Saturday 29 June 2013

NewTek Announce TC40 Upgrade to V2!

Tricaster 40


That's right folks, as if the Tricaster 40 wasn't  already good enough NewTek have only gone and given us the option to make it even better with the release of V2!
 
Announced earlier this month, the new software upgrade means TC40 owners have the option to cram even more features into that little black box we all know and love so well, and all for the price of £749.99 (ex vat).
 
 
The new features include:
 
  • Animation Store Creator - Wow viewers with custom transitions and professional motion graphics previously associated with NewTek's range of higher end Tricasters.
  • New session resolutions - Reach more viewers on more devices.
  • New recording formats - Improved workflow due to more recording options.
  • New Multiview layouts - Take advantage of increased multiview options on a second monitor.
  • New Audio Mixer Effects Channel - Make those new transitions stand out even more with custom sound effects.
  • Built in Waveform Monitor and Scope - Increased control over input sources.
  • LiveText Character Generator - HD titles and real-time data at the click of a mouse.
 
 
Talk about value for money!
 
Here at Planet PC we didn't think the TC40 could get any better but it looks like on this occasion NewTek have surprised us yet again. We also like the fact that because the upgrade is software it means that all existing TC40 owners have the option to upgrade whenever they want, and so don't need to worry about missing out on all these great new features.
 
As of July 12th all Tricaster 40's will be shipping with version 2 as standard which means the older version 1 TC40's will no longer be available. As a result this also means the TC40 will be increasing in price to around £4500.00 (ex vat) from 12/07/2013. While it's true that nobody likes price increases we think that this still offers excellent value for money for a product which does so much by a company which not only supports it's products but also listens to it's customers at ground level (many new features in V2 have been requested by users in NewTek's community forums). 
 
40-top-features-newFor anyone out there considering a Tricaster 40 but yet to take the plunge you can still get your hands on a version 1 TC40 for the bargain price of £3499.00 (ex vat) up until 12/07/2013. Head over to www.planetdv.net or give our sales team a call now on 01274 713400.

Wednesday 19 June 2013

A Beginners Guide to Selecting a Video Tripod

When it comes to video one of the most important tools for any camera operator after a camera - whether amateur or professional - is a decent tripod.
 
While it is often the case that cameras generally take all the glory whether be it because of a fantastic zoom, an expensive wide angle lens, or some other feature many great shots would be nothing if it weren't for the help of a sturdy tripod.
 
Often dismissed simply an "accessory" the humble tripod is so much more, and something to which some consideration should be given prior to making a purchase. Here's a few things to consider:


Payload


Autocue Heavy Weight Tripod System
One of the most important factors you will need to consider when selecting a tripod is the payload (i.e. the overall weight the tripod needs to support). It's all well and good having an expensive camera with a big lens and a nice rig but skimp on your tripod and that saving you made won't seem so attractive when it collapses on you mid shoot. Other things to take into consideration are things like prompters since these can also add a considerable amount of weight which combined with a camera will soon add up.
 
As a general rule of thumb a tripod with the capacity to carry a greater payload will generally be more expensive, especially if you're looking at brands such as Sachtler or Vinten, although that's not necessarily always the case. If you need a great solution for studio work out the Autocue Heavy Weight Tripod system.
 

Libec RS-450R
Height
A common misconception is that a tripod should stand at about eye level. While this isn't always a bad thing the extra weight due to the increased height might be and this rule doesn't take into consideration the addition of a tripod head/camera which both increase the height so bear this in mind when making a decision. Some tripods feature an extendable mid column but these are less common on video tripods mainly due to the fact that they tend to increase the centre of gravity when used which in turn leads to a decrease in overall stability. If height is an issue for you then we'd recommend the Libec RS-450R which at 167cm tall is taller than most.
 


 

Weight
 

E-image EG15C2 Two Stage Carbon Fibre Tripod
With added weight comes added stability and if you're using a heavy camera then unfortunately there's often no way around this unless you choose to go the carbon fibre route, which can be expensive. Heavier tripods designed for bigger cameras often tend to feature a heavier price tag and that's before you've even considered checking them in at the airport.
 
