GSS at IBC 2018

Next week, GSS will attend IBC 2018 in Amsterdam, a six-day conference and exposition showcasing leaders in technology, media and entertainment.

We are so honored for this opportunity and invite everyone to visit our booth in Hall 12, booth E56.

Originally known as the International Broadcasting Convention, IBC was founded in 1967 and featured 32 exhibitors. Since then, hundreds of keynote speakers and thousands of guests from nearly 20 countries attend annually for 15 halls of exhibits from the world’s top media contributors.

The convention allows engineers, content providers, researchers and more from all industries to collaborate, teach and showcase their latest projects. This year’s featured guests include The BBC’s Research and Development, Verizon’s Digital Media Services, and Vimeo.

We are excited for this incredible chance to showcase our gimbals with professionals in film, broadcast and more.

Contact Jason or Nick for meeting requests during the event. If you have questions, stop by our booth; we’ll be meeting with people all day and look forward to showing our tech.

We hope to see you there! Until then, follow our Instagram @gyrostabilizedsystems and the blog for the event recap.

Travel Light with GSS

Take your gimbal anywhere without the hassle of complex packing or fear of your system getting damaged. With our lightweight cases, your gimbals can fly as excess baggage for less than 70 pounds per case.

The complete Cinema Mini/Cineflex Pro 512EX gimbal system is easily separated into three, travel-sized cases.

Packing up the Cinema Mini/Cineflex Pro 512EX for travel takes minutes.

1. Remove the front and rear cover using the 512EX captive hardware

2. Remove the inner-axis (Camera and lens Payload) via 8 captive hardware screws

3. Load empty turret into Turret case

4. Load inner-axis (Camera and lens payload) into Inner-axis case

5. Load hand controller, video breakout box, PDU and cables into accessories box

All cases can easily load onto a luggage cart at the airport and be checked as excess baggage on all major airlines.

Housed in its own case, the turret is a 20x20x22 unit and weighs 20.5 pounds while empty.

Protect the inner axis and payload with camera and lens configuration in a single case, perfectly fitted within a 30x16x15 shell.

The hand controller, filters, cables and video breakout box fit perfectly in the final case with more than four precisely cut compartments and a measurement of 30x30x29. With the case fully loaded, it weighs in at 66 pounds.

All cases are designed specifically to comfortably and safely fit our gimbal systems, so have no fear of damaging your system or it moving inside the case while traveling.

 

Contact us today about using the 512EX while traveling around the world.

Beyond The Helicopter: GSS Custom Design Services

Gimbals should go above and beyond the standard helicopter. When your project requires ground rigging from a ship or truck, as filmed during Deadliest Catch or a Teton Gravity Research project, a custom design should be within reach.

“We have mounted the C520 (Cinema Pro+) on cars, trucks, boats and small 4-wheel drive vehicles,” says Co-Founder, Executive Producer & Co-Director of Teton Gravity Research, Todd Jones.

“You can have it on a truck in the morning and move it onto a helicopter in under an hour.”

Decades of experience allow GSS engineers to develop gimbal systems which accommodate custom designs. We design every model with room for modifications as camera and lens technologies change and integrate systems to your needs.

After purchasing your gimbal, contact GSS who, along with companies including Paradigm SRP LLC, can develop unique systems fitted for your production, surveillance or broadcast needs.

Contact us about your custom design today!

GSS: quality tech, quality service

When you choose Gyro-Stabilized Systems, you’re choosing the leading gimbals in both the production and broadcast markets. Between the best quality and customer service, GSS engineers design unmatched stabilized platform solutions that you can utilize from the air, sea or ground.

Our two series of gimbals averaging 50 pounds without payload, making them easy to ship and reasonable to use. As camera and lens technology advance, so do our gimbals and customizable options. For our broadcast/ENG customers, our broadcast gimbals offer a moving map interface which we developed in-house.

These technologically advanced systems are completely upgradeable and are designed to support interchangeable lens and camera combinations for today’s most popular payloads. Gimbal technology is progressing with no sign of stopping; this means that GSS is committed to ongoing engineer development.

