The NAB show is the world's largest annual gathering of electronic media professionals. It is the showcase for all the latest content creation, management, and delivery tools, trends, and technologies for television, radio, audio, video, streaming media, satellite and telecommunications. Below is a list of all the latest press releases for this outstanding event and profiles of some of the exhibitors scheduled to be at the event.

Aurora Introduces and Ships New PipeSDI

New SDI-Only Video Capture and Editing Card Provides High-Quality 10-Bit Performance Across the Board at Uniquely Competitive Price Point

Aurora Video Systems today announced the release of its new PipeSDI video capture and editing card, designed to take full advantage of the Final Cut Pro RT Extreme architecture while providing broadcast-quality audio and video inputs and outputs for editors working with SDI and digital audio material.

At just $499 USD, PipeSDI offers incomparable quality and performance over competitive offerings in or near this price range. The PipeSDI promises to serve as the new standard for SDI-only cards, offering 10 bit performance across the board, and seamless integration with QuickTime and the Mac OS X.

"PipeSDI provides features and functionality that no other board can compete with at this price point," said Aurora Video Systems CEO Darryl Hock. "PipeSDI offers editors the same great features and functionality found in our family of Pipe video capture and editing cards, plus the added flexibility of working in SDI."

The PipeSDI features a 10 bit SDI input with up to eight channels of embedded audio in, and a 10-bit SDI output with a eight-channels of embedded audio out. This could, for example, allow editors to connect to a DigiBeta deck while connecting directly to an external video monitor and a digital deck controlled via PipeSDI's RS 422 device control port. Four channels of 24-bit digital audio I/O, each of which comprises two AES-compatible channel pairs, provide both excellent sound and broad compatibility while allowing users to work in multiple channels. Like all Aurora products, cards in the new Pipe family are built on the company's years of experience in developing technology engineered exclusively for Mac systems and QuickTime applications. Consequently, no third-party software is necessary for previewing video in applications other than Final Cut Pro. An extended Mac desktop allows users to put application windows on the NTSC/PAL output for Photoshop or other graphics applications. In addition to moving data from Final Cut Pro and putting it on-screen, Aurora Pipe cards provide real-time preview compatibility with both After Effects and Discreet's Combustion. The PipeSDI also features a custom-engineered PCI interface designed specifically for the demands of working with uncompressed video on the Mac OS X Panther.

For more information about Aurora products, visit
www.auroravideosys.com.
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Aurora Video Systems

Aurora Video Systems builds comprehensive video editing systems for the Macintosh and leads the post-production industry in product quality, affordability, ease of use, and client support. Aurora has been recognized worldwide as the industry leader in the development and support of video editing systems since 1997. The company's industry-first achievements include development of the first true Mac-only, Betacam-compatible card that works without converters, the first true real-time 24-fps capture card for Final Cut Pro, and the first true offline video capture card for OS X. The company's success and outstanding reputation are based on its proactive development approach, speed, and flexibility in responding to industry change, and respect for clients and their needs.

NEW Products for NAB2004!

Brand-New ReaktorHD

Totally new and debuting at NAB2004 is the ReaktorHD, Aurora's uncompressed high definition video product for the Macintosh which will allow users to monitor video on low-cost LD monitors while taking advantage of RT Extreme within Final Cut Pro. ReaktorHD features one HD/SDI input, two independent HD/SDI outputs, RS422 deck control, and Composite S-Video and Component Video outputs. These additional video outputs will allow users to monitor HD content on cost-effective HD television monitors without the need to purchase high-cost HD monitors. They also alleviate the need for costly converters. Audio I/O will include 4 channels of 24-bit AES inputs, 6 channels of 24-bit AES outputs, and up to 8 channels of SDI embedded digital audio inputs and outputs. With support for a second desktop, users can also work in programs such as After Effects, Combustion, or Photoshop in both SD and HD.

First Time Ever - PipeSDI

PipeSDI is the lowest-cost, highest-quality 10-bit uncompressed SD solution available for FCP. PipeSDI is the SD digital solution for the Pipe family of products. It features one 10-bit SDI input, one 10-bit SDI output, 4 channels of AES audio input, 4 channels of AES audio output, 8 channels of embedded SDI audio, RS422 device control, and a desktop monitor (for applications such as After Effects, Combustion and Photoshop). All this for a list price of $499.

New Pipe Video Capture and Editing Card Aurora PipePro

Aurora's new PipePro video capture and editing card is a high-performance, extremely cost-effective addition to the Aurora Pipe product family, incredibly priced at just $799 USD. PipePro allows editors to take advantage of the RT Extreme capabilities within Final Cut Pro. In addition to outputting two channels of 24-bit, 48-kHz analog audio for monitoring purposes, the PipePro features four channels of high-quality 48kHzSPDIF/AES digital audio I/O which offer excellent sound and compatibility while giving users the ability to work in multiple channels.

In addition, PipePro supports up to 8 channels of 48-kHz audio embedded in the SDI inputs and outputs. A second desktop feature allows editors to view and manipulate video in other applications, such as Photoshop, and then see how it will appear when output by the PipePro card. Both the PipePro and the original Aurora Pipe system, now also ultra-competitively priced at just $499.00 USD, provide an affordable solution for online and offline editors working with a variety of formats from uncompressed to DV.

Introducing - Aurora's New Diversity Converter Family

At NAB2004 Aurora Video Systems also will launch the first products in the company's new Diversity family of compact digital video converters and distribution amplifiers (DAs) which offer affordable solutions for high-quality signal conversion and transfer between digital and analog capture, editing, and playback devices. The three products, which include a 10-bit SDI DA, are all stand-alone, DC-powered cubes measuring approximately 3 in. x 4 in. and 1 in. in height. The two converters feature high-precision, 12-bit DACs and 12-bit ADCs capable of meeting both NTSC and PAL SMPTE 259M 4:2:2: standards. The SDI-to-YPrPb converter includes an auxiliary reclocked SDI output for connecting downstream digital devices, and Aurora's new 10-bit SDI DA provides one SDI input and four equalized SDI outputs. The system's input automatically locks to any of four SMPTE 259M data rates (143, 177, 270, and 360 Mb/s). All SDI inputs can automatically equalize up to 300 m of coaxial cable or up to 120 m of
Cat 5 UTP cable.

All trademarks appearing herein are the property of their respective owners.

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BBC PRESENTS AT THE NAB 2004 CONFERENCE

-Executives from BBC Technology and the BBC partake in four presentations: digital conversion, a case study on ESPN; digital TV implementations; Freeview coding and compression technologies; and a market analysis of personal video recorders -

BBC Technology, provider of products and services for media-driven organisations, will present at the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) conference, April 17 – 22, 2004, at the Las Vegas Convention Centre. In addition to BBC Technology, BBC Broadcast (a separate commercial subsidiary of the BBC) and BBC News will also participate at the conference. Topics for the four sessions vary according to program titles: "ESPN's Digital Conversion" at the Ennes workshop, hosted by the Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE); Digital Television Transition Worldwide; MPEG, Advanced Coding and Beyond, co-hosted by the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) and the MPEG Industry Forum (MPEGIF); and Year of the Personal Video Recorder (PVR). The presentations will include customer scenarios that showcase successful business models where broadcast and IT converge. Presenters will be available for briefings at BBC Technology's booth (# SU8469) where, in addition, Colledia Control v.4.5, Colledia Workflow, consulting services, media communications and Internet solutions will be showcased.

"These speaking engagements are a testament to the scope of BBC Technology's expertise across broadcast technology. By presenting case studies, we'll help other broadcasters understand how we are working with organisations to develop new ways of working and use technology effectively to deliver their media," said Adrian Corcoran, acting managing director, BBC Technology. "With over 80 years' experience as the technology backbone of the BBC, BBC Technology is well positioned to talk about today's industry issues and how to safeguard for tomorrow."

A synopsis of the presentations follow:

Kevin Ivey, project director at BBC Technology's North American operation, will present "ESPN's Digital Conversion" at the SBE Ennes workshop. Ivey will detail how BBC Technology's project team is leading the design and build of the technical infrastructure for media asset management, and command and control systems at ESPN's digital production centre in Bristol, Connecticut. Ivey will also provide an account of the project's pilot and how the equipment supports the network's high-definition production.

WHO: Kevin Ivey, project director, BBC Technology North America
WHAT: SBE Ennes Workshop, "ESPN's Digital Conversion"
WHEN: April 17, 2004 | 2:30 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
WHERE: Las Vegas Convention Centre, N110

Adrian Corcoran, acting managing director of BBC Technology, will present "Implementing DTV - Production and Transmission" at the Digital Television Transition Worldwide panel. The U.K. is one of the world's leading digital TV markets; of the region's 24 million TV households; at present around 13 million viewers have digital television and it's expected that 87-percent of the UK population will have digital television by 2007*. Corcoran will discuss the technical issues to be considered in making a digital terrestrial broadcast operation work; the success of the Freeview service, which spans some 30 TV channels, 21 radio channels and more. Corcoran will also highlight the tight timescale during which BBC Technology designed, built and installed the Freeview operation at BBC Television Centre.

WHO: Adrian Corcoran, acting managing director, BBC Technology
WHAT: Digital Television Transition Worldwide, "Implementing DTV - Production and Transmission"
WHEN: April 19, 2004 | 10:30 a.m. - 12:10 p.m.
WHERE: Las Vegas Convention Center, N112

Tiffany Hall, head of technology for news at the BBC will present "Next Generation Video Services - Broadcasters/Programmers Perspective" as part of the all-day session MPEG - Advanced Video Coding and Beyond, led by SMPTE and The MPEG Industry Forum. Responsible for redefining and applying BBC News' technology strategy, Hall will detail her experience implementing new technology directions for the production of news content via radio, television, the Internet and other new media platforms.

