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www.alcorn.com  If you haven’t already gotten it, get a copy of their new 2008 product CD. The CD has the complete line of video playback devices, recorders and show control. On display was the Video Binloop. Capable of holding up to 16 high bit rate MPEG-2 reproducers and 32 tracks of digital audio into a three rack unit. Each track can operate independently, or can sync with others. The Video Binloop works with timecode, RS-232, Ethernet control, and contact closures; and it uses Compact Flash storage so there are no moving parts.
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www.americangrip.com AKA American Studio Equipment is offering a Removable 12X Ear, now that you may need a quick flip of your griff or chromakey. You should also check out their popular Center Head that will sell for the same price as their Lollipop. There’s also a nifty Junior Adapter for Kino’s Image 80 for roller stands. Unfortunately, American still doesn’t have a catalog available for the inexperienced grip customer. The trade-off though is that they can just about fabricate any special need hardware you might need for a special project. |
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www.anchoraudio.com 
The AnchorMAN is a new wireless intercom system. Designed for portability, it requires no base station. Each belt pack is capable of listening to four belt packs at a time. Frequency groups are pre-selected to allow users to operate up to four separate groups with no interface. All the setup is done at the Anchor factory, including frequency planning and selection. Anchor has a nice selection of sound systems as well. The Xtreme line is on of Anchor’s loudest portable systems. Two wireless microphones allow you to be hands-free when talking to the audience. A few accessories include a soft rolling case, RF remote control for built-in CD player, and 100’ speaker cable.
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www.antonbauer.com 
Anton Bauer seems to come up with solutions to meet any of your power needs. The latest solution is the CINE Line of portable power for powering cameras, lighting, dollies and other production equipment. The CINE-VCLX is a 560Watt-Hour/38Ah, 14.4/28V simultaneous output NiMH battery for location or studio work when specific power is needed. A specialized CINE-VCLX-CA version is also made specifically for use with the Sony F-23 Cine Alta camera. For smaller applications, the compact CINE-VCLX/2 is available. Its Battery is 280 Watt-Hour dual simultaneous voltage output 14.4/ 28V NiMH battery. After the life of each battery expires, the cells can be swapped out for new cells and replaced in your existing shell.
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www.internetapollo.com 
Apollo is getting a lot of buzz over its Right Arm device. The unit makes it simple to add pan and tilt to lighting, video, and projection devices. The unit weighs about 28lbs, and the distribution system utilizes horizontal and vertical weight adjustments which will allow the attachment of front or rear heavy fixtures and accessories without adding counterweights or any modification. The unit requires two, three, or five channels of DMX control. The new MXR color mixing scroller uses the subtractive color mixing method to achieve the desired hue and saturation. Three channels of DMX are required. Apollo also has a lot of new glass and steel patterns that are worth checking out.
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www.arri.com 
ARRI has retooled their location and studio Fresnel lines, fitting them with loads of impressive features. Named True Blue, these newly designed Fresnels hold tight to ARRI’s high engineering standard that has garnered respect throughout the industry. Here is some of what is new with True Blue: weather resistant housing is worth the price of admission on its own, but wait there’s a lot more. Front and rear ventilation slots allowing steeper lighting angles with better lamp life ; removable cable set and plug; elongated screw holes for adjusting accessory clips to prevent light leaks; yoke disc brake tightening system for sure grip of extended loads; service access panel opens via two screws to expose internal guts; medium/mogul bi-post socket all-in-one is the same part from 1kW to 5kW; tension loaded lens clips for safer transport and even cooling/heating; larger reflectors provide greater light output efficiency; and a larger lens on the 1kW location Fresnel, which is now 6” up from 5”. Now you know, so you should check them out soon at a Barbizon shop near you. You’ll be glad you did.
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www.atscomms.com 
Most of ATS’s products incorporate its unique RAM System, a strong, lightweight and flexible hardware system designed for the mobile broadcaster. ATS had on display one of their newest products, the Microphone Boom Pole Cradle. You can mount the Boom Pole Cradle for microphones to anything that accepts a baby pin.
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www.balcar.com  Balcar featured the LITE series fixtures, which include the F-Lite series with one, two, four, six, or eight lamps, which are available with many control options including non dim, analog dimming, phase control dimming, DMX, and now its Fluxlite “i” Series Ethernet control, which enables the user to dim the lighting with the use of a computer network. The S-Lite series is also a florescent lighting fixture which is designed to be more of a direct harder edge on the subject. They are available in phase control and DMX. Balcar is part of Groupe Fokia, which also features QuartzColor, Cokin filters, and their new self-climbing unit Hookus.
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www.bogenimaging.us  At this years NAB show, Bogen unveiled a diversity of new products. They offered a new line of MPRO 100% carbon fiber tripods which consist of two models, the 535 and the 536. Both models were designed of 100% carbon fiber with impressive maximum load capacities. The 535 is two-stage, three-section, carbon fiber tripod offered with a 75mm half ball head and has a maximum load capacity of 44.1 lbs. The 536 is a three-stage, four-section CF tripod, which includes a screw-in 75mm/100mm half ball head adapter with a maximum load of 55.1 lbs. Both models include a new leg angle selector designed for a quick, easy, and precise setup. While designed to meet the needs of professional videographers, both models will be introduced at extremely affordable prices.
