Get the latest breaking news in Broadcast, Pro-audio and Pro-AV from the Markertek News Channel.

We help tech-savvy multimedia professionals get the edge with our tech tips and tech terms, how-tos and new product releases.

Today's Top Stories

Saturday, October 19, 2024

Markertek RSS XML Feed

Magewell Expands USB Capture Product Family at NAB Show New York

Fri, 04 Oct 2024 09:09:00 -0400

Magewell's USB Capture family has long been the gold standard for professional video capture devices, earning a reputation for being the easiest and most reliable way to bring video and audio signals into software for live streaming, video conferencing, medical imaging and more. Magewell has expanded the renowned product line with the unveiling of a new model that captures video sources up to 4K resolution at 60 frames per second – the USB Capture HDMI 4K Pro.

Magewell's compact USB Capture devices enable computers including laptops to capture high-quality AV signals through a USB interface, with no additional power source required. The new USB Capture HDMI 4K Pro offers everything that users love about the existing USB Capture HDMI 4K Plus model, while leveraging 20Gbps USB transfer performance on compatible host systems to enable the capture of 4K video at higher frame rates and color precision.

When used with a host computer that has a 20Gbps USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 interface, the USB Capture HDMI 4K Pro can capture HDMI inputs up to 4096x2160 (including 3840x2160 Ultra HD) at 60fps with 4:4:4 chroma fidelity. The device is also compatible with lesser-performance USB 3.2, USB 3.1 and USB 3.0 interfaces for capturing lower video signals (such as 1080p60 or 4K at 30fps 4:2:0 over 5Gbps USB, or 4K at 60fps 4:2:0 with 10Gbps USB), with the capture capabilities dependent on the host USB connectivity and operating system.

The USB Capture HDMI 4K Pro features driver-free setup and automatic input signal format detection for true plug-and-play operation, with support for Windows®, Mac®, Linux® and Chrome® operating systems. In addition to extensive software compatibility through the UVC specification, an SDK is available for third-party developers to leverage the device's unique features – such as the new ability to capture 10-bit High Dynamic Range (HDR) signals – in their software.

“We're proud of the role that our USB Capture devices have played in customers' transition to software-centric AV solutions, and we're thrilled to expand our portfolio with the USB Capture HDMI 4K Pro,” said James Liu, VP of Engineering at Magewell. “Combining the portability and plug-and-play convenience of the USB Capture family with support for capturing 4K video at 60 frames per second opens up new use cases in live production, immersive presentations and more.”

Sennheiser Launches The MD 421 KOMPAKT

Wed, 02 Oct 2024 09:49:00 -0400

They say that if you’ve heard music, you are most likely to have heard the MD 421, a Sennheiser microphone featured in countless award-winning performances and productions over the past six decades. Now Sennheiser launches the MD 421 Kompakt, a versatile microphone that delivers the same performance, but in a truly multipurpose package — including a completely redesigned mounting clip. The MD 421 Kompakt features a cardioid pick-up pattern and dynamic range, delivering clear sound reproduction in live sound and recording applications.

“The MD 421 is an incredibly versatile microphone. Since its inception in 1960, it excelled as a studio and a vocal microphone, but was also used a lot in broadcasting, where it appeared with many celebrities of the time. Today, its successor, the MD 421-II, which launched in 1998, is an all-rounder for multipurpose miking and well known to be used on drums, guitar cabs and horns,” says Bertram Zimmermann, Manager Live Sound & Studio. “It works on anything, capturing the sound source with precision, detail, and rich sound.”

​To give the MD 421 microphone its compact dimensions all while retaining the large-diaphragm capsule and the pristine sound of the much bigger MD 421-II, the bass roll-off switch was eliminated. “While this feature made total sense when the MD 421 was designed, and was carried over to the MD 421-II, this functionality has long since been taken over by mixing desks and DAWs,” says Zimmermann. “Omitting the switch allowed us to create a relatively small microphone body, making the Kompakt an ideal tom mic, but also a versatile tool for any recording or live application.”

