<![CDATA[Blog]]> http://www.postop.com/blog/ Thu, 23 Feb 2012 00:45:05 +0000 Zend_Feed http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss <![CDATA[Matrox Support for Apple Final Cut Pro X 10.0.3]]> http://www.postop.com/blog/matrox-support-for-apple-final-cut-pro-x-10-0-3/ Beta release 3.0.1 for Matrox MXO2 I/O devices and the new Matrox Mojito MAX card is now available on our user forum. This software update adds broadcast monitoring support with the recent Final Cut Pro X 10.0.3 update. Broadcast monitoring in Final Cut Pro X 10.0.3 allows video and audio output to a variety of external monitors and other equipment using the SDI, HDMI or analog video outputs from Matrox products.

Beta release 3.0.1 also provides support for Apple Compressor 4 with all MAX-enabled Matrox MXO2 devices and the Mojito MAX card.

To download the new beta driver visit the Matrox user forum:

Matrox MXO User Forum

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Thu, 16 Feb 2012 20:35:11 +0000
<![CDATA[Avid Studio for iPad]]> http://www.postop.com/blog/avid-studio-for-ipad/ Avid Stido for iPad

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Avid had launched an iPad version of it's consumer video editing application called Studio for the iPad. Available for the first 30 days for just $4.99 ($7.99 after that) at the Apple App store, Studio for iPad will work on both iPad 1 and iPad 2 using iOS5.

Read

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Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:01:05 +0000
<![CDATA[Seagate: Shortage of disk drives to continue through 2012]]> http://www.postop.com/blog/seagate-drive-shortage/ SeagateAs reported by Computerworld, Seagate said that the hard disk drive (HDD) shortage would continue through 2012. It predicted that the year would end with a shortfall of 150 million units.

Via Computerworld

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Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:14:01 +0000
<![CDATA[Save up to $400 on Matrox Products]]> http://www.postop.com/blog/matrox-sale/ Special Offer on Matrox Mojito MAX, Matrox MXO2 LE MAX, and Matrox Rack MAX


For a limited time, purchases of selected Matrox products qualify for significant savings:


· Matrox Mojito MAX – Save $100 - Shop Now
· Matrox MXO2 LE MAX – Save $100 - Shop Now
· Matrox MXO2 Rack MAX – Save $400 - Shop Now

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Thu, 02 Feb 2012 02:25:16 +0000
<![CDATA[Final Cut Pro X Receives Major Update 10.0.3]]> http://www.postop.com/blog/final-cut-pro-x-receives-major-update/ Final Cut Pro XFinal Cut Pro X has just just been updated to version 10.0.3 and now includes many features that were deemed missing from the original release. 

Included in the new release are:

  • Multicam – up to 64 cameras!
  • Advanced Chroma Keying
  • Media Relink
  • Import Layered Adobe Photoshop Graphics
  • XML 1.1
  • Broadcast Monitoring (beta)

 

While this seems to address a number of shortcummings of Final Cut Pro X, it should be noted that the broadcast monitoring is listed as beta, and it is just monitoring - not capture. Also. there is now support for going from legacy Final Cut Pro 7 projects using the third-party 7toX app ($10) via the Apple App store.

Read

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Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:51:33 +0000
<![CDATA[2012 Apple Mac Pros]]> http://www.postop.com/blog/2012-apple-mac-pro/ The current generation of Mac Pros from Apple date back to August of 2010: to say that a new version of the Mac Pro is overdue is an understatement. While some have speculated that Apple will kill off the Mac Pros and focus their computer efforts on the iMac, Mac mini, MacBook Pros and MacBook Airs, other feel that the new Mac Pros will continue, but updated with the latest Intel processors and the addition of Thunderbolt ports.

 

Apple Powermac G5The current form factor of the Mac Pros has remained essentially the same since the introduction of the G5 back in June of 2003. There’s a very good case to argue that there will be a 2012 Mac Pro. Why? If Apple doesn’t continue to produce a Mac Pro, they will be alienating most of the creative professionals that have carried the torch for Apple for decades. That’s a lot of highly influential people.

