Supplier News Releases
May 8, 2008
ORLANDO, Fla. — Set design firm FX Group has introduced the television news
industry's first "green" news set line as part of a company-wide
effort to become more earth conscious.
Dubbed EcoFX Green
Sets, this innovative new offering is the result of months of
collaboration between multiple FX departments.
"We researched
alternative, eco-friendly products that can be used in place of our current
materials," said Brannen Acor, FX's production manager.
Finding
environmentally-friendly construction materials proved very challenging, said
Acor.
The company worked with its existing vendors as well as new
suppliers to locate products that are recycled or made from renewable resources
that still maintain the company's high quality standards that come from FX's
20-plus years of scenic design and construction
experience.
Environmentally-conscious stations can chose from a variety
of options for green sets, such as making a certain
percentage of a new set eco-friendly or using renewable materials on select
surfaces or elements.
The ultimate goal in creating EcoFX sets is to
maintain FX's awarding-winning design standards while reducing the impact on the
environment.
For areas that can't be made environmentally-friendly from
practical or budgetary reasons, FX has arrangements to purchase carbon credits
that offset the impact the set construction has on the earth.
The cost
of a green set varies greatly and depends largely on the overall
size of the set and proportion of green materials used.
FX's
environmentally-friendly efforts extend into the firm's signature line of sets
as well, so non-EcoFX sets are more "green" than before.
Included in
these initiatives, FX has implemented several internal initiatives, including
the most comprehensive in-house recycling program in the company's history,
electricity usage reduction and reuse of scrap and packing materials. In
addition, the company's most recent order of letterhead and business cards was
produced on recycled paper.
For more information about EcoFX, visit http://www.fxgroup.tv/ecofx/.
Read More
April 9, 2008
Nashville,
TN, April 7, 2008 -- 615 Music, one of America’s preeminent Production Music
companies, providers of production music and original themes, for television
networks and programs, feature films, radio, commercials, on-air promos,
interactive applications and multi-media clients, has composed and delivered a
new theme song for client Peachtree TV promoting the Atlanta Braves. 615 Music
President and CEO Randy Wachtler made the announcement. To hear this tune,
please visit: http://www.615music.com/core/whats_new.cfm
ABOUT NEW ATLANTA
BRAVES THEME SONG:
615 Music composed and produced a new theme song for the Atlanta Braves,
entitled “The Braves Play Here,” for client Peachtree TV, Turner Broadcasting
Inc.’s, local Atlanta
television platform. The new song, written by G. Barnhill and R. Wachtler for
615 Music, has just begun to be featured on that TV station, and will promote
the Braves’ upcoming baseball season. Warner Bros. Records recording artist James
Otto, whose current single, “Just Got Started Lovin’ You is #5 on the charts,
sang the 615 Music produced tune. Wachtler said, “I want to thank my friend
Scott Hendricks at Warner Bros. Records for turning me on to James Otto. What a
great vocalist!”
Wachtler describes the song as, “An upbeat, fun song that incorporates the famous Braves chant
heard at Turner field.” 615 Music’s client for this project was Peachtree TV
Senior Vice President/General Manager Jonathan Katz, who said, “We are
delighted with the song that 615 Music created to introduce this season’s
Braves’ games on Peachtree TV. It capitalizes on the iconic sounds at Turner
Field, while also tapping into musical styles that resonate with our viewers.”
ABOUT 615 MUSIC:
Founded by
president/CEO Randy Wachtler in Nashville,
Tenn., in 1984,
615 Music is a
multi-award winning, full-service music development, recording, post-production
and sound design company with clients that include broadcast and cable
television networks and programs, local market TV stations, radio stations and
syndicates, advertising agencies, and filmmakers, among others.�
615’s client
roster is comprised of virtually every major broadcast and cable television
network, including ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, PBS, MSNBC, HBO Worldwide, A&E,
HGTV, The History Channel, The Family Channel, Discovery, and CMT.
Additionally, the company has written and produced musical themes and
promotions used within, and to promote, numerous television series and shows.
These have included the “TODAY” show, “Live with Regis and Kelly,” The
Discovery Channel, “Frasier,” ABC Sports College Football, and PBS’s “Nova.”
In Fall 2007,
615 Music acquired the renowned Metro Music library. As a result, 615 Music now
has 10 production libraries and well over 500 CDS worth of music available to
its clients. The combined 615 Music & Metro Music libraries are 615
"Gold" and “Platinum” Collections; 615 Song Library; AMP; Kingsize
NYC; Metro Music; Music Shop; Music Gallery; Promo Accelerator; Scoring Stage
Film & TV; and ZEN.
Internationally,
615 Music also enjoys a worldwide presence. The company’s various libraries are
currently being distributed to over 30 countries via its sub-publishers. In
addition, 615 Music has written and produced a great deal of original music
work for clients based in India,
Germany, and the U.K.
Among 615
Music’s numerous awards is a National Emmy for the memorable theme the company
created for A&E’s acclaimed “Biography” series. For the past two years in a
row, 615 Music was also Emmy Award nominated for “Best Original Song” for two
songs the company wrote and produced for NBC’s “TODAY” show—those songs were
entitled “Live for Today” and “It’s a New Day, Today.”
615 Music is located at 1030 16th
Ave South, Nashville, TN, 37212. The company’s
phone number is 615/244-6515 and its new website can be accessed via www.615music.com
###
Contact:
Dan Harary
Asbury
Communications PR
Beverly Hills, CA
310/859-1831
asburypr@aol.com
Read More
April 9, 2008
Louisville, KY: The Louisville
market gets more than its share of severe weather. But now the market’s being shaken up in
another way – with WAVE-TV’s new HD-ready set from Devlin Design Group. The NBC affiliate’s new look preserves their
current 4:3 picture, while allowing them to expand to HD’s 16:9 in the future.
“All of us at WAVE 3 could not be happier with the final outcome
of this set,” said Lee Eldridge, WAVE-TV’s News Director. “We were firm in our vision of desiring
depth, versatility and a command presence with weather. DDG really came through.”
“The enthusiasm for this set from the WAVE 3 staff has been
extremely positive and has created urgency in the presentation of our
newscasts,” said Dan Foos, Operations Manager for WAVE-TV. “The set compliments our news brand in
reporting severe weather and breaking news, highlighting both our talent and
technical expertise.”