At the Bogen booth, Reflecmedia (www.reflecmedia.com) who has been around for a few years had a really neat demo set up. It's the same green or blue LED ring for your camera (but they make a new smaller one for consumer cameras now) with a special fabric background. MicroLite and Deskshoot Lite bring Reflecmedia's Chromatte and LiteRing technology out of the studio to provide a portable, entry level system which fits on digital still and DV cameras. It's a neat, economical way to get to experiment with chromakey applications. |
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www.brightlines.com  Brightline is re-introducing their largest and most powerful fixture to date, the Sky-View a 10x55W soft video light source. The Sky-View utilizes a stippled reflector to diffuse the light and a drop-down snoot which holds a diffusion frame and your choice of a broad-, medium-, or narrow-width grid. An optional, collapsible snoot is available for remote location work; which keeps the overall fixture depth to just around six inches. For ease of operation, all lamps and accessories can be accessed from the front of the fixture. The Sky-View is available with dimming options.
The new R-View fixture has been designed fill a longstanding industry need for a cost-effective, energy-efficient videoconference system that delivers broadcast-quality illumination in a format that is easy to mount and operate. The R-View is a fully dimmable, indirect fluorescent softlight so subjects are not looking directly at the unit’s four 55W lamps. 15 specially designed shielding blades reduce optical flare or glare to the sides of the fixture by more than half without diminishing overall intensity. Additionally, the R-View adds a contrast feature, in which light from the back of the fixture provides a degree of optical contrast that makes it easier to read flat screens and other presentation elements and adds to the overall visual comfort level of the room. A two lamp version, the Mini R-View, will be released in the next couple of months that has all the functionality of the four lamp version, in a half size easily portable package. Setting up the fixture is accomplished using a portable pole mount that allows the fixture to be adjusted for optimal height and tilt. Brackets are provided for rooms in which it is preferable to mount the unit on the wall. Operation is as simple as connecting to a wall outlet and using a handheld remote control to turn the fixture on and adjust the dimming levels up or down as desired. The R-View and Mini R-View are at home in either a corporate boardroom or a high-tech studio.
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www.bron.ch/kb_home_us Bron introduced a downlight PAR Reflector for the Kobold DW 200 HMI system. This flush mount recessed wall or ceiling reflector is perfect for producing a clean variable field of illumination in an attractive architectural design. The reflector itself is gimbled with the static mounting plate to project the light where it needs to be. The 200W HMI source can be controlled with the four available par lenses: Super Spot Lens 11°; Medium Spot Lens 11° x 17° Medium Flood Lens 19° x 50°; and Super Wide Lens 56°. There is also a honeycomb grid to further control the angle of illumination. 
The Kobold DW 200 can now be adapted to the ETC Source Four Jr. Zoom. This adaptation utilizes three custom components to create a very even projected daylight source. The Adapter Plate that attaches to the Jr. Zoom with one 3mm hex screw; the Ceramic Socket Extension, which due to the short physical dimension of the 200W HMI SE lamp, Bron has developed a ceramic socket extension to place the lamp in the optimal position for the Source Four Jr. Zoom’s reflector; and the 200W frost HMI SE lamp that creates a very even light spread at any zoom position, and can be further dialed in using the focus mechanism on the DW 200 lamp base. This daylight option for the Source Four Jr. Zoom will give you 2/3 more light output than with the standard 575W tungsten lamp and consume 1/3 the power. This adapter kit will be available this June.
Also shown were the Kobold DW/DE 800 HMI Systems. The Kobold 800 DW (Daylight Weatherproof) lamp head is IP 54 rated and the non-DMX EWB 400-575-800 electronic ballast is IP 43 rated. The Kobold 800 DE (Daylight Event) lamp head is also IP 54 rated and the EBE DMX 400-575-800 ballast is non IP rated. This 800W HMI system can be configured to meet your needs no matter what the event or installation. All 800 system lamp heads and ballasts are ETL C/US listed.
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www.sunbounce-usa.com  California Sunbounce displayed their popular line of reflectors along with a new Micro Mini kit. The Micro Mini stretches onto a mere 2’x 3’ (60cm x 90cm) frame, making it the most compact reflector on the market. If you are tired of fighting with reflectors that are flimsy and constantly bend, then you should consider California Sunbounce products. Another cool accessory from California Sunbounce happened to be the new Sun-Bounce Flash bracket.
This bracket supports any flash strobe with 1/4"-20 threads and mounts directly to Sun-Bounce frames allowing you to bounce a flash off the reflector for low light situations.
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www.cameraturret.com 
This year, the Camera Turret Company is providing high performance solutions to pan and tilt problems you encounter with jib arm shots. There are two solid choices, depending on the size and weight demands of your camera. The PT20 single arm yoke design will handle 20 lbs. maximum weight and includes a 20’ cable to the joystick control box. The PT30 is the larger format yoke-shaped turret, for heavier loads, up to 30 lbs. There is a separate focus, iris, and zoom control module as well. They are also pleased to offer a 14 day, no risk offer on all their equipment. If it does not meet your demands, the purchase price will be refunded, less shipping, upon return in its original condition.
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www.chimeralighting.com 
For people looking for an inexpensive, versatile lighting fixture, the Chimera Triolet (pronounced Tree-O-Lay) could be the answer. The Triolet features an innovative quick-release speed ring to allow users very fast set-up, take-down, and mobility. For the most efficient use of the fixture, Chimera designed the Triolet to be used with a mogul base with optional adapters for medium screw base or bi-post-pin lamps. The light output is broad, and omni-directional for compatibility with Lightbanks, Lanterns, Octabanks, or even without a modifier for a bare-bulb light effect. The Chimera 8000 and 8005 kits now feature the Triolet with all of its flexibility.
