failure" results, better M&C controls and better communications via the Ethernet, especially for vans moving around in remote areas, wider bandwidths for Ka band amplifiers offering hugely wider bandwidths, and spot beams and switchable beams. The needs of mobile military communications are also to be met. The market trends in the HPAs according to the company include higher frequencies for Ka band which is around 30 GHz for uplinking. DTH uplinks have gone from Ku band (13.75 to 14.5 GHz) to DBS band (17.3 to 18.1 GHz). Higher bandwidths such as 4 GHz bandwidth at Ka band are quite common nowadays. Smaller size at the lower end, shoe box type of HPAs weighing 8 kilograms only, and delivering 50 watts of Ku band power have also been achieved. CPI provides HPAs from S band upto Ka band from 50 watts upto to 6 kW, HPAs in the solid state, and traveling wave tube (TWT) and klystron families. New HPA product launches include super linear TWT amplifiers, triband amplifiers covering the C, Ku and X bands, Satcom cum Tropo band amplifiers, SSPA with hot swappable DC power supply modules, ultra light SSPA fitted with BUC and Ethernet ports enabling web browsing and file transfer protocols.

CPI Satcom products for satellite uplink are available in all standard frequencies, including S-band, C- band, Ku band, Ka band, DBS band, X band. CPI Satcom is uniquely equipped to be one-stop HPA sub-system supplier for standard and emerging satcom applications.

Some of the major products of the company include:

Klystron HPAs. CPI's GEN IV klystron power amplifier (KPA) is the overwhelming choice among DTH service providers for uplink service, and is also very popular for other broadcasting applications. As the first KPA to utilize multi-stage depressed collector (MSDC) technology, the GEN IV offers by far the best combination of high power, high efficiency, small size, low heat dissipation and low acoustic noise in its class. CPI also offers a series of compact KPAs with the same feature sets as the GEN IV, but utilizing traditional klystron technology. The Ka-Band EIK amplifier provides up to 800 watts of Ka-band power. All amplifiers are available as single units or in redundant or combined systems.

Ka-Band HPAs. With the broadest spectrum of Ka band uplink amplifiers available in the industry, CPI's Satcom Division offers unequalled flexibility to configure system for optimum performance. They provide solutions ranging in power from 120 watts to 800 watts CW. CPI Satcom's Ka-Band family of HPAs reflects the same exacting design standards and innovative technology found in all of its products, as well as more than a decade of experience fielding hundreds of amplifiers in this frequency range. All amplifiers are available as single units or in redundant or combined systems.

Indoor TWTAs. CPI Satcom provides a wide range of rack-mount HPAs in all standard frequency bands. One of the company's most recent innovations, the SuperLinear TWTA, provides the most outstanding combination of intermod performance, efficiency, bandwidth, and size available on the market today. Other rack-mount units make use of highly efficient dual collector TWT technology. All amplifiers are available as single units or in redundant or combined systems.

Solid State HPAs. The company's indoor solid state amplifiers require less space, are highly reliable, and provide a friendlier interface. In the basic package, this amplifier consumes only 5.25" of rack space. As an option, users may choose to improve on the product's high reliability by adding an additional rack unit of space (1.75") for a DC power supply redundancy module. Finally, a bright vacuum flourescent display makes user interface easier. All amplifiers are available as single units or in redundant or combined systems.

Outdoor TWTAs. The company provides one of the largest selections of digital outdoor amplifiers in the industry, with products for mobile or fixed applications in C, X, Ku and DBS-band, at power levels from 200 to 750 watts. The division also leads the way in millimeter wave technology, with breakthrough power, wide bandwidth, and three technologies to choose from. The Ka-band HPAs include 125 - 250 watt helix TWTAs, a 500 watt Millitron, and 300 - 800 watt extended interaction klystron amplifiers. CPI's outdoor HPAs operate over a wide temperature range and combine field proven technology with plenty of thermal margin to assure reliability and durability. All amplifiers are available as single units or in redundant or combined systems.

MICRONOVA IMPEX

Micronova Impex Private Limited is a specialized local distributor for multinational brands. The company supplies a range of power amplifiers to the broadcast industry in India. The range of products offered by the company include, power amplifiers ( broadband/narrow band, medium/ high power) with power upto +50dBm frequency upto 97GHz, broadband/narrow band LNAs, limiting amplifiers, frequency multipliers, and harmonic mixers.

The year 2007 proved to be a good year for the company in terms of sales of broadcast RF amplifiers. RF amplifiers in India are driven by government organizations like DDK, AIR, defense units, PSUs and private players in cellular and FM broadcast. In the next few years, market size would still get wider as more and more FM broadcast players establish their private network. Cellular mobile market and industrial application will also be wide open for new technological approach towards industrial applications. There will also be a shift to high power laser amplifiers, in the 900MHz band; both for industrial application and medical instrumentation.

