For IBC 2024, we honored five companies we felt deserved recognition for innovation in new product releases. The field was wide open, as we didn’t charge an entry fee to be considered. Congratulations to all the winners!
The Best of Show Awards IBC 2024
LC-Tec Electronic Variable Diffusion (EVD) filter system
The LC-Tec Electronic Variable Diffusion (EVD) filter system is a really clever and interesting new product that allows you to electronically control the amount of diffusion that is being produced. If you are not familiar with LC-Tec, they are the company that is responsible for the electronic ND system that is found in many cinema cameras.
LC-Tec was showing a prototype of this technology which is going to be very similar to the final product that is scheduled to be available to third-party manufacturers in Q2, 2025.
This is pretty impressive technology, and from the demonstration I saw, it worked really well. The principle of how it works is similar to that of electronic variable ND, where you apply a small electronic charge to glass to change its properties. Being able to do this allows you to dial in precise amounts of diffusion depending on your needs.
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Pixel Cube
Pixel Cube is a remote DIT solution for productions that cannot include a DIT on set. It’s a robust automated service that does a lot more than copy and backup media.
The Pixel Cube is built into a hard case with a Mac Mini inside. The card readers and labeling for each camera type can be configured for production. You simply insert the card into the reader and wait until the Pixel Cube tells you it’s finished offloading. When you insert the card, the label changes color to yellow, and when it’s finished, the label turns green. That’s it. Now, the Pixel Cube starts doing its thing by making backups and sending proxy files to the cloud for review on either a computer or iPad.
The Pixel Cube was released in January and is built as a service. However, they are selling the Pixel Cube to DITs so they can rent their services to productions. In Munich, where they are based, you can rent the Pixel Cube for €150 per day. That is a very competitive price compared to having a DIT on set.
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Aputure STORM 1200X
The Aputure Storm 1200x has an all-new BLAIR Light Engine, which consists of Blue, Lime, Amber, Indigo, and Red LEDs.
The Storm 1200x is technically a full-color fixture. However, they view the STORM 1200x as an advanced Bi-color fixture, hence the x in the name. This is the first light in the new x series and there will be quite a few more fixtures coming. Interestingly, they decided to start the new line with the big boy and work their way down.
The light draws 1440W, the same as the LS 1200d Pro; however, Aputure states it is significantly brighter and will have a very similar output across its CCT range.
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Blazar Lens APEX 1.33x Anamorphic AF Lenses
Blazar Lens showed what they claim are the world’s first autofocus anamorphic lenses. The 1.33x APEX series is still in the prototype stage, but Blazar had two focal lengths on display at their booth.
Two reasons exist for choosing a 1.33x squeeze. The primary one is that it is difficult for AF systems to cover wider anamorphic squeeze ratios. During their testing, Bazar found that the AF worked well with a 1.33x squeeze, but anything wider started to cause issues with AF systems. The second reason is that it is more suitable for use with 16:9 sensor cameras that don’t have open gate or anamorphic recording modes.
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Vinten Versine 360 Fixed Camera Support for Live Broadcast
Vinten’s new Versine 360 is a new pan and tilt head designed for fixed camera positions without box lenses. Versine 360 was developed in collaboration with major outside broadcast companies to address the specific requirements of live television production. It is a replacement for the Vision 250.
Versine features Vinten’s patented compact balance mechanism, accommodating a wide range of camera and non-box lens configurations with a payload of 0 – 40 kg / 0 – 88 lb. Its multi-standard base is compatible with four industry-standard fixings, including flat base and 150mm bowl, eliminating the need for additional adapters.
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Matt and I really enjoyed all the products we covered at IBC 2024. We understand how difficult it is to innovate and bring products to market. A big congratulations to the winners, and we look forward to the next round of Best of Show Awards at NAB 2025.