Ask your Barbizon representative how you can get a free Chimera gaffer’s belt with the purchase of one #9950 Triolet. This offer is directly offered by Chimera and expires May 15th 2008. |
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www.cinebags.com 
Cinebags latest development is the Cine-Backpack. Formally called the CB-22 HD Backpack LT, it gives a lightweight alternative to carry your Sony, Panasonic or Canon camera, your laptop, and an adjustable interior to meet your needs. Please note the unique red, dragon-headed serpent the company founder designed for Cinebags. His underwater experience and imagination is showing. This year, look for an expanded bag to accommodate 17” laptops.
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www.clearcom.com 
he WBS Series of frequency-agile UHF wireless intercom systems are excellent choices if you are adding to an existing wired intercom system or creating a stand alone wireless communication system. The WBS-670 is a single channel wireless intercom that supports up to four full-duplex wireless beltpacks with its 1-RU base station. It can be used with multiple stations or tied together via the party line channel. The WBS-680 is a two channel wireless intercom, and like the 670, has the ability to support up to four beltpacks. This system adds the ability to connect the wireless beltpacks, via the base station, to two channels of wired intercom via the party line, digital matrix or one of each. The 680 beltpack front panel provides a channel A/B selection button, allowing the user to talk and listen to either wired intercom channel A or channel B. Both systems, with audio clarity, travel friendly and frequency agile features, are designed for mobile television production and live theatre amongst other applications.
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www.colorkinetics.com 
Philips Solid-State Lighting Solutions (formerly Color Kinetics) has introduced white fixtures to their traditional RGB line of LEDs. Most notable is the iW Blast 12 TR fixture. Modeled on the ColorBlast form, this fixture has 38 10° LEDs. Half of these have a 5,200K color temperature and the other half are 6,200K. This 50W fixture produces 1,650 lumens or 120 foot candles at 12’. The warm LEDs have a color rendering index of 83, while the cooler LEDs are at 75 CRI. An even mix of the two temperatures is at 83 CRI. There are several accessories available from City Theatrical Inc. (www.citytheatrical.com) to make this a more versatile unit including barn doors, top hats, half top hats, egg crates, and a variety of lenses. The CTI lenses can adapt this fixture from the 10° spread to 20°, 40° or 60°.
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www.da-lite.com 
The Da-Lite Screen company announced its certification by the Greenguard Environmental Institute (GEI) for five of its screen products which include High Contrast Matte White, Video Spectra 1.5, Silver Matte, Matte White, and High Power Screens. GEI establishes acceptable indoor air standards for indoor products, environments, and buildings for chemical emissions. According to GEI, children in the US miss over 6 million days a year due to asthma alone and the US EPA estimates half of US schools have indoor air quality problems.
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www.dsclabs.com 
DSC Labs continues to provide videographers and engineers with state of the art backfocus charts, and the ever-popular ChromeDuMonde series of color chip charts. All are available in a multitude of sizes and configurations. The Backfocus & Resolution Chart is a valuable tool for HD video, making it easy to check camera frequency response and lens quality. DSC’s Fiddlehead patterns also make checking backfocus very easy. All ChromeDuMonde charts are available with the optional folding CaviBlack center for a true non-reflective black reading.
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www.dedotec.com/dedolight Dedolight introduced a new feature to their fixture line, onboard DMX controlled dimming. The 650W and the 150W fixtures are now available as a hanging or as a pole operated model. They have incorporated onboard DMX dimming control to both of these units. |
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www.desisti.it 
DeSisti officially debuted the newest additions to their De Lux line of fluorescent fixtures, the one lamp and six lamp units. The De Lux one lamp unit is available in analog, DMX, or phase control. It’s very compact and fully adjustable with the multi-position yoke with a swivel clamp that allows the unit to hang horizontally, vertically, or on a stand mount. It is also available with a standard manual yoke. The De Lux six lamp unit proves to be a powerhouse pushing out 131 footcandles at 10’.
DeSisti also featured the 250W CST fixture at NAB. These new units have 100% dimming/on/off using DMX control. The 250W CST lamp puts out more light than a standard 1kW. The key benefits of the CST lamp are the low energy costs by decreasing the watts used and the life hours of the CST lamps, which average 4,000 hours as opposed to 250 on a standard 1kW lamp.
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www.elementlabs.com 
The Kelvin Tile LED-based lighting system provides local controls for virtually unlimited variable color temperature and intensity, creating a new level of flexibility in broadcast and film lighting. The optional Kelvin PAINTBOX allows individual or grouped control of up to eight Tiles with even greater flexibility in true color mixing. The Element Labs Kelvin Tile was awarded a TV Technology STAR (for Superior Technology Award Recipient) for Superior Technology. The Kelvin Tile and PAINTBOX are both manufactured by Element Labs exclusively for Kino-Flo and will be available to ship by Mid June, 2008.
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www.etcconnect.com 
ETC featured several new control products. Built from the award winning EOS control platform, the new ION control console includes scalable channel counts, ACN connectivity, and detachable submaster fader wings. Complete control of conventional and automated devices is comfortably packed into a 19” footprint for use in even the smallest booth or rack space. ION can be used as a stand-alone desk, or as a client for a larger EOS system. For more manual control, ION can be connected via USB cable or hard connected to optional Fader Wings, available in 1x20, 2x210, or 2x20 formats. A NET3 RFR Radio Remote Focus unit, capable of working on any of 12 frequencies with 99 channels each, allows wireless remote control of many of the console’s features from a handheld device. For more information on ION, ETC has created a mini site at (www.etcconntect.com)
Need to coordinate lighting cues with time codes or other devices? The new ETC Net3 Show Control Gateway distributes MIDI and SMPTE throughout your Net3 lighting system. Put the Gateway where the source is to reduce cabling, and add more sources and Gateways as your system requires. Also new this year was SmartSoft, a software based monitor output for the SmartFade ML, ETC’s economy-priced, user friendly automated lighting console. SmartSoft works as both an off-line editor and real-time monitor output. SmartSoft is free on ETC’s website.
