Information Overdrive brought to you by Crews Control

Sony IP Live is the next generation of the Sony IP55 video over IP technology. The IP55 is a point-to-point solution that carries video and audio via a LAN connection. Sony IP Live is a software management solution that allows for multipoint to multipoint video control via a network switch.

URSA a full size production 4K camera gives the user the ability to switch camera sensors. BlackMagic Design is the first company to offer user upgradeable sensors in the professional digital cinema market. The URSA is designed with production crews in mind. The camera’s design accommodates EFP crews or larger commercial video crews with stations for the Camera Operator, Camera Assistant, and Audio Engineer. There are two CFast card slots which span for continuous recording. The camera is currently available in an EF and PL mount with a broadcast and HDMI camera coming soon.

Tim Smith from Canon says that 4K is here to stay. Canon currently has two cameras that record 4K the EOS 1DC and the EOS C500. The 1DC records 4K within the camera with a form factor that that is very similar to a Canon 5D Mark II or 1D. The C500 has a larger form factor and is similar in size to the Canon C300. The C500 offers 4K recording to an external field recorder like the Convergent Design Odyssey 7Q.

Convergent Design is breaking out of the on-camera field recorder mold with the Athena to deliver a product for production and post. The Athena is a 4K recorder/ player and an encoder/ decoder. Its’ intended uses are for on-location production such as for an EFP crews, live event productions, commercials, and studio productions. As a recorder it has the ability to capture one 4K stream at 60p or two 4K streams at 30p. It can also capture four HD or 2K cameras on location or in the studio with 64 channels of audio. The Ethernet connection allows the Athena to be recording and sending the signal live to post for a quick turn-around edit or another location to view the feed. The Athena, which is the size of half a rack, is also moving into post as a player and decoder. This device can even run point of sale monitors. The Athena is a dedicated hardware device not a computer with software that needs to be maintained, updated, and may crash.

Current IP55 customers include: corporations, houses of worship, state and local governments, and broadcasters. The biggest benefits for customers using the IP55 is the latency in conjunction with high quality. The IP55 can support up to four channels of 1920x1080 HD video with one field of delay to one line of video. The IP55 is a point to point solution that is plug and play.

Based on feedback from the field Sony made lighter, smaller monitors, with more features. The PVMA170 and PVMA250 monitors take lens and camera metadata from the camera inputs and display it on the monitor. The monitors showcase HD and 2K productions with all the benefits of an OLED monitor: accuracy, stability, and a picture that remains the same overtime.

This Sony 4K player is great for Event Producers, staging companies, or any organization that need to playback XAVC 4K, HD XAVC Intra, and HD MPEG-2 Long GOP 50Mbps. The unit is DC powerable, small, and portable for on-location productions but it can also be used in the edit suite or machine room. The player can read any type of SxS card and SD cards or memory sticks can both be used with an adapter. Currently, it has a HDMI and 3G-SDI interface for playback. The player also has two USB interfaces, one for a mouse and the other can transfer footage to an external drive. Sony’s target release for this player is the end of 2014.

Transferring digital video files on-site is as easy as dragging and dropping a folder from the finder to an external hard drive until something goes wrong. Eliminate human and technical errors while managing your valuable media with ShotPut Pro 5 from Imagine Products. This media management software allows video Producers, DPs, and DITs to copy files that are exact matches to one or many drives at the same time. ShotPut Pro works with HDVU 2.0 and gives the user an easy way to view any video file from all professional camera manufactures like canon, Sony, Panasonic, RED, Sony, Arri and more. These are two tools that every Producer, Camera Operator, Media Manager and DIT should have.

Do you have copies of video files on external hard drives, editing suites, and archived? Are you sure that they are exact copies? ShotSum is a file utility that uses checksum technology to compare one file to another. This program helps you manage your media by letting you know if an exact copy of the file or folder exits before you delete what you think is a duplicate folder.

New Sony PDW-850 professional video camera extends the life of the long time XDCAM HD workflow. Sony has made some improvements to the PDW-850 that include: GPS in the camera handle, improved signal to noise without any loss of sensitivity, higher resolution QHD side panel LCD, decreased power consumption, the PDW-850 can also dock a fiber or triax back on the camcorder. If you aren’t ready to give up your XDCAM HD workflow for 4K and need to add a new camera for ENG, EFP, studio, multi-camera switched shoots this might be your best bet.

