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Stephen Consentino

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Everything posted by Stephen Consentino

  1. Lars- Sorry for the delay. I'm on set alot lately and replying to posts from my iPhone is difficult. Always feel free to email me directly instead. To answer, with properly set up and similar antennas, the broadcast and portable receivers will perform very similarly. I will be offering an antenna array for the portable unit or you can purchase 5.1-5.9Ghz antennas yourself and build your own to suit your needs. The main difference between the receivers is that the iris & tally control option is only available on the Broadcast receiver. I have a Broadcast receiver available for rent if you ever need it for this function or to use Full Telemetry (remote CCU control). Best, Stephen
  2. REVIEW & SALES INFO FOR THE BOXX MERIDIAN HD/SD VIDEO TRANSMITTER & RECEIVER There is a lot of interest in the new crop of HD video transmitters on the market. I am selling the new Meridian HD/SD real-time digital video Transmitter made by Boxx Technologies. Many of you have already contacted me with questions about the system so I wanted to take this opportunity to fill everyone in about the pros and cons of this new system and answer any rumors or issues you may have. I also have a special pricing offer available to Steadicam Forum members. First, a quick overview. The Boxx Meridian HD/SD Transmitter & Receiver is capable of digitally transmitting high-definition (HD) OR standard-definition (SD) video in real-time over large distances without breakup or drop-out. It operates on the unlicensed 5.1-5.8Ghz band and is legal to use in U.S. and most any other country (unlike the Modulus transmitters which are illegal to use in the U.S.). The system consists of a Meridian Transmitter - which is available in a Battery Plate (V-lock, Anton Bauer or PAG) or Non-Battery Plate version and the Meridian Receiver, which comes standard with your choice of a single battery plate for power or mounting. Both the Meridian Transmitter and Receiver come standard with soft removable type “rubber-ducky” antennas and can also use any high gain 5.x Ghz antenna for added range. A Meridian Broadcast Receiver is also available in a rackmount or standmount version. The Meridian Transmitter is capable of working in either “broadcast” or “unicast” mode. In “broadcast” mode multiple receivers can be used to allow an operator to move through vast distances or say various tunnels in a stadium and have the signal picked up on different receivers. In “unicast” mode the transmitter talks to only one receiver – this is used when say iris control is incorporated into the unit (call me about this function as too lengthy of a discussion to have here). Now for the pros and cons. PROS 1) Capable of transmitting HD or SD video, audio and timecode in SDI , Component or Composite formats 2) Extremely high quality uncompressed video 3) Long Range Transmission 4) Zero frame latency (<1 millisecond)
 5) Daisy-chain multiple receivers with seamless handover to increase coverage
• Simultaneous HD down converter / scaler
 6) Built in HD to SD downconverter in the Receiver allows you to use either a HD or SD monitor when shooting HD 7) Utilizes the 5GHz license exempt band
 8) Secure encrypted transmission 
(no paparazzi stealing your footage anymore!) 9) Switch between multiple cameras
 10) Automatic (seeks & locks onto cleanest frequency) or Manual channel selection CONS 1) The unit is larger than a Modulus or Canatrans, but is the same size or smaller than other HD capapble Transmitters 2) It ain’t cheap! But hey nothing is in this business and when a SD UHF transmitter and receiver like a Canatrans costs over $4,500-$5,000, this seems (somewhat) reasonable. See below for a special offer for Steadicam Operators. From now through October 30th, Boxx is running a special for members of the Steadicam and Red User Forums. After this years IBC convention this week, there will be a limited number of “B-stock” units that have full factory warranties and have been used at the show for display and demo purposes. These like new units will be available at a remarkable discount on a first come basis. You must speak to (or email) me directly as I have to confirm your status as a Steadicam Operator or Red Owner. Range with these units is amazing. On the film set of “Smurfs” (my last Steadicam project), we were using the Panavision Genesis shooting 24psf and with only the stock rubber ducky antennas on both the transmitter and receiver, we were getting easily from 1 to 2 blocks of range in the middle of Times Square in Manhattan!! For those who don’t know, this is one of the toughest RF environments around. I have also easily gotten a range of over 300 feet both inside and out. With the addition of high gain receive antennas, this range can easily be doubled. The Meridian system allows for multiple receivers and has a nice