Sennheiser signs up singer, Lucky Ali to endorse its professional audio equipment

Sennheiser Electronics, the manufacturer of sound and audio solutions has added another feather to its impressive list of brand endorsers in the country. The latest addition to the list is renowned singer and composer, Lucky Ali.

years since first bursting onto the music scene, Lucky Ali has racked up record sales and has collected one honor after another, including a Filmfare Award for his smash hit, Ek Pal Ka Jeena. Lucky Ali has come up with his latest collection of some great songs in his album XSUIE which has been climbing up the music charts in recent months.

Announcing the partnership Lucky Ali said "I am very happy to be associated with the Sennheiser family. Great music needs great sound and Sennheiser has always lived up to its promise of creating magic with its sound equipment. Sennheiser equipment has been my first choice and it gives me immense pleasure to be officially associated with this great brand"

EarSet microphones: Audio specialist Sennheiser launched its first single-sided, earworn microphones at prolight+sound. There are two hands-free models for stage shows and the broadcasting studio: the EarSet 4 with a cardioid pick-up pattern, and the EarSet1 with an omni-directional response. The sound of the EarSets also captivated PINK - the exceptional artist was using an initial model of the EarSet 4 on her Funhouse tour. Both EarSets use capsules which are much loved in the live production and broadcasting fields, according to Vipin Pungalia, Business Group Head- Professional segment. Together with a robust and close-fitting mechanical design, these are two microphones which, due to high-quality capsules and perfect distance from the mouth, ensure first-class sound in energetic stage shows and also cut a dash as a presenter's microphone.

Whilst the EarSet1 is particularly insensitive to pop and wind noise and therefore easy to handle, the EarSet 4 is an ideal choice for loud stage environments where it effectively suppresses ambient noise and offers excellent feedback rejection. Both microphones are very light, comfortable to wear due to silicone tubing, and very resistant to perspiration and moisture. The ear clip and boom microphone can be easily adjusted to fit ear and head shape. The cable, which has low sensitivity to structure-borne sound, is very robust and has a diameter of only one mm.

Sony introduces 3D processor box

Sony introduced its latest 3D processor box which is designed to perform corrections for the various positional and adjustment errors that occur when using two cameras in a rig to produce 3D content. By addressing the differences between the cameras, the 3D processor box improves the efficiency of 3D live production in set-up time, shooting and production.

Sony continues to reinforce its 3D leadership in the production marketplace with the introduction of the 3D processor box. The aim is to reduce the complex mechanical set-up time of 3D live productions and empower stereographers and directors to make creative and technical 3D stereoscopic adjusts on the fly, according to Paul Maroni, Assistant General Manager, Head of Live Production Marketing, Business & Professional Products Asia Pacific Company (BPPA).

Without the 3D processor box, the camera operator must visually detect all such errors and spend considerable time adjusting and readjusting the position of the cameras, but with the 3D processor box, the operator is provided the crucial adjustment information directly on-screen. This way camera setup is much faster and more accurate. Once the initial mechanical setup has finished, the fine mechanical errors can be compensated for in the electronic domain.

The 3D processor box continues its work by carrying out image processing to remove any minor left/right disparities that may remain, resulting in a truer and more natural looking 3D image.

The 3D processor box can also convert the results into various transmission and display-ready formats, such as side-by-side or top-and-bottom, combining the left and right views and outputting them as a single 3D signal.

Canon introduces HD production portable lens

Canon introduces an important innovation in HD production portable lens, the HJ15ex8.5B KRSE-V. This is specifically intended to extend production flexibilities in mobile HD shooting of many forms. The lens embodies a built-in optical image stabilization system based upon Canon's patented Vari-Angle Prism Image Stabilizer (VAP-IS) technology. Canon's IS technology has been significantly improved over an earlier system deployed a decade ago in a standard definition lens. Rock solid imagery is ensured when the lens-camera system is subjected to a wide range of perturbation frequencies encountered by a camera operator who is shooting handheld while walking, running, or operating from a motorcycle pillion, within a moving vehicle, boat, or helicopter.

Canon launches 1/3 inch HDTV lens series

The recent expansion of HDTV broadcasting has seen the range of HD camcorders with interchangeable lenses increasingly encompass the 1/3-inch image format size. This format size offers a more compact, mobile, and cost effective HD acquisition system. In support of these 1/3-inch systems, Canon had earlier released two lenses - the KT20x5B high-performance model and the KT14x4.4B KRS multipurpose model. They have proven popular in cost-effective HD program origination. Now Canon introduces a new 1/3-inch lens specifically tailored to HD ENG and lower-budget HD production. The KT17ex4.3B IRSE offers a modest wide-angle field of view, and generous focal range that is further augmented with a 2x extender. With the introduction of miniature 16-bit high resolution Rotary Encoder Devices into the enhanced digital drive unit, the lens features; superior precision lens control, precise repeatability in zoom, focus and iris control which supports the creative digital operational functions, simple integration into virtual digital studio systems without any options and dynamic zoom speed range of 0.5 sec. to over a 5 min. super slow zoom.

