By site editor Dan Chung
Teradek have today announced a new version of their popular Cube camera top wireless HD video encoder. Named the Cube x55 it shares a similar form factor to its predecessor but adds a host of new features. The most interesting are the OLED display, an internal battery and a MicroSD card for onboard proxy recording. I’m looking forward to getting to see it at NAB2012. The Cube x55 will start shipping on May 1st, 2012.
Teradek CEO Nicol Verheem told us this –“We’re very excited about the new Cube and here’s a few reasons why: We really spared no expense in updating it – that’s the highest rated Sanyo Li-Ion battery that we could get our hands on. We went for OLED instead of LCD for highest visibility and super lower power consumption. While the chassis has always been rock solid, we actually managed to strengthen it in this design by removing some seams. By moving from a built in WiFi client to a built in Access Point, we’re removing a lot of the IT headaches from the unit. If you can get your smartphone on a WiFi network, you’ll find the new Cube a breeze to operate. No more ad hoc performance issues and we managed to keep it all in the same compact size.
We started with Cube in the Cinema industry, where we still have great traction and exciting new features like local proxy recording with auto sync and wireless camera control for cinema cameras like the Alexa. We also grew tremendously in the Live Event space, where we now support more than a dozen CDNs, and more than 30 modems on as many carriers worldwide, making it easier than ever to stream any event live. But we really broke new ground in the broadcast and news gathering space this year with Bond, regularly airing HD on more than 100 TV stations within three months of its launch. Bond is also benefiting from the New Cube’s changes, as well as some firmware updates of its own.”
Here’s more info from the Teradek website:
The new Cube x55, like the original, is a camera-top wireless HD video encoder that connects with HDMI, HD-SDI, or composite cameras. The unit streams via dual-band WiFi, an Ethernet port, or a single 3G/4G USB modem. The new Cube x55 includes all of the same great features of the original Cube such as a compact aluminum chassis, comprehensive transport protocol support like RTP/RTSP/RTMP/MPEG-TS, and a variety of camera inputs. To bring Cube to the next level, Teradek has added a variety of important new features such as:
OLED
Cube’s new OLED enables users to rapidly change and review the settings of their unit in addition to providing real-time feedback for filenames, recording status, and wireless connectivity. No longer are computers or iPads needed for configuration; every feature is a simple click away.
Li-ION Battery
Cube’s built-in Li-ION battery will give users up to 2 hours of runtime, which allows for seamless battery swapping or quick broadcasts. The battery can also be charged from an AC adapter or even a suitable external battery such as an Anton Bauer.
MIMO Access Point
The new MIMO access point feature greatly improves wireless performance and enables special features such as wireless camera control for devices without a WiFi capability built in, and ensures improved connectivity from an iPad or Android tablets.
Audio Output
Cube now comes with a headphone output for immediate audio monitoring.
Micro SD
The micro SD slot enables the new Cube to save onboard proxy recordings in real-time. The recorded files will also be automatically synced to your proxy server over WiFi or cellular connections.
Micro USB
Cube’s micro USB port will charge the new internal battery and will connect with a computer’s USB port for hardwired configuration.
The new Cube also supports dozens of Content Delivery Networks (CDNs), including UStream, Justin.tv, Livestream, Youtube Live, and many others.
Full disclosure: Teradek are sponsoring Dslrnewsshooter’s upcoming coverage of NAB 2012.