digital display and buttons on the side to do channel selection, etc. Alternately you could have multiple receivers to increase reception on a very long shot. As far as range on the unit goes, I will not quote anything until I have personally tested the final production system. At that time I will give everyone the full and detailed information and real world specs. Obviously owning multiple receivers on such a system will get expensive, so to help out Operators who have ordered systems from me I will have several additional receivers available for rent as needed. I will try to keep the cost reasonable and allow you to mark it up if you wish. I am also going to put together a Director’s handheld monitor w/ receiver for rent also. I will also have available a high end Broadcast receiver that allows for Genlock and longer-range reception with multiple antennae. With this unit it is possible to have iris and paintbox control integrated with this unit. Great for live events! This receiver alone is over $11,000 so I don’t expect many guys to rush out and buy one, so I hope to have one available for my customers as a rental item. I will not rent out any units directly to jobs with out the Steadicam Operator’s OK. I’m not here to run a rental business or compete with anyone, I don’t believe in that. I will sell units and provide support for my customers. If your unit goes down for any reason I will do my best to provide you with a backup while yours is in for repair. These will be just some of the reasons, I hope, to purchase the units from me. I will also have custom Steadicam and film camera specific power cables available in any length at reasonable cost. If you have any questions, wish to order a system, please feel free to contact me at the below info. I will do my best to respond to any inquiries here, but a direct email will get a faster response. I have included pictures and several links below to see demonstrations of the Boxx Meridian system in action and to give you an idea of the range and picture quality. LINKS: Steadicam use on Australia's got Talent In the park distance tests Steadicam in Denmark at Convention http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDMp11rMzxQ KABC Lives Newcast Shot Best to Everyone, Stephen Consentino Email: film.maker@me.com Phone: 914-837-0120 (New York) Photos (left to right) 1. Transmitter w/ Battery Plate Version 2. Transmitter No Plate Version 3. Portable Receiver 4. Broadcast Receiver
  3. I just bought a G-70 arm and love it so far. They have made some minor improvements recently that seems to have licked the issue of "bounce". It feels like the smoothest Iso-elastic arm I have ever used in my 20+ years of doing Steadicam. Stephen
  4. Richard- There are a huge number of options out there. It also depends if you're looking for SD or HD and how much you want to spend. A lot of people like the Archos recorders for SD recording. I have one for sale if you are interested complete with a Steadicam Recorder input cable if you use a PRO or MK-V sled (I sure the connector could be changed for other rigs. If you're interested email me at film.maker@me.com. Good luck. Stephen Consentino
  5. Steadicam Masters Series Complete Rig for Sale Master Series Film Sled 12V/24V -Very good condition, recently serviced by Mike Craigs at Tiffen -Motorized Stage -Battery plate changed to AB Gold Mount -Custom 24V Step Up bracket for AB Mount -Original green screen CRT monitor -Built in frame line generator (shows up on the transvideo monitor too) -Monitor mount changed to the rigid Marell Master Mount - very rigid (Original crescent mount is avail if you want it) -All the power cables you need -2 long and 1 short Dovetail plate -Locking pin on the top stage changed to ones you see on the Ultra -Docking Bracket -Custom hardcase with wheels -Original PAG mounts and batteries are included if required $10,000. USD Optional with additonal cost: -Transvideo Monitor Bracket for Cine III and most transvideo models -Custom adaptor box to convert the Master video signal into the Transvideo monitor -XCS Rigid Dovetail with two 15mm rods for motors Master Series Leather Vest -Used but in good condition -All clips lock in rigidly -Pads are well taken care of and cleaned every 2 weeks -Custom lower back straps like those on the Ultra vest $3000. USD TIFFEN MASTERS SERIES ARM Beautiful Iso-elastic arm. Completely rebuilt by Robert Luna less than six months ago. Brand new bearings. All C-sections replaced. All Springs are less than two years old. Includes long and short posts. Looks and feels like new. $11,000. Available for sale individually or as a complete rig for $24,000.00 Please contact me directly at: Stephen Consentino cell: 914-837-0120 email: film.maker@me.com Note: I own the arm, the sled and vest are owned by Joel San Juan. We are packaging it together so that someone can easily get a complete ready to go rig at a great price in one place. Please email me for more higher resolution photos.