In India major trends depend upon the kind of economy. Basic components like RF transistors and MOSFETs are not easily available in Indian market and this leads to import of the equipment. The company imports from their principals in the US and supply as per specific requirements of LNA, BBLNA, NBLNA, communication application related SSPA, and RF power applications.

NAUTEL

Nautel designs solid state amplifiers that replace inefficient tube amplifiers. The company has designed, manufactured, and sold high power RF amplifiers for dielectric heating and drying applications. Nautel's high frequency (HF) amplifiers are available in various power levels on standard ISM (industrial, scientific, and medical) operating frequency 6.78 MHz.

Features of the company's solid state HF amplifiers include:

• Extremely high operating efficiencies (overall efficiency - 80 percent) which result in power and cost savings of about 37 percent over vacuum tube equipment.

• Modular design allows for a high degree of redundancy and ease of maintenance.

• Amplifier continues to operate at reduced power in the event of a module failure.

• No aging characteristics, unlike vacuum tubes.

• Built-in protection.

• Air cooling, no water or antifreeze required.

• Adjustable output for manual or remote operation.

• Suitable for automated process control.

• 50 Ohms unbalanced standard interface allows accurate power measurements.

The company is actively looking for industry partners to help continue its expansion into industrial applications where solid state designs can offer improvements over current tube-based designs.

RICHARDSON

Richardson Electronics Ltd. has recently launched its IRT range of RF Amplifiers. The company is already selling pallets to transmitters/amplifiers manufacturers. Richardson delivers engineered solutions for its customers' needs through product manufacturing, systems integration, prototype design and manufacture, testing and logistics. The company believes that in the next two years redundancy and cost effectiveness will control the product. Richardson Electronics specializes in the design and manufacturing of FM, VHF, UHF, and L-band amplifier pallets and systems for analog radio/television broadcast, digital television broadcast, and digital audio broadcasting applications.

The products provided by the company include audio distribution amplifiers, audio monitoring amplifiers, and low power amplifiers. The output power for each of these amplifiers is +24dBu.

The company expects that the IRT range of products will attract TV broadcasters, in-house production and editing groups to select these products. The company is working with system integrators on IRT broadcast solutions.

Amplifier capabilities of the company include the following:

• 1 MHz to 40 GHz

• Small signal to 50 KW

• Pallets to high power rack mount amplifiers

• Repair, update, and redesign of existing equipment for broadcast, communications, industrial, laboratory, and military applications

RTRONIX

Rtronix manufactures and designs RF amplifiers. The company received orders of RF amplifiers for over 35 DSNG vans, five fixed sites, and six teleports. Overall in telecom sector as well, due to the mergers and expansion plans, low range RF is in big demand.

The main factors driving the market for RF amplifiers in India according to the company are the increase of news channels and mainly reality shows wanting live transmissions. DSNG/OB vans and VSAT are needed for live transmissions and such vans are fitted with RF amplifiers and equipment. Breaking news concept where every channel wants to show live news, has increased the demand for DSNG/OB vans which has further contributed substantially to the RF market. Secondly mobile telecom players are expanding their network throughout the country and the demand for cell phones has increased many folds due to fall of call rates. This expansion has increased the RF demand.

Rtronix believes that the RF technology has changed in many directions. The company is offering RF units which are very small and low weight and can be mounted on the boom rod or even feed, so that the RF loss is negligible and increases the overall efficiency. The company has also introduced India's first indigenous flyway terminal which has a built in 25 RF in it. Rtronix is also designing their second flyway model with 40 watts RF.

The Matchbox family of outdoor Ku-band BUC provides performance in the smallest and lightest package in the satcom industry. Wavestream's spatial power advantage has enabled any mobile, flyaway, or VSAT system to apply up to 40 W PidB directly on the feed. In addition to three power levels (16, 25, 40 W) and two frequency bands, the Matchbox family also offers forward power monitoring, serial RS-485 or optional Ethernet control interface. Wavestream's Spatial Power Advantage enables higher output powers from smaller packages with greater efficiency at lower cost than previously possible. Wavestream provides higher mobility amplifier solutions for satellite communications, bringing new capability to communicate around the world.

