New AV Nation Podcast – Live Life, Episode One

This past week, I was invited on to the first episode of one of AV Nation’s latest podcast, The Live Life. Don’t let the title throw you, Too Many Mikes.  We talked about Media Servers and projection technologies for the entertainment industry. The title came from having three Mikes on the podcast.  We joked around before we started recording and the name stuck! Here is a synopsis of what we talked about.

On this the very first episode of Live Life host George Tucker, Mike Fahl of Dataton SE, Micheal Bridwell of Digital Projection, Mike Postupak of Perspective and Justin Lang of PLSN  discuss the dramatic changes Media Servers and projection geometry have had on the event staging industry.  We have a question and answer session on how first time and independent companies can start to work with these systems and debate just how to make a certification and education program for image mapping skills.

On the podcast was, Host: George Tucker with Guests Mike Fahl, Micheal Bridwell, Mike Postupak, and yours truly, Justin Lang. You can check out the podcast here or subscribe to the podcast through iTunes.

Martin Releases New P3-200 System Controller for LED Screens

The P3-200 System Controller is a new addition to Martin Professional’s P3 System Controller family for LED screens. It combines all the celebrated features of Martin’s advanced P3-100 video signal controller yet adds SD-SDI, HD-SDI and 3G-SDI input capability for optimized use in TV/broadcast environments.

The P3-200 retains all the advantages of the P3-100 System Controller like built-in scaling and de-interlacing, multiple video protocol and resolution support, built-in graphical user interface, and direct DMX control of brightness, color, pixel mapping and more. It works with all Martin LED display systems (LC Series with P3 Upgrade Kit, LC Plus Series and EC Series) and is software and show file compatible with the P3-100 System Controller.

Martin P3 controllers allow full integration with lighting control via DMX512. Users can finally treat LED screens like lighting instruments with direct cue-by-cue control of brightness, image rotation and position, color temperature – and more. P3 System Controllers give full control over the video signal before the image is displayed on screen, and all at 16-bit color depth per color for perfect image quality without artifacts.

P3 System Controllers cover a wide variety of video input, enabling all possible video sources to be fed into Martin LED screens including composite video, S-Video, component video, DVI-D, SD-SDI, HD-SDI, 3G-SDI and even video straight off your desktop.

For more information, visit www.martin.com.

Barco Releases Digital Cinema Projector Designed For Post-Production

Barco has announced the commercial release of its DP2K-P, a digital cinema projector specifically designed for the needs of the post-production community. Featuring a greatly expanded color gamut, superior contrast, exceptional brightness uniformity and specialized post-production software, the DP2K-P effortlessly meets the stern performance demands of post-production houses as well as the review room requirements outlined in the DCI specification.

Barco’s new DP2K-P projector elaborates on the proven platform of its successful DP2K B-series, from which it adopts highly-praised benefits such as optimum light efficiency, lowest cost of ownership, and user-friendly operation. The DP2K-P integrates Texas Instruments’ 1.2” DLP Cinema® chip – a forward-looking choice for 4K compatibility. To prevent dust from intruding in the chip, the projector has been fitted with a patented, hermetically sealed enclosure, which guarantees undiminished brightness and contrast levels over the years and allows for the use of reusable air filters.

Barco’s new post-production projector comes with a special version of the company’s Communicator software package, enabling users to meticulously create and customize their 2D and 3D look-up tables. Thanks to this increased control over the color space, post-production professionals will experience an unprecedented level of accuracy.

Barco launches Rear-Projected Dome Technology and 10 Megapixel Simulation Projector

Building on the expertise gained with liquid crystal on silicon (LCoS) display technology, Barco took the next step up in projection to remain at the forefront of simulation technology in terms of projecting the most realistic imagery available. This resulted in the SIM 10 projector, which offers a 10 megapixel (4096×2400) resolution, making it the only projector of its kind currently in the market for flight training.

The SIM 10 projector is the imaging heart of another Barco innovation, the 360° rear-projected dome. Designed from the ground up by Barco, including all mechanical components and screens, the dome offers a contrast of 25:1 and an average resolution that is always better than 4 arcmin/OLP. It is a customizable design, and fits into rooms as low as 14 feet high.

AirScan & AirTouch From Coolux Technology Showed at LondonLaunch

Check out this bit of awesomeness out of London from TMB and Coolux. We are getting closer and closer to “technology” that was shown off in movies from the 80’s.  Sooner or later we’ll catch up to our selves.   Here is more about this amazing technology from TMB’s press release:

Last month’s Londonlaunch:live networking and educational event at the Saatchi Gallery in Chelsea featured interactive displays by Universal Live.  The two-day event gave UK event planners and specifiers a look at the latest “digital canvas” technology.  “Londonlaunch:live is a typically brilliantly original London idea,” says keynote speaker and London Mayor Boris Johnson.