With a year-long warranty and 24/7, high-level customer service, our customers not only have resources for possible issues but an opportunity to build custom parts if needed.

If you are flying smaller helicopters and need your system to be optimized for weight and balance on a smaller helicopter, the R44 and R66 mounts are available in-house.
 

For complete product specifications and list of features, view our Broadcast and Cinema Series gimbals.
 

From Old to New: A Look at Stabilized Improvements with Churchill Navigation

At GSS, we always look to evolve and improve. At our core, we are engineers that love to create, test and improve our gimbals and technologies to provide the highest quality and latest advancements that integrate with our gimbals. As we analyze old footage, we are proud to see how far our stabilized gimbals have come and are able to offer the best solution for IMU integration.

In this clip, we compared the original solution, External Novatel IMU, to the new, GSS Internal IMU. Both flights featured identical paths over Philadelphia and used Churchill Navigation’s BEAR mapping system with a GSS Cineflex series broadcast gimbal.  Notice the incredible stabilization improvements; the street names no longer shake or bounce, and instead, glide smoothly.
 

What is IMU?

An IMU, Inertial Measurement Unit, detects linear acceleration using an accelerometer and rotational rate using gyroscopes. It reports pitch, roll and yaw status on a continual basis.

We use IMU data as part of an Inertial Navigation Systems (INS). The GSS INS uses the IMU measurements to calculate attitude, angular rates, linear velocity and position relative to a global reference frame. GSS IMU/INS reports the video’s location to Churchill for a live mapping overlay. An accurate IMU data feed results in a stable mapping overlay, as you see in this video.

Learn more about our development of our in-house INS here.

For more information on integrating GSS’s IMU with your system, contact us here.

For more information about our Cineflex Broadcast Series, click here.

The GSS Cinema Pro+

The GSS Cinema Pro+, formerly known as the C520, is the smallest and lightest gimbal in its class and supports the most popular cameras and lenses in the marketplace. This gimbal goes above and beyond competitors with fast installation time, a weather-sealed shell and the ability to house today’s most popular camera and lens configurations.

Weighing in at 85 pounds (without payload) and a width of 20 inches, this gimbal accommodates large cinema cameras and lenses for projects in all environments. The system has been used at sub-freezing temperatures above 24,000 feet in the Himalayas and in the sweltering heat in the Emirati desert. Unlike competitors, the Cinema Pro+ is completely sealed for safe operation in adverse climates.

Like all GSS gimbals, no gimbal tech is required for installation. Save time and money with our interchangeable systems, and swap between cameras like the Arri Alexa 65, Alexa SXT, Alexa LF, Sony Venice (and many others!) with hundreds of lens options within 30 minutes. This package can fly on a single pole mount, which will also save considerable time and money when compared to shipping, installing and using a dual pole mount.

With an expanded elevation of 30° to -205° from horizontal and six-axis of gyro-stabilized movement, the Cinema Pro+ has the most wide-ranging capabilities yet and may be operated in both standard and inverted mode. With VectorSteering™ look-down technology there is no gimbal lock.

Even with its large-scale capabilities, this gimbal still flies conveniently as excess baggage without ITAR or EAR export restrictions and easily breaks down to 70 lbs/32 kg per box in about one hour.

We have designed our future-proof open architecture systems to be compatible with upgrades as gimbal, camera and lens technologies evolve.  

For all of the Cinema Pro+ details, check out the complete specs for more information about its expanded, interchangeable camera and lens options.

Download the complete specs here.

Fitting the DNA of Teton Gravity Research

Earlier this year, GSS client Teton Gravity Research, an action sports media company, shared this custom feature about their journey with GSS their new GSS Cinema Pro +, and we are so proud to see our gimbal in these incredibly versatile projects.

“GSS really fits our DNA. It’s the best five-axis gimbal in the world.”

– TGR Co-Founder Todd Jones

TGR formed more than two decades ago and since created thirty-two sports culture-focused films with no signs of stopping.

Check out how TGR uses their GSS gimbal to capture winter sports across the globe in the video above and learn more about their award-winning films here.
 

