Created for Panasonic VariCam and other single-link 4:2:2 HD-SDI digital
cinematography cameras, CineRAM 422 is a unique portable, solid state,
uncompressed HD-SDI recording solution with instant shot review and frame rate
conversion capabilities
SIGGRAPH 2004, LOS ANGELES, Aug. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Today at the SIGGRAPH
2004 conference, Baytech Cinema announced the availability of the CineRAM 422
recorder. CineRAM 422 allows VariCam and other single-link HD-SDI camera users
to easily and cost effectively capture uncompressed image data to computer-
based storage bypassing the need for expensive custom real-time disk
recorders. In addition, CineRAM 422 provides a host of functions including
immediate shot review, frame rate conversion, and test pattern signal
generation. This unique feature set makes CineRAM 422 the most cost-effective
and flexible uncompressed HD digital cinematography recording solution on the
market. Demonstrations of CineRAM 422 will be offered at Baytech Cinema's
booth (#2159) during this week's conference.
CineRAM is a groundbreaking solution for uncompressed digital
cinematography and advanced HD production. Until now CineRAM was only
available with the dual-link 4:4:4 interface used by ultra-high-end Thomson
Viper and Sony F-950 cameras. "The success of the Panasonic VariCam single
link HD camera made it clear to us that there is a need for single-link
CineRAM at a lower price point," said John Krooss, Baytech's president.
"VariCam users need a robust, lightweight, cost-effective way to capture
uncompressed HD, but have no need for dual-link performance. In addition, the
CineRAM 422 is a perfect match for the VariCam's off-speed capabilities, with
the ability to instantly review and output shots with or without frame rate
conversion."
The CineRAM 422 makes it possible to create a high-quality uncompressed
digital feature film with no more than the CineRAM, a camera and a computer.
Users simply record shots into the CineRAM 422 device. As it records, CineRAM
422 converts HD-SDI video to standard image files. Automatically, frame files
are uploaded from CineRAM to computer disk storage over a gigabit Ethernet
connection. From start to finish, CineRAM 422 eliminates the need for
expensive recording devices and simplifies the entire production workflow.
"There are some critical applications like effects, composites, green
screen and production for large format projection where uncompressed
acquisition is a huge advantage. The cleaner the image is to start out with,
the better picture you can make, and there is obviously nothing better than
uncompressed," said Steve Mahrer, director of engineering, Panasonic Broadcast
& TV Systems Co. "We are very pleased that Baytech decided to bring out a
single-link version of their revolutionary CineRAM recorder. CineRAM 422 gives
professionals a very cost effective way to enhance the remarkable quality of
the VariCam by utilizing fully uncompressed recordings. CineRAM was cleverly
designed with the inherent ability to recognize the VariCam's flagged camera
frames. In addition to being able to provide instant reviews of the last shot,
the flagged frame extraction capability means CineRAM can also provide
invaluable field previews of time lapse sequences and 'off-speed' effects
shots."
At about five pounds, CineRAM 422 is small enough to be mounted to the
camera, carried in a camera bag or attached to a Steadycam, boom or dolly.
Incredibly rugged, CineRAM is entirely solid state making it well suited for
the harshest environments. On the set, multiple CineRAMs can be networked with
image archive servers. In the field, CineRAM can be connected directly to a
laptop and images can be uploaded onto portable Firewire drives.
In addition to capturing uncompressed image data to the computer, the
CineRAM 422 provides a unique set of camera assist capabilities. "DP's have
told us that they do not like to rewind the camcorder tape to review a shot
once it is taken," said Krooss. "They get nervous about anything that involves
their first generation master. With the CineRAM 422, the shot is held in a RAM
buffer and can be instantly reviewed without rewinding." The CineRAM 422 also
can function as an on-location frame rate converter. In VariCam mode, the
CineRAM 422 captures only the unique frames and can play them out at standard
rates, so it is possible to instantly rehearse off-speed takes, as well as
save them out to standard decks or uncompressed DDRs.
CineRAM 422 is available now from Baytech Cinema and its authorized
dealers and rental houses. CineRAM 422 is available at prices starting at
$18,950 for an eight-gigabyte unit. Baytech Cinema is pleased to announce it
has recently signed agreements with leading film and video dealers and rental
houses throughout the U.S. including Plus 8 Digital and Band Pro Film/Video,
Inc. in Burbank, Fletcher Chicago in Chicago and Abel Cine Tech in Staten
Island, New York. For more information visit the company's Web site:
http://www.baytechcinema.com.
About Baytech Cinema
The brainchild of industry pioneer Jack Krooss, Baytech Cinema was formed
to tap into the rapidly growing digital cinematography market. The company
develops and manufactures recording products specifically designed for digital
cinematography applications. Krooss, founder and former President of
Viewgraphics, Inc., is responsible for a number of industry firsts including
the Viewstore system, which became a standard for HD and MPEG video research
and development worldwide, and VideoPump, which ushered in the era of
professional SD and HD video production on standard PC computer platforms. As
such, he has been deeply involved in the evolution of video and HDTV in
particular. At Baytech Cinema, based in San Mateo, California, Krooss and his
team continue their pioneering efforts by providing a unique, groundbreaking
digital cinematography recording solution. For more information contact
Baytech Cinema at 650-212-2300 or visit the Web site at http://www.baytechcinema.com.
Baytech Cinema and CineRAM are trademarks of Baytech Cinema, Inc. All
other trademarks and registered trademarks are property of their respective
owners.
SOURCE Baytech Cinema, Inc.
 back to top
Related links:
http://www.baytechcinema.com
CONTACT:
Don Miskowich, Director of Marketing of
Baytech Cinema, +1-310-433-5837 or don@baytechcinema.com; or
Sarah Kavanagh, Public Relations, +1-650-726-3482 or
sk@coastside.net, for Baytech Cinema
|
