News&Events

The Compass Fluid Head range manufactured by Miller Camera Support is the recipient of the 2009 STAR (Superior Technology Award Recipient) Award presented by the editorial staff of TV Technology magazine at the 2009 NAB Show.

 

Now in its 10 year, TV Technology’s STAR Award is designed to celebrate and showcase the outstanding technological innovations available to the broadcast industry. A panel of judges consisting of TV Technology editors and columnists reviewed a variety of products, examined the technical applications and their overall contribution to the industry, and then submitted their award nominees.

 

“Every year, the NAB Show serves as the launching pad for thousands of new products and services for audio and video professionals,” said Tom Butts, TV Technology Editor. “Our panel of editors walk the show floor in search of the most innovative technologies. The products and services that we select for the STAR Award make the cut—they demonstrate their ability to help advance the acquisition and distribution of entertainment and information across the media spectrum.”

 

TV Technology (www.tvtechnology.com) is the industry’s leading magazine for technology news and reviews and is celebrating its 26th year covering the television industry. The magazine is published by NewBay Media LLC, the world’s largest publisher of audio and video publications.

 

The Compass range of fluid heads is Miller Camera Support’s latest innovation, bringing to market a premium camera support option with professional performance at very competitive pricing. The stylish and operator friendly design incorporates features like a wide payload range, selectable pan and tilt drag settings and illuminated bubble level in a low profile and lightweight fluid head.

 

Grant Clementson, Managing Director of Miller is excited to be awarded a STAR for the Compass and reflects. “Both the Arrow and the DS Fluid head range from Miller have been strong performers in the Film and TV industry. Miller users globally have requested the performance and features of the Arrow be reflected in a premium 75mm fluid head range. The initial reaction during NAB 2009 Exhibition, was positive for the new Compass range and the STAR Award, reflects the efforts of the team behind the scenes in Australia to bring such a quality performing fluid head into the marketplace.”

 

The Compass range retains the same drag components used in the renowned Arrow range of 100mm fluid heads. The result is the widest range of drag in 75mm fluid heads available, providing ultra smooth take offs, followed by super stable pan/tilt moves and perfect stops. There is nothing as smooth as a Miller, the inventor of pan and tilt fluid heads.  

Andrew Barnes, Miller’s senior designer responsible for the new fluid head range comments; “the modern styling and sleek black finish compliments the compact dimensions and the ergonomic design of the Compass fluid heads.” Barnes adds, “This approach was reinforced by the feedback that existing customers highlighted to us on Compass prototypes.”

The newly designed four position counterbalance system in the Compass 15 and 20 fluid heads provides for a wide payload range of cameras and camera configurations. Whereas other 75mm based heads utilise counterbalance systems that will reduce tilt range and cause “spring-back” in higher settings, the Compass counterbalance settings are fully functional in all tilt positions.

 

The Compass 15 fluid head provides professional performance for the latest generation of lightweight HDV/DVCAM/XDCAM and P2HD cameras with payloads between 2-9kg (4-20lbs). With the best performing pan and tilt fluid drag range combined with a selectable counterbalance system, the versatile Compass 15 and its high quality construction ensures reliability in the toughest conditions.

 

The Compass 20 fluid head with a 2-12kg (4-26lbs) payload range enables a large range of cameras and camera configurations to be used. From HDV/DVCAM to XDCAM and P2HD cameras the Compass 20 fluid head is one of the most versatile fluid heads available. The Compass 20 incorporates the best pan and tilt fluid drag range in its class combined with a selectable counterbalance system. A quick release camera mounting system utilising the Euro mini camera plates allows it to integrate easily into existing camera support inventories.

 

Compass offers a remarkably compact yet solid performance for all applications. Lightweight ENG, Government, Education, Corporate and Independent media organisations can also achieve high production values with this attractively priced performance product. System packages are available with the ultra-versatile Solo DV tripods or the ultimate in stability, DS Toggle 2-stage tripods; there is a system package to suit a wide range of applications.

The Miller factory is gearing up for the anticipated demand that will come with the introduction of the Compass models. Compass is sure to be a major part of the future trends in camera support for Miller. Compass systems are now available to be ordered and customers can expect delivery of the first production run in mid 2009.