  6. XCS TB-6 Green Screen Monitor For Sale The gold standard for green screen monitors. Bright, sharp, it doesn't get any better than this. Monitor is in excellent condition, a few minor scratches, etc. but nothing bad and nothing that affects performance. Comes with built-in Duo (dual) frame line generator, XCS monitor mounting bracket and Camera Essentials custom rain cover. Email me for actual photos which I will post shortly. The monitor alone list new for $14,000. Asking $7,000. Please contact me directly at: Stephen Consentino cell: 914-837-0120 email: film.maker@me.com
  7. MK-V RIg For Sale Photos Here are photos of my rig for sale. As you can see it's in near new condition! Please email me at film.maker@me.com if you would like more or higher res photos sent to you. Thanks, Stephen Consentino cell: 914-837-0120 Sled
  8. PAG AR-124PLD Battery Charger Four Battery Positions, Multi-Chemistry, Accepts PAGlok batteries x 4 and PP-90 x 4 - $700.00 This charger will charge all battery makes (Anton Bauer, IDX, etc.) with the proper adapters. I will include six PAG Cobalt C50 batteries for free if you want them. Need re-celling but hey they're free!! Please email me directly at: Stephen Consentino film.maker@me.com
  9. MK-V NEXUS V2 SLED About four years old in beautiful condition. Howard Smith from MK-V has gone through the sled and verified its condition and is willing to speak to any prospective buyers about it. Sled includes the following: - 2" Deluxe Four-stage post capable of being extended for super-low mode or super-high mode shots - Deluxe V2 Gimbal (super smooth) with interchangeable post handles capable of being used with any diameter arm post - V2 Monitor Arm - Monitor Power/Video Cable - XCS TB-6 Greenscreen Monitor w/ Duo Frame Line Generator - V2 D-Box and J-Box - MK-V Super-Rigid Topstage - 2 x Standard Dovetail plates - 15mm bars and dovetail plate holder - 1 x Dual and 1 x Single battery module with PAG battery plates - 1 x PAG AR-124 Quad Fast Charger - V2 Docking Station - Full Power cable pack (Arri, Panavision, 12V XLR, 24V XLR power cables) - Sled Flight case MK-V Sled as listed above: $26,000 PRO VEST Also in excellent condition. Minor wear on padding in a few spots. $3,800. TIFFEN MASTERS SERIES ARM Beautiful Iso-elastic arm. Completely rebuilt by Robert Luna less than six months ago. Brand new bearings. All C-sections replaced. All Springs are less than two years old. Includes long and short posts. Looks and feels like new. $11,000. I am willing to sell the sled, arm and vest separately, but prefer to sell it as a complete package which I will discount to $38,000 and include a free used Matthews rolling stand. Okay, so I know everyone is going to start asking why I am selling, so to pre-answer, I am selling my current Nexus to buy a new Nexus sled. I need a business write-off. I still love the MK-V. This is just a financial decision my accountant said I should make. I will modify the post with photos soon. If you are interested PLEASE EMAIL ME DIRECTLY do not post questions here, I don’t check it often enough. Direct emails will get very quick responses. Thanks, Stephen Consentino Email: film.maker@me.com Cell: 914-837-0120
  10. Alfeo- Any interest in a Gorelock 1 (original)? Fit my Master's series which had a 1.58" post also. Please email me directly if you are. Stephen Consentino film.maker@me.com
  11. Chris Email me at film.maker@me.com and I will send you a PDF with lots of parts I have for sale from my EFP and Masters sled. Thanks, Stephen Consentino
  12. Jules- I have an Archos for sale. Comes with a PRO/MK-V type lemo to Archos multi-connector cable. Unit is the 100Gig model and is in new condition. Please email me at film.maker@me.com if you are interested. Thanks, Stephen Consentino
  13. Jerry- I have an AV500 for sale. It comes with a recorder cable that works with the PRO or MK-V sleds and connects directly to the multi-pin connector on the Archos. It comes with the manual, case and I think I still have the original box even. It is the larger 100Gig model and has been hardly used and never even mounted on the rig. Price is $500 with cable (I spent almost $200 for that alone). Let me know if you're interested. Thanks, Stephen Consentino 914-837-0120 film.maker@me.com