“Versatility was definitely the key to this project’s success,”
said Dan Devlin, DDG’s Creative Director.
“WAVE 3 needed a set that would set a new broadcast standard in the
marketplace right now – and allow them to shine in when they switch to HD. The WAVE 3 team’s commitment to staying
competitive, along with their long-range vision for their station, made for a
great partnership.”
“DDG was attentive to our vision and open to the changes we
threw at them during the design process,” said Eldridge. “We feel this set truly supports our product
and how we prefer to deliver that product live to our viewers.” He added, “Not to mention the fact that we’ve
already seen our competition attempt to copy its style and use.”
DDG is known for its innovative, award-winning design
in 4:3, HD and virtual. The firm created the HD Newsroom set for WRAL-TV, the
first U.S.
station to broadcast in HD, along with many other national and international
broadcasters. DDG is known worldwide for
its experience and expertise in creating scenic design specifically designed for
the HD environment.
###
Contact: Dan Devlin
Creative Director
ddevlin@ddgtv.com
970-453-9360 ext. 224
Read More
April 9, 2008
South
Bend, IN: When WSBT-TV, South Bend’s CBS
affiliate, decided to make the switch to HD – they did it in a big way. The Schurz Communications station is moving
into a brand new building with impressive HD capabilities. The size and complexity of the project led
them to select Devlin Design Group to create the HD scenic design.
“We’ll be
broadcasting in HD for the first time, so we were looking for a design company
with a reputation for innovative design,” said Bob Johnson, Director of
Operations and Programming for WSBT. “We
needed a firm we felt was changing with the times, that was staying on top of
the evolution of the technology. We
spoke to people in our company who had worked with Dan before and spoke highly
of him. So after a lot of research, and
talking to some of the top design firms, we chose Devlin Design Group.”
“Many stations are
making the ‘digital switch’ – but WSBT is creating an HD powerhouse,” said Dan
Devlin, DDG’s Creative Director.
“They’re going to rock their market with a new facility, new gear – and
an attention-getting new HD look. DDG is
extremely excited to play such a key role in this huge transformation.”
“We want our set to
have a dynamite new look, but also stands the test of time,” said Johnson. “DDG’s reputation and work show that their
designs do exactly that.”
DDG is a pioneer in HD scenic design. The firm created the HD Newsroom set for
WRAL-TV, the first U.S.
station to broadcast in HD, along with many other national and international
broadcasters. DDG is known worldwide for
its experience and expertise in creating scenic design specifically designed
for the HD environment.
###
Contact: Dan Devlin
Creative
Director
ddevlin@ddgtv.com
970-453-9360 ext. 224
Read More
April 4, 2008
Hunt Valley, MD: Sinclair Broadcast Group is making a major
commitment to HD with a complete HD conversion of 14 of their television
stations over the next three years. Their senior management team has selected
Devlin Design Group to create the scenic design for all 14 stations.
Read More
March 28, 2008
You're getting the HD gear. The Big Picture team makes sure you've got the HD
look and sound. We're three companies who offer you award-winning HD set design,
graphics and sound. We're ready and waiting to meet with you at Booth #R217 at
RTNDA@NAB to discuss your HD needs. Work with us individually or select our
whole team. Either way, we make sure your station looks, sounds and functions
beautifully on the air...In all of its HD glory.
�
Read More
March 14, 2008
Nashville,
TN, March 12, 2008 -- 615 Music, one of America’s preeminent Production Music
companies, providers of library and production music (both original and custom)
for television networks and programs, feature films, radio, commercials, on-air
promos, interactive applications and multi-media clients, recently composed and
produced the highly successful new musical promotional tune for the “TODAY”
show, entitled “Why I Love Today.” To hear this tune, please visit: http://www.615music.com/core/custom_services.cfm
Read More
March 11, 2008
Boston, MA: WBZ’s mission to further build on their
position as the alternative to “traditional” news in the competitive New
England marketplace was heightened by the addition of a new graphics package
from VDO and AstuceMedia.
Read More
The new project responds to
a larger industry need for custom branded internet music
.
Read More
ne of the nation’s most influential and effective conservation
organizations, the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), has signed
a contract with Medialink Worldwide Incorporated (Nasdaq: MDLK) to
build and manage its digital newsroom via Mediaseed™, Medialink’s
Web-based content management platform, it was announced today.
Read More
The
Veterinary News Network (VNN), a national network of veterinary reporters and
selected affiliate reporters, and a leader in the production of animal health
news stories for television, radio and print, has launched a newly designed Web
site.
Read More
Surging
innovators of digital news production solutions hire 20-year high-technology
development veteran, Mauro Dresti, to propel flagship end-to-end products.
Read More
Deliver your Video
Presentations using the LearningPortal media vending machine.
Read More
January 28, 2008
Nashville, TN, January 24, 2008 -- 615
Music, one of America’s preeminent Production Music companies, providers of
library and production music (both original and custom) for television networks
and programs, feature films, radio, commercials, on-air promos, interactive applications
and multi-media clients, is revving up its engines and starting 2008 with a
bang, producing hot new promo music for two high profile clients, and by
releasing 28 new library CD titles. 615 Music President and CEO Randy Wachtler
made the announcement.
About 615 Music’s newest work:
CLIENT:
SPEED CHANNEL
615 Music wrote and
produced the fast paced musical anthem “Be There” for SPEED Channel’s “NASCAR
on SPEED” 2008 campaign. Written by G. Barnhill, G. Kesner and R. Wachtler,
this new song was designed to aurally illustrate the high energy, excitement
and fully immersive NASCAR experience on SPEED. “Be There” features Chad Harris
on lead vocals, with SPEED CHANNEL’s Creative Director Dusty Schmidt and Paul
Wilson also contributing to this campaign.
Glenn Kesner, whose
branding agency Auracana led the campaign for SPEED, said, “615 Music really
rocked one out of the raceway with this highly memorable musical theme that
connects all the energy and emotion of what ‘NASCAR ON SPEED’ is all about.
Many race fans will be heading to SPEED in 2008 thanks, in part, to Randy
Wachtler and the folks at 615 Music.”