Learn more about the Cinema Pro + and it’s capabilities here.
 

Aerial Camera Systems meets the Cineflex Pro +

GSS customer Aerial Camera Systems received their first GSS Cineflex Pro + this summer and inaugurated their new gimbal at this year’s Wimbledon Championships.

This system is contoured with the Grass Valley LDX-C86N Compact Camera and Canon CJ45 lens. For the first time, the Cineflex Pro + will help capture the legendary hoisted aerial shots of the All England Club in UHD/HDR. GSS’s newest customer has added to their state of the art gimbals and will now have the option of using their GSS Cineflex Pro + or Cineflex gimbals for various broadcast projects.

“We’re delighted to add the Cineflex Pro + to our inventory of stabilized gimbals. We’ve made some significant investments in equipment this year, recognizing the growing demand for 4K UHD formats.”

Operations Director Dave Whitlock

We look forward to the content ACS will release in the future with their new GSS gimbal, which will allow them to take on new payloads and revolutionize camera stability in the European market. ACS plans to use the Cineflex Pro + at upcoming sporting events this August.

Learn more about the Cineflex Pro + and all its capabilities here.

If you’re located in England, rent ACS gimbals and learn more about past projects from the Royal Wedding, Commonwealth Games and more at aerialcamerasystems.com.

The GSS Cinema Pro Gimbal

Formerly the GSS C516, the Cinema Pro handles the most popular medium-sized cinema cameras with ease. Similar to the Cinema Mini, its six-axis look-down extends filming capabilities without gimbal lock. An expanded width of 16 inches allows this gimbal to accommodate larger interchangeable lenses.

For increased precision and accessibility, the Cinema Pro features a geo-pointing option as well as GroundControl™ for wireless, bi-directional gimbal control.

Like the GSS Cinema Mini, this mid-sized, 60-pound gimbal is travel-friendly and still small enough to ship as excess baggage with no ITAR or EAR export restrictions.

Within 30 minutes, interchange lenses from the Canon Cinema Series, Zeiss Master Primes, Optimo wide zooms and more.

Interested in all of the Cinema Pro’s capabilities? Download the complete specs for more information about weight, dimensions, camera options and more.
 

VIEW AND DOWNLOAD THE FULL SPECS HERE

CONTACT US TODAY FOR A QUOTE

The GSS Cinema Mini Gimbal

Ideal for today’s most popular payloads, the GSS Cinema Mini is the smallest, lightest gimbal capable of handling the Arri Alexa Mini and RED Weapon with a lens up to a Canon 50-1000.

Whether your project requires aerial, ground vehicle or marine mount, the Cinema Mini is the most versatile option for your production. Between its six-axes of movement and a weight of only 38 pounds plus payload, this gimbal is small but mighty.

The Arri Alexa Mini and RED Weapon will shoot flawlessly with the GSS Cinema Mini's stabilized horizon, protected from a variety of environments within the sealed system. Thanks to VectorSteering™, sixth-axis look-down is possible without gimbal lock.

With high-speed fiber optics, wireless capability and metadata outputs, this gimbal is well equipped for the most demanding jobs!

On top of that, the camera and lenses are interchangable within minutes. When it’s time to make a system upgrade, the Cinema Mini is fully upgradable to support your payload needs and changes.

The GSS Cinema Mini is compatible with upcoming new accessories, including the rain deflector and heat dissipating covers.

Looking for more details about the Cinema Mini’s dimensions, lens options and more? Download the full specs below for a complete look at everything it has to offer.

VIEW AND DOWNLOAD THE COMPLETE SPECS HERE

CONTACT US TODAY FOR A QUOTE

The GSS Cineflex Pro Gimbal

Optimized for broadcast use, The Cineflex Pro is the smallest and lightest system in the world, weighing 35 lbs or 15.8 kgs plus payload, that can hold today's most popular Broadcast payloads!

The GSS Cineflex Pro is the only system in the world that can hold the following payloads without having to repackage:

• Sony P43 4K with 45x-46x (No camera repacking necessary)
• GV c86n 4K with 45-46x (No camera repacking necessary)
• Ikegami HDL-F3000 with 45x-46x (No camera repacking necessary)
• Sony HDCP-1/3 with 45x-46x (No camera repacking necessary)

(Other camera and lens options are available as well - ask us about yours!) 