  14. Just wanted give everyone an update on the new HD/SD Zero Delay Video Transmitter from the BOXX. First, I will be a dealer for the new Meridian System (as it’s called). I will be taking delivery of multiple units hopefully at the end of March. Price is yet to be determined and will depend on the $ to GBP conversion rate but figure around $7,500 for a transmitter/receiver combo and power cable. I know this seems a little steep, but given the capabilities of the unit and compared to lets say a Canatrans transmitter/receiver I think it is priced quite favorably. I have been speaking to the company about some specific design and connector concerns as it relates to the use of the Meridian system by Steadicam Operators. They have been very willing to make some modifications to accommodate our needs. I have asked for a 0B Lemo connector to be added for power and video (the same as the power video connector on the PRO and MK-V sleds. I think this connector is far superior to the Hirose connectors found on the Modulus and currently offered on the Meridian system. I have also asked to have removable antennae on the transmitter. Currently the first run of units will have fixed antennae. This is due to an apparent shortage in a part for the removable antennae. These units will be modified for free if the user wishes to as the parts become available. All future units will have removable antennae. The Meridian system will be available in an HD only, SD Only or HD/SD combo configurations. The combo unit will have a built in down converter in the receiver – a really nice feature! As I was told by the factory, the down-converter is a simple frame based one, not a high end broadcast down-converter, but good enough for output to the soundman’s monitor or a Modulus for re-transmission to others on set with small LCD monitors. The Meridian system allows for multiple receivers and has a nice digital display and buttons on the side to do channel selection, etc. This will be a nice addition that will allow for a Director’s handheld monitor with receiver in addition to the video village receiver. Alternately you could have multiple receivers to increase reception on a very long shot. As far as range on the unit goes, I will not quote anything until I have personally tested the final production system. At that time I will give everyone the full and detailed information and real world specs. Obviously owning multiple receivers on such a system will get expensive, so to help out Operators who have ordered systems from me I will have several additional receivers available for rent as needed. I will try to keep the cost reasonable and allow you to mark it up if you wish. I am also going to put together a Director’s handheld monitor w/ receiver for rent also. The last item I hope to have available is the high end Broadcast receiver that allows for Genlock and longer-range reception with multiple antennae. They hope to have iris or possibly even paintbox control integrated into this unit. Great for live events! This receiver alone is over $10,000 so I don’t expect many guys to rush out and buy one, so I hope to have one available for my customers as a rental item. I will not rent out any units directly to jobs with out the Steadicam Operator’s OK. I’m not here to run a rental business or compete with anyone, I don’t believe in that. I will sell units and provide support for my customers. If your unit goes down for any reason I will do my best to provide you with a backup. This will be a reason, I hope, to purchase the units from me. The early photos of the Meridian are not worth posting here as they are of the V-Lock battery mount prototype version. A version for Steadicam Operators and others with flat sides and connectors on the end of the unit will be arriving as I said by the end of March. If I post the other photos I think it will lead to too many unnecessary questions. As I have units for sale I will also have Steadicam and film camera specific power cables available. If you have any questions, wish to pre-order a system or wish to be on my email list to be notified as the Meridian becomes available, please feel free to contact me at the below info. I will do my best to respond to any inquiries here, but a direct email will get a faster response. Best to Everyone, Stephen Consentino Email: steadicam@comcast.net Phone: 914-837-0120 (New York)
  15. FOR SALE – Partial Preston system as listed below. Everything is in excellent condition and recently serviced by Preston. Just add two or three motors and some cables and you’re set. Price $9,400.00 plus shipping. Preston FIZ Partial System 1 – Preston MDR2 Motor Driver/Receiver 1 – Preston Hand Unit 2 w/ rubber hand grip 12 – Focus Rings 1 – Microwave Transmitter Model 2 1 – Spare Receiver Antenna 1 – Spare Transmitter Antenna 2 – Transmitter Batteries 1 – Fast Charger 1 – Microforce to Hand Unit Cable 1 – Custom built Master Case with die-cut foam and hinged lid Various Power and Camera On/Off cables available at additional cost (ask). Email or Call Directly Please Stephen Consentino steadicam@comcast.net phone: 914-837-0120 (USA)