CLIENT: KNBC, LOS
ANGELES
For the TV station KNBC,
Los Angeles, 615 Music contributed the new
promotional tune “We’re 4 L.A.”
Ginger Zumaeta, Vice President, Advertising and Promotion, for KNBC-TV,
requested from 615 Music a song that viewers in South
California could relate to, while simultaneously delivering a
young, alternative and fresh feel.� 615 Music’s “We’re 4 L.A.” tune
reflects the high energy and fun Southern California lifestyle, giving Randy
Newman’s classic pop tune “I Love L.A.” a run for its money!� The images
in the accompanying KNBC video promo of “We’re 4 L.A.” depict a cross-section of Californians
actively enjoying their city and their lives.� “We’re 4 L.A.” was written by G. Barnhill, R. Wachtler
and G. Zumaeta, with lead vocals by J. Skorik.
ABOUT 615 MUSIC’S NEW
LIBRARY TITLES:
From the 615 Platinum Series:
SFL-1168
– “Modern Pop-R&B:” Urban influenced pop music that designed to make the
listener groove or bring him to his feet.
SFL-1167
– “1950’s Popular Styles:” Classic, 1950s-styled popular music with that
nostalgic sound�and spirit that everyone will remember.
SFL-1166
– “Alternative Rock Vol. 3 (With and Without Vocals):” Contemporary Alt Rock
with and without vocals.
SFL-1165—“I-Team
Investigative Vol. 3:”� News promo music beds for every occasion, from
inviting human drama, to investigative, to breaking news.
SFL-1164 – “Indie Acoustic:”
Features acoustic driven, adult alternative music with and without vocals.
Songs are from David Cleveland, veteran composer and musician for 615 Music,
and performances by other well-known and respected musicians such as Matthew
Burgess (percussionist,) Mike Childers (drummer,) and Danny Olannerghty
(bassist.)
SFL-1163—“Hip
Hop/Rap Vol. 2.:” This new release offers authentic hip hop and rap tracks as
real as it gets.
SFL-1162—“Yuletide
Spirit, Vol 4.:” Classic and original holiday and Christmas favorites, both
traditional and modern.
From the Scoring Stage Series:
SS-011 – “Epic Drama:” Orchestral film scores that
tip their hat to the award winning epic films of the recent past.
SS-010 – “Fantasy and Children’s Adventure:” Fun,
adventurous orchestral music that brings to life the magic inside a child’s
imagination.
SS-009
– “Magic and Mayhem:” An impressive variety of “larger than life” orchestral
cues from mysterious and magical to chaotic mayhem.
SS-008
– “Light Drama:” Pushing orchestral drama on the lighter side of desperate.
SS-007 – “Rock Orchestra:” Cinematic heavy rock blended
with dramatic orchestral elements.
SS-006 -- “Explosive
Percussion:” Features an atomically charged and eruptive raging torrent of
percussion power.
From the Promo
Accelerator Series:
PA-017 – “Drums and
Percussion:”� A broad assortment of rhythmic instruments and dynamic beats
to get toes tapping.
PA – 016 – “Alt Rock
#3:” Promo Accelerator’s new Alt Rock title delivers a pulsing, raging
alternative rock set with drums, bass and in-your-face power chords.
From the Music Shop
Library:
EM-5252
– “African Perfumes:” An invitation to travel, inducing the listener to wander
along a rhythmic path of African atmospheres.
EM-5251—“Hip Hop
Philosophy: This title offers a full set of laid back urban beats featuring
male and female vocals.
EM-5250�
- “Piano and Co.:” Soothing arrangements of positive and lively instrumental duets
featuring the piano.
From the 615 Song
Catalog Series:
SEC-022—“Cary Cooper:” A
fun and whimsical set from award winning songwriter Cary Cooper.
From
the Kingsize Series:
KSM-038 – “Windfall:” A subtle, groovy
collection of acoustic guitar landscapes,with a few rough edges left in for
that "real feel."
KSM-037 –“Polkas and Tangos:” Earthy, passionate and
sometimes quirky -- hoist your beer stein or your Buenos Aires Baby. Who
doesn't love an accordion
KSM-036 – “Makeover:” The perfect “underscore” for
“overhaul.”� Music to make-over your home, body, spirit, and mind -- the
soundtrack of beauty, décor, fitness, fashion, and attitude adjustment.�
KSM-035 – “Motion:” Juicy, hybrid cues incorporating
ethnic, techno, and jazz elements -- perfect for underscore requiring a sense
of movement.
From
the Metro Music Library:
MMP-083 -- “Drama/Danger 3:” Offering an
escalating level of tension and violence, from moderate generic drama to high
anxiety and action.� A mix of current techno pallete and orchestral and
sound design elements -- perfect for dramatic promos, teasers, trailers, extreme
action, and sports.
MMP-084 -- “Too Funky:” So funky it
hurts!� A mix of extreme R&B, funk, hip hop, and urban dance grooves
with all the bells and whistles of TV production.� Hooky riffs, stabby
horn licks, and bluesy melodic licks generate just the right level of
high-energy fun.� Grooves that just won’t quit entertaining!
From
the AMP Library:
AMP-030 – “Laid Back 5:” Tracks which bring peace and
harmony to any production. Pure, mellow and soft with a crystal clear
sound.� Relaxed and meditative backgrounds; warm, yet positive and
peaceful.
AMP-029 – “Positive Drive 6:” Positive minded, suitable for
life-style and trendy productions. The music is timeless as well as modern,
with styles like R&B, funk, jazz, rock, and slightly techno.
From
the ZEN Library:
“ZEN-011:” Delicate & classy
piano with jazzy drums & soft bass.
ABOUT 615
MUSIC:
Founded
by president/CEO Randy Wachtler in Nashville,
Tenn., in 1984,
615
Music is a multi-award winning, full-service music development, recording,
post-production and sound design company with clients that include broadcast
and cable television networks and programs, local market TV stations, radio
stations and syndicates, advertising agencies, and filmmakers, among
others.�
615’s
client roster is comprised of virtually every major broadcast and cable
television network, including ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, PBS, MSNBC, HBO Worldwide,
A&E, HGTV, The History Channel, The Family Channel, Discovery, and CMT.
