The secret to pulling off great effect shots and motion graphics composites is using great tools. Not just software tools but also the visual elements you have to work with.

The more realistic and high quality your elements and footage, the more believable your final composite will be.

With Compositor’s Toolkit, Digital Juice has gone through painstaking lengths to capture the essence that only real live effects can deliver.

Imaginative limits are boundless with this artful collection of high resolution, ultra slow motion effects.

Training

As Digital Juice aims to broaden its product line up in order to attract new types of media producers, we also recognize the need to train our existing base on the power and possibilities.

By clicking on the training tab you’ll see a collection of step-by-step tutorials created to break down some of our industries best kept secrets.

For seasoned pros in this field, this may serve as inspiration.

For others, this training will serve as a launching pad to further your skills and shine some light on certain techniques that may have seemed out of your league or just show you how to navigate through software that your not familiar with.

Our goal is to educate and inspire, and our commitment to all of our customers is still Digital Juice’s highest priority.

Be prepared to have the Compositor’s Toolkit change the way you look at producing, editing and especially compositing.

 

www.digitaljuice.com

For all your video production needs in Scotland, get in touch with Small Video Productions

In 2000, Sony introduced the legendary HDW-F900 – the first model in Sony’s “24P-capable” CineAlta™ lineup. Since then, the HDW-F900 – and its successor model, the HDW-F900R – have been satisfying the demand for high level picture quality and creative versatility in primetime TV production, commercial production, and movie making.

Now, Sony has taken the next evolutionary step with the next generation 24P camcorder, the SRW-9000 HDCAM-SR™ camcorder. This inherits many of the excellent qualities of the HDW-F900/F900R, plus it offers incredible operational mobility – even in harsh shooting environments – thanks to its one-piece body, and outstanding picture performance from the HDCAM-SR recording format.

In standard configuration, the SRW-9000 is capable of top-quality 4:2:2 Y/Cb/Cr 10-bit recording at 1080/23.98P, 24P, 25P, and 29.97P, and 1080/50i and 59.94i. In addition, the SRW-9000 can record 4:2:2 720/50P and 59.94P signals, which can be used for DTV programming and transmission applications.? For users who require further creative performance, a variety of option cards can be added, allowing you to benefit from full-bandwidth 1080 RGB 4:4:4 capturing, SR Motion™ variable frame rate capturing and recording, S-Log Gamma, and additional signal inputs and outputs.

Providing improved operational flexibility and cost benefits, the SRW-9000  is the perfect choice for anyone in the broadcasting industry seeking HDCAM-SR picture quality and a high level of creative freedom. Both now and into the future, the SRW-9000 will help ignite a passion for stunning visual productions in digital cinema, commercial programs, TV dramas, and documentaries.

 

Breathtaking HDCAM SR Picture Quality

The SRW-9000 is a one-piece HDCAM-SR camcorder that delivers full HD resolution images and employs 2/3-type IT CCD. Combining this CCD with a high-precision 14-bit A/D converter and digital signal processing, the camcorder is able to capture and reproduce stunning-quality 1080/60P and 1080/50P images with low noise and high sensitivity. Furthermore, Sony’s BP-GL Series of on-board batteries can be attached to provide an additional power supply. With its self-contained recording media (based on the HDCAM-SR format) and compact one-piece design, the SRW-9000 delivers powerful mobility and comfortable shooting – both indoors and outside.

Full-bandwidth RGB 4:4:4 Digital Image Capturing

With the addition of the optional HKSR-9003 RGB 4:4:4 Processing Board, the SRW-9000 offers a full-bandwidth digital 4:4:4 high-definition Red, Green, and Blue signal processing and output capability for highly demanding picture productions. ?The SRW-9000 also offers S-LOG Gamma with the same optional board, allowing users to flexibly adjust images in the post-production process.

