The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) conference, held annually in Las Vegas, Nev., has become a main stage for manufacturers to showcase technological advancements that impact a variety of audio-visual workflows through every phase of production, from prep through post. AC will be on hand during the run of the show, April 11-14, to look at a host of new releases as they take their place in the spotlight. Before the Convention Center’s doors even open, though, here’s a snapshot of what to look forward to.

AJA will unveil several new products in addition to showcasing its Ki Pro Mini, Kona capture cards, Mini-Converters and a host of solutions for video professionals.

Alcorn McBride will introduce an enhanced feature set to the SetPlayer video playback line. The SetPlayer series is designed for on-set video applications, providing a low cost, solid-state alternative to server channels.

Alteran Technologies will present its enhanced ViTaDi product suite, which offers a series of low-cost, mobile and modular solutions for videotape ingest. Built around the company’s AutoPack — a 4-channel videotape capture flypack that operates in both automatic (robotic) and semi-automatic modes — ViTaDi’s scalable systems facilitate the migration of all library sizes.

Anton/Bauer, a brand of The Vitec Group, will introduce the QRC-MBPA Gold Mount power solution for the Apple MacBook. The QRC-MBPA allows users working on-location to connect to a longer-lasting battery option.

Atomos will showcase the Ninja, a portable, touch-screen HD recorder, monitor and playback device that captures video direct to Apple ProRes on removable 2½” hard disks from any camera with an HDMI output. The company will also introduce the Samurai, which builds on the Ninja’s design and adds even more professional features.

Autodesk will highlight the new features of its 2012 Digital Entertainment Creation products, including the 2012 versions of Flame Premium and Smoke. 

Band Pro will highlight the Leica Summilux-C prime lenses, designed to provide unprecedented optical resolution and mechanical innovation. The company will also showcase Horseman Tilt Shift lenses as well as file-based recording solutions from Codex, S.two, Sony and more. contact info:

Cache-A, a supplier of network-attached archive appliances for the digital film, broadcast and professional video industries, will unveil one of the first storage products to incorporate the new Linear Tape File System standard. The company has been collaborating with HP to develop an easy-to-use implementation of LTFS for the professional media and entertainment industry. LTFS is based on open-source software and enables users to interchange content across different operating systems, software applications and physical locations.

Camera Corps will spotlight its Multi Camera Keypad, which made its debut at IBC in 2010 and is now in production. The Multi Camera Keypad increases the number of remote camera heads that can be operated via the company’s Joystick Control, Mini Joystick Control or CCU panel from five to 96.

Cel-Soft will launch the latest version of its Cel-Scope3D stereoscopic analyzer. The faster, more powerful version of the Cel-Scope3D system boasts a new automatic depth-budget and depth-plot logging feature that allows automatic QC for 3-D.

Cinegy, a developer of media software solutions for automation, playout, production workflow and archive, will spotlight Cinegy Capture 2.0 Pro. Supporting all new multi-encode and multi-wrap capabilities, Capture 2.0 Pro allows the toughest new HD formats to be encoded in software once and target an Avid-compatible MXF and FCP-compatible MOV simultaneously. Capture Pro also allows real-time generation of frame-accurate proxy formats in the latest codecs.

Cintel will unveil the first working version of its new ImageMill2 Origin data image restoration tool. Origin processes 2K and HD DPX files at faster than real time, and fixes dust, scratches and other image defects extremely quickly. Origin can also run simultaneously with Grace, the noise and film-grain management tool, and Steady, the real-time image-stabilization application. Cintel will also demonstrate a new, faster version of the Ditto Evolution film scanner, with 2K speeds of up to 11 fps and 4K speeds up to 7.5 fps.

Class on Demand plans to display its full range of training titles, including recent software releases from Apple, Adobe and more, as well as the just-announced “Complete Training for Avid Studio” training course. Class on Demand instructors and experts will be on site to demonstrate the Class on Demand Learning Platform and to discuss the marketable and creative benefits that post and broadcast professionals receive from staying up to speed on the latest industry trends and techniques with the company’s affordable, self-paced products.

Codex Digital will launch two new on-set dailies and deliverables-processing solutions designed to support the Red Epic digital camera. The company will also announce major new initiatives with Assimilate (for on-set color grading) and Arri (for a new digital recorder).

