CKE News and Events

Please find below all the latest up to date news and events information below.

1. 21/09/08

Thomson’s New EDIUS Software Offers More Power
and Third-party Support

At IBC2008 Thomson (Euronext Paris: 18453; NYSE: TMS), the worldwide leader in video
solutions, is unveiling the most advanced version (5) of its Thomson Grass Valley
EDIUS® nonlinear editing software to date. To support the growing user community,
Thomson is offering a very attractive upgrade price to all existing EDIUS customers.
The new craft editing software brings professionals, especially those working in a file-based
environment, new functionality and a variety of workflow improvements. Representing the
most feature-rich release of EDIUS yet, it comes bundled with over £500 worth of thirdparty
plug-ins and software, and offers the industry’s first true end-to-end native workflow
using the emerging JPEG 2000 (J2K) compression format.
With EDIUS 5 professionals can now capture images with the Thomson Grass Valley
Infinity digital media camcorder in J2K, edit with EDIUS 5 in J2K and output in J2K
maintaining high quality while preserving disk space.
As part of the improved workflow, EDIUS 5 runs on Microsoft’s Windows Vista operating
system; has new GPU-accelerated effects, has much-improved MPEG-2 processing through
multi-threading and has Ikegami GigaFlash and AVC-Intra support, including export, as
standard. And, for the first time, EDIUS supports Spanish, in addition to its other languages.
The latest version of EDIUS really brings together all of the tools and functionality
necessary to work quickly and efficiently in a file-based world, said Jeff Rosica, Senior Vice
President of Thomson’s Broadcast & Professional Solutions within the Systems division.
This new version is designed to help the existing customer base of EDIUS users and bring
them new value while attracting new customers with a software package that is both
affordable and flexible.
EDIUS 5 Brings It All Together
EDIUS 5 brings together all of the features of the previous EDIUS versions (EDIUS Pro and
EDIUS Broadcast) into a single product offering, including the proven Canopus HQ codec
that assists in providing real-time, multi-layer SD and HD editing, while adding new features
such as full support for J2K, smart encoding of JVC’s ProHD 25 Mbps format when doing
cuts-edits (eliminating having to re-transcode files), universal MPEG MXF file export, native
AVC-Intra editing and a 2D Pan and Zoom Tool.
In addition, new GPU-accelerated 3D effects are processed entirely in YUV, which means
faster performance because, unlike other NLE systems, it eliminates the need to convert
material from YUV to RGB and back again.
More HD formats are supported, such as Infinity MXF (J2K), AVC-Intra, XDCAM 4:2:2,
Ikegami GF and AVCHD. EDIUS 5 also is more efficient when editing MPEG-based formats
like XDCAM HD and XDCAM EX. In addition, EDIUS 5 works with all currently available
hardware options* as well as the new HDSTORM PCIe I/O board (see HDSTORM press
release).
New Third-Party Bundle
EDIUS users will also be able to take advantage of a number of bundled third-party plug-ins
and software, (over £500 value). These invaluable audio and video plug-ins include tools
from ProDAD (VitaScene + Mercalli Expert); NewBlue (Motion + Art + Film Effects); iZotope
(Audio Effects, Mastering); and Corel (DVD MovieFactory). Also included is a free package
of SD and HD stock footage from ArtBeats.
Pricing and Availability
The new EDIUS software package will be available at an estimated price of £450. For a
limited period, any EDIUS user can upgrade to EDIUS 5 for just £150, which includes the
audio and video plug-ins. This promotion is good until December 31, 2008.
.
* Except for EDIUS DVX and DVStorm XA, available in certain territories

2. 20/09/08

IBC - Latest - Panasonic AVCHD

Panasonic has announced a major European distribution initiative for its AVCHD camera range in a sales agreement with a network of specialists in major European countries.

The AVCHD product range, brings for the first time the advantages of solid-state storage and IT-based workflows to a broad new base of users seeking professional features in a cost-sensitive package.

The AVCHD range of camcorders and supporting products offers many of the workflow and operational benefits pioneered in Panasonic's P2 range of high-end professional products, and use Panasonic's codec based on H264 for compact file sizes with high image quality.

"Panasonic's AVCHD distribution will focus on the AG-HMC71 and AG-HMC151 cameras, with aggressive promotion and an educational programme showcasing the benefits of the technology," said Nela Pertl, European Provideo product manager at Panasonic Professional and Broadcast IT Systems (PBITS).

"The distribution agreement marks the beginning of an intensive promotion of the AVCHD format and product range by Panasonic," said Hideo Yonenaga, European sales manager, PBITS. "The AVCHD product line will be a major contributor to Panasonic's revenues, and we expect to see rapid growth in the installed base over the coming year, with a series of new product announcements adding to the momentum."

3. 19/09/08

Broadcast Live - Video Forum

17th - 19th February 2009.

Come and see us on stand G14 - Earl's Court 2, London

Full NEW Range of Glidecam Products on Display.

4. 29/09/08

Latest - Sony HVR-Z5E

Introducing a truly amazing new compact professional HDV camcorder from Sony.
The HVR-Z5E is designed to enhance creativity and deliver the highest standard of optical
and audio quality.

Sony’s newly designed G Lens is incorporated into the camcorder,
boasting excellent resolution, colour and contrast, for breathtaking images.
3 ClearVid CMOS Sensor system utilising the technology of Exmor provides excellent
low-light sensitivity.
This new compact camcorder is ideal when high performance in available light conditions
is a requirement.
The ergonomically designed body allows flexible shooting under any conditions,
while maintaining Sony’s worldwide reputation for quality and high performance.
The HVR-Z5E’s standard features include 1080/25p HDV native progressive recording
modes.
Sony’s new cutting-edge HYBRID recording system offers use of an optional
HVR-DR60 or HVR-MRC1K.
This allows simultaneous recording of HDV and/ or standard DV/DVCAM to dual media for
improved NLE and archive workflow efficiency.
Sony is continuously developing and expanding its HDV line-up in response to professional
user feedback.

5. 01/10/08

Nigel Cliff & Neil Marflitt Join CKE

The production industry is not just about equipment, it's about the people who use and supply it. At CKE we recognise that customers need knowledgeable assistance and a professional approach to purchasing products. To this end we have strengthened our existing team with appointments in the north and south of England.

Neil Marflitt joins to service and support our customers in the South. Many of you will know Neil from the eighteen years he spent with Panasonic Broadcast. Technically very capable, Neil was always prepared to put that extra effort in to answer customers' questions. Neil will be given the resources to demonstrate the equipment YOU are interested in. No longer tied to a manufacturer he will be able to give totally impartial advice to make your investment right for you.

Neil can be reached by e mail at neil@cke.co.uk and his mobile is 07825 551440

Another well-known from the industry, Nigel Cliff joins to look after our Northern customer base, he too was 18 years in his previous position, as Area Sales manager for JVC Professional and like Neil has always been known to go that extra mile to make sure the customer comes first. Nigel is also looking forward to satisfying our client's every need, being able to supply equipment from a whole host of manufacturers.

Nigel is reached by e-mail at Nigel@cke.co.uk and on mobile 07825 550607

The 36 years of experience they have between them in the industry is now at your disposal so please feel free to make that experience count in your decision-making.