Geekazine

This year at NAB Dell has unveiled a precision line of workstations and laptops. If you’re a video creator who needs a high-end workstation, Dell has some new desktops and laptops that will let you create video like never before. These are real workhorses and they will get the job done.

Dell Precision 5530 2-in-1 Laptop

The 5530 2 in 1 is a mobile workstation is a convertible with Wacom technology built-in. Its portable, but has the power that you need for big jobs. Some features include quad-core processors, AMD Radiant Pro graphics, Vega graphics card with HDR memory, up to 32 GB of memory, a few TB of storage, built-in IR camera, fingerprint reader and more. It will cost you $1400-$1599 when it becomes available.

Dell 7530 Mobile Workstation

The 7530 model has even more power. This one will replace your desktop. It has an 8th gen Intel Core i5, i9 and Xeon processor, and up to 128 GB of memory. How does 6TB of PCIE storage sound? You can hook multiple monitors up to this bad boy too. It’s also VR ready. It will launch around May of this year. Display options are Full HD, Full HD Touch, and a UHD panel for 4K. The 7530 starts at $1199.

Those are great prices for the power that you get with these systems.

Get Dell Precision here.

Titler Live is a great program for live streaming or for post-producing video. You can add lower 3rds, graphics, bugs, and more. The new Titler Live Broadcast will be coming out shortly, with more functionality to make your switching easier.

Titles through a .CSV file

If you have to control multiple lower 3rds, the csv function makes it a lot easier. Simply import the sheet, then select the line you want to display the information on screen. You can also gradually bring in lines – if you don’t want to reveal the whole thing at once.

After Effect Support

Titler Live allows you to bring in graphics from After Effects right away for use. You can even do some post editing to bring in some favorite Titler Live effects.

XKeys and Elgato Support

External USB MIDI support for XKeys or Elgato Stream Deck are available for easier switching. Just set up the hotkeys, then assign to the device. You’ll be able to control multiple graphics, then push live when ready.

Fusion Box

This is a turn-key solution to run your Titler Live software.

For more information, check out NewBlueFX website.

Meet the next generation of handheld 4K digital film cameras. The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema 4K is making waves at NAB 2018. That’s not an exaggeration. It has all of the features you want and it’s portable, affordable and professional. In fact, it’s packed with features.

Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema 4k

This 4k camera has a 4/3 size sensor, 13 stops of dynamic range and dual native ISO up to 25,600. You can expect stunning HDR images and amazing low light performance. The external controls give you quick access to essential functions, while the large 5 inch touchscreen makes it easy to frame shots, focus accurately and change the camera settings. It records images onto standard SD/UHS-II or CFast 2.0 cards in RAW and ProRes at up to 120 frames per second! The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K also has an MFT lens mount, built-in microphones, mini XLR input, full-sized HDMI, 3D LUT support, Bluetooth, USB-C Expansion Port and more.

On the top of the camera, there’s a handy HFR (high frame rate) button for 60fps capture in 4K. It will capture up to 120fps in HD. There’s also a stills button on top for still images at 4K UHD resolution.

That MFT lens mount means that it’s compatible with the lenses you already own. The MFT mount is extremely flexible and allows for different lens adapters. You can get adapters for PL, C, EF and more, so you can use lenses from makers like Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Leica, Panavision and more.

This camera uses the same Blackmagic OS as URSA Min, so you get the world’s most advanced camera operating system along with many of the same professional features you would normally only have on larger cameras.

It is available for pre-orders right now and ships in September. Prices start at $1295 (no lens).

Pre-Order the Pocket Cinema 4k Here.

ATEM Television Studio 4k

Another great item from the show is the Television Studio 4k – with 8 channel 12G-SDI inputs, 2-channel audio mixer, and signals up to 2160p60. It has all the same features as the HD model we talked about last year. It also have DVE processing, CCU function (for compatible cameras) and 2-clip media pool for fill and key.

Get the ATEM Cinema 4k Here

Known for its innovative, streamlined, and user-friendly camera motion accessories, Edelkrone has unveiled the SliderONE Pro. This is a more advanced and versatile version of the SliderONE. In many ways, the Pro version is similar to the original, but there are some very worthwhile improvements. You can expect even smoother video effects with the Pro version.