WHO: Tiffany Hall, head of technology for news, BBC
WHAT: MPEG - Advanced Video Coding and Beyond, "Next Generation Video Services - Broadcasters/Programmers Perspective"
WHEN: April 18, 2004 | 10:30 a.m. – 11:20 a.m.
WHERE: Las Vegas Convention Centre, S221

BBC Broadcast Ltd., a commercial division of the BBC, will also take the stage at NAB 2004. Adam Hume, head of futurology for BBC Broadcast, will be seated at the Year of the PVR panel, discussing "Next Steps for the PVR." Hume, joined by executives from TiVo, Phillips and Scientific Atlanta, will provide an update on the rapidly evolving PVR market, its impact on early adopters and on global markets. The session will evaluate the potential of the PVR to enhance – rather than decimate – television advertising.

WHO: Adam Hume, head of futurology, BBC Broadcast Ltd., London
WHAT: Year of the PVR, "Next Steps for the PVR"
WHEN: April 21, 2004 | 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
WHERE: Las Vegas Convention Centre, S221
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BROADCAST TECHNOLOGY INTRODUCES INTELLIGENT DTV DA

Broadcast Technology will be exhibiting at NAB 2004 on Booth SU 6752 (South Hall, Upper Level), Las Vegas Convention Center, Nevada, April 19-22

Broadcast Technology announces a new addition to its rapidly expanding 3000 series of modular digital television equipment. Combining DVB-ASI transport stream monitoring, switching and distribution in a single module, the DTDA 3000 is a three input, six output, DVB-ASI distribution amplifier. It can detect and report defects in incoming signal feeds and perform ASI switching/routing actions either automatically or by command from an external control system.

Typically aimed at monitoring and redundancy applications, the DTDA 3000 is ideal for operational monitoring of ASI transport streams and service switching in fully redundant broadcast solutions. The DTDA 3000's speed of operation enables practically uninterrupted channel switchover, even in a completely unmanned environment.

All three input streams are continuously monitored for the presence of a valid DVB-ASI signal stream. Alarms may be activated automatically if the data rate deviates from a specified range, if null packages exceed a specified threshold, in the absence of transport stream sync, or on loss of a specific PID. Interruptions can be reported to a network management system or set to trigger a predefined response such as an automatic channel change. This enables Broadcast Technology's 3000 modular product range to be configured in highly reliable no-single-point-of-failure systems which are essential in modern broadcast operations.

The DTDA 3000's compact modular construction is ideally suited to digital television head-ends and rebroadcast networks where space is at a premium. Up to 14 modules can be accommodated in one DTRS 3000 chassis occupying just 3U of rack space. Power consumption is just 8W per module, meaning very low running cost.

Combinations of cards from the 3000 series of DVB receivers, MPEG decoders, switchers and DAs can be integrated in the same chassis. This allows receiver systems to be structured for applications rangingfrom single-channel acquisition to multi level fully-automated redundancy configurations. Typical 3000 series solutions occupy only a small fraction of the rack space and power requirements of comparable IRD-based implementations. Each card can be hot- swapped and is controllable via a local RS-232 port. On large scale systems, multi-chassis operation can be achieved through SNMP control.

Available now, the DTDA 3000 will make its first exhibition appearance at the NAB 2004 Convention in Las Vegas, April 19-22.
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BBC TECHNOLOGY'S PRE-NAB2004 ROUND-UP
NAB booth no: SU8469

BBC Technology, provider of products and services to media-driven organsiations, will showcase its portfolio, including: the Colledia™ products, media communications, internet solutions and consulting services, at this year's NAB conference (Las Vegas, 19-22 April 2004). Enabling broadcasters to create, manage and distribute content, the booth demonstrations are encapsulated in the company's philosophy of Media Lifecycle Management.

BBC Technology will also be participating in two speaking sessions at NAB2004: Adrian Corcoran, Operations Director, will be presenting 'Implementing DTV - Production and Transmission' and Kevin Ivey, Project Director, will be presenting 'Designing and Building a Digital Studio Facility - ESPN's Facility Conversion'.

"There will be a lot of talk at NAB2004 about how organisations can manage change in the digital media world that we now operate in," says Ann Wilson, Managing Director, BBC Technology. "At a time when the industry is rapidly changing, technology has a crucial role to play in helping media organisations address strategic business issues and enable in-depth organisational change. This year we hope to show broadcasters how they can address their challenges and improve their competitive position in this evolving marketplace.

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Cable and Satellite Trade Fair ANGA Cable - a Boom Continued in 2004

- More than 190 Exhibitors from 26 Countries
-Convention: "Cable, Satellite and DVB-T: Partners or Competitors?"
- Presentation of ANGA/ZVEI-Study on Head End Technology
-Live Demonstrations for Skilled Trade; Raffle with a Smart (TM) as First Prize

In its sixth year ANGA Cable, Trade Fair for Cable, Satellite and Multimedia, is keeping straight on growth target: On the Cologne Fairgrounds, from May 11 to 13, more than 190 companies from 26 countries will present all the important new developments within the cable and satellite industry. This means that the number of exhibitors has more than doubled within four years. Last year 154 exhibitors from 19 countries had registered. By now, registered exhibition space has increased to a new record of 4,900 sqm.

Distinguished new exhibitors come from Italy and Spain, but also from China, Israel, Korea, Taiwan and the USA. "This shows that ANGA Cable has definitely become Europe's top quarters", stressed Thomas Braun, President of the Association of Private CATV-Operators (ANGA).

Expanding the product range to cover satellite and multimedia has also proven successful. Apart from more than 70 manufacturers of CATV equipment a number of nearly 60 manufacturers will present their satellite components. "This reflects the increasing trend toward head ends of one's own", explained Herbert Strobel, Chairman of the "Professional Association of Receiving Aerials and Wideband Distribution Systems" within the ZVEI (German Central Association of the Electrical and Electronics Industry). ZVEI, one of the event's major supporters, is co-author of the ANGA-ZVEI-Study about head end technology which will be presented during ANGA Cable Convention.

Convention: "Cable, Satellite and DVB-T: Partners or Competitors?" ANGA Cable Convention, which takes place at the same time as the trade fair, will open with a discussion titled "Cable, Satellite and DVB-T: Partners or Competitors?" Two weeks before the scheduled start of DVB-T in North Rhine-Westphalia and the North of Germany leading representatives of the industries involved will discuss the future development of infrastructure competition.

This is followed by strategy and technology panels featuring more than 70 international experts. Topics discussed during the strategy panels will include current business-cases in cable networks, new offers in signal feeding and how BASEL II impacts the financing of network investments. Among the topics dealing with regulatory affairs are copyright and must-carry-rules.

Information provided as to technology is even more copious. Core issues are digitalization, network upgrade as well as solutions for integration of TV, Internet and telephony as key to success. Leading German and international experts will present papers on Euro-PacketCable, Wireless LAN, cable modems, Digital Video Recorders, management systems and VoIP.

Live Demonstrations for Skilled Trade

This year's "Skilled Trade's Day" will be on Thursday, May 13th. There will be two presentation sessions focussing on practical issues and accompanied by live demonstrations. The morning session is dealing with head ends, the afternoon session is about EMC measurement.

Another highlight of this day is a raffle with a Smart (TM) as the top prize. All trade fair visitors on May 13 who are present in person at the drawing at 5.00 p.m. can participate.

All trade fair visitors may attend these skilled trade sessions on May 13th without separate admission charge. Convention tickets cost 100.00 Euro per day on the first two days, 70.00 Euro on the third day and the three-day-ticket sells for 130.00 Euro. Admission to the fair costs 15.00 Euro, a three-day-ticket 20.00 Euro.
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Chyron is the world's foremost manufacturer and supplier

Chyron is the world's foremost manufacturer and supplier of innovative products for the broadcast, post production and media industry - Streaming Media, Graphics and Stillstore/Clipstore DDRs.

LAUNCHING AT NAB 2004:

* HYPERX - HD/SD Graphics Solution. HyperX is Chyron's new high definition real-time CG platform utilizing next generation high-speed bus architecture with advanced 3D rendering engine technology. Coupled with Chyron's award-winning, format independent Lyric software, HyperX provides both HD or SD content creation, playout and real-time animations in a cost effective package.

* CLYPS HD - HD Clip Server. Clyps HD is a real-time, HD clip server with uncompressed HD video and key, in and out. Designed for a graphics environment, the Clyps HD has up to 1.3 TB of storage enabling up to 180 minutes of lower third animations or 60 minutes of full frame video. Included is an intuitive GUI with browsing and database functionality. Automation interfaces are also available, and a second channel is an option.

* C-MIX HD - Layering Mixer. C-Mix HD is a layering mixer with simultaneous SD and HD outputs. Included are 4 SD video and key inputs, plus a background layer, an SD mixer and an HD upcoverter. The 4 video & key sources can come from a Chyron product or any other device with SD outputs. When used with Lyric software, the mix information becomes part of the CG message time line. If used in a standalone configuration, control is via USB or Ethernet.

*ADVANCED LYRIC - Latest version of Chyron's premier broadcast software. New Lyric features include dramatically improved 3D rendering and effects and multi-channel back-to-back clips. The movie objects feature enables playback of multiple .AVI and .MOV files as animated objects within a Lyric scene. Lyric also now includes comprehensive asset management and browser functionality.
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da Vinci to Host Demonstrations of New Resolve Software-Based Color Correctors at NAB2004

Resolve systems provide powerful toolset for nonlinear, resolution-independent, real-time color enhancement parallel to online editing

da Vinci Systems today announced that it will host demonstrations of its new Resolve programmable, software-based color enhancement product line at the NAB2004 exhibition, April 19 -- 22, at the Las Vegas Convention Center, booth # C9117. The scalable product family includes the Resolve FX, Resolve DI, and Resolve RT configurations, which are optimized for use in visual effects, digital intermediate, and real-time 2K processing applications, respectively. The Resolve systems streamline production time by combining da Vinci's Emmy® award-winning color enhancement technology with online conforming to perform the color correction and editing processes in tandem.

