Avid Delivers Avid iNEWS Command for Improved Newsroom Efficiency

May 23, 2007

Source: Avid

Avid Technology, Inc. today announced the immediate availability of the Avid® iNEWS® Command system version 1.0, offering precise automation control over news playout devices; including video servers, still stores, and character generators. The system integrates with virtually any newsroom computer system (NRCS), allowing operators to make last minute changes within seconds of broadcast, and to trigger playout events based on rundowns from the Avid iNEWS NRCS or any other MOS-enabled newsroom playlist.

“The iNEWS Command system provides robust, on-air reliability without requiring investment in costly full station automation. The system is targeted specifically for playout operations and is the ideal solution for broadcasters that want to link together multiple on-air devices and workflows, and reduce transmission errors,” said Johnathon Howard, director of on-air product management, Avid. “Avid’s success with broadcasters over the years has been based on our track record of helping small- and large-scale organizations operate with greater flexibility and efficiency in the newsroom. Integrating iNEWS Command in a news production workflow enables broadcasters to prevent a single point of failure with a backup system that takes over automatically when one component becomes unavailable. Plus, iNEWS Command tightly synchronizes all playout devices to ensure that last minute changes are reflected accurately on air – a critical factor in the news business, where every second counts.”

The iNEWS Command system can function as an automation device for controlling both Avid playlists and playout servers within an Avid end-to-end news production environment – or within facilities that use a wide range of third-party NRCS systems. In addition, the iNEWS Command system offers native control of the Avid Deko® family of graphics-creation systems and the Avid Thunder® line of clip- and still-store servers, providing seamless integration within an Avid broadcast workflow environment. Specific features of the system include:

Flexible Playlist Functionality: enables playlists to load from the newsroom computer system or manually within Avid iNEWS Command; playlists can even be embedded within other playlists.
Manual and Automated Triggering: allows items to be manually played back by the operator; triggered via GPI; linked with other clips to block play; or automatically played based on the time of day for total integration with the facility, its systems, processes, and staff.
Mirrored Playback: allows a single play command to initiate playback on two channels simultaneously.
Advanced Playback Features: enables users to automatically cue items as needed if and when playlists change, and provides simultaneous playback while video files are still being transferred, for increased time savings and status awareness.
Open Integration: provides easy configuration to control any combination of Avid Thunder, Avid AirSpeed®, and Avid Deko systems that are operating in an NRCS environment.
Intuitive Interface: provides visual tools that show time elapsed and time remaining, and channel assignments for easy identification of transmission paths, and color-coded status indicators that illustrate the inventory of assets based on availability and playability on all devices.
Instant Status Display: provides a range of powerful visual tools, including clocks that show time elapsed and time remaining, channel assignments for easy identification of transmission paths, and color-coded status indicators that illustrate the inventory of assets based on availability and playability on all devices.

Comprehensive Training for iNEWS Command
Avid’s award-winning training department, Avid Training Services, is now offering two courses on Avid iNEWS Command. The Avid iNEWS Command Basics course provides a system overview and covers topics including iNEWS or ENPS integration, playout control and basic troubleshooting. More in depth, the Avid iNEWS Command Advanced Administration course covers the ‘Basics’, as well as configuration (iNEWS, Deko MOS, GPI, etc.), framework, licensing, and in-depth troubleshooting. For more information about these courses, visit http://www.avid.com/training/.

Pricing & Availability
Avid iNEWS Command is available now. Base pricing for the system begins at $15,000 USMSRP; a sample configuration with software for a single control workstation and two viewing workstations, and licenses four video and two graphics channels is $30,000 USMSRP. Additional video and graphics channels can be added for $1,000 to $2,000 USMSRP per channel. For more information please visit www.avid.com/avidinews.

EVS to show revolutionary production workflows for studios at Broadcast Live

May 23, 2007

Source: EVS

After the big success of its new studio solutions presented at NAB in April, EVS emphasizes the strengths of its instant tapeless solutions for studios at the upcoming Broadcast Live show in London (June 19-21).

