Product Notes & News
New website at NDIstuff.uk
Magewell NDI Decoders started shipping as of IBC 2019
The first in the range of Pro Convert NDI decoder units, the NDI to HDMI is priced at 324 GBP and has a host of features including a built-in scaler to match NDI resolutions up to 4K to HDMI devices, again up to 4K (although this is not a "full 4K" unit, so frame-rates are limited when decoding 4K NDI). Other features include optional output overlays of audio meters, ident text, tally, markers and an on-screen menu for changing settings, controlled from two buttons on the side of the unit or a connected keyboard or mouse. Audio levels and channel remapping can be set, and the image flipped in either direction for prompting/projectors when needed. More info on the Magewell website or come for a demo. SDI and AIO (with SDI + HDMI) versions are now available too.
On show at ISE 2019
At the Magewell booth ... This was the first public showing of the Pro Convert TX models. These sub-€400 "full-NDI" encoders are available in HDMI & SDI versions, encode resolutions up to 1080p60 HD, and retain most of the other features of the Pro Convert Plus models. The most noticeable exception is the loop-thru output, but the Tally/PTZ control output socket is retained. Available after NAB 2109. |
Magewell Pro Convert hardware NDI encoders
Create NDI routing switchers in any size from 6in-2out up to 20in-24out
BirdDog Studio NDI encoders available from ZEN
Pro Capture HDMI 4K Plus LT (includes Loop Thru output)
4K versions of the Magewell USB Capture Plus
Colour Gradient Background generator for NDI
Magewell USB Capture PlusAdding to the existing Plug-&-Play USB Capture range (the HDMI & SDI dongles), the new USB Capture Plus video capture devices are available in three different versions.
Like the existing dongles, the new Magewell devices continue to work in Plug-&-Play mode, ensuring simple driver-less operation and compatibility with a wide range of host software applications. However, a software utility allows control over the video settings in a manner similar to the Pro Capture cards. These products are now shipping, and were officially launched on Magewell's booth at ISE 2017 in Amsterdam, which ran from 7-10th Feb at the RAI. |
HDMI & SDI versions include pass-through ports For Magewell pricing, see the Magewell page |
ZEN and Magewell at IBC 2016 - Amsterdam RAI 9-13 SeptemberMartin was in Amsterdam for the IBC 2016 exhibition and could be found (for much of the time) on Magewell's booth C79 in Hall 5 (that's at the northern end of the complex, to the right as you enter via the main entrances) The Magewell booth featured the 4K cards along with the rest of the product range of PCIe and USB3 video capture devices. There was also a demonstration of NDI, using a Quad input Pro Capture card to ingest multiple HD input signals and transmit them to a second PC via NDI. (This was almost 2 years before Magewell announced the introduction of their Pro Convert hardware NDI encoders!)
NOTE: The ZEN office in Salford is usually closed for the duration of IBC in September. |
Magewell Pro Capture 4K cardsAdding to the existing Pro Capture range, and sharing the same common driver, the new 4K cards are available in four versions.
Magewell cards offer different features to Blackmagic, who typically only support broadcast video resolutions and have limited on-board processing, whereas Magewell are aiming at other markets as well, where computer output needs to be captured (at other resolutions - eg 2560x1440) and streaming applications, where one input might need to be recorded and streamed at different resolutions. The Magewell cards can supply multiple different sized streams to different host applications simultaneously, unlike the Blackmagic cards. |
All-In-One (AIO) & HDMI-only versions For Magewell pricing, see the Magewell page |
Magewell USB3 Video Capture Dongle re-engineered
It will auto-detect the video resolution and, in the case of the HDMI version, accept a wide range of graphics card output sizes as well as regular broadcast video resolutions, either SD or HD, with stereo audio. It requires no drivers to be installed, as it emulates a standard webcam and uses the default Microsoft drivers, making it suitable for use with any streaming or capture software designed to allow a webcam for input. Embedded audio is also supported and appears as a standard Windows audio recording device. More from Magewell |
Shaune Harrison Make-up AcademyWe have an exciting new neighbour, co-located in the same building as ZEN. Specialising in prosthetics for film & television, the make-up academy will run a range of courses including:-
Shaune is a highly experienced proponent of prosthetics, having worked on films like Star Wars Ep1, Captain America, The DaVinci Code, World War Z, The Fifth Element, Sleepy Hollow, Stardust, The Mummy and the Harry Potter series. For more information, see shauneharrisonacademy.com |
at 3B Quays Reach (upstairs from ZEN) |
Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera + B4 lens tests
Live web streaming support services for small-scale events and webinars
At its simplest level, ZEN will provide the encoding equipment and operator, and provide quality-control monitoring of the stream during transmission. The supporting services can be extended to include audio mixing and software vision mixing, allowing multiple cameras to be used, along with caption overlays and vision inserts from virtual VTRs. Whilst not intended as a replacement for a full OB, the system allows many of the same elements to be included in a live web broadcast, operated from a desktop PC, at a relatively modest cost. Final details and rate card are still being worked on, but please phone or email if this is of interest |
Looking back at Caption Generation ...
The art of better sound - when to say "No" (article on the support page)
For some people, their experience of recording sound starts with making wedding videos or recording other live events. As a sound recordist, you’re there to capture whatever is happening, as best you can. Getting better sound under those conditions usually involves better equipment, or making better use of what you’ve already got. But not all shoots are like that, and it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that’s the only way of working. What I’m saying is that whenever you can have any control over your environment, you should try to make use of it.
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A Matrox RTX2-based editing system with dual 23" LCD PC & TV monitors |
Note - all prices quoted on this site are UK pounds - ex VAT
Production Services from
DV2Broadcast |
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Here at ZEN we have successfully used AVG Anti Virus for many years on our PCs, and can definitely recommend it!