Production
The little things
Just when HDV is gaining momentum in the industry, Sony is thinking small. Really small. Thankfully, its small idea offers big results for cost-conscious video professionals. Dec 21, 2005
Gaining Velocity
Leitch VelocityHD combines software with the Altitude digital video capture card to create a powerful digital HD and SD nonlinear editor available in turnkey or "boards-plus-software" packages through Leitch dealers. Dec 8, 2005
Smooth operator
There are times when you need a stable shot and hand holding the camera just won't do. Even with the image stabilizer activated, you still have the handheld look. Glidecam has made image stabilizing more affordable with the introduction of its Smooth Shooter body-mounted system. Nov 1, 2005
Redefining government access
For some, “government access” evokes an image of a static cover shot of council members seated at a large conference table. While the content might be important, the video is often far from compelling. Sep 27, 2005
Breaking away from the three-ring binder
As the primary television production facility for the U.S. Navy, the Naval Media Center not only churns out programming on a daily basis, but also maintains an extensive library of footage. In 2002, in light of an expanding library and increasing demands from outside media for footage, it became apparent that the NMC’s antiquated method of managing footage — primarily focused around a log in a three-ring binder — was in desperate need of a makeover. Aug 25, 2005
The VIP treatment
I recently had the opportunity to tape former President Bill Clinton when he spoke at a chamber of commerce dinner. As government video professionals, you may find yourself on crew for taping a VIP. The story that follows should give you an idea of what you can expect in similar situations. Jul 21, 2005
Briefcase of Wonders
The promise of technology is that it’s supposed to make your life easier. In this era of “paperless” offices and spam-filled e-mail accounts, sometimes I wonder.
Thankfully, the Sony AWS-G500 Anycast Station renewed my faith. Jun 21, 2005
It's all about the pixels
Still photographs and historical artwork are an essential part of many government video projects. You can’t avoid them, but you can make them a bit more dynamic through cameras moves. Zooms, pans, and tilts go a long way toward making stills more palatable for viewers. And if you have a digital still camera with good resolution, there’s a better way to incorporate photos in your next project — a method that gives you better imagery and more control over camera movements. Jun 1, 2005
Hail, hail HDV
Sony has raised the bar for HDV with the introduction of the HVR-Z1U, a 3-CCD HDV professional camcorder that’s been flying off the shelves — and with good reason. Apr 29, 2005
Time to get ‘Serious’
Smaller DV productions just got a lot easier, thanks to Serious Magic’s DV Rack. Instead of wondering if your video and audio levels are where they should be, you now can accurately determine that everything is perfect — without having to rely on your camcorder’s LCD screen. Mar 31, 2005
