Digital Video - October 2007 - (Page 14)

DV UPDATE SHORTS SOLID-STATE EXPRESS A SNEAK PEAK AT SANDISK AND SONY’S “SXS” MEMORY CARD. BY TERENCE KEEGAN F lash media like USB drives and memory cards have long been able to store more video than DVD discs—but poky data transfer rates have been one factor limiting the solid-state storage technology’s use with professional camcorders and NLE suites. Enter “SxS,” a speedy new format co-developed by Sony Corp. and flash memory pioneer SanDisk specifically for the needs of the video pro. Slated for debut this fall, SxS (“Sby-S”) is one of the first memory cards to take advantage of the PCI Express (PCIe) hardware bus— whose 2.5 Gbps maximum data transfer speed is twice that of the previous PCMCIA port. PC manufacturers already have begun replacing older PC Card slots with the new ExpressCard standard, paving the way for SxS card support in the latest post apps. With nonlinear editing of HD video files in mind, SanDisk and Sony have optimized the technology protocol for controlling communication between hardware and SxS media: the first cards are expected to boast a transfer rate of 800 Mbps. SxS also employs the ExpressCard/34 form factor (75mm x 34mm x 5mm), half the size of previous PC Cards, to enable the design of pro camcorders that are smaller and lighter than their tape- or disc-based brethren, while still offering high storage capacities. Sony’s forthcoming XDCAM EX pro camcorder will see the first implementation of the SxS spec, with the camera maker offering 8GB and 16GB cards around the EX’s launch later this year. Sony spokesman Juan Martinez notes that the company will continue to market its legacy Memory Stick media (also codeveloped with SanDisk, with capacities currently as high as 8GB) in parallel with the new SxS cards. R&D REMOTE CONTROL: NEW REVIEW AND APPROVAL TOOLS Sick of shelling out for couriers? The future of client review and approval is here—and you don’t even have to schedule a pickup. Here are three of the latest tools available. cal knowledge. Unlike e-mail attachments, there are no delays in transmitting the files, and no limitations on how big they can be. And because the server is local to you, the files arrive right in the folder system of the Macs and PCs on your network. An entry-level package, offering five logins, is $499 plus $99 per year for support. In August, SeeFile announced bundle packages with Intelligent Gadgets’ syncVUEpro system (see below). www.seefile.com SEEFILE 3.0 SeeFile is webserver software that users access from standard Web browsers. Installing it takes as little as 10 minutes, and all administration is done through a Web browser interface. No client-side software is needed to access or administer the system. The webserver can be run either locally on an OSX system at your site (where SeeFile updates continuously from your file system), or on a remote hosted system (enabling maximum access from large numbers of users). With either version, QuickTime movies display in thumbnail and expanded views, and folders are clickable just as they are on your desktop. Features include a messaging system (linked optionally to e-mail) that lets everyone comment on files and folders and a File Actions menu that lets you launch scripted commands. Unlike FTP, clients can use SeeFile without a special program or techniXprove: simple yet sophisticated review and approval. SYNCVUEPRO Intelligent Gadgets’ syncVUEpro is a Skype-based tool that delivers collaborative, synchronized video review and approval. The pro version adds capabilities critical to workflow requirements of large production and post facilities, such as the ability to review online QuickTime media, FTP 14 dv october 2007 www.dv.com http://www.seefile.com http://www.dv.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Digital Video - October 2007

Cover Contents Letters DV Update R&D Fest Circuit Light Brigade Follow Focus Shootout Image Conscious Instant Expert Close-Ups Eastern Europe Exploit Call of the Wild Four Principles of Storage Storage Media Production Diary

Digital Video - October 2007

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