 

That’s not to say the next generation 2012 Mac Pro will be anything like the current Mac Pro. Apple is all about innovation and taking an existing product and re-introducing it in a completely different manner: just think back to the various MP3 players and then came along the iPod; same is true for the iPhone when it came along.

 

Looking at the current workstation marketplace there really isn’t anything very ground-breaking no matter which manufacturer you’re looking at: they’re all towers with lots of cooling ability, tons of drive space, multiple PCI slots and the latest Xenon processors.  Big power-hungry boxes.

 

With Thunderbolt, Apple has the opportunity to break from the norm and really create a whole new Mac Pro workstation. Imagine the current Mac Pro but as a 12” cube, perforated on all sides to promote fan-free cooling – similar to offerings from ADLINK, but with the Apple cool factor thrown in. Having three or four Thunderbolt connectors means that all but one PCI slot (for a graphics card) can be eliminated. The only internal drive would be SSD type with no spinning drive available and no empty drive bays. DVD drive: gone – Apple’s already made it clear that it wants to distribute software only via the web, and removing the drive bay will both force the issue and save space.

 

Besides the Thunderbolt ports, the usual USB 2 (not 3 of course) slots, Ethernet and Firewire 800 ports would be available. Or would Apple really mix things up and add an SDI (Serial Digital Interface) in and out connections? SDI is the industry standard for connecting broadcast audio and video signals; with much of the creative industry involved in video, it would be a natural choice.

 

When will the 2012 Mac Pros arrive? What will they cost? Will there be a 2012 Mac Pro? Let us know what you think!

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Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:40:08 +0000
<![CDATA[Blackmagic Design Releases HyperDeck Shuttle 2]]> http://www.postop.com/blog/hyperdeck-shuttle-2/ Blackmagic Design today released a new version of it’s popular HyperDeck Shuttle Solid State Disk recorder. HyperDeck Shuttle 2 replaces the existing model and adds broadcast quality 10-bit recording and playback to the Avid DNxHD format for the same low price of $345.
HyperDeck Shuttle 2
HyperDeck Shuttle 2 is shipping now and available from Blackmagic Design resellers worldwide. HyperDeck 2.0 software public beta is available to download now from the Blackmagic Design web site. Any customer who has HyperDeck Shuttle 2 can download this software update to add DNxHD compressed recording.

HyperDeck Shuttle now records the highest quality uncompressed or compressed video formats onto common low cost SSDs in the smallest possible size! HyperDeck Shuttle is small, affordable and battery powered so it’s perfect as a field recorder. For direct camera mounting, HyperDeck Shuttle Mount Plate can be added to provide multiple pre drilled 1/4” and 3/8” mounting holes.

HyperDeck Shuttle turns low cost cameras into high end broadcast cameras because it allows video file recording to bypass the camera's compression by recording from SDI and HDMI directly to 10-bit uncompressed QuickTime or Avid DNxHD MXF formats. SSDs are cheap and fast, and can be plugged into an eSATA dock for instant access to the media files, so are the most flexible recording medium available.

DNxHD is a broadcast industry standard for media files and adding native support for this compressed video format into HyperDeck Shuttle will allow dramatically longer recording times, lower media storage costs, and provide full file format compatibility with Avid Media Composer systems. All media is recorded in MXF format that’s immediately available for all Avid Media Composer systems and leading video applications including Blackmagic Design’s DaVinci Resolve.

SSDs are the latest computer disk technology that features flash storage in a low cost and small 2.5" size. Using SSDs with HyperDeck Shuttle provides video recording with blazing fast speed, low power consumption and totally silent operation. This is a perfect replacement for mechanical tape based acquisition and also eliminates complicated and expensive disk arrays. With no moving parts, SSDs are unbelievably robust and can handle shocks and vibrations that would destroy conventional hard drives or videotapes.

With SDI and HDMI inputs and outputs, HyperDeck Shuttle works with virtually every camera, deck or monitor and effortlessly plugs into monitors or televisions for instant on set preview. HyperDeck Shuttle can also be used as a video playback source for digital signage systems or connected to a live production switcher for recording events and then used for live playback!

