News roundup: Lights, cameras, and where is HBO Max??

Some of the top stories from recent days in easily digestible form. We look at new lights from Aputure and Godox, welcome the FX3 to the Netflix certified list, and wave goodbye to HBO Max.

New Netflix-approved camera added to the list

The Sony FX3 has been officially certified by Netflix. It now joins 13 other Sony cameras, including the various VENICE models, FX9 and FX6. The new firmware update that added the ability to input timecodes could have been one of the reasons the FX3 got certified. 

To be used on Netflix originals, the FX3 has to integrate with high-end workflows. FX3 needs to be set to UHD 3840 x 2160 and the internal recording codec needs to be XAVC S-I 4K (ALL-I) 10-bit 4:2:2. Netflix also requires Sony TC Adaptor Cable to be used in order to work with an external timecode source.

There are a lot of quality cameras out there that are not Netflix-approved. It is not all about resolution and image quality, but also about the whole workflow process. How a camera fits into these high-end productions plays a role when it comes to their certifications.

Aputure's latest MT Pro

Aputure’s new MT Pro is a 7.5W RGBWW Mini Tube LED light that packs up to 36 pixels in the 1′ tube. This compact-sized light features magnets and a built-in battery for easy fixing that can be controlled remotely by an app (LumenRadio CRMX or Sidus Link App Control). With its 36 pixels, you can have all the precision when it comes to rich colours and other lighting effects. You just need lighting software to create custom animations.

The battery is a 15.5Wh lithium-polymer battery that enables approximately 2h of light in maximum output. This can be charged fully in 2h via the USB-C at the end of the light. The MT Pro comes with three mounting points. A 1/4 20″ tap on the end as well as on the bottom. Two magnets enable vertical and horizontal mounting. The main menu is located on the back of the MT Pro. Once you mount these lights together, having that remote control application comes in handy. 

Lastly what is impressive about this light is its pixel density with 36 ultra-fine RGBWW pixels inside this 1-foot LED tube. So many small pixels in the MT Pro make smooth pixel effects and transitions at high speed. 

You can purchase this light for £204.11 inc. VAT

Summer 2023: HBO Max and Discovery Plus come together

In summer 2023 there will be a new, as yet unnamed service replacing both HBO Max and Discovery Plus. Yes - this is the same company who made the decision to remove the nearly complete Batgirl from the release schedules entirely.

“HBO Max has a competitive feature set, but it has had performance and customer issues,” says Warner Bros. Discovery CEO, David Zaslav. HBO Max has certainly faced some technical difficulties in the past, and Zaslav wants to combine the content of HBO Max with the content and the tech behind Discovery Plus. While we are left to see what this new application is going to look like, Zaslav insists that it is going to be fully supported by the company at large.

Godox announces its new Knowled M600Bi

The Knowled M600Bi Bi-Color LED Monolight from Godox has a color temperature range from 2800K to 6500K. It comes with four dimming curves and according to Godox, keeps its colour temperature regardless of its intensity levels. You can control the light via Godox Light App, RC-R9 remote or DMX controller. All this is powered by either 14.8V or 26V batteries.

The new Knowled M600Bi Bi-Color LED Monolight weighs 10.93 lbs / 4.96kg and the separate power supply/controller weighs 8.24 lbs / 3.74kg. 

KEY FEATURES

• 2800-6500K CCT
• AC or Optional V-Mount Battery
• CRI: 96, TLCI: 97 (claimed)
• Radio, DMX, Bluetooth Wireless Control
• Fanless Cooling
• Bowens Front Accessory Mount
• 4 Dimming Curves, 21 Light Effects
• Universal Voltage: 100 to 220 VAC
• 98.4′ Wireless Bluetooth Range

Priced at $1.599,00