  16. Justin- I am selling a Preston system with an MDR-2, Hand Unit 2 (w/ rubber handgrip) w/ Transmitter 2, 2 x batteries and charger, 12 focus scale rings, spare antenna for both transmitter & receiver and custom made Master Case w/ die-cut foam. Email me if you are interested and I can email you a more complete listing and photos. In excellent condition. Stephen Consentino steadicam@comcast.net 914-837-0120
  17. Matt- I have an Archos AV500 unit with an AV cable that was converted to sled use (it has the sled 5-pin lemo connector). The unit is in near perfect, not a single scratch anywhere, and was used only a few times on my sled. I am selling it for $550 with the cable. It is the 100GByte model. I have the original box, remote, manual and all cables. If you're interested, email or call me at the info below. Stephen Consentino steadicam@comcast.net 914-837-0120
  18. For Sale: PAG Batteries & Chargers Quantity One (1) PAG AR-124PLD Battery Chargesr, Four Battery Positions, Multi-Chemistry, Accepts PAGlok batteries x 4 and PP-90 x 4 , Perfect Condition - $850.00 Quantity Five (5) - PAG C50 Cobalt Battery - Nickel Cadmium, PAGlok, 14.4 Volts, 50 WH, PAGLok Connection. Good for re-celling- $50.00 each Sold Seperately or Package Price for All Above - $1,000.00 (plus I'll throw in some other PAG goodies). Buyer pays shipping. Contact Stephen Consentino Email: steadicam@comcast.net
  19. Glik- The Meridian video transmitter from the BOXX is just what you're looking for. It transmits uncompressed HD-SDI, SD-SDI, component or composite video (basically all standard and HD flavors of video) with no delay (less than 1 ms or less than 1/40th of a frame). It transmits to a dedicated receiver via a Wi-fi like signal on license-free 5.4 GHZ channels. The range is from 200-450ft or more depending on the antennae used. The picture is absolutely flawless - no break-up, ghosting, etc. The transmitter is about 6.5"x3x1.5 and weighs about 6oz. It accepts a wide power input range of 7-30volts and draws about 9watts. In one word it is awesome. I will be repping/selling these units and should have a bunch in stock near the end of February. Perhaps the ONLY drawback, price. I will have a final price soon and it will vary slightly due to foreign exchange prices, but expect between $7,000-8000 for a Transmitter and Receiver pair. I know this sounds pricey, but compare it to a Modulus 3000/4000 transmitter at $2,200 and a receiver w/ antennae at about $3,300 and this for a standard def-composite video transmitter that produces OK video with constant interference. OK enough of a sales pitch. Hey, I'm an excited Steadicam Operator and I think this is a ground breaking product for all of us. It finally breaks that barrier where everyone a the monitor hated watching Steadicam shots with all that interference or would ask you to use a hardwire. If you would like more info and to be on my email list to be notified when the units are shipping, please email me at: Stephen Consentino steadicam@comcast.net cell:914-837-0120
  20. Wonder if anyone could recommend a good 1st AC for a one day Steadicam shoot I have in Los Angeles area on Feb. 16. I also need a Pro 35 adapter and lens set to rent also. It's a fashion shoot, non-union I think, with a Sony Hi-def camera. Please email me directly if you can. Thanks. Stephen Consentino email: steadicam@comcast.net cell: 914-837-0120
  21. Tom- I just saw your post. Are you still looking for something? I have a Boxx Wi-fi transmitter. Absolutely flawless picture up to 300 or more feet range. Would be willing to rent or sell or rent to own. Stephen Consentino steadicam@comcast.net
  22. SOLD. THANKS FOR THE INTEREST. I still have some Anton Bauer plates (some are straight gold mount plates to attach to a rig or camera, some are w/ 4 pin XLR cables) email me for details and pricing. Stephen Consentino steadicam@comcast.net
  23. Mark- Pretty sure the power issue lies in the wire running up the post of the MK-V. I own one and had a similar issue. I even went so far as to hard wire a lithium belt battery up through the sled wiring. It would not work, however, when I ran a heavy gauge power cable external to the rig and right into the camera, the same battery power the camera/recorder no problem. Next time you get a chance, try measuring the voltage/amperage drop going up the post, I bet it's enough to make the difference. Stephen Consentino
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