Additionally, the company has written and produced musical themes and
promotions used within, and to promote, numerous television series and shows.
These have included “The Today Show,” “Live with Regis and Kelly,” The
Discovery Channel, “Frasier,” ABC Sports College Football, and PBS’s “Nova.”
In
Fall 2007, 615 Music acquired the renowned Metro Music library. As a result,
615 Music now has 10 production libraries and well over 500 CDS worth of music
available to its clients. The combined 615 Music & Metro Music libraries
are 615 "Gold" and “Platinum” Collections; 615 Song Library; AMP;
Kingsize NYC; Metro Music; Music Shop; Music Gallery; Promo Accelerator;
Scoring Stage Film & TV; and ZEN.
Internationally,
615 Music also enjoys a worldwide presence. The company’s various libraries are
currently being distributed to over 30 countries via its sub-publishers. In
addition, 615 Music has written and produced a great deal of original music
work for clients based in India,
Germany, and the U.K.
Among
615 Music’s numerous awards is a National Emmy for the memorable theme the
company created for A&E’s acclaimed “Biography” series. For the past two
years in a row, 615 Music was also Emmy Award nominated for “Best Original
Song” for two songs the company wrote and produced for NBC’s “The Today
Show”—those songs were entitled “Live for Today” and “It’s a New Day, Today.”
615 Music is located at 1030 16th
Ave South, Nashville, TN, 37212.
The
company’s phone number is 615/244-6515 and its new website can be accessed via www.615music.com
###
Contact:
Dan
Harary
Asbury
Communications PR
Beverly Hills, CA
310/859-1831
asburypr@aol.com
Read More
January 25, 2008
Live Newsgathering Solution Enables
Streaming of Breaking News via Broadband
Read More
January 25, 2008
Carlisle,
PA, January 21, 2008 – RF Central, a leading digital microwave
technology provider, is pleased to offer the new RFX-PMR-II portable
digital receiver.� The receiver is
available in both SD and full HD configuration. The rugged unit offers exceptional
performance for portable links and is designed for easy and quick set-up for
ENG and field applications. In addition, it is weather resistant
for broadcasts during adverse climate conditions.
Accommodating FCC channel plans in
conjunction with the BAS Relocation Project, the PMR-II offers manual or
pre-set channels with tuning in 0.25MHz steps. The unit is capable of receiving
frequencies between 1.990 and 2.500GHz. When configured for HD, the PMR-II
supports 1080i and 720p formats in addition to SD modes. Demodulation modes
include QPSK, 16 QAM and 64 QAM with auto detection. �
“Today’s broadcast industry calls for
products that offer rugged durability and extreme portability, both of which
are featured within the PMR-II,” says RF Central CEO Jeff Winemiller.
In addition, Winemiller says the PMR-II
is available at a very critical time. “With many stations still in the midst of
completing BAS relocation, the PMR-II is a receiver that meets today’s SD
criteria, while also providing a clear path for migration to full HD whenever
the customer is ready.”
The PMR-II’s MSRP is $29,650 and is
upgradeable to HD for an additional charge of $6,000. For more information on
the PMR-II, call 1-866-732-0113 or visit www.rfcentral.com.
About RF Central
RF Central, LLC manufactures and supplies state-of-the-art
microwave equipment to television broadcast and government customers throughout
the
United States.�
As one of the premier suppliers of broadcast equipment required to complete the
2GHz BAS transition, RF Central has grown from a few employees in 2005 to over
60 full-time dedicated professionals today.� Located in
Carlisle,
PA,
RF Central also provides specialized integration, installation, and engineering
services.� RF Central is marked by its unique qualifications within the
industry, its focus on customer service and its dedication to expanding and
improving the terrestrial microwave options available to customers. RF Central,
along with Nucomm, Inc. and Microwave Service Company, form the Vitec Group RF
Systems business unit, part of Vitec Group Broadcast Systems Division.�For
more information, visit www.rfcentral.com.
About The Vitec Group
The Vitec Group supplies a wide range of equipment and
services to the broadcasting, entertainment and photographic industries. Its
products are distributed in nearly 100 countries, either through dealerships or
direct to the end user or corporate customer. Vitec is based on strong, well
known, premium brands that professionals rely on. Vitec is organized in three
divisions: Imaging & Staging, Broadcast Systems and Broadcast Services. For
more information, visit www.vitecgroup.com.
# # #
For further
information contact:
Allison Gayne
D. Pagan Communications, Inc.
Tel: 631-659-2309, ext.21
Fax: 631-659-2310
E-mail:
allisong@dpagan.com
Web:
www.dpagan.com
Read More
January 22, 2008
KABB debuts 3-D on-air traffic reports to
pinpoint delays and predict travel times.
Read More
January 22, 2008
January 21, 2008, HUNTSVILLE,
Ala. – Baron Services is proud to introduce the Baron Tornado Index™, the
most revolutionary tornado detection technology to become available in the last
five years.
Read More
January 22, 2008
Denver, CO
(December 4, 2007) - The Veterinary News Network (VNN) today announced several
new additions to its Advisory Board.
Read More
January 15, 2008
January 15, 2008
HUNTSVILLE,
AL – KELO-TV,
based in
Sioux Falls,
South
Dakota, recently replaced one of their three Doppler radars with
the first Guardian weather radar in the upper
Midwest.
Guardian, a megawatt dual-polarization broadcast radar from Baron Services, is
the most powerful broadcast radar in existence, featuring 256 color levels,
high resolution and hydrometeor classification. KELO-TV is the seventh
television station in the country to implement Baron’s elite polarimetric
technology. Headquartered in
Huntsville,
Ala., Baron Services has
installed every dual-polarization radar for broadcast in the world to date.
Read More
January 10, 2008
BOSTON, MA, Thursday, January 10, 2008� –
National Ministry of Design, the broadcast design firm responsible for the
recent redesign of The CBS Early Show, has just taken its design and branding
expertise international by redesigning Mexican network TV Azteca.