"We've engineered Resolve so that color correction decisions are linked directly to the clip, allowing the user to move scenes around and build or refine an edit decision list nonlinearly, without worrying about losing any color enhancement data in the process," said David Catt, da Vinci's Resolve product manager. "Conversely, the flexibility of Resolve means that the colorist can load an EDL and color correct scenes in the order that they'll appear in the final product, rather than the order in which they were shot. This translates into more accurate color enhancements that flow seamlessly from one scene to the next without requiring a second round of adjustments as would be necessary with a linear-based system."

The resolution-independent system has multiple configurations to support offline/online workflows to manage color decisions efficiently and reduce production costs. The Resolve offline configuration allows users to set basic color parameters or perform "panning and scanning" functions in preparation for final adjustments in a programmable, hardware-based color enhancement suite. A Resolve configuration is available as a pre-conform station in which users can cross-check the offline and online masters to correct any errors before starting the color enhancement rendering.

The first configuration in the product line, Resolve FX, is streamlined for network-based visual effects production and can be upgraded for faster throughput as a facility's needs evolve. The software operates on a Linux platform and features a single monitor, signal and picture monitoring, and the da Vinci industry-standard joyball panel. Optimized for digital intermediate applications, Resolve DI additionally includes the da Vinci Powerhouse render-farm, connected via Ethernet for real-time processing of video-resolution images stored as data on a server. For facilities mastering films in 2K resolution and higher, Resolve RT integrates a state-of-the-art da Vinci high-speed wide-band fabric to achieve real-time 2K processing. Resolve RT supports three separate monitors for signal monitoring, picture monitoring, and the GUI.

All of the Resolve configurations include a file browser, program conforming tools, multiple EDLs, simple edit transitions, rendered speed changes, XYZ repositioning and sizing, optional dirt and dust image restoration tools, a format pan list with PDL export, and audio track sync functions. The Resolve color enhancement interfaces are user configurable and feature many of the company's most popular tools including da Vinci primaries, kilovector secondaries, Power Windows, Custom Curves, key and image softening, and special filters. Also included is a node graph, a pictorial map of the Resolve's system functions including inputs – either of images, keys, or combinations -- and outputs. The node mapping isflexible and can be rearranged to tailor the processing to the specific task.

Hands-on demonstrations of the Resolve systems will be available throughout the NAB2004 exhibition at booth # C9117. da Vinci also will host periodic presentations of Resolve for detailed explanations of its functions and applications. Further information is available at www.davsys.com.
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da Vinci

Since the introduction of the company's first color corrector in 1984, colorists have come to rely on da Vinci to produce images of unsurpassed quality. da Vinci offers two product groups: COLOR and RESTOR. The COLOR product group contains the 2K, 2K Plus, and Resolve color enhancement systems for data, HDTV, and SDTV image enhancement. The RESTOR product group features revival, revival plus, and revival for discreet for multiple-resolution and automatic image-restoration applications.

New Products at NAB2004:

revival plus Restoration System

Brand-new for NAB2004, the revival plus is an upgrade to the company's revival restoration system and features all the toolsets of the revival, plus color enhancement functions and several new tools. The revival plus now includes the company's primary color controls, an imported session list with selected scenes, a preset "Look" library, and an automated toolset for controlling white, black, lift, gain, and gamma balance. The integrated color enhancement module includes master gain, lift, and gamma control with
finer manual RGB controls. The revival plus' file system can access DPX files directly from a network or SAN. In addition, the system includes an interactive interface for stabilization and scratch removal, enabling users to stabilize sequences that include varying degrees of motion in the foreground and background. A dual-link HD video I/O will be added.

Resolve Color Enhancement Software Family

First introduced at IBC2003 and launching in the United States at NAB2004, da Vinci's new Resolve product family of software-based color enhancement systems features three configurations optimized for the varied challenges of visual effects work, digital intermediate production, and real-time 2K processing. The Resolve line includes the industry's first color enhancer capable of real-time processing from ingest to output of SDTV, HDTV, graphics, visual effects, and data material in 2K resolution with native 2K
viewing.

Resolve FX is network-enabled through Ethernet or Fibre Channel connections. Via the Resolve FX, da Vinci color enhancement processes can be applied easily to file-based systems such as the Discreet inferno. New for NAB2004, the system also can now be configured as an offline color enhancement system to support a 2K/2K Plus color-grading suite. Optimized for digital intermediate (DI) applications, Resolve DI additionally
includes the da Vinci Powerhouse render farm or a da Vinci PCI-based hardware accelerator connected via Ethernet for real-time processing of video resolution images. For facilities mastering films in 2K resolution and higher, Resolve RT integrates a da Vinci wide-bandwidth fabric to achieve real-time 2K at 24fps, 3K at 12fps, and 4K at 6fps.

The entire Resolve family features a new set of advanced tools -- including Elastic Power Windows (EPWs) with unlimited softness -- that allow users to customize multiple filters in each frame. Other advanced toolsets offered include RGB/hue, saturation and luminance (HSL) qualifiers, EDL timeline display, object tracking, windows tracking, grading-in-context (conform tools), eight identical channels of primaries or secondaries with
saturation and hue, and LUT support.

Nucleas Digital Intermediate Product Suite da Vinci's Nucleas digital intermediate product suite, first introduced at IBC2003, is now shipping and will be on display at NAB2004. Consisting of an ingest system, server interface, conformer, and formatter, Nucleas enables all digital intermediate functions, including color enhancement with the award-winning 2K, 2K Plus, and Resolve systems, along with revival film restoration - all
in a highly collaborative, nonlinear data environment.

The Nucleas ingest module allows users to obtain images from a scanner, telecine, or camera; perform monitoring functions, sizing, and file conversion; and utilize da Vinci's Firstlight software for automated telecine calibration. The data material is ingested directly into the second Nucleas component, the server interface, which bridges a server to the advanced toolsets of da Vinci's 2K, 2K Plus, or new software-based

Resolve color enhancement systems. With the conform tool, the third Nucleas component, users are able to conform an edit list of event-based color corrections. Material is then processed via the Nucleas format, which renders a 2K file into various formats as specified by the user via a pan decision list (PDL).

By using different configurations of the Nucleas components in conjunction with existing post-production systems, users can optimize Nucleas for the unique needs of short-form data projects, data/HD dailies, or digital film production.
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Dome Productions Brings Miranda On Board MAJESTIC - Canada's Largest HDTV Mobile Unit

Miranda Technologies today announced that Toronto-based Dome Productions, a leading provider of mobile television production services in Canada, has purchased Miranda systems for installation in MAJESTIC, the largest HDTV mobile production unit to be built and operated out of Canada. Miranda's QUC-801i HD upconverter, QDC-801i HD-to-SDI downconverter, and other signal management systems will connect the 53-foot unit to the outside world by processing incoming feeds and outgoing signals.

Dome Productions' new truck, which extends the company's fleet to include eight mobile production units, is designed for flexible operation in a variety of applications. As Dome Productions Manager of Engineering Curtis Skinner explained, "We chose Miranda's HD products for MAJESTIC because they're very easy to use and will allow operators to make quick adjustments and configuration changes within the demanding time constraints of mobile production. These Miranda systems also provide good picture quality and can easily handle all the video formats we'll be working across, including 1080i, 720p, and standard definition TV."

Housed in a 4-RU Symphonie frame, the compact QUC-801i HD upconverter units from Miranda will allow engineers to convert SDI camera signals and incoming feeds to HD-SDI format. Various common and special aspect ratios can be selected, customized, and saved in user presets. To help operators meet the specific requirements of their HD broadcasts, audio, timecode, and closed captioning can be extracted, delayed, processed, or reinserted into the HD-SDI.

The 10-bit QDC-801i downconverter, also in Miranda's Symphonie frame, provides high-quality conversion of HD-SDI to SDI with a NTSC/PAL output. The system offers 3D interlacing with edge-detection and interpolation, 3:2 pull-down detection, and additional processing including noise reduction, detail enhancement, and color space conversion.

More information about Miranda's product range is available at www.miranda.com.
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DNF Controls Delivers Clip and VTR Control Solutions Optimized for Leitch's NEO VR

DNF Controls today announced that it is working in cooperation with Leitch Technology Corporation to develop a tailored control solution, based on DNF's ST300 Slow Motion Controller and clip control products, for Leitch's award-winning NEO VR modular digital video recorder. DNF developed its clip and VTR control solution to ensure smooth, easy integration with Leitch's NEO VR digital video recorder card, allowing for one-touch clip access in demanding television production environments such as live news and sports coverage.

"DNF is a recognized leader in providing control systems, and we knew the company would deliver a solution that met our demanding control needs," said Paul Eisner, Leitch vice president of video processing and distribution. "The control solution DNF is developing exploits the strengths of the NEO VR, enabling it to work better for our customers."

Leitch's NEO modular platform is an advanced integrated platform for building broadcast architectures, and the company's NEO VR offers full record/playback functionality, including variable-speed playback, jog, and shuttle.

"Customer feedback is what drives product development at DNF," said DNF Controls' president, Dan Fogel. "Our clients asked for a reliable control system for the NEO VR that would allow them to get video, highlights, spots, and graphics to air quickly. This solution, based on our ST300 Slow Motion Controller and clip control products, provides users with simple, precise, reliable, repeatable control."

The compact ST300 Slow Motion Controller from DNF Controls is a high-quality, low-cost system designed for demanding sports productions. The company's clip instant access and fast access systems provide one-touch access to a single clip or fill-clip/key-clip combination.
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DNF Controls

DNF Controls is a leading provider of hardware- and software-based control solutions for equipment used in the television broadcast, audio/video production, post-production, and graphics markets. By partnering with industry-leading manufacturers and customers, DNF provides innovative, reliable, and easy-to-use products that are used in point-to-point control as well as in facility-wide, multipoint control applications. DNF Controls' customer list includes all major U.S. television broadcast and cable networks, domestic and international television stations and production facilities, mobile production trucks, stadiums, and arenas.

