Sound Devices Announces Comprehensive Free Upgrade To 7-Series Recorder Family

Sound Devices announces a major software upgrade to the company's range of 7-Series portable digital audio recorders. Available on September 25, 2006, version 2.0 software adds powerful new functions to the 7-Series recorders including real time recording to external FireWire storage drives, programming and control of the CL-1 Remote Control and Keyboard Interface, faster FireWire transfer speeds, and numerous file management and metadata additions. The release version of 2.0 was first previewed at Sound Devices' IBC exhibit in Amsterdam earlier this month.

"Our feature film, episodic television, and commercial customers now have a fast, easy way to hand off a low cost optical disk [DVD-RAM] to post production and still have two additional copies," notes Sound Devices' Managing Director, Jon Tatooles. He adds, "All 7-Series recorders can now record to internal and external drives simultaneously. There is no need to wait for a post-record mirror, plus files can be played back and verified before turning them in to post production. Version 2.0 software truly capitalizes on the power inherent in the 7-Series architecture."

About 2.0

New features in the 2.0 release include the ability to record audio to all available recording destinations simultaneously. 702 and 702T recorders can record to Compact Flash and external FireWire drives; 722 and 744T recorders can record to Compact Flash, internal hard drive, or external FireWire drives. Either hard drive or DVD-RAM in FAT32 format can be used as external storage volumes. As a result, users of 722 and 744T models will have triple redundancy in mission-critical applications. Recorders also gain the ability to play back from any of the recording destinations, a capability not found in other portable digital recorders.

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In addition, the new software supports Sound Devices' new CL-1 keyboard interface, enabling the user to control the 7-Series transport and user menu via switch closures. Additionally, by plugging in a PS/2 keyboard, file and folder names can be edited and all front panel controls and menu options can be accessed and shortcuts can be assigned. Version 2.0 firmware also adds flexibility to broadcast WAV files by supporting iXML, the metadata language gaining popularity with post production software, including ProTools 7.2.

Update Process

All new and existing 7-Series customers can take advantage of the 2.0 updates. Beginning September 25, 2006, 7-Series recorders will ship from the factory with 2.0 installed. Existing 7-Series customers without 2.0-ready hardware require a no-charge hardware update to enable external recording. All registered 7-Series users will receive notification regarding the upgrade process. Customers outside of the U.S. should contact their local distributor to arrange for units to be updated locally or to be sent in to an Authorized Sound Devices Service Center.

For more information, visit their web site at www.sounddevices.com.