The Varicam 35 is Panasonic’s first 35mm sensor camera and also Panasonic’s first 4K camera. It records a wide variety of frame sizes such as 4K, 2K, and HD content. This is a high end camera intended for films, commercials, episodic TV, and other professional digital cinema projects. Panasonic has another new camera the Varicam HS (high speed). The HS is a 2/3” 3MOS camera that can use zoom lenses. This camera’s intended uses are for corporate video, documentaries, or reality TV where there is a big need for zoom lenses.

The Convergent Design Odyssey 7Q is a professional video field recorder that can captures compressed and uncompressed recording onto Convergent Design SSD media. It is also an OLED monitor with a 3400:1 contrast ratio and 1280x800 screen resolution. The 7Q allows inputs from 4 video signals, connect 2 Teradek receivers and you have a great device for Director monitoring on location. It also includes a waveform and vector scope perfect for DIT use in the field.

Canon USA’s Timothy Smith explains some new features in the Canon EOS camera lineup. Dual Pixel will now be an available firmware/ hardware upgrade for the Canon EOS C300 and the Canon EOS C100. Dual Pixel allows the camera operator to have a fast, smooth, and consistent autofocus. Camera subjects will remain in focus as they move. We also take a look at Canon’s CINE-SERVO zoom lens which gives you all the latitude of a 4K, Super 35mm lens (17-220mm) while adding a servo zoom. The lens is available in a PL or EF mount. The user can easily switch the mount so one lens can work on virtually any professional video and digital cinema camera.

Video Journalist Backpacks are created by Sony System Solutions for Universities with film, television, and communications degrees, small broadcasters, government agencies, and corporate in-house media departments. The Video Journalist Backpacks are an all-in-one professional video tool that contains an HD camera (NXCAM or XDCAM), wireless microphones, headphones, a tablet for teleprompter, tripod, cables, and even batteries. There are 3 types of backpacks and 8 different models to suit each organization.

In true Blackmagic Design style they have revolutionized the look and price point of studio cameras. President of Blackmagic Design, Dan May, said this about their new studio camera our design team created “…the smallest live production camera with the largest viewfinder”.

There are some exciting new upgrades to Sony’s CineAlta PMWF5 and PMWF55 cameras. Sony F5 users will have the ability to upgrade their camera to the F55. The F5 and F55 will be able to record ProRes and DNxHD compression codecs within the cameras. Also there is a new lens adapter that allows the user to use B4 lens with only one stop loss, more shoulder mount usability, new cine S-Logs, and much more.

The Teradek Cube 155 is an H.264 HD video encoder that can stream video right from the HD-SDI output of your professional video camera to one point or multicast. Robert DePalma reviews the Teradek Cube 155 in this Crews Reviews Information Overdrive video podcast.

Are you looking for a better way to carry tripods, lighting stands, c-stands, and other grip gear in and out of video production locations easily? The GripnGaff bags work with your RockNRoller carts and are just the thing to haul those awkward and heavy stands in one trip. GripnGaff Bags is giving Information Overdrive subscribers 10% off your order, use this coupon code "CC1947" until March 6th, 2014.

Which camera is best for your next HD, 2K, or 4K project? Does your old SxS cards work with the F5 or F55 cameras? Should you purchase the SxS Pro Plus Cards? How do you record RAW 4K and 2K? What is XAVC? Find the answer to these questions and more.

Have you wondered how Panasonic’s new AVC Ultra format fits into their AVC codec family? How does the microP2 card compare to the full size P2 card? Is the new AJ-PX5000 camera a good fit for your next production? Find the answer to these questions and more.

What professional Canon camera should you purchase or use on your next digital cinema shoot? What mobile recording devices will provide the best workflow? What are the notable difference between the EOS C500 and the EOS C300? These questions and more answered my Canon representative Larry Thorpe.

camBLOCK makes tools for cinematographers and Directors of Photography. The camBlock is a motion controlled dolly system for real time and time lapse video developed by the companies founder Stewart Mayer. It has been used on major IMAX, Discovery, BBC shows as well as for independent projects. The footage is just stunning!