NEW Products for NAB2004!

Flex Control Network

Designed to meet the challenges of expanding or changing broadcast operations, DNF's Flex Control Network uses modular, Ethernet-based, distributed control technology to deliver reliable, flexible, real-time machine control that meets the customer's control requirements. Flex Control simplifies control between multiple control points and multiple
devices, and gives operators the flexibility to add and remove devices and control points quickly and easily as required.

NEW Flex Control Network Modules at NAB2004:

a) VTR Control

At NAB2004, DNF will debut its new Flex Control VTR Control Module. Basic control features include record, play, stop, rewind, fast-forward, jog, shuttle, slomo, loop play and search-to-time. The new module supports shared control with control of one to eight VTRs from one DNF Flex Control CP20 control panel. Control can be individual or ganged.

b) Clip Control

DNF is also launching its new Flex Control Clip Control Module at NAB2004. With Clip Control, Flex Control users can load and play video clips on video servers and DDRs easily within Flex's Ethernet-based, distributed control environment. Operators can view a list of clips in the video server, select, load and play, as well as loop and create and record clips. The Clip Control Module supports Odetics protocol-controlled servers and
DDRs.

Established Products at NAB2004

a) Flex Control Network Tally Interface Box

As part of DNF Controls' new Ethernet-based Flex Control Network product line, the Tally Interface Box allows mobile production trucks, production facilities, and broadcast facilities to share tallies and other types of control/status lines quickly and safely.

b) DMAT-O Sports Controller

DNF Controls' popular new DMAT-O Sports Controller offers slow motion instant-replay and highlight-list creation/playback for Odetics protocol-based video servers. The DMAT-O allows users to generate slow motion instant replays easily, as well as build, manage, and playout highlight lists.

c) 3040P/DLO and Event Sequencer Option

DNF Controls' new 3040P/DLO Playlist Playout System with Download Option (DLO) provides affordable on-air automation backup to keep commercials and programs on the air. Enables operators to download complete playlists from an automation or traffic system into the 3040P/DLO, or to add, delete, and edit playlist elements while playing out. Also supports record playlist events. The system's new Event Sequencer Option allows users to schedule GPO events as part of their playlists. The 3040P/DLO with Event Sequencer Option is ideal for time-delay applications.

d) ST300-DSR1K for SONY DSRDR1000

DNF Controls' compact and flexible ST300-DSR1K Slow Motion Controller provides fast, easy, reliable, and affordable VTR-like control of Sony's DSRDR1000 DVCAM stream-based hard-disk recorder. The ST300-DSR1K puts users in control of Sony's hard-disk technology with one-button, instant-replay access and simultaneous record and playback functionality.

DNF Products in Partner Booths on the Show Floor

The following DNF products will be demonstrated in partner booths (to be announced) throughout the show floor:

a) ST300-EVS Slow Motion Controller for EVS maXS

The ST300-EVS Slow Motion Controller for EVS maXS offers an intuitive interface for making the transition from tape to tapeless easy. Control up to four VTRs in ST300 mode.

b) 2MCE-24P Cuts-Only Editor

Designed specifically for fast and easy-to-use, news-style, two machine cuts editing, the 2MCE now supports high definition 24P insert editing of video and/or audio tracks. Tactile interface is great for making quick fixes and audio overlays without tying up the entire edit suite.
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Hamlet, the leading innovator in video test and measurement, will be showing the way forward at NAB2004. It is launching the first of a completely new range of compact, powerful and cost-effective products, the Flexiscope.

To meet the new challenges of the digital era, Hamlet has designed its own digital processing engine specifically for audio and video test and measurement. This combines excellent capabilities (including HD and beyond) and a flexible architecture with low power consumption, making it ideal for handheld instruments. Flexiscope, a palmtop waveform monitor with integral high quality 3.5" TFT display, is just the first of a comprehensive familyof products to come from Hamlet.

"Because we are dedicated to the broadcast industry and really understand our market we have always led the way, in areas like on-screen display,"explains Hamlet's managing
director Steve Nunney. "Our new digital processing engine provides us with a platform which is precisely tailored to the challenges of today and tomorrow, giving engineers precise tools which are portable, practical and very affordable."

Visit Hamlet at stand C3243.

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Booth no: C1400

At NAB, as an IABM-supported event, The International Association of Broadcasting Manufacturers (IABM) will be exhibiting and hosting a private meeting room as a service to member companies. To book the meeting room in advance, please contact Elaine Bukiej at info@theiabm.org or visit the IABM at booth C1400 during the show.

The IABM's aim at NAB2004 is to meet with and assist existing members in any way it can - offering advice on not only exhibition-related issues, but recruitment, training, legal and technical information - and to meet potential members that may not yet be aware of the enormous potential that the IABM has to offer.

The Association is represented on technical committees and working groups including those of SMPTE and the AES, with corporate membership applications welcomed from new and established companies worldwide and associate membership available to broadcast engineering consultants.

The IABM recognises innovation and training through the annual Peter Wayne Award and Tom McGann Training Bursary presented at IBC.
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IBIS

IBIS, specialists in broadcast process management, demonstrate instinctively interactive automation technology in use throughout traditional and emerging broadcast markets

Global Launch – SprinTx ServerLoad Sport enables live highlights of a sporting event to be captured and packaged at the desktop in real time, along with all relevant metadata. ServerLoad Sport can be used with any sport requiring one or more feeds. Tags can be added to highlights to permit re-play in slow motion (server dependant).

US Launch – SprinTx ServerArchive offers increased functionality to the popular range of IBIS newsroom automation applications. ServerArchive offers a common UI to control the archiving of videoclips from server to a variety of archive devices – VTR, DVD, MCM or data tape. The archive process can be controlled manually or operated as a background task. ServerArchive also offers restore-from-archive features to provide a valuable media management functionality.

US Launch – Vernacular language support is available across the range of IBIS applications to enable integration of Arabic, Chinese and cyrillic, amongst others, in News, Playout and channel management.

IBIS P2 is a comprehensive, flexible system for multiple channels providing a total solution for all business management needs, including planning, scheduling, library and media management, compliance and EPG preparation, together with commercial break creation.
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JUST EDIT will present its VSN family products for "Automated & Digitized TV" at NAB2004.

We are the company that developed the DVLINCE News System for SONY, and we also have over 100 channels using our playouts in Europe.

Based on standard technology and being fully compatible with all popular NLE's, we offer a complete solution to integrate all areas of a TV station.

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KROMA CUTTING EDGES WITH ITS NEW DESIGN 9‰ TFT MONITOR (1024x768 RESOLUTION)

KROMA TELECOM (Stand C3136), Spain's leading company in the development and manufacturing of high quality broadcast equipment, is showing its new 9‰ TFT Monitor at this coming edition of NAB.

With the widest view angle of the market (85ª horizontally and vertically), the LM5009A11 TFT Monitor offers the perfect solution for those that look for saving space and consumption but don't want to sacrifice quality. Its minimum width, weight and even low temperature is making this monitor the desirable object of NAB visitors, that don't forget KROMA's affordable prices!.

They will also enjoy its lack of the image delay that is typically caused by fast pans in sporting events or breaking-news scrolls. The refreshment is so fast that "jumping‰ motions are something from the past (and the competence!). Its increased XGA resolution (1024x768) is another advantage of the improved engineering parameters such as its 16 million colours (Full Colour), 400 cd/m" luminance, 400:1 contrast or 50K-hour-long light bulb life.

Apart from these impressive features, we can find the usual ones such as Tally Led, a user-friendly comprehensive On-Screen Display (OSD), risk-free passive loop-through or 4:3/16:9 switching. Plus five inputs: two analogue (PAL/NTSC/SECAM), two digital (10-bit SDI, according to ITU & SMPTE international standards) and one PC connection. It automatically detects when the video input is PAL, NTSC or SECAM. And it incorportates the capability of extracting the embedded audio and output it as analogue or digital (AES EBU).

Regarding its robust mechanics, they can be rack-mounted (two units) or used with a desktop adaptor (in this case, with a tilting facility to provide the best view angle and comfort). It is provided with a specially threaded power connector that avoids accidental disconnections. Finally it also offers the capability of being remotely controlled and battery-powered.

KROMA TELECOM is Spain's leading company in the development and manufacturing of high quality broadcast equipments. With 25 years experience, it is focused on CRT&TFT Monitors and Talkback Systems. Its strong commitment to fit customers' needs has resulted in a continuous launch of innovative products, all supported by KROMA brilliant R&D engineers and fast aftersales team. This capacity has increasingly widened its satisfied international clients and distributors.
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Leitch Showcases Integrated Content Environment at NAB 2004

Leitch Technology Corporation (TSX:LTV; NASDAQ:LVID) will demonstrate its unique position for providing single product applications to complete system solutions within an integrated environment. This approach enables Leitch's clients to achieve their vision of a fully integrated content environment, encompassing production, processing, distribution and the management of content throughout the entire content chain.

This year, Leitch further extends its industry-leading interoperability through its high-definition product offerings - an extensive range of HD solutions for transmission, master control, editing and facility infrastructure.

Within Content Production, editors and producers will see updates to Leitch's award-winning VelocityQ(TM) multi-stream non-linear editing system together with NewsNet (TM), an end-to-end newsroom solution based on the new NEXIO TM) server platform. In Content Processing, Leitch is showing innovative additions in both HD and fibre optics for its advanced NEO(TM) platform and world-leading 6800+ interface platform. NEO highlights include HD Simplicity cards; the new NEO VR(TM) command center application and the NEO SuiteView(TM) modular multi-source display processor.