The company will showcase its revolutionary production workflows supported by the unique XT[2] server, as well as introduce a series of important new products and applications designed for live, near-live and studio production.

“British broadcasters and production companies have always trusted our unique and innovative solutions for their live sport production; so the UK is a key market for EVS. Today, we’re able to extend our offering to include studio production, based on the years of experience and
competence that we’ve gained in digital workflows.” declared Pierre L’Hoest, CEO of EVS. “The XT2 server and its related software applications are one of the most competitive tapeless solutions for the replacement of analog production in studios and we‘re proud to present them for
the first time in the UK at Broadcast Live”, he added.
Integrated digital production Different production workflows dedicated to various genres (such as sport, TV shows, reality TV or TV series), will be used to illustrate the advantages of Instant Tapeless Technology in terms of speed, flexibility, reliability and integration with other technologies.

EVS will present its integrated digital production system, fully adapted for any SD and HD workflow. The system will feature various configurations to meet with different studio and OB
production requirements, including:
• Multi camera input acquisition and instant preview
• Multiple feeds ingest
• Content management and network control including logging and browsing
• Live and highlight editing including non-linear applications
• Fast and seamless integration with 3rd party NLEs such as Avid and Apple
• Media repurposing for new media delivery (mobile, Internet)
• Playback and control by 3rd party automation systems
Product updates and innovations

Broadcast Live will be the setting for the following EVS product updates and innovations:
• [IP] Director Version 4: The integrated production management software will feature new functionalities and tools for more flexibility and adaptability in different workflows and applications. This will include an intuitive playlist management module, a series of dynamic
tools for easier and better control of XT[2] servers, and a brand new user interface. [IP]Director will be presenting its new 1RU rack mounted hardware system for the connection
to the XT[2] network.

• [CE] CleanEdit with HD camcorder integration: The fast and intuitive non-linear editing system will be presented with remote ENG HD camera integration. Showcased with the new
XDCAM HD of Sony, the new [CE] CleanEdit offers a seamless integration for fast editing.

• XFile software: The archiving and third party gateway software will be show an advanced streaming module that automatically streams feeds recorded on the XT[2] server to post production systems such as CleanEdit, Avid Media Composer™ or Apple Final Cut Pro™.

• Edit2Air (E2A): This new dedicated software allows material on an XT[2] video server to be edited while playing out directly to air (or on a delay) without any interruption.

• XT[2] production and playout server external storage, Avid DNxHD: This server will be presenting its new external storage system for an extended capacity with hot swap disks (5,
10 or 15 disks) and dual hot swap power supply and its native support of Avid DNxHD® codec.

• XT2 production and playout server with Gigabit Ethernet port: This development is another step to facilitate faster-than-real time file exchange capabilities between EVS XT2
and central/archive storage systems as well as 3rd party NLEs such as Avid, Apple or Quantel.

Concurrent Appoints Michael Pasquinilli Vice President of Engineering

May 22, 2007

Source: Concurrent

Concurrent, a worldwide leader of on-demand technology that is shaping the future of television, announced today the promotion of Michael Pasquinilli to vice president of engineering. In his new role, Mr. Pasquinilli assumes responsibility for all video-on-demand development resources, and will continue to drive Concurrent’s strategic objectives for the design and implementation of advanced on-demand products and services. He will continue to report to Concurrent’s CTO Bob Chism.

“Michael has shown great initiative and creativity since assuming a position here in October,” said Mr. Chism. “Under his leadership, our development team will continue to break new ground in the area of interactive television (iTV) and on-demand applications.”

In his new role, Mr. Pasquinilli will oversee the design and development of new products and applications to meet the growing needs of the on-demand industry, including mapping product strategy. Mr. Pasquinilli joined Concurrent in October 2006 as director of advanced engineering, after seven years with Cox Communications, where he oversaw design and development of their interactive television technologies, including video-on-demand. Prior to his position with Cox, Mr. Pasquinilli was a technical program manager with Scientific Atlanta, where he also worked with video-on-demand products.

