News Stories

Redrock Micro Releases micro3D Rig for Digital Video Cameras

4.22.2011

New affordable SxS rig brings pro 3D gear to a new audience

 

[Press Release]

Redrock Micro, the recognized leader in affordable professional-quality cinema accessories, today announced the new Redrock Micro micro3D rig for professional stereoscopic 3D production. The micro3D delivers professional features and build quality at a price that makes 3D accessible to virtually anyone wanting to shoot 3D. The micro3D was recently awarded Best Support Rig of NAB 2011 by Videomaker magazine.

Recent advances in camera technology have dramatically reduced the price and size of video cameras that meet the requirements for professional quality 3D production. As an example, the Canon XF105 series digital video camera packs all the features needed into a compact powerful and inexpensive camera body. Despite these camera innovations, 3D support rigs have lagged behind, remaining heavy, cumbersome and expensive: that is until now. The new Redrock micro3D rig delivers professional features in new compact affordable solutions. 

The micro3D rig is a state-of-the-art side-by-side (SxS) support rig for two-camera stereoscopic production. It is designed for today’s smaller format cameras and price-conscious stereographers looking to own high quality 3D gear. Like all Redrock equipment, the micro3D is built to the highest standards of professional quality and carries a lifetime warranty. 

Key advantages of the Redrock micro3D rig include:

  • Full featured side-by-side (SxS) stereoscopic rig for digital video cameras
  • 18″ rail for range of interaxial adjustments with locking knobs
  • Unique tool less 3-point xyz adjustment plates for precision camera alignment
  • Bottom mounting plate with ¼” and 3/8″ taps for virtually any tripod mount
  • Innovative quick-release camera plates
  • Laser engraved markings for convergence, interaxial distance
  • Optional shroud designed for Canon XF105 series or similarly sized digital video camera
  • Support for a broad range of cameras including HDSLRs, Canon XF105, Canon XF305, Sony EX3, Red Epic, Red ONE
  • Rugged all-metal precision construction

Pricing and Availability

Redrock micro3D rigs are available for ordering immediately direct from Redrock Micro atstore.redrockmicro.com and through one of Redrock Micro’s worldwide authorized resellers. Pricing is $895 for the 18″ rail version, and $995 for the 18″ rail version with shroud. micro3D rigs start shipping May 1st 2011.

See the original press release here: http://www.studiodaily.com/main/news/prc/Redrock-Micro-Releases-micro3D-Rig-for-Digital-Video-Cameras_13127.html

Razer Hydra: 3D Motion Gaming Controller Coming to a PC Near You!

4.22.2011

[by www.everythingusb.com]

If you are like many PC gamers, you probably have been tempted to buy a Wii or a Kinect so you can interact with your games in a whole new way. Heck, we have all seen the commercials and it looks like with these 3D tracking devices you get to be in the game! Well, it seems Razer didn’t like that too much as the only true gaming is PC gaming and went about rectifying this perceived limitation of PC gamers’ experience.

The end result of Razer’s hard work is a partnership with Sixense (and their TrueMotion controller) and the all new Razer Hydra. Much like those console based 3D motion tracking devices, the Razer Hydra allows you to really interact with your games in a whole new way. With that being said this is not some Wii clone as this bad boy is reported to be eons more precise thanks to its magnetic motion sensing technology so you wont be flailing around like a goofball (or at least that is how we felt when playing with our Wii… before we sold it). Even though the Hydra has just been announced it already is compatible with 125 titles including Portal 2, Call of Duty: Black Ops, Left 4 Dead 2, Bulletstorm and etc! This means it is no one hit wonder and should become even more prevalent as time goes by.

While its reported precision and robust list of compatible games are impressive, what’s really awesome is the fact Razer states it is going to be a lag free, ultra low latency device. This should hopefully translate into that “edge” all gamers are looking to get on their competition! The expected release date is May of this year and will be available in a standalone (which includes two controller and a base station) and a combo version which will ship with a limited edition Portal 2 (with extra content specifically for the Hydra). We really can’t wait for May to arrive!

See the original story here: http://www.everythingusb.com/razer-hydra-21120.html

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Specification for Naming VFX Image Sequences Released

ETC’s VFX Working Group has published a specification for best practices naming image sequences such as plates and comps. File naming is an essential tool for organizing the multitude of frames that are inputs and outputs from the VFX process. Prior to the publication of this specification, each organization had its own naming scheme, requiring custom processes for each partner, which often resulted in confusion and miscommunication.

The new ETC@USC specification focuses primarily on sequences of individual images. The initial use case was VFX plates, typically delivered as OpenEXR or DPX files. However, the team soon realized that the same naming conventions can apply to virtually any image sequence. Consequently, the specification was written to handle a wide array of assets and use cases.

To ensure all requirements are represented, the working group included over 2 dozen participants representing studios, VFX houses, tool creators, creatives and others.  The ETC@USC also worked closely with MovieLabs to ensure that the specification could be integrated as part of their 2030 Vision.

A key design criteria for this specification is compatibility with existing practices.  Chair of the VFX working group, Horst Sarubin of Universal Pictures, said: “Our studio is committed to being at the forefront of designing best industry practices to modernize and simplify workflows, and we believe this white paper succeeded in building a new foundation for tools to transfer files in the most efficient manner.”

This specification is compatible with other initiatives such as the Visual Effects Society (VES) Transfer Specifications. “We wanted to make it as seamless as possible for everyone to adopt this specification,” said working group co-chair and ETC@USC’s Erik Weaver. “To ensure all perspectives were represented we created a team of industry experts familiar with the handling of these materials and collaborated with a number of industry groups.”

“Collaboration between MovieLabs and important industry groups like the ETC is critical to implementing the 2030 Vision,” said Craig Seidel, SVP of MovieLabs. “This specification is a key step in defining the foundations for better software-defined workflows. We look forward to continued partnership with the ETC on implementing other critical elements of the 2030 Vision.”

The specification is available online for anyone to use.

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