As part of the content transmission process, Leitch will showcase its new NEXIO transmission server. This supports multiple compression formats in both standard and high-definition resolution as well as an ASI interface and the ability to record, process and playback MPEG transport streams. Additionally Leitch will demonstrate its new Panacea Clean Switch, a digital video clean switch capable of handling multiple channels of SD and HD signals simultaneously, as well as other updates within the Panacea(TM) compact router series. Also on display will be Integrator Gold(TM), the wideband digital multi-rate router. Providing support for an extensive range of Leitch and third-party products, Letich's advanced Command Control System (CCS(TM)) and the award-winning CCS Navigator(TM) application will be shown throughout the booth, tying all of the equipment together with real-time control and monitoring under a single application.

About Leitch

Leitch Technology is a 32-year global leader in the design and distribution of high-performance video systems for the professional television industry. Leitch offers the most extensible products and interoperable systems, enabling operations of any size to achieve a truly Integrated Content Environment. Leitch is the most trusted name for increasing performance and productivity through solutions that streamline workflow of content production, processing, transmission and management. With a sole focus on and commitment to the television industry, Leitch provides unparalleled customer support.
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L-3 Communications

Company Overview

Located in San Carlos, Calif., and Williamsport, Penn., L-3 Communications Electron Devices is a worldwide supplier of microwave power devices including UHF television transmitting tubes, missile seekers, aircraft navigation and landing systems, airborne and ground radars, and electronic warfare systems, to all major prime contractors on key military and commercial programs. L-3 Electron Devices developed the first commercially
viable multistage depressed collector IOT, known as the CEA or Constant Efficiency Amplifier, which offers greatly improved efficiency in digital or analog transmitters. L-3's CEA devices are now installed in nine transmitters in the United States.

Headquartered in New York City, L-3 Communications is a leading provider of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) systems, secure communications systems, aircraft modernization, training, and government services and is a merchant supplier of a broad array of high technology products. Its customers include the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, select U.S. government intelligence agencies, and aerospace prime contractors.

New Products at NAB2004:

L-3 CEA 80 for Analog Transmitters

New for NAB2004 is a modified version of L-3's breakthrough Constant Efficiency Amplifier tube for use in analog transmitters to improve efficiency over standard IOTs. The new device is currently available and has been fully tested in analog service. It will work in common mode, the most preferred method of transmission today, with performance equal to an IOT in all respects: gain, linearity, sync compression, etc. The CEA 80 is
capable of 55 percent efficiency in analog service, nearly 40 percent greater than typical IOTs, translating into savings of almost $17,000 per year.

L-3 "Made-in-USA" Circuit Assemblies for CEA and IOT Tubes

L-3 is now manufacturing the circuit assemblies and magnet carts used for its line of CEA and IOT transmitter tubes. The input cavity has been substantially redesigned to improve reliability and performance, and system gain and input VSWR have been optimized. Input and output assemblies can be supplied separately. The cavities are compatible with most "build-up" style tubes supplied by other tube OEMs.

Established Products at NAB2004:

L-3 CEA 130

The oil-cooled Constant Efficiency Amplifier is the highest-efficiency tube operating in the UHF TV frequency range of 470 to 810 MHz. By combining a multistage depressed collector with an inductive output amplifier, DC input power is made almost proportional to RF output over a wide power range. The amplifier has been designed for use in digital transmitters.

L-3 IOT 80

The Inductive Output Amplifier is a high-efficiency tube operating in the UHF-TV frequency range of 470 to 810 MHz. The amplifier can be used in digital and analog transmitters requiring combined vision/aural service, vision-only service, and aural-only service.

L-4945A Thyratron

The L-4945A is a ceramic-metal, double-gap thyratron. It is designed for high-coulomb transfer and/or high-anode current reversal typically found in crowbar applications. The shielded-gap, gradient-grid construction ensures stable, long-term HV hold-off reliability while minimizing X ray emission. An auxiliary grid is incorporated for constant and short triggering delay time.
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Omneon Video Networks is the leading provider of cost-effective and flexible networked media servers for the broadcast and video industry. The company's proven strategy integrates a strong foundation in broadcast with the best practices of information technology - giving its customers the best of both worlds. Built around the unique concept of Smart Scalability, the Omneon Spectrum media server solution delivers dramatic reductions in cost along with improvements in workflow flexibility. The system's open and advanced architecture results in a high degree of modularity in the server, storage, and interface components. Because of this, Omneon's customers experience minimal upfront and ongoing expenses as they are able to expand operations easily, add new program channels, and support collaborative production without building separate infrastructures for each new service.

New Products Being Introduced by Omneon at NAB2004

Expanded HD Format Support Adding to its HD capabilities, Omneon will be introducing enhancements to its SDTI media interface adapter (MIP 1002 Mediaport) to enable support for Panasonic's compressed HD format, DVCPro-100. With this addition to the product line, the Omneon Spectrum becomes the first media server capable of supporting all leading HD formats simultaneously, including MPEG, HDCAM, and DVCPro-100. Incorporating Omneon's Smart Scalability, the Omneon Spectrum allows broadcasters to deploy server infrastructure for HD and SD playback today and gain the flexibility to add channels or services at any point in the future. The complete investment protection delivered by the Omneon Spectrum enables current Omneon customers to add new HD services, including DVCPro-100, to their existing media server implementations easily and cost-effectively.

MXF Building on its leadership in driving MXF standardization, Omneon will introduce native support for MXF across its entire line of Omneon Spectrum media servers, giving customers the choice to select either QuickTime® or MXF as the media wrapper format for material stored within an Omneon system. Omneon is leading the way in providing MXF support as a native media format, eliminating all forms of format conversion or transcoding when working with the new MXF format.

Media Server Solutions Being Showcased by Omneon at NAB2004

At NAB2004 Omneon Video Networks will showcase an array of media server solutions supporting the entire broadcast workflow, from production to distribution to archive. Omneon is the only media server vendor capable of making media available in any format, to any user, and at any time -- across all facets of the broadcast workflow. Omneon Spectrum media server systems range from large multichannel systems providing a shared storage infrastructure for any area of a network facility to the new Omneon Spectrum ES edge server for local station broadcasting. Omneon will show a range of systems that all embody Smart Scalability, ensuring that customers have the most flexible and cost-effective media server infrastructure for any size operation. New for NAB2004, Omneon will introduce native MXF support for all Omneon Spectrum systems and enable customers to add support for MXF easily and seamlessly to any Omneon system.

Omneon Spectrum for Production Omneon will highlight its unique shared storage infrastructure for collaborative production, demonstrating enhanced edit-in-place capability for news and video editors. Working with Final Cut Pro® from Apple, editors gain maximum productivity by editing material directly on an Omneon Spectrum, making finished edits immediately ready for playout and reducing their time-to-air. Omneon will also show application support for browse-editing along with additional craft-editor application integration.

Omneon Spectrum for Distribution Omneon will once again raise the standard for multichannel, multiformat playout servers at NAB2004, showing a mix of both multiformat SD and multiformat HD playback -- all from the same server. Omneon will be demonstrating multiple configurations, ranging from the industry's most cost-effective large 30-plus-channel Omneon Spectrum playout server to the new six-channel Omneon Spectrum ES remote server, connected via Gigabit Ethernet for IP-based content distribution. Omneon will also expand its industry-leading multiformat capabilities with new solutions for HD playback in any format - all of which integrate seamlessly into any Omneon system.

Omneon Spectrum for Archive At NAB2004 Omneon will demonstrate integrated solutions for nearline and offline storage and management of media assets. Best-of-breed archive application and storage partnerships will be on display, highlighting the integration of Omneon with various archive solutions. In addition, a suite of new Omneon media tools for viewing, browsing, manipulating, and managing media clips within an Omneon Spectrum system will be on display.

Recent Product Introductions on Display at NAB2004

At NAB2004 Omneon Video Networks is showing its new edge server system configuration, which incorporates three recently introduced system components. The new Omneon Spectrum ES dramatically improves cost-per-channel for video delivery and solidifies Omneon's position as the industry leader in price/performance for media servers. The Omneon Spectrum ES is a fully capable, six-channel playout server with up to 72 hours of 12-Mbps video, in only three rack units and with the lowest cost-per-channel available.

Multiport MIP 3000 SERIES This new line of media interface adapters dramatically increases channel density while lowering the overall cost-per-channel for multichannel video delivery. The Multiport series provides playout for up to six channels of MPEG-2 video (each with up to 16 audio channels) within a single 1-RU device.

Mediaserver MCP 2100 As a core server component in an Omneon Spectrum media server, the new MCP 2100 delivers unmatched price/performance in an entry-level server configuration, and with Smart Scalability, it can be integrated seamlessly with any Omneon Mediaport, Multiport, or Mediastore. The MCP 2100 integrates multiple high-speed serial busses for real-time media I/O (supports up to 16 I/O channels), Gigabit Ethernet for non-real-time file transfers, and dual Fibre Channel loops for redundant, high-performance connectivity to storage arrays.

Mediastore MSC 4400 In a single-RU chassis, the new Mediastore MSC 4400 can hold four disk drives (146 GB) in a 3+1 array configuration, providing the equivalent of 72 hours at 12-Mbps video content. The MSC 4400 provides a storage solution with both smaller physical size and lower cost, in a configuration precisely matched for the specific requirements of customers planning smaller installations and remote playout servers.

Omneon Spectrum MEDIA SERVER OVERVIEW

The Omneon Spectrum media server is the industry's most cost-effective and flexible shared storage infrastructure designed for digital media, delivering unparalleled scalability and modularity. Using high-speed serial I/O buses for real-time (isochronous) connectivity and Gigabit Ethernet for non-real-time (asynchronous) network connectivity, customers have the freedom to use multiple data formats and applications, with the compatibility required to support existing systems and add new services easily.

An Omneon Spectrum media server consists of four basic components.

