Video device convergence forces Skype to embrace H.264

Skype’s decision to adopt H.264 was made because it has become the de facto codec for video delivery across a wide range of devices. Due to hardware acceleration built into low-powered devices such as TVs, Blu-ray players and mobile handsets, video publishers have increasingly turned to H.264 for video playback.
H.264 is arguably the best, or only, way to deliver video onto connected TVs and mobile devices. However, a battle is breaking out over the video format used by Web browsers for standards-based HTML5 video playback. While all modern browsers are working to support HTML5 and its video tag, which enables video playback without the need for a proprietary plug-in like Adobe’s Flash Player, browser makers are divided on which video format to support. Microsoft’s Internet Explorer 9 and Apple’s Safari browser have pledged support for H.264, but Google’s Chrome, Mozilla’s Firefox and Opera are backing Google’s open-source WebM format.

Thunderbolt technology could revolutionize field editing

The arrival of Thunderbolt, a new data transfer and HD personal computer connection that runs at 10Gb/s brings new possibilities for ENG crews editing video with Apple’s Final Cut Pro in the field.
Developed in Intel’s labs with the help of Apple, under the name Light Peak, the technology was instantly available in Apple’s updated lineup of MacBook Pros. The 10Gb/s speeds, outperforming even USB 3.0 speeds, is a boon to video editors working with Apple laptops in the field.
Intel’s vision is to have Thunderbolt replace the myriad specialty ports on laptops and desktop machines with one that can do just about everything while scaling its bandwidth potential to support future computing needs.
In its line of 13in, 15in and 17in MacBook Pros recently introduced, Apple said Thunderbolt is 12 times faster than FireWire 800 and up to 20 times faster than USB 2.0.
“It offers unprecedented expansion capabilities,” according to Apple. “It changes what you can do with a notebook.”

Tiny Size, Serious Technology….LaCie FastKey

The LaCie FastKey isn’t just another USB key—it’s a real mobile SSD. It’s one of the speediest, most robust choices on the market for portable data storage. Featuring a solid-state drive and DRAM cache, it also offers up to 120GB of capacity.
With the FastKey’s USB 3.0 interface, you can store and transfer your files faster than ever before, no matter how large they are. USB 3.0 represents an enormous speed increase from USB 2.0, and best of all, since it’s backward compatible with USB 2.0 and USB 1.1, there’s never any worry about connectivity.
AES 256-bit encryption is included in the FastKey, along with LaCie’s Private-Public software, which allows you to create a private partition on your key. This way, it’s simple to keep private data and public data separate—letting you use your FastKey any time, anywhere.

Audio Precision breaks speed barrier

Audio Precision has introduced a new analyzer that returns 19 key audio measurements in about one second. The multitone analyzer will become available in the upcoming release of APx500 v2.7.
This testing speed means that production line managers no longer have to choose between speed and quality when specifying their audio test equipment. They will be able to achieve reliable, consistent results with a minimum number of test stations, ensuring lower defect rates at a lower cost per unit.
The new APx multitone analyzer returns the following results in graphic or tabular data form: level; total harmonic distortion and intermodulation distortion plus noise); noise density spectrum, gain; TD+N spectrum; noise RMS level; relative level; crosstalk; signal-to-noise ratio; deviation; crosstalk at tone; DC level; phase; total RMS level; frequency shift; phase at tone; RMS level at tone; FFT spectrum; TD+N ratio; and maximum level at tone.
Speeds of about one second are attainable using the APx API, the typical implementation on an automated production line. When the APx GUI is controlling the APx, speeds are closer to three seconds for 19 results.
The new APx v2.7 software powers all APx analyzers, including the new APx515 production test audio analyzer, the APx525 high-performance audio analyzer and the APx585 multichannel audio analyzer.
The APx500 v2.7 is a free update for all APx users.

LaCie partners with Pro Sound Effects

LaCie, a provider of professional storage solutions, and Pro Sound Effects, provider of professional sound effects libraries and solutions, have arranged a strategic partnership that will deliver premium sound effects libraries and search software via hard drives for an enhanced media production experience.
Until now, the BBC Sound Effects Library was available only on audio CD, making it cumbersome for media producers to search, audition, select and import sound effects. The new partnership creates a complete digital experience for media production professionals. By combining database sound files with hard drive technology and search software, media producers will have a comprehensive sound design solution that optimizes content integration and workflow.
The partnership delivers five BBC sound libraries on the LaCie d2 Quadra and the LaCie Rikiki. The largest of the libraries, created by Pro Sound Effects, leverages the original 2400 sound effects while including an additional 30,000 commercial sound effects that were previously unavailable. Now, the entire library of 32,400 sound effects can be purchased in one complete collection on a LaCie’s 1TB d2 Quadra.
The d2 Quadra was developed for full compatibility, including four interfaces, eSATA 3Gb/s, FireWire 800, FireWire 400 and USB 2.0, for universal connectivity to PC and Mac workstations. The d2 Quadra features a fanless design for quiet operation in any production environment.
The smaller sound collections can be purchased on LaCie’s Rikiki, which is enclosed in brushed aluminum and can fit in a pocket for mobility and data protection.

Drobo wants Mac users to “Upgrade your RAID”

Did you buy one of those “quasi-RAID” storage devices over the last few years? You know, the ones that tried to squeeze a few hard disks into a shiny silver box and call it RAID? In many cases, those devices simply implemented RAID 0 (block-level striping without parity or mirroring) as a way to create a big drive out of two or more smaller drives. If one drive fails, the entire array is toast.
Well, Data Robotics wants to save Mac users from that harrowing experience by offering to “Upgrade your RAID.” Until the end of the month of September, you can trade in a qualifying device (which will be sent to a reputable electronics recycler) and receive 10% off of a DroboPro or DroboElite, or 15% off the price of a Drobo, Drobo S, or Drobo FS.
To take advantage of this deal, register on the Drobo upgrade page, or call the Drobo sales folks at 1-866-997-6268. This program is a good way to keep your data safe and probably gain a lot of capacity in the process.