Read More
January 9, 2008
RENO, NV, January 8, 2008 –
New Years revelers who rang in 2008 from the comfort of their own homes
received a larger-than-life perspective of Nevada’s annual “New Year's Eve
Celebrations” party as KRNV-TV News 4 took its decade
long history of live coverage to new heights by broadcasting it in full HD using
an array of RF Central microwave equipment.
Read More
January 9, 2008
Kfar Saba,
Israel – January 8, 2008 - Orad Hi-Tec Systems Limited (Symbol: OHT) announces
that in response to strong demand for its broadcast graphics, virtual
studio and sport solutions and in preparation for an anticipated further
increase in demand for its products in 2008, the company is strengthening
its North America sales and operations teams.
Read More
January 7, 2008
Bitcentral's
Precis end-to-end digital newsroom solution goes live at three television news
stations in a single day; complete installations in three
weeks
Read More
It’s the ultimate
compliment for Devlin Design Group – and the ultimate new set for New England
Cable News.� VP of News Charles Kravetz
is unabashedly enthusiastic about the design and quality of their new DDG set.
Read More...
Local radio and television stations in almost every market in the
United States have adopted Non-Stop Music’s custom and syndicated News Music Packages.
Read More...
Bay News 9 recently delivered viewers in
Tampa Bay,
Fla. their first look at dual-polarimetric radar technology from Baron Services. The station is proud to offer their viewers increased weather detail, higher resolution imaging and the enhanced accuracy of Baron’s leading radar system.
Read More...
Dallas, TX – November 26, 2007 – As part of its recent launch, FOX Business Network (FBN) commissioned Stephen Arnold Music to give its news programming an unmistakable musical signature. The award-winning Dallas-based music production company was tasked to develop a sonic brand and all music themes, with the goal of establishing a strong aural identity for FBN that would translate through all day parts and cross-platform branding. Read More...
THE WASHINGTON D.C. CONVENTION CENTER, BOOTH # 430, NOVEMBER 14-16—Ikegami, the world-leading manufacturer of high-quality broadcast production solutions, is exhibiting a wide range of leading-edge products and technologies vital to the needs of public-sector video and television professionals at Government Video Technology Expo (“GV Tech Expo”) 2007, at the Washington DC Convention Center.
“Government video professionals are keenly interested in leading-edge high-definition television production technologies,” observes Alan Keil, VP and Director of Engineering for Ikegami. “These include cameras that leverage the advantages of the latest CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductors) imagers for native multi-format HD video capture, reduced power consumption, and high-speed imaging capabilities. Tapeless HD portable cameras are also very important in public-sector videography, and Ikegami—which pioneered tapeless portable camcorder technology more than a decade ago—has had great success in this market. Tapeless HD will be of major interest at the GV Tech Expo, as will multi-purpose HD ‘box’ cameras, and space-saving LCD HD monitors. In addition to these, high-quality standard-definition portable cameras also continue to be heavily utilized by government video professionals.”
Responding to these areas of vital interest, Ikegami’s GV Tech Expo 2007 exhibit will feature an historic addition to the Ikegami product line: the new HDK-79EC HD Multi-format CMOS camera system. Employing three 2/3-inch 2.5 Mega-pixel specified CMOS imaging sensors to achieve supreme picture quality and multi-format HD performance, the HDK-79EC’s 1920H x 1080V active-pixel CMOS sensors are the first of their kind in the television industry and are switchable between interlace and progressive readout modes. Providing a full 16:9 aspect ratio, the HDK-79EC’s CMOS sensors provide: 1080/60i, 1080/24p, and 720/60p. Also available are optional 50Hz formats, 1080/50i and 720/50p, and high-speed dual-link 1080/60p, and for Super Slow Motion, 720/120p.
In addition to also employing three multi-format CMOS HD imagers, Ikegami’s HDN-X10 EditcamHD tapeless camcorder is the first to use Avid's high quality DNxHD high-quality mastering codec to deliver HD resolution, full-raster (1920 by 1080) images that can be edited on laptop and desktop systems in real time. The DNxHD codec is an open system that can be licensed for free, ensuring viability far into the future.
The HDN-X10 EditcamHD currently employs a data rate of 145 Mbps (Megabits per second) to provide 1080/60i, 1080/24p, and 720/60p recording and playback using removable hard disk FieldPak2 or solid state RAMPak recording media. Ikegami's new 160 GB FieldPak2 provides over 2 hours of HD recording time. FieldPak2 and RAMPak media can be mounted and edited immediately without the need for digitizing or transcoding. Handy features of Ikegami’s HDN-X10 include Retroloop (so videographers never miss a shot), Intelligent Recording (which enables the camera to automatically record to available media space), and Timelapse Recording.
Government video professionals have many unique technology needs, and among these are the use of high-quality HD cameras for image capture in inaccessible locations. Ikegami meets this challenge with its new HDL-45 and HDL-45P one-piece full-digital HD “box” cameras. Featuring advanced 14-bit analog-to-digital conversion, the HDL-45 and HDL-45P deliver superb 1080i and 720p HD image-capture, respectively, and are designed for use in such locations as traffic and weather-cam mounts, goalposts, track-side or other out-of-reach vantage points. With matching picture quality and compatibility with the same control panels as their studio camera counterparts, these box cameras integrate perfectly for flash camera, newsroom, control room, and other unmanned camera positions. Both cameras also feature a built-in servo-filter that enables insertion of a neutral density or other filters by remote control—an especially important feature for use in inaccessible installations.
Capturing the highest quality HD video from great heights is also the purpose of Ikegami’s new HDL-F50 multi-format CMOS camera, which is designed to meet the size requirements for gyro-stabilized aerial camera mounts, such as the “ball” mounts used on helicopters. The HDL-F50’s one-piece, space-saving design minimizes the number of camera input and output signals, simplifying signal transportation and allowing a gyro-stabilized ball mount to transmit camera signals with a minimum of slip rings. The HDL-F50’s CMOS imager features low power consumption and provides multi-format 1080i or 720p HD image capture.