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www.fjwestcott.com 
FJ Westcott was showing a new version of the Spiderlite. The new version, which will be available in a few months, uses a new medium screw base lamp rated at 50W and available as daylight or tungsten. The fixture body will accommodate four 50W and one 25W fluorescent lamps. With the existing lamp control on the Spiderlite, the new higher output fluorescent version will be of interest to customers looking for a bright softbox/pancake that requires less energy and generates less heat.
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www.frezzi.com 
Frezzi’s big push at NAB this year was their new 150WH and 60WH NiMH batteries. These batteries are geared for the HD market, and boast longer runtimes and, according to Frezzi, the best warranty in the industry, which lasts four years. The batteries are also very travel-friendly, with no restrictions in terms of flying. Click here to learn more about traveling with camera batteries.
In addition to the batteries, they showcased their new 200W and 400W Super Sun Gun kits, which offer high output at a compact size, which makes them a great tool for the ENG market. Frezzi claims that the output of the 200W HMI rivals that of comparable 400W units, and also say that their 400W HMI is equivalent to that of many 575W units on the market, and even a couple of the 800W units offered by their competition. The kits are available in single and double configurations.
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www.glidecam.com Glidecam had two new prototype vest systems on display. The first one is the X22 which is designed for cameras between 10 lbs to 20 lbs. The second one is the X44 which is designed for cameras between 15 lbs to 40 lbs. Both systems use a three component system: arm, vest, and sled. The X44 will be HD ready. Both systems will be available in September of 2008. |
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www.hoodmanusa.com 
This year, Hoodman put the final touches on the design of their WristShot and received the NAB 2008 TV Technology Mario Award for Innovation. This totally adjustable camera support system transfers camcorder weight to the forearm eliminating wrist fatigue, increasing stability and freeing up the hand to operate the camera. It’s ready for any small video camera, up to 10 lbs and features five axis adjustment options and fits all body types and shooting styles. Included with the package is a universal tripod adapter mount makes the transition to a tripod very easy. By the time your competition’s arm is falling-off, you’re still comfortable and ready for the next award-wining shot, without the shakes. In order to relieve any fatigue at all, just drop your arm to your side for a minute, and you’re refreshed. Check out the original Hoodman Monitor Screen covers, which made NFL Football’s playback viewing possible. They now furnish shaded viewing for every size monitor and viewfinder in the business.
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www.idxtek.com/products/cam_light.html 
New for IDX at the show this year was their just released X5-Lite, which is a 5,600K on-camera light that offers higher output than their X3-Lite, but at a comparable price. In fact, IDX tells us that they plan to phase out the X3, because the X5 is going to be priced roughly the same as the X3, so they see no need to keep both models on the market. The details on the X5 had just been approved in time for the show, so look for details on the IDX website soon. Additionally, they are working on a two-head fixture, as well as some low profile designs, that may compete with the Rosco LitePad. They didn’t provide much detail in that respect, but low profile and lightweight are appealing factors in the market, and they definitely want to get in on it.
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www.jrclancy.com  Though not displaying at NAB, the boys from Syracuse stopped by the booth while walking the show. New from Clancy is the LumaLift, a great new way to motorize house lighting systems or worklights in hard to reach locations. The LumaLift uses a simple pushbutton control for easy operation. For more information go to www.lumalift.com. If you are looking for something a bit more beefy, we recommend that you take a look at Clancy’s PowerLift, which is capable of lifting 2,000 lbs.
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www.k5600.com 
The K5600 Joker-Bug 200, 400, and 800 fixtures have numerous applications with accessories such as the SoftTube, Chimera Lanterns, and the ETC Source Four Ellipsoidal adapter. The BlackJack 400 HMI Fresnel is compact and offers a very wide beam angle. AT NAB we got a glimpse of the soon-to-be newest fixture in the K5600 line, BlackJack 1200, a 1,200W Fresnel with the same design of the traditional BlackJack. To keep it compact, K5600 has designed the fixture’s igniter into the yoke. This fixture will take a double ended 1,200W lamp and uses all of the 800 accessories. Look for the BlackJack 1200 by End of 2008.
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www.kinoflo.com 
Kino Flo’s NAB booth was filled with their fixtures including the Diva Lights, Image Series Studio Fixtures, and their interview Kits. But the newest addition to the Kino line of fixtures was the Kelvin Tile, an LED-based lighting system that has a unique mixture of six LEDs giving it a high quality, full spectrum white light. With a dial-in color temperature range of 2,200K to 6,500K, the Kelvin Tile meets most individual’s film and video lighting needs. In a convenient portable size of 14”x14” and 2” thin, and mountable with Kino Flo’s Twist-on mount, this fixture can be used in both studio and ENG situations. Controllable by three methods: on-board manual, remote DMX, and the handheld PAINTBOX Controller. The PAINTBOX has numerous color presets and can save, recall, and clone lighting parameters for up to eight fixtures at a time. The Element Labs Kelvin Tile was awarded a TV Technology STAR (for Superior Technology Award Recipient) for Superior Technology. The Kelvin Tile and PAINTBOX are both manufactured by Element Labs exclusively for Kino Flo and will be available to ship by mid-June, 2008.