Sony Ci is a cloud software tool for Video Producers, Editors, and other video production professionals to store video, view, make notes, and share information about a project from anywhere in the world. This is a browser based tool so all you need is an internet connection and a username and password.

LiveU uses cellular bonding to create one strong feed for video uplink. Basically they are able to broadcast video from a backpack instead of a satellite truck. Does the Lu70 backpack replace a sat truck in all instances no BUT it can go where a sat truck can't like from a moving car or the top of a bridge. In many instances the LU70 and LiveU other solutions are being used in conjunction with a sat truck. Who is using LiveU, major networks, owner operators, local affiliates, college sports, sports teams themselves, Corporate events, launch parties, security applications.

The PVM-X300 field monitor and BKM XP1 4K SxS player is a great option to monitor and review Sony 4K footage on site. The monitor is in the field and being used currently for a range of productions. It is also available at many rental houses nation wide

Professional Field Producers, Directors of Photography and Camera Operators know that space saving tools, being organized and being able to load gear in and out of a variety of locations are essential. Jokerboxes are the DP's MacGyver of Apple Boxes. Store a stopwatch, pens, chewing gum, C47s and spring clamps. But wait the lid turns into a pigeon plate or clip board or slate. Check out all the possible configurations.

Do you want that gorgeous large camera sensor image but your not sure which Canon professional camera to choose for your video project? Check out the this video written and shot by a Production Company that uses the Canon EOS 5D, EOS C100, EOS C300 and the 4K EOS C500 for a wide range of commercial, corporate and cinema projects.

What mobile recording devices are best for your video productions? Mitch Gross from AbelCine highlights three recorders for professional digital cinema and HD cameras: Ki Pro Mini by AJA, Gemini 4:4:4 by Convergent Design and Pix 240 by Sound Devices. If you would like to attend a future CCU please email education@crewscontrol.com

Crews Control is highlighting the ATEM TV Studio and ATEM 1ME switchers from Blackmagic Design in this episode of Information Overdrive. These software controlled switchers give you full control with a computer or a hard panel. If you manage studios in multiple locations check out an available feature that will be able to increase your productivity and potentially alleviate some scheduling issues.

Do you need to shoot aerial video or aerial digital cinema footage and are wondering what your best options are for mounts and helicopters? Here is some great tips from an experienced Aerial DP about you need to consider before scheduling an aerial film crew.

Blackmagic Cinema Camera features a 2.5K image sensor with 13 stops of dynamic range and compatibility for EF and ZE mount lenses. This camera is set to ship starting in July 2012. Find out all the camera's features and recording media here.

Miro 320S is a 3lbs digital cinema quality camera that allows the user to shoot 1540 fps at 1920 x 1080 12 bit uncompressed raw files. The Miro has 12GB’s of internal memory and is used in conjunction with an SSD memory device called the Cineflash. The user can also tap into the HD-SDI out and record any number of files, including Pro Res. Mitch Gross, from AbelCine, will touch on some workflow solutions and what types of productions this camera might be best suited for as well as much more.

If you produce a large volume of shoots you know it can be difficult to keep your call sheets, budgets, scripts and videos for client approval organized. Especially, when you need to send revisions to your crew. Did I copy the makeup artist on the call sheet with the new address? What is cloud computing or cloud based software? What applications will make it easier to produce video shoots? We will answer these questions and more.

The NEX-FS700U is a high speed camera with a 4K sensor. It does 960fps at it's lowest resolution and 240fps at full HD resolution. Sony's 4K recorder is still under development so the camera can't record at 4K just yet. The 35mm sensor PMW-F3 camera has a new recorder the SR1. Ever wondered what S-Log is and how it is used with the F3? Peter Crithary explains S-Log & LUTs. IP Live Production let's you send 3 HD-SDI, genlock and tally over live IP transmission while controlling remote pan and tilt heads.

Teradeks' Cube is a wired or wireless video encoding device that is palm sized. It has many applications. This video is highlighting the Cube as a video producers remote monitoring tool. The Cube is connected to the cameras SDI/ HDSDI or HDMI outputs on the camera. It then works with Livestream (or any CDN) to send you an encoded stream from the camera to your desktop. You can approve shots, conduct the interview with a speaker phone and feel confident that you are getting all the right shots.