Convergent Design will spotlight the Gemini 4:4:4, an uncompressed video recorder/player that enables cinematographers and videographers to capture the ultimate video quality in a small, low-power, lightweight package at a very affordable price. Gemini features a built-in high-brightness 5.0” 800x480 24-bit LCD touch screen for monitor and playback, and introduces the ability to simultaneously record to two removable solid-state drives, creating instant backups and opening new workflow options.

Denz will showcase its new support for Sony’s PMW-F3 camera. Attaching to the camera via ¼” camera threads, the support offers the necessary stability for using PL-mount lenses and allows for attaching the camera to tripod adapter plates, Arri bridge plates and more. The support allows for the use of 19mm or 15mm rods, and rosettes allow the support to be used with the Denz Lightweight Handle System.

Digital Anarchy will showcase the next generation of its award-winning skin and retouching product for video and film. Beauty Box Video smoothes skin wrinkles and blemishes in SD, HD or film footage within After Effects, Final Cut Pro and Premiere Pro.

Digital Film Technology, a provider of high-end film and digital postproduction solutions, will debut the Flexxity software suite, which offers specialized software applications for dailies, archive and restoration, video playout and file mastering, ingest, transfer, and transcoding. DFT will also highlight new features to the Scanity 4K/2K film scanner, including batch processing and background rendering, infrared channel and dirt processing, audio scanning, automated D-min functionality, variable scaling, and film-shrinkage measurement.

DSC Labs will be announcing significant breakthroughs in 3-D chart technology. Created in collaboration with Tim Dashwood, a stereographer, cinematographer, director, editor and the founder of Dashwood Cinema Solutions, the Dashwood 3D Chart automates the display of accurate 3-D rig calibration at unheard-of speeds. Additionally, the Pilot 3D Chart, which features runway-like extension and corner LED lights, is a comprehensive tool for the proper balance and alignment of 3-D rigs. DSC Labs will also spotlight the Hawk Quick Check Chart and CamAlign RoliChart, as well as the updated ChromaDuMonde 18G chart, which includes an 18-percent spectrophotometrically neutral gray background.

Egripment will showcase a number of innovations across its range of camera-support equipment. Highlights include the TDT Encoded System, a high-quality encoding package for augmented-reality projects; the ultra-portable Focus Dolly Light and Aluminum Pack Track; the ProTraveler jib/crane system for prosumer cameras; and the compact 305 remote head.

Element Technica will spotlight its Atom 3-D rig, purpose-built for the Red Epic digital camera. The company will also demonstrate 3-D Hand Controllers for 3-D rig and lens control.

FilmLight will demonstrate a radical new color-grading tool for Baselight. The company will also launch a new version of Baselight aimed at opening high-end color grading to a new class of user. Additionally, FilmLight will demonstrate a new on-set color-correction system developed in conjunction with Technicolor.

Flanders Scientific will spotlight the recently launched LM-2461W, the company’s new top-of-the-line monitor. The LM-2461W features a 1920x1200 resolution LCD panel with 10-bit color depth and 3Gbps SDI inputs. The monitor also features FSI’s advanced Color Fidelity Engine, which allows users to instantly switch between Rec 709, SMPTE C, EBU and Native Wide Gamut modes, with newly announced support for DCI-P3.

In addition to the latest versions of Nuke and NukeX, the Foundry will offer a look at Storm, which enables users to check, tag and organize their footage, perform basic edits and then hand everything off for finishing. Storm currently handles Red workflows, but version 1.1 will include QuickTime formats and a workflow with Avid.contact

Gamma & Density will unveil Image Control, the mobile version of its 3cP on-set color-correction system, for use with Apple’s iPad and iPhone. Image Control includes tools for location scouting, previsualization, data management and color correction.

Gekko Technology will launch Kedo, the focusable version of its color-tunable LED-based luminaire. The Fresnel-based optic within Kedo provides a focal range of 6:1, and the fixture is comparable in output intensity to a 900-watt tungsten source. Kedo has presets at 2,900°K, 3,200°K, 4,300°K, 5,600°K and 6,500°K, and it boasts the ability to match a wide range of color gels. Gekko will also unveil a blendable-white version of its Karesslite 6012, which can be adjusted to any intermediate color temperature between 3,200°K and 5,600°K.

