Avid Mix Artist Series Controller: Controlling your Tricaster audio just got easier!

Those of you familiar with working in a live environment will be all too aware of that fact that more often than not one pair of hands quite simply just isn't enough. Users of NewTek's Tricaster 8000 are certainly no exception to this largely due to the fact that the TC8000 is jam packed full of so many amazing features. Whether you're setting up macros, juggling Mix Effects, adjusting a key or configuring proc amps it's fair to say that having a second pair of hands comes in handy (pun intended) more often than not.

 



Avid Mix Artist Controller

With this in mind it can surely only be a good thing that NewTek have teamed up with Avid to allow Avid's Mix Artist controller to be used in conjunction with the TC8000 - great news for anybody looking to share the workload in a demanding live environment. As fully certified NewTek operators here at Planet PC we know only too well how hard NewTek have worked to ensure a system that does so much is so user friendly. The addition of Avid's Mix Artist controller means that now the video guys can devote their full attention to what they do best while the audio guys take care of the rest.

 

Using Avid's innovative Eucon protocol the Mix Artist controller connects to the Tricaster via Ethernet and allows the user full control over all of the Tricaster's on board audio controls which results not only in increased functionality but also provides the ability to effectively share the workload if need be.

 

It's also worth bearing in mind that the Mix Artist controller is compatible with a wide range of software across Windows and Mac operating systems which includes Cubase, Pro Tools, Adobe Audition, Final Cut Pro and Avid Media Composer to name but a few. In a nutshell: Versatile, compact and a cost effective way to simplify a workflow. Head over to www.planetdv.net for more information on this and many more specialist broadcast products.

Blackmagic announce Cinema Camera Price Drop

For those of you out there who are Blackmagic fans (and let's face it who isn't) you'll be pleased to hear that along with stepping up shipping on their Pocket Cinema Camera Blackmagic have also announced a price drop on their original cinema camera.

 

As everybody is well aware, there was somewhat of a delay with the original Cinema Camera due to manufacturing issues relating to the contamination of the lens/sensor which no one could have predicted but understandably led to a lot of frustration. This combined with the large amount of hype surrounding Blackmagic's first camera meant there were some unhappy customers as a result, with many remaining on waiting lists for over a year before actually receiving their cameras.

 

With this in mind Blackmagic's recent decision to reduce the price of their original cinema camera from £1790.00 (ex vat) to £1325.00 (ex vat) is welcome news and makes a product which already offers great value for money even more attractive to those venturing into the world of large sensor camcorders. It also means anyone who's been saving hard now has some cash left over for all those accessories!

 



What's more is the 2.5K version is actually shipping which means for a lot of customers who have been patiently (and not so patiently) counting the days since that first NAB announcement back in 2012 the wait is finally over.

 

As if that wasn't enough good news Blackmagic have also announced that the Pocket Cinema Camera is now shipping in limited quantities and with the 4K version not far behind the only downside is making the difficult decision of which one to choose.

 

 

Head over to www.planetdv.net where you can see these cameras along with the rest of the Blackmagic range. Alternatively if you're still struggling to decide which camera is right for you then why not give our sales team a call on 01274 713400.

A Beginners Guide to External Recording

Here at Planet PC we often get questions about external camera recorders from a wide range of customers with a variety of needs.

 

Like many people on a budget maybe you have an older camera which records to tape and you want to take advantage of a tapeless workflow. It could be that you want a way of recording uncompressed footage or maybe you simply want a way of backing up for piece of mind on an important shoot.

 

Whatever the reason, chances are you're not alone and choosing the right device for recording externally can be a tricky one. Here at Planet PC we have a range of options to suit all your needs.

 

Anyone out there using a tape based camera with Firewire capabilities might be familiar with Datavideo's DN-60 (and if you're not we reckon you should be!)

 



Datavideo DN-60

This great little device can be mounted to a tripod or a camera allows the user to bypass recording to tape and instead record digitally to a compact flash card. Not only does this mean that recording times can be greatly increased, it also makes life a lot easier when transferring media to a PC prior to editing. The DN-60 includes a power supply for when batteries are low and also features a "sync to tape" feature meaning start/stop recording can be synchronised with your camera. With an RRP of £375.00 (ex vat) this is a great little product, especially if you're currently using tape and don't have the budget to invest in a new camera anytime soon. Here at Planet PC we think that's a small price to pay for something which provides so many benefits.





HyperDeck Shuttle V2

If recording uncompressed to SSD drives is more your cup of tea then why not have a look at Blackmagic's recording wizardry which comes in the form of the HyperDeck Shuttle V2. This battery powered field recorder is not just compact, it's also great value for money with an RRP of just £229.00 (ex vat). Recording uncompressed footage has never been so easy due to the fact that the HyperDeck allows the user to bypass a cameras standard compression, making this ideal for anyone who needs the highest quality footage possible. The HyperDeck V2 works perfectly for users of both pro and consumer level kit due to the fact that it features SDI and HDMI inputs/outputs. The Shuttle can also be used as a playback source for digital signage or switchers, making it extremely versatile. We think that the price tag alone makes this device pretty much essential for anyone undertaking grading, special effects or chroma key work.

 







Samurai Blade

If you're one of the lucky one's and don't happen to be on a tight budget then have a look at Atomos's newest addition in the form of the Samurai Blade. Machined from aircraft grade aluminium with the capability to record to 2.5" HDD's or SSD drives the Blade really does have all the bells and whistles, and even features hot swappable drives. While this might come in handy it's not nearly as handy as the on board waveform monitoring, built in vectorscope or extremely accurate colour reproduction courtesy of the super bright 1280x720 screen.

Ideal for recording/monitoring HD-SDI the blade uses a mere 6 watts of power meaning that battery life is second to none but just in case you're worried the Blade includes an NP series battery and a power supply. The Blade also features a highly intuitive OS, file recovery system, audio monitoring, a range of signal testing tools and the ability to cut and tag shots in advance. As if the Blade wasn't already good enough we've also got it on special offer for the great price of £799.00 (ex vat). That's £50.00 off the RRP!

 

To see all the kit discussed in this week's blog along with our full range of professional broadcast equipment head over to www.planetdv.net now. Alternatively if you'd like to discuss your requirements in person why not give us a call on 01274 713400 or email us at sales@planetdv.net