The tommyTrack camera, on tripod, dolly system allows any camera operator to get that hard dolly shot. It has a super quick set up time, available in 36 inches or customizable lengths and is USA made. For more information email tommytrack@crewscontrol.com

The Camera Ribbon will allow freelance camera operators and professional camera crews to stabilize prosumer cameras and Canon DSLR cameras like a shoulder-mounted camera. Its simplistic design makes it easy to use and it will not add volume to your camera kit.

Get info about new Sony gear right from the experts. Why the NXCAM 35mm Camcorder NEX-FS100UK is better than a Canon DSLR for your video production? Use XDCAM HD workflow and shopping for a server? Check out the XDSPD2000 professional media station. If you have a XDCAM HD PDWU1 is it worth getting the U2? MCS8M switcher is small has the right inputs and outputs. You can use it in a flight pack, production studio, house of worship and more.

How to downloading necessary Sony drivers and plug-ins for XDCAM EX SxS cards. Also, how to view video XDCAM EX clips with Sony's fee Clip Browser software. And how to transfer XDCAM EX video and audio files to import the files into your NLE (non-linear editor).

Have you ever wondered how you can see a bullet shoot out of a gun? Rich Robinson from Vision Research show cases the Phantom v710 ultra high speed and v640 large sensor cameras. For more information log onto www.visionresearch.com

1 Beyond Wranglers for Media Management on site offers flexible and customizable solutions for on location SD, HD or 3D video shoots to CF cards, SxS cards, P2 cards , SD cards and the Phantom CineMag to eSATA drives, external hard drives, LTO tape or edit your video production on location.

3D Production has always been accomplished with 2 cameras & a 3D Rig UNTIL now. Panasonic showcases the 3D AVCHD/ AVCCAM AG3DA1 at NAB 2010 for Fall 2010 release. Jan Crittenden explains AG3DA1's engineering, workflow and the differences of this camera compared to a 3D rig.

Take the Sony Booth Tour with us at NAB 2010 as we explore 3-D, XDCam HD workflow, VTR PDW-U1, VTR PDW F1600, Mobile editors like the PDWHR1 & PDBK-MK1, AVCHD Format, the NXCAM HXR-NX5U camera and the new live logging function.

Tony Cahill from Line 1 Media, a Media Distributors Company, introduces Constellation VCM. This is a highly customizable asset management system that allows the user to organize, share, search, retrieve and protect all of your film, tape, disc and RAID media in one storage environment. You can even search by the spoken word!

Are you a digital cinema Director, video Producer or DP and need to get extremely wide shots to close ups of sporting events, outdoor crowd shots or sweeping camera movements without a dolly? Check out the Akela Crane demo. The 85 foot Akela Crane has a small footprint. This camera Crane carries 100 pounds at 85 foot lengths and 200 pounds at 72 feet.

Get a sneak peak at the wizard behind the curtain. Rebekah Toth takes you behind the scenes of Levy Productions to reveal the machine room.

Tips that professional producers use to put video interviewees at ease. It is natural to be nervous in front of the camera use those nerves to get the best video interview possible.

Do you have questions about moving to a tapeless workflow? We will answer the following questions. Is tapeless video more complicated to shoot or edit? How does tapeless video get recorded onto the cards? What media does a Producer take back to their editors? What is metadata and how do I add it to my footage from a P2 camera? Have more questions...comment...we'd love to start a conversation.

We visit Jan Crittenden from Panasonic and Jarrod Haarstod from AbelCineTech at NAB 2009 to compare the Panasonic AG-HPX300 and the Sony PMW-EX3 cameras. Which tapeless workflow is right for your production company or media organization SxS or P2 cards?

Tom Upton gives us some insights to best utilize a steadicam camera stabilizing system. What is the set up time for a steadicam operator? How long can you wear a steadicam rig? How much does a Steadicam weigh? How does a steadicam operator get the shot?

If you are an editor you have heard one of these questions. Can you write 20 minutes of an uncompressed QuickTime video onto a data DVD? If you have 5 minutes of video can you compress it and email it? If you have an original program shot at 720p, 24fps can you master that program to D-5 tape? If you have a 4:2:2 master can you create a master that is 4:4:4? Can you put multiple frame rates on one tape? Rocky and the Accord Production Editors stage a satiric game show to answer all of your client’s questions.