About Concurrent

Concurrent is a leading provider of high-performance, real-time Linux software and solutions for commercial and government markets. For over 40 years Concurrent’s best-of-breed products have enabled a range of time-critical solutions including: modeling and simulation, high speed data acquisition, visual imaging, low latency transaction processing and on-demand television. Concurrent’s on-demand television applications are utilized by major service providers in the cable and IPTV industries to deliver video-on-demand (VOD) and, through subsidiary company Everstream, measure the effectiveness of interactive television. Concurrent is a global company with regional offices in North America, Europe, Asia and Australia, and has products actively deployed in more than 26 countries. Concurrent’s products and services are recognized for being uniquely flexible, comprehensive, robust and reliable. For more information, please visit www.ccur.com

 

Tapeless live sports production with the EVS XT production and playout server

 May 21, 2007

Source: EVS

Download PDF Version of EVS Case Study

As the leading private television network in Sri Lanka, MTV Channel needed to find a more efficient way of producing its musical reality show, Sirasa SuperStar. Since launching two years ago, this has become one of the most popular programmes on the Sinhala language channel, which in turn enjoys the highest gross rating of any channel in Sri Lanka with its mix of entertainment, news and current affairs.

The broadcaster, which beams free-to-air signals in Sri Lanka’s three main languages on three separate channels – namely MTV, Sirasa TV and Shakthi TV – had already invested in state-of-the-art audio-visual receiving and transmitting equipment to reach some 85 per cent of the country’s TV sets.
So the fact that it was still juggling a multitude of tapes during the production of the fast-moving SuperStar show was somewhat anachronistic, to say the least.

However making the transition to a tapeless environment presented prospective system vendors with a tall order. As well as the highest level of reliability, an easy fit with existing workflow, rapid content browsing and programme packaging capabilities and a readily-upgradeable path to the
future, the company also needed a means of transferring final edits to thirdparty systems.

The crucial proviso was that these transfers should be completed substantially faster than real time – in other words take less time than the running length of the programme – but with absolutely no compromise on picture or sound quality.

The reason for this specific request was that, while some segments go straight to air, the experience among those working on the SuperStar production was that the running order – or even the edit sequence of individual segments – often had to be changed at very late notice.

CHALLENGE
MTV Channel needed a system that would :
• Provide a true VTR replacement solution for a reality TV show
• Perform to the highest level of reliability
• Fit easily within existing workflow with the minimum of disruption
• Give multiple operators rapid content browsing and programme packaging capabilities
• Organise rushes and associated information in a logical file structure that was easy to navigate
• Provide a faster than real time means of transferring final edits to third-party systems without compromising on picture or sound quality
• Offer a readily-upgradeable path to the future

SOLUTION
Turning to EVS, MTV Channel opted for an integrated solution comprising an XT[2] SD media server, an IP Director video production management workstation, and an Xfile[2]
automated file transfer gateway.

By operating the multi-configurable server as a single input and output device, the broadcaster was able to capture the live programme stream continuously, with access via the IP Director application available right from the moment pictures were first ingested onto the system.

This arrangement allows the IP Director operator to assemble the most interesting segments either by browsing through the server content or searching by timecode, and then send the edited output to the company’s in-house Avid NewsCutter XP NLE (non-linear editing) suites for special effects mixing. The company reports that by engaging several members of the team in a flexible, shared environment such as this
has resulted in the final output being ready to go to air in a matter of seconds.

An important objective was to achieve seamless interoperability between the EVS system and the Avid craft editing equipment, which has been made possible by
recording the live material in an IMX MXF video format that is compatible with both.
In fact the integration is so tight that content can pass between EVS, Avid NLE or the company’s Avid Unity MediaNetwork shared storage infrastructure with complete
transparency to the user.