Wohler introduces Pandora Box

At its 2010 NAB Show press conference, Wohler Technologies Inc. unveiled Pandora, a compact and easy-to-read desktop or rack-mountable loudness monitor that can be employed at any point in the broadcast chain requiring simple, accurate loudness monitoring. In helping broadcasters to address the demands of the CALM (commercial advertisement loudness mitigation) act and other standards, the Pandora monitor provides a clear, accurate reading of loudness measurements for any SDI video signal with audio.

Accepting and analyzing AES, PCM, Dolby, stereo, or multi-channel audio, Pandora gives the user an accurate reading of loudness measurements (LKFS) over a user-defined period of time, ranging from 5 seconds to 60 minutes. A large numerical display shows LKFS readings, and a warning light indicates when this value exceeds acceptable thresholds. The unit's graphic display shows changes in loudness over time and real-time loudness (LU) levels at a glance.

Additionally, Pandora allows users to set a range of loudness parameters, including reference level, gating, and integration time; configure the system for 2-, 4-, 6-, or 8-channel (AES or SDI) operation; or even use a contribution matrix for multichannel mode.

With many regulatory agencies looking to add-or already adding-loudness to the list of regulated broadcast parameters, Pandora is the perfect solution to ensure that content meets ITU BS1770 and BS1771 standards, according to Kim Templeman-Holmes, VP of Global Dales and Marketing at Wohler. Pandora is an attractive and conveniently sized system that provides users with just the information they need to confirm loudness levels and maintain their compliance with current broadcast standards."

Lynx Studio Technology launches PCI Audio Interface - 192 KHz from LYNX USA

If you're looking for the audio performance of a LynxTWO or Lynx Aurora converter in a two-channel format, the L22 PCI card serves the purpose. L22 provides two 192 kHz analog channels and two 96 kHz digital channels with the same audio engine as LynxTWO. And although it only has four channels total, L22 uses the LynxTWO's 16-channel software mixer and can add I/O channels using the optional LS-ADAT and LS-AES LStream daughter cards.

The L22 is an excellent choice for mastering and broadcast facilities where quality and stability are crucial. This professional audio interface card is also intended for use in the most demanding audio recording, post-production, and measurement applications.

Using proprietary circuit topologies and custom components in the analog stages along with the latest converter technology, the L22 achieves a 117 dB dynamic range. Most importantly, advanced noise-rejection design techniques are incorporated to maintain this performance from computer to computer.

The onboard digital mixer is extremely flexible allowing the L22 to adapt to any studio or workstation configuration. Each of the mixer's 16 outputs is capable of mixing signals from 16 physical inputs or 16 playback tracks with 32-bit precision. As with other Lynx products, the L22 provides unprecedented compatibility with a wide range of platforms and operating systems. Lynx device drivers are developed in-house to insure quality and robust operation.

Optional LStream Expansion Module LS-AES provides eight-channel 24-bit/96kHz AES/EBU or S/PDIF digital I/O (Internal

Sierra Video introduces 600 MHz RGBHV routing switchers

Sierra Video (A Kramer Electronics Company), has announced the release of its Alta Pro family of wideband video routing switchers. The Alta Pro family offers 600MHz RGBHV and RGB signal routing with a single-board architecture that dramatically reduces overall frame size both in height and in depth, while providing a significant reduction in power consumption.

Alta Pro wideband routing switchers are available in 12x8, 12x4, 8x8 and 8x4 configurations with optional stereo audio, all housed in a 3RU (5.25-inch) frame. At 600MHz (-3dB), these routing switchers offer the highest-available bandwidth in the industry with extremely low crosstalk and a reduced footprint, combined with a 40 percent energy savings over previous generation RGBHV and RGB routing switchers. Each Alta Pro routing switcher employs a single vertically-mounted video board which contains all the signal paths for video routing. Fewer boards result in a simpler, and therefore even more reliable, product. These routing switchers are ideal for demanding RGBHV, RGB and analog HD signal routing applications.

Alta Pro wideband routing switchers pack the most punch of any presentation switcher Sierra Video has ever developed, according to John Cosenza, Director of Product Development for Sierra Video. The single-board design has allowed us to make the routing switcher substantially smaller while improving overall performance and energy efficiency.

With Alta Pro's room grouping feature, several inputs can be grouped and operated independently of other input groups on the routing switcher. Room grouping allows one routing switcher to be used for multiple room where the control system for each room addresses only the inputs and outputs assigned to that room. Alta Pro routing switchers perform video mute as well as video follow sync switching, where the H and V channels of an RGBHV signal are switched in advance of the RGB video channels of the signal (AV Mute Delay) to provide clean, glitch-free switching between non-synchronous sources. The routing switcher's sync reporting feature captures and reports the input sync rates for each input signal. Those rates can be read using Sierra Video's TyLinx Pro router control software or the host port protocol.

