Taking an ordinary lump of clay and fashioning from it a masterpiece is no easy feat. Just ask Michaelangelo. But he did just that. Along the same lines, many of the winners of the Videography Division of United Entertainment Media's newly-minted Vidy Awards have taken an average piece of hardware or software and turned it into an innovative, groundbreaking piece of technology. The awards were selected at NAB2002 by the editors of Videography, Government Video, DigitalTV, and Digital Cinema magazines. The awards evolved from the DigitalTV Pick of Show, which has been handed to outstanding NAB product debuts since 1995.
The Vidy Awards are presented in recognition of outstanding achievement in the advancement of the art and science of video technology. "To become a Vidy Award winner, our editors must unanimously agree that the nominated product or technology is worthy," said Mark Foley, editor of Videography. "Recognition with a Vidy is a true vote of confidence and stamp of approval from the entire editorial staff of these leading industry publications."
And the winners are...
Apple
Cinema Tools for Final Cut Pro
It's not a fadÑ24p is here to stay. And Apple has addressed this market need with its new software package. Designed to enhance the 24 fps editing capabilities for its Final Cut Pro 3.0 software, Cinema Tools offers support for film cut lists and 24-frame EDLs for high definition video. It's one low-cost solution that supports the film and video industry.
Apple
www.apple.com
Astro Systems
WM-3001 portable waveform monitor
This compact HD measurement tool includes a 6-inch LCD panel and can be mounted on your camcorder battery for hands-free monitoring in the field. It features four modes of display (picture, waveform, vectorscope, and status) and offers overlay, freeze, and data save and retrieval. The lightweight unit supports 17 HD video formats and offers HD-SDI and Y/Pb/Pr inputs.
Astro Systems
www.astro-systems.com
Audio Specialties Group
MAS-101 antenna
management system
Think of it as an in-house distribution system for wireless mics and intercom systems. Rather than using multiple receivers for extended coverage, the MAS-101 uses multiple antennas throughout a facility to provide geographic coverage of multiple stages or areas. The system is fully customizable and works with Vega, Telex, HME, and other systems and wireless microphones.
Audio Specialties Group
www.swl.com
Avid Technology
MetaSync technology
This new technology from Avid allows editors to link metadata for subtitling, interactive television, closed-captioning, and DVD authoring to video and audio in the Avid timeline. Why do the job more than once? Avid's MetaSync consolidates various processes into the Avid editing environment, so a completed project doesn't have to be fixed in postÑagain. Now that's workflow efficiency.
Avid Technology
www.avid.com
brightline
RGB cycSeries
Gels not included. Actually, gels aren't needed. brightline's new RGB cycSeries provides DMX-controlled color changing wash through its lamps. Go from chromakey blue or green to another background color in an instant without a ladderÑand without changing lighting instruments. Blend your own colors or use brightline's palette, and control the colors through customized software or standard consoles. Forgive the pun, but this really is a bright idea.
brightline
www.brightlines.com
Fast Forward Video
Recon Ultra-Compact DVR board
In an industry where rack space is always at a premium, the Recon Ultra-Compact DVR board from Fast Forward Video saves space without sacrificing quality. The unit provides M-JPEG compression, as well as a variety of compression ratios and outputs. Ideally suited for surveillance, sporting events, and remote broadcast applications, Recon is already being used in products like BUF Technology's Sport integrated instant replay video server.
Fast Forward Video
www.ffv.com
Harris
Apex exciter
Harris wants broadcasters to run a clean ship, or at least a clean signal. The Apex uses realtime adaptive correction (RTAC) to sample the output of the transmitter's mask filter and continuously monitor the system. It also makes adjustments automatically to keep the signal-to-noise ratio well within ATSC recommendations. Plus, it corrects across the entire channel in-band and side-band, which cleans the "inside" and "outside" of the signal, allowing the DTV transmitter to run at higher power.
Harris
www.harris.com
JVC Professional
Streamcorder camcorder
JVC's new GY-DV300 camcorder and its companion KA-DV300U network package lets users stream footage directly to the Internet. The system allows full end-user control over all camera functions from a remote location. Oh, and the GY-DV300 is also a 3-CCD DV camcorder with 14x power zoom lens, two XLR inputs, and 12-bit A/D converter. It's a dual-purpose camcorder that really delivers.
