Introduction: Casablanca Standalone vs P.C. based systems
Early in 1997 Macro System in Germany introduced the world to a quality non-linear editing system: Casablanca. This revolutionary stand-alone unit takes digital video editing out of the realm of the computer and into a one box solution, which is easy to use and understand.
It dispenses with the hassle of configuring a computer and a long and tedious learning curve

Casablanca does not suffer configuration problems, interrupt conflicts, dropped frames, as well as Windows peculiarities and endless headaches common to PC based add-on systems
and most importantly, is free of crashes and software incompatibilities commonly associated with PC-based systems.

Casablanca is developed by Macro System Digital Video AG and is manufactured by Siemens in Germany

Setting up
Casablanca is easy to set up, the interface is logical and comprehensive, and it is the only computer product, which is really "plug-and-play" rather than "plug-and-pray"! Casablanca is genuinely user friendly and easy to use even if you are not a computer genius.

Casablanca is the complete one-box solution for the non-linear edit and/or videomaker.

Non-linear
So what exactly is it? Casablanca is a non-linear editing machine, complete with special effects, titling and a host of post-production facilities. Non-linear refers to the fact that it doesn't use tape; instead, raw video footage is recorded onto a computer hard disk drive as digital data. Once there, scenes can be replayed in any order, virtually instantaneously. There's no wear and tear and no delay waiting for the tape to shuttle backwards and forwards to find scenes, as is the case with linear tape-based editing systems. Editing is frame accurate.

Only a few years ago, a three-machine video edit suite was required for even the humblest mix or wipe in your master edit. Video recorders, edit controllers and vision mixers cost a small fortune, as did top-flight digital video effect (DVE) systems. Times change. Thanks to non-linear editing, we can now do the lot on one machine. Casablanca stores video digitally and therefore is relatively simple to add sophisticated transitions, special visual effects such as slow motion, fast motion etc. It also generates titles and mix audio as well.

Works first time
Casablanca has established a worldwide reputation as the only non-linear system which works out-of-the-box first time. This affordable, complete, stand-alone, non-linear editing system, with 2D and 3D digital effects, CD quality audio channels and a high resolution titler delivers the power, functionality, and capability of a high-end professional non-linear system and is a hassle free alternative to a PC based editing system. Casablanca provides the data rate and picture quality required for Digital and Betacam SP video, and can also be used with any DV, S-VHS, Hi-8 or VHS equipment.

Casablanca Video editing Systems
The latest generation Casablanca systems feature MPEG-2 video compression technology (as used in DVD players).and DV direct, where no compression of the video signal takes place. MPEG-2 is capable of storing three to four times more video than allowed by Motion JPEG or Wavelet compression, whereas DV Direct offers unparalleled picture quality

The classic Casablanca line up is as follows:
All sport the new Smart Edit user interface .

Casablanca Avio
Casablanca Avio is the entry level system at a sensational price This makes it an ideal partner for 8mm,VHS, Hi8, SVHS and Digital8 users. It provides affordable video editing for all.
Casablanca Avio is aimed at small business, educational institutions, and corporate users, as well as the video enthusiast and home user or hobbyist. Using MPEG 2 video compression, the 20 GB hard drive can store up to 12 hours of video at VHS quality or three and a half-hours of DV quality. Editing is done in real time, with many effects in real time.

Casablanca Avio DV
Avio is upgradeable, and can be retrofitted with a firewire / DV module allowing users to interface with digital video cameras.

Casablanca Avio DVD
The Avio chassis with the possibility to add a DVD writer. A unit with DV as standard is also available


Casablanca Prestige
Casablanca Prestige is aimed at the discerning corporate user, the entry level professional, and DV users, that require broadcast quality results. The system includes 160 GB hard drive IN REMOVABLE DRAWERS, and works with native DV, ie no compression for best quality. You can of course import S video and Composite The system is aimed at the DV user, and comes standard with Firewire DV in and out, a Pioneer DVD writer fitted inside , and DVD authoring software Recording time on supplied 160 GB Hard drive = 12 hours.

Casablanca Kron
Casablanca Kron is the direct successor of the Casablanca l system and has since been discontinued.

For more information on the current Casablanca range including Claro, Renommee and Solitaire, click here (This takes you to PRODUCTS in the Macro System website)

DVD Creation with Casablanca

A Casablanca fitted with and the Pioneer DVD-R writer , together with simple “Arabesk” authoring software provides an affordable, easy to use DVD authoring package. You will be able to create your own DVD’s, which use the DVD-R format - hence, playback of these DVDs can be achieved on commercial DVD players. Additional components (computer or similar) are not required. You can do Multi titles on one DVD , create a Content-list for direct access ,Copy self - created DVDs etc

Summary And Further Links
Macro Video are the sole importers and distributers of Casablanca Non-linear editing systems in Southern Africa. Many programmes and programme inserts broadcast by the South African Broadcast Corporation (SABC) and M-NET have been edited on Casablanca. In fact Casablanca is being used in broadcast studios all over the world.

The following (English) web site is Macro System, the Mother company in Germany: www.macrosystem.de
Casablanca is extremely popular in the USA! More useful information can be found on the American web site www.macrosystem.us

Product news updates.
For the latest news updates on machines, software etc click here
(This takes you to NEWS in the Macro System Germany website)

Clear, logical interface

Prices differ from country to country, due to freight charges, import taxes, VAT and differences between NTSC and Pal products which are not interchangeable!