The total sales of the company were valued at Rs. 5.26 crore. Rtronix apart from its own model has sold microwave power amplifiers of companies such as Agilis, Wavestream, and NJRC to mainly TV channels such as TV5, Sadhana News, Haryali TV, Hyderabad Media, CNEB, CTVN, Bhramaputra, Kanak TV, Naxatra, and also to service providers such as Bharti Airtel. The output power of each model is 40, 25 and 8 watt (Wavestream), 40, 25 and 16 watt (Rtronix), 8 watts (NJRC), and 40 watts, 25 watts (Agilis). The total number of microwave power amplifier units sold by the company was 38 units valued at Rs. 3.25 crore.

High power amplifiers sold by the company include models from CPI and Xicom. Major customers include Lamhas, KBC, Info TV, Kamayab, Vintage, and Nuurrie. The output power of each model is 750 watt, 400 watt (Xicom) and 200 watts (CPI). Total units sold by the company were 12 units valued at Rs. 2.21 crore.

Low noise amplifiers sold by the company include models from NJRC and Norsat. Rtronix sold 43 units of low noise amplifiers at a value of Rs. 0.7 crore. Other broadcast amplifier sold by the company includes 3 watts block upconverter. The model sold by the company was NJRC-make. The total units sold by the company include 11 units at a value of Rs. 0.02 crore.

TERRASAT

Terrasat Communications Inc. offers the IBUC family of integrated BUC/SSPAs. The advanced IBUC yields superior performance at a lower cost than traditional RF transceivers. The complete product range includes C, X and Ku-band IBUCs, associated power supplies, interface units and innovative 1:1 protection systems. The company's first-of-its-kind IP M&C interface is included as standard along with RS485/232, FSK and handheld terminal interfaces.

The range of products offered by the company includes:

C-Band IBUC. The advantages of the C band intelligent block upconverter (IBU) include integrated BUC/SSPA packaging for higher performance and reliability, low phase noise exceeds IESS308/309 requirements by a minimum of 10dB, NMS-friendly interfaces that enable remote management of earth station RF, embedded web pages provides management for small networks using any web browser, and AGC or ALC circuits hold gain or output level constant.

Ku-band IBUC. The Ku band IBUC offers significant benefits such as low terminal cost, simple design and installation, superior RF performance, and simplified 1+1 configuration. The Ku band IBUC comes with a complete set of diagnostic tools including 10 MHz input detector, input voltage and current monitoring, transmit L band input level detector, and transmit RF output level detector.

X-Band IBUC. The advantages of using X-Band IBUC power levels of the company include 2W-20W DC power can be supplied via IFL coax or separate DC connector, integrated BUC/SSPA packaging for higher performance and reliability, guaranteed rated output power across the entire operating temperature range and frequency band, and NMS-friendly interfaces enabling remote management of earth station RF.

XICOM

Xicom offers extensive product line of tube-based amplifiers. Highly regarded for their reliable output power and efficiency, Xicom traveling wave tube amplifiers (TWTA), klystron power amplifiers (KPA), solid state power amplifiers (SSPAs), and block upconverters (BUC) are used in broadcast and broadband applications. The company's high power amplifiers (HPA) provide power levels vital to satcom applications, the DTH, SNG and flyaway markets, and emerging broadband, specifically the IP-over-satellite market.

The range of products provided by the company includes:

XTKD-3000C. XTKD-3000C, a compact klystron power amplifier (KPA) occupies half the standard rack space and comes with practical solutions and cost saving features. The XTKD-3000C conveniently incorporates industry standard tubes thus minimizing tube replacement costs. The company provides built-in power supply redundancy to optimize reliability. The XTKD-3000C includes three 5kW-power supplies, any two of which will operate the amplifier normally.

XTS-25C. The XTS-25C high power solid state power amplifiers are compact, fully integrated antenna mount units designed for low cost operation and longevity. Intended for outdoor operation, the XTS-25C eliminates the need for a separate amplifier shelter. In addition, the distance between the amplifier and the antenna feed can be shorter, thus eliminating long waveguide runs and associated RF losses. RF Filters, cooling, and monitor and control (M&C) systems are all self-contained within the package. A high frequency resonant conversion power supply is used that accepts a wide range of prime power (90 to 264 VAC). A remote external controller is available to operate the SSPA from a user-selected location. Depending upon user requirements, these high power amplifiers can be configured for single thread, redundant, or phase combined configurations. Mounting brackets are supplied to mount the high power amplifier to most popular antennas.

XTS40CB1. The XTS40CB1 high power solid state block upconverters (BUC) are a series of compact fully integrated antenna mount units designed for low cost operation and longevity. The L band input interfaces to standard modems operating in the 950-1525 MHz range. Intended for outdoor operation, the XTS40CB1 eliminates the need for a separate shelter. The construction and light weight allows for direct mount to the antenna. This eliminates long waveguide runs and associated RF losses. Forced air cooling is implemented in the package to allow reliable operation over extended temperature ranges. The monitor and control (M&C) interface provides a component system status. The block upconverter operates from an external, weatherized power supply which provides the system DC sources. The L band transmit signal and 10 MHz reference frequency are brought to the unit over a single coaxial line.

