PVM Flicker Free Upgrade

You may be aware that the Sony PVM TRIMASTER™ EL models tend to flicker when using slow frame rates. We are happy to announce that Sony has released an upgrade for this flicker issue. This program will be available starting February 15th, 2012 and will be free of charge.

Sony touches on what they are changing:

“The TRIMASTER EL panel has one advantage over other technologies in that the switching speeds are extremely fast. Even faster than CRT. This fast switching speed allows the monitor to display movement without any smear. However when using the monitor at slower frame rates, it will flicker. It was felt that this flicker was similar to what everyone experienced with CRT. However this doesn’t seem to be popular opinion. So our engineers in Japan have come up with an upgrade that changes the way information is displayed on the screen. BVM models don’t have this issue since they display 24 frame content as 72 Hz. The PVM upgrade is different. This upgrade displays more information on the screen within one frame than before. This is closer to how LCDs are scanned, so it will also induce some smear artifacts similar to what you would experience with an LCD. However these artifacts are minimal.

The new feature is called “Flicker Free”. Flicker Free will be selectable so you will experience no smear and some flicker, or no flicker and some smear. Flicker Free is assignable to an F key so it can be selected right from the front panel.”
The Upgrade Program is free — but only til May 31^st 2012. After that, normal Sony service rates apply.

For streamlining, Sony is requiring that all upgrades be run through the dealers. Bring in your monitor today and we’ll ship it out ASAP! Turnaround time is expected to be approximately one week at Sony, plus shipping time.

The long awaited 6.0.1 version of Avid Media Composer is here!
As with any .zero release, there are some issues that need addressing in 6.0 and Avid has come through with a long list of bug fixes.

I am recommending everyone consider installing this new version when you are able, as it is sure to make things run more smoothly.

As always, I generally don’t recommend doing this in the middle of an important project.

*NOTE* Please read at least the install/upgrade portion of the release notes, as there are some important steps to follow during the upgrade.

Happy Upgrading!

Sony NEXFS100UK Promo Package

Sony just announced a great promotion that features their wildly popular NEX-FS100UK Camera Package:

From February 1st through March 26th, for $6,575 (really, $5,629 street price) you will get the NEXFS100UK Camera/Lens package ALONG WITH:

• Vegas Pro 11 Editing Software ($499 Value
• A 30 Day Trial Version of DVD Architect Pro 5.2 Software
• A 32 GB SDHC Memory Card ($89.99 Value)
• And be eligible for their ‘Worldcam Firmware’ Upgrade, planned for the first half of 2012.

In addition to that, there is still a $200 rebate and free camera strap promotion if you order and take delivery of the camera by February 29th, 2012.

This is a fantastic deal.  For more information give us a call at 952-974-3140 or click here.

Sony PMW-F3

We just heard from Sony that a new version of the firmaware has been released.  It will be available on Sony’s software plus website in the next few days.

Here is a summary of the features from Sony’s release notes:

Major functions updated with V1.31
3D-Link
3D shooting with 3D-Link and a power zoom lens is enabled (optional CBK-3DL01 3D-Link Option, 3D-Link cable, and SCLZ18X140 power zoom lens are required):

• Linking function of the lens position (zoom, iris, and focus) on the main unit and sub unit, either constant linking or temporary linking enabled.
• Iris offset adjustable when the lenses on both units are linked to move in sync.

Restrictions

• Status indication of the lens condition (zoom, iris, etc.) on the main unit and that on the sub unit may not be the same even after the lens positions on both units have been synchronized.
• If Iris Position Sync, Focus Position Sync, or Zoom Position Sync under 3D-Link of the OTHERS menu is set to On for constant linking, pressing the assignable button to which the corresponding linking function is assigned does not activate temporary linking. Set the constant linking function to Off for activating the temporary linking.
• The linking function of this unit does not guarantee synchronizing in the same phase.