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www.litepanels.com 
Aside from the Litepanels Mini, Ringlite, and 1 X 1, the LED fixture company was showing their recently introduced Litepanels Micro, which is a small, battery operated camera-top light ideal for DV camcorders. It provides soft 5600K light for 1.5 hours using 4 – AA batteries. An optional 5-12V power input can also be used to power the fixture externally. The Micro also has a flip down filter holder so you can gel the light down to 3200K. Onboard dimming from 0% - 100% is standard.
Metal honeycomb grids are now available for Litepanels users thanks to Light Control Concepts. They are available for the Litepanels Mini in 30 and 60 degree grids, and 30, 60 and 90 degree grids for the 1 x 1, 2 x 2, and 4 x 4 arrays. The larger fixtures have a rail system retrofitted to the front to accept the “slide-in” grids, while the grid for the Mini is attached with Velcro.
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www.lowel.com  Lowel showed a new fixture to be released in the next few months called the Softcore. The fixture is configured more like a pancake than a traditional softbox. The fixture utilizes a new medium screw base fluorescent lamp rated at 65W in both tungsten and daylight color temperatures. The fixture uses the same changeable base system that is currently used on the Rifa fixtures. The available bases will allow the fixture to use one, three, or five lamps. The new lamps, which will be available to dealers in the next couple of months, will make this fixture, as well as the Rifa, better suited for those customers who want lower wattage and less heat with a higher output from their softboxes and pancakes.
Lowel is offering a new fluorescent kit configuration called the Trio. The Trio kits consist of three – three-lamp fluorescent fixtures in a small kit case. The fixtures are designed more like a field fixture, lightweight and portable, than a studio fluorescent fixture. Utilizing the standard 55W biax lamp, the fixtures pack neatly into a relatively small case that includes three Lowel kit stands. This kit would be well suited for those customers looking for a low cost option for a portable fluorescent interview kit. 
Lowel will begin offering a small LED fixture. Currently known as the Blender (www.blenderlights.com), the fixture incorporates both daylight and tungsten 3W LEDs. Each array is controlled by a separate dimmer switch on the back of the fixture. The Blender derives its name from the ability to blend the tungsten and daylight arrays through the onboard dimming to achieve any color temperature variable between 3,100K and 6,200K. The fixture will operate on 14.4V, 12V, and 7.2V DC, as well as the included AC adapter. Blender Lights claims 45fc at one meter in either full daylight or tungsten and 1½ hours runtime on a 7.2V camcorder battery. The fixture is available in kit form, which includes a Blender, shoulder bag, AC/DC adapter, swivel ball-mount stand adapter, shoe adapter and three acrylic diffusion lenses. Lowel will begin offering this fixture once they have completed the OEM arrangement.
For those of you unfamiliar with Scandles, it’s a directional fluorescent fixture reminiscent of the Balcar Spotflux. The Scandles uses eight 24W fluorescent biax lamps wired and controllable in pairs. The directional cone is collapsible and has a removable soft diffuser. The fixture is available in a two light kit with stands. |
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www.ltmlighting.com The LTM booth did not have any new products on display, but there are some pretty exciting things in the pipe line. LTM is working on an 18kW PAR HMI which will be similar in design to the rest of their HMI line of fixtures. LTM is also working on a design of a 24kW double ended Fresnel. There wasn’t much more available news on these products, except that the 18kW PAR will be ready by mid 2008. There are some other interesting things in the works in the R&D department. They are taking their Pepper unit and put LEDs in it. You have the classical looking of an LTM Pepper with LED technology inside. What is really exciting about this is that you will be able to exchange the LEDs out for a tungsten or HMI source, giving you a wider selection of lighting sources with the same fixture. Check with your Barbizon representative for more news on these developing products. |
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www.manfrotto.com  Manfrotto introduced a new lightweight, super clamp called the Nano Clamp. This clamp is made of high performance aluminum and can support up to 8.8 lbs. The Nano clamp also includes two industry standard 3/8” and ¼” attachments.
Avenger introduced its new winch driven hoist called the Long John Silver. This hoist has a swift lift mechanism featuring a gas piston system which creates for a smooth closing operation. Long John hoist includes five sections, four risers, with a weight capacity of 264 lbs and max height of 18’-8”. A few other features to mention are the three adjustable leveling legs, pneumatic wheels with brakes, and swivel blocks that can rotate the wheels 360° and lock in six various positions making it easier to handle. More importantly Avenger has doubled it safety by including two safety blocks and two internal frictions. This hoist is backed with a two year warranty. |
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www.msegrips.com 
MSE has designed the new Quick Corners series of overhead frames to be very easy to assemble and disassemble compared to other versions of this workhorse grip tool. Constructed of aircraft grade aluminum, it is 50% stiffer than its competitors, and stores in a 4 1/2” package with no protruding corners. They feature positive-locking corners and a 5/8” sliding pin with t-handles that retain the integrity of the frame even when it is mounted in an off-center position. They are available in 6 x 6, 8 x 8 and 12 x 12.
