News roundup: Cine Gear Expo, AMD, Accsoon, Panasonic, Angelbird, Zoom and SGO

This week Film Series at Cine Gear Expo opens their submissions for 2024. We also look at other news from AMD, Accsoon, Panasonic, Angelbird, Zoom, and SGO.

Cine Gear Expo 2024 Film Series open for entries

The Film Series at Cine Gear Expo is a show staple that invites diverse creators to show off their work. Categories include Commercials/Music Videos, Independent Short Films, and Student Films. Selected films will be screened at Cine Gear Expo LA 2024, and filmmakers will receive tickets to the VIP Party and awards ceremony. Winners will be selected from each category to receive a production prize package, sponsored by some of the world’s top cine gear companies. Entrants are asked to provide a link to their project, along with a synopsis, key crew bios, and additional information. ENTER HERE.

Early Deadline: October 31, 2023

Regular Deadline: December 31, 2023

Late Deadline: January 31, 2024

Extended Deadline: February 22, 2024

Dates are also set for Cine Gear Expo New York, held at historic Industry City, March 14-16. Look out for the Los Angeles Expo, to be held June 6-9, 2024, as well as the next Cine Gear Expo Atlanta, October 4-5, 2024.  Find out more here.

AMD releases fastest AMD Radeon GPU yet for laptops 

AMD has unveiled its new flagship laptop graphics, the AMD Radeon RX 7900M, the fastest AMD Radeon GPU ever developed for laptops. The new Radeon GPUs along with AMD Ryzen 9 7945HX processors are featured in the Alienware m18 laptop launching in select regions today, the most powerful and advanced AMD Advantage laptop to date.

Built on groundbreaking AMD RDNA 3 architecture, the new Radeon RX 7900M GPU brings incredible desktop-level gaming and content creation performance to mobile systems. Key features include:

• AMD RDNA 3 Architecture – Features redesigned compute units with unified raytracing and AI accelerators, second-generation AMD Infinity Cache™ technology and second-generation raytracing technology.
  
  
• Dedicated AI Acceleration – New AI accelerators are optimized for the latest AI workloads. New AI instructions and increased AI throughput are designed to deliver more performance on average than AMD RDNA 2 architecture.
  
  
• 16GB VRAM for 1440P Gaming – 16GB of high-speed GDDR6 memory enables gamers to experience the latest titles at 1440p and beyond, and allows content creators to unpack high-resolution textures, and render complex 3D environments and animations in real time

The Alienware m18 with AMD Radeon RX 7900M GPU options here.

Accsoon has two new sliders: TopRig s40 and S60

Accsoon has just launched two new interesting compact, motorized video sliders: the TopRig S40 and S60. The Accsoon TopRig S40 is 41cm/16.1in long with a camera travel distance of 22.5cm/8.85in, while the TopRig S60 is 61cm/24in long with a 42.5cm/16.73in camera travel distance. Both metal sliders can carry a maximum payload capacity of 4kg/8.81lbs horizontally and 2.5kg/5.51lbs vertically.

The built-in Sony NP-F battery plate powers the slide with control buttons, and a speed adjustment knob on the side. Accsoon says you can power the sliders for up to 60 hours with one NP-F 550 battery. The slider comes also with a built-in fan. The speed of the sliders can be adjusted from 0.1cm/s to 5cm/s. You can use the Accsoon TopRig app to control the sliders with your smartphone. The slide is said to be smooth enough for macro shots.

The Accsoon TopRig S40 retails soon for $349, and the S60 version is $399.

Panasonic announces new auto-tracking software for its PTZ cameras (and it's free)

Panasonic Connect Europe has announced its new free AI-based built-in auto-tracking software for its AW-UE40, AW-UE50 and AW-UE80 PTZ cameras that enables PTZ cameras to maintain framing in a variety of situations, making tracking simple and accurate. This enables users to deliver stable filming, with no connection to external equipment required. The smart in-camera pre-set tracking function allows for a fast response to movement of the subject, preventing shots from being missed.

Auto tracking is simple to install and can be controlled through the free Panasonic EasyIP software. The new auto-tracking can be used for a variety of use cases, from lecture theatres, classrooms and auditoriums to news studios and for corporate presentations. The free software enables users to capture all required content without the need for multiple operators to control the cameras. Its easy, hands-free operation makes tracking incredibly simple, accurate, and functional.

For more information on Panasonic’s advanced auto-tracking software, click here. 

Angelbird debuts new AV PRO SD V30 Memory cards

Angelbird has just released three new SD cards: the AV PRO SD V30 UHS-I. These memory cards are designed for everyday life and they come in three sizes: 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB. All the cards come with a maximum read speed of up to 100 MB/s, but for write speeds, the 64GB version has a 52 MB/s write speed compared to 92 MB/s for the 128GB and 256GB models. All of the models are durable featuring a write-protect switch and resist shock, moisture, x-rays, and magnets.

The Angelbird AV PRO SD V30 UHS-I 64GB retails for €15.59, the 128GB model is €23.99, and the 256GB version is €39.59. Find out more here.

Introducing the Zoom R4 MultiTrak

Zoom introduces its new compact 32-bit float audio recorder: the R4 MultiTrak. This new and compact audio recorder measures 74 x 138 x 36mm/3.07 x 5.43 x 1.41in and weighs of 287g/10.12oz. It is powered with AA batteries for up to 14 hours but can be also powered via the USB-C port on the right side of the unit. 

The front has a 2-inch color display for settings and audio levels. You can find the power button, a microSDHC/microSDXC card slot, and one USB-C port to power the unit on the right side of the recorder. At the bottom, you’ll find two 2 XLR/TS combo inputs. On the left side, you can find one headphone jack and two volume buttons.

The Zoom R4 Multitrack retails for $199. Find out more here.

SGO celebrates thirty years 

Since its inception in October 1993, SGO has remained dedicated to delivering
cutting-edge solutions to the Media and Entertainment industry. Three decades of remarkable achievements are a testament to the dedicated SGO family, who have powered the company’s success and continuously pushed the boundaries of innovation, adapting to industry changes.

At the core of SGO's legacy is Mistika Technology. Mistika's differentiating factor is its versatility, enabling the seamless management of diverse media elements simultaneously. Whether working with different resolutions, frame rates, color spaces, 2D, Stereo 3D, HFR, HDR, or 180o/360o content, Mistika excels in handling them all seamlessly. It has transitioned from a turn-key finishing solution to stand-alone software and natively integrated applications that address specific industry requirements. These include Mistika VR, Boutique, and the latest addition, Mistika Workflows.

Find out more here.