If travelling light is important to you then have a look at some of the newest offerings from E-Image.    Here at Planet PC we've been particularly impressed with their tripods and dollies. If great build quality and value for money sound like your cup of tea then head on over to www.planetdv.net to check out the full range. Did we mention they also do some excellent camera bags too?
 
 
 Other things to consider...
 
While the payload, height and weight of a tripod all come in to play in a big way there are a few more things you'll want to consider. Tripods generally feature a spreader for added stability. Depending on where you're using the tripod will depend on the kind you require - for example if you're filming outdoors on an uneven surface then a mid level spreader is your best option. Alternatively if you're working indoors on a flat surface then a floor spreader will serve you best.
 
E-Image GH08
E-Image GH08 Installed Fluid Tripod Head
Another feature often prevalent on video tripods is a little button sized spirit level. These tend to be less common on standard consumer/DSLR tripods due to the fact that it's often so much easier to fix a still image in post. Unfortunately this isn't the case with video which is why having a spirit level on board can make life a lot easier providing you correctly level your tripod/camera in advance,
 
If you're using a heavier camera we'd also recommend considering a tripod with a decent counter-balance. This will make life a lot easier when controlling the camera and tilting/panning and literally take the weight off you - essential if you're filming for long periods or using any sort of rig.
 
Lastly it's worth giving some thought to whether or not you want a complete tripod kit or a separate system consisting of legs and a head. A separate system is normally more expensive and often preferred simply because of the fact that it allows the user to mix and match legs/head in order to meet specific preferences. Tripod legs often have a tendency to reach the end of their lives before heads which means that while they are initially more expensive they can work out considerably better value for money in the long term.
 
For more information or to view our full range of manufacturers and  equipment visit www.planetdv.net where along with tripods, dollies and monopods you'll find everything else related to professional broadcast.
 
Alternatively if you're looking for something you can't see on our website why not drop us a line at sales@planetdv.net or call our dedicated sales team on 01274 713400.

Friday 7 June 2013

Wireless Streaming with Teradek

When it comes to wireless streaming in professional broadcast the name Teradek often springs to mind.
 


Cube-555
Teradek Cube
Thanks to their innovative products such as the Teradek Cube and the Teradek Bond, Teradek products have now become the go to gadgets for anyone in professional broadcast who needs to get high quality content from A to B fast and effectively.
 
Whether it's wireless monitoring, point to point sharing or internet streaming, Teradek are considered by many to be the market leaders in an industry where speed, quality and efficiency is everything (and here at Planet PC we can see why).
 
Over recent years advances in technology combined with ever increasing demands on content producers have lead to a huge rise in the amount of companies not only looking to utilise streaming as a solution, but also those looking to provide streaming services.
 
Companies such as Livestream and Ustream  are just a couple of the content delivery networks quickly becoming household names to anyone looking for an affordable way to broadcast online and with this in mind it come as no surprise that Teradek have taken note.
 
Enter the Teradek Vidiu.


Teradek VidiU
Teradek Vidiu
The Vidiu is Teradek's latest offering to the world of wireless streaming and is essentially a camera mounted little black box. Admittedly this description by itself doesn't sound that exciting but then remember that this is Teradek we're talking about, and anyone who knows Teradek knows that their little black boxes tend to contain more tricks than a magican's sleeve.
 
The Vidiu allows the user to wirelessly stream HD video footage in H.264 direct to web over Wi-Fi, Ethernet and 3G/4G networks without the need for a PC, and also includes a free iOS app to allow remote monitoring/configuration.
 
As if that wasn't enough the Vidiu integrates seamlessly with Livestream and Ustream, and can be used in conjunction with any streaming platform thanks to it's standard RTMP interface. If that wasn't enough the Vidiu also features an internal rechargeable Li-Ion battery, a mic/line input, headphone out and includes a power supply.
 
With an RRP of £495.00 we reckon that's an absolute bargain but as if that wasn't already great value for money then why not head over to www.planetdv.net where you can get a Vidiu for FREE when you purchase a Panasonic AC-130 or AC-160 throughout June and July.
 
Panasonic PRomotion