It’s that time of year again — NAB. The official show of the National Association of Broadcasters. It’s where the video pros come to mingle, gawk and learn about all the new video gear the industry has to offer. Every year the Videomaker editorial team heads to Las Vegas to look at the best new video products. In the meantime, here’s a lightning-round run-down of some of the new gear coming to NAB 2023.
Cloud-based production tools
LiveU Studio
Alongside the LiveU Solo Pro, a portable streaming encoder announced late last year, LiveU is also demonstrating the new LiveU Studio at NAB 2023. This cloud-based live production service offers native support for LiveU Reliable Transport (LRT), making it the perfect complement to the LiveU Solo Pro and other LiveU stream encoders. LiveU Studio supports up to eight media sources and can stream to up to 30 destinations simultaneously. With a browser-based interface, LiveU Studio promises an easy, fast setup. Its flexible pricing model allows for easy scaling based on the needs of the user.
Atomos Cloud Studio
At NAB 2023, Atomos (booth C4135) is showcasing the latest developments in its rapidly expanding cloud service. Atomos Cloud Studio (ACS) consists of Live Production, Capture to Cloud and Stream, and is anchored by Atomos CONNECT products to create a cutting-edge cloud-based production ecosystem that takes productivity to new levels.
ACS supplements Atomos’ CONNECT range of monitor/recorders with a gateway into collaboration, remote working and cloud-based live production. It provides affordable, flexible, subscription-based tools for filmmakers and video creators that can expand with their imagination, ambition and success.
NetOn.Live LiveOS
NetOn.Live promises low-latency live productions and seamless switching with the new NetOn.Live LiveOS. This livestreaming software solution supports live production and switching from anywhere over SMPTE 2110, SRT, NDI and more. Plus, it relies on standard servers and switchers and integrates with existing broadcast controllers, making the system flexible and scalable.
latakoo
Complicated and outdated video workflows are a thing of the past. In the world of latakoo, simplicity and automation rule. latakoo’s cloud-based suite of tools is trusted by the world’s largest broadcasters to easily transfer video files from anywhere to anywhere, regardless of internet connectivity or file size. Patented technology in the mobile and desktop Flight apps removes the guesswork of compressing and transcoding files into the formats you need. With latakoo’s seamless automation, files go straight to ingest and playout, eliminating the need for manual downloads. You can collaborate effortlessly with latakoo’s sleek Pilot web portal that offers transcription services. You can also decide who sees what and when. Fast uploads, easy collaboration, seamless automation — latakoo does it all.
Sony Electronics Creators’ Cloud
Sony’s Creators’ Cloud is a flexible, modular toolset built to support live and remote productions. Within the Creators’ Cloud suite, tools like C3 Portal and Ci Media Cloud allow for remote collaboration between content contributors, editors and producers. Additionally, M2 Live supports multi-camera live productions with cloud-based tools, while A2 Production brings AI-based automation to the content workflow. With options for enterprises, small teams and individuals, pricing for Creators’ Cloud varies depending on which elements are selected.
Cameras and lenses for broadcasters
Canon EOS R5 C now approved for Netflix 4K Original productions
A new firmware update for the EOS R5 C has elevated the camera’s operation, landing it on Netflix’s approved list of cameras for filmmakers to capture 4K Original productions.
A separate upcoming firmware update will provide improved autofocus performance, Clear Scan enhancements when shooting LED walls, reduced switching time between photo and video mode, and a power-saving mode.
BZBGear BG-ADAMO-JR
AI is everywhere this year and that includes in BZBGear’s latest PTZ camera, the BG-ADAMO-JR. The BG-ADAMO-JR is the 1080p version of the BG-ADAMO-4K, providing a more affordable option for streamers. The new camera offers AI Auto Tracking that automatically pans, tilts and zooms the camera to follow the presenter or a selected zone. Depending on the model, it offers optical zoom up to 12x, 20x or 30x. Connecting via SDI, HDMI, USB or over IP, the BG-ADAMO-JR uses its 1/2.8-inch CMOS sensor to capture video at 1080p at 60 Hz. For storage, it supports microSD cards up to 1 TB. The BZBGear BG-ADAMO-JR starts at $1,499.