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www.middleatlantic.com 
Keeping your equipment cool is important so Middle Atlantic has introduced the High CFM Rear Door, which has a unique high-flow design that removes hot air from densely populated server enclosures and directs it upward toward the air returns (Six 6” fans included but expandable up to 16). Also designed for cooling is the Duct Cool System that removes heated air from enclosed areas to protect equipment and increase reliability. The new WMRK Series multi-vendor server enclosure is now available in rack-only models with heights up to 45 rackspaces and depths up to 48” for extra deep equipment. The new ASP-OWP Series anti-slip cable pads help maintain high cable performance levels. New sizes are available for the BRK & MBRK Series laminate racks with depths ranging up to 28” and heights ranging up to 28 rackspaces. The LCD Desk System is designed with style and flexibility equally suited for small surveillance applications to large-scale command and control environments, LCD Monitoring Desks are optimized for flat screens and ergonomically designed with the user in mind. The enhanced Edit Center multimedia studio furniture increases comfort and enhances aesthetics with smooth, contoured edges and new finishes including dark cherry, honey maple and pepperstone. The DVR/NVR Lockbox has been redesigned for superior security and reliability.
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www.miller.com.au Miller has a new bowl attachment for their Pro-Jib that is reversible and will allow for low and high camera modes on the jib. They will send a demo if you need one to sell a customer on it. I’m told that if you have a customer that is 90% sure they want one, but need a demo to seal the deal, just send in a PO for a new rig, they’ll send it, and if the customer decides not to buy, then simply send it back at no charge. They also have some new tripod kits that include carbon fiber sticks. The heads will feature a 5+5 selectable pan/tilt drag control to provide repeatable light to heavy drag settings. In addition, there is a new mid level spreader available that features a nice center-control dial design. |
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www.mole.com  Mole Richardson has a few new things of interest. First there is the Type 6731 2kW Tungsten PAR. It uses the new HX2000 lamp from GE. Photometrics are not out yet but it is expected to me brighter than other competitors.
Also seen was the new Type 6801 12/18/24kW HMI Fresnel with a 24-3/4" lens. Not that you'd want to do this, but, with the 24kW HMI lamp and the unit spotted down you'd get 117,563 foot candles at 10’ in a 1.5' beam diameter. Conversely, spotted at 200’ there's 294fc in a 30' beam diameter. They also showed Mole's new Type 7971 12" Windmachine.
It's the little brother of the bigger 24" unit and works on AC or DC and will operates on universal voltage anywhere between 90 to 250V. The wind speed can be controlled locally at the unit or via DMX control.
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www.neutrik.com 
New from Neutrik at NAB is the 32A High-Current PowerCon AC Connector (say that five times fast kids). It is a 3-pole single-phase installation coupler, and is rated to 250V AC. The 32A PowerCon is designed to be a robust and reliable locking single phase AC cable connector. It is conceived as a non-standardized 3-pole connection system without breaking capacity to serve the needs of high power distribution systems and supplies for audio and lighting equipment and installations. They also featured some rotating pin connectors at their booth that offer a bit more flexibility.
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www.seachangeronline.com 
Ocean Optics, manufacturer of the SeaChanger Wash and Profile were demonstrating their newest addition to the SeaChanger family, the Studio Dichroic. The Studio Dichroic version of the SeaChanger provides 100% saturation of the cyan, yellow, magenta, and xG, their patented extreme green color wheels allowing the user to program richer more saturated colors, especially in the blue, red, and purple ranges. The original SeaChanger was designed with the theatre designer in mind offering a slightly less saturated palette allowing the user to achieve a lighter variety of colors.
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www.ocon.com 
Extended capacity range of fluid heads are new at Oconnor. The new head features a stepless counterbalance system, and a new, smooth pan and tilt fluid drag designed for film shooting. The 120EX head with an 90° tilt range can counter balance up to 240 lbs. Oconnor’s Cine HD Baby is a really nice heavy duty tripod. Capacity for the tripod is 309 lbs, with a height of 34”. Switching to the carbon fiber tripods, the 35L is the super lightweight tripod with the two position spreader, spike guards, and adjustable nylon carrying strap. All in all, Oconnor has a good selection of aluminum and carbon fiber tripods.
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www.paglight.com  At this year’s NAB, PAG invited visitors to come and compare their line of Paglights in a direct camera light challenge. PAG feels that their unique design of camera lights sets them apart from their competitors. The Paglight is styled and proportioned to blend with the latest professional broadcast cameras. The Paglight's unique patented design makes it one of the coolest running and versatile camera lights. The plug-in lamp holder system enables the Paglight to work either with halogen or metal halide lamps. Another advantage of the Paglight system is that you are able to purchase a basic model, comprising the Paglight and a standard halogen lamp holder, and then add components, such as the PowerArc, and build a camera lighting kit according to your budget. Also displayed was their line of lithium ion camera batteries and chargers as well as camera lights for professional ENG/EFP applications.
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www.pelican.com  Pelican introduced a couple new products at NAB 2008. On display, a new line of memory card cases, which have removable insert liners that protect and can store up to eight SD cards, 16 mini XD cards, 16 memory sticks, or four compact flash cards. Each case is also supplied with one blank insert liner to customize your needs. Pelican also introduced the new 1780T Transport case. This XXL case is designed with some neat features. The 1780T has a 50/50 split for easy loading, detachable lid for full access, four polyurethane wheels with stainless steel bearings and easy open, double throw latches. For larger storage applications this case is definitely the ideal solution.
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www.petrolbags.com  Petrol has some great improvements to their line this year. They had several prototypes of new products, which will be available in June. The PCR-EX1 is a new rain cover for the Sony PMW-EX1 and HVR-Z7. It has a one piece design that is mostly transparent polyurethane. This allows better visibility of the tools and setting on the camera. This also allows you to use the LCD screen to see what you are shooting. The cover attaches via the hot shoe and slips over the camera. One zipper and two Velcro straps close the cover.