Mediaservers are the server components that sit between the real-time interface components, the Ethernet network, and the storage components. A Mediaserver includes multiple processing elements that control both real-time audio/video streams and non-real-time network traffic, as well as file-system functions.

Mediastores are the system's storage elements which include 146-GB Fibre Channel drives, hot-swappable power supplies, plus multiple FC-AL LRC (Loop Resiliency Circuit) access modules.

Mediaports and Multiports are the system's interface adapters for video, audio, timecode, and control. Through these I/O components, users can ingest and encode content, and playout content for production or transmission. Mediaports are available in a variety of formats, such as MPEG-2, DV/DVCPro, uncompressed ITU 601, SDTI, HDCAM, DVCPro-100 and DVB/ASI. The new Multiport Series provides multichannel (up to six channels) playout of MPEG-2 video from a single 1-RU device.

With the Omneon Spectrum media server, users have maximum flexibility in their ability to scale channels, bandwidth, and storage capacity in small or large increments as desired. Most important, both real-time and non-real-time processes can be utilized simultaneously in one unified system.
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OmniBus to Showcase New G3 Newsroom and Transmission Developments at NAB 2004

OmniBus SYSTEMS, the award-winning provider of comprehensive automation and asset management solutions to the broadcast industry, is to unveil the latest products based on its groundbreaking G3 architecture at NAB2004 (booth C7634, Las Vegas Convention Center, 19-22 April).

OmniBus G3 technology employs standard IT protocols and is based on a groundbreaking 'component ware' architecture. G3 re-defines the entire process for creating new broadcast automation systems by shifting the emphasis from applications to specific tasks.

With components of functionality delivering the precise requirements of individual users, G3 allows broadcasters to control and configure both OmniBus automation and selected broadcast equipment to provide unparalleled levels of workflow and operational flexibility.

At NAB, OmniBus will demonstrate the latest developments of its ingest and delivery tools for the HeadLine News Solution and TX>Play transmission automation system. HeadLine and TX>Play are highly cost effective packages, with a low entry-level price, that allow broadcasters to grow a system by channel, device or functionality as its business needs and budgets dictate. Their range of components encompass every process from ingest through basic media and asset management to multi-channel content delivery.

The ingest tools have been designed to manage all acquisition of media from simple, ad-hoc crash recording of feeds to full, recurring scheduled bookings. They include components designed to allow registration of clips with the OmniBus system, tape segmentation and tape-to-server transfers. Direct control of VTRs and video servers can also be gained by use of the G3 Machine Control panel to provide the user with full control of all devices from a single user interface. Both products feature a customisable desktop which allows operators to tailor the desktop layout to suit their needs.

In HeadLine, for example, a typical playout desktop would include a list view of the running order downloaded from the newsroom computer system via MOS that an operator can amend by simply clicking and dragging items in the schedule. A timeline view of the entire bulletin allows the programme to be played to air either sequentially or in a random order.

Betacart-style playout controls would be used to cue up items manually and take them to air. A Media Search component allows users to search for clips that are in the newsroom system but not featured in the running order and view a browse copy of the clip. If required, the clip can be dragged into the running order and cued for air ... all from one desktop screen. Using the same components of functionality, as many operators as necessary can view exactly the same set-up simultaneously.

Also based on the G3 technology is the HeadLine Media Editor, a desktop browse-editing package designed for use by journalists. In the master control arena, TX>Play multi-channel content delivery can be provided either from server, tape or live source along with full master control integration with presentation switcher devices, character generators, still stores and logo generators. The new Colossus Control is the first component of OmniBus' Colossus transmission automation built with G3 technology. It provides an unprecedented level of configurability and operator control in large multi-channel environments. Combining multiple timeline, schedule grid and event-detail views on a single or dual high-resolution display, G3 Colossus Control allows a single operator to monitor and control up to 32 channels from a single workstation. "The new G3 developments we will show at NAB consolidate OmniBus' reputation not only for thought leadership but also for providing the type of scalable solutions broadcasters need," says Greg Hoskin, OmniBus' senior VP, specialised sales & marketing. "OmniBus is dedicated to helping them provide improved services cost-effectively to grow their businesses."

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Booth numbers as listed below

Software Generation Ltd (SGL) will demonstrate its FlashNet backup and archive management software on a number of booths at NAB2004 including:

Asaca (booth SL4342) - FlashNet will support Asaca's new Blue Laser library technology and shared storage systems.

Avid (booth SL4761) - Avid and SGL will show the new integrated search tools for Avid Unity and FlashNet Archives.

BBCT (booth SU8469) - BBCT and SGL will show the fully integrated solution of BBCT's Colledia system with FlashNet software, in conjunction with Quantel.

Blue Order (booth SU6759) - SGL and Blue Order will show a fully integrated archive and asset management system using Blue Order's MediaArchive application and FlashNet.

IBIS (booth SU6766) - SGL and IBIS will show the fully integrated Archive Management solution that uses FlashNet as the HSM.

Leitch (booth SU9868) - SGL will show data storage management solutions using Leitch servers and News editing systems in conjunction with Asaca and Arkemedia.

Quantel (booth C6406/C7106) - SGL will show an integrated archive management solution using the new Quantel Archive gateway.

Sundance Digital (booth SU7470) - SGL and Sundance will be showing integrated archive and data management solutions with various Sundance automation applications.

Thomson Broadcast and Media Solutions (booth SU8076) - SGL and Thomson will show integrated low cost Archive Systems for News and Transmission using Thomson's Vibrint systems and Profile playout servers integrated with FlashNet.
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Tandberg Television solidifies receiver leadership with NAB product launches and strategic customer deployments

U.S. introduction of SD and HD units and high-profile worldwide deployments from Artear, Euro1080 and Fox, confirm company's market leadership in professional and commercial receivers.

At NAB 2004, Tandberg Television (Booth: SU 8755) will demonstrate the company's continued leadership in the professional and commercial receiver industry with the introduction of two flexible, high-performance receivers. Targeting both standard and high definition markets, both receivers offer enhanced means of reducing operational costs and protecting valuable content through a variety of new innovative solutions. The TT1280 professional HD receiver is designed for studio contribution, network distribution, mobile applications and digital cinema applications, and offers high-quality HD decoding in a compact one-rack unit. This is complemented by the new TT1221, an integrated receiver/decoder for MPEG-2 standard definition systems that includes an innovative GPS feature for tracking the receiver's geographical position. The official U.S. launches of these two products coincide with recent announcement of several high-profile, worldwide receiver sales.

"Standard and high definition receivers for professional broadcasting have historically been hampered by a lack of high-performance features and functionality. Broadcasters today are looking not only for increased flexibility in receiver technology but also more efficient ways to protect their content and revenue. Enabling conditional access allows the broadcaster to distribute valuable content while addressing security concerns, and with increased over-air-control flexibility, the operator can control the entire receiver population from a centralized control system. Tandberg Television has addressed these areas with enhanced features in its new high-performance receivers for both standard and HD systems," said Are Olafsen, Product Manager, Tandberg Television.

The TT1280 offers high-quality 4:2:0 HD decoding in a compact one-rack unit. With new high-value content being distributed in HD, the need for strong protection of HD signals is increasing. The TT1280 is capable of supporting many of the major conditional access systems currently available on the market, thereby providing protection for the high value content being distributed in HD today. Additionally, the TT1280 can be fitted with an integrated IP interface for direct connection to an IP backbone network. Frame synchronization capabilities synchronize video to a reference source, reducing video jitter and enabling seamless switching between different decoders. The TT1280 also supports closed-caption embedding that is mandatory for ATSC stations.

Both FOX Television Entertainment Network and European service provider, Euro1080, have already purchased the TT1280 for their HD systems. An HD 4:2:2 version of the unit, the TT1282, is also available.

"It's imperative to have well-designed, robust technology in place that offers the best possible quality to be competitive in HDTV broadcasting. Tandberg Television's latest high definition decoders meet our requirements as a broadcasting network," said Jim DeFilippis, Vice President of Television Engineering, FOX Technology Group.

Euro1080 is a new all-HD European channel that launched January 1 of this year. With few HDTV sets currently in European homes, the channel is distributing programming via satellite to theatres and other venues with HD displays to offer alterative revenue generating content to traditional films. Venues are able to receive HD signals through a dish with a TT1280 decoder and show events such as concerts or sports matches. This has already proven itself as a viable business model for a number of events.

"To increase our HD service through Europe, we need an HD distribution system that allows us to incrementally grow our customer base with uncomplicated system expansions. In addition to using Tandberg Television's HD encoding solutions we have also adopted the company's new TT1280 as it provides the ideal professional receiver for our business," said Gabriel Fehervari, CEO, Euro1080.

Tandberg Television will also respond to market needs for low-cost, high-functionality commercial receivers with the introduction of the TT1221, an integrated receiver/decoder targeted for MPEG-2 standard definition systems. Replacing the company's current TT1220 IRD, the new decoder adds both standard and optional specifications that greatly surpass the former model's performance, while retaining its cost efficiency.

Although NAB 2004 will mark the TT1221's public debut, more than 5,000 units have already been shipped to Grupo Clarin, Argentina's largest communications group, as part of an end-to-end program distribution within its Artear and TyC Sports (Grupo Clarin & Torneos y Competencias Company) cable TV divisions. Along with the TT1221's standard benefits for satellite distribution of MPEG-2 signals to analog and digital cable headends, Artear and TyC Sports benefit from a specially integrated, first-of-its-kind GPS (Global Positioning System) module.

The GPS module is a TT1221 option that logs a receiver's location into the receiver database. If at any time the receiver is moved more than a predetermined distance from the original location, it will be de-authorized until the operator can ascertain its continued legitimate use.

"Throughout our discussions with Tandberg Television, they consistently proved that they were the best choice for us as a financially stable company with cost-effective solutions and unmatched technical expertise," noted Juan Kedzierski, IT & Telecommunications Corporate Manager, Grupo Clarin. "Coupled with the revenue protection of the GPS security system, Tandberg Television has put together a distribution system that gives us superior quality and peace of mind."