In addition to its long history of making innovative cameras, Ikegami is also well known for uncompromising quality in video monitors. The latest examples of this excellence are Ikegami’s LCD-based HD and SD monitors. These include the HLM-2400 Wide Full HD 24-inch 16:9 LCD monitor, the HLM-910R Multi-format HD/SD 9-inch LCD monitor, and the HLM-1710WR 17-inch Multi-format LCD color monitors. All save space, are lightweight, and are low in power consumption. Compatible with all HDTV and SDTV formats, the HLM-2400, HLM-1710WR, and HLM-910R are well-suited to video security and surveillance facilities, mobile production vehicles, and all other environments in which space-saving, color-accurate, high-performance color video monitoring are a necessity.
For outstanding mobility, the HLM-910R is Ikegami’s high-end 8.4-inch HDTV LCD color monitor with TFT LCD display. Suitable for mobile or field operation, the HLM-910R can be mounted in a 19-inch rack with a two-monitor configuration. In the field, the HLM-910P is a lightweight accessory that videographers can depend on for accurate HD/SD multi-format video monitoring. Ikegami also offers a wide variety of rack-mountable color LCD NTSC/PAL video monitors to suit the many display needs of government video professionals.
As noted earlier in this press release, high-quality SDTV portable cameras continue to be heavily utilized by government video professionals. Addressing this market is the lightweight and ergonomically advanced Ikegami HL-65W DSP portable camera for outstanding performance and sophisticated features in today’s digital video production environments. Equipped with advanced digital signal processing ICs, the HL-65W’s video signals are digitized with 14-bit A/D conversion and up to 38-bit internal digital processing. This delivers superb high-quality pictures with excellent S/N ratio during all operating conditions because processing such as white shading, gamma, and DTL (detail) are all performed digitally. Delivering improved color reproduction in low light areas. In addition, newly developed AIT (Advanced Interline Transfer) CCDs offer high sensitivity of f 11 and very low smear level of minus 135dB.
Visit Ikegami during GV Expo Tech 2007 at Booth # 430 at the Washington DC Convention Center.
For more information and the Regional Office nearest you, call Ikegami’s Maywood NJ headquarters at 201-368-9171 or visit www.Ikegami.com.
Ikegami–“Tapeless Wireless Seamless.”
Ikegami Electronics is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of high-quality professional broadcast equipment. Ikegami offers a broad range of TV cameras for ENG, EFP, Studio, HDTV, CCTV and Medical Imaging. Ikegami products have received various Emmy Awards for Engineering Excellence. The company’s universal High Definition TV cameras have been widely accepted by the broadcast industry as it continues the change over to the High Definition Television Format.
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Richmond, Virginia-based WTVR-TV, the CBS affiliate owned by Raycom Media has chosen JVC’s GY-HD250s as the station’s primary studio cameras. Equipped with JVC’s KA-HD250 studio adapters, the GY-HD250s are used for the station’s main news production studio and for the Virginia Lottery production studio.
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“With the Canobeam DT-130, these two geographically split facilities might as well be in the same building on adjacent floors,”
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Includes Special Themed Installments for Olympics and Elections
Dallas, TX – November 6, 2007 – Prepping its partners for a headline-making 2008, Stephen Arnold Music, an internationally acclaimed music production company serving the television, film, advertising and video game industries, has created a multi-volume release schedule for its popular Box of Rocks promo music library.
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Revolutionary HDK-79EC Native Multi-Format CMOS HDTV Camera Systems
Capture Boston Playoffs and Games One and Two of the 2007 World Series
MAYWOOD, NEW JERSEY, November 1, 2007—Every October, baseball fans throughout the world are captivated by the intensity of the Major League Baseball playoffs and World Series. This year, as the Boston Red Sox captured their second championship in four years, F&F Productions LLC was there throughout the team’s run to the title, capturing the drama at Fenway Park with Ikegami HDK-79EC Native Multi-Format CMOS HDTV Camera Systems from F&F’s state-of-the-art GTX-15 mobile production unit.
“We are long-time users of Ikegami cameras, and we know that they stand behind their products,” says Bill McKechney, F&F Productions’ VP of Engineering. “From image quality to service, Ikegami performance has always been top-notch. We built the GTX-15 to be an absolutely state-of-the-art HDTV production truck. The key to achieving this objective was outfitting it with the most advanced equipment available, including Ikegami HDK-79EC cameras. The result is the delivery of ultimate picture quality.”
Ikegami’s mastery of CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) technology, which provides such advantages as reduced power consumption, multi-format HD video capture, and high-speed imaging capabilities, was an important factor in F&F’s selection of the HDK-79EC. “We feel that CMOS represents the next generation of cameras,” McKechney states. “CMOS lends itself very well to multi-standard HD, and we fully expect it will prove superior to past acquisition systems.”
An historic addition to the Ikegami product line, the HDK-79EC employs three 2/3-inch 2.5 Mega-pixel specified CMOS imaging sensors to achieve supreme picture quality and multi-format HD performance. These 1920H x 1080V active-pixel CMOS sensors are the first of their kind in the broadcast television industry and are switchable between interlace and progressive readout modes. Providing a full 16:9 aspect ratio, the HDK-79EC’s CMOS sensors provide: 1080/60i, 1080/24p, and 720/60p. Also available are optional 50Hz formats, 1080/50i and 720/50p, and high-speed dual-link 1080/60p, and for Super Slow Motion, 720/120i.
Incorporating Ikegami’s sophisticated Chip C4 ASIC video processing technology, the HDK-79EC Native Multi-Format CMOS HDTV Camera System can be configured to use with either triax or SMPTE fiber cable. Additional system components include the CCU-790A full-digital camera control unit with built-in broadcast down-converter and the CB-79HD/TA-79HD Triax Adaptor System.
Additionally, F&F has been very pleased with the performance of the HDK-79EC’s Ikegami nine-inch 16:9 color LCD viewfinder, which features an especially wide viewing angle and low lag, which is critical for the viewfinder application. “This LCD viewfinder has all the controls our camera operators require, and allows them to set up as they would like to,” McKechney explains. “We’ve gotten a lot of positive feedback from our operators about the Ikegami viewfinder.”
In addition to its Ikegami HDK-79EC HD Native Multi-Format CMOS Camera Systems, the GTX-15 truck – which is capable of accommodating up to 24 cameras with three complete video positions – is also equipped with two Ikegami HDL-50 compact full digital HD cameras for POV shots and Ikegami HLM-1710WR and HLM-2200 Multi-Format HD LCD monitors. The GTX-15 was stationed in Boston for all Red Sox home playoff games, including games six and seven of their thrilling come-from-behind victory over the Cleveland Indians, and games one and two of their World Series sweep of the Colorado Rockies.
