Here's the scoop on the new MVS-8000G:

-Same operation out the door as the MVS-8000A. I'm told the MVS-8000G ships with V7 software.

-Internal Input & Output Format converters (up/down/cross)

-A DVE resizer on every keyer. On a 4 ME MVS, you'll have 16 resizers plus whatever real DVE's you buy. The high-end MVE effects systems that went with the "A" still work with the "G" either as "internal" or "external"inputs.

-The internal resizers have X, Y and Z position (size in the case of Z). They have crop, borders, and beveled edge. The will also have (in V7.1 I'm told) dropshadow, defocus, mosaic (the two latter also seem to have a mask function).

-New mode where you can use an M/E's key rows as SHIFT crosspoint rows so you don't have to shift. The LCD displays split apart to show you both shifted and unshifted names at the same time.

-New mode that lets you take all the utility module (shotbox) buttons and place the recalls on an M/E's key rows. This saves you from having to assign a ton of macro attachments on the key rows to accomplish the same thing.

-There is a toggle panel button that allows you to get "in and out" of the previous two modes quickly so you can change keyer crosspoints.

-The MVS-8000G will do 1080/60p sometime later in the year.

-There are now folders in the Frame Memory menu. Although this was not working for the NAB demo software, it will allow you to manage the stills in different folders rather than see all 5,500 stills in the same place

-The new Jog/Shullt module is shipping. This thing is SWEET! It really does feel like you're using the front of a VTR. Has timecode displays for current TC, In and Out points. In addition a bunch of buttons for transport controls, in/out point marking, record, etc.

-With V6.0 came Frame Memory clips (in the past you used keyframes). This version of software seems to treat the clips just like external devices. You can mark in and out points and now you can jog and shuttle the clips with the jog/shuttle module. Very cool.

Sony has spruced the menu up a little. There's now a FWD and BACK arrows similar to an internet browser that allows you to navigate the history of menu pages you have visited. Also, The status section has been improved. There's now an orange border that outlines the section of the menu you're using. Kind of helpful to tell where you are. Also, if you touch any section of the status display it will automatically take you to the menu that lets you adjust those items. A real time saver.

-When using an EVS in VDCP mode, there is now a RECUE and LOOP function with the internal device control.

-Lastly, didn't see it but was told that there is a split-fader module you can get now that will allow you to have fader control of both the MAIN and SUB M/E transitions at the same time without delegating.

RE