Archive for the ‘NAB 2008’ Category

Playing your favorite tune

NewscastStudio reader Matt asked if any major music company had sheet music publicly available.

Stephen Arnold Music told NewscastStudio that they have never thought of the idea, but as they continue to evolve it would definitely be something to explore. In the past SAM has given sheet music to stations for use with local school bands for concerts.

Stay tuned as we will try to follow up with 615 Music and Non Stop Music regarding this question.

Behind FX’s digital backgrounds

NewscastStudio reader Matt asked for more details on FX Group’s new digital backgrounds offering. Our podcast has an interview with FX CEO Mack McLaughlin, but here’s some details FX has shared with us:

• The product is still in development
• The product will consist of high-quality 3D images designed for standup and franchise reporting against an existing chroma key wall
• Backgrounds are optimal for special reports, franchises such as health, sports and consumer news or the upcoming election and Olympics
• Backgrounds will coordinate with existing FX set styles for a cohesive look but will also work as a standalone element
• The product will be launched within the next few months
• No pricing has been determined, but there will be package pricing
• The product files will not be available for on-demand downloads; though online previews will be available
• A full Web site will be launched soon with more information, so watch www.fxdigitalbackgrounds.com

If you’re at RTNDA@NAB, stop by FX’s booth (R319) to enter to win a certificate to win $5,000 worth of the FX Digital Backgrounds product.

NewscastStudio Podcast: Day One

Our first podcast from NAB is now live, full of interviews with creative professionals and news from NAB 2008.To subscribe to our Podcast, simply add the Podcast RSS feed to your favorite feed reader.

Tune in to here all about new FX Digital Backgrounds, a 100in. DLP, a new direction from Stephen Arnold Music, and a little known set designer. (more…)

Cracking the case: MSNBC green screen

Today at NAB 2008, NewscastStudio was able to uncover who designed the MSNBC “election center.” As we all recall, the “election center” was the totally 3D environment used during the election primaries. The set featured a 360 shooting area, and graphics could pop up from the floor.

Today, we cracked the case. Originally, MSNBC built a temporary set for their Super Tuesday coverage. Then, after Super Tuesday, they took pictures of every part of the set. This allowed them to recreate the set using blueprints and pictures in 3D.
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The day so far

It has been a busy day at NAB, with many events and many exhibitors.

Many of the major music companies are working hard to add additional offerings in the weeks to come. Today, we spoke to 615 President Randy Wachtler. While talking, he hinted at many new style and sounds coming soon to television stations. WFOR, located in Florida, is expected to debut a new, and innovative, 615 package in the coming weeks.

Also, many music companies are preparing new offerings for promotions in the coming weeks. Killertracks, FirstCom, AMP, and many more will have many new cds for use with news promotion soon.

Graphic wise, VDO is working on some interesting projects, stay tuned tomorrow as we chat with their head designer on our podcast.

Also, stay tuned tonight for our chat with Stephen Arnold Music.

Stay tuned for more updates from the floor of NAB.

Come on down…it’s time for Bob Barker!

Today at NAB, Bob Barker was honored. As part of the ceremony, hosted by Billy Bush, Barker hosted a game of The Price is Right. In the game, contestants came on down, and had a chance to spin the big wheel. Then, they competed at Plinko for the grand prize, a brand new plasma tv, worth over $3000.

Pictures continue after the jump. (more…)

Your Brain on Music sold

NewscastStudio has learned from Stephen Arnold Music that offshoot Your Brain on Music has been sold to 360 Music. 360 Music now owns all rights to the package, and SAM is in NO WAY affiliated with YBOM. Expect the brand to be renamed.

More to follow tonight on the NAB Podcast (likely to be posted at 10pm PST).

On the floor

It’s been a busy day at NAB so far, with over 1500 exhibits and thousands of people coming together.

We have learned that Brainstorm America designed the 3D MSNBC election center, complete with total 3d system. We will have more on this soon. Also, Ultimatte has developed the jib technology.

Also today, FirstCom will soon be entering the news music field with many offerings.

Later today, on our podcast, we will speak with a representative of Stephen Arnold Music, about their upcoming “hip new package.” Stay tuned.

Stay tuned for indepth articles later today and our first NAB podcast.

Live from NAB

NewscastStudio is now setup, and ready for a big day Live from NAB 2008.

Stay tuned, as the doors to the exhibit halls open at 9am PST, and when they do, NewscastStudio will have coverage from the floor.

Litepanels bring clean, white light

Litepanels produces a innovative line of LED lighting for television studios. These HD-friendly devices deliver a clean, white light that uses less power and doesn’t generate as much heat as other products.

Litepanels is exhibiting for the first time this year at NAB and has a full demo of the product and its applications at its booth. A popular product is the “1×1″ lighting unit, a one-square-foot panel that can be mounted from a standard grid and uses for front, fill or backlighting applications.

In addition, Litepanels are also available for remote and field production uses. The 1×1 unit can be used on portable stands, as shown here, or camera-mounted units are also available. The product is ideal for this due to its portability and low-power requirements.

For details, visit www.litepanels.com.

Interesting exhibitors

Here’s a list of some interesting-sounding organizations that are exhibiting. We’re hoping to find out exactly what they do and why they’re here…

• Honest Tea
• Veterinary News Network
• Office of Fossil Energy

NewscastStudio Live in Las Vegas

Image Credit: Destination360.com

NewscastStudio is now officially setup in Las Vegas, and over the next three days, we will provide around the clock coverage of NAB 2008. This year, NewscastStudio will cover everything creative, so stay tuned for live blogging all day Monday through Wen., and a nightly podcast beginning Monday. On the podcast we hope to have some exciting guests so stay tuned!

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