JVC Professional
www.pro.jvc.com
Larcan USA
Magnum transmitter
RF sites are getting awfully crowded, between transmitters and backup transmitters and digital transmitters. So why is this transmitter so hot? Well, to put it simply, small footprint, big output. Magnum offers twice the power in the same amount of space, courtesy of a revolutionary new design for the amplifiers. Plus, this solid-state, DTV-ready UHF transmitter is scalable from 2.5 kW up to 20 kW.
Larcan USA
www.larcan.com
Media 100
844/X content design system
"You'll want one," claim the ads for Media 100's 844/X. They're right. The 844/X features the GenesisEngine, designed and manufactured by Media 100, which delivers more than 420 MBps sustained throughput, so there's no problem with realtime multiple layers of video and audio.
Media 100
www.media100.com
MICRODOLLY HOLLYWOOD
Power Head
Perpetually innovative, MICRODOLLY HOLLYWOOD scores another winner with its Power Head. It provides smooth remote control pan and tilt movement for cameras (up to 40 pounds) mounted at a distance from the operator. It can be used with a number of MICRODOLLY products, including its dolly, jib, and suction mount, and is built for extreme weather and temperature conditions.
MICRODOLLY HOLLYWOOD
www.microdolly.com
Microsoft
Windows Media
"Corona" technology
It's no wonder that other manufacturers are already lining up to support the next version of Microsoft's Windows Media technology. Code-named "Corona," its new audio codec allows Web-based delivery of 6-channel surround sound with 24-bit, 96 kHz sampling. Plus, the video codec has improved efficiency and can provide 720p video for playback on the PCÑat file sizes that are half that of DVD files.
Microsoft
www.microsoft.com
NSI
NuPod antenna system
NSI calls the NuPod a "smart antenna system" for mobile applications. We couldn't agree more. The heart of this revolutionary idea is a GPS-driven locator system that significantly reduces the lock-on time from the broadcast home base to the mobile unit. It eliminates the hassle of lining up the signal and maintains connectivity in the field.
NSI
www.nsystems.com
Opus 1
Portable Music Library
Laptop editors on the go don't have to carry around an assortment of CDs or make MP3s of their favorite tracks. Opus 1 now offers its music library on a portable hard drive that can be accessed via a USB port. Plus, the company provides a searchable database, so finding the right cut is a snap. This innovation will surely be copied throughout the industry, but we salute the company that did it first.
Opus 1
www.opus1musiclibrary.com
Panasonic
AG-DVX100 24p mini-DV camcorder
Forget filmÑdirectors-in-training will flock to Panasonic's new AG-DVX100. It's the world's first mini-DV camcorder that captures 24-frame progressive scanned film "look" images. The 4.4-pound, 3-CCD camcorder offers manual zoom, focus, and iris, as well as built-in XLR inputs for two audio channels. Plus, its IEEE-1394 interface makes it easy to download to your NLE.
Panasonic
www.panasonic.com/broadcast
Quantel
eQ & gQ
Welcome to the new world of Quantel's generationQ for post, a new range of hardware and software that provides a scalable common user interface, toolset, and operating system. The eQ platform is a resolution co-existent platform that can handle HD and/or SD material. And gQ takes Paintbox graphics to a whole new level, with new tools and improved performance.
Quantel
www.quantel.com
Sony
DSR-DU1 hard-disk recorder
DVCAM users have a new reason to embrace the format. This cozy hard-disk recorder attaches to the back of a compatible DVCAM camcorder (via camera adaptor or IEEE-1394 i.LINK cable) and records up to three hours of video. It even offers eight seconds of cache recording, so you don't have to miss a shot.
Sony
www.sony.com
Sony
eVTR card
Last year, Sony made a corporate commitment to put an IP address on every product. eVTR delivers on that promise. The plug-in card allows MPEG IMX VTRs to transfer video segments as files over IP networks to other MPEG IMX VTRs or servers in any location. eVTR also enables remote control of VTRs.
Sony
www.sony.com
Tally Display Corp.
Dynascan display
Here's the coolest new display on the show floor. Tally's unique Dynascan provides a seamless, 360-degree video surface that promises to be a big hit in the public signage arena.
