Zaxcom to introduce new ZFR100 broadcast-quality recorder at NAB

At NAB 2006 Zaxcom will introduce its new ZFR100, a broadcast-quality recorder that can record up to 12 track-hours of audio directly to a 2-GB flash memory card.
As an ultra-compact recorder, the versatile ZFR100 is equally well-suited for use in a sound bag as a backup recorder or as a transcription recorder. To simplify audio syncing and processing during post-production, the ZFR100 includes a full-featured time code reader/generator that stamps the time code directly on to broadcast .WAV or MP3 files.
"We're excited to launch our newest product, the ZFR100, to the international audience of NAB2006," said Glenn Sanders, President of Zaxcom. "We've engineered it to best serve users who need a lightweight, versatile recorder that can record a significant amount of information. This is particularly vital in the ENG or reality TV markets, where mobility and duration are both key concerns."
One of the ZFR100's unique abilities is that it can receive time code through an RF link directly from a video camera. This optional feature allows the unit to record only when the camera is rolling, thus maintaining perfect time code synchronization with the recorded video. The time code generator accuracy is within one frame for every 12 hours due to the ZFR100's temperature-compensated crystal oscillator.
The time code transmission feature is also designed to be fault tolerant. When jammed, the ZFR100 automatically identifies the incoming code, jams to it, and sets itself for the same rate and code type.
As soon as a correct rolling time code is received, the recorder will jam and only then enter the record mode. When a stopped time code is verified, the recorder will return back to the stop mode, ensuring time code sync throughout production.
The ZFR100 miniature recorder weighs about 4 oz. and can be powered for up to 24 hours with two AA batteries. Because of its light weight, the unit can be worn on the body as a backup to wireless microphones when wireless operation is not possible or reliable. An optional 8- to 16-VDC power input is also available. The unit can record in a continuous 12-hour loop or in traditional record/stop operation.
Zaxcom's new system also features special software that eliminates the problem of flash memory burnout due to the continuous writing of the flash card directory as if it were a hard drive. The ZFR100 comes equipped with PC and Macintosh software that can output many different file types from the unit's flash card memory. The user can insert record markers into the recorded files at any point, without stopping the recording process.
"With more and more television programming incorporating multicamera footage, it is becoming increasingly critical that production crews are able to sync cameras with time code," added Sanders. "The ZFR100 is an ideal system for this type of application not only because it is flawless in its ability to read time code, but also because its compact size makes it easy for the user to take it virtually anywhere."
Pricing for the ZFR100 starts at $995. To learn more about this product, visit Zaxcom at booth N4227 at NAB 2006.
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