Blackmagic announce Cinema Camera Price Drop

For those of you out there who are Blackmagic fans (and let's face it who isn't) you'll be pleased to hear that along with stepping up shipping on their Pocket Cinema Camera Blackmagic have also announced a price drop on their original cinema camera.

 

As everybody is well aware, there was somewhat of a delay with the original Cinema Camera due to manufacturing issues relating to the contamination of the lens/sensor which no one could have predicted but understandably led to a lot of frustration. This combined with the large amount of hype surrounding Blackmagic's first camera meant there were some unhappy customers as a result, with many remaining on waiting lists for over a year before actually receiving their cameras.

 

With this in mind Blackmagic's recent decision to reduce the price of their original cinema camera from £1790.00 (ex vat) to £1325.00 (ex vat) is welcome news and makes a product which already offers great value for money even more attractive to those venturing into the world of large sensor camcorders. It also means anyone who's been saving hard now has some cash left over for all those accessories!

 



What's more is the 2.5K version is actually shipping which means for a lot of customers who have been patiently (and not so patiently) counting the days since that first NAB announcement back in 2012 the wait is finally over.

 

As if that wasn't enough good news Blackmagic have also announced that the Pocket Cinema Camera is now shipping in limited quantities and with the 4K version not far behind the only downside is making the difficult decision of which one to choose.

 

 

Head over to www.planetdv.net where you can see these cameras along with the rest of the Blackmagic range. Alternatively if you're still struggling to decide which camera is right for you then why not give our sales team a call on 01274 713400.

A Beginners Guide to External Recording

Here at Planet PC we often get questions about external camera recorders from a wide range of customers with a variety of needs.

 

Like many people on a budget maybe you have an older camera which records to tape and you want to take advantage of a tapeless workflow. It could be that you want a way of recording uncompressed footage or maybe you simply want a way of backing up for piece of mind on an important shoot.

 

Whatever the reason, chances are you're not alone and choosing the right device for recording externally can be a tricky one. Here at Planet PC we have a range of options to suit all your needs.

 

Anyone out there using a tape based camera with Firewire capabilities might be familiar with Datavideo's DN-60 (and if you're not we reckon you should be!)

 



Datavideo DN-60

This great little device can be mounted to a tripod or a camera allows the user to bypass recording to tape and instead record digitally to a compact flash card. Not only does this mean that recording times can be greatly increased, it also makes life a lot easier when transferring media to a PC prior to editing. The DN-60 includes a power supply for when batteries are low and also features a "sync to tape" feature meaning start/stop recording can be synchronised with your camera. With an RRP of £375.00 (ex vat) this is a great little product, especially if you're currently using tape and don't have the budget to invest in a new camera anytime soon. Here at Planet PC we think that's a small price to pay for something which provides so many benefits.





HyperDeck Shuttle V2

If recording uncompressed to SSD drives is more your cup of tea then why not have a look at Blackmagic's recording wizardry which comes in the form of the HyperDeck Shuttle V2. This battery powered field recorder is not just compact, it's also great value for money with an RRP of just £229.00 (ex vat). Recording uncompressed footage has never been so easy due to the fact that the HyperDeck allows the user to bypass a cameras standard compression, making this ideal for anyone who needs the highest quality footage possible. The HyperDeck V2 works perfectly for users of both pro and consumer level kit due to the fact that it features SDI and HDMI inputs/outputs. The Shuttle can also be used as a playback source for digital signage or switchers, making it extremely versatile. We think that the price tag alone makes this device pretty much essential for anyone undertaking grading, special effects or chroma key work.

 







Samurai Blade

If you're one of the lucky one's and don't happen to be on a tight budget then have a look at Atomos's newest addition in the form of the Samurai Blade. Machined from aircraft grade aluminium with the capability to record to 2.5" HDD's or SSD drives the Blade really does have all the bells and whistles, and even features hot swappable drives. While this might come in handy it's not nearly as handy as the on board waveform monitoring, built in vectorscope or extremely accurate colour reproduction courtesy of the super bright 1280x720 screen.

Ideal for recording/monitoring HD-SDI the blade uses a mere 6 watts of power meaning that battery life is second to none but just in case you're worried the Blade includes an NP series battery and a power supply. The Blade also features a highly intuitive OS, file recovery system, audio monitoring, a range of signal testing tools and the ability to cut and tag shots in advance. As if the Blade wasn't already good enough we've also got it on special offer for the great price of £799.00 (ex vat). That's £50.00 off the RRP!