Extreme-slow-motion specialist I-Movix will show a new version of the SprintCam Vvs HD ultra-slow-motion system for live HD broadcast production. SprintCam Vvs HD now operates at up to 2,700 fps in 1080i50 or 5,800 fps in 720p60 and provides instant replay at native HD resolution and image quality.

Innovision Optics will spotlight the Kamtrax vertical and horizontal camera slider, which provides ultra-smooth camera movement along a 3’ or 6’ track that can be oriented vertically, horizontally, or at an angle in-between. The company will also highlight the Radcam mini R/C camera car for DSLRs, the Probe 2 tubular lens system for DSLRs, and the Wally 2-Axis camera-tracking system.

International Supplies will showcase the newest model of its Nexto DI portable storage device, the NVS2525, which can back up hundreds of hours of raw footage from Panasonic P2 and Sony SxS cards via its own card slots, CF cards via an adaptor, and Ikegami GFPAK via USB. Additionally, for DSLR cinematography, the company will spotlight Varavon’s Pro Finder low-angle viewfinder, the DeluxGear PinPoint laser-aided focus system and DeluxGear Lens Guard.

In addition to its line of boom poles, K-Tek will showcase the Norbert camera-accessory holder, as well as the newly released Norbert Sport version. 

Litepanels will showcase its focusable Fresnel fixtures, which provide HD-friendly lighting while using just 1/10 the energy of conventional Fresnel lights. The company will also spotlight its MicroPro Hybrid on-camera LED light, LED Ringlite, 1x1 and more.

Lowel will provide a peek at the LED Studio 450, the first of the company’s soon-to-be-released series of studio LED fixtures. The tungsten-balanced LED Studio 450 is fully dimmable either manually or via DMX control, and it can be mounted on a stand or a hanging C-clamp. Lowel will also spotlight its Rifa Extra Flo 80 Kits, Trio 3-Light Kits and its full line of lights, controls, mounts and kits.

Manhattan Edit Workshop (Mewshop) will promote its unique and versatile digital training curriculum and destination-based methodology. Mewshop offers an extensive training curriculum in the latest digital technologies and the industry’s most popular editing tools.

Marvin Technologies will introduce the Marvin 2.0 on-set camera-data-management system. Marvin automates the creation of backups, LTO tape masters, QuickTime proxies for offline editing and DVD dailies as well as shot logging. Along with support for all common digital cinema cameras, Marvin 2.0 offers stereoscopic 3-D support. 

Matthews Studio Equipment will expand its successful car-mount systems with the introduction of the Baby Ball Head adapter and the Magic Riser. Designed as a strong, safe, reliable and versatile system for mounting cameras to automobiles, trucks, boats, trains and even low-flying airplanes, the MSE car-mount system integrates MicroGrip technology with MSE’s family of Ball Heads. The strong, single-piece Baby Ball Head adapter converts any 5/8” baby pin or 1 1/8” junior receiver into a 3/8-16” threaded spud. The Magic Riser allows the camera to travel from a 9” position to a full 14”. The company will also showcase its range of support equipment, including the recently introduced K-Stackers, which make it easy to rig multiple fluorescent fixtures from a single stand.

Maxon Computer, a leading developer of professional 3-D modeling, painting, animation and rendering solutions, will showcase Cinema 4D, the company’s cornerstone 3-D software. Cinema 4D boasts ease of use, a quick workflow, fast rendering and unmatched integration into leading compositing applications, providing a production-proven 3-D solution.

Nvidia will showcase its latest technologies for broadcast and post, including Quadro professional graphics solutions, interactive on-air graphics and workflows with leading editing and visual-effects vendors.

OConnor will introduce the 2065 Fluid Head, designed to support digital cameras such as the Red One, Sony F35 and Arri Alexa. The company will also showcase its O-Box WM mattebox for 16:9 35mm-sensor cameras, as well as the CFF-1 Follow Focus and O-Grips.