Variable Frame Rate Image Capturing

By adding the HKSR-9002 Picture Cache Board, the SRW-9000 is capable of recording images at a variable frame rate from 1 fps to 60 fps in 4:2:2 mode. And by combining the HKSR-9002 with the HKSR-9003, it can perform the same function even in 4:4:4 mode.

Wide Choice of Viewfinders

The SRW-9000 accepts three types of viewfinder, including the HDVF-20A/200, HDVF-C35W, and HDVF-C30WR. The newly introduced HDVF-C30WR is especially suited for use with the SRW-9000, offering improved focus assist functions, a color brightness level indicator, and numerous other beneficial features. Moreover, with pre-installed viewing LUTs (look-up tables) for S-Log Gamma, this viewfinder provides users with easier focus adjustment and a more intuitive photo-shooting operation.

Versatile Gamma Settings

Including unique S-LOG Gamma (HKSR-9003), HyperGamma, and customizable gamma curve (standard).

Picture Cache Re-recording Capability

Everything captured up to a maximum of three seconds before the REC button is pressed is recorded to HDCAM-SR tape when the camcorder is in stand-by mode.

I/O Expandability

When using the HKSR-9001, additional dual-link HD-SDI outputs and an additional AUX input port are provided, allowing the camcorder to be connected with an external audio multiplexing device.

Wide Range of Accessories

The SRW-9000 is compatible with a wide range of accessories for the HDW-F900, F23, SRW-1, and ARRI.

 

“A breathtaking price no doubt… just in case you rob a bank or win the lotto or get fed up with your EX-3. Next year this camera will be superseded by the SWR-90000 “.

For all your video production needs in Scotland, get in touch with Small Video Productions

   

As broadcasters and industry professionals move beyond traditional tape formats to technology compatible with high definition (HD) recording, the new Maxell P2 Card is expected to be the recording standard of next generation formats. Featuring high volume storage capacity and high quality digitalization for HD imaging, the new Maxell P2 Card is available in three storage capacities –16GB, 32GB and 64GB – and has the ability to record up to 256 minutes of HD footage.

The new Maxell P2 Card performs well even in harsh environments with variable conditions, because its compact design is resistant to vibration, impact, and extreme temperatures and humidity. Capable of withstanding 30,000 uses without degradation in quality, the new Maxell P2 Card offers long term performance resulting in great cost savings.                              

“As technology shifts from traditional to HD formats, Maxell Corporation of America is prepared with a full line of high quality – and cost effective – professional recording media,” said Pat Byrne, senior marketing manager for Maxell. “Now broadcasters can rely on Maxell’s long-standing history of developing dependable recordable media for emerging formats like HD technology.” 

The Maxell P2 card is full compatable with the Panasonic P2 series of cameras.

Very interesting development I hope this means P2 cards at sensible prices…if these cards are not at P2 ‘E’ prices how on earth are they going to sell ?

Let’s hope Maxell have the balls to compete with Panasonic and finally bring down the vastly over inflated prices of P2.

UPDATE…Speaking to Maxell UK today these cards are not due in the UK till end of June, no confirmed prices yet.

For all your video production needs in Scotland, get in touch with Small Video Productions

Don’t settle for an HDMI and analog I/O card with messy cables when you can get all the features and more in a professional breakout box with Matrox MXO2 Mini.This sleek little device for Mac and PC also gives you the added advantage of portability. You can take it with you wherever you go. Use it with a laptop or a desktop system and your favorite applications including Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premiere Pro and Photoshop, and many more. Capture and playback high definition video via HDMI and analog component; or NTSC and PAL via analog component, S-Video, and composite. Convert your standard definition videos to high definition, or vice versa, while capturing or playing out, using Matrox MXO2 Mini’s high-quality dedicated hardware. Turn your HDMI screen into a professional-grade video monitor with Matrox’s unique color calibration tool. Easily edit AVCHD footage by capturing into an edit-friendly compressed or uncompressed format. Count on uncompromising Matrox quality and reliability in MXO2 Mini, backed by a three-year warranty.

