Hackensack, NJ, 21^st May, 2013 – LiveU (www.liveu.tv), the leader in portable live video-over-cellular solutions, has announced that VG, Norway’s leading newspaper, news website and now online video news site, has been able to successfully expand its live video content use via the deployment of LiveU’s cellular uplinking technology.

VG has long recognised the need to expand its brand and readership online and live video was identified as a very important part of that strategy. The newspaper group is using both multiple LU60s (backpack technology) as well as LiveU’s new mobile app solution LU-Smart. This app allows customers to extend their live video coverage from the field using an iPhone or iPad. Based on LiveU’s fourth-generation bonded uplink technology, the LU-Smart bonds internal Wi-Fi and cellular connections, including 3G/4G LTE, to reach optimal video quality.  

Pål Hansen, Technical Manager with VG TV, says, “LiveU allows us to go live from the field almost anywhere in an affordable way without the need for a satellite truck. With LU-Smart, we can view and play with live content in new and exciting ways. We use the LiveU technology for both live content and the playback of “as-live” clips via store and forward to the control room. We are very happy with the LiveU technology and the support from their partner Avit Systems.”

VG used two LU60 units as well as the iPhone technology at the recent World Skiing Championships in Italy. Feeds from press conferences and interviews with Norwegian skiers were transmitted back to the control room in Oslo then on to the website. The newspaper uses 3G, 4G, WiFi and LAN, to ensure optimum performance. The LU60 units are normally connected to a Panasonic HPX-250 camera, with off-the-shelf servers running LiveU’s LU1000 software that then feed a video router. VG has also installed an Ubuntu server for the live iPhone feeds.

Zion Eilam, LiveU’s Key Account Executive, says, “We are very excited to see one of the first uses of our new LU-Smart technology and that works in conjunction with our market-leading backpack solutions. VG is a prime example of how live video online can drive readership and enhance the amount of time people spend on the site. It allows exciting live footage from across the region.”

The LiveU solution and support was supplied to VG by Avit Systems, the company’s Norwegian partner.

Cypress, California, USA, 20 May 2013: Leader Instruments Corporation announces major updates to the VidChecker and VidFixer broadcast media file analysis and repair systems which it offers to digital content producers and broadcasters in the Americas. 

New features introduced with VidChecker V5.0 include two to four times faster processing, post-process re-encoding, advanced MXF metadata checking, automatic aggregation of multiple video alerts, API additions, batch deletion of old test tasks, user-configurable PDF reports, plus support for Dolby E surround sound in MOV (as well as MXF). 

VidChecker V5.0 also adds Apple iTunes compatability testing, support for JPEG2000 decode and re-encoding, plus the ability to integrate directly with Telestream’s Vantage file transcoder, Amberfin’s iCR, Root6′s ContentAgent, DVS’ Venice server, Envivio’s OnDemand 4Caster and the SuitcaseTV range of systems.

The new updates are also incorporated into VidFixer V5.0 which offers the same functions as VidChecker V5.0 plus an integral transcoder allowing output in a user-selectable alternative to the source file format.

"VidChecker and VidFixer are highly efficient alternatives to real-time visual inspection during content ingest, media archiving, studio to studio distribution and broadcast playout," comments George Gonos, president of Leader Instruments Corporation. "They provide a powerful safeguard against human error, content discontinuity or data deterioration. Both products are compatible with Microsoft Windows and can be operated locally or via a web browser."

VidChecker and VidFixer not only check but correct the most common problems in file-based content, ensuring that clips, interstitials and complete programmes are immediately ready for post-production or transmission. Automated correction is applied to video and audio levels. Multiple audio tracks, each with up to eight channels, can be checked in just one pass. Audio levels are automatically corrected to ITU-R 1770-2, ATSC A/85 and EBU R-128 loudness recommendations including EBU Tech 3341 windowing and gating modes.

VidChecker and VidFixer are fully scalable from a single license processing four files at the same time up to eight licenses operated simultaneously on a single server or spread across multiple servers working together in a VidChecker Grid for enterprise installations requiring very high throughput.

London, England, 20 May 2013: Camera Corps (a Vitec Group company) announces the latest version of its ultra-compact PTZF Mini Joystick. Originally launched at the 2010 NAB Show in Las Vegas, PTZF Mini Joystick is designed for restricted-space applications such as commentator-camera control or outside-broadcast vehicles. It can control up to five pan and tilt heads from a wide range of manufacturers.

The new PTZF Mini Joystick Version 3 is optimised for use with up to five Camera Corps Q-Ball Pre-Set remotely controlled pan/tilt/zoom/focus heads. 10 positions per head can be assigned and recalled. Individual control reverses are provided for pan/tilt/zoom/focus and stored separately for each of the five heads. Data input from an external camera control unit, data output and incoming power can all be carried via a single connector at the rear of the controller.

Space on the PTZF Mini Joystick panel is saved by using a twist action on the joystick to provide zoom control. Three rotary controls below the joystick provide individual adjustment of pan, tilt and zoom speed and can be set to different values for each of the five Q-Ball Pre-Set heads. The same rotary controls can be used to adjust functions such as manual and auto iris and red/blue gain.

The joystick and control buttons have the same tactile responsiveness as those on our full-size controller," states Camera Corps’ Technical Director Jim Daniels. "These include fully adjustable pan, tilt and zoom speeds and reverses. Zoom is controlled by rotary twist of the joystick. Reverse settings and control speeds for each of the five channels are stored in non-volatile internal memory."

The standard Camera Corps audio data communication system is employed to allow unlimited operating distances between Mini Joystick Control and the remote heads. Each of the five channels has its own red and green cue/tally light switch. Individual channels can be locked to prevent inadvertent alteration of presets. Focus can be remote-adjusted manually or switched between manual and automatic when working with with cameras that support these features.

Available now, Camera Corps’ PTZF Mini Joystick Version 3 operates from a 9 to 18 volt direct current power adapter or battery. Total panel dimensions are 190 x 140 x 110 millimetres. Weight is 400 grammes.

Housed in a robust and fully-weatherproof 115 millimetre diameter aluminium sphere, Q-Ball and Q-Ball Pre-Set are ultra-compact remotely-controlled cameras with integral 10-times zoom optical lens and smooth-accelerating pan/tilt motors. Equipped with a 2 megapixel CMOS sensor and capable of operating in daylight or infra-red illumination, each camera delivers 1080i/720p high definition or 625/525-line standard definition at 50 or 59.94 hertz refresh rates. Pan and tilt slip-rings enable Q-Ball to perform unrestricted rotation at a wide range of speeds with precise control of acceleration and deceleration. Master black and colour saturation control allow accurate colour matching with third-party cameras.