NAB Diary: Day 0
I’m very excited about this year’s NAB convention. The adage smaller, cheaper, faster fits so perfectly with this year’s show. Smaller cameras, faster processors and applications, and amazingly prices for equipment are coming down. I have a pretty busy schedule for this year’s show, but I have also set aside some time to wander the ever-growing Las Vegas Convention Center floor to find those cool tech gadgets that get very little publicity. I did that a few years ago at a show and found a very cool audio compression application that really “wowed” me. I’m hoping for that this year.[an error occurred while processing this directive]So whom do I have meetings scheduled with, and what do I expect to see?
On my scheduled line up I have the regulars like Avid, Adobe, Panasonic, Telestream, NewTek, Apple, etc. What can be expected? Here are my predictions/hopes/dreams.
Apple
I hope to hear about the latest version of Final Cut Pro. Apple has rearranged its press conference on Sunday so that Panasonic could change their time to noon. Considering that Panasonic is getting a lot of hype right now for their small 24p DV camera, and that Apple was so willing to change their time, I would make the guess that FCP4 will be adding Cinema Tools as a native portion of the program. Of course I could be wrong on this one. Cinema Tools is designed for those working in a 24p format, but with Panasonic’s camera, more pros will be delving into that market and the demand for a 24p editing system will be in much more demand. Keeping the price for FCP4 fixed at less than $1000 will also be essential for Apple so they can continue to compete aggressively in the NLE market. Of course for the prosumer/enthusiast who has no desire to work in 24p or work with power NLE system, I’m sure Apple will be showing off Final Cut Express for those who want a good system at an affordable price.
If you were like me, you probably rushed out and purchased your 23” Cinema Display the day the prices dropped dramatically. Could the price drop truly be because of a change in LCD/pixel technology used in the displays, or might it be because Apple is getting ready to unveil the Colossal Display? Wouldn’t it be great to see a 32” inch wrap around display unveiled at the show? I think I need to wake up on this one… it ain’t gonna happen, but it is fun to dream.
On the more realistic side, I also hope to see tighter integration on the compositing side with Final Cut Pro. Since their purchase of Shake, not much news or information (or upgrades) have come out of Cupertino. My Magic 8Ball tells me to keep a close watch on this development at the show.
Source: Digital Media Online, Inc.
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