This was F&F’s third time covering the World Series. The company’s production schedule includes many other major sporting events, including the U.S. Open, where F&F’s newest mobile unit, the GTX-15, debuted in September. F&F also covers major entertainment events that require state-of-the-art HD images. “HDTV has become the standard for sports and entertainment production because of the amazing detail of the picture,” says Connie Vizaro, VP of Sales. “HD sports was the first television production area to showcase the new technology, but as more and more HD displays are in the home, other events are demanding the quality of HD as well. Every one of our mobile units carries Ikegami HDTV cameras because they are reliable, durable, and produce fantastic images.”
Ikegami Electronics (U.S.A.), Inc. is a leading supplier of professional broadcasting products in the Western Hemisphere. With U.S. offices in New Jersey, California, Florida, Texas, and Illinois, the Ikegami name is recognized worldwide for its state-of-the-art television cameras and closed-circuit TV equipment. Ikegami’s universal High Definition TV cameras have been widely accepted by the broadcast industry as it continues the transition to the High Definition Television Format.
Ikegami—“Tapeless Wireless Seamless”
For more information and the location of the Regional Office nearest you, call Ikegami’s Maywood NJ headquarters at 201-368-9171 or visit www.Ikegami.com.
For more information on F&F Productions, LLC call F&F headquarters at 727-535-6776 or visit www.fandfproductions.com or e mail conniev@fandfproductions.com
Product or service names mentioned herein are the trademarks of their respective owners.
For Further information:
Teri Zastrow: 201-368-9171
Tzastrow@Ikegami.com
Brian McKernan: 516-829-0404 Bmckernan@marcommgroup.com
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C100 Produces Pristine Audio While Maximizing Station’s Efficiency
JOHNSTON, IA—
Iowa Public TV, Iowa’s statewide public broadcasting network providing more than one million viewers with entertainment, has acquired two
Solid State Logic C100 HD Digital Broadcast Consoles for production on hit shows including Iowa Press and Market to Market. Iowa Public TV expects to go live with the C100s by the end of the year.
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October 18, 2007
Clear Channel’s Leading News Talker Takes Online Video to New Level
WASHINGTON, D.C., (Oct. 11, 2007) -- In a groundbreaking online video product development, LA’s KFI-AM 640 has become the first radio station in the United States to create and broadcast its own one hour video newscast, a “vodcast,” for its online audience at www.kfi640.com. Integrated with AP video and breaking news service, “Handel on the News” vodcast is hosted by Bill Handel and produced exclusively for KFI’s Web site. It features Bill Handel and his morning crew delivering daily commentary with compelling AP Video and copy to make the newscast visually appealing. Each day’s edition can be viewed online beginning at 11a.m. PST.
“The Handel on the News Vodcast is getting a great reception from our listeners,” says Robin Bertolucci, KFI-AM program director. “We're excited to see where this project will lead us, and we're delighted to partner with AP. With their online video service we’re able to seamlessly integrate pictures and video to magically transform us from a radio show to a multimedia extravaganza."
About The AP
The Associated Press is the essential global news network, delivering fast, unbiased news from every corner of the world to all media platforms and formats. Founded in 1846, AP today is the largest and most trusted source of independent news and information. On any given day, more than half the world's population sees news from AP. www.ap.org
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Contact:
Roger Lockhart, 202-736-1145, rlockhart@ap.org
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October 18, 2007
With Look and Feel of Premier 950 CD Broadcast Quality Collection on the Web, Top Online Library Upgrades for Improved Speed & Flexibility
SALT LAKE CITY, October 2007– Online music searches have reached a new level of speed and efficiency with CUEgle.com V2.0 (www.CUEgle.com) from Non-Stop Music. The most sophisticated online music library yet, the newest version of CUEgle.com makes it even easier for Radio Producers and other on-air creatives as well as other media professionals to search and license Non-Stop Music’s vast library of over 950 CD’s with more than 38,000 tracks, that includes dedicated News Sound Packages - designed specifically for those at radio.
Since its launch in 2005, CUEgle has provided a highly advanced music search and download engine that combines the look and feel of a physical CD collection with the quick search capabilities and instant gratification of an online library. Now with CUEgle.com V2.0, search and download functionality has been vastly improved to give users a faster, more efficient, user-friendly experience.
Visitors to CUEgle.com V2.0 find a well- designed, and user-friendly interface waiting for them once they log on. Large images of the colorful CD covers for each collection, marked by easily identifiable names such as “Action Premier 1,” “Suspense 4,” “Tenor Sax Quartet – Bossa Nova,” can be clicked on to reveal track title and length along with a brief description. Each MP3 or .WAV file can be fully previewed and downloaded straight to the user’s desktop, where it can then be easily inserted into any project. If the user chooses to use the track, the usual blanket or needle drop licenses apply.
“We created CUEgle.com V2.0 to reshape music searches from the ground up and make the process more intuitive, effective and enjoyable,” says Randy Thornton, COO of Non-Stop Music (www.nonstopmusic.com). “After almost two years online, the industry agrees: searching for, finding and downloading the ideal music cuts has been thoroughly optimized by CUEgle.com. Now, with CUEgle Version 2.0, is revolutionizing web-based music searches yet again.”
The next generation of the CUEgle.com experience is further enhanced by advanced search capabilities. Twenty-eight top-level categories from “Atmospheric Chillout” to “Country & Western” and “Kitsch Retro Lounge” help speed up searches. Users can also easily narrow or broaden their music searches with keywords. In addition, Non-Stop’s expert music consultants are available 24 hours a day/seven days a week to make suggestions regarding the Non-Stop library, made up entirely of original music composed, arranged and recorded at Non-Stop’s L.A. East sound-stage in Salt Lake City.
Organization and workflow are also a strong suit of CUEgle.com. Music supervisors managing one or more large-scale productions will appreciate the “Projects” section, which allows them to keep multiple music cues in project folders specifically designated for that project.
