Panasonic develops ultra high-speed memory cards

Panasonic has unveiled a new line of SD High Capacity (SDHC) class 10 UHS-1 (Ultra High Speed) solid-state memory cards with transfer rates of 90MB/s, or four-and-a-half times as fast as the previous generation of SDHC media. The new RP-SDB series of cards — available in storage capacities of 8GB, 16GB and 32GB — are optimized for Panasonic’s broad AVCCAM line of affordable HD camcorders.
The new UHS-1 media facilitate offload speeds of as low as 1.5 minutes from the 8GB card, to three minutes from the 16GB card, and six minutes from the 32GB card. To achieve the SBD Series UHS-1’s media’s high-speed transfer, a user must have a computer embedded with USB 3.0 technology and equipped with either a Panasonic UHS-1 USB adapter or with an SDHC card slot that supports the UHS-1’s chip.

Sony’s attempt to reclaim acquisition status

This year Sony has emerged from its slumber with new models based on CMOS sensor technology developed in house at its Atsugi facility in Japan that show promise for those professionals seeking images with a shallow depth of field or the highest-resolution image capture possible to emulate the look of film. Sony said it has been able to eliminate the moiré and aliasing problems experienced with many current HDSLRs while reducing the rolling shutter effect of CMOS imagers. In addition, when compared to traditional CCD chips, which Sony continues to offer in some existing models, CMOS offers increased resolution, lower power consumption, minimized noise artifacts and virtually zero image smearing. Local news crews could also benefit from Sony’s new emphasis on customer requirements.

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.”

Canon’s New XA10 HD Camcorder

The new ultra compact XA10 Professional Camcorder is designed for situations where mobility is critical while shooting. This feature-rich, professional model records Full HD 1080p using an AVCHD codec. The ultimate professional camcorder for run-and-gun shooting, the compact XA10 includes a detachable handle for low-angle shooting and portability. With the handle attached the XA10’s functionality is further enhanced with the addition of XLR inputs and an external microphone holder.
A Genuine Canon 10x HD Video Lens delivers a wide, flexible zoom range (35mm equivalent range 30.4mm-304mm) and smooth, pleasing backgrounds thanks to an 8-blade iris. And an infrared mode allows users to capture video in conditions with little or no ambient light, a situation which would make other camcorders useless.
The new XA10 provides the option of recording to a 64GB internal flash drive or two SDXC-compatible card slots and the ability to simultaneously record to two cards at once for instant backup. Portable and packed with professional features, this camcorder will be the model of choice for on-the-go videographers.

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.

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.

AJA Ki Pro Mini cuts tapeless recorder down to size

AJA Video Systems introduced the Ki Pro Mini, a smaller, lighter version of its portable tapeless recorder that captures to the Apple ProRes 422 codec directly from the camera.
The Ki Pro Mini flash disk recorder mounts to digital cameras and accessories, enabling it to fit unobtrusively in small spaces for capture of 10-bit 4:2:2 files that are immediately ready for editing.
Ki Pro Mini offers a small form factor, support for SDI and HDMI cameras and key features including

10-bit full-raster recording to Apple ProRes 422 SD and HD formats (including HQ, LT and proxy)

Recording of SD/HD files from digital video cameras to CompactFlash cards

Mac OS X-friendly media and native QuickTime files with no log and capture required

Professional video connectivity through SD/HD-SDI and HDMI I/O

Two channels of balanced XLR audio with switch-selectable line/mic levels

Eight channels of embedded digital audio over SDI and HDMI

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.

Plextor PX-B120U portable Blu-ray drive now ready for traveling

Ever wish that you had the power of Blu-ray anywhere you and your laptop went? Now there’s another option with the launch of the Plextor PX-B120U USB-powered external Blu-ray disc player.
The best thing about the Plextor PX-B120U is how portable it is. You only need a USB cable – no AC adapter or anything else bound to get tangled in the mix.
And if you’re looking for an extra DVD/CD writer, it does that too. (No burning Blu-ray discs though, sadly.)
So long as your PC or laptop computer is compatible, you can pick up one of these portable entertainment units now for $99.99.