PTZOptics
This year at NAB, PTZOptics is conducting live product demos, holding Q&A sessions, making new product announcements, and more. You can find them at booth N1814 to get up close and personal with PTZOptics’ latest products, including but not limited to the Move 4K auto-tracking PTZ camera, the Link 4K Dante AV-H auto-tracking camera and the brand new value model, the Move SE. You can schedule a personal meeting by adding PTZOptics to your “My Show Planner.”
StreamGeeks is also proud to be hosting the official NAB Show Live stream for their centennial coverage. PTZOptics will be live from the show floor, exploring booths and interviewing exhibitors and attendees. You can tune in to the NAB Show site at 1 pm PT daily during the show.
Marshall CV730-BHN Full-NDI 30x PTZ UHD Camera
Marshall also has a new PTZ camera at the show this year. The Marshall CV730-BHN Full-NDI 30x PTZ UHD Camera features a 9.2 million-pixel Sony 1/1.8-inch sensor, 30x optical zoom and NDI connectivity for IP-based production. The camera also supports SDI with Genlock Sync, HDMI and USB 3.0 connections. A 340-degree pan range means the camera can pan in nearly a full circle. It also offers a 120-degree tilt range. This new PTZ camera from Marshall is priced at just under $5,000.
Nikon Z fc
The Nikon Z fc is a DX-format mirrorless camera that combines cutting-edge technology with a nostalgic design. It’s easy to create content in fully auto mode or use the satisfying analog manual controls. Equipped with a 20.9-megapixel CMOS sensor, a 209-point hybrid autofocus system and 4K 30 fps UHD video capabilities with no crop, the Z fc is the perfect tool for the style-conscious looking to step up their content creation. The camera also offers USB-C power connections for streamers and video productions. Plus, its vari-angle touchscreen LCD flips out to a front-facing position, allowing it to be used as a vlogging monitor.
Marshall Miniature CV574 NDI|HX3 POV UHD60 Camera
Also new from Marshall at NAB 2023 is the Miniature CV574 NDI|HX3 POV UHD60 Camera. This one uses a new Sony 1/3-inch sensor with larger pixels to capture 4K video at up to 60fps. The camera also supports 1920x1080p, 1920x1080i & 1280x720p resolutions. Marshal promises good low-light performance. Plus, the Miniature CV574 can see into IR wavelengths. Connection options include both HDMI and NDI for IP-based workflows. The Marshall Miniature CV574 NDI|HX3 POV UHD60 Camera is priced at just under $1,000.
SIRUI Sirui Saturn 35mm T2.9 1.6x Carbon Fiber Full-Frame Anamorphic Lens
The new SIRUI Sirui Saturn 35mm T2.9 1.6x Carbon Fiber Full-Frame Anamorphic Lens for E-mount promises a lightweight design thanks to its carbon fiber barrel. This 35mm anamorphic lens weighs in at 400 grams and covers a full-frame sensor. The Saturn 35mm supports de-squeezed aspect ratios of 2.4:1 and 2.8:1 and yields a 22mm horizontal field of view. With an aperture range of T2.9 to T16, the 10-blade iris produces an oval-shaped bokeh along with the lens’s neutral and clue streak effects. Along with the Sony E mount, Canon RF, Leica L, Fuji X and DJI DL mount options are available. The SIRUI Sirui Saturn 35mm Anamorphic Lens is priced at $1,300.
Sony Electronics HDC-5500V UHD System Camera
Built for professional broadcast environments, the Sony HDC-5500V UHD System Camera features three UHD 2/3-inch global shutter CMOS sensors and captures up to 4x slow motion in UHD with a maximum high frame rate of 8x. The camera system comes with a pre-installed variable neutral density filter and Live Tone Control for HDR recording. Along with optional side panels for Triax and wireless integration, a new viewfinder slide mechanism and lens compensation, Sony also promises continuous improvements through future firmware upgrades. The cost for the system is estimated at around $90,000 depending on the options selected.
