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AJA ColorBox Achieves RED Certification
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Matrox Launches Maevex 7100 Series Encoders
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Vizrt Unveils TriCaster Flex Dual
The live broadcast of the program “360 Seconds. Broadcast News & Commentary” took place on December 4, 2023.
Hosts: Philip Grossman, host and co-producer at Visionaries; Mary Ann Seidler, owner of First Light Media and consultant for multiCAM Systems and Telos Alliance; and Maria Kholodova.
Maria: AJA Video Systems’ ColorBox, a pivotal color management tool, has received the first-ever RED Certification. This enhances its compatibility with RED cinema cameras, significantly advancing film and television production workflows.
Philip, what are your thoughts on this?
Philip: Certainly. I have experienced Red certification with a couple of products in the past. Red, like all camera brands such as ARRI and Sony, has its unique color science. What Red prides itself on, and what this box facilitates, is the accurate representation of colors as captured by the camera. Typically, on a set, you might get Rec 709 output from a Red camera. However, Red aims to provide a more precise conversion, allowing those in the video village to see exactly what is being captured by the camera, thereby simplifying the process.
With AJA being a leader in this industry, especially in this type of device, it will greatly benefit Red shooters and productions using Red cameras. It enables a more accurate live view of what the camera is capturing, particularly in live broadcast environments. This device also aids immensely by allowing the use of a lookup table to adjust colors and match all your cameras. It’s an unsung hero in the color workflow space. So, achieving Red certification is a significant milestone for them.
Maria: Moving on to Matrox. Matrox Video has unveiled the Maevex 7100 Series, advanced single-channel 4K60 AVC/HEVC encoders designed for low-latency, high-quality video streaming in control rooms and mission-critical applications. These encoders feature robust security and multi-protocol support. Philip, could you unpack this for us a bit?
Philip: Yes, it’s exciting to see more organizations, especially Matrox, entering the encoder market. There was a period when hardware encoders were overlooked, with a preference for software-based solutions. However, we’ve realized that to achieve low latency, hardware-based encoders are essential. Matrox has been excelling in this area, producing interesting tools that are becoming increasingly relevant in REMI (remote integration) production, which encompasses remote production and monitoring. The Maevex 7100 Series adds another valuable tool for those engaged in remote production. I’m impressed with their progress, particularly their focus on 4K60 streaming, which is highly relevant for sports broadcasting, and their commitment to low latency, another critical aspect for sports coverage.
Maria: Next up is Vizrt. Vizrt introduces the TriCaster Flex Dual, a control panel featuring 24 direct cross-points, a full-sized joystick, two dynamic 10-key menu systems, and NDI-native support. This offers enhanced control and flexibility in live production settings, ranging from studio broadcasts to remote operations. Mary, I’m throwing this over to you.
Mary: First, it’s quite interesting to see another entry into the field that caters to both real video professionals and non-professionals, like those working on visual radio programs or corporate projects. Philip, what are your thoughts on how this is expanding the field?
Philip: I’m pleased to see more manufacturers producing video switchers that are both affordable and capable, catering to users looking to upgrade from typical YouTube content to something more professional. The TriCaster Flex Dual, priced under $10,000, offers significant capabilities for a range of users, from prosumer colleges to larger organizations. It’s particularly valuable for applications like visual radio, providing a tool that expands capabilities while aligning with larger professional tools. So, as users transition from a two-strip unit to a larger switcher, the learning curve isn’t steep.
Mary: It’s essential for the equipment to be simple yet professional-looking. It needs to be user-friendly for those not regularly involved in video production, but still produce high-quality, professional-looking content.
Philip: Exactly. The market is benefiting from the variety offered by companies like BlackMagic, Vizrt, and Roland. They’re providing choices that help produce professionally-made content. I’m looking forward to seeing how these developments impact the industry.
Maria: That’s all the time we have today. Many thanks to our expert – Philip and Mary. And don’t forget to comment on the news we’ve discussed. See you next Monday at the same time!
Production – TKT1957 LLC.
Media Partner – Cine Gear Expo.
360 Seconds. Broadcast News & Commentary
The weekly show, focusing on the latest products and solutions in the global TV and film industry, features insights and analysis from top experts. Released every Monday within the TKT1957 network, the program can be found on the YouTube channel, social media groups, and the tkt1957.com website. Engage with the content, view the episodes, and participate in the conversation by leaving your questions in the comments section!
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