Panasonic will showcase a host of solutions for video professionals. Highlights include a new wireless system for the AJ-HPX3100 master-quality 1080p P2 HD camcorder, new AVCCam Importer software, AJ-SF110 Video Ingest software and AJ-SF100 Linear Open-Tape Archive Software for P2 content, the 3-D ready AG-HPD24 P2 portable deck with native 24p recording, the high-performance 9” BT-LH910 LCD production monitor, the AJ-PCD30 P2 drive and reduced pricing for P2 cards.

Pandora will introduce three new products: Psi is a hardware upgrade for Spirit Classic and Shadow telecines that gives users 2K and HD scanning capabilities; Pluto is a display color-management system; and Pilot is a controller for telecines, VTRs and image processors. With these new technologies, Pandora is renewing its commitment to providing high-end tools for artists in postproduction and film-finishing facilities.

Petrol Bags will introduce an array of new black Deca series DSLR backpacks, roll packs, shoulder carriers, raincovers, camera bags and more. The company will also present its full line of bags and cases for portable production.

Polecam will launch the Polecam Starter Pack. Designed primarily for use with DSLR cameras, the Starter Pack offers low-budget productions all of the essential features of the legendary Polecam rig. Incorporating a newly designed DSLR head and redesigned back end, the Starter Pack rig can be attached to any standard professional camera tripod or harness mount.

Prism Projection will debut the Reveal Profile luminaire, the latest addition to the company’s award-winning Reveal collection. The Reveal Profile is a true high-CRI, LED profile spot with high lumen output. 

Quantel will unveil a range of new and enhanced software solutions for post and broadcast built around expanding file-based workflow, enhancing integration and boosting high-quality stereo 3-D productivity. Highlights include QTube, which allows users anywhere in the world with Internet access to interact with media in other locations; Enterprise sQ, a fast turnaround production system; Qube, a powerful new editor for Enterprise sQ; the new sQ Fileflow workflow application for Enterprise sQ; Mission 2, the latest version of the company’s Media Asset Management system; and Pablo PA, the software-only assist station.

RadiantGrid will unveil several new solutions to help broadcasters support their ever-expanding file-based workflows. Kirk Marple, RadiantGrid’s president and chief software architect, will be on hand to discuss these new offerings as well as the future of file-based workflows.

Sachtler, a Vitec Group brand, will present the Cine DSLR fluid head. The new support features a proprietary camera plate with an anti-twist retainer, a 10-step counterbalance system, Sachtler’s signature damping with three vertical and three horizontal grades of drag and a payload range of 1 to 11 pounds. Sachtler will also display its full line of renowned camera supports.

SAN Solutions will showcase new products within the company’s ArtiSAN Storage and ArtiSAN Application Platforms. The ArtiSAN Storage Platform consists of two product lines: the ArtiSAN 9400 series, designed for high-performance film and video applications, and the ArtiSAN 5400 series, ideal for high-capacity nearline media storage. The ArtiSAN Application Platform comprises a family of products that enable and optimize file-based workflows, including the ArtiSAN DDR, ArtiSAN Content Archive and ArtiSAN Metadata Controller.

Schneider Optics will showcase the True-Match 10-stop variable ND filter kit, which works in conjunction with Schneider’s DSLR 4” filter system. Additionally, for 3-D productions, the company will show quarter wave retarders, 3-D windows and more. Other highlights from the company include C-mount and Cine Xenar prime lenses, as well as the Cam Caddie stabilizing handle for lightweight camera systems.

Singular Software, a developer of workflow-automation applications for digital media, will showcase extended support from its innovative audio and video synchronization product line. PluralEyes boasts recently expanded support for Avid Media Composer, and the standalone DualEyes application is now available for Mac OS X.

Snell will showcase a variety of new and enhanced products that enable greater automation and more flexible media handling in live production, playout, infrastructure, media restoration and transformation environments. Particularly noteworthy, the Archangel Ph.C-HD real-time film and video restoration system features a new timeline controller, which adds scene-by-scene restoration control and allows users to apply processing on a scene-by-scene basis and to change filter parameters on the fly.

Software Generation Ltd (SGL) will have a real working demonstration of the innovative Linear Tape File System (LTFS). Traditionally, data is written to a media archive in a proprietary format. However, specific LTO-5 and all future LTO tape formats will support LTFS, enabling true interoperability between what were once disparate systems. SGL will also highlight key new features to FlashNet 6.4 as well as the company’s support for the latest version of Apple’s Final Cut Server and Avid Interplay 2.3.

