Company Background

Echolab Corporation is a leading provider of video production switchers and tools that offer flexibility and on-air reliability for the production and distribution of digital media in a variety of formats. The company’s products include the Overture1™ and Overture2™ video production systems, MultiPlayMD™ multichannel instant-replay system, MegaKeyMD™ clip player/mixer/keyer, and Conductor™ control integration system, all of which provide functionality and ease of use critical to professional-quality production. Echolab is online at www.echolab.com. more

IRVINE, Calif. — May 16, 2008 — Sonnet Technologies, a leader in providing local storage systems for professional users of Macintosh®, Windows®, and UNIX® systems in the film, video, and broadcast industries, today announced a price reduction for the company’s award-winning Fusion™ F2 portable RAID storage system, which provides exceptional speed, proven reliability, and 640GB capacity in a rugged low-profile design measuring 5.9 by 6.2 by 0.72 inches. Now available at $695, a savings of $200, the Sonnet Fusion F2 is an ideal fit for flexible, cost-effective on-location video capture or remote use when grid power is unavailable. more

LA JOLLA, CA – High‐end cartoon effects for video are no longer the exclusive domain of Hollywood big boys thanks to video special effects creator NewBlue, Inc. Now anyone using leading desktop video software can take advantage of this free plugin download to “toonup” live‐action video with NewBlue Cartoonr, the company’s fast, easy and free way to give scenes a cartoon look. Users seeking effects for Adobe Premiere, Apple Final Cut Pro, Avid Liquid, Adobe After Effects, Avid Media Composer, Avid Xpress Pro, Canopus Edius, Pinnacle Studio and Ulead VideoStudio can download this free video effects plugin at http://www.newbluefx.com/cartoonr. more

Yamaha Corporation of America has updated their famed 01V96V2 and 02R96V2 Digital Mixing Consoles. While there is no change in the retail price, the new 01V96VCM and 02R96VCM models retain the powerful V2 features and add a host of powerful VCM effects pre-installed.

Previously available as “add-on” effect packages for top-line digital consoles, Yamaha’s highly regarded VCM Channel Strip processors and REV-X reverb are now standard features on the 01V96VCM. These extraordinary effects are based on innovative Virtual Circuitry Modeling technology that actually models the original analog circuitry — right down to the last resistor and capacitor. VCM effects are capable of capturing subtleties that simple digital simulations cannot even approach, going beyond simple simulation and delivering the truly musical performance that makes classic analog gear invaluable even in today’s digital production environment. more

New Facility’s Services Include Stereoscopic DI and Post for Features and TV

BURBANK (May 12, 2008)—Responding to Hollywood’s growing demand for 3D production and post-production, Stereoscope has opened its doors to serve the creative community. Equipped with the new version of Quantel’s Pablo 4K color grading system, which can handle real-time stereoscopic post-production, the studio has been designed from the ground up to provide a full range of stereo3D digital content services, from development through distribution. more

So very much happening with Wes Plate and Automatic Duck; a busy production schedule and a busy travel schedule are keeping Wes, well, very busy. Here’s a snapshot of what’s going on with the Duck:

Pro Import FCP 2.04

Pro Import FCP 2.04 is now available for download from our website at http://www.automaticduck.com/support/updates/ more

ERLANGER, KY, May 7, 2008—The latest video scaler added to TVOne-task’s inventory is the 1T-VS-626. It can accept audio embedded in the incoming HDMI signal or from the separate Toslink or analog stereo inputs. The HDMI output can then be scaled to the same or a different resolution. Output audio is simultaneously present embedded in the HMDI signal and separately as Toslink and analog stereo providing maximum flexibility for systems integration. more

At NAB2008, Thomson (Euronext Paris: 18453; NYSE: TMS) delivered on its promise of expanded storage and increased performance for its Thomson Grass Valley™ REV PRO™ removable media cartridges and is now offering two new options: REV PRO XP and REV PRO ER.

Both versions of the robust, high-capacity magnetic media support this strategy by providing low-cost components that are readily available and significantly increase productivity. The new REV PRO disks are designed to work with the Thomson Grass Valley Infinity™ Digital Media Camcorder and the Digital Media Recorder as well as the Thomson Grass Valley Digital Media Drive, and are supported by a wide range of Thomson Grass Valley and third-party edit systems. more

Stereo DAC Expansion System Option for Monitor ST Controller Goes to First Customers

Edmeston, NY - May 1, 2008 - Dangerous Music, Inc. has shipped their first units of the “DAC ST,” a mastering quality, stereo digital-to-analog converter option for their popular Monitor ST controller. The DAC-ST is the first available option in the line for the new Additional Switching System (A.S.S) one-rack space expander which can house up to two banks of two cards each, adding four additional functions switchable directly from the ST-SR remote. more

DAZ 3D, a leading developer of professional quality 3D models and software, today announced the immediate availability of DAZ Hexagon 2.5, the newest version of its popular 3D polygonal and subdivision modeling software. Free for registered Hexagon 2 customers, Hexagon 2.5 offers a sculpted primitive tool allowing users to model and import 3D objects into Second Life®, enhanced UV-mapping and freehand brush modeling, and ultra-fast ambient occlusion. Hexagon 2.5 is available for both Macintosh OSX and Windows. To learn more about DAZ 3D and Hexagon 2.5, or to purchase the new version, please visit http://www.daz3d.com/hexagonsl. more