Archive for the ‘NAB 2009’ Category

RTNDA noticeably smaller this year

RTNDA had a noticeably smaller and less lively show floor this year.

New this year was a so-called “Networking Lounge,” a small collection of sofas and chairs with a plasma television, free popcorn and Wi-Fi Internet access.

The show floor was also rearranged, placing the exhibitor area closer to the Hilton casino and the RTNDA offices more in the area where the booths were in previous years.

Booth numbers and sizes were reduced as well, with almost an entire aisle filled with non-profit organization, at least one of which appeared to be a no-show Monday.

RTNDA has been facing tough challenges with the stalling economy and falling membership. Barbara Cochran, the organization’s president, has announced her retirement, leaving the group at somewhat of a crossroads as it pauses to determine how to proceed. The organization also announced it will cease publishing “Communciator” magazine this summer, moving it to an online-only format.

Brainstorm-Dragon adds dynamic new angle to real-time graphics

Brainstorm-Dragon is demonstrating an interesting new real-time graphic implementation at NAB 2009.

The system is dubbed as a “markerless camera tracking system” adds some exciting new dimensions and possibilities to the world of 3D news graphics. The system doesn’t require any senors and therefore is highly portable.

In our demonstration, poster-board size sheet of material was utilized. One side was white while the other was a green hue. (more…)

Chyron’s slick Axis interface brings quality graphics to the desktop

Broadcast graphics giant Chyron has announced a series of upcoming enhancements to its Axis graphics system, but the the entirely Web-based broadcast graphics solution already boasts an impressive arsenal of tools.

Chyron Product Special Cheri Kresge walked NewscastStudio through a personal tour of the graphics system at the NAB Show in Las Vegas Monday.

Since Axis is entirely Web-based, it requires no special hardware and runs through most standard Internet browsers equipped with the Flash Player 10 plugin, Kresge explained. Chyron maintains all back-end systems necessary on its servers, including any needed maintenance and updates.

Axis was purchased last year by Chyron. At that time, it only allowed for Web-based map creation, said Steve Papadakis, director of sales and marketing for Chyron online. Chryon spent the last year expanding and enhancing the product into its present-day offering, which offers animated maps and charts as well as news graphics creation and management. (more…)

Killer Tracks launches Vitamin A in U.S. market.

Killer Tracks has rolled out a new Australian based music library entitled Vitamin A, complete with 6 CDs of radio-friendly commercial vocal tracks with edits and instrumentals.

The tracks include male vocal rock anthems, simple drama grooves, sassy female rock, peaceful guitar atmospheres and Latin-vibe rock. The majority of tracks include vocals and an alternate underscore version with no vocals. The library also includes standard breakdowns.

Overall, the music sounds nice from the demo NewscastStudio was provided. We had the chance to samples 10 full songs which ranged in styles. Out of the 10 we had a change to sample, “Take it to the Limit” was our favorite and would work well any most commercials and promos. It could even work as a news promo campaign.

For more information on Vitamin A and Killer Tracks visit killertracks.com

NAB head says broadcasters ‘forging ahead’

Despite a weakening economy and numerous challenges facing media on all platforms, NAB president and CEO David K. Rehr emphasized that broadcasters of today are “forging ahead” and showing the value of their services.

That message was repeated by John L. Sander, the NAB joint board chair, who spoke to a less-than-capacity audience at the NAB opening session in Las Vegas Monday.

“At a time when businesses everywhere are seeking momentum, this is the event that will provide it,” said Sander. (more…)

NewscastStudio@NAB: Sunday Photos

Unique 3D technologies add food for thought

3D seems to be one of the buzz words at this year’s NAB Show.

The National Institute of Information and Communications Technology had some innovative 3D-based technologies on display and made available to the press during a pre-show tour.

The Japanese-based organization works to advance communications technologies and conducts its own research and contributes to national policy in related areas.

(more…)

Wii! NewscastStudio takes Beat the Traffic’s video game control for a spin

I’ll admit I was skeptical about how well Beat the Traffic’s Wii remote technology would work, especially considering my lack of eye-hand coordination and general video-gaming skills.

But, after a short introduction from the company’s CEO and founder Andrew Gueziec, I was zooming around a virtual map of Seattle with relative ease (and after just a few minutes of practice).

Beat the Traffic translates the user’s broad sweeping movements and hand rotations into smooth movement on the traffic system’s 3D renderings. The built-in vibration feature of the controller provides a subtle signal that you’ve hovered over a clickable data point with either a live camera flyout or detailed incident information.

The demo’s layout also mimicked a control key wall set up and I made a point to use test the Wii controller with my back to the meeting room’s large projection screen facing forward. Even without the benefit of monitors on either side or in front of me, the device was still easy to use. (more…)

Beat the Traffic takes viewers on a ride with Wii controller

Beat the Traffic has added an innovative new feature to its traffic reporting offerings — the use of the Wii video game console controller as an alternative to the typical garage door opener-style devices used by on-air talent.

Beat the Traffic combines this new offering, which is currently in initial testing at about ten stations, with its high-quality maps and 3D graphics.

Traffic information is key at this time, says Joseph J. Coscia, Beat the Traffic’s spokesperson, because the current economic climate means saving time in traffic translates to using less gas and being more productive. (more…)

NAB survey: 80 percent of attendees plan on purchases

NAB has released the results of a survey it conducted that found that nearly 80 percent of the pre-registered attendees plan to buy products or services on the show floor this year.

This figure may seem a bit high in today’s economy and one has to wonder if the number is being skewed at least a little by the fact that companies that OK’d the journey to Las Vegas are more likely to have a defined reason for going.

Remember too, that 80 percent becomes a less impressive figure the more attendance is down overall; and almost everyone seems to be in agreement there will be a significant drop this year.

A summary of the study’s findings is after the jump.

(more…)

Coming soon…

NewscastStudio kicks off its annual NewscastStudio @ NAB coverage on Sunday from Las Vegas, Nevada. Stay tuned and follow us on Twitter for the latest events and announcements from the show floor.

We have some unique interviews and features planned including an in-depth look into Vizrt’s election night hologram and more information on virtual sets and music additions from Non-Stop Music.