 

To see all the kit discussed in this week's blog along with our full range of professional broadcast equipment head over to www.planetdv.net now. Alternatively if you'd like to discuss your requirements in person why not give us a call on 01274 713400 or email us at sales@planetdv.net

 

 



LaCie announces NAS Update to OS3.1

 With a reputation for quality, reliability and affordability it's a well known fact that LaCie is a company that offers excellent value for money. As if that wasn't enough LaCie have just announced that they've updated their NAS OS3 software which is great news for anyone who currently utilises or is looking to utilise an excellent network attached storage solution.

 



LaCie 2big NAS



The newest 3.1OS includes more professional features and means that users have more options when synchronizing data - for example along with syncing data between a computer and the cloud users can sync between a computer and the NAS. Write speeds have also been increased to up to 100MB/s over a single network, making backing up and editing video a much quicker process.
 

LaCie's newest update also includes real-time alerts concerning potential issues with internal fans and the CPU along with hard disk diagnostic tests and system status email updates.

The free update is currently available for the 5big NAS Pro and will be available from next month for the 2big NAS via the LaCie dashboard.

 

 

Head over to www.planetdv.net to view the full range of LaCie products along with a great selection of alternative storage options from the likes of G-Tech, CalCigit and Glyph.

 

We've also recently added Promise to our ever increasing range of Thunderbolt enabled RAID solutions. Why not give our sales team a call on 01274 713416 for more information.







Selecting a Camera Microphone (And why it's a sound investment)

Here at Planet PC we realise that it's hard to have great video without great sound, and anyone who's ever had to rely on an on board camera microphone will know only too well that it's hard to have great sound without a decent microphone.

 

That's why if you head over to www.planetdv.net you'll see that we stock a wide range of professional microphones and accessories from the likes of Sennheiser, Rode and Audio-Technica. With such a wide range of options suited to cater for an equally wide range of budgets and requirements you'd be forgiven for wondering where to start when choosing the best microphone for your needs. That's why we've put together this guide to help you get the most out of your kit. Read on for an overview of some of the things worth considering when choosing a microphone.

 

Sony UWP-V2/K38 UHF




What do you want to record?

 



Sennheiser Evolution EW 100-ENG G3

Seems like an obvious question we know, but the microphone you need will depend largely on what you will be using it for. If you're looking at conducting on the spot interviews with a presenter where you haven't got time to mic up interviewees then you'll want to consider the Sony UWP-V2/K38 UHF. Featuring a decent handheld and loads of accessories this kit includes everything you need to get started and offers superb value for money. Did we mention it's also wireless?

 





Alternatively if you're working indoors or you've got the time to get your subjects mic'd in advance then why not consider the  Sennheiser Evolution EW 100-ENG G3 (providing you've got the budget of course). With an RRP of £699.00 (ex vat) this doesn't come cheap but in terms of professional high end wireless solutions we reckon this is one of the best out there. As well as a professional lavalier microphone this kit also includes a plug-on transmitter which allows any standard XLR microphone to be turned into a wireless one.

 

 

 

Audio Technica AT897

Shotgun or Stereo

 

For those of you who operate as a one man band then chances are you'll be looking for something that's camera mounted. If you're looking to record directional audio then you might want to consider a decent condenser such as the Audio-Technica AT897. Not only does this professional shotgun have a great range it's also nice and light and will even dry out after getting wet - great for outdoor ENG work and just as effective when mounted on a boom pole - just don't forget your windshield!

 

RODE Stereo VideoMic Pro Microphone




If on the other hand you need to record a wider field then check out the Rode Stereo VideoMic Pro. Featuring a cardioid pick up pattern this little beast is lightweight and compact - ideal for anyone looking to shoot quality video on a DSLR. Great for recording live events and capturing the natural ambiance essential for setting the scene - with an RRP of £157.50 (ex vat) the price tag alone makes this an essential accessory for anyone even considering video on a DSLR.

 

 

 

Consumer or Pro?



Audio-Technica ATR6550 Condenser Shotgun Microphone

Apart from the audio you are looking to record, one of the biggest factors in which microphone you choose will be the camera you are using it with. A sub £1200 camera is unlikely to feature XLR inputs and will instead feature a standard 3.5mm connection. This means a condenser microphone/phantom power is out of the question but this isn't the end of the world. The fact that you don't have a high end camera doesn't mean you can't still achieve decent audio. While condenser microphones are generally better performers with lower noise levels there are a range of options for anyone on a budget. Why not check out the ATR6550 Condenser Shotgun Microphone from Audio Technica? With an RRP of just £65.83 (ex vat) this kit comes with loads of accessories and is one of our favourites here at Planet PC. The ATR6550 is also powered by an internal battery which means lack of phantom power isn't an issue. 

