PreSonus released Windows 7-compatible drivers for their FireBox, FP10 / Firepod and Inspire 1394 FireWire recording systems. The new drivers are compatible with both 32 and 64-bit versions of Windows 7, Windows Vista and Windows XP. The new FireBox, FP10 and Inspire 1394 are all class-compliant with Mac OS X and therefore do not need a Mac driver. The new drivers can be downloaded here. [source]

A/V hardware and software specialist MOTU shipped updated versions of its BPM (now version 1.05) and Electric Keys (1.0.2) virtual instruments. These maintenance updates introduce many enhancements, including 64-bit native operation under Windows 7 and Vista. BPM 1.0.5 also introduces several new features, such as a new arpeggiator, beat slice editing and performance optimizations. BPM 1.05 and Electric keys 1.0.2 are now shipping. If you own either one (or both), you can download the free updaters (for Mac OS X or Windows). [source]

Mir Vadim's virtual demolition plug-in for 3ds Max, RayFire Tool, has been updated to version 1.5. RayFire Tool 1.5 supports new NVIDIA PhysX plug-in v2.01 for 3ds Max, both 32- and 64-bit versions. To use the PhysX support via RayFire, users need to download it from NVIDIA (more). New PhysX plug-in supports only 3ds Max 2008, 2009 and 2010, and while older RayFire Tool 1.46 contains all PhysX engine files inside its installer, it supports older NVIDIA PhysX plug-in version and doesn't support 64-bit 3ds Max as a result. Version 1.5 is a free update for all registered users, full license costs $285 US. Download the demo installer at this location. [source]

Canon U.S.A., Inc. announced that it has adopted an MPEG-2 Full HD (MPEG-2 4:2:2P@HL compliant) file-based recording codec for a new file-based professional video camera currently under development. The codec will use the MFX file format and will enable high-quality imaging and audio performance with up to 50 Mbps data recording and twice the color data of the HDV profile format . File-based recording helps video operations realize greater efficiencies during post-production, making it an ideal format for many industry applications such as newsgathering, documentary filmmaking and event videography. [source]

Swedish audio plug-in developer Softube AB released a new VST/AU/RTAS and TDM effect Trident A-Range Equalizer. The plug-in is the first and only plug-in that has been fully endorsed by original designer Malcolm Toft and Trident Audio, and models one of the original Trident A-Range consoles' channel. The A-Range channel features four bands of equalization and high and low pass filters, with interaction between the different bands, making this equalizer one of its kind. A fully functional 20-day trial version can be downloaded from softube.com, full license costs $229 US (VST/AU/RTAS) and $329 US (TDM), respectively. A special introductory price ($50-$120 off) is effective trhough February, 2010. [source]

Video effects software specialist Boris FX announced Boris Job Slate, a new Apple Final Cut Pro plug-in that automatically creates commercial slates based on XML files received from the Ad-ID advertising identification and management system. Boris Job Slate saves production time and reduces operator error by eliminating the need for manual text entry with a standard text tool. Boris Job Slate is immediately available for an MSRP of $199 US per license (volume licensing is also available). A fully functional 14-day trial version is available for free download. Boris Job Slate for Avid, Adobe, and Autodesk systems will be available in the future. [source]

Artbeats, a veteran in the stock footage industry, announced that they are offering a free, downloadable HD clip every day at artbeats.com. In this program, visitors to the Artbeats home page can access a different free clip every day simply by registering or logging-in to their account. The clips, valued at up to $299 US each, are pre-selected directly from the Artbeats and Artbeats FootageHub libraries and are available as a free download for 24 hours. For complete details, and to begin downloading your free footage, visit this page. [source]

NEC Display Solutions of America announces the new MultiSync PA Series, successor to the critically acclaimed MultiSync 90 Series, by introducing the MultiSync PA241W. Designed for professional graphics applications, this 24-inch desktop display is ideal for digital photography, video editing, print production and any environment in which color accuracy is crucial. The display features 1920 x 1200 native resolution in 16:10 aspect ratio; 102% coverage of NTSC and 99.3% of Adobe RGB; 10-bit DisplayPort and USB hub; 10-bit IPS LCD panel with 14-bit LUT; 360 cd/m² brightness and 1000:1 contrast ratio; and more. The MultiSync PA241W is available with an estimated street price of $1,079 US and ships with a 4-year parts and labor warranty, including the backlight. [source]

E-on software announced the immediate availability of the French and German versions of its "virtual nature" product line for 3D enthusiasts and artists: Vue 8 Pioneer & Theme Packs, Vue 8 Frontier, Vue 8 Esprit, Vue 8 Studio and Vue 8 Complete. E-on software also confirmed that a Japanese version is underway, and should be released shortly. The localized documentation, interface and help files are available at no charge for existing users, via a dedicated language pack. This language pack can be downloaded from the e-on software website, alongside the latest Service Packs. [source]

Seven Phases released an updated version of its VST plug-in Spectrum Analyzer. The plug-in performs real-time spectrum analysis, is distributed free of charge, and runs on Windows systems (more). The update 1.04 fixes issues with Windows 7 and Vista, user presets, GUI problems etc. Download it here. [source]