The PCTB-3 is a new rolling bag that can also be carried like a backpack. The front compartment is much larger and easier to access than in past designs. The internal dividers are reconfigurable or can be removed entirely. There is a separate pocket for a 17” laptop. The whole unit can roll, or it can be worn as a back pack, which is a new feature for this product line.
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www.photoflex.com  Photoflex had the array of lights and tools and did mini sessions on lighting for chromakey using their products. They also were showing the new Constellation3 multi-lamp head for their soft boxes with integrated speed ring. The Constellation3 will accept CoolStar CFL lamps (daylight balanced), Starlite lamps (tungsten balanced), or use the Photoflex bi-post-Pin Adapter for ceramic based, two pin G9.5 lamps. There are three lamps sockets, each with an individual power switch. One power cord can supply power for two sockets; two power cords supply full power to all three sockets. Photoflex also has four NAB show specials that you can take advantage of until the end of June. Contact your local Barbizon office for more information on these specials.
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www.portabrace.com 
PortaBrace featured a few new products for NAB 2008. The first product that was introduced was the Tackle Box case. This case was designed as a mobile workstation supplied an outer vault hard case shell, two inner soft cases—ideal for cameras, tripods, and audio equipment—while lying underneath is an organizing section with an assortment of pillows and pouches for extra protection. Another neat feature about this case is the drop down worktable w/visor, designed for the use of a monitor or laptop and can support up to 40 lbs. In my opinion if you want to scale down on extra cases this Tackle Box is the ideal solution for you.
PortaBrace introduced their new line of DV Organizer cases with an attractive style of black and red trim. This new design fits most DV cameras with matte boxes and accessories attached. Some of the cool features include plastic armored side walls for extra protection, soft padded pouches for camera stability and 12 pockets for your accessories. These new DV cases are an ideal solution in efficiency and faster run and gun applications.
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www.riptie.com 
RipWrap is an inexpensive, glueless cable tie that works like gaff tape but is reusable. It’s offered in seven colors including black and white at widths of ½”, 1”, 1-1/2”, 2” and lengths of 30’, 75’, and 150’ rolls. This polyester construction makes this wrap ideal for weather resistant and outdoor applications.
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en.softbox.rololight.com/iiix/home/ 
The Rololight softbox system is another interesting thing we liked at NAB. The Rololight system is comprised of a series of interlocking panels which hold 15" fluorescent tubes. The panels each have its own ballast so they can be used individually or daisy chained to create a wall of light, several feet tall. Because of the flexible nature of interlocking panels, the light can rolled up for easy storage, or used in a curved form. They have egg crates for greater light control. Rololight is now offering a 240V version of their fixture. The fixtures are now shipping with a high output ballast with increases the light output by ½ stop. Currently the 12” and 15” fixtures use the Kino-Flo True Match HO lamps, while the 25” fixture uses a tungsten or daylight balanced Philips T-5 lamp. In the very near future, however, Kino-Flo will begin making a True Match HO lamp for use in the 25” fixture. Rololight was also showing all of their fixtures with a Lighttools Soft Egg Crate. For an open lamp fixture like the Rololight, the Soft Egg Crate could be a versatile and helpful addition. For those of you who could not make the show, Rololight is currently offering a try and buy promotion. Currently, if you purchase a Rololight and are unhappy for any reason, you can return the fixture to Rololight for a full refund of the fixture price, you just pay the return shipping.
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www.rosco.com 
Rosco labs added to their LitePad line by adding two new sizes in round. Available soon will be a 12” diameter and a 6” diameter LitePad. In addition to the new sizes of LitePads, Rosco introduced an inline dimmer that is capable of dimming the LitePad from 100% to 0%. Rosco also introduced a 2 channel DMX dimmer that can be controlled locally through sliders or via DMX.
It is worth mentioning that the Rosco LitePad was awarded a TV Technology STAR (for Superior Technology Award Recipient) for Superior Technology.
Rosco also had on display their new Rosco VIEW, which is a two-part system consisting of wide width polarizer filter in gel form and a matching optical glass polarizer camera filter. When utilized together, you are able to instantly control 100% of exterior brightness as seen through windows without affecting the lighting and exposure within the studio or set. By rotating the Rosco VIEW camera filter, you are able to change the degree of cross polarization occurring on the window where Rosco VIEW gel filter is applied. It is no longer necessary to constantly change out various ND filters or keep many different types of hard gels on stand by. You can view a demo of the Rosco VIEW on Rosco’s website. The Window Filter is available in 56”x8’ extra wide rolls. The camera filters are available in three sizes, 4”x4”, 4”x5.65”, and 138mm round.
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www.sachtler.us 
Sachtler’s portable line of pedestal systems covers a wide range of video work, from studio to location work. The C I Pedestal combines a tripod with a pneumatic central column and is easy set up and break down. This version is great for smaller production situations. The next step up is the C III Pedestal. It is has a smooth-running lifting column for silent and vibration-free movement. Next is the modular design of the Combi Ped 1-40, which makes it a perfect travel pedestal for EFP. Compact construction provides maximum stability at a low weight and can be quickly disassembled into its components for convenient transportation and shipping.
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www.schneideroptics.com 
At the Schneider/Century booth, the latest they have to offer is a wide range of adapters that are tooled to fit Sony’s PVW-EX1 XDCAM. This is a very hot camera in the shooting world right now, and Schneider wanted to be sure to have compatible accessories for it. Beyond that, the other news to report from Schneider/Century is that they have redesigned their standard filter line for the HD market, so the desired effects from the various filters they offer will have the appropriate impact in HD.