 

These are just a few of the things worth considering when making what is ultimately a very important decision regarding your kit and when it comes to audio it's definitely not worth taking a gamble and trying to fix things in post. In such a competitive industry which demands the utmost in professionalism and quality making the right choices about the tools of your trade is essential, especially when it comes to sound.

It's pretty much a given that a decent microphone will save you a lot of time and money in the long term and with so many affordable options there's really no excuse for poor audio. Visit www.planetdv.net where you'll find a great range of professional audio kit and accessories or alternatively give our dedicated sales team a call on 01274 713400.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NewTek Announce TC40 Upgrade to V2!

Tricaster 40



That's right folks, as if the Tricaster 40 wasn't  already good enough NewTek have only gone and given us the option to make it even better with the release of V2!

 

Announced earlier this month, the new software upgrade means TC40 owners have the option to cram even more features into that little black box we all know and love so well, and all for the price of £749.99 (ex vat).
 

 

The new features include:

 

• Animation Store Creator - Wow viewers with custom transitions and professional motion graphics previously associated with NewTek's range of higher end Tricasters.
• New session resolutions - Reach more viewers on more devices.
• New recording formats - Improved workflow due to more recording options.
• New Multiview layouts - Take advantage of increased multiview options on a second monitor.
• New Audio Mixer Effects Channel - Make those new transitions stand out even more with custom sound effects.
• Built in Waveform Monitor and Scope - Increased control over input sources.
• LiveText Character Generator - HD titles and real-time data at the click of a mouse.

 

 

Talk about value for money!

 

Here at Planet PC we didn't think the TC40 could get any better but it looks like on this occasion NewTek have surprised us yet again. We also like the fact that because the upgrade is software it means that all existing TC40 owners have the option to upgrade whenever they want, and so don't need to worry about missing out on all these great new features.

 

As of July 12th all Tricaster 40's will be shipping with version 2 as standard which means the older version 1 TC40's will no longer be available. As a result this also means the TC40 will be increasing in price to around £4500.00 (ex vat) from 12/07/2013. While it's true that nobody likes price increases we think that this still offers excellent value for money for a product which does so much by a company which not only supports it's products but also listens to it's customers at ground level (many new features in V2 have been requested by users in NewTek's community forums). 

 

For anyone out there considering a Tricaster 40 but yet to take the plunge you can still get your hands on a version 1 TC40 for the bargain price of £3499.00 (ex vat) up until 12/07/2013. Head over to www.planetdv.net or give our sales team a call now on 01274 713400.

A Beginners Guide to Selecting a Video Tripod

When it comes to video one of the most important tools for any camera operator after a camera - whether amateur or professional - is a decent tripod.

 

While it is often the case that cameras generally take all the glory whether be it because of a fantastic zoom, an expensive wide angle lens, or some other feature many great shots would be nothing if it weren't for the help of a sturdy tripod.

 

Often dismissed simply an "accessory" the humble tripod is so much more, and something to which some consideration should be given prior to making a purchase. Here's a few things to consider:



Payload





Autocue Heavy Weight Tripod System

One of the most important factors you will need to consider when selecting a tripod is the payload (i.e. the overall weight the tripod needs to support). It's all well and good having an expensive camera with a big lens and a nice rig but skimp on your tripod and that saving you made won't seem so attractive when it collapses on you mid shoot. Other things to take into consideration are things like prompters since these can also add a considerable amount of weight which combined with a camera will soon add up.

 

As a general rule of thumb a tripod with the capacity to carry a greater payload will generally be more expensive, especially if you're looking at brands such as Sachtler or Vinten, although that's not necessarily always the case. If you need a great solution for studio work out the Autocue Heavy Weight Tripod system.

 



Libec RS-450R

Height

A common misconception is that a tripod should stand at about eye level. While this isn't always a bad thing the extra weight due to the increased height might be and this rule doesn't take into consideration the addition of a tripod head/camera which both increase the height so bear this in mind when making a decision. Some tripods feature an extendable mid column but these are less common on video tripods mainly due to the fact that they tend to increase the centre of gravity when used which in turn leads to a decrease in overall stability. If height is an issue for you then we'd recommend the Libec RS-450R which at 167cm tall is taller than most.