According to MTV Channel, the result is more efficient access to the Avid suites, which gives the production team more time to finesse and polish edits. Freed of the
cumbersome operating restrictions inherently associated with tape, the editorial decision-making process is also more flexible, making a more effective level of collaboration possible within the production team.

“Our users work very well with the IP Director to do a quick edit of the full programme just by the drag-and-drop of captured clips,” says Mr. Tharaka Mohotty, Director of
Engineering of MTV. “The edited output is then streamed directly to Avid Unity, so that editors can immediately start working on their timeline for more complex postproduction.”

Other benefits include a capability to tackle large edit jobs following a substantial cut in turnaround time, a reduction in the amount of tape duplication and storage, a nearelimination
of spooling through tapes to locate shots, and the preservation of native quality throughout the whole production with no time-consuming – and quality degrading – re-ingesting or transcoding stages.

An especially welcome consequence is an end to the frequent tape changes previously made throughout the production process, and thanks to the unique EVS Loop Record function, the chance of even a single frame of camera footage being missed has been eliminated.

Cumbersome man-handling has also been removed from the archiving process, where footage had previously been stored on a vast number of tapes containing materials for the SuperStar shows spanning several years. The time-consuming process of retrieving and editing the required content from tape cassettes has now been replaced with much faster and more compact electronic storage.

As to the future, MTV Channel now has the flexibility to upgrade its production server to support more video channels and record more hours of footage, as a single XT[2]
unit can be expanded up to four or even six channels by the addition of extra internal boards and drives.

Many more channels and storage could be added in the longer term, as the design allows for some 29 XT[2] servers to be cascaded together. Interconnected servers use the EVS XNet[2], a 1.5Gbps SDTI (serial digital transport interface) media network that enables the instant access of shared real time media without any file copying. Each server already has a 1.5TB internal SCSI storage, but online access can be
increased dramatically by connecting a SAN (storage area network).

BENEFITS

• Minimal disruption to established production methods
• Loop Record prevents even a single frame of footage being missed
• Preservation of native quality throughout the whole production
• A substantial cut in turnaround time
• Electronic storage that is both faster and more compact than tape
• Edited output streamed directly to Avid Unity for more complex postproduction
• More effective collaboration within the production team
• Reduction in the amount of tape duplication and storage
• Flexibility to upgrade to more video channels and a larger recording capacity

Blackmagic Design Announces Final Cut Studio 2 Support

May 18, 2007

Source: Black Magic Design

Blackmagic Design Inc. today announced the immediate availability of a new software update that adds support for the new features in Apple Final Cut Studio 2.

The new software version 6.2 for all Blackmagic Design DeckLink and Multibridge series capture and playback video products supports the new features in Final Cut Studio 2 including ProRes 422, open format timelines, new easy setup management and video output from Color.

ProRes 422 support allows real time capture directly into a compressed video format for a dramatic reduction in disk space requirements. When editing long form television programming, compressed video allows all source media to be loaded onto a disk array, while the quality is high enough for final program production.

Now all Blackmagic Design cards support capture and playback natively with the ProRes 422 format, and easy setups are included.

Unlike FireWire based products that require recompression before output to the connected video device, all Blackmagic Design cards use an uncompressed video link direct to the Final Cut Studio real time effects renderer. No FireWire recompression means editors get all their computer’s CPU processing dedicated to more video layers and effects, and improved video quality.

This update supports the new Open Format Timeline technology which allows various video format files to be simultaneously played back in the editing timeline. Also supported is the new easy setup management, and video monitoring from Color software so you can see the exact color of your video work as customers perform color correction of their programs.

“This is a big update with wonderful new features our customers will really love,” said Grant Petty, CEO, Blackmagic Design “We have worked closely with Apple for months to make this update available the day Final Cut Studio 2 ships, and we are happy to announce its availability today as a free update to all our customers.”

