We’re always on the lookout for inexpensive, but high impact innovations to improve our journalism, production, and workflow. Here are four that might be game-changers…
By Paul Marszalek
BBG Office of Strategy and Development
At the NAB Show, you feel like a kid in a candy store – the showcase of the latest cameras, lighting, editing systems, post-production software, transmitters, and everything in between attracts more than 100,000 people annually.
My interests at the NAB have always focused on the disruptive — the new products that might not have all the bells and whistles of the best, but are otherwise pretty darn good at a fraction of the cost.
For example, at the NAB show, you can buy a helicopter, or an $80,000 camera setup for your existing helicopter. Or you could be me — sniffing around the “Drone Pavilion” kicking tires on a $1500 drone that could lift a GoPro camera into the sky, delivering a shot that I could previously never afford.
For the BBG, with its tight budgets and difficult operating environments, unearthing these disrupting innovations is key as we look for game-changers for language services.
This year’s show again did not disappoint. Here are just four of the new products that piqued my interest:
Videolicious
Videolicious is a stunningly easy to use video editing app for smartphones that empowers reporters in the field.
The reporter shoots video with his or her smartphone, reviews the footage (and identifies in and out points), sequences the shots, and records voiceover. The app does the rest – the editing is automatic, adding lower thirds, watermarks, and logos.
What it means for the BBG: Incredibly user friendly – any radio or print reporter becomes a videographer. In tough situations, it’s easier to handle a smartphone than a big ENG camera (and more discreet). One can file complete stories over 3/4G mobile phone networks.
This strong tool can be introduced into BBG journalistic training and media development sessions around the world.
Yottio
Yottio is an interesting solution for inexpensive, interactive talk-show television. It’s part Skype, part Google Hangout, part talk radio.
Mostly, Yottio is a video version of a talk-radio call screening software.
How it works: First, the program or network asks the audience and potential participants to download the Yottio app to camera-enabled smartphones or computers. During sign up, the user enters some level of information about themselves – age, gender, interests. That metadata is later available to the producer and program host to help them shape and balance the program.
When the talk program begins, participants fire up their apps and are connected to the producer/screener, who then makes them available (or not) to the host. If the host engages the individual, he or she shares the live screen and the conversation begins.
What it means for the BBG: In wired areas such as the Middle East, it could take Alhurra’s interactive talk component to street level; Russian-language television opportunity. A strong tool for youth engagement.
The Teranex Express from Blackmagic Design
Australia’s Blackmagic Design has, in recent years, developed numerous products that have caused some serious indigestion throughout the industry due to their extraordinary price points.
One product that could have significant benefits to the BBG and others struggling with HD conversion around the globe is the Teranex Express.
This box is an on-the-fly transcoder that can take in virtually any format, and transcode it to virtually any format out — with just a four frame delay. For example, the box can take a 30 frames per second stream intended for the web and convert it to a 59.97fps 720 HD stream. There are nearly 1100 differenct combinations.
What it means for the BBG: This box, which retails at a stunning $1400, can take any SD feed we’re producing, and upconvert it to a very espectable looking 720 HD, with multiple options for framing the picture (letterbox, pillarbox, or a literal fine-tuning of the picture using dials that stretch the frame to your exact preferences.)
Not only could the BBG use this box to upconvert streams, but also be used in older SD studios as a cheap, temporary fix toward HD. Worth noting, the box can upconvert all the way to 4k. This technology cost more that a quarter million dollars just a few years ago. The Teranex Express retails for $1395.
Newtek TriCaster Mini
NewTek has made a name for itself globally by delivering low to moderate cost studio setups built around green screens, virtual sets, and the like.
The company has now gone to the next level with an extremely portable multi-camera solution that could fit into a small suitcase. The mini can handle 4 low-end HDMI cameras.
Starting at around 5k (HD and additional upgrades can push it toward 10k), the mini is a strong solution for extreme environments or locations. It’s an excellent product for video intended for the web.
