OTT broadcasters now have the ability to monitor Dolby Atmos® encoded audio thanks to an industry first by TAG Video Systems. TAG, the world leader in 100% SW, 100% IP, 100% COTS/Cloud, Probing, Monitoring and Multiviewing solutions, for all four of the major broadcast applications (Live Production, Playout, Delivery and OTT), has announced that its MCM-9000 Monitoring and Multiviewer platform now supports Dolby Atmos. The unique enhancement allows broadcasters to verify, validate and ensure error-free video and audio content delivery for MPEG-TS and OTT sources. TAG’s MCM-9000 is now certified by Dolby to support Dolby Atmos, while also supporting Dolby Digital and Dolby Digital Plus™ formats.

Custom Consoles announces an ergonomic upgrade and new colour style for its EditOne workstation. Formerly configured with a curved front edge for use by a single operator, the enhanced design now features a straight front edge to allow easy use by two people. The desk and its optional auxiliary equipment pedestal are now available with powder coated RAL 7043 traffic grey vertical panels plus a choice of Marmoleum or laminate work desktop and shelf surfaces.

When Graham Sheldon got the call from showrunner Johnny Fountain to be his DP for Remote Production on the new Behind Every Man series, he was up to the challenge. Sheldon’s technical background, and his willingness to try new and potentially un-proven shooting methods made him uniquely capable of professionally capturing the interview-heavy docu-series amid COVID-19 restrictions.

Behind Every Man shines the spotlight on the strong black women behind famous men, focusing on the passions, struggles and sacrifices they have endured to support the men they love. Hosted by Melody Holt, featured couples include: Tammy and Kirk Franklin; singer-songwriter Ne-Yo and his wife Crystal Smith; Wyclef Jean and Marie Claudinette, Usher and his mother Jonnetta Patton, and many more.

TAG’s System Configurator Upgrade Allows Users to Estimate Costs, Equipment and Cloud Resources for Their Ideal Multiviewing Solution in Four Simple Steps

Sound Supervisor Daniel S. McCoy CAS used Bubblebee Industries’ Sidekick In-Ear IFB Monitors for the 2020 production of America’s Got Talent, which was approached differently this year in order to comply with IATSE Covid guidelines.

McCoy, the owner and operator of Los Angeles-based location and post-production audio company ToneMesa, Inc., was brought onto the show’s production team to handle audio remotes. He, in turn, introduced the directors, producers and show judges to Bubblebee Sidekicks, which were used for communication on and off set.

“With today’s productions requiring an element of ‘social distance’, getting comms sorted out is absolutely critical,” McCoy explains. “You can’t expect technicians to show up and place 10 wires on people because it is just not safe. What’s important is having comms equipment that talent are comfortable with. It also needs to have a high useability factor so people don’t need technicians to fit it because they can do it themselves.”

Bubblebee’s Sidekick fits the bill perfectly because it delivers high speech intelligibility, as well as a very comfortable experience for the end user. It features the world’s first micro driver solution where the driver fits invisibly in the ear canal, eliminating the need for acoustic tubes outside the ear. This gives it an extremely small and lightweight footprint and makes it a popular alternative to earwigs.

AJA Video Systems has released Ki Pro GO v3.0 firmware, introducing expanded recording options for its multi-channel H.264 recorder and player with new network-based recording and support for SMB protocols via GigE network connectivity.

Wooden Camera announces a full range of accessories compatible with the new Sony FX6, adding to their long line of modular parts for Sony cinema cameras.

A new Sony FX6 Top Plate contours to the shape of the camera body, wraps around the original top handle, and features rows of 1/4-20 and 3/8-16 mounting points, as well as several ARRI Accessory Mounts. The Unified Baseplate features 15mm rod supports and can be attached to standard tripod plates or ARRI standard bridgeplates; this system features a double quick-release that allows operators to either remove the full camera/rod setup from their tripod, or simply detach the camera on it’s own.

TAG Video Systems, a leader in integrated software-based IP Probing, Monitoring and Multiviewer solutions, has announced that it has achieved Amazon Web Services (AWS) Select Technology Partner status. Companies who reach AWS Select Technology Partner status have met strict technical and business criteria. The announcement was made by Kevin Joyce, TAG’s Zer0 Friction Officer, who emphasized that the relationship will help customers cut a clear and simplified path toward an IP-based workflow in the cloud. When coupled with TAG's Zer0 Friction flexible, on demand OPEX operating model it removes barriers to deploy broadcast applications in the cloud.

Ikegami Electronics (Europe) has chosen Leader's LV5600 broadcast-quality waveform monitor for integration into the technical facilities at its headquarters in Neuss. The new instrument is equipped with a 25G-SDI interface and will used be both for routine test and measurement and to demonstrate Ikegami's latest UHD cameras as well as the company's established range of HD-SDR and HD-HDR models.

Budapest-based telecommunications service-provider Antenna Hungária has successfully launched the world’s most advanced digital terrestrial television service. Completed in partnership with UK industry pioneer Dr Arjang Zadeh and the Azdio mediaClass product division, the new service has been introduced across Hungary.