Availability and Price
DeckLink v6.2 and Multibridge v6.2 software, with support for Final Cut Studio 2, is available today for download from the Blackmagic Design support web site at no charge.

New Senior Vice-President of Operations at Miranda

May 18, 2007

Source: Miranda

Miranda Technologies Inc., a global developer, manufacturer and marketer of high-performance hardware and software for the television broadcast industry, today announced the appointment of Luc St-Georges to the newly created position of Senior Vice-President of Operations.

In this role, Mr. St-Georges will have overall responsibility for all processes pertaining to delivery of products to customers, from order intake to shipment. He will oversee manufacturing activities as well as customer order processing and logistics, while also integrating production engineering.

“Luc’s appointment is a clear demonstration of our will to take our manufacturing to the next level”, said Strath Goodship, President and CEO of Miranda. “He is the right person to contribute to the company’s progression. Luc brings tremendous experience in operational strategies, including new product introduction processes and continuous improvement. With the positive reaction that our new products generated at NAB, and the follow-through business that we are anticipating, Luc’s arrival is well timed.”

Before joining Miranda, Mr. St-Georges was CEO of Positron Technologies, an international leader in high-end electronics contract manufacturing. He is known as a well-known figure in the field of complex electronics manufacturing practices.

“My mandate is clear”, said Luc St-Georges. “I must lead the operations team to reach ever-increasing levels of quality and minimizing the time it takes to introduce new products. These two go hand in hand. The teams I head up are already focusing on improving their practices, implementing new manufacturing processes and improving customer response. With the right tools and know-how, we will have the means to take on our future challenges.”

Motorola to Acquire Modulus Video

Another acquisition for Motorola ….

May 18, 2007

Source: Motorola

Motorola, Inc. and Modulus Video, Inc., a privately-held company, announced the signing of a definitive merger agreement, under which Motorola will acquire Modulus Video. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Modulus Video is a leader and innovator in MPEG-4 Advanced Video Coding (AVC) compression systems designed for delivery of high value video content in the IPTV, cable, broadcast and satellite marketplace. Modulus Video has partnered with Motorola for over two years bringing high-quality encoding solutions to key customers around the world.

This acquisition will complement Motorola’s recent acquisitions of Broadbus, Kreatel, Tut Systems and Netopia in the creation and delivery of an integrated, end-to-end video delivery system for multiple network architectures.

“Motorola is committed to offering an integrated, end-to-end video portfolio designed to meet the current and next-generation requirements of operators,” said Dan Moloney, President, Home and Networks Mobility business, Motorola, Inc. “As consumers demand more high definition video and interactive services, the need for advanced compression technology is increasingly important. As part of its advanced real-time video encoding products, Modulus Video has a powerful architecture and product development framework that is well suited for continued technological advancement.”

“Through this acquisition, Modulus Video will become part of a world-class organization in a highly strategic market segment. Our team will benefit from Motorola’s rich heritage and leadership of video delivery expertise,” said Bob Wilson, Chairman and CEO of Modulus Video. “Modulus Video will bring to Motorola a software-centric platform that ensures flexibility, reduced cost and fast development time.”

Upon completion of the transaction, Modulus Video will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Motorola and will be integrated into the Motorola Home and Networks Mobility business. Motorola intends to maintain Modulus Video operations in Sunnyvale, California.

The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals and the approval of Modulus Video stockholders, and is expected to be completed in the second or third quarter of 2007.

RealNetworks Acquires Sony NetServices, Extending Global Leadership in Mobile Entertainment Services

 

May 16, 2007

Source: RealNetworks

RealNetworks®, Inc. and Sony today announced that RealNetworks has acquired Sony NetServices, a joint venture between Sony DADC and Sony Europe. Sony NetServices provides mobile operators with end-to-end white label digital music services that are available today in eight countries throughout Europe. This acquisition is part of RealNetworks’ strategy to extend its global leadership in digital entertainment delivery on the mobile platform, and follows RealNetworks’ recent acquisition of mobile entertainment leader WiderThan.