SliderOne Pro

This version has a built-in motion module. There’s also improved motor speed and integration with the slider. You’ll also get 5cm of extra travel, a more powerful motor with improved position control capability, increased incline capacity, a thinner and lighter body, and improved vertical layout and more app features.

The app has a handful of updates that expand and add to the different shooting modes. The update includes a time warper mode, which keeps the motion of the camera steady but changes the speed of the time-lapse while recording. The motion warper keeps the length between the shots the same but allows the speed of the movement to change rather than limiting the shot to one continuous speed.

Although this price is $589, being a small, lightweight slider will pretty much pay for itself over time. Adding a motion capability to headshots brings more to your videos. Even using the stop-motion and time-lapse features with controlled slide will give you more exciting shots to play with.

There’s a lot to love about the Edelkrone Sliderone Pro. It’s a great upgrade over the previous version and it’s going to be a joy to use.

Get the SliderOne Pro Here.

While at NAB, I got to hang with Durin Gleaves, Product Manager at Adobe. We talked about Adobe Audition, and it’s features, then moved on to Permiere Pro to find out updates on this platform. I moved to Premiere last year due to the cross-platform work I do in editing videos. Being able to use the same program on Mac and PC is a definitely advantage.

Updates on Premiere Pro

Adobe has introduced many new features in color, sound, and monitoring your edits. For color, many creators are using different brand cameras, which have their own color pallette, and can look mis-matched when putting together. The new side-by-side view allows you to look at two different scenes for correction. Color match feature lets you take color and light values from the reference scene to try and match up color. The panel will allow you to make smaller adjustments for skin tones, white balance, and more.

The new Essential Graphics Panel gives you new text and graphics options for quick titles, lower 3rds, and more. You will be able to add titles to your movie, or info panels to your YouTube video.

Audio gets a Ducking Feature.

This is perfect for those of you who put emotional music behind your video. The new ducking feature allows vocals to be heard. It will have an intuitive feature, so if you move the voiceover, the music will duck to where it ends up.

Premiere and Audition Work Together

The Essential Sound panel will also work better with Audition, when you need to make some major edits to clean up your sound. A new panel will update video previews, so you can watch what you are editing while in Audition.

More in the Video

Check out my conversation with Durin at the Adobe booth during NAB.

Get Adobe Premiere Pro Here.

Yes, I use Wirecast for live-streaming and for recording video. I have used, and coached others on the software since 2010. It amazes me how we can create broadcast-style shows without paying thousands of dollars to do it. Yet, it keeps getting better, as Wirecast 9 will release shortly. With a new pricing model, new VP of Product Development, and support of new products, I can’t wait to use 9 in my workflow.

New Wirecast Pricing Model, Update Schedule

Some of you may think that Telestream is updating the software for another gauge in your pocket. Reality is, they have changed the model. Now, after you’ve purchased the Standard or Pro version, you only have to pay a $100/year upgrade fee. This will keep you current on the software without breaking the bank.

It also makes the jump to Pro easier. There are more features that you will want and Wirecast Pro will deliver. Especially if you start using NDI, Scoreboards, and Virtual sets.

Telestream will also do 2 major updates a year. The software will also do minor updates for bug fixes.

Addition of XKeys

This was the big announcement at NAB 2018 – You will be able to purchase an X-Keys customizable Wirecast layout pad to use instead of your keyboard for switching. Check out X Keys here.

PTZ Support in Wirecast 9.1

Wirecast has a new window that will allow PTZ control of many current model cameras. It also will be able to pre-set up the shot with PTZ position so you only have one button to press.

NDI Support

As NDI grows, Wirecast is growing with it. You can set up and use these IP-based cameras right away in your workflow.

Does Wirecast Have 4k?

The short answer is yes – it’s available right now in your workflow. You do have to set it up to use, and Telestream is not ready to support just yet.

More in the Video

I sat down with Bryce Stejskal to learn more about the new features, and direction of the software. This also includes a new way to do Captions and Cloud Streaming.

Get Wirecast Here. Visit Telestream Website.

These days it’s all about VR, but VR is not just about creating a virtual environment for your eyes, it’s also about sound. Sound Devices has partnered with Sennheiser to offer direct recording and monitoring of 360° spatial audio for VR with its MixPre-6 and MixPre-10T portable recorders. These are the first portable recorders to deliver onboard Sennheiser AMBEO VR to binarual decoding.

Check out Sound Devices at SXSW – Jeff Records a song!