“Recording DNxHD files straight to disk now costs less per minute than recording to professional tape plus it’s the most efficient workflow possible,” said Grant Petty, CEO, Blackmagic Design. “A 64Gb SSD is less than $100 and will record 50 minutes of the highest quality DNxHD video! This update means that both HyperDeck Studio and HyperDeck Shuttle customers can record broadcast quality DNxHD files for less than $2 a minute!”

HyperDeck Shuttle Key Features

  • Capture and playback with Solid State Disks in uncompressed and compressed 10-bit quality.
  • 10-bit capture and playback of uncompressed QuickTime and compressed Avid DNxHD MXF files.
  • SSD is removable for editing, and changing to blank disks.
  • 3 Gb/s SDI input using mini coax SDI connector and HDMI input. Auto selects.
  • 3 Gb/s SDI output using mini coax SDI connector and HDMI output.
  • Power supply connection also recharges battery.
  • USB connection for software updates and settings.
  • Machined out of solid block of aluminum for maximum strength and attractive design.
  • File compatibility with Media Composer, Final Cut Pro, Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve and more.
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Thu, 19 Jan 2012 21:57:00 +0000
<![CDATA[Matrox Release 2.4 (Mac) Now Available]]> http://www.postop.com/blog/matrox-release-2-4-now-available/ Release 2.4 (Mac) Now Available for MXO2 Family, Mojito MAX and CompressHD

Matrox MXO2Release 2.4 (Mac) for MXO2 Family and Mojito MAX provides updates to improve overall stability with Final Cut Studio, and addresses minor audio issues with Final Cut Pro 7. For CompressHD, it provides updates to improve overall stability and addresses some minor issues.

In order to download the latest drivers, you must register your Matrox product and log into the Matrox site.

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Wed, 18 Jan 2012 18:10:01 +0000
<![CDATA[Blackmagic Design updates ATEM 2 M/E Production Switcher]]> http://www.postop.com/blog/blackmagic-design-updates-atem-2-m/e-production-switcher/ Blackmagic Design today announced that the specification of the ATEM 2 M/E Production Switcher has changed to reflect the feedback received for more SDI inputs. As a professional product likely to be used in broadcast and larger multi camera productions the main need is for SDI.

ATEM,2,M/E Production SwitcherThere are now 16 simultaneous SDI inputs on the 2 M/E. Input 1 can be switched from SDI to provide an HDMI input. To get more SDI inputs into the unit the analog component input and outputs have been removed and there is now the 1 switchable HDMI input rather than the 4 independent ones.

 It is expected the 2 M/E Production Switcher will begin shipping in February.

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Thu, 12 Jan 2012 01:04:05 +0000
<![CDATA[Blackmagic Design Updates Intensity Shuttle]]> http://www.postop.com/blog/blackmagic-design-updates-intensity-shuttle/ Blackmagic Design Intensity ShuttleToday at CES in Las Vegas, Blackmagic Design announced a new version of Intensity Shuttle with Thunderbolt technology.  Company representatives stated that the reason for this new version of Intensity Shuttle is that it addresses some of the main customer demands for capture and playback of video using Thunderbolt since it is 10-bit and will work with faster formats up to 1080p60; and it’s a modern, more appealing design with inline connections for inputs and outputs so customers don't need additional cables and adapters.  It's also incredibly lightweight and weighs under a 1lb.

Intensity Shuttle will continue to be available in the USB 3.0 version so now customers will be able to choose the technology they prefer. The Intensity Shuttle with Thunderbolt support is expected to begin shipping at the end of February.

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Thu, 12 Jan 2012 00:55:07 +0000
<![CDATA[Strawberry software from Rorke Data]]> http://www.postop.com/blog/strawberry-software-from-rorke-data/ No, this isn’t something you put on top of your ice cream, it’s a new software by Flavoursys that allows you to easily share projects and media between Avid, FCP or Adobe from DV to 4K across Mac and Windows clients. Strawberry was developed by editors and directors at an operational television station to optimize your workflow whether you're working in a broadcast environment, a film or video post-production facility or an educational facility. Check it out!