Featured in a dedicated room at the exhibit was AirScan by coolux.  A component of coolux AirTouch technology, AirScan infrared motion sensing operates with coolux Widget Designer PRO for completely touch-free interactivity.  Full HD video presentations of any type or size can be fully controlled by the user’s arm gestures, providing a completely interactive experience.  Just a few AirTouch system features include:  Large-scale scanning range, up to 10m / 30ft.; advanced motion stabilization; dynamic gesture menu programming for unlimited menu page configurations; and much more.

See amazing clips from Londonlaunch:live at www.universal-live.com.  TMB is exclusive distributor for coolux and Pandoras Box media control systems in the UK.  Find out more at www.tmb.com/products/coolux.

Barco Announces OVL Series of LED Walls, Brighter & More Efficient

Barco is proud to announce a new line of LED-lit, DLP-based video walls with an improved LED engine. The new OVL range reaches a brightness level that is 20% higher than any competing system, without shortening the projection system’s lifetime. This makes it the most efficient LED video wall available today. The OVL video wall range is offered in 4:3 ratio, with screen sizes up to 80 inch.
Just like Barco’s 16:9 LED video walls, the new OVL series has an advanced heat management system based on liquid cooling technology, which brings the LED temperature down to the optimal level. This results in a significantly longer lifetime of the projection system, amounting to 80,000 hours of continuous operation in eco-mode – or a 35% improvement over competing video walls.

Thanks to liquid cooling, it is possible to boost the OVL’s brightness level up to 20% without shortening the system’s lifetime. This effectively makes the OVL the brightest LED-lit video wall on the market. Conversely, it is possible to prolong the system’s lifetime by lowering the brightness level. This way, Barco proves that liquid cooling is very effective in counteracting LED aging effects.

OVL video walls can save up to 30% power compared to other LED-based systems. Barco achieves this by basing the OVL’s color and brightness adjustment on smart power management, not on optical dimming.

Check out more about the OVL Series of LED walls on Barco’s website, www.barbco.com.

Barco Unveils DLP Cinema Enhanced 4K Projector

The introduction of the new Barco DP4K-32B doesn’t come as a surprise. Last month, Barco already held a live demonstration of a pre-launch version of its new DLP Cinema® Enhanced 4K projector during a visit to the company by Cinemark. This week, the official unveiling took place at a special red carpet event with live 4K screenings at Cinemark’s Festival Bay Theatre in Orlando.

Based on the 1.38” DLP Cinema® Enhanced 4K chip from Texas Instruments, Barco’s new DP4K-32B guarantees razor-sharp movie images combined with DLP Cinema®’s proven, consistent color uniformity, rich contrast and Academy Award-winning vibrant, accurate colors. In addition, the ultra-high resolution projector benefits from a first-rate optical design and superior lamp efficiency, which results in a record light output and an unmatched visual 3D experience. Finally, the new DP4K-32B also features a unique, patented cooling system, creating the coolest 4K engine in the world. This ensures unrivaled reliability and a significantly increased lifetime compared to competing products.

The top-of-the-line DP4K-32B shares the same modular platform as its DP2K sister models. Thanks to this true modular design with its easy serviceability, customers can significantly raise their uptime, while minimizing their spare parts stock and keeping their service engineers’ learning curves short. To further reduce cost of ownership, the Barco projectors feature a lamp operating cost that is up to 30% lower than our competitors, while still leading the way on light output.

Shipments of the new Barco DP4K projectors are expected to begin in early 2011, as production will ramp up in line with the availability of 4K DMD chips from Texas Instruments.

Learn more about the Barco DP 4K-32B by visiting barco’s website at www.barco.com.

Barco Introduces RLM-W8 Projector – Enter to Win One!

Barco just announced two things at the same time.  First, they are introducing the RLM-W8 projector. The projector brings the saturated colors of three-chip DLP projection to events and fixed installations, at the price of single-chip DLP technology.

With an enhanced contrast, quick and creative stacking options as well as built-in warping capabilities for curved surfaces, Barco’s RLM-W8 is a versatile choice for mid- to large-sized venues. In addition, it features blending technology to create seamless composite images across a canvas of any size. The RLM-W8 continues the RLM line’s tradition of silence as well as low energy consumption.

Second and most important thing… Barco is running a contest to win one! The RLM-W8 boasts the quality of three-chip DLP technology, native WUXGA (1920×1200) resolution and a bright 8,000 lumens light output. With native warping and edge blending capabilities, the RLM-W8 is a versatile companion for any event. What’s more – you can win one. Simply try to answer two questions. The contest runs until 1 October, and they will announce the winner on 4 October.