XT-400. The XT-400 is a compact, self-contained, antenna mountable power amplifier designed for low cost installation and long life. The XT-400 design eliminates the need for an amplifier shelter as well as a long waveguide run between the amplifier and the antenna feed horn. RF filters, cooling, and monitoring and control systems are all self-contained within the HPA. These features provide high reliability, low maintenance costs, and low replacement costs. The XT-400 incorporates high efficiency, dual-stage collector TWTs. Some of the benefits of this type of TWT include reduced prime power consumption, lower internal operating temperatures, and reliability enhancement. These benefits are obtained for both the linear and saturated modes of operation. One of the features of the XT-400 is incorporation of power factor correction circuitry that minimizes line current distortion and reduces the required volt-amps. The combination of power factor correction and high efficiency TWTs reduces input volt-amps by 45 percent when compared to equivalent amplifiers. The XT-400 may be configured for single thread, redundant, phase-combined, or linearized operation.

RED+SCRATCH - The perfect digital cinematic workflow combination

RED ONE has come to India. The 4K digital movie camera that is taking the world by storm, and revolutionizing the way movies are made, was introduced to Indiaís leading directors of photography and cinematographers at a presentation in Mumbai on July 01, 2008. Organized by Benchmark Broadcast Systems, the presentation revealed the camera as well as the integrated workflow with Assimilate Inc.ís SCRATCH. Making the presentations were Ted Schilowitz co-founder of RED Digital Camera and Nacho Mazzini of Assimilate Inc.

The RED ONE body is designed for flexibility and functionality. Weighing 10 lbs, it is a streamlined package specifically designed to maximize shooting options. Matched with a 35 mm PL lens mount, it allows users to take advantage of the worldís finest optics. Modular and upgradeable, the RED ONE camera is a future-proof acquisition system that can be built upon. Its modular design means users can upgrade since RED Digital adds new features and accessories, as well as benefit from performance improvements with each new free firmware upgrade.

RED offers the Mysterium Super 35 mm cine sized (24.4×13.7mm) sensor, which provides 4K (up to 30 fps), 3K (up to 60 fps) and 2K (up to 120 fps) capture and, all this, with a wide dynamic range and color space in 12 bit native RAW. In addition, users get the same breathtaking depth of field and selective focus as found in film cameras using equivalent 35mm P/L mount lenses. Mysterium boasts greater than 66 db dynamic range due to its large 29 sq. micron pixels. And 12,065,000 pixels deliver resolution that can only be called Ultra high definition.

With Assimilate Inc.ís SCRATCH it becomes an unbeatable combination. Presently, and for the foreseeable future, only SCRATCH supports the native RED Digital Cinema workflow. Once the Redcode Raw R3D files are loaded into SCRATCH, post-production artists can review, assemble, conform, playback, color correct, finish and output to any format, any resolution, up to and including full 4k. Moreover, Assimilate Inc. has recently introduced SCRATCH Cine, the virtual telecine for projects shot on a RED ONE digital 4K camera. SCRATCH Cine is a dedicated feature set designed exclusively for the RED workflow. The RED ONE digital camera is one of the most exciting advances in the film industry. The RED ONE digital camera is now at the forefront of taking digital acquisition mainstream. RED ONE offers sharper image clarity along with time savings and cost savings for users. The digital cinema movement is very real, and RED users worldwide are already creating amazing images and breaking new cinematic ground. SCRATCH supports Redcode Raw natively, providing the post production market with a clear choice for workflow, efficiency and cost-time savings.

At the event, Ted Schilowitz had this to say about Benchmark, REDís partners in India. ìBenchmark has the right skills and knowledge to bring RED to the filmmakers of Mumbai and other regions here in India, and demonstrate the camera and how to work with the footage for editing and finishing.  I look forward to a longstanding, positive relationship with the people at Benchmark, as RED ONE cameras start shooting in India.î

Prasenjit Sengupta, Senior Manager, Benchmark said, ìThe RED revolution is now here. Combined with Assimilateís SCRATCH, it is an extremely powerful tool in the armory of todayís film maker. It gives the director of photography tremendous flexibility by enabling him to shoot RAW with the fidelity of cine and carry out color adjustments to his satisfaction at minimal expense. Overall, apart from being extremely investment friendly, it offers tremendous savings in film and telecine conversion costs and seamlessly puts the entire digital workflow at oneís fingertips.î