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Sat, 10 Dec 2011 01:40:23 +0000
<![CDATA[Market Changes in the NLE world]]> http://www.postop.com/blog/market-changes-in-the-nle-world/ Market Changes in the NLE world

This has been a very interesting year for the NLE market, primarily due to the release of Final Cut Pro X. As you probably already know, the current version of Final Cut Pro X isn’t usable for most professionals, as it doesn’t support capture cards and you can’t monitor a true video signal, to name a few items. While it’s unclear if Apple will ever add in the features necessary to accommodate the pro market, every other NLE manufacturer has taken advantage of the situation and upped their game in significant ways.

So what are the options if you’re thinking about moving on from FCP? Here are some to consider:

 Avid Media Composer 6

With the release this week of MC6, Avid is showing its commitment to the pro market on a number of fronts: the biggest news is that for the first time MC6 now supports third party cards – just like the ones you’ve been using with FCP. This makes switching from FCP to MC6 much less costly, as you can keep the hardware that own and simply purchase the software. As an added bonus, Avid has a special upgrade price for Final Cut Studio users: $1,495 vs the full price of $2,495. Next, MC6 is full 64 bit, meaning it will take advantage of just about as much RAM as you can put into your system and operates much more efficiently than 32 bit applications.

 Premiere Pro CS 5.55 deal for $1,199.000.

Media 100and Boris RED for just $5955 – that’s a $400 savings off the regular price. If you haven’t checked out Media 100 lately, there’s never been a better time.

 Final Cut Pro X

Are professionals using Final Cut Pro X? There are a few, but there are many gotcha’s, so before you make the plunge, we’d recommend doing some web surfing so you know exactly what the pros and cons are.

Final Cut Studio 

In an interesting twist, Final Cut Studio is still available. When Final Cut Pro X was released, Apple, true to form, immediately discontinued the ‘old’ Final Cut Studio. After the less than warm reception of FCP X, Apple has made Final Cut Studio available, but only to those that call Apple at 800-MYAPPLE and request it; it’s not available on-line or through and Apple dealers.

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Tue, 22 Nov 2011 08:00:00 +0000
<![CDATA[Avid Media Composer 6 Now Shipping]]> http://www.postop.com/blog/avid-media-composer-6-now-shipping/ Avid Media Composer 6 Now Shipping  - Today Avid announced Media Composer 6 is now shipping for both Mac and Windows platforms. The 64 bit software features a new but familiar interface and support for Blackmagic Design and Matrox capture and playback hardware.

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Tue, 15 Nov 2011 08:00:00 +0000
<![CDATA[Matrox Introduces Mojito Max]]> http://www.postop.com/blog/matrox-introduces-mojito-max/ Matrox Introduces Mojito Max Capture Card  Today Matrox introduced the Mojito MAX, an SDI/HDMI/analog HD/SD video and professional audio I/O card that includes an onboard Matrox MAX H.264 encoding accelerator. Matrox also announced that its entire line of MXO capture and output devices now support Avid Media Composer 6 software.

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Thu, 03 Nov 2011 07:00:00 +0000
<![CDATA[Avid introduces Media Composer 6]]> http://www.postop.com/blog/avid-introduces-media-composer-6/ Avid introduces Media Composer 6  Today Avid announced Media Composer 6 which features a new but familiar interface and support for Blackmagic Design and Matrox capture and playback hardware.

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Thu, 03 Nov 2011 07:00:00 +0000
<![CDATA[New Post-Op Video Website]]> http://www.postop.com/blog/new-post-op-video-website/ Today we're pleased to flip the switch on our new web site. We’ve rebuilt our web site from the ground up and are constantly adding and updating products. Let us know what you think and if there are any ways that we can make it better!

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Mon, 24 Oct 2011 07:00:00 +0000
<![CDATA[Thailand Floods and hard drive shortages]]> http://www.postop.com/blog/thailand-floods-and-hard-drive-shortages/ If you haven’t heard yet, the floods in Thailand are causing massive hard drive shortages. As a result, hard drives are already in short supply and prices are expected to rise for up to the next six months. In the last two weeks we have had three price increases from manufacturers. Thailand is the second-largest manufacturer of drives in the world where a significant portion of Western Digital, Hitachi, Seagate, Toshiba and Samsung hard drives are produced. If you are planning to add to your storage, we’d recommend purchasing sooner rather than later.

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Wed, 27 Oct 2010 07:00:00 +0000