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Free Aperture web seminar for iPhoto users
Our faithful reader and tipster Nik Fletcher just passed a link our way to a new web seminar Apple has made available called Aperture for iPhoto Users. I haven't had a chance to watch it yet (I wanted to share it with y'all before diving in myself), but details on the site reveal exactly what you would expect: the seminar explores the advantages of stepping up to Aperture from iPhoto, as well as how to migrate your library (spoiler: it's really just a one-click process - I recently did it myself as I'm testing out the Aperture demo) and even how to use both applications for your photography workflow (something I'm particularly interested in). Apple also includes links to other Aperture resources such as the O'Reilly-dedicated Aperture site with links, blog posts and tips of their own, as well as another Apple seminar that covers the world of Aperture extensions.If you ask me, this seminar was far too long in coming, but it looks like it could be a great start on answering all those 'why should I move to Aperture?' questions for anyone interested in stepping into the world of professional digital photography management.
GiSTEQ PhotoTracker brings GPS phototagging to the masses
We've been seeing a bunch of GPS camera-trackers pop up lately, but the implementations have all seemed a bit silly, like Jelbert's big honkin' GeoTagger. GiSTEQ is looking to change all that with the introduction of the PhotoTracker, a $99 GPS receiver that's designed to unobtrusively work with virtually all digital cameras. Like Sony's GPS-CS1, you sync the unit to your cam's built-in clock and then toss it in your bag or pocket, where it can record location data for the next 3-4 weeks. The included software then takes this info and adds the appropriate geotags to your photos as you're pulling them off your memory card. It's a simple (and great) idea, we just wish the software didn't look like it's going to insist on being your primary photo manager.
The Time Warner Staten Island Project = loads of HD
Quick quiz hot shot - What do you get if you take away analog stations? Headroom for a lot of HD stations of course. A 100% digital delivery system is the most efficient way for a cable provider to supply HD stations and that's just what the Staten Island Project is all about - kind of like what Comcast is doing in Chicago. TWC is stating that if they totally shutoff their analog stream, they can provide up to 100 high-def stations. This little experiment does require every analog subscriber to switch over to digital but TWC says only a "distinct minority" will be affected. Really? Only a small amount? Come to think of it, most or our readers probably have a digital box - or two - in their house, but what about the TV in the kitchen? Or in the garage? Do they have a box on 'em too? Also, how much is it goin' to cost subscribers to equip each TV with a digital box? We're thinking just a bit more then a "distinct minority" will be affected, but for a 100 HD stations, we might consider the payoff instead of the inconvenience.
AVerMedia intros AVerTV Hybrid USB analog / digital HD tuner
AVerMedia's no stranger to taking brave new steps in the TV tuning arena, and this time around its delving into high-definition with the AVerTV Hybrid Ultra USB. This USB-based breakout tuner handles both analog (NTSC) and digital (ATSC) HD OTA broadcasts, is compatible with Windows XP, XP Media Center Edition 2005, and Windows Vista Premium, and touts its very own MPEG-2 hardware encoding solution to boot. Additionally, the device is bundled with an MCE-compatible remote to control the action from afar, and it also enables the obligatory PVR action whilst supporting resolutions up to 1080i and both 4:3 and 16:9 aspect ratios. Furthermore, users can expect to pull in FM radio transmissions when not tuning into televised programming, and while we've certainly seen more compact ways to deliver a USB 2.0 tuner before, AVerMedia's latest is available nevertheless for $129.99.
Long-distance TV broadcasts hit 80 year anniversary
We've already seen broadcast radio cross the century mark, and while 80-year anniversaries aren't exactly the most memorable under normal circumstances, television is certainly not in a normal predicament. Four score ago, the Indianapolis Star reported that "television, a scientific dream ever since the telephone was perfected, has at last been realized," as an image made its way some 200 miles from Washington, D.C. to Whippany, New Jersey, and then 22 miles by wireless to New York City. 80 years later, OTA broadcasts as we know them are at a turning point, as ATSC signals look to take over for the existing analog flavor, and companies are already chomping at the bit to get in while the getting is good. Furthermore, television as a whole has hastily garnered a newfangled medium in just the past few years, as the internet connected generation can now look to their browser to catch up on recent programming. The not-so-subtle revolutions that have occurred in the world of TV have happened at a breakneck pace, and considering all the luxuries we're starting to enjoy, we doubt things will slow down anytime soon. So here's to 80 years of keeping us pudgy, obliterating our motivation to socialize, and giving mega-corps a means to an end, and if you're interested in just how much has changed in just eight decades of the 'tube, be sure and hit the read link for a comprehensive report.
LG readies $60 digital TV converters for 2008 release
You won't find a bunch of happier folks than us when bringing up the (slowly) forthcoming analog-to-digital cutover, but we aren't looking forward to picking up one of these newfangled converter boxes for the grandparent who refuses to swap out that cabinet-based CRT they've had for decades. It shouldn't come as any surprise that these things won't be handed out for free, and since the vast majority of analog TV owners are certainly looking to remedy the imminent issue a full year or so in advance (ahem), we've already got manufacturers lining up to hit the market early. Following in the footsteps of RCA's DTA800, LG is reportedly readying a digital converter of its own for a 2008 release, and while it didn't divulge many specifics, it did note that the selling price would hover around $60 -- or $20 if you manage to snag one of those $40 government issued coupons.
SXSW: Digital Distribution: The Way of the Future for Gaming
Almost everyone who has gone online with the computer or a game console has probably downloaded something at one time or another, whether it's been a song, a photo, a game, or a set of horse armor for their equine friend. But are digital downloads the wave of the future for full-on distribution? Developers are hoping so, because it will cut down tremendously on competing for shelf space at the local Mega-Lo-Mart, not to mention all those costs for printing games, manuals, boxes, shipping, and the like. The panel consisted of Craig Allen, CEO of Spark Unlimted one of the big "shelf" retailers, especially with their newly announced mega-game Turning Point: Fall of Liberty due this coming November. From the other end of things was Dan Conners, CEO of Telltale productions who is in the middle of releasing Sam & Max as an episodic game, before packaging everything up into a retail edition. In the middle (and sadly, without much to offer) was David Burks, the marketing manager for Seagate Technology. You gotta store the downloads somewhere, right? In all fairness, Seagate was one of the SXSW sponsors, and he probably felt a bit shoehorned into this panel.
Americans to get DTV coupons before analog gets the kibosh
In 2009, we'll all say our final farewells (good riddances) to sub-par analog television. Despite congressional apprehension, the Department of Commerce has gone forward with a plan to ease old-hat Americans into the digital TV age. Our source article's coughed up some wacky numbers, so we can't really tell whether the budget will suffice or not. Any household will be allowed to claim two $40 coupons each for a discount on digi-to-analog set-top boxes until nearly $1 billion has been spent. If old-hat peeps are still