"The GPS security implementation marks a significant advancement in revenue/content protection and subscriber database management," adds Olafsen. "It eliminates the possibility for a local operator to move a receiver licensed for a specific location to a more populated region, where the licensing would bring more revenue to the content owner. Coupled with the capability to control the receiver population through various Tandberg Television control systems, the TT1221 is a true step forward in professional receiver technology."

In compliance with the recently passed American National Standard SCTE 35, the TT1221 supports digital cue tones for local advertisement insertion. The SCTE 35 specification provides new means of revenue generation for local digital cable operators by automatically inserting regionalized ads and promos during commercial breaks. For protecting the IRD investment, the TT1221 can be fitted with a digital output option board easing the transmission from analog to digital cable transmission. The TT1221 can also be equipped with an innovative low-cost MPEG-over-IP interface that, for the first time, allows a cable operator to distribute video in its backbone over IP. This will allow the cable operator to merge video, telephony and Internet traffic to one network, reducing equipment, maintenance and network costs. Those signals can be decoded for analog networks and simultaneously carried in digital for advanced networks.

Visitors to Tandberg Television's booth can view a live demonstration of the TT1280 and TT1221 receiving and decoding video feeds direct from the company's world-renowned MPEG-2 encoding range.
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Tandberg Television Launches nCompass Monitoring 3.0 to Provide Broadcasters and Content Distributors Revenue Protection and Reduced Operational Costs

NAB 2004. Booth# SU 8755NAB 2004. Booth# SU 8755

Finally operators can monitor the true health of their MPEG Services across the network and not just the boxes.

Tandberg Television today launches nCompass 3.0, the most advanced network-monitoring system developed exclusively for the broadcast and video distribution market. The principal new feature of nCompass 3.0 is that unlike other systems it goes beyond monitoring the health of individual units by monitoring the health of the actual MPEG services across the entire video network.

The system, which will have its public debut at NAB 2004 (Booth: SU 8755), improves markedly upon traditional MPEG syntax checking through inspection of actual service provision at probe points and comparison with the required transmission structure. In contrast to others, this system is not reliant on the health checking capability of the units themselves, i.e. by comparing scheduled events with actual MPEG services, nCompass Monitoring highlights service related problems that other systems miss.

This new release of Tandberg Television's tried and trusted monitoring system, provides and enables: Entire system monitoring for broadcasters, MSO's and telco's MPEG service inspection and comparison with required provision through use of probes at delivery points . Unrivalled ease-of-use through carefully designed GUI's, totally customizable to individual requirements by the user . Monitoring of multi-vendor equipment sites through SNMP technology . Support for distributed architecture ensures that nCompass can scale to monitor even the largest and most complex networks.The integration of the Tandberg Television TT4000 range with nCompass 3.0 provides continuous monitoring of DVB and ATSC video transport streams

"Traditionally, broadcast monitoring systems have been like a team of doctors that check individual parts of the body and only talk to each other when they find a problem. Our new nCompass monitoring solution goes beyond this traditional approach by testing the health of the entire system through monitoring of the actual MPEG Services and ensuring that all broadcast events take place as scheduled," says Tim Nutt, Product Manager, Tandberg Television. "This huge advance in monitoring not only provides the strongest possible revenue protection, but also cuts running costs. Our solution is ideal for almost any operator of video networks, but becomes even more advantageous as the network increases in complexity."

The nCompass 3.0 GUI has been made as simple as possible, while providing all the power required, by using StarTree(r) interface technology, which uses patented "Focus & Context" technology. The use of StarTree in nCompass, means that even the largest and most complex network can be intuitively monitored from one workstation.

"I believe that the combination of Tandberg Television's video system expertise and the growing maturity of our monitoring functionality means that nCompass 3.0 is the most complete way for broadcasters and video network operators to monitor their networks and that nCompass 3.0 will build upon the success we've already enjoyed in network monitoring," concluded Tim Nutt.

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Tandberg Television Advances Video Compression Leadership at NAB

Launches Intelligent Compression Engine (ICE) – groundbreaking, cross-platform solution for upgradeable SD and HD MPEG-2, MPEG-4 part 10 and Windows Media 9 Series

NAB 2004 will see Tandberg Television increase its lead in the video compression market with the launch of a number of new products, including the Tandberg Television Intelligent Compression Engine (ICE), the industry's premier platform for MPEG-4 part 10 and Windows Media tm9 Series. This advanced video compression platform will be launched alongside new products that enable HDTV, maximise the performance of MPEG-2, provide flexible professional receiver systems and deliver effective control and monitoring. Continuing its pioneering lead in the video over IP world, Tandberg Television's NAB stand (South Upper Hall: 87455) will feature a number of IP applications, including high definition MPEG-2 over IP for contribution and its award winning TV over IP Telco solution.

The deployment of new advanced compression solutions is set to be a hot topic at NAB and Tandberg Television's CEO, Eric Cooney is looking forward to maximising the company's market lead;

"The opportunity to save between 30% and 60% of bandwidth means that these ground-breaking advanced compression technologies are opening up new content delivery opportunities and enabling innovative ways of entertaining and informing the consumer.
From the start, we believed that our customers, be they telcos, broadcasters or network operators, could significantly benefit from these bandwidth and efficiency savings. We kicked off the advanced compression wave at IBC 2002 and followed it up with a firm product launch at last year's NAB. Today, we are the only company able to ship an advanced compression solution based on dedicated broadcast quality hardware and as such we are working closely with major operators and broadcasters on technology trials and roll-outs.

"At NAB, we'll continue our first to market lead with the launch of the Intelligent Compression Engine (ICE) platform, our 7th generation of encoding technology, based on decades of video compression development and industry firsts. We'll show customers how our professional video expertise can help them to maximise the opportunities that these bandwidth saving new technologies provide."

The Tandberg Television Intelligent Compression Engine (ICE) is a powerful and sophisticated video and audio compression platform that provides a flexible and upgradeable solution for high quality implementations of Windows Media 9 Series and MPEG-4 part 10 (H.264/AVC) technologies. The ICE card is included in Tandberg's new EN5930 MPEG-4 part 10 advanced video encoder, which will be launched at NAB and the company's EN5920, the world's first dedicated hardware platform for Windows Media 9. It can also be inserted into the E5710 MPEG-2 encoder to enable customers to move to either Windows Media 9 Video and Audio or MPEG-4 part 10 by upgrading existing equipment. A High Definition version of ICE is also being developed to enable conversion of MPEG-2 HD encoders to support the new advanced encoding techniques. Moreover, should the requirement arise, users can also switch between MPEG-4 part 10 and Windows Media 9 Series with a simple software change. This unmatched level of flexibility means that broadcasters, operators and telcos can choose Tandberg Television's compression solutions with the certainty that their needs will always be met.
Visitors to Tandberg Television's stand will be able to see live demonstrations of new products and systems, including:

· New ICE product:
· The EN5930 – a professional quality SD encoder for MPEG-4 part 10
1 The EN5920 encoder for Windows Media 9 Series running the new Advanced Profile (VC-9 as submitted to SMPTE for standardisation)
2 Demonstration of the remarkable performance of advanced coding for High Definition content
· The industry's highest performance, lowest bit-rate MPEG-2 solution, with the US debut of the multi-pass E5770 encoder
· New HD solutions for Direct to Home and Contribution/Distribution markets
1 New nCompass 3.0 network monitoring
2 New TT1221 SD and TT1280 HD professional receivers that will further extend Tandberg Television's lead in the decoding market.

"Our solutions have proven themselves time and time again in some of the world's most testing broadcast, telco and cable networks, and in all phases of content acquisition and delivery," continues Eric Cooney. "We provide our customers with complete end-to-end systems for the realities of today and the goals of tomorrow. Whatever their current distribution environment, we have the best solutions for broadcasters and operators to move and monitor content on its way from point A to B."
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Tandberg Television Prime Integration Enables Galaxy's exTV Launch

The launch of exTV this week sees Tandberg Television re-affirm its market leading position in the provision of digital broadcast solutions and professional services. Acting as one of the major integrators for Asia's newest subscription television platform, Tandberg Television has provided a multi-channel television delivery solution with built-in expandability based on its evolution 5000 compression engine including award-winning MPEG-2 compression, modulation, multiplexing and decoding. The digital broadcasting leader also undertook the role of prime integrator for the build and deployment, integrating conditional access, subscriber management and middleware from a host of market leading vendors.

The successful on time completion of the integration affirms Tandberg Television's recognised leadership and expertise in DTH satellite systems & professional services and saw the exTV network ready in plenty of time for its February 18th launch. exTV is Hong Kong's newest subscription television service and is designed to offer an exciting all-digital multi-channel service specially designed for the Hong Kong audience.

"We are delighted by the experience we have had working with Tandberg Television and its highly experienced people. The system design and build, as well as the trail of our network have gone very smoothly, thanks in no small part to Tandberg Television's local Asian presence," says Jim Blomfield, CEO of Galaxy Satellite Broadcasting Limited.

At launch, exTV will provide 27 channels that will cater particularly to the tastes and interests of the local TV audience. It brings a unique mix of innovative quality local programming and quality entertainment from around the world. This includes five exclusive Chinese channels supplied by TVB, Hong Kong's premium content broadcaster and one of the world's largest producers of Chinese language programming. It also includes two new exclusive Chinese movie channels and a wide range of news and infotainment programming from leading local and international content providers.

exTV subscribers will be able to enjoy free interactive services such as video games and electronic program guide. Future enhancements to the service include home shopping, home banking and advanced recording devices.

"We are delighted that we have been able to play such an important part in Galaxy's launch of exTV, without doubt one of the most exciting new broadcast projects in Asia for some time. In particular, the skills of our people, combined with the interoperability and worldwide deployment of our technology made the project highly rewarding and enjoyable," says Graham Cradock, General Manager of Tandberg Television Asia Pacific.

