Geek News: Latest Technology, Product Reviews, Gadgets and Tech Podcast News for Geeks

Thunderbolt Power in the Palm of Your Hand

Posted by JenThorpe at 4:15 PM on April 17, 2012

AJA Video Systems announced their new T-TAP adapter at NAB 2012. It is a very small bus-powered device that uses Thunderbolt connectivity for high quality 10-bit SD, HD and 2K output through SDI and HDMI connections. The device makes it simple to get professional video and audio out of any Thunderbolt enabled Mac system.

The T-TAP is lightweight and smaller than a standard mobile phone. It really does fit into the palm of your hand! Therefore, it is extremely easy to carry around while on the go. It includes AJA’s Mac drivers and software for integrated compatibility with major software packages from Apple, Adobe, Avid and more. The T-TAP will be available soon through AJA’s network of worldwide resellers and will cost $249.00.

T-TAP Features include:

* High-speed Thunderbolt connectivity

* 10-bit uncompressed 4:2:2 video and audio output

* HD/SD SDI and HDMI connectivity supports simultaneous output at 10-bit quality

* 3D support on HDMI for real-time stereoscopic review without requiring additional hardware

* Full 8- channel embedded audio allows for multi-channel playback

* Bus-powered via Thunderbolt connecter – no additional supply needed

* AJA Mac driver and proven software compatibility

* Backed by AJA’s 3-year warranty

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Posted in Information, NAB, Technology, video

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Check Out the New Cube from Teradek

Posted by JenThorpe at 11:48 AM on April 17, 2012

Teradek has a new Cube x55, which is an upgrade from the original cube. It begins shipping on May 1, 2012. Like the original, the new Cube x55 is a camera-top wireless HD video encoder that connects with HDMI, HD-SDI or composite cameras. It can stream via a dual-band WiFi, an Ethernet port, or a single 3G/4G USB modem. Also like the original, the new Cube x55 has a compact aluminum chassis, comprehensive transport protocol support like RTP/ RTSP/ RTMP/ MPEG-TS, and a variety of camera inputs.

Here are some new features that the New Cube x55 has:

* OLED – which lets users quickly change and review the settings of their unit and to provide real-time feedback for filenames, recording status, and wireless connectivity.

* LI-ION Battery – built in, and gives up to 2 hours of runtime. The battery can be charged from an AC adapter or a suitable external battery such as an Anton Bauer.

* MIMO Access Point – improves wireless performance, enables wireless camera control for devices that don’t have built in WiFi capability, improves connectivity to iPad or Android tablets.

* Audio output – Cube comes with a headphone output for immediate audio monitoring.

* Micro SD – The micro SD slot lets the new Cube save onboard proxy recordings in real-time. The files are automatically synced to your proxy server over WiFi or cellular connections.

* Micro USB – The micro USB port can charge the new internal battery, and can connect with a computer’s USB port for hardwired configuration.

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Tiffen Rolls Out New Versions of Steadicam at NAB

Posted by JenThorpe at 5:30 PM on April 16, 2012

Tiffen rolled out brand new versions their popular Steadicam Pilot and Scout Camera Stabilizer systems at NAB 2012. There are two new models in the Steadicam Pilot HD Series: the Pilot HD/SDI and the Pilot HDMI. There also is a new SteadiCam Scout HD System available.

The New Steadicam Pilot HD Series is designed for video professionals. Both new versions have a lightweight Iso-Elastic Arm and a low-profile vest. Each has a low-mass gimbal which allows the operator of the camera to capture fluid movement. They have a No-Tools precision camera stage that provides a solid base for the camera while facilitating smooth adjustment from side to side or front and back.

The Pilot HDMI version uses a fixed aluminum post that is non-adjustable. It also has a pass-through HDMI cable. The Pilot HD/SDI system comes with a CarbonLite expandable carbon fiber post. It is available with 12V, IDX V-mount or standard Anton Bauer. The Pilot HDMI system is standard with Anton Bauer 7.2V ElipZ battery systems.

