In this Ready Take Live segement, we recap the top three major events that have recently occured in live broadcasting. From the release of new Blackmagic Design products to the exciting launch of the Space X Roadster, each week we're seeing a growing popularity and greater advancements in live streaming and video technology.
At the beginning of Febuary, American broadcast manufacturing giant, Belden, acquired Snell Advanced Media (SAM) merging with their Canadian subsidiary, Grass Valley. Although the financial terms of the deal have still not been disclosed, sources indicate that the SAM brand will be retired as the company becomes fully embedded under the Grass Valley name. The move makes sense for the UK manufacturing company, as SAM struggled to gain market share within the US partly due to a lack of regional support staff. It is expected that Grass Valley will gain more market penetration in the EMEA market, especially within sports. Both companies stand to benefit from the size and structure of their larger parent company, Belden. A statement from the company that was released to select press said:
“We’re excited about the advantages this transaction enables us to offer our customers...Today’s announcement improves our overall offering to provide customers with the most comprehensive, innovative selection of products and services, with assured interoperability, and extend our ability to offer in-region support to the global broadcast community.”
Grass Valley now becomes the largest media technology provider in the switcher market! We look forward to hearing more details about the accquisition during the 2018 NAB Show.
In cosmic news, the Falcon Heavy successfully launched and propelled a SpaceX Roadster on an interstellar path towards Mars. The event was livestreamed to YouTube with a special timeline on it's interface that allowed viewers to follow the sequence of events as the rocket left Earth. The stream had millions watching across the world, and audio captured the cheers of hundreds in attendance at the launch site. After liftoff, the rocket's two side boosters touched down simultaneously on to land, but the center core booster crashed into the Atlantic ocean at 300mph about 328 feet from it's designated floating platform.
This was the maiden flight of the country's most powerful rocket to launch in 45 years since NASA's Saturn V, which last flew in 1973. It was rumored that NASA was invited to be part of the launch by having their equipment sent to Mars, making the Roadster a back-up, but they did not attend.
You can watch stunning views of the "Starman" mannequin as he rides his Roadster through the stars.
Finally, Blackmagic Design surprised producers everywhere with a slew of updated products such as Fiber Converters, ATEM 4 M/E Broadcast Studios, and the Blackmagic URSA Broadcast camera. Live X is no stranger to Blackmagic Design equipment, with our fully stocked 4k studio. We previously produced an Unboxing of the ATEM Television Studio Pro HD. All of the new additions are designed to offer an affordable solution for freelancers and studios looking to elevate their next production.
Watch the full segment below and be sure to follow Live X on YouTube for more Ready Take Live!