To streamline the review and approval process, users and their clients can view each other’s project folders, saving them the bandwidth strain of moving multiple audio files back and forth via email.
Highlights of the CUEgle.com V2.0 upgrade includes a wealth of new features, including:
File flexibility -- users can now decide which type of file they wish to download: MP3 (256k) or .WAV. Users selecting .WAV can download the files either from the Non-Stop Server, or from a hard drive that resides at the client's location.
Improved Graphical User Interface -- CUEgle V2.0 has a more pleasing look and design.
Three selectable players – Users can select to use Flash, Microsoft Media Player, and QuickTime players. All three have rewind, fast-forward and scanning capability.
Smoother online collaboration -- Users can more easily share and work on joint projects together. They no longer have to export xml files and email them, but instead can choose to let other users view specific project folders.
Space-efficient onscreen song descriptions -- Previously, when a particular song had a lengthy description, much of the page was taken up just by showing that one description. With CUEgle V2.0, the entire description is still available and searchable in the database, but users have the option of having a finite number of characters show up on the screen or including the entire description.
Enhanced key word search -- CUEgle V2.0’s keyword searches are more thorough than ever before.
Refined macro search -- In CUEgle V2.0, users who select a macro button will see that the "All libraries per category" scroll-down menu reconfigures itself, automatically presenting only the catalogs that have relevant material available. This allows the user to further refine their search in a particular library for a particular macro genre.
Complete publishing data -- All publishing information is now available on every track in the system.
Faster artwork downloads -- Once the initial cover artwork is stored in each user's cache, the system runs faster than the previous CUEgle. (CUEgle was already the fastest running search/download system in the library world, now it is even faster!)
More information -- The login screen will have a news area where Non-Stop will post breaking news, promotional offers, helpful hints, etc.
“The speed and efficiency of CUEgle makes it one of the most valuable music search assets available to media professionals today,” Randy Thornton says. “With CUEgle V2.0, the capabilities of this uniquely powerful system have been heightened significantly. We’re extremely proud to announce this important upgrade so that users can search, preview and download more effectively than ever before.”
About Non-Stop Music
For the past 25 years, Non-Stop Music have been providing original music and world-renowned fully administered library selections to the professional world of movies, TV shows, commercials, trailers, radio – in fact to anyone who needs quality music that fits just right.
From the company’s HQ in the glorious countryside of Salt Lake City complete with it’s state-of-the-art recording complex – LA East and offices in New York, LA and London along with affiliates offices throughout Europe, Australia, Asia and the Near and Far East, Non-Stop Music are the most influential music production and licensing company in the world - a world where their music can be heard everywhere.
Media Contact:
Kevin Fetterplace at Mojo Working International
(001) 646 359 3961
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October 18, 2007
ORLANDO, Fla. — Veteran television news expert Bill Brown has joined FX Group as creative director.
Brown will contribute his extensive production knowledge to FX's award-winning set design projects, including on-site service and consultations focused on maximizing storytelling and flexibility.
"With Bill, FX will be creating the next generation of sets," said Mack McLaughlin, FX's CEO. "Bill's work makes sets come alive and change hour to hour and day to day as the news warrants," McLaughlin said.
The addition of Brown will also bring FX clients his extensive training experience, including Brown's signature Total Station Coaching. Brown will work directly with not only on-air talent but the producers, writers, directors, TDs, videographers, editors, studio camera operators and floor directors who support them.
This team-driven approach, which other consultants frequently ignore, is vital to ensure effective training with obvious benefits that last.
"Take, for example, the coach who tells an anchor team to pick up the pace by 'jumping the cue,' that is, coming in faster at the ends of each other's reads," said Brown.
"Unless that coach also meets with the production team to adjust show timing changes, directors' punches and studio crew cueing changes, jumping the cue will have your team jumping off a cliff before the end of the A block," Brown explained.
In addition, FX will give stations proven strategies to create, design, build, launch and promote a winning brand that connects emotionally with viewers.
With the addition of Brown to its industry-leading team, FX is now the only design firm offering its clients a full time studio integrator with more than 30 years of studio experience in more than 200 television stations and networks worldwide.
FX clients will benefit from Brown's extensive experience in the television industry, which includes newscast directing, producing and promotion work at stations in Washington, D.C. and Raleigh, N.C. Brown also holds the distinction of being the consulting industry's first full-time promotion and marketing specialist.
Brown has a long history of collaborating with FX, including work at WCPO-TV in Cincinnati as well as projects at WSMV-TV in Nashville, Tenn., WEWS-TV in Cleveland and CBS owned and operated affiliate KTVT-TV in Dallas.
Brown joins FX from The Coaching Company, which he co-founded and spent 22 years at as its CEO and lead creative consultant.
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MICHAEL P. HILL
Marketing and Web Manager
FX Group
922 N. Lakewood Ave. Ocoee, FL 34761
T 407-573-0522 (direct)
T 407-877-9600 ext. 322 (switchboard)
F 407-877-9894
C 407-373-9253
mhill@fxgroup.tv
WWW.FXGROUP.TV Read More
October 10, 2007
Distinct Musical Notes Themed to Encompass Network’s Programming Pillars
Dallas, TX – October 8, 2007 – Demonstrating that music is equally important to visual clarity in drawing viewers to television, HDNet recently tapped Stephen Arnold Music to develop a sonic brand for the high-definition network. The Dallas-based music production company, with a rich history in developing the successful sonic brands for networks, television stations, advertising agencies, film and video game companies worldwide, was asked to develop an aural logo that could be incorporated into several key branding components.
The Stephen Arnold Music team rose to the challenge by immediately reviewing HDNet’s needs, programming and core audience demographics to gain perspective on the music choices that would resonate the most with viewers.
“They wanted a very distinctive sound… a set of notes that could work naturally in indie and alternative rock style songs,” said Stephen Arnold. "We had to deliver a series of tones that could get to the heart of HDNet, do it quickly and—most of all—do it in a way that would work across multiple genres.”
The resulting aural logo is a versatile, five-note riff now used by HDNet in a variety of musical themes encompassing the network’s six programming pillars: News and Documentaries, Original Programs, Acclaimed Series, Sports, Music and Movies.
About HDNet
HDNet (www.hd.net) provides viewers wi
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