The Cineflex Pro is just one of the GSS 5-axis gimbals from the Cineflex Broadcast Series. The Cineflex Pro beats out competitors and is ideal for major-market ENG clients and live broadcast applications. Compatible with lighter helicopters like the Bell 505, Robinson R44 and R66, it is fully upgradeable and functions with existing air and ground mounts.

Take advantage of top features including VectorSteering™ look-down with no gimbal lock, isolated electronics for eliminated video noise and optional internal IMU for Geo-pointing with a moving map interface and Virtual Reality Overlays.

Its compact size of 13.8 inches wide and 19 inches tall combined with the small platform size allows this gimbal to be transported as excess baggage without ITAR or EAR export restrictions, making shipping easily accessible.

To learn more about the Cineflex Pro, click here to download and see the complete specs and features.

If you haven’t purchased yours yet, contact us today for the best broadcast gimbal available.

GSS Used In The French Rally Championship

This past May, the GSS Cineflex gimbal was used to film the 53rd Antibes Côte d’Azur Rally of the French Rally Championship. More than 170 teams raced cars during the Antibes portion of the championship from May 18 to 20 in Juan-les-Pins.

Mikko of Mikko Aerial operated the gimbal system alongside Pilot, Manuel Benitou. The pair have previously combined efforts for documentaries, movies, advertisements and sporting events.

The team filmed with a RED Helium and a Canon 30-300mm lens, and a Sony HDC 1500 HD with the Fujinon 25-1100mm lens.

Check out the footage Mikko shot with our gimbal here.

GSS Joins Forces With IDO For The World's Fastest Camera Car

GSS client Incline Dynamic Outlet tested its latest project: a gimbal-mounted RED Epic 8K on a Lamborghini Huracán.

Industry professionals are calling it the “World's Fastest Camera Car” performing zero-to-60-mph in 3.2 seconds with 610-horsepower.  Dubbed The Huracam, the Lamborghini and camera combination captures video at the race line. The GSS Cinema Pro Gimbal, installed into the hood with a custom-made arm, can now reach speeds of 200 mph, unlike traditional SUV rigs.

Incline Dynamic Outlet, co-founded by cinematographers Nathan Garofalos and Wil Prim, utilizes the Cinema Pro with RED technology for commercial and motion picture projects with aerial and auto cinematography needs. Additions to the Huracam frame by Steven Grant and Tanner Hart make the stability of the 60-pound gimbal possible. Early tests of the design required an externally-run cable across the Huracám’s frame, but future updates will transition to a streamlined, internal look.

After months of design, IDO began testing mid-April and completed the first shoot at The Thermal Club, a motorsports country club based in Palm Desert, by the end of the month. The Huracam has since been featured by Top Gear and The Drive, who hailed it as, “a reality check for every GoPro-wielding weekend warrior with dreams of cinematic glory.”

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE GSS CINEMA SERIES GIMBALS!

Cine Gear Expo Recap

Cine Gear Expo was a blast this year. It’s always an exciting time to check out how the production community is evolving and innovating. We had the honor of connecting with old friends and making new ones!

This year, we showcased an Interactive Cinema Pro + Universal Lens Kit and a static display of our Cinema Mini.

We also partnered with our customer, Rogue Aviation as they showcased their aerial cinematography capabilities with a Robinson R66 Turbine Marine Helicopter and a GSS Cinema Pro mounted with an Arctic Built mount.

"It was great to see many GSS customers, users and friends at Cine Gear this year," states GSS Managing Director Jason Fountaine. "Our new Cinema Mini was received well by the production community. The Cinema Mini is an extremely lightweight and small gimbal that includes GSS proprietary 6-axis VectorSteering™ technology. The new Cinema Pro+ Universal Lens Kit was also a hit as it has the ability to integrate hundreds of payload configurations.  It was also good timing to be able to introduce our recent acquisition of Arctic Built, specializing in industry standard pole mounts for the Robinson R44 and R66 helicopters. GSS is positioned on the frontline and continuing development for utility camera mounts needed on the smaller helicopters.  Our customer, Rogue Aviation’s Robinson R66 helicopter had an Arctic Built pole mounted on it for display. As a fun feature, there was a photo booth that was a highlight for all of the aspiring kids to sit in that want to one day be an aerial director of photograph or film pilot."

