Grass Valley Edius Pro 6.5.1 in the shortest

The new version 6.5.1 is the fastest cut solution ever tested so far. It provides extended format support. For the first time, RedOne data can also be edited natively. This was in the test despite fast Quadro-4000-GPU not smoothly manage with full playback quality. Only when we reverted the preview quality to 1/4 under the system settings did the preview take place as usual with the most demanding effects in real time. Edius does not really benefit from the fast graphics card, only the 3D effects are displayed more smoothly. To calculate, Edius uses CPU power and Microsoft QuickSync if it supports the mainboard.


Guide: Software basic for every PC


Overall, Edius delivers fewer features than Avid Media Composer or Premiere Pro. Very handy for lossless color correction is the optional 10-bit support, which is unfortunately not yet supported by all filters. There are many valuable detail improvements, including an image stabilization.


Music tools for streaming, ripping, recording and managing

The best music tools


Tip 1: Manage and organize music better


Anyone who has saved many music files on the computer loses track of the results. With the appropriate program, you can manage and organize your collection - for example with Mediamonkey. The tool helps sort and browse songs. To get more order in your files, open the songs from a folder or from a hard drive. In the lower part of the program, right-click on a piece. Now you can rate songs, tag them automatically, or place files in a database according to predefined criteria.


Tip 2: Play songs with the right player


The program automatically searches the tags on the Internet. Of course you can also add your own information. Mediamonkey also tracks files according to specific characteristics, such as format, genre, artist, location, or year. The program can deal with WAV, MP3, FLAC or OGG and also manage video clips. You create your own playlists, or let the tool create what. Mediamonkey is also a full-featured audio player, ripping and converting songs from CDs and burning files. It also serves as an alternative to annoying iTunes: you can sync songs or folders with your iPod or other MP3 players.


Tip 3: Ripping and recording songs from CDs


Lesetipp: iPhone and iPad without iTunes use


The German-language tool looks unclear at first glance because of the various functions. However, the operation is simple - and using tabs similar to the browser, you can keep track of the different playlists.


An alternative is the open source audio player aTunes. You can also use it to create playlists, and you can add songs by any criteria, such as year of publication, genre, or album. Information about the artist, his / her album or the song is loading the tool from the Internet. In addition, you can create favorites or view statistics about your most favorite songs. In addition, aTunes shows the lyrics, if available, and rips the songs of CDs.


You can of course play your music collection with the Windows Media Player. Or you can use a program that offers much more (and more beautiful) features: one of them is Foobar2000: The audio player provides files in all conceivable formats such as WAV, MP3, OGG, MPEG4, FLAC. The operation is simple: With File / Open you open music files, with File / Open Audio CD the tracks on a CD. A special feature is the possibility for individual customization: On the one hand, you can change the appearance of the English-language software via the menu bar and View / Layout / QuickSetup. Here you select background colors and determine which information about the songs are displayed - only artist and title or preview of the cover?


But Foobar is even more so, the program is a true all-rounder. You can rip CDs that convert songs to a different format and store them in the appropriate folder. With Foobar you can create playlists and tag songs. On the other hand there are countless plugins on the manufacturers homepage. This allows you to expand your player as much as you want, for example, to burn music or to display the song lyrics. Foobar can also be controlled remotely using plug-ins via Android or iOS.


There are more alternatives: The good old Winamp about. The program is no longer just a player. It can also rip CDs, convert music to other formats and burn directly. Two features: With Winamp, you synchronize your music library with MP3 players, and you have access to online radio stations.


You want to listen to the music from your CDs in the future with the smartphone or MP3 player and digitize them? Then you need a CD-Ripper, for example the Audiograbber. The small program has proved itself as a helpful tool. It reads the title information of the disc and looks for the correct name in the internet database Freedb. So you do not have to name each piece individually. They also create playlists with the Audiograbber. The German-language program can deal with all common formats and is easy to use: Insert a CD, click on the disc icon with the title Update. To add the tracks, select the Freedb button. Under standard, adjust the volume as desired, and you can rip the selected pieces with Grabbed.