Sound-wise, the MD 421 Kompakt delivers the same detailed and authentic reproduction of the sound source that the MD 421 and MD 421-II have become famous for. The microphone’s frequency response of 30 Hz to 17 kHz faithfully reproduces both high and low frequencies, with a bass tube ensuring an accurate and extended low-end response. The sound is rich and full-bodied, and incredibly clear and detailed at the same time.

The MD 421 Kompakt is available now at Markertek. The MD 421-II will remain in the portfolio alongside the MD 421 Kompakt.

NAB NY 2024: Marshall to Showcase Latest Line of PTZ Cameras

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 09:29:00 -0400

At NAB Show New York, Marshall Electronics (booth #1352) will highlight a range of its PTZ and POV cameras, including three new PTZs, the CV612, CV620, and CV625.

“We are excited to showcase our latest line of PTZ cameras at this year’s NAB New York show,” says Robert Ramos, West Coast Regional Sales Manager, Marshall Electronics. “Our products are being deployed in a range of professional applications from broadcast, AV, corporate communications, education to houses of worship and more. This CV600 series of cameras allows us to continue to offer additional PTZ models and options to our customers.”

The CV612 PTZ camera, available in black (CV612-TBI) and white models (CV612-TWI), features the ability to automatically track, follow, and frame presenters using AI facial learning for accurate and smooth self-adjusting maneuvers. With advanced AI tracking, the PTZ camera “learns” who is the prime subject and won’t “lose” the presenter when other persons or objects enter the shot. Equipped with 12X optical and a 15X digital zoom, the CV612 offers a 4.1mm-49.2mm (6.6-70.3 degrees) field of view. It is built around a professional-grade 2-Megapixel 1/2.8-inch, high-quality HD CMOS sensor, which provides format resolutions from 1920×1080, 1280×720 down to 640×480, making this the ideal solution for smaller venues, interviews, web production, live presentations, classrooms and HOW, to name a few, as it has a maximum range of 18M (almost 60-feet).

Marshall will also showcase its new CV620 20x camera, which is a fit for a range of mid-sized rooms, including corporate communications and teleconferencing, as well as traditional broadcast applications. With 3G-SDI, HDMI, USB 3.0 and IP outputs and 20x zoom, the new camera has a 57-degree field of view and supports up to 1080p/60. The CV620 features a high-quality Sony sensor and is also available in black (CV620-B12) and white models (CV620-W12) to fit varying aesthetics. It also features Mic and Line-in audio options as well as a range of IP protocols, including RTSP, RTMP, RTMPS, SRT and MPEG-TS.

The CV625 camera will also be on display at NAB NY and features a 25x zoom that is ideal for large venue auto tracking, broadcast events, show stages, educational lecture halls and large format houses of worship. Available in black (CV625-TB) and white models (CV625-TW), the camera features a high performance 8-Megapixel 1/1.8-inch sensor to capture crisp high-quality UHD video. The camera delivers up to 3840 x 2160 resolution at 60fps with an 83-degree horizontal angle-of-view. The CV625 provides versatility for various applications with its range of outputs including HDMI, 3G-SDI, Ethernet, RTSP streaming and USB 3.0.

NAB Show New York exhibits run October 9-10, 2024. Get your free pass from Markertek and visit us at booth #828!

FCC Unlocks Spectrum to Support Advanced Satellite Services

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 09:33:00 -0400

iridium.jpgThe Federal Communications Commission today adopted new rules to open 1300 megahertz of contiguous spectrum for non-geostationary orbit (NGSO) fixed-satellite service operations in the 17.3-17.8 GHz band. According to the FCC, this action promotes spectrum efficiency, fosters competition, and expands the ability of satellite operators to deploy advanced services, including high-speed internet access to unserved and underserved areas.

With today’s vote, the Commission adopted rule changes that will enable NGSO fixed-satellite services to operate in the 17.3-17.7 GHz band in the space-to-Earth (downlink) direction on a co-primary basis with incumbent services and on a shared, co-primary basis with geostationary satellite orbit (GSO) services. The Commission’s action will also enable NGSO fixed-satellite service downlink use of the 17.7-17.8 GHz band on a co-primary basis with GSO services and on an unprotected basis with respect to terrestrial fixed services.

