Please explain to me why we expanded our render farm when we seem to always be waiting for Patrick to actually move objects and not the computer. Oh well, just so there are no excuses once Patrick has his coffee, we expanded our render farm to include a zillion (or nearly) computer cycles per second. Our new bank of multi-core intel machines pop a wallop and will allow us to meet even more challenging deadlines.
We choose the INTEL |C2Q Q6600 2.40G 775 8M CPU's which are four core each, added 4GB of ram to each tower, Antec cases and energy efficient power supplies - all networked with gigabit ethernet and managed by Butterfly net render. Take it for a spin...in 3D of course.

Tags: animation, computer

Duck. Duck. Duck. Gooseneck!
The perfect game for us seeing as how we run around in circles all the time at VR.
This new spin on the old childs game comes from Astatic in the form of the GN15VPD and GN20VPD Podium mics.

The GNVPD is a series of dual-flex, continuously-variable polar pattern, miniature-gooseneck condenser microphones with integrated desk stand, programmable membrane switch, LED, and logic interface. Special attention has been taken to design the GNVPD series to resist interference from devices such as cell phones and two-way communication devices. The integral 80Hz, 12dB/octave high-pass filter removes unwanted low-frequency energy to improve intelligibility. The cable can easily be made to exit the bottom or the rear of the stand.
Our gaggle includes 4 of the 15" and 2 of the 20" so when your geese need to stand up and squawk, let us know.
And in the words of the immortal Groucho Marx: Vhy a duck? Vhy not a gooseneck?

Brad blogs in: These mics, combined with our extensive arsenal of shotgun, PZM (pressure zone) and boundary microphones, automatic gain mixers allow to us to record most any event flawlessly. Focus groups, speaker panels, one on one interviews recorded on audio or audio with video. Done right. Done by Video Resources.

Tags: mics

If I were Andy Rooney (would I be in this windowless cubicle?) I'd probably say something like: "Did you ever wonder why there are so many different sized TVs? Does a 60" plasma screen really accommodate Oprah's ego any better then a 27" TV? Does a small screen make W look like  any less of a buffoon then a projection scree...aaah never mind. You get the idea."
Ever the openminded, Video Resources has bookended the spectrum acquiring pairs of HD-SD monitors. Starting small is the BT-LH80Wp. This 16:9 HD/SD LCD monitor is a versatile solution for studio and field monitoring. The compact 7.9" multi-format LCD monitor features advanced video processing technology and  delivers high-resolution (800 x 450 pixel) playback and production-quality performance with advanced focus assists for critical focusing in HD. This compact, low-power unit can  double as an electronic viewfinder for use with  high definition cameras.
On the larger end of the scale is the BT-LH1700WP. This multi-format 17" flat panel offers a 1280 x 768 pixel WXGA-resolution, an amazingly fast response time of 10ms, and faithfully reproduces up to 16.7 million colours as well as a wide viewing angle of 176 degrees vertical and horizontal. Displays 1080/24PsF, 1080i, 720P and 480i video format inputs. It offers an array of input/outputs including SDI, Y/Pb/Pr, RGB, composite and S-video, as well as an audio input. The unit also includes an internal waveform monitor, built-in stereo speaker and a VESA mount.So since I'm not Andy Rooney, this is the only resolution I can come up with for the preponderance of monitor sizes:
Gentleman, it matters.
Brad blogs in: In addition to running off a 4-Pin XLR, all of the our Panasonic HD monitors have been modified to run off battery power by slapping a Anton Bauer or V-Brick battery on the rear. We also shipping cases and desk mount, C-stand and other mounting options available. Download a PDF Manual for the BT-LH80WP or the BT-LH1700WP if you want get all of the glorious details.

Tags: HD, SD, monitors, LCD