The exTV service is being uplinked from Galaxy's teleport in Hong Kong over an Intelsat VII series satellite and downlinked to roof-top receiving dishes. Existing in-building wiring will deliver the service to individual subscribers and apartments.
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Tektronix' Waveform Rasterisers Headline Video and MPEG Test Tools at NAB 2004

Tektronix NAB Booth C7128

Tektronix' Waveform Rasterisers Headline Video and MPEG Test Tools at NAB 2004. At this year's NAB, Tektronix will be showing its broad range of Video and MPEG test, monitoring and measurement products. Taking pride of place will be the WVR600 Waveform Rasteriser family aimed at Broadcast Confidence Monitoring and Production applications. Supporting mixed88analogue and digital, video and audio environments and fitted with alarm and logging capabilities, the WVR600 is revolutionising video and audio monitoring using the new FlexVu (tm) technology and comprehensive error alarms and logging. Additionally on display will be the new Tektronix88portable MPEG-2 test system, AD953A. This equipment includes an integrated high-resolution display, making it easy and convenient to move the test system from lab to lab or offsite for commissioning tests.
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Thales Broadcast & Multimedia at NAB 2004 – Booth C 4709

Television Broadcast Highlights:

Thales will be showcasing its renowned DCX Paragon MSDC-IOT UHF digital transmitter. Introduced at NAB 2003 Thales' DCX Paragon has already gained unmatched market share of the MSDC-IOT transmitter marketplace and has already been chosen by 14 U.S. broadcasters. The DCX Paragon is available in oil and liquid cooled versions for both NTSC and DTV operation. Combining Soft Arc Technology (SATTM) and ultra efficient MSDC tubes, the DCX Paragon provides broadcasters with the lowest cost of ownership.

The enhanced VHF Optimum features a new fully integrated cabinet design that houses the entire transmitting system and its cooling devices. All Thales' Digital Transmitters are equipped with the Emmy Award Winning DAPTM (Digital Adaptive Precorrection).

MPEG/DTV Processing Highlights:

Thales will showcase in live demonstrations a variety of MPEG/DTV processing solutions ideally suited for terrestrial broadcast, cable, broadband, and Telco applications.

ThalesCrypt A new DTV Security Service Platform to protect contribution links.
Already used by an industry leader in the production and distribution of Pay-TV channels, movies and television programs in Europe, ThalesCrypt is a new solution to efficiently protect against illegal access to operator's contents in all contribution links. Based on highest security scrambling mechanisms with proven cryptographic solutions, ThalesCrypt is a perfect fit for digital television operators wanting a high level of content protection..

SmartVision TVTM :
Backed by successful deployments of DTV broadcast platforms in Terrestrial, Cable and Satellite environments, Thales is now offering a complete broadband platform SmartVision TVTM to deliver TV programs, VOD and associated interactive services over DSL and generate substantial revenues by answering well-identified customer needs. Already field proven, Thales' Broadband Service Platform is the only system on the market to offer real competitive broadband TV services over xDSL networks.

At the show, Thales will introduce new products dedicated to economical SD/HD logo insertion in the transport stream, and low cost DPI Ad insertion and monitoring,

In Video Content Delivery, Thales will display complete system in the field of IP contribution. Demonstration includes OpenStream Management System coupled with the Multicast File Transfer (MFT) Server, to optimize the scheduled transmission of video file content, and OPAL IP Encapsulator, to deliver this content over DVB network.

Radio Broadcasting Highlights:

Still committed to play a major role in the Digital future of AM bands, Thales is already planning its next big premiere at NAB 2004 – where we will unveil the newest developments of our famous Skywave 2000 program; the most advanced modulation platform in the industry. Featuring its new Cirrus DRM Multiplexer and Stratus Thales' latest DRM and Digital Radio Exciter.

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VertigoXmedia is an innovator in the field of graphics automation solutions for broadcast television, cable, and interactive television. The company's products significantly streamline the graphics production workflow by offering the ability to capture and control live data automatically, create corresponding data-driven graphics, and deliver professional, real-time graphics to multiple output channels. VertigoXmedia also offers creative design, integration, and consulting services. VertigoXmedia's products and services have been used by many of the world's leading broadcasters, including CBS, CNBC, CNN, ESPN, FOX, NBC, Time Warner Cable, CBC/Radio-Canada, and others around the world. For more information, visit www.vertigoxmedia.com.

New for NAB2004

Xmedia Election Graphics System

Brand new for NAB2004, VertigoXmedia's turnkey election system comes complete with all the hardware and software required for creating dynamic graphics that keep pace with up-to-the-minute election developments. Building on the knowledge gained in successfully delivering some of the highest-profile election productions in the United States, Canada, and around the world since 1996, the new elections package allows broadcasters to benefit from this experience by developing their own high-end election productions. The Xmedia Election Graphics System incorporates templated broadcast graphics, an authoring station for customizing graphics, editorial screens that enable journalists to preview election results using a Web browser, a control station for controlling playout of graphics, a CG graphics system, and more. Based on the company's Producer Xmedia graphics automation platform, the election package contains election-specific templates and pre-built graphics to provide fast and targeted coverage. Once the elections are complete, the Xmedia Election Graphics System can be repurposed for other news graphics.

Xmedia MultiChannel Control System With Xpanel

Debuting at NAB2004 is VertigoXmedia's new Xmedia MultiChannel Control System. Designed to provide a soft-panel approach to controlling centralized graphics, the new system allows station groups and large networks to manage and deploy graphics at both central and remote sites. Using a new soft control panel, Xpanel, operators can utilize a single screen to manage and control data-driven graphics across a number of different channels, from asset ingest to final broadcast. The integrated Xpanel enables broadcasters to simulcast content in different formats and languages, even on multiple character generator platforms. The system utilizes a central server as its hub, where a number of different media are managed from a central location. This significantly streamlines the process as it eliminates the need to store and copy media files on independent systems. Media stored on the system can include images, video clips, and audio files. The Xmedia MultiChannel Control System is MOS-compliant and therefore integrates easily with existing newsroom computer systems such as ENPS and iNEWS. It can be controlled by automation systems using industry-standard protocols or manual operation. The system will work with standard character generators as well as Vertigo's own VertigoCG.

Existing Products on Display:

Producer Xmedia

Producer Xmedia is the graphics content automation engine behind many of the world's largest TV broadcast networks' most demanding productions. A powerful suite of third-generation software for automatically creating, controlling, and delivering dynamic content to any delivery channel, Producer Xmedia streamlines the production process by automating the creation and management of data-driven graphics. Producer Xmedia is ideal for real-time broadcast graphics, newsroom automation, centralcasting, channel branding, interactive TV, and Web applications.

Product X

This powerful and extremely easy-to-use, PC-based graphics automation system allows even users without programming experience to build professional-quality graphics quickly, link on-air elements to live data sources, and create fully customized operator control screens -- all in one step. Product X was designed to overcome the challenges that local news stations, cable, and community channels face when providing targeted, timely content as a complement to their existing programming. Typical applications for Product X include data-driven applications such as 24-hour automated info channels, channel branding, live ticker management, hospitality channels, and master control operations such as automated logo insertion and credit squeezes. Product X includes both an authoring mode for creating broadcast graphics and a run mode for controlling the broadcast output.

Xpresenter

The company's Xpresenter is an affordable, standalone system that transforms Microsoft PowerPoint presentations into high-end, broadcast-quality productions that feature graphics, animation, and video. With Xpresenter users can rely on the familiar PowerPoint interface to produce CG graphics and animations, incorporate existing clip art galleries, and link slide elements to real-time data sources. The software also includes a real-time crawling ticker and multiple animated logos and clocks.

All trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective owners.
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Wexler Video Captures Reality TV's Biggest Hits With the Recon DVR Board from Fast Forward Video

Fast Forward Video, Inc. (FFV) today announced that Wexler Video has packaged the ultra-compact Recon DVR Board into a very small, highly portable, and extremely durable recording device that has proved a critical tool for the reality TV market. The miniature digital video recorder (DVR) board from Fast Forward has enabled Wexler engineers to provide their clients with the ability to record 20 to 30 minutes of action at a very high resolution while reducing the size, weight, and bulk of the equipment carried by each participant.

"We're working with a television genre in which presenting the participant's point of view is absolutely essential, and it's costly for our broadcast clients if they don't get that shot," said Mike Graybill, senior engineer at Wexler Video. "The Recon board features an exceptionally compact form factor, which is critical because the recording device -- specially rigged with cable harnesses, all the microphone and camera interconnect cables, and a battery pack -- must fit into a fanny pack worn during stunts. It provides a good record capacity and image quality that's about 2.5 times better than what we were getting previously with bulkier and less-stable DV technology."

Three engineers from Wexler's Special Projects Department rotate out to jobs like Fear Factor to help the stunt coordinator rig up contestants prior to their stunts. The stunt coordinator gets each contestant into protective gear and then, to make the shot possible, adds equipment including a helmet fitted with a specially made camera, microphone, and a rugged recording device capable of capturing clean audio and video over the length of the stunt. Within that recording device, the Recon typically records at somewhere on the border of beta SP and digibeta to provide a high-quality 24-minute clip.

FFV is a recognized innovator of DVR technology for professional broadcast, industrial video, presentation, and military applications. The company was one of the first to bring digital computer technology to the video industry by applying random-access disk storage to a video device. FFV's cost-effective DVR solutions, like the Recon DVR Board, provide high-performance technology and rugged, reliable operation for sporting events, security and remote monitoring, and other remote and mobile broadcast applications.

"It's essential that our equipment performs when it's out in the field," concluded Graybill. "We really want to ensure that our clients get every shot they can, and the Recon has made it much easier to make that guarantee."
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