Tally Display Corp.
www.tallydisplay.com
Telecast Fiber Systems
Trithon mux
If you can combine more signals on each fiber, you save the cost of installing more fiber. Telecast Fiber Systems took this philosophy to heart with Trithon, which multiplexes three independent SDI video channels, as well as nine digital (AES/EBU) and 12 analog audio channels on a single fiber. You can also multiply each fiber's capacity by eight by using coarse wavelength division multiplexing (CWDM), and there's even a full redundancy option. All this without the need to pre-synchronize SDI signalsÑand all in a 1 RU frame that provides front panel audio monitoring.
Telecast Fiber Systems
www.telecast-fiber.com
Telemetrics
CTS-S2 servo-controlled camera trolley system
So you want to go with robotic cameras in the studio. Now you can add the element of a moving track shot without an operator in the studio. Best of all, with a track, the pedestal never wanders off-course. Remote controlled, motorized, and consistent tripod movementÑnice shot.
Telemetrics
www.telemetricsinc.com
Telescript
Ultimate field/ENG teleprompter for DV
Kudos to a product that addresses the growing market of smaller DV camcorders. Built to fit units like the Canon XL1S, the 13-pound system includes a 12-inch LCD flat-panel prompter and Telescript's "Quick Mount" technology that makes mounting a snap.
Telescript
www.telescript.com
Teranex
StarFilm noise reducer
Stop the noise with Teranex's latest noise reduction product. StarFilm uses advanced algorithms for grain removal, dirt concealment, noise reduction, and aperture correction for SD and HD material. This software-based application, which runs off Teranex's realtime digital video platform, allows users to work with NTSC, PAL, or HD material using the same interface and control architecture.
Teranex
www.teranex.com
THOMSON
multimedia
Viper FilmStream camera
Our editors continue to argue over who nominated this baby first. And with good reasonÑthis is one hot camera. No other "video" camera gives the user uncompressed, 4:4:4 10-bit log, dual stream HD/SDI output, while also being able to output a traditional HD picture. Throw in 9.2 megapixels per CCD chip (and there are three of them) and you've got one serious image.
THOMSON multimedia
www.viperfilmstreamcamera.com
Tiffen
HD ULTRABRIGHT LCD monitor
Here's a smart idea. The makers of Steadicam have created an LCD monitor that attaches to the Steadicam unit. Now, camera operators can monitor their shots by just looking down.
Tiffen
www.tiffen.com
Wacom Technology
Cintiq 18sx tablet
Editors and graphic artists are no longer tied to a workstation. This new tablet allows users to draw and manipulate images directly on its 18.1-inch, SXGA LCD screen with a cordless, pressure-sensitive pen that doesn't need batteries. All connections are through one cable, plus the Cintiq 18sx offers analog and digital interfaces, USB connection, and improved viewing. It even includes a stand that rotates a full 360 degrees and inclines between 13 and 70 degrees, which duplicates the benefits of a drafting table on your work surface. Unless, of course, you'd rather work on the floor or in a recliner.
Wacom Technology Corp.
www.wacom.com
Yamaha
Reverberation data
library for SREV1
Today's audiences want realistic audio, and these new CD-ROMs provide comprehensive re-creations of real-world acoustic spaces. Whether you need small, medium, or large spaces (or even outdoors, the inside of a car, or a PA system), these collections significantly expand the capabilities of the SREV1 sampling reverberator, because they're based on actual acoustical data acquired on location. It's not just reverb anymore.
Yamaha
www.yamaha.com
Yamaha
02R96 audio console
This is cutting-edge audio. The 56-input 02R96 digital mixing console offers 24-bit, 96 kHz performance, surround sound monitoring, expansive data libraries, and Yamaha's Studio Manager software, which provides total control of all console parameters through its GUI. The unit has been designed to integrate with DAWs including Digidesign's Pro Tools, and has enough extra bells and whistles to keep your audio engineer happily entertained for a long, long time.
Yamaha
www.yamaha.com
Zeiss
DigiPrime HD lenses
Serious glass. Distributed by Band Pro, these six new DigiPrime lenses offer high-precision focus, fixed iris and focus gears, precision back-focus, and an innovative iris design. The lenses are uniform in size and shape. They are smaller and lighter than zoom lenses, which makes them ideal for handheld camerawork.
Zeiss
www.digiprimes.com
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