Podcast audience growth is strong
February 28, 2006
Podcasting is more than the passing fad some say it is, podcasting experienced nearly fivefold audience growth last year and there is good evidence of solid growth. While the wild enthusiasts might be off in their predictions, there is clear evidence of real growth in the audience beyond early-adopters and consider how NPR and many public radio stations have really embraced it, and with more and more broadband in the home, video podcasts are also on the rise. Want the details? This $695 report will confirm what most saavy podcasters will tell you over a beer.
Taking the Panasonic HVX200 out for a spin, Part 1
February 24, 2006
I finally got a chance to take the Panasonic HVX200 DVCPRO HD Camcorder out for a spin this morning, courtesy of the fine folks at Rule Broadcast Systems.
My first impression is that it’s like using a slightly heavier and larger DVX100. The camera handles pretty much the same, and most controls are in a very similar location. So if you’re a DVX user, the transition to this camera will be very straight forward, at least in terms of handling.
60 seconds might get you a trip to NAB
February 17, 2006
Avid’s got a video contest you might be interested in, until March 15, you can submit to Avid a 60-second video that captures, as they say in their press release “the essence of something they are truly passionate about.” For your trouble to enter you’ll get a t-shirt, six finalists will get a copy of Avid Xpress Pro, and the winner gets a trip to Las Vegas from April 21-24, 2006 to attend Postproduction World and NAB. Cool. A little last minute (the press release is dated February 9th) but cool.
Buying a Sony HVR-A1U HDV Camcorder, lower price is not the best deal
February 4, 2006
I have decided I need a tiny little HDV camcorder to replace my Sony PD-150 and I’m lucky I live in the Boston area, because when it comes to buying Sony gear, Rule Broadcast Systems offers a very special deal they are in a unique position to offer as they can leverage their rental inventory.
Compare the following:
Option 1: B&H
Sony HVR-A1U HDV Camcorder $2,499.95
Mfr. rebate (good through Mar 31) $500.00
Net Price: $1,999.95
Comes with USA Manufacturer Warranty
Option 2: Rule Broadcast Systems
Sony HVR-A1U HDV Camcorder $2,695.00
Mfr. rebate (good through Mar 31) $500.00
Net Price: $2,195.00
Comes with: USA Manufacturer Warranty, 5% Rental Credit, and Loaner Policy.
Now what does Rule give you for the difference of $195.05? A lot! The rental credit translates to $135 off your next rental, and the loaner policy provides peace of mind more valuable than any cheesy extended warranty. With Rule, if for any reason the Sony equipment you purchase from them needs service within the first two years of ownership, they will provide a free loaner for up to 30 days while the equipment is being repaired at an Authorized Sony Service Center. You simply can’t beat that level of service, and this policy is good for any Sony product you buy from them, however, some reasonable restrictions apply.
Video Podcasting
February 3, 2006
I co-authored an article on video podcasting with Steve Garfield for the February issue of NewEnglandFilm.com. Check it out.
Favela Rising
February 2, 2006
On November 15, 2005 the Academy announced the documentary films in competition for 78th Academy Awards and I was pleased to learn that of the 15 films from which the five nominees will be selected, “Favela Rising” was among them. While the film did not make the final list of Nominations, it remains among the most important films to make the rounds of the festival circuit this year. I first saw the film at the Roxbury Film Festival and was impressed by the film and its potential as an agent of social change, as well as the way it weaved together both documentary and narrative conventions.
HVX200 comes to town
February 1, 2006
It was torture playing with the new Panasonic HVX200 at the recent SMPTE/New England show and not being able to take it out on a real shoot… Well, finally, the good folks at Rule Broadcast tell me the
they finally got one of these puppies.
I hope to take this camera for a spin very soon. Would especially love to do a side by side comparison of some critical shooting, including doing green screen, comparing the Sony/JVC/Canon HDV cameras vs. Panasonic HVX200 with it’s DVCPRO HD. In terms of form factor, this camera will gain lots of favor among people looking for a small, all-in-one camera.