An alternative is FreeRip, which can also retrieve the title information from the Freedb database. The tool converts the tracks into any format, such as WAV, MP3, FLAC or Ogg-Vorbis. Do you want to record music, such as webradios, YouTube, or the notebook's microphone? One of the most comprehensive and easy-to-use programs for this is the Apowersoft Streaming Audio Recorder. A search engine for video portals and a web radio interface, both with direct download possibility are integrated. In the latter case, simply click the Record button.


Lesetipp: Youtube GEMA Bypass Bypass


The results convert the German-language streaming audio recorder into the desired format, eg MP3, AAC, OGG or WAV. Convenient: The program automatically captures recorded music using the Internet. In addition, time-controlled recordings are also possible: you specify a time at which the streaming audio recorder should start. You also specify the length or end point of the recording.


Intelligence in the wall: smarthome products in mini format

The fact that the plug socket does not have to be the same socket was already a topic of the last CONNECTED HOME (issue 03/2014): From page 50 onwards we presented the available special socket outlets. However, HDMI and USB sockets are by no means all that the manufacturers have in the program today


Picture gallery


Devices and intelligent switches in socket size are further components that make life in the modern house easier and more beautiful. Thanks to their appropriate shape and size as well as compatibility with technical standards such as KNX, they can easily be installed or retrofitted at any point where there are already sockets.


Universal control units in a small space


We give an overview of the possibilities. The function of the devices catches simple, for example with small LED lights under each socket, but they show an even greater effect. The small cones of light safely guide the inhabitants through their rooms and prevent accidents. The LED Schuko socket from Jung thus supports barrier-free living and has been officially awarded for it.


Freely configurable


Some multimedia devices take up too much space and cause cables such as sound systems or radios. So why not just install the connector in the wall, but the whole device? Manufacturers such as Berker, Jung, Gira or Busch-Jaeger have built-in radios in socket sizes, which are elegantly tidied up in the wall and can be controlled by a touch-screen.


Conclusion


The sound comes from loudspeakers in socket size or from the ceiling. Underfloor radios are extremely practical in all rooms, where the floor space is scarce, for example in the bathroom. If you want to be received by your favorite radio station in the morning in the bathroom, you can switch on the radio in parallel with the light.


In the kitchen, the radio does not have to fight its place on the work table between coffee machine, toaster and egg cooker. And if it is installed in the bedroom, it can replace the Radiowecker. Berker's radios are suitable for five surface programs that adapt to the cream design.


Radiomodul and loudspeakers can be installed in individual mounting sockets: The modules do not have to sit together in the same multi-frame. The radio module can be placed at a central location and up to two loudspeakers left and right at a distance of a few meters.


A radio in the wall is just the beginning. RTI (www.rticorp.com), a company specializing in home automation, is gearing itself to make the increasing technology flow in the home with fixed systems controllable again - for example in areas such as audio / video, home cinema, climate, safety and security Lighting.


In terms of audio, for example, the manufacturer has a control module for the music in the whole house, which is equipped with an OLED display and buttons and is connected to the home network via Ethernet. Although there are reliable wireless multiroom systems, such as Sonos offers. But whoever wants to have control and devices disappear as far as possible in the wall can look for tailor-made solutions for the whole house for manufacturers such as RTI.


KNX space controllers go a step further: virtually the programmable universal remote control under the switches. They are compatible with the manufacturer's comprehensive KNX standard for home control, which allows you to program switches with their own functions for switching on and off, dimming, for blinds control, heating and many other tasks

Many manufacturers also offer software for the programming of scenes with their KNX switches, which can be used to control several functions at once. Thus, for example, light scenes can be stored and recalled in the switches. A number of luminaires are switched or dimmed by push-button printing or blinds are moved up and down.


With the Gira and Jung systems, the keys can be freely assigned functions and then labeled, which simplifies the orientation and operation of the buttons. Under www.beschriftung.gira.de, the user can design a label for the respective Gira tactile sensors in a few steps.


If desired, the text can be printed out or ordered as a finished plastic plate and as a metal rocker. Our tip: At Gira, not all control units have the same number of keys. In this case: If you need many functions or scenes, you should also use the model with the most keys. This allows you to remain flexible during programming.


Not only high-tech components, such as OLED displays, enter the world of switches, but also operating concepts, such as those known from smartphones or tablets, inspire the manufacturers. The multiple design prize winner Basalte (www.basalte.be) already has multitouch products in the program, for example.