Acquiring Sony NetServices substantially strengthens RealNetworks’ market position in Europe, and adds new technological capabilities that enhance Real’s capacity to offer mobile operators access to its growing portfolio of media solutions, including music on demand (MOD), video on demand (VOD), ringback tones (RBT), games and other solutions. The companies’ combined offering will enable operators to deliver unique mobile music experiences tailored to subscribers’ personal music tastes.

“Sony NetServices has created a world-class platform for delivering mobile entertainment solutions to leading mobile operators throughout Europe,” said John Giamatteo, President of Technology Products and Solutions and International Operations, RealNetworks. “We believe the addition of Sony NetServices’ technology and platform to our earlier acquisition of WiderThan places RealNetworks at the center of the emerging mobile entertainment space, and extends our geographic ability to serve mobile operators around the world.”

Sony NetServices’ key offering is a personalized music streaming platform, previously marketed as StreamMan by Sony. StreamMan, which was the world’s first convergent music service, offers consumers the ability to download full songs or stream music to their 3G mobile handset as well as their PC. A number of European mobile operators have launched music services powered by the platform since its introduction in 2004, including Vodafone and TeliaSonera Finland.

“Sony DADC is pleased to welcome RealNetworks as a new business partner,” said Dieter Daum, President of Sony DADC. “Today marks an important milestone for the StreamMan business. The strength of RealNetworks’ digital entertainment offering, coupled with its commitment to continue operating in Salzburg, gives the company strong footing to pursue mobile music business opportunities in Europe and elsewhere,” he added.

The Sony NetServices acquisition is part of a comprehensive service agreement between Sony DADC and RealNetworks to work together to deliver outstanding experiences to mobile operators throughout Europe. Under this agreement, RealNetworks will utilize Sony DADC’s content operations to service its mobile partners in Europe.

The Growing Market for Mobile Entertainment

Today’s news will allow RealNetworks to benefit from growth opportunities for personalized digital entertainment on the mobile phone, a market driven by the explosion in availability and connectivity of mobile devices and the rapid expansion of content available for mobile distribution.

“Mobile music is gaining sizable momentum in the major European markets,” said Seamus McAteer, chief product architect and senior analyst, M:Metrics. “In March alone, over 19 million Europeans side-loaded music onto their mobile handsets, while 4.4 million downloaded music over the air. Services that address both desires are ideally positioned to capitalize on clear consumer demand for easy ways to discover and play music on a mobile device.”

Business Benefits

RealNetworks and Sony NetServices each have a heritage of innovation in digital music delivery, and share a vision of providing music to anyone, at anytime and anywhere, while providing a rich music discovery experience.

Sony NetServices’ mobile music offering will strengthen Real’s existing mobile music offering in several ways. First, the company’s geographic footprint and customer base complement RealNetworks’ mobile carrier coverage in the U.S. and Asia. With the acquisition of Sony NetServices, RealNetworks now has 12 music on demand customers with over 196 million mobile subscribers in 11 countries. Real’s Technology and Product Solutions division provides services on an ASP basis to more than 75 communications carriers in 37 countries worldwide.

Second, Sony NetServices provides technology and telco-grade infrastructure that will enhance RealNetworks’ ability to serve the emerging on-demand music market in Europe. Sony NetServices’ technology center and infrastructure in Salzburg, Austria, will continue supporting delivery of the StreamMan service, while increasing RealNetworks’ capacity to offer European mobile operators access to its expanded suite of media solutions.