Contact us today to get a quote on a gimbal or mount!

GSS Acquires Arctic Built, LLC

This week, GSS acquires Arctic Built LLC, the solution for Robinson R44 and R66 helicopter utility camera gimbal mounts.

With this addition, GSS will be the sole owner of these utility mounts and will further extend aerial cinematography capabilities to the cinema, broadcast and surveillance markets.

The FAA and EASA-approved mounts provide the necessary weight and balance when mounting a gimbal on these lighter helicopters. With a maximum load of 100 and 115 pounds respectively, the R44 and R66 mounts require limited installation time and do not require aircraft modifications.

Both mounts are fitted to the right side of the helicopter and have even weight distribution, so they may remain attached while flying with or without a payload. The mounts are compatible with 360 degree systems and LIDAR mapping. As an added bonus, the R44 mount is portable and separates into three pieces to make shipping easy.

Founded by GSS customer Daniel Zatz of ZatzWorks, Arctic Built has designed, tested and sold utility mounts since 2016. The Alaskan-based company worked alongside ZatzWorks for aerial filming.

“I’ve worked with the GSS team since the day I bought my first GSS and Cineflex and there isn’t a finer group of creative engineers anywhere,” states Daniel Zatz. “I’m extremely happy to transfer Arctic Built to GSS and let them continue to innovate and support the broadcast and production communities.”

We are eager to broaden our aerial cinematography service capabilities with this acquisition and offer Arctic Built mounts to the marketplace.

Contact us to learn more and get your own!

Newest GSS Customer, KOCO 5 Oklahoma City

GSS is continuing success in the ENG market with another broadcast news station customer, KOCO 5.

KOCO 5, part of Hearst Television, chose Gyro-Stabilized Systems’ Cineflex Pro + equipped with an Ikegami HDL-F300 low-light camera and a Fujinon 42x9.7 lens.

With a helicopter provided by Heli,Inc, KOCO 5 has the newest and most advanced news helicopter in Oklahoma.

The Cineflex Pro + allows KOCO 5 to have the most advanced technology with the finest cinematic news gathering camera, allowing better zoom-in ability for storm tracking and the ability to share every angle of the news story.

With a customer-first approach, GSS is continuing with a strong customer service strategy and is gaining traction in the ENG market. With multiple ENG installations around the world, the GSS Cineflex Pro + is the smallest and lightest package proven in the demanding ENG environment.

To learn more about KOCO, take a look here!

Contact us here to learn more about how to get your own gimbal!

GSS Used In Cutting Edge Technology News Helicopter, Sky 4

Sky 4 is taking news reporting to a new level of technology. Reporting out of Jacksonville, Florida, Sky 4 is owned by Graham Media and is one of their many leading and recognized stations in news media.

Sky 4 is leading the way with an Ikegami HDL-F3000 camera and a Canon 40x10 lens in their GSS Cineflex gimbal, mounted with an Arctic Pole Mount, specifically built for R44’s and R66’s.

With an R44, provided by the Heliteam, and a pilot, they are equipped with the GSS Cineflex gimbal operated directly from the news station. Yes, that’s right, there is no camera operator in the helicopter!

How do they accomplish this? By using a bi-directional downlink over the LTE. Simply put, a two-way communication channel transmits the media over the network from the helicopter and back down to the news station, and from the news station back up to the helicopter. This gives the news station the rare ability to locate the GSS hand controller from the news station!

This cutting edge technology saves the news station both time and money; not having the weight of a second person in the helicopter makes fuel last longer and flight operations cheaper.

GSS is proud to provide state of the art gimbals and play a part in innovating to make this possible for the Broadcast and ENG market.