Although they look like ordinary light switches at first glance, they react differently - depending on which areas the user touches one by one. For example, a KNX switch can trigger many functions, with little area, keys and no display. The basalt switches only use LEDs of different colors to give feedback on the selected function.


The manufacturers of building system technology offer an immense range of products that elegantly integrate multimedia into the wall or remote control functions in the house - without the need for extra cables, devices or remote controls. It is worthwhile to have a look at it, because the wall units can significantly increase the comfort and the optics and the feel-good factor in the four walls.


RAW test: Canon EOS vs. Sony Alpha

Sony Alpha 7SII, Aony Alpha 7RII, Canon EOS 5DS, Canon EOS 5DSR (clockwise).


The Canon EOS 5DS, the Canon EOS 5DS R and the Sony Alpha 7R II have already proved in the JPEG test the extraordinary detail that can be obtained from 50 megapixel or 42 megapixel full-format sensors. With images in the RAW format, the recordings gain further details and dynamics.


On the following pages, these megapixel bikes, together with the new 12-megapixel full-size Sony A7S II camera, will also be taken to the RAW test. In this case, we will play several scenarios with three differently set RAW converter settings (see test procedure) and compare the results with those of the corresponding JPEG tests.


Colorfoto.de Olympus E-510

The E-510 (720 Euro) differs from the smaller sister model E-410 (650 Euro) more clearly than one could recognize at a glance. The case is 90 g heavier, and the handle with the front release makes the camera a whole lot more grippy, which makes it easier to use larger lenses.


In the handle is a more powerful battery with 1500 mAh (E-410: 1150 mAh), which covers the additional power requirement of the built-in optical image stabilizer. And this is also the most important distinguishing feature to the E-410. For the anti-shake function, micromotors move the 10-megapixel image sensor suspended in a spring-like carbon frame in opposite directions to the shaky movements of the photographer. In addition, the new image sensor also allows the Live View function, the viewing of the subject via the 2.5-inch TFT monitor, as with the E-410.


In the operating concept, the E-510 also corresponds to the smaller model. The mode dialer has access to the obligatory exposure programs (Auto, P, A, S, M), supplemented by motif programs or "Scenes". In the recording mode, the monitor also shows a complete overview of all settings in two variants of different detail densities. Use the OK and arrow keys to move to the desired field to make settings. Alternative: With the double-assigned buttons of the 4-way switch you have direct access to sub-menus of white balance, exposure, sensitivity and autofocus. And finally there is a multi-part set-up menu in list form with other possibilities.


$ Break $


It also shows that the E-510 has additional functions that can not be found on the E-410 - for example, flash bracketing, in addition to the automatic exposure control, or an ISO automatic with automatic limitation. Also the distances of the exposure correction can be adjusted. The bottom line is that the E-510 offers advantages over the smaller model.


$ Break $


$ Break $


$ Break $ assessment according to new test criteria


Olympus E-510


Also a 10 megapixel camera, the model E-510 is the camera among its Olympus contestants with the best values ​​in texture loss. But according to ISO 100, the image quality decreases in upper sensitivity ranges ever more and occupies at ISO 1600 one of the lowest values. This is due to the strong noise in the top sensitivity level.


Olympus E-510


IFA 2017: The 5 most important trends of the fair

Miss IFA presents a Samsung SUHDTV with Soundbar.


Trend 1: UHD


As Microsoft founder Bill Gates on the occasion of the market launch of Blu-ray in the middle of the 2000s, this was the last new physical image carrier format, he had made the bill without the ultra-HD Blu-ray. But who needs the new album? Millions of Germans are still buying DVDs, so they have not yet switched to the classic Blu-ray, even though the high-def discs and players are so cheap as never before. Other film and serial junkies can be lured by Amazon, Netflix, maxdome and Co., so pay a ten Euro flat rate for streaming.


Lesetipp


The Ultra HD Blu-ray, on the other hand, is intended to make all those happy, who value the best possible quality in the home cinema. High Dynamic Range "(HDR) with the highest possible contrast values ​​will be used on the UHD BD. Also for movies with sound formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS: X is sufficient space. There will be two versions: with 66 and 100 gigabytes of storage capacity on dual and triple layer discs. The first players will be shown at IFA.