Third, Sony NetServices’ hosted service offering supplements the network- embedded suite of mobile services RealNetworks gained through the WiderThan acquisition. This acquisition leaves RealNetworks uniquely positioned to offer end-to-end music solutions that allow mobile operators to offer music in any form to their subscribers and let those subscribers personalize their mobile experience via ringback tones, music on demand, and ringtone services. This market position is synergistic with RealNetworks’ strategy of providing end- to-end digital media solutions to partners such as SK Telecom in Korea, AT&T, Verizon Wireless and Sprint Nextel in the United States, as well as Bharti Airtel, Telstra and Globe Telecom in Asia.

Finally, Sony NetServices’ platform adds another dimension to RealNetworks’ existing music on demand service. The platform offers a unique, highly personalized music experience that “learns” a subscriber’s music tastes over time and exposes them to music relevant to their tastes. This is made possible via the platform’s personalization engine, which allows customers to “teach” the music service their own personal likes and dislikes.

For financial details about this transaction, please see RealNetworks’ Form 8-K, which will be filed today with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

RealNetworks intends to maintain the operation of Sony NetServices in its current location in Salzburg, Austria, doing business as RealNetworks GmbH. The current Sony NetServices team will continue as a key part of RealNetworks’ global Technology Products and Solutions business.

About Sony NetServices

Sony NetServices creates, develops and operates innovative content services for various media platforms such as mobile phones, home entertainment equipment and PCs. Sony NetServices has invented StreamMan (Music Personalization, Streaming and Download to mobile phones and PCs). Sony NetServices, a 50/50 joint venture of Sony DADC and Sony Europe, was founded in April 2000.

Softimage Launches Alienbrain 8

May 16, 2007

Source: Avid

Avid Technology, Inc., today announced the worldwide availability of Alienbrain® 8 software. Developed by Avid’s Softimage subsidiary, Alienbrain is an asset management system that enables CG artists to visually track, control versions, manage, and share any kind of digital document – from 3D game assets and models to complex visualization files. Alienbrain 8 software introduces powerful plug-ins that easily integrate with leading 3D and digital content creation applications, so artists can seamlessly edit, save, and collaborate during all stages of the digital production process. Starting at the USMSRP of $495, Alienbrain 8 software offers accelerated and scalable solutions that meet the needs of growing global collaborative networks.
As the demand for high resolution game titles for Microsoft Xbox and Sony PlayStation game consoles and content for training/simulation applications continues to rise, the complexity and sheer size of high-resolution models are also increasing. Alienbrain 8 software introduces new features that specifically address the challenge of managing millions of large-sized assets in a central repository, independent of geographic location.

New features in Alienbrain 8 software include:

Multi-site collaboration – New Remote Client Set-Up is a streamlined version of a full-featured client that delivers accelerated performance for users who work remotely or have a slow connection. Frequently accessed data is also stored in the Shared Client Cache, reducing traffic between remote and local sites.
Central License Server – Licenses are maintained and tracked on a single server, making it easier for site administrators to manage licenses for large-team environments with hundreds of users, and can be installed on unlimited servers, taking advantage of load balancing. Projects can be distributed to multiple servers without issuing additional license files.
Multi-project administration – Administrative groups can be used to select projects and apply pre-defined tasks to all projects within a group. Administrators can also apply customized or routine tasks such as scheduled backups and consistency checks.

“Alienbrain is a complex and powerful source control tool, but it works in a way that our art team can understand and use easily, and we’re excited to see Avid moving this product forward,” said Ian Lovett, Technical Art Director at Lionhead Studios, UK. Who is currently working on Fable 2 for Xbox 360 – sequel to the role-playing game (RPG) Fable. “Alienbrain helps us keep up with our very dynamic and creative production processes.”

An asset management solution like Alienbrain is critical for 3D game developers who are constantly under pressure to grow and manage their teams – often in multiple geographic locations – and deliver projects with accelerated milestone and ship dates. Game developers must work with increasingly large 3D art asset file sizes, which can be a challenge to track, version, manage and share.