This FCC Report and Order builds upon successes at the 2023 World Radio Conference in Dubai, where the U.S. delegation—including FCC staff—secured a new allocation for fixed-satellite services. It further aligns the U.S. Table of Frequency Allocations with international allocations to provide a more cohesive global framework for fixed-satellite services in the 17 GHz band and supports U.S. leadership and competition in the growing space economy.

NHL and Prime Video Pull Back Curtain on New Two-Year Deal

Wed, 25 Sep 2024 09:49:21 -0400

The NHL is set to kick off a new era in Canada with the start of a new two-year deal with Amazon Prime Video that includes weekly live Prime Monday Night Hockey games and a new NHL Coast to Coast whiparound show on Thursdays. At a media event in Toronto on Monday, the league and the streamer offered a sneak peek into what fans can expect from their live game and studio coverage, as well as from the highly anticipated new FACEOFF: Inside the NHL docuseries produced by Box To Box and NHL Productions.

“The creativity [and] the investment that they’re going to make in production, I think people — particularly younger people — are going to find really exciting,” NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said at the event in Toronto. “I think Amazon will bring the wow factor. We’re a big deal in Canada — the biggest — and they’re going to make us even bigger. They’re going to give our fans an opportunity to connect with the game in new ways. They’re going to maybe break some traditions, which isn’t a bad thing for Gen Z’s and Gen A’s. When we look back on this season, we’re going to say, Wow, we’ve taken everything to another level!”

The announcements marks the next chapter in the evolving relationship between Amazon and the NHL. Since 2021, the NHL has worked with Amazon Web Services (AWS) on its cloud-based content-delivery system to facilitate delivery of new in-game analytics and video highlights to enhance the fan experience.

“At Amazon, our passion for hockey runs deep,” said Mark Shopiro, head of Prime Video Canada. “We will make Monday nights a must-see event for Canadians across the country by creating a premium viewing experience. Our goal is to offer a best-in-class broadcast week after week that celebrates the game and its fans.”

Markertek Video of the Week:

Top 100 New Products

Markertek Singup_r1_c1

Markertek Singup_r2_c1

Markertek Singup_r3_c1

Join Markertek News Channel
Markertek Singup_r5_c1

Daily Tech Term

Bottom Field First

Interlaced frame based video consists of two distinct fields; a top field that includes every other line starting with the top line of the frame, and a bottom field that contains the opposite lines. Either the top or bottom field is from an earlier moment in time than the other. This is the dominant field. Field dominance must be consistent throughout a video stream. Bottom Field First, or BFF, indicates that the bottom field is displayed before the top field.

WeeklyTechTip

Unique Product

Unique Product

AJA RovoRx-SDI UltraHD/HD HDBaseT Receiver to 6G/3G-SDI & HDMI Frame Sync with PoH & Genlock
RovoCam Ready!!
The AJA RovoRx-SDI is an UltraHD/HD HDBaseT Receiver with four integrated 6G/3G-SDI outputs and HDMI video and audio outputs specifically designed for the RovoCam's output. Receive the RovoCam's video and audio up to 100m away from the camera, and output to SDI monitors, routers and recorders and HDMI TVs and devices. RovoRx-SDI also offers a DA (Distribution Amplifier) Mode for extensive output options. The HDBaseT connector on RovoRx-HDMI supports camera uncompressed video, audio, power, and control, all over a single Cat 5e/6 cable, greatly simplifying cabling and systems integration.RovoRx-SDI offers a lot of...
AJA-ROVORX-SDI$1,245.00


Unique Product

AKG K612 PRO Reference Studio Over-ear Headphones
Simple Purity!
Simple PurityAKG K612 PRO headphones are reference open, over-ear phones that deliver natural sound imaging for professional monitoring. The advanced open technology offers comfort for long working sessions and a full, spacious sound. AKG's patented Varimotion™ diaphragm technology completes the unique sound of the K612 PRO. Obvious features such as the self-adjusting real leather headband, aluminum arches and solid rivets not only provide a lightweight, maximum comfort fit, but also reinforce the quality AKG has provided to studio engineers for decades.Features:

  • A high-performance neod...
    AKG-K612PRO$239.00


Unique Product

Decimator Design DMON-12S 12 Channel 3G/HD/SD Multiviewer with SMPTE SDI and HDMI Out
Multi-Task!
1 to 12 Channel Multi-Viewer with SDI and HDMI outputs for 3G/HD/SD and Custom Layouts, UMDs, Audio Meters, Graticules and TalliesThe Decimator Design DMON-12S is a low cost, miniature, (3G/HD/SD)-SDI, 1 to 12 Multi-Viewer or 12 to 1 input multiplexer with custom and standard layouts. Feature packed you get a 16 Character UMD overlay per window with individual enables, custom positioning and size, 16 Channel Audio Metering overlay per window with individual enables, custom positioning and size.The DMON-12S is a truly portable converter, that incorporates Decimator's new easy to use LCD and b...
DEC-DMON-12S$1,295.00


Unique Product

Da-Lite Advantage Series Projection Screen - Ceiling Recessed Electric Screen - Plenum Rated Case - 113in Screen/Matte
No Trim Needed!
Designed to eliminate the extra step of finishing the screen with trim, the Advantage line of projection screens is designed with ceiling trim already in place. Once the screen is installed, the screen's trim conceals the rough opening eliminating the need to complete additional trim work.Sliding installation brackets make it easy to attach the screen housing to the structure above the drop ceiling.The Advantage Electrol screen features simple in-ceiling installation that can be done in two stages. The screen case can be installed during the rough-in construction stage and the fabric assembly can be completed during the finis...
DL-34516LS$2,832.80


Unique Product

Da-Lite 88693 - Fast-Fold Deluxe Screen System (83 x 144in)
See Da-Lite!
The Fast-Fold Deluxe Screen System is designed for rental and staging environments, and features easy release latches on the frame for efficient set up and tear down.Features:

  • Frame and legs made of 1 1/4" aluminum tubing
  • Black anodized frame option available upon request
  • Easy release latches
  • Standard black-backed foldable material for superior image quality and opacity
  • Seamless surfaces in all sizes
  • Carrying case with wheels for sizes 54" X 54" up to 10'6" X 14'
  • Optional Drapery Presentation Kit for professional stage-front aesthetic
...
DL-88693$2,997.00


Video-of-the-Week

PodcastPromo NumberOne

bottombar

Weekly Tech Tip

 

The ABCs of Multimeter Safety from Fluke

Where safety is a concern, choosing a multimeter is like choosing a motorcycle helmet, if you have a “ten dollar” head, choose a “ten dollar” helmet. If you value your head, get a quality helmet. The hazards of motorcycle riding are obvious, but what’s the issue with multimeters? As long as you choose a multimeter with a high enough voltage rating, aren’t you safe? Voltage is voltage, isn’t it?

Not exactly. Engineers who analyze multimeter safety often discover that failed units were subjected to a much higher voltage than the user thought he was measuring. There are the occasional accidents when the meter, rated for low voltage (1000 V or less), was used to measure medium voltage, such as 4160 V. Just as common, the knock-out blow had nothing to do with misuse - it was a momentary high-voltage spike or transient that hit the multimeter input without warning.

To protect you against transients, safety must be built into the test equipment. What performance specification should you look for, especially if you know that you could be working on high-energy circuits? The task of defining safety standards for test equipment is addressed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). This organization develops international safety standards for electrical test equipment.

The good folks at Fluke have put together a truly informative and important guide on the subject. It describes in full detail the how's and why's of the subject and how to get the job done and stay safe every time. You can read the entire paper here.

Fluke Scopemeter 2Ch 200MHZ 2.5 GS/s CAT IV Rated Color - Americas

 

View Past Tech Tips

Connect with Markertek