Trend 2: HDR


Only in May 2017 the Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA) had passed the specifications. On August 24, licensing began for the industry. The Ultra HD Blu-ray is for many a niche product in the niche. For us nevertheless a megatrend of the IFA 2017.


Trend 3: 3D sound


"High Dynamic Range", HDR for short, has been on everyone's lips since the beginning of the year. The term stands for a contrast range, as it was not yet known on flat-screen TVs despite the best plasma or LCD technology. Radiant colors, extremely deep black and a depth of focus that makes conventional 3D forget. HDR is an old hat in photo technology. For the TV sector, however, HDR has long been a long-distance target, but now the first manufacturers are waiting for their top-of-the-line technology, despite the fact that no real HDR content has existed so far.

Lesetipp: Focus on UHD TVs with HDR at the IFA 2017


After all, the Hollywood studio Fox announced in August to bring the films "Kingsman: Secret Service", "Maze Runner", "Life of Pi" and "Exodus" to UltraHD and HDR to the market, as well as all subsequent top news. These are, however, in view of the still missing Ultra HD Blu-ray only available through the Samsung Video Pack 2017, a hard drive, which is docked on SUHD TVs of the Koreans. Other film studios are still covered, but they also work on HDR releases. In addition to the UHD, Sky also used HDR technology in the Supercup final between FC Bayern and VfL Wolfsburg, and also used HDR technology in the entire production chain, from the camera in the stadium to satellite TV. HDR is definitely coming.


What we have not already written our fingers sore over object-based spatial sound. That is why we make this short: DTS: X and above all Dolby Atmos rock the IFA. Whether with lasting success, this will be reflected in the Christmas business. Then, manufacturers of AV receivers, such as Onkyo, Denon, Marantz and Yamaha, as well as speaker manufactures such as KEF, ELAC and Klipsch, want and have to do well at the Heimkinofront

The fear of the self-proclaiming refrigerator has been overcome. Now, reality is entering the intelligently networked budget. Security systems and cameras make sense not only in the face of rising burglaries. Blinds, lights and electricity can be controlled via the app as required, is also not wrong. Only everything has to grow together - on the basis of common standards. Not as easy as it sounds, but not impossible. The IFA shows it.


Let's talk openly: Never before has the sound had so many freedoms as today, whether at home or on the road. Music is simply everywhere - and exactly what we want to hear. Honestly, what would have happened in our childhood when Spotify, Apple Music & Co. would have been able to create personal playlists and simply play back via a smartphone, connected car or Bluetooth speaker. Today is not just no problem.


Despite the digital transmission, the best sound quality is by no means an impossibility. High-res audio is the magic word. Even for home cinema fans, the networked and wireless sound masters are becoming more and more interesting. In many cases, at least two speakers can be connected to the stereo pair via Bluetooth. Thanks to new multiroom systems, high-fidelity music enjoyment and surround sound in home cinema are also growing via WLAN.


And the best: Most of the novelties from this smart Audiovel also look damn good. Whether portable, partially waterproof cable loudspeakers or innovative headphones with touch operation and direct digital iPhone connection: Lifestyle, high-tech and top-class are combined in this product category. That makes sense.


Trend 4: SmartHome


Trend 5: SmartAudio


Spotify: Universal, Sony and Co. want to restrict free streaming

The Universal Music disc label requires restrictions on free streaming via Spotify. Currently the music giant is in contract negotiations with the streaming service and calls for a new concept that will lead more free-of-charge users to the paid services.


To date, Spotify has funded the free version via advertising inserts, but according to Universal, an ad-supported music player can not satisfy artists or investors in the long term. The music label also indicates that Spotify's gratism reduces the downloads on iTunes and other vendors. Universal therefore calls for the free time to be limited.


However, in an interview with the Financial Times, Jonathan Forster, head of the Nordics region at Spotify, contends that paid services would not work without free services. The free version is also subject to several restrictions: Individual songs can not be specifically selected and only a limited number of titles can be skipped. According to Spotify, a limitation of the usage time leads only to fewer users to switch to paid services and to increase illegal downloads.


In addition to Universal Music, other large record labels such as Sony Music and Warner Music also demand a stronger separation between free and paid services. In addition to time constraints, restrictions on the catalog for non-paying users would be possible. For the time being, Spotify is committed to its freemium strategy. The streaming service currently counts around 60 million users, of which one in four uses paid services.