Computers and storage at NAB 2023
Dell Precision 3260 Compact
This year, Dell has the Dell Precision 3260 Compact workstation on view. It’s the smallest Dell workstation yet at only 7.48 inches tall by 2.82 wide by 7.00 inches deep. Despite its small stature, however, the 3260 Compact promises CAD-ready performance with 12th Gen Intel Core processors up to i9 and graphics card options up to the NVIDIA RTX A3000. The diminutive computer also supports up to 64 GB of DDR5 memory and up to 9 TBs of RAID-capable storage.
Innovative broadcast tools
Mobius Labs Visual DNA
With Visual DNA, Mobius Labs aims to speed up the media ingest process with the help of AI. This unique metadata solution automates ingest and tagging to create a searchable content archive. The customizable and trainable system can recognize details like faces and even facial expressions, making it easier to locate relevant footage during the editing process. In addition, Visual DNA can also create video transcripts in 30+ languages as well as their English translations.
NewTek TriCaster® Mini X | Professional Video Production Possible For All
The TriCaster Mini X turns any space into a full multi-source production studio. It offers increased capabilities, including access to eight external sources, with four integrated HDMI inputs supporting modern resolutions up to 4K at 30 frames per second, HTML rendering directly in the switcher, access to HTML5 motion graphics, web-based video playback and more — without using another computer. Video switching, media playback, virtual sets, social media integration, graphics, recording and streaming are some of the possibilities offered within the TriCaster Mini X. Additionally, with NDI® at its core, it’s an easy-to-use, future-proof solution that can be simplified or expanded as necessary.
Roland VR-120HD
Roland’s new VR-120HD Direct Streaming AV Mixer provides a compact, all-in-one solution for single-operator live productions. Along with customizable workflows, automated functions and PTZ camera control, the VR-120HD also supports up to eight composition layers, four picture-in-picture windows and two downstream key layers. It offers six HDMI and six SDI inputs supporting 1080p video inputs as well as 42-channel audio mixing. This new streaming mixer can stream directly over ethernet or to a computer over USB at up to 60 frames per second. It can also simultaneously output over SDI or HDMI. The Roland VR-120HD is priced at $6,495.
Telestream PRISM MPP
From Telestream this year, we get PRISM MPP. It’s a new line of multi-format rasterizers, including measurement and quality control tools, all accessible through a remotely-accessible user interface. PRISM MPP is designed to help identify out-of-gamut colors for Rec-709 and DCI-P3 color spaces to ensure video and audio content meets the required broadcast standards.
Telestream Wirecast Gear 3
Also from Telestream is the new Wirecast Gear 3. This rack-mounted 4K streaming production system is designed to broadcast professional HD and 4K video content at up to 60 frames per second. It comes with Telestream’s Wirecast Pro software with switching, effects and camera control functionality, so it’s ready to start streaming out of the box. Available models include HD and 4K models with either HDMI or SDI connection options. Regardless, the Wirecast Gear 3 also supports NDI connectivity for network-based workflows. Pricing starts at $5,770.
Editing solutions
Magix VEGAS Pro
VEGAS Pro gives you all the tools you need for professional video editing with advanced HDR color correction, live streaming and sound design.
VEGAS Pro includes a number of new features, including the ONNX Runtime AI engine that makes better use of the GPU power from a wider range of graphics cards, resulting in significantly faster processing of AI functions in the VEGAS Pro workflow.
VEGAS Pro 20 also adds a number of new features including additional advanced color curves that enable VEGAS Pro editors to dial in with even more precise control of their color workflows, as well as a number of new workflow features and enhancements that improve efficiencies and collaboration directly on the timeline.
For more information please visit https://www.vegascreativesoftware.com/us/
Lighting solutions
Nanlite 500B II
When the original Forza 500 launched in 2019, it was a hit because it provided an incredible amount of accurate output in a lightweight and compact package. Of course, video shooters immediately wanted a bicolor version. Now, this highly anticipated light is finally here. Plus, 500B II has all the advancements of the Forza II line, like green-to-magenta adjustment — a rare feature in this type of fixture. It’s made possible by the innovative WW(RG) LED source and light-mixing chamber. With a 96 CRI and 97 TLCI, 500B II blends with ambient light and other fixtures with precision.