Alta Pro's front panel LED bar graph VU meter allows users to set audio levels and monitor audio streams. Input (level) adjustment can be employed for each input via RS-232, the front panel, and TyLinx Pro router control software. This feature allows users to balance audio levels in systems passing consumer and professional audio levels.

Each Alta Pro rear panel is color-coded red, green, blue (RGB), yellow and white (H and V) for ease of cable installation. Its push-button front control panel consists of 16 backlit buttons-12 input select buttons, 8 output select buttons, and 8 function buttons-adjustable with 8 levels of brightness. Alta Pro supports TCP/IP protocol and RS-232 serial control.

P+S Technik announces powerful CineForm cross-applications workflow solutions

CineForm formats open various post production pipelines for 16digital SR Mag shot material meeting all the demands of the market. The new 16Digital SR Mag from P+S Technik will include native support for the CineForm RAW 12-bit format and the CineForm HD 10-bit 4:2:2 format. These formats recorded on standard removable SSD storages allow for an easy and direct access to various digital post production workflows. CineForm digital intermediate workflows are designed for both windows and Mac and are known for achieving safe, high quality performance and pristine image quality at a very cost competitive price. The CineForm RAW format is also used by the P+S Technik highly-acclaimed SI-2K camera. Customers of P+S Technik do a lot of color correction, effects work, etc, in post, and need a format that holds up to the demands they are placing on their images. The CineForm formats' cross-applications compatibility takes the workflow integration to the next level because an efficient and convenient workflow for the 16digital SR Mag is ensured by the following partners:

• AJA Kona Card and Apple Final Cut setup with Neo4K allow for the use of
• Premiere Pro, After Effects, etc
• CineForm - Neo4K
• Cinegy (coming soon)
• Digital Vision - Nucoda
• DVS - Clipster
• Iridas - FrameCycler, SpeedGrade
• Pomfort - SilverStack
• Quantel - Software for Pablo, iQ and eQ

All partners share a common vision of quality throughout the workflow and clients are now assured that source image quality is maintained - from camera through post production to finished project, according to David Taylor, Co-Founder and CEO of CineForm. P+S Technik continues to provide various workflow solutions for every demand together with its multiple partners.

TPV India launches AOC branded LCD TVs and all in one PC's

AOC, the in house brand of TPV Technology Ltd., announced that it is launching a brand new series of AOC LCD TVs and AOC All in One PC's (AIO).

AOC's stylish LCD TV series called Nautilus will be launched in 22-inch, 26-inch, 32-inch, and 42-inch screen sizes in April 2010. AOC Nautilus comes in a stylish, high gloss piano finish with a fashionable red and black dual colored bezel and is available in full HD and HD ready formats, with a super dynamic contrast ratio of 50,000:1, boasting an amazing picture quality. Other features include surround sound, real color engine, USB cinema and HDMI input. The USP of AOC Nautilus is the USB hub present on the side, which makes it very easy for users to connect their other AV gadgets. AOC plans to pitch in the entry level full feature 22-inch LCD TV at an attractive price point of approximately Rs. 13,000.

Mukesh Gupta, Director TPV Technology Group and the head of TPV operations for India, Middle East and SAARC Countries stated that like all other AOC products, AOC's feature rich and performance driven Nautilus LCD TV range is pegged to break into the LCD TV market. The company is specially focusing on customers who intend upgrading from a CRT to LCD TVs. In line with this spectacular deal, it is also offering three months replacement warranty and an extended two years warranty across all AOC LCD TV's.

AOC's all in one personal computer-M222T is a stylish super slim, feature loaded touch screen PC with the latest Intel core-2 processor. It is a super high end Full HD PC with Windows 7 premium, touch screen, 500 GB HDD, Wi-Fi, web cam, SRS,  low power, DVD, and  USB hubs. AOC‘s All in One PC's are available in two sizes, 18.5-inch and22-inch, and in 4 different variants offering both Intel and AMD processors and varying hard disk options. AOC plans to pitch in its feature loaded 22-inch touch screen AIO at an attractive price of approximately Rs. 50,000.

AOC is also launching four new LED monitor series in 2010 -series 37, series 39, series 40, and series 41. All would be available in an ultra thin look, and in a range of sizes starting from 18.5-inch up to 24-inch. These monitors display amazing picture quality with a DCR of 20 million: 1, a super fast response time and have special software further boosting image quality. Promoting AOC's green IT' positioning of low power consumption, and zero radiation, lead free and mercury free models, all these monitors are EPEAT gold certified. They also have built in I care sensor, which automatically cuts down on monitor brightness with respect to ambient light available. All these monitors are positioned at par with regular AOC monitors, and would be available at similar price points.