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www.selador.net 
Selador, manufacturer of the X7 and X7xtra lines of seven color LED fixtures, made its NAB debut this year at the Barbizon booth. Principals Novella Smith and Robert Gerlach staffed the booth with the Barbizon team offering insight into the use of LEDs in broadcast applications. They also shared the news about a new product on the horizon for Selador. Luster, made with 2.5W LEDs will offer the benefits of the X7 product line which include full spectrum color mixing, no fans, and low energy consumption while also offering broadcast-quality dimming and increased brightness.
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www.seleconlight.com 
Selecon has expanded their Acclaim range with the introduction of the CST 250 Fesnel. This small yet powerful fixture can use the CST 250 lamp at a color temperature of 3200 or the MSR 250 HR with a color temp of 6000. Featuring the integrated safety cable, swing down side access door and insulated handles this unit is very easy to install and maintain. It zooms from 7 - 60 degree spread and can accommodate a 4 leaf barndoor. One change to this line is the retaining clip for the colorframe. This is now a locking side in place of the clip that was previously available.
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www.sennheiserusa.com 
Sennheiser has once again shown their innovation with the release of the MKE 400. The MKE 400 is a very small shotgun microphone specifically designed for mini HD cameras with an external microphone input and shoe mount adapter. Operating time is approximately 300 hours. Sennheiser also featured the HMD 46 headset a very lightweight and comfortable open boomset and takes the place of the HD 410. Two versions are now available; one which has ActiveGuard, which protects against acoustic bursts; and a new more economical version is also now available without the ActiveGuard.
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www.tiffen.com  The Tiffen Company, which has been producing photographic glass filters for the motion picture and broadcast industries for 70 years, displayed a number of innovations in filter technology. Since the advent of digital cameras, the infrared light spectrum has changed the formal quality of the final image creating, in some instances, very notable color shifts. As high definition cameras begin to replace film as the medium of choice, the sensitivity of the imaging sensors to IR has become a challenge. This is particularly evident when using standard neutral density filters that absorb visible light but pass infrared.
Tiffen has now addressed the problem infrared that causes notable color shifts in high definition digital cameras with the introduction of its line of IR ND and IR 85ND series filters. Using Tiffen’s exclusive ColorCore filter technology, Tiffen engineers have been able to eliminate infrared bleed above 700nm. Tiffen’s new IR ND filters are available in the standard ND range as well as the new ND2.1. The IR ND and IR 85ND filters are available in Panavision 4”x5.650” sizes. Tiffen also introduced its Hot Mirror and Hot Mirror IRND filters. To combat the IR issue, Tiffen has developed a special Hot Mirror filter that completely blocks IR thru the entire spectrum. These Hot Mirror filters are the solution for IR pollution with no appreciable reduction in visible light transmission. These filters are available in popular motion picture sizes. Tiffen introduced Digital HT - High Transmission filters with a titanium coating. They present scratch-resistant durability and worry-free cleaning. Digital HT filters are available as: Digital Ultra Clear, Haze 86 (with 86% UV absorption), Circular Polarizer, 812 Warming Filter, ND 0.6, ND 1.2, Soft/FX 3, Star 4 Point 2, and Color-Grad ND 0.6 in sizes 52mm-82mm. |
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www.videssence.com 
Videssence has added the SK110-255BX 45/90 to the Softkey Series. The 110W compact fluorescent unit has been developed for the growing area of video teleconferencing. The Softkey has a recessed housing that shrouds an adjustable fixture in a drop ceiling set up. The fixture has full tilt capability to 90° and can be mounted parallel to the T-bar or at a 45° angle. As with all Videssence fixtures there is a complement of accessories to achieve multiple beam angles and intensities. And it is available in analog dim or phase control dim for either T-bar type ceilings or gypsum ceilings.
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www.vinten.com 
Vinton showcased their Vector 950 Active Pan and Tilt Head this year that interfaces with the Canon Optical Shift Image Stabilizer technology. The Vector Active describes the camera operator’s operational movement of the head, and transmits it to the image stabilization system of the canon lens. This interface allows rock-solid images during fast pans and tilts without any lag that normally occurs with lens stabilizers. This is a big advantage to have while shooting fast moving events using long lenses in high-definition.
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www.zylight.com 
For those of you looking for a versatile and configurable LED camera light, the Zylight Z90 may be what you’re looking for. In White mode, the Z90 offers two factory presets for daylight and tungsten, available as preset buttons on the back of the fixture. For variability, in Gel mode, the fixture offers a variable color temperature range from 2,500K – 9,000K in 50° increments. In Gel mode, the fixture also offers a ±green variable green correction to fine tune the output. The two preset buttons are available in Gel mode to save custom configurations. The Color mode allows you to adjust both the hue and saturation of the RGB LEDs. Presets can also be saved on the two preset buttons in Color mode.
ZyLight also offers a smaller version of this fixture, the Zylight Z50. The Z50 operates in much the same way as the Z90. However, the Z50 only operates in White and Color modes. Gel mode is only available on the Z90. Like on the Z90, both preset buttons are factory calibrated for tungsten and daylight in White mode and available for custom presets in Color mode. For multiple fixture configurations, the fixtures utilize a wireless master/slave control called ZyLink. The Z90 offers a maximum of 10 control channels for wireless control of a range of fixtures. Each Z90 fixture can be set to any of the 10 wireless channels. The Z50 is only available with one wireless channel and will interface with the Z90s set to channel 1. With ZyLink enabled, select the control channel on any fixture. Any lights on the same control channel, within about a 30’ range, will change with the first. In a production environment, this is useful when identical changes (i.e. color temperature) need to be made to a range of fixtures. |