ZHIYUN-TECH MOLUS G60 and MOLUS X100
These portable lights from Zhiyun-Tech are designed for livestreaming with the ability to control multiple lights at once via an app. However, they can also be used in portrait and still-life photography and interview applications. Both lights also feature the ZY mount, offering a number of mounting options. The compact G60 offers a 60-watt output and weighs just 300 grams. With a color temperature range of 2700-6200K, the light boasts a CRI of 96 and a TLCI of 97. The X100 provides a stable 100-watt maximum output and weighs in at 370 grams. The MOLUS G60 and MOLUS X100 portable video lights cost $200 and $270, respectively.
NANLUX Evoke 900C
The new NANLUX Evoke 900C is a powerful point-source LED with an advanced RGBLAC six-color mixing system that adds lime, amber and cyan to RGB, giving it a wider and richer range of colors. With a rated power of 940 W, it boasts a high output of 12,940 lux (1202 fc) at 3 m 5600 K with its reflector, making it well-suited for all types of shoots and virtual production. The Evoke 900C offers IP55 weather resistance, a CCT range of 1800 K to 20000 K, G/M adjustment of +/-200, and a 5600 K SSI of 73 and 3200 K of 81. Control is built-in methods include on-board, DMX/RDM, Art-Net/sACN, LumenRadio CRMX, Bluetooth or 2.4 G.
Aputure amaran 150c and 300c
The amaran 150c and 300c are amaran’s first-ever full-color 150 W and 300 W Bowens Mount point-source LED lights, offering RGBWW full-color control, optical and soft light Bowens Mount versatility, integrated controls, Sidus Link app wireless control and high-quality light output.
With point-source RGBWW full-color and high-output as its strengths, the 150c and 300c provide creatives with reliable, high-output and color-accurate light that no other Amaran fixture can match.
Featuring the universal Bowens Mount and color-blending optics, the 150c and 300c’s high-intensity output can also be magnified or diffused using a large variety of optical and soft light Bowens Mount modifiers.
Stop by the Aputure booth to check it out.
Microphones
Saramonic Blink 500 ProX B2
New from Saramonic, the Blink 500 ProX B2 2-Person Wireless 2.4GHz Clip-On Microphone System can capture audio from two presenters to cameras, recorders, mixers and more. Blink 500 ProX transmitters can be clipped directly to talent’s clothing thanks to the built-in omnidirectional microphone. Or, they can be worn as belt packs when using the included lavaliers. The transmitters also feature metering, input level control and mute. The Blink 500 ProX dual receiver supports mono and stereo output and headphone monitoring, as well as metering and automatic channel switching. Together, the Saramonic Blink 500 ProX B2 wireless mic system promises a 10-hour battery life and a 100-meter line-of-sight range. The system is priced at $250.
Sennheiser EW-DP digital UHF wireless microphone system
The Sennheiser EW-DP digital UHF wireless microphone system features a new portable design and high-quality audio designed specifically for filmmakers, content creators and broadcasters. It offers an industry-leading audio workflow made possible through fully digital technology and UHF transmission.
At the core of the EW-DP system is a compact digital receiver, providing an intuitive user experience. Bluetooth synchronization and system control through the Smart Assist app saves time on set. An OLED display on the front allows for easy menu navigation, and Smart Notifications help troubleshoot any issues that may arise. The receiver can be seamlessly integrated into your camera build with magnetic and stackable mounting configurations, and it offers multiple powering options to handle long days on location.
The system is available with either the ME 2 omnidirectional lavalier, ME 4 cardioid lavalier or a handheld microphone.
Sennheiser Profile USB Microphone
Sennheiser is showcasing a number of audio solutions at NAB 2023, including the Sennheiser Profile USB Microphone. This USB-C powered microphone features a cardioid condenser capsule, adjustable self-locking tilt functionality, and an illuminated soft-touch mute button. The microphone also offers gain control and mix control along with a 3.5mm output for monitoring the audio with headphones. All of this comes in a metal housing along with a table stand and a 1.2-meter USB-C cable for $130.
See you at NAB 2023?
If you spot anyone from the Videomaker team on the NAB 2023 show floor, be sure to say hi. But if you can’t make it to the show in person, don’t worry: Videomaker.com will keep you up to date on all the most exciting NAB news.
