US Broadcast Distribution Adds Waterbird Camera Rail Systems Brie Clayton July 15, 2022
1 Comment
Flexible, modular camera sliders give broadcasters and film-makers new creative motion possibilities
US Broadcast Distribution, a value-added distributor of live production and audiovisual products, has announced the addition of Waterbird Systems GmbH as its newest vendor partner. Waterbird is an Austrian company that designs and manufactures camera support and motion systems for the broadcast, film production and photography markets. By partnering together, both companies aim to expand Waterbird's customer base, primarily in North America.
Waterbird and US Broadcast were first introduced to each other at the NAB 2022 show in Las Vegas. US Broadcast felt that Waterbird products were an ideal fit for their product catalog after seeing the camera rail systems in action at Waterbird's booth.
The Waterbird Multi Slider product line consists of three different systems:
MS PRO - The MS PRO system is a compact and portable flexible slider system with a step motor. It's available in 120cm and 150cm lengths, but can be custom ordered to any length. The 150cm version can be turned to a 9.8-inch radius, nearly a complete circle. The MS PRO is ideal for outdoor filming, time lapse shots, product photography, and other projects using DSLR or other small cameras. Users can control slider direction and speed using the free Waterbird app for iOS and Android, the DMX lighting protocol or the Waterbird MS PHOENIX controller.
MS SWIFT - Matching the MS PRO in rail size, the MS SWIFT uses an enhanced, high-speed brushless motor and frictionless ball bearing track for smooth and dramatic movement. As with the MS PRO, virtually any length can be built, but it is available in standard 150cm and 200cm lengths. The MS SWIFT can be controlled by the Waterbird app, DMX protocol, wired or wireless with the MS PHOENIX RF controller, or with the Waterbird XL Motion Controller used on the MS XL series.
MS XL - The MS XL is Waterbird's flagship rail system designed for larger cameras like PTZ cameras and heads. With its totally modular construction, the MS XL can be built to any length and modified by customers. Myriad control options are possible, including DMX, Ethernet and Panasonic PTZ protocol. MS XL is the right solution for broadcast studios, concert venues, churches, and even industrial uses such as photogrammetry.
The flexibility and modularity of Waterbird's rail systems immediately impressed me, said Eric Pratt, President and CTO of US Broadcast. For one thing, PTZ cameras are some of our best- selling products, so being able to add another layer of motion using slider systems is something we know our customers are looking for. Eric added, In addition, as the cost and complexity of virtual production decreases, we see it growing more prevalent for live broadcast. Waterbird's products will be a crucial piece of our product suite for virtual production.
Roland Enzlmueller, CEO of Waterbird Systems, had this to say about the new partnership: We believe our products can dramatically change how customers produce their content. As such, our goal is to get Waterbird products into as many studios and projects as possible. One of our challenges as a European company was addressing the North America region. After talking to US Broadcast we believe they will be a great partner in helping grow our customer base.
US Broadcast Distribution carries the entire catalog of Waterbird products, which are sold through its network of resellers and integrators throughout North America.
###
Enjoying the news? Sign up now for the Creative COW Newsletter!
Sign up for the Creative COW newsletter and get weekly updates on industry news, forum highlights, inspirational tutorials, tips, burning questions, and more! Receive bulletins from the largest, longest-running community dedicated to supporting professionals working in film, video, and audio.
Enter your email address, a first and last name, and let us know what you'd like to see more of in the message!
.grecaptcha-badge{visibility:hidden}.meow-contact-form .meow-contact-form__header{display:flex;margin-bottom:10px}.meow-contact-form .meow-contact-form__header .meow-contact-form__header__content{flex:1;display:flex;flex-direction:column;justify-content:center}.meow-contact-form .meow-contact-form__header .meow-contact-form__header--image--left{margin-right:10px}.meow-contact-form .meow-contact-form__header .meow-contact-form__header--image--right{margin-left:10px}.meow-contact-form--editor input{color:gray}.meow-contact-form--default{font-size:18px}.meow-contact-form--default input:not([type=submit]),.meow-contact-form--default textarea{width:100%}.meow-contact-form--default input[type=submit]{padding:10px 40px;font-size:18px;line-height:18px}.meow-contact-form--default .meow-contact-form__info{margin-top:-10px;margin-bottom:10px;font-size:14px}.meow-contact-form--default .meow-contact-form-message{font-style:italic}.meow-contact-form--default .meow-contact-form__group{margin-bottom:15px;font-size:16px}.meow-contact-form--default .meow-contact-form__group .meow-contact-form__group-input,.meow-contact-form--default .meow-contact-form__group .meow-contact-form__group-textarea{margin-top:3px;padding:5px;font-size:14px}.meow-contact-form--default .meow-contact-form__header{margin-bottom:15px}.meow-contact-form--default .meow-contact-form__header__content--title{font-size:24px;line-height:24px}.meow-contact-form--default .meow-contact-form__header__content--text{margin-top:5px;font-size:16px;line-height:16px;color:gray}.meow-contact-form--default .meow-contact-form__group-button{padding:10px 20px;border:none;margin-top:10px;cursor:pointer}.meow-contact-form--default .meow-contact-form__group-button:hover{filter:brightness(1.05)}.meow-c