Want your own gimbal? Contact us here!

GSS Used to Film Rwanda: The Royal Tour

Cinematographer, Michael Boidy, using his GSS Cinema Pro +, filmed a PBS Documentary, “Rwanda: The Royal Tour” from the Royal Tour Documentary Series.

The Royal Tour is a PBS series featuring various heads of state and journalist/producer, Peter Greenberg (aka “ The Travel Detective”) giving a personal tour of their countries.

In Rwanda: The Royal Tour, President Paul Kagame and Peter Greenberg explore the hidden gems of Rwanda. The diverse land is full of adventure, ancient species and misty mountain rainforests which made for epic scenery to capture!

With stable footage captured high above the jungle, rivers and savannas, The Royal Tour is not only full of stunning scenery throughout Rwanda, but a glimpse into the charm, warmth and friendliness of their President.

Watch the Trailer:

Watch Behind the Scenes Footage:

GSS is proud to play a part of making this documentary come to life by offering the most stabilized platform solution in the cinema and broadcast industry. Check back soon to see what else GSS has a hand in!

GSS Develops and Releases Inertial Navigation System

When you are trying to get stable footage of a car chase or broadcast the 5 o’clock traffic on the news, and your overlay mapping is shaking and bouncing. That’s the worst. We get it.

We’re excited to share that we have developed a new Inertial Navigation System software that solves this big math problem, without an external IMU or trying to jam a 3rd party INS inside our gimbals.

You now have access to rock-solid moving maps with the new GSS INS, straight from the factory.

Take a first-hand look for yourself below.

For the tech-savvy, here’s how it’s accomplished…

GSS has created an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) using the existing high-end sensors (gyros and accelerometer) already in the gimbal. Why buy another set? A processor board inside the Gimbal combines IMU and GPS data and hands off the data stream to the moving map interface.

Now GSS owns the entire INS software stack resulting in better stabilization performance than ever before. GSS has more control over the technology and the ability to innovate in a space where others cannot. This means, when the market needs change, we can change the software with it to continually ensure you have the upgraded tools you need.

GSS systems now come geospatially aware straight from the factory with the most stable moving map interface in the ENG/Broadcast market.

Contact us here to learn more or purchase your own!

GSS NAB Recap and Highlights

We’re back from NAB and feeling grateful and very excited from this year’s event and what the future holds for GSS and our partners!

In case we missed you, here’s a glance at what we showcased at NAB this year:

• We introduced the new Cineflex Pro camera system for the broadcast/ENG market.  At 60 pounds or less with camera and zoom lens and no auxiliary box, the new system has the ability to integrate unmodified cameras from Sony, Grass Valley, Ikegami and others with focal lengths of up to 46X.

• We showed the Arri Alexa 65 with Universal Lens Kit integrated into the gimbal inner axis of the Cinema Pro+.  We partnered with Pat Longman from Active Camera Systems to showcase this exciting offering. Pat is excited to bring this new GSS capability to market in a much smaller and lighter gimbal package than was previously possible.

• We had gimbals in our booth that included cameras from Arri, Red, Ikegami and Grass Valley, as well as, lenses from Arri, Canon and Fujinon.

• We partnered with Angenieux to integrate the new Optimo Ultra 12:1 lens into the Cinema Pro+.  The system is the smallest and lightest gimbal in the world to integrate this massive lens and was on display at the Angenieux booth paired with the Arri Alexa XT M camera.

• We partnered with Defy to show their new 48V Dactylcam Pro cable camera system with a GSS gimbal integration.

• We announced the GSS internal INS (Inertial Navigation System) and showcased test footage with Churchill Navigation. We are now able to offer the most stable moving map interface on the market.  Take a look for yourself here!

It was great to connect again with some of our worldwide customer base of Cineflex products at NAB.  Cineflex is in the GSS team members roots and we have known many Cineflex customers from humble beginnings. It was great to get reacquainted and connect as we continue the Cineflex legacy!

GSS is committed to providing the latest technologies to the broadcast/ENG and production gimbal markets.

Check back soon to see what else is going on with GSS.

Read other blogs and happenings here!