The rise of the PTZ camera, discussed in a previous post, fits into the wider trends for remote operation, robotic cameras, and automated content production. We spoke with Mark Roberts Motion Control (Nikon-owned since 2016), one of the pioneers in robotic cameras to gain insight into the drivers for this, new applications and future developments.
The announcement by Blackmagic of their new RAW camera file format reminds us that there is choice to record RAW versus regular video with digital cinematography cameras. What is RAW, what are the pros and cons, and why should cinematographers capture RAW files rather than conventional video? At a first pass, a RAW image file consists of the data from the image sensor with some basic processing, but cannot be viewed as a regular red, green and blue (RGB) video file.
Back in 1972 — when the arcade video game, Pong, came on the scene — electronic gaming was born. Now millennials are drawn to eSports and NAB NY 2018 will show broadcasters ways to help capture that audience.
A few years ago, remote Pan Tilt Zoom (PTZ) cameras were regarded as being low quality and not suitable for professional use. Thanks to the advances in sensor, IP technology, the introduction of fanless designs and optical image stabilisers, the balance has been tipped in favour of remote cameras as an industry standard.
Among the most overlooked video accessories are outdoor windscreens for microphones. Much of a video crew’s work is outdoors and random wind noise is one of the most difficult anomalies to control. This means some sound operators, who work in extreme environments, spend as much money on wind protection gear as the microphones themselves.
Stereo recording can be implemented in many ways. However, for broadcasters, the safest method for stereo broadcasting is Mid-Side, or M/S, a simple recording system that automatically protects the mono signal should something go wrong. Here are the basics of M/S recording.
If you can see how a magic act is performed, POOF! the magic disappears. Live TV is a magic act because so much of the on-screen magic happens behind the curtain. When a random device malfunctions or fails during a live show, if the talent doesn’t blab the secret on-air, viewers probably won’t notice. As many great engineers and directors have said in so many ways, “They won’t know unless you tell ‘em.”
Ribbons were the first great microphones, mainly due to their very musical, natural sound qualities. Invented in the 1920s, their run of popularity lasted until the 1960s when ribbons fell out of favor. That was not because of the microphone itself, but due to changes in the way voices and music were recorded. Now ribbons are back in favor. How did that happen?