What are you waiting for!?! GO ENTER NOW

ArKaos Releases Media Master Express

ArKaos, the company that brought us Media Master, is pleased to announce the release of MediaMaster Express, the latest update of its media server software.

MediaMaster Express is a simple, cost effective version of ArKaos’ professional tool for creative projection and LED use within video design. It has been created especially for small theatres, clubs, shops, bar installations and freelance light designers. Anyone with a limited budget can now enjoy the results of a powerful media server at an affordable price.

ArKaos has designed MediaMaster Express to help users to set up a show and incorporate video quickly, easily and cost-effectively. There is no need for large or expensive lighting consoles. With only a small lighting desk or the basic ability of DMX or MIDI synchronization, customers can now benefit from the powerful media management and efficient media playback of MediaMaster, by choosing MediaMaster Express.

MediaMaster Express has been designed with a simplicity that makes it equally suited to both entry level users and to the more experienced technician who requires only Simple Mode use.

MediaMaster Express uses a similar method to that which made the ArKaos VJ DMX Simple Mode so popular. Just drag and drop visuals on the interface – no video recompression is needed – then assign them to DMX or MIDI triggers.

Control is via a computer keyboard – like all ArKaos products, Media Master Express is compatible with both MAC and PC – a simple DMX lighting desk or any MIDI controller compatible with your system.

The retail price of MediaMaster Express is 799 Euro, or about $990.00 USD based.  To learn more about MediaMaster Express from Arkaos, visit their web site at www.arkaos.net.

Robe: DigitalSpot 7000DT & 3000DT

Robe Lighting introduced two new lighting fixtures at LDI this year in Las Vegas, the DigialSpot 7000DT and the DigitalSpot 3000DT.  Both of these fixtures are Digital projection luminaries that not only project video images, but function as light instruments.  Robe jump head first into the digital projection market with these fixtures and touted at their booth at LDI that digital projection is the way of the future and is here and ready.

DigitalSpot 3000DT

Robe’s DigitalSpot 300DT is their first Digital Moving Light Projector that combines their REDWash (Robe Emitted Diodes) LED module and Digital Projector to create a fixture that is able not only to wash with a large amount of color choices, but also use projections.  The 3000DT emits 2.700 Ansi lumens from a single 200W projection lamp with a contrast ratio of 2,000:1.  The lamp is rated at 4,000 lamp hours and has an aspect ratio of 4:3 with an XGA resolution of 1,024×768 and can produce a full 16.7 million color palette. The DigitalSpot 3000DT in a single Road Case retails for $19,900. Learn more about the DigitalSpot 3000DT visit the product page at www.robelighting.com

DigitalSpot 7000DT

The DigitalSpot 7000DT is the second offering from Robe Lighting and offers a high output in lumens for digital projections.  The 7000DT uses a 330W lamp and emit 6,500 ANSI lumens with a contrast ratio of 2,000:1.  Each of the two LED modules use 48 Luxeon Rebel RDBW LED’s.

The 7000DT offers both DVI and SDI input/outputs to make getting video in and out of the fixture easy and efficiently with out having to worry about different connector or video signal requirements.

The 7000DT also offers web access through the fixture to provide total control and configuration of the fixture with user library management.  To learn more about the DigitalSpot 700DT, visit the product page at www.robelighting.com.

Both fixtures offer some of the standard features such as:

• 5″ TFT LCD display & Robe navigation system
• Communication with active RDM running ROBE RDMNet
• Pan movement range of 530°
• Tilt movement range of 280°
• 16 bit movement resolution
• DMX data in/out, locking 3-pin & 5-pin XLR
• 2 USB 2.0 connectors
• ArtNet: RJ45
• 4 Digital Gobo Layers for Image and Video Control
• Picture Merging effect in the field of up to 8×8 segments
• Projection onto spherical surfaces, cylindrical surfaces and angular screens
• Layer Media Control Modes (Copy, Add, Subtract, Multi, Minimum and Maximum)
• Framing Shutter Effect for creating action scripts for Images or Videos
• Digital Iris effect + 160 Masking effects
• Full digital keystone correction facilities
• Digital Strobe effect
• CMY Image and Video Colour Mixing, plus CTC (Colour Temperature Correction)
• PC or Laptop VGA or S-Video input for presentations
• Composite video or S-Video input for the onboard Graphics Engine
• DVI Input, SDI Input/output for professional Graphics Engine II
• 2 Effects Engines per Layer
• Effect synchronization
• Gobo (Image) Control Modes