“At 10TACLE STUDIOS, we work with more than 70 people on the next-generation, multi- platform title, Elveon,” said Juergen Reusswig, Managing Director of 10TACLE STUDIOS, Slovakia. “The demands for the production of such a big title and massive graphics pipeline lead us to choose Alienbrain. Its excellent toolset – especially the smooth integration with our graphics tools – convinced us that Alienbrain was the best product for asset management in our production pipeline.”

Pricing and Availability

Alienbrain 8 is available now in the following configurations:

Alienbrain 8: Essentials for Programmers
Alienbrain 8: Essentials for Artists
Alienbrain 8: Advanced

Starting at USMSRP $495, all versions of Alienbrain 8 software are available from the Softimage sales team or a certified reseller. Upgrades to existing licenses are also available. For more information and pricing, locate and contact your local reseller at: www.softimage.com/products/alienbrain.

Macrovision’s Solution Creates New Model for Hardware Manufacturers to Profit From Embedded Software

May 16, 2007

Source: Macrovision

Macrovision Corporation today introduced its Hardware Value Maximization solution, which is designed to help original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) manage and sell the software that is developed for their hardware products. In today’s market environment, software features and functionalities play a larger role in the value of electronic products. Macrovision’s Hardware Value Maximization solution allows OEMs to benefit from this increased importance of embedded software by automating software licensing and enabling it to be packaged, priced and updated independently from the hardware device, before or after it goes to market.

With more embedded software options available to provide to customers, OEMs can increase the value of their hardware products and generate additional revenue from their product portfolio. In addition, many manufacturers are looking to shorten the time and cost associated with developing brand new devices. The Hardware Value Maximization solution enables hardware manufacturers to alter their products without having to significantly modify product layout or manufacturing.

As an example, Agilent Technologies, a leading provider of measurement tools and solutions, employs Macrovision’s FLEXnet Publisher in its Electronic Measurements Group to enhance the products it provides to its customers. FLEXnet Publisher, a product incorporated in Macrovision’s Hardware Value Maximization solution, enables Agilent to easily turn on and off software and hardware features embedded in its test and measurement equipment according to customer specifications. 

“FLEXnet Publisher helps us customize the configurations of the software and hardware included in our comprehensive line of test and measurement equipment,” said Jeff Bertoli, Software Alliance Manager, from Agilent. “We’re able to provide our customers with products that meet their needs at a more convenient cost of ownership.”

“Our Hardware Value Maximization solution provides OEMs with the technology that will help them better leverage software as a core component of their value proposition,” said Corey Ferengul, senior vice president, product and solutions management at Macrovision. “We are committed to providing technology and services that support our customers’ business needs.”

In addition to FLEXnet Publisher, Macrovision’s Hardware Value Maximization solution includes FLEXnet Operations, FLEXnet Connect, Macrovision’s professional services, and porting and support services.

While FLEXnet Publisher provides flexible software licensing capability, the solution features:

• License Management: Provides OEMs with a variety of options for setting licensing terms for different packaging, try-and-buy promotions, electronic product configurations and pricing models.

• Product Management: Allows OEMs to proactively manage and track each customer’s licenses and entitlements through the entire license lifecycle. And provides tools to build systems that cost-effectively test and implement new pricing and packaging options.   

• Update Management: Gives OEMs the ability to electronically deliver software updates and messages to their customers’ systems without manual intervention. Supports OEMs’ direct monitoring of their products and enables them to capture customer intelligence.

About Macrovision
Macrovision provides a broad set of solutions that enable businesses to protect, enhance and distribute their digital goods to consumers across multiple channels. Macrovision solutions are deployed by companies in the entertainment, consumer electronics, gaming, software, information publishing and corporate IT markets to solve industry-specific challenges and bring greater value to their customers. Macrovision holds approximately 250 issued or pending United States patents and more than 1,200 issued or pending international patents, and continues to increase its patent portfolio with new and innovative technologies in related fields. Macrovision is headquartered in Santa Clara, California, U.S.A. with other offices across the United States and around the world.  More information about Macrovision can be found at www.macrovision.com