S-Log
S-Log422 shooting is enabled (optional CBK-RGB01 RGB&S-LOG Output Option is required):

• •1.5G YPbPr422 & S-Log and 3G YPbPr422 & S-Log options available under Dual-Link & Gamma Select of the VIDEO SET menu

Synchro Rec (synchronized recording)
Synchronized recording via Dual-Link output enabled for normal recording (a recording device supporting Synchro Rec and Dual- Link output signals is required):
• Synchro Rec option under SDI Rec Control available
Restrictions
If Synchro Rec is started when the i.Link output or the Picture Cache Recording is active, or during playback (including Rec Review and thumbnail display), recording synchronization may not be achieved or distorted video recording may occur.

Wide-angle manual zoom lens
(An optional SCL-P11X15 wide-angle zoom lens is required.) Status indication to observe the lens condition is enabled.

MF Assist setting
The default setting for MF Assist of the CAMERA SET menu has been changed to Off.

With the latest Pro Tools HD Series interfaces, you can capture and play back audio in pristine clarity. And now there’s never been a better time to improve your sound. For a limited time, trade in your old 192 I/O, 192 Digital I/O, or third-party Pro Tools|HD-compatible audio interface towards HD OMNI, HD I/O (8x8x8 or 16×16 Analog), or HD MADI and save $1,000 (USD). In addition, get a free copy of the HEAT add-on when you upgrade to HD I/O. Plus, save another $500 (USD) on HD MADI when you trade in an additional audio interface.

Critically acclaimed Pro Tools HD Series interfaces offer best-in-class A/D and D/A conversion, high-quality electronics, the lowest possible latency, and the flexibility you need to complete projects big and small.

Choose your interface

• HD OMNI—all-in-one preamp, I/O, and monitoring for the ultimate streamlined setup
• HD I/O—high-performance, customizable interface for your analog/digital needs (plus, get HEAT)
• HD MADI—for easy integration into MADI-equipped broadcast and live sound environments

Take advantage now—contact Z Systems today!

Expiration: Offer expires March 16, 2012.

Apple XSAN system—Xserve, Xsan software, with at least 8TB storage (X Serve RAID or Promise Vtrak), Fibre Channel switch

FACILIS system with at least 8TB of storage

Receive a $5,000 USD credit against a new ISIS 5000-16 or ISIS 5000-32 system.

Avid ISIS 5000 shared storage systems set a benchmark for reliable, flexible performance that creates unprecedented workflow efficiencies and directly impacts your bottom line. Up to 90 client connections and 144 TB useable capacity give you the power to make the most of your media by boosting productivity and competitiveness beyond what you might have ever imagined.

Contact your Z Systems to learn more. Offer expires March 16, 2012

Your Unity MediaNetwork system is now worth more than ever. Purchase the latest ISIS shared storage technology with this “premium value” upgrade, and get the proven power of ISIS technology, the flexibility to handle Avid and Final Cut Pro editing, and the opportunity to raise your productivity to a whole new level—all at a price any workgroup or media facility can afford.

Get $5000 USD credit toward the purchase of an ISIS 5000 primary engine or ISIS 5000 package (either 16 or 32TB) with the trade-in of an Avid Unity MediaNetwork Media Engine.

Get $2500 USD credit toward the purchase of ISIS 5000 expansion storage with the trade-in of a MEDIArray storage chassis.

Get $5000 USD credit toward the purchase of ISIS 5000 Resilient System Director with the trade-in of an Avid Unity MediaNetwork v4.x File Manager.
Customers with older Unity MediaNetwork storage systems still have an opportunity to get trade-in credits (amounts vary depending on MediaNetwork components being traded in) toward an ISIS 5000 primary engine or ISIS 5000 package (either 16 or 32TB), toward ISIS 5000 expansion storage, or toward the purchase of an ISIS 5000 Resilient System Director. With this “premium value” upgrade customers get the proven power of ISIS technology, the flexibility to handle Avid and Final Cut Pro editing, and the opportunity to raise their productivity to a whole new level—all at a price any workgroup or media facility can afford.

Call Z Systems today for more information!

*1 300-Studio, P2-Studio, 300-Studio-Plus, P2-Studio-Plus
**2 AG-BS300, AG-CA300

Get the rebate form here.

Get the rebate form here.