Sound Devices says that “this allows VR creators to assess and make creative decisions about spatial audio content at time of capture, without needing a post-production workstation.” In other words, it is going to save VR creators a lot of time and headaches during production of their content.

Sound Devices is positioning themselves strongly in the emerging VR market. This partnership is a powerful one. You can expect a free firmware update to be released soon for both the 6″ and 10″ versions.This update will support recording in ambisonics A-format or B-format regardless of mic orientation. It will also support stereo or binaural headphone monitoring and both AmbiX and FuMa B-format standards.

Your immersive audio workflows just got a lot more streamlined folks. They want to make it as simple and straightforward as possible, so you can get your work done and focus more on the actual creating.

Get the MixPre 6 Here. Also check out Sound Devices Website.

I got to sit with Paul from PTZOptics at NAB to learn what’s going on for 2018 with the company. PTZOptics is a HD Video conferencing camera line where content creators like myself use for recording and streaming.

PTZOptics on NDI

With a firmware update from a month ago, PTZOptics can now support NDI in certain camera models. The most popular being the 20x – a PTZ camera with HDMI, SDI, and Ethernet (PoE enabled) options.

And Now a 30x-NDI model

The PT30X-NDI-GY and PT30X-NDI-WH models are perfect for churches and larger halls. This camera has a 30x optical zoom, and 16x digital zoom. The camera supports resolutions to 1080p 60fps, and supports NTSC and PAL formats.

Producer Kits

PTZOptics has also put together a simple system for those starting out. With a Intel NUC Skull Canyon PC, 12x or 20x cameras, joystick, and accessories to get connected, you can be producing your own streaming show within a short time.

Where’s 4k?

Paul talks PTZOptics road map to future cameras.

Check out the PTZOptics cameras here or go to PTZOptics website.

I got to talk to Litra at NAB about the CES award winning itra Torch, which they gave me one to use during NAB. We also talked about the new LitraPro, a Bi-colur light coming real soon.

Litra Torch

Also called the “Action Light”, the Torch weighs 6 oz, and can put up to 800 lumens with the press of a button. The Torch is small, so you can put it almost anywhere for a cool light shot. It has 2 mount screws for cameras, and is even magnetic – using the stickable mounting discs.

Since it’s single 5700K color, you can use filters to diffuse or change temperature. The caps simply snap on the front of the light.

The Torch is also waterproof to 30 feet, which makes this a great light to have for your drone, when your fishing or kayaking, or just need an emergency light.

LitraPro

The folks at Litra also showed us the LitraPro – a LED Bi-color light that can change from 3000k to 6000k. The light will run 1 hour at 1,000 lumen, and 10 hours at lowest setting. The camera is also waterproof to 90 feet, and tested MIL-SPEC810.

The LitraPro has an LCD display and can also be controlled via Bluetooth on your phone.

Using Litra Torch at NAB

I had 2 Litra Torches on my camera. One with a 3000k filter, and the other with a diffuser. I also used a single torch when I recorded via phone. It gave me ample light during interviews, and lasted most of the day. I did notice the device getting hot by the end of a longer interview, but within tolerance.

At NAB 2018, I talked with Durin Gleaves about Audition and Premiere Pro – new features and a lot more. One topic that is close to me is podcasting. He offered a lot of great information on developing a podcast using Audition.

What’s New in Adobe Audition CC 2018

If you’re using Multi-track, you can now hide all those tracks that you’re not focusing on. The best part is unless you lock the track, it will cut and snap on the timeline so you don’t lose any sync of tracks. This is perfect so you can focus on a specific track in taking out any umms and ahs, or hide any music or sfx tracks.

Adobe has added a ducking feature to channels. You can duck music, or the secondary voices in a panel discussion. If you move the primary voice in the timeline, the ducking will self-adjust.

If doing video podcasts, you can easily import into Audition for extra editing features. You can also prepare the track for an audio version of your show.

Metadata now includes cover art. Instead of using a 3rd party program to insert your cover, you can do it right in Audition. It only allows for one cover, but you can upload any size graphics in jpg, bmp, or png formats.

Using Audition to Podcast

This is a common conversation I have – a podcaster will use a free version of software, but pay hundreds when the need to fix a problem is there. Durin has a great story on how using Audition, and a useful hot-key can save you hours of work.

Find out more on Adobe Audition