AV Stumpfl Adds Apple QuickTime Integration The days of format conversion are over: QuickTime videos can now be played directly in AV Stumpfl’s Wings Platinum projects. In the past, high-quality video footage that was only available in MOV format had to be converted specifically into some other format. Today, some of the modern digital cameras also create videos in MOV format, which can now be played directly in Wings Platinum. The new version also features a functional extension for the starter license:ap one text track was added in order to display a title, the credits or any other information. This is a wish come true for the Wings Platinum users. Texts can now be added or modified in next to no time without having to resort to Photoshop graphics. Users of time code will take a keen interest in the fact that the new Wings Platinum version allows jumping to a defined time code from where playback can be started. The time code function has been supplemented by two new triggers — "read external time code" and "continue internal time code." Another trigger was added that allows execution, via the network module SC LAN Remote 8 of AV Stumpfl, of various actions in Wings Platinum by means of switches. The SC LAN DMX512 in/out Module can now be used for DMX output via the network. Previously this was only possible via an SC Net Module. For more information, go to http://www.avstumpflusa.com YEAH!!! I’ve been fascinated by the Wings product, along with some of the other new electronic show-production and playback formats for some time now. The addition of QuickTime (the de facto standard for high end production in compressed formats) just adds to its appeal. I just managed to have a nice discussion about the product at the road show in Burbank with Franklin Moore of Stumpfl, and I’ll be looking closer at Wings in the future. Look for more info to come here, and on our blog at www.ravepubs.com. –JRR Back to Top Hitachi Debuts Staging Projector Hitachi announced a new staging projector, the CP-X10000. It’s a 3LCD based, 7500 ANSI lumen, 2500:1 contrast ratio, XGA (1024×768) projector aimed squarely at the staging market. Featuring 10-bit video processing, native 720p capabilities, a plethora of analog and digital video inputs (including HDMI), RS 232 and IP-based control, the CP-X1000 claims that it even has a 10,000-hour lamp! For more information, go to www.hitachi.com Ah, another manufacturer begins to notice the differences in the staging industry. Keep shouting to your manufacturers about it, folks – the more competition we attract to our little part of the industry the more choices we have. –JRR Back to Top Christie Sets New Standard for LCD Colorimetry with High-End LX700 The new Christie Digital LX700 uses Christie's new 4DLCD technology to produce a 7000 ANSI lumen real-color XGA resolution install projector that will, no doubt, set a new standard for every other projector manufacturer to shoot for. 4DLCD uses inorganic LCD panels (4-LCDs) that increase the color gamut (the color gamut represents all the colors a human can see) 20% over 3LCD models, thus delivering better colorimetry, blacker blacks, whiter whites and better perceived sharpness and color depth of field. And, with 2200:1 contrast ratio, the LX700 has a few unique features that integrators will love including an Auto-Filter system that rolls out a new filter every 1,000 hours (up to 10,000 hours), 10-bit color processing, a plethora of short and long throw lenses, built-in shutter and inputs for every signal ever used in installations, rentals and staging applications. For more information on the brand-new LX700 or to get educated on 4DLCD technology, go to: http://www.christiedigital.com/AMEN/Products/ChristieLX700.htm Well, obviously, Christie is no newcomer to the staging projector game, and the increased color range does a lot to sway an industry that is finally getting enough brightness and is now looking for increases in quality. And the auto-filter setup is an idea I just love, especially after losing a couple of expensive projectors to hazer fluid a couple of years ago. –JRR Back to Top Sony Introduces New 4K SXRD Projectors Sony is expanding its line of 4K SXRD projectors with two new models designed to deliver enhanced contrast, higher brightness and more flexibility for commercial applications such as simulation, high-end post-production, auditorium/lecture hall presentations and more. The new T-Series includes the SRX-T110 and SRX-T105, with both new models offering many design elements from their successful SXRD predecessors, the S-Series, including the same 4096×2160 resolution. However, the new projectors offer an enhanced contrast ratio of 2,500:1 and higher brightness, 11,000 and 5,500 lumens respectively, thanks to a refined optical block design. Both models offer support for Adobe RGB color space (with 95 percent coverage of the color gamut), and a wider selection of color spaces, including ITU-R T.709, DCDM (for Digital Cinema Initiative compliance) and sRGB (standard RGB). Additional flexibility has been designed into the Gamma settings in the T-series. A user-defined register is available in addition to 2.2 and 2.6 presets, where the user can set values from 1.8 to 2.59 in steps of 0.01. With the use of a pre-installed but removable interface board, the projectors are DVI-enabled with HDCP, allowing compatibility with PlayStation3 systems and Blu-ray Disc players, and other digital high-definition devices. This board, designed specifically for use with the new T-series models, also provides support for 1080/50P, 720/60P and 720/50P content. To see all the Sony SXRD models, go to: http://pro.sony.com/bbsccms/ext/SXRD/index.shtml Again, it’s great to see the manufacturers chasing increased resolution and color fidelity this year, instead of the traditional brightness and contrast numbers game. I’m seriously looking forward to an opportunity to play with these new 4K machines. –JRR Back to Top projectiondesign Debuts Portable 3D projector in Hong Kong projectiondesign showed what they say is the world's first portable 3D projector in Hong Kong at the InfoComm Asia show last week. The projectiondesign F10 AS3D is a native 1920 x 1080 WUXGA resolution 1-chip DLP projector that's specifically designed for industrial simulation, entertainment and scientific visualization. Having seen this, it's an impressive projector. It's small, bright and, although I am not sure that portable 3D applications exist yet, I think they will carve out a niche with it. It can also be installed as it does have RS232 and network-based control. To learn more about the new 3D version of the F10 by projectiondesign, go to: http://www.projectiondesign.com/ Back to Top Lighthouse Debuts Two New Giant LEDs LED technology developer and supplier Lighthouse Technologies Ltd. demonstrated two new products in China at the annual Sports Facility Exhibition (a show specializing in arena and stadium technological innovations) this month. The R4 is a 4mm pixel pitch panel and the B10 is a perimeter system driven by Click Effects Blaze software. The R4 offers a high-resolution, fan-less design, is lightweight (relative, as this is an LED display), making it ideal for indoor large digital signage, instant replay or for providing useful information at any kind of sporting event. The B10 is a new banner panel specifically developed to address the ever-increasing demand for pitch-side advertising screens, which provide important additional revenue for sports clubs and venues. For more information, go to http://www.lighthouse-tech.com The R4 panel will certainly have its niche in the indoor LED market, which grows each month. With 4mm resolution and a fan-less design, it should play really well as LEDs make their way into smaller venues. –JRR Back to Top |