More Features of the New Steadicam Pilot HD Series:
* Lightweight
* New 7” HD/SDI Composite monitor or New 7” HDMI Composite monitor
* True three-axis gimbal
* Micro adjustable X-Y stage
* Lightweight Iso-Elastic arm with 28” (71cm) boom
* Ultra low-profile lightweight vest
* High-definition wiring on Pilot HDMI version

The New Steadicam Scout HD System is a continuation of their Flyer vest, which is said to be comfortable. The new one has an ergonomic fit of the breastplate that is combined with solid metal shoulder fasteners. This should make the vest very comfortable for those who will be using it for an extended period of time. The vest and pad covers can be removed for easy cleaning. The vest can also be easily adjusted to fit the person who will be using it.

More Features of the New Scout HD:
* 5-18 lbs. camera payload capacity
* No-tools adjustable Iso-Elastic arm
* Dual-axis vernier adjustable stage
* Unparalleled inertial control and dynamically adjustable base
* Is available with a 7” HD/SDI composite 800 nit bright LCD monitor

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NewTek Unveils New Generation of TriCaster Family

Posted by JenThorpe at 12:38 AM on April 16, 2012

NewTek now has a brand new line of TriCaster live production systems. There are three of them in this family of products: TriCaster 8000, TriCaster 855, and TriCaster 455. This new line comes with several “industry firsts” that are pretty interesting. They have Apple AirPlay support. They each have NewTek’s IsoCorder. The IsoCorder lets you record from multiple input sources and output options. It has embedded timecode and four audio tracks. IsoCorder supports most editing applications for both Mac and PC. You can delegate the audio mixing process to a separate iPad control app or to an Avid Artist series control surface.

TriCaster 8000, including the control surface, will be available later this year and will have a retail price of $39,995. This one is designed for media publishing professionals. It integrates well with social media production tools, and is capable of recording live video for large events. It has recordable macros that can be triggered simultaneously, extensive graphics and effects capabilities, and 8 M/E rows. The TriCaster 8000 also has a “Share” panel that lets you put video clips and individual stills right onto Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and Flickr in a single pass.

TriCaster 855, including the control surface, is available now, and has a retail price of $29,995. It is designed for producers who want to build their businesses and brands. It has 24-channel switching, inputs for up to 8 cameras, 5 digital media players for video clips, graphics, and titles, and 2 network channels for sharing computer screens and displays from wireless iOS devices. It has 8 M/E-style virtual inputs and 3 outputs.

TriCaster 455, including the control surface, is available now, and has a retail price of $19,995. This one is designed for producers who are mobile who want to deliver professional quality live video content. It fits nicely into small spaces like a control room, small studio, production van, or blogger’s office. It has a 14-channel switcher with 4 camera inputs.

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LiveU To Unveil LU70 Mobile Uplink Unit At NAB 2012 Show

Posted by AndrewH at 1:33 PM on April 12, 2012

New LU70 mobile broadcasting unit - image courtesy LiveU

Portable broadcasters will have a lot to digest at the 2012 NAB Show thanks to the newest LiveU video-over-cellular offering – the professional-grade LU70 Mobile Uplink Unit.

The big boost with this newest incarnation of LiveU’s backpack broadcasting unit comes in the antennae array on the LU70 – an internal/external arrangement designed to improve connectivity in less than desirable conditions. After all, a portable video broadcasting unit is only as good as its ability to get that signal.

“The internal antennas support a larger number of frequencies, ensuring enhanced signal performance with long-range reception and increased uplink capability, “ LiveU announced just days before this year’s NAB show in Las Vegas. “The new external antenna array provides additional resiliency for extreme scenarios, such as heavily crowded locations. Boosted by its remotely-located antennas, the LU70 supports up to 14 cellular links simultaneously. The unit can automatically swap between internal and external antennas as needed, according to the network conditions.” Read the rest of this entry »

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Posted in Gear, news, Technology, wireless

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Terrafugia Has Created a “Flying Car:

Posted by JenThorpe at 3:24 AM on April 5, 2012

“It’s the future – where is my flying car?” Somehow, a lot of us expected that shortly after the year 2000 we would all be living in a world that resembled a cartoon called The Jetsons. We hoped that one day soon we would be making our daily commute to work via a flying, saucer-like, car. This has not yet become a reality.

However, Terrafugia has accomplished something that puts us all a little bit closer to seeing that dream realized. It is a flying car. Actually, that’s not entirely accurate. What they have created is more like a plane that you can drive as well as fly. “Flying car” sounds more intriguing, though, doesn’t it?