Steinberg launches Nuendo 5

Nuendo 5 by Steinberg represents a new state-of-the-art production environment tailored to post production, live recording and audio production. Features include an ADR toolset, new sound design features and plug-ins, and a range of mixing, routing and automation enhancements. Supporting Mac OS X (10.5 and later) as well as Windows 7, Vista and XP, Nuendo 5 will is now available from authorized Steinberg dealers.
Among the new features presented in Nuendo 5 is a new ADR toolset engineered for audio post, providing new capabilities for spotting including advanced take and marker handling, EDL import and a new video engine. Clip packages have been designed specifically for sound editors as a new way to organize and handle audio as clusters of files across multiple tracks that can be archived, previewed and retrieved almost instantly using the upgraded Nuendo 5 MediaBay.
Enhanced mixing features in Nuendo 5 include upgrades to the Nuendo automation system as well as direct routing with multiple destinations. A new plug-in set with the next-generation surround panner and a surround bus patch editor further adds to the advanced surround feature set. Other additions include a waveform display, improved compatibility with Pro Tools audio files and automated batch export functions.
Nuendo 5 also integrates seamlessly with Steinberg’s Nuendo SyncStation synchronizer hardware, providing sample-accurate sync in almost any situation. Nuendo 5 also features complete support for a range of controller devices.

Meyer Sound’s MINA: Big Sound, Small Box

MINA is a two-way system using Meyer’s new three-channel Class-D power amplifier. Inside the box are two all-new neodymium magnet 6.5” cone drivers and a 1.5” voice coil that are designed specifically to meet the low-frequency requirements of the system. Each is powered by its own amplifier channel. With the addition of the MINA to the MILO family, Meyer Sound proves that size is important because sometimes you need a big sound in a small box.
A single MINA speaker is just over a foot and a half long and weighs only 47lbs—definitely the baby in the family—but don’t let size fool you. It has more power than your typical trap box in a fraction of the size. You could hide this little one in a fake rock and blow out some amazing sounds at theme park patrons. The speaker can produce up to 128dB SPL over its wide 100° horizontal coverage area.
It’s is an excellent choice for smaller theatres, as well. It gives you a chance to do some impressive surround effects, and it can evenly cover even the smallest house. This box is so small that no one will have a problem hanging it.
It’s also designed to combine seamlessly with other members of the MILO family, making it a system that can grow to fit the needs of a production. When added to the bottom of a MILO, MINA can add crucial front-fill coverage without blowing the audience away. The M’elodie is MINA’s big sister—a natural partner—and MINA can also perform any number of larger jobs when using big brother MICA. Meyer’s 500-HP compact high-power subwoofer, or Uncle Low-End, makes the perfect complement to MINA, producing a peak SPL of 135dB at 1m over its 35Hz – 140Hz operating frequency range.

Yamaha to Offer New DSR Powered Speaker Line

Yamaha Commercial Audio Systems, Inc. has announced the Q4 availability of the DSR Powered Speaker Series. The active loudspeaker series take full advantage of Yamaha expertise in digital sound design and acoustic technology.
The new Yamaha powered speaker series consists of the DSR112, DSR115, DSR215, and DSR118W subwoofer. All models feature 1300W high power and efficiency (LF: 850W, HF: 450W on all models except DSR118W @ 800W) with class D amplification; FIR filter processing (FIR-X Tuning); and D-Contour a multi-band dynamic processor for consistent clarity at both high and low output levels. The coverage pattern of the CDW horns are 90°x60°. The PFC switching mode power supply, amplifiers and transducers are continuously monitored by extensive DSP protection.
Yamaha DSR112 and DSR115 have built-in pole mounts and M10 rigging points for installation. DSR112 has a multi-angled cabinet for floor monitor applications.
The DSR112, 115, 215 and 118W have a target MSRP from $1,199 to $1,649, respectively.

d&b audiotechnik ArrayCalcV6 software

d&b audiotechnik’s ArrayCalc simulation software for its line and subwoofer arrays has been updated with increased listening planes, arrays, and subwoofers. Version 6 also adds various functions, including a selection of excitation signals—sine, 1/3 octave filtered noise, or pink noise—for the simulation of the sound level distribution and absolute sound pressure level. This simulation includes frequency, temperature, and humidity-dependent air absorption. Loudspeaker types are now an exact model of the real system, with all available settings such as Line/Arc, CUT, HFC, or INFRA. For all arrays and their individual elements, the system headroom before gain reduction (GR) is calculated to obtain realistic and reproducible results.
The 3D Plot SPL level mapping calculates and displays the energy level summation of all activated arrays at chosen frequency bands for all selected listening areas, with an optional complex summation (showing interference) in the LF band. The mapping diagram offers isometric views and can be zoomed. An auto-calculate function restarts the simulation with every acoustic relevant system design change, displaying a low-resolution result and refreshing with increasing resolution until the calculation is complete.
A new align tab adds an alignment procedure that allows for time-alignment of arrays, fills, delays, and ground stacks at a selectable test point. The auto-scale function of the arrival time display helps the precision of the alignment of the array arrivals. This page also displays the SubArray alignment, with its own test point in order to visualize all changes occurring during the alignment process.
The new ArrayCalc V6 is available for download from the company’s website in the support/downloads section.