 

 

Weight

 



E-image EG15C2 Two Stage Carbon Fibre Tripod

With added weight comes added stability and if you're using a heavy camera then unfortunately there's often no way around this unless you choose to go the carbon fibre route, which can be expensive. Heavier tripods designed for bigger cameras often tend to feature a heavier price tag and that's before you've even considered checking them in at the airport.

 

If travelling light is important to you then have a look at some of the newest offerings from E-Image.    Here at Planet PC we've been particularly impressed with their tripods and dollies. If great build quality and value for money sound like your cup of tea then head on over to www.planetdv.net to check out the full range. Did we mention they also do some excellent camera bags too?

 

 

 Other things to consider...

 

While the payload, height and weight of a tripod all come in to play in a big way there are a few more things you'll want to consider. Tripods generally feature a spreader for added stability. Depending on where you're using the tripod will depend on the kind you require - for example if you're filming outdoors on an uneven surface then a mid level spreader is your best option. Alternatively if you're working indoors on a flat surface then a floor spreader will serve you best.

 

E-Image GH08 Installed Fluid Tripod Head

Another feature often prevalent on video tripods is a little button sized spirit level. These tend to be less common on standard consumer/DSLR tripods due to the fact that it's often so much easier to fix a still image in post. Unfortunately this isn't the case with video which is why having a spirit level on board can make life a lot easier providing you correctly level your tripod/camera in advance,

 

If you're using a heavier camera we'd also recommend considering a tripod with a decent counter-balance. This will make life a lot easier when controlling the camera and tilting/panning and literally take the weight off you - essential if you're filming for long periods or using any sort of rig.

 

Lastly it's worth giving some thought to whether or not you want a complete tripod kit or a separate system consisting of legs and a head. A separate system is normally more expensive and often preferred simply because of the fact that it allows the user to mix and match legs/head in order to meet specific preferences. Tripod legs often have a tendency to reach the end of their lives before heads which means that while they are initially more expensive they can work out considerably better value for money in the long term.

 

For more information or to view our full range of manufacturers and  equipment visit www.planetdv.net where along with tripods, dollies and monopods you'll find everything else related to professional broadcast.

 

Alternatively if you're looking for something you can't see on our website why not drop us a line at sales@planetdv.net or call our dedicated sales team on 01274 713400.

Wireless Streaming with Teradek

When it comes to wireless streaming in professional broadcast the name Teradek often springs to mind.
 





Teradek Cube

Thanks to their innovative products such as the Teradek Cube and the Teradek Bond, Teradek products have now become the go to gadgets for anyone in professional broadcast who needs to get high quality content from A to B fast and effectively.

 

Whether it's wireless monitoring, point to point sharing or internet streaming, Teradek are considered by many to be the market leaders in an industry where speed, quality and efficiency is everything (and here at Planet PC we can see why).

 

Over recent years advances in technology combined with ever increasing demands on content producers have lead to a huge rise in the amount of companies not only looking to utilise streaming as a solution, but also those looking to provide streaming services.

 

Companies such as Livestream and Ustream  are just a couple of the content delivery networks quickly becoming household names to anyone looking for an affordable way to broadcast online and with this in mind it come as no surprise that Teradek have taken note.

 

Enter the Teradek Vidiu.



Teradek Vidiu

The Vidiu is Teradek's latest offering to the world of wireless streaming and is essentially a camera mounted little black box. Admittedly this description by itself doesn't sound that exciting but then remember that this is Teradek we're talking about, and anyone who knows Teradek knows that their little black boxes tend to contain more tricks than a magican's sleeve.

 

The Vidiu allows the user to wirelessly stream HD video footage in H.264 direct to web over Wi-Fi, Ethernet and 3G/4G networks without the need for a PC, and also includes a free iOS app to allow remote monitoring/configuration.

 

As if that wasn't enough the Vidiu integrates seamlessly with Livestream and Ustream, and can be used in conjunction with any streaming platform thanks to it's standard RTMP interface. If that wasn't enough the Vidiu also features an internal rechargeable Li-Ion battery, a mic/line input, headphone out and includes a power supply.

 

With an RRP of £495.00 we reckon that's an absolute bargain but as if that wasn't already great value for money then why not head over to www.planetdv.net where you can get a Vidiu for FREE when you purchase a Panasonic AC-130 or AC-160 throughout June and July.