It is called The Transition. It was designed to create a solution for a problem that many private and sport pilots face. When they want to fly their small aircraft, they must first find some way get themselves to the garage that the plane is housed in. After they land their plane at the next airport, they have the same problem once again. How are they going to get from the airport to their hotel, (or back to their home)?

The Transition is a combination of a small aircraft and a car. It is small enough for a pilot to fit one into the garage at his home. The wings fold up, and the vehicle can be driven on any surface. A pilot can drive the Transition to the airport, put down the wings, and then take it for a flight. When he lands at the next airport, he can fold the wings back up, and drive to his hotel, or back to his house. This saves the pilot the money he would usually be spending on the airport garage that would house his plane. It has been classified as a Light Sport Aircraft (LSA).

It isn’t the type of vehicle that is meant for a person to drive around on a regular basis. It has rear wheel drive, and the doors open in an automotive style for easy entry and exit. There are two seats inside, one for the pilot, and a second one for a passenger. It has modern glass avionics, automotive crash safety features, and a full vehicle parachute that can be used if needed.

The Terrafugia website says that it takes about 20 hours of flight time in a Transition-specific course for a person to be certified to drive / fly one. You will need to have at least a Sport Pilot license to fly a Transition. The company is anticipating that the base price for one of these amazing, transforming, vehicles is going to be around $279,000.

At this moment, there is a backlog of orders for the Transition. This is either the first “flying car” that will be sold to the general public, or, it could be a functional version of those transformer toys we all played with when we were little kids. Either way, it’s still pretty exciting!

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Posted in automotive, Technology

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Steering Wheels that Tell You When to Turn

Posted by KL Tech Muse at 5:15 PM on March 22, 2012

Steering WheelToday while driving we are often distracted by many things including cell phones, audio systems and the GPS monitors. Unfortunately people will look down at their GPS monitor on the center console while driving especial if they don’t know where they are going. Distracted drivers are a major cause of accidents in the United States. Many people are looking for solutions to this problem including the AT&T Lab. For those of you who don’t know AT&T has one of the best and oldest technology labs in the world. They were key in the development of everything from cell phones to HDTV. They are currently working on a steering wheel that uses vibrations to tell you which way to turn. If you need to turn left the left side of the steering pad will vibrate and if you need to turn right the right side will vibrate. They hope to add other abilities including the ability to tell if there is someone in your blind spot in the future.

My first question was whether having the steering wheel buzz would in it self be distracting. However testing with both younger drivers, those 25 and younger and older drivers 65 and older show that with both groups they are distracted less often using this method. It also showed that driver follow direction better using this method then others. AT&T labs is still doing more testing on this and it will not be in consumer cars anytime in the near future Anything that will keep drivers eyes on the road is a good thing. Do you think this is a good or bad idea. You can find out more about this concept at Technology Review.

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ARIN Talks IPv6

Posted by Andrew at 2:51 PM on February 19, 2012

World IPv6 LaunchJohn from the American Registry for Internet Numbers (ARIN) chats with Jeffrey and John on the transition from IPv4 to IPv6.

In the past year, the last remaining IPv4 addresses were handed out to global regions. Some areas of the world have already run out of unallocated addresses, so it’s essential that in the next few years everyone starts using IPv6. This year, the World IPv6 Launch happens on 6 June 2012, with internet service providers (ISPs), networking equipment manufacturers and web companies permanently enabling IPv6 for their products and services. This is a big step forward in the transition to IPv6 but don’t worry, IPv4 isn’t going away for at least 10 years.

Warning…this interview is for advanced users only.

Interview by Jeffrey Powers of Geekazine and Andy Smith of Geocaching World.

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Posted in ces, internet, Interview, Special Media, Technology

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Sony Connects Up At CES

Posted by Andrew at 7:30 AM on January 10, 2012

Sony LogoSony‘s CES focus this year is on electronics, content and network services combining to deliver high quality entertainment anytime and anywhere. Supported by a slew of product announcements, new connected devices range from TVs, Blu-ray players and A/V receivers through to tablets, smartphones and PCs and on to camcorders and mobile music players. Sony is combining these with online services for music, video and game delivery, creating a great user experience (as they say). TVs, PCs, smartphones and tablets are key to this experience as the four main devices used for entertainment.