Sonnet Technologies will showcase several products that cater to the storage needs of professionals in the broadcast and postproduction industries. Highlights include the Transposer universal 2.5” SSD to 3.5” drive-tray adapter, the Fusion RX1600Fibre video-editing shared-storage system and the Qio professional universal media reader/writer. 

Vinten, a Vitec Group brand, will showcase the new Vector 75 head. The Vector 75 offers the same outstanding camera carrying performance as the popular Vector 750, but incorporates the standard LF drag control that helped make its predecessor, the Vector 70, an industry standard. Built upon the skeleton of the Vector 70, the design of the Vector 75 includes a range of features that address the pressures of today’s fast-paced and cost-conscious productions without compromising camera control.

YoYotta will show the latest version of the YoYo postproduction workflow system. The YoYo software suite streamlines and automates file-based data management. YoYotta is also introducing YoDailies, a new system for creating review reels.

In addition to showcasing a full range of DSLR accessories, Zacuto will introduce the Z-Finder EVF (electronic viewfinder), EVF Mounts, EVF Should Mount Kit and more. Zacuto will also display the Sony F3 and Panasonic AF-100, fully rigged and ready for play. Additionally, Zacuto Films will present the upcoming Web series, “The Great Camera Shootout 2011,” in the theater located in the Zacuto booth.

Denz has introduced an accessory package for Panasonic’s AG-AF100 Micro 4⁄3" digital camera. The package includes a Universal Holder, PL54-Support, Ultra Lightweight Handle System and FFM Follow Focus.

Element Technica has announced that its Technica 3D Neutron rig, mounted with Silicon Imaging SI-2K cameras, can now be enclosed in the purpose-built Neutron Borg 3-D underwater housing system from HydroFlex. The underwater 3-D camera system incorporates a Cinedeck recorder inside the housing.

Fujifilm Corporation has announced the introduction of Eterna Vivid 250D, a daylight-type motion-picture color-negative film formulated to offer high color saturation and high contrast. Incorporating Fujifilm’s proprietary Super Nano-Structured Grain Technology, Super-Efficient Coupler Technology and Super-Efficient DIR-Coupler Technology, the Eterna family of motion-picture color-negative films offers exceptionally high-quality images.

The Pixel Farm, a manufacturer and marketer of image-processing and visual-effects software technologies, has introduced Airgrade, a free color-grading engine that is remote-controlled from an iPhone. 

Quantel has released Pablo PA, the company’s first standalone software product. Pablo PA is designed to help Quantel customers get the maximum value out of their high-end eQ, iQ or Pablo suites by handling conforms, preparation and workflow, allowing the main suite to concentrate purely on client-focused work. As a standalone system, Pablo PA also offers facilities that don’t currently own Quantel systems a low-cost way to benefit from Quantel’s high-quality post tools.

Panavision has introduced the Digital Transfer Station, providing a unique solution to enable greater flexibility in the production process. The DTS complements Panavision’s Solid State Recorder, increasing the SSR’s capability while providing consistency throughout the production workflow. The DTS takes uncompressed content from the SSR and outputs DPX or QuickTime files while offering a production the option to simultaneously generate a backup tape.

Panasonic Solutions Company has introduced the BT-LH910, a 9" LCD monitor for field and studio applications. Features include a new, high-brightness, high-contrast IPS panel; newly developed 3-D assist functions; and professional interfaces, including HDMI and 3G-SDI. Equally suitable for production, broadcast and institutional applications, the cost-effective BT-LH910 can be utilized on-camera as an electronic viewfinder, on location, and in mobile or live settings.

Lens manufacturer Carl Zeiss has appointed equipment supplier Abel Cine Tech as a Carl Zeiss Authorized Service Partner. Building on years of cooperation between the two companies, the aim of the partnership is to allow Carl Zeiss customers in the Americas to benefit from optimized customer service. In particular, the partnership will further reduce the amount of downtime associated with repairs. In the future, local services will be carried out more efficiently and according to the highest quality standards.