 

Works with Mac and PC, laptops and desktops

Small, lightweight, external box that’s easily connected to your cameras and monitors

Capture and playback high definition video via HDMI and analog component; or NTSC and PAL via analog component, S-Video, and composite

Turns your HDMI screen into a professional-grade video monitor with color calibration tools including blue-only

High-quality 10-bit hardware scaling engine for realtime upscaling, downscaling, and cross conversion on capture and playback (See Specifications section for scaling features supported on Mac and PC)

Stereo RCA and up to 8 channels of HDMI audio input and output

5.1 and 7.1 surround sound monitoring on the HDMI output

Easily edit AVCHD footage by capturing into an edit-friendly compressed or uncompressed format

Works with your favorite applications including Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premiere Pro, Adobe Photoshop, and many more

Also available with Matrox MAX for faster than realtime H.264 encoding

Three-year hardware warranty and complimentary telephone support

Price £338 plus 15% vat

Price with MAX option £644 plus 15% vat

For all your video production needs in Scotland, get in touch with Small Video Productions

If you’re a professional content creator delivering H.264 files for Blu-ray, the web, and mobile devices, you need a fast, flexible, high quality encoding workhorse. Matrox CompressHD is the first implementation of Matrox MAX technology in an amazingly affordable H.264 accelerator card. It lets you create H.264 files, for resolutions ranging from iPod to HD, faster than real time. It works in systems with or without a video I/O device and extends the life of your current system investment, giving you the power you need to deliver today’s premium H.264 formats faster than ever. This low profile, half-length PCIe x1 card fits into Mac Pros, Intel-based Apple Xserve systems, and PCs. Get yourself a Matrox CompressHD card and deliver your projects in a fraction of the time!

Key features

• Faster than realtime creation of H.264 files, for resolutions ranging from iPod to HD, at bitrates up to 50 Mbps using Matrox MAX technology
• Works in systems with or without a video I/O device to enhance your delivery workflow
• Extends the life of your current system investment, giving you the power you need to deliver today’s premium H.264 formats faster than ever
• Low profile, half-length PCIe x1 card
• Works in systems with Mac OS X Leopard 10.5.6 or higher, Windows XP (32-bit), and Windows Vista (32- and 64-bit)
• Three-year hardware warranty and complimentary telephone support
• Price £375 plus 15% vat

www.matrox.com/video/en/home/

For all your video production needs in Scotland, get in touch with Small Video Productions

Everyone from broadcasters to indie filmmakers can probably agree on one thing: the possible choices for image acquisition are daunting. Different cameras, different formats, different recording media and different compression schemes. Wouldn’t it be nice if there was a way to simplify acquisition so that virtually any camera, digital or analog, could record the same format and resolution? Enter the AJA Ki Pro.  

The AJA Ki Pro is a tapeless video recording device that records high-quality Apple ProRes 422 QuickTime files onto computer-friendly media. Because it features SD/HD-SDI, HDMI, and analog inputs, you can interface with virtually any type of camera you might own or rent. Enjoy monitoring flexibility through Ki Pro’s numerous simultaneous outputs, connecting to both professional and consumer monitors.

Ki Pro is portable and rugged; designed for real production environments. With the optional exo-skeleton it can sit below your camera-out of the way of your battery adapters, wireless mics and other accessories. Integration with your other production gear is seamless.

Ki Pro is intuitive to operate. Alongside the camera, the familiar VTR-like buttons provide immediate controls for basic operation. From a distance, use a web browser via ethernet or WiFi to control operations from a laptop or iPhone.

www.aja.com

For all your video production needs in Scotland, get in touch with Small Video Productions

Glidetrack offers the Indie film maker a quick and easy way to add that “Wow Factor” to your shoot. It offers silky smooth gliding shots that look just like the big Hollywood productions do, but without any of the hassles and constraints that traditional camera track/dolly systems offer.

www.glidetrack.com

For all your video production needs in Scotland, get in touch with Small Video Productions

 

Digital Production Buzz

For all your video production needs in Scotland, get in touch with Small Video Productions

The Flash Band Compensation firmware upgrade compensates for the “flash band” effect experienced by most MOS-based imagers.* As these imagers utilize rolling shutter, which records images line by line   instead of simultaneously, as with global shutter technology, they tend to be susceptible to image variance when a light flashes during shooting. A light band (flash band) can appear in the continuous two   frames when a flash occurs, similar to that from a still camera or strobe light. 
  
The free firmware upgrade enables the camera to use a newly developed LSI signal process that removes the flash artifact. It detects the “flash band” frame and combines it with the previous unaffected frame image to compensate devided flash band frames and maintain the natural frame sequence. 
  
The Flash Band Compensation firmware upgrade for the HPX301E will be available on the download section of the Panasonic Broadcast website, www.panasonic-broadcast.com , starting in this summer. 
  
About the HPX301E 
  
The AG-HPX301E provides the ultimate quality and flexibility in an affordable, full-size HD shoulder-mount. Incorporating an innovative, low profile shoulder mounted design, the HPX301E P2 HD camcorder offers independent frame AVC-Intra recording, variable frame rates and the flexibility of interchangeable lens. The two-slot camera records stunning images in a variety of formats from master quality AVC-Intra and production quality DVCPRO HD to standard definition DVCPRO50, DVCPRO and DV. Features such as selectable gamma, Chromatic Aberration Compensation (CAC) and Dynamic Range Stretch (DRS) ensure optimum performance in a wide range of applications. 

With the introduction of the P2 ‘E’ card reducing the cost of P2 media from 32GB = £333 (was £1000) this camera will become hot property. I know a few cameramen who were interested in the 301 but the outrageous price of the P2 cards were real turn offs. This in my opinion will put Panasonic firmly in the driving seat and I hope to be one of the 1st to review the HPX-301 with a new ‘E’ card.   

For all your video production needs in Scotland, get in touch with Small Video Productions

 

 The new viewfinder, model HDVF-C30WR, is designed for use with many of Sony’s professional HD cameras and camcorders. These include Sony’s CineAlta™ F23 and F35 digital cinematography cameras, XDCAM® HD422 optical camcorders and HDCAM® camcorders, the HDC-1500/1000/1550/1400/1450 series of multi-format studio and field cameras and the HDC-3300 Super Slow Motion camera.

            “High-definition acquisition requires extremely precise focusing, allowing the operator to accurately see contrast and color levels when framing a shot,” said Rob Willox, director of marketing in Sony Electronics’ content creation group. “This new viewfinder was created to be extremely flexible for use with many of the camera systems across our entire product line.”

            According to Willox, the viewfinder is ideal for production professionals working in a range of applications, including television, motion picture production houses, rental houses, education, government and more.

            The new viewfinder has a 2.7-inch LCD screen (viewable area, measured diagonally), a pixel resolution of 960 by 540, and a new image processor – the same one used in Sony’s BVM-L230 LCD monitor. It provides comfortable and accurate framing and focusing operations by enabling more faithful color reproduction, with newand enhanced focus-assist functions.         

            A flexible mechanical design minimizes interference between the lens and the viewfinder, especially when attached to the F23 and F35 cameras.

            Improved focus assist features include 2x (dot by dot) magnification to smooth out diagonal edges and a color peaking function. Luminance levels are easily indicated by color. Improved luminance transition (panel gamma compensation) and 3D LUT color space compensation help to provide more natural-looking luminance and color accuracy.     

            The viewfinder includes an image inversion function (top/bottom and right/left), and selectable color temperatures are 6500K (standard), 5600K and 9300K. A new mechanism protects the LCD panel in direct sunlight, and a polarizing filter and IR cut filter attenuate the energy of sunlight.

            The HDVF-C30WR viewfinder is expected to be available in April at a suggested list price of $13,600.

For all your video production needs in Scotland, get in touch with Small Video Productions