“Sony is committed to designing technologies for every aspect of consumer entertainment – in or out of the home, on the go, in the air, at work, at play, or wherever life takes you,” said Kazuo Hirai, Executive Deputy President, Sony Corporation. “When these products are combined with Sony Entertainment Network (SEN), which offers innovative services like Music Unlimited and Video Unlimited, as well as PlayStation Network, the user experience is truly unmatched and only made possible by a company like Sony.”

The Bravia TV line has been expanded in all three areas; entry level BX, step-up EX and flagship HX. Brightness and contrast levels have been increased and picture quality improved with Sony’s X-Reality and Motionflow video technologies. In particular the latter helps to reduce blur caused by rapid camera movements which is often a problem with LCD screens. Sony is sticking with the Google TV platform with a new network player and Blu-ray player featuring Google TV. Certain Bravia models will link seamlessly to these devices to provide Google TV features directly on the TV.

Sony Xperia ion smartphoneSony’s Vaio range of computers will continue to be updated with more entertainment feature and new designs that fit with consumers’ needs and increasing mobility. At CES, Sony will be demonstrating new technologies and prototypes for a range of technologies including glasses-free 3D.

In the smartphone space, the Xperia brand has done reasonably well, but increasing the smartphone share in North America is now one of Sony’s highest priorities. Sony Ericsson will be subsumed into Sony Mobile Communications and all new phones will carry Sony branding. The latest addition to the Xperia line-up is the Xperia ion, Sony’s first LTE smartphone coming with an HD 720p display and aluminium body. Also new is the Xperia S which comes with 3D image capture.

Sony Bloggie LiveOn the imaging front, no less than 13 new Handycam camcorders are being unveiled. A new image stabilisation system called Balanced Optical Steady Shot has been developed that controls the complete optical path from lens to sensor as a single floating unit. This reduces handshake blur by up to 13 times compared to the previous models. There’s a new camcorder model with a built-in video projector that has improved brightness and enhanced audio. The trusty Bloggie range now has a “Live” model which will live stream HD video over a Wi-Fi connection and there’s an unboxing over at sister channel TPN.tv. Of course, Sony has a bunch of new Cybershot digital still cameras.

Z Series Audio MP3 PlayerFinally, it wouldn’t be CES if Sony didn’t announce a Walkman or two. The new Z series of MP3 players comes with an application interface and connectivity to both Sony’s Music Unlimited and the Android Market. Content can be played from Z series devices either wirelessly using DLNA or via HDMI to Bravia TVs. To further improve the audio experience, no less than eleven new Balanced Armature earbud-style headphones are now available as well.

That’s it – a quick overview of the products on show at CES by Sony and they all look like fun.

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Posted in 3D, Android, blogging, ces, cloud, digital audio, Film, Gadgets, Gear, Media, MP3, Music, smartphone, Sony, Streaming, Technology, TV, wifi

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Silentium’s Quiet Bubble at CES 2012

Posted by KL Tech Muse at 1:10 PM on January 5, 2012

http://www.silentium.com/wp-content/themes/silentium/images/logo.gif If you are going to CES and especially if you are working CES the one thing that will be hard to find will be quiet time. This is where the Quiet Bubble by Silentium comes in. The Silentium technology reduces disturbing noise and captures ambient noise from the environment and cancels it out. Creating a quiet and peaceful bubble around the individual.

Silentium QB technology is based on their proprietary Zone to Zone Active Noise control. The noise control produces an opposing signal at the same amplitude but with the opposite plan as the intrusive noise, providing a significant reduction of noise level. The Silentium technology, QB1 used with a headset reduces the noise between 14dB(A)-23Db(A). A standard passive headset combined with Silentium’s active technology allows for noise reduction up to 30dB(A). The technology (QB2) can also be used without the aid of headphones. It reduces ambient noise 14dB(A) within an individual zone helping to reduce stress in a work environment. Silentium is already working with various OEM and ODM to reduce noise within industries such as HVAC, IT, automotive among others. As Silentium CEO Yossi Barath said, “Even short-term exposure to noise pollution reduces our ability to concentrate and communicate,” the Silentium technology works to reduce this noise.

Silentium will have booth 22046, in the South Hall lower level where they will be demonstrating its Active Noise Control. You can stop by the both and try it out. Sit and relax with headphones on you can experience a Quiet Bubble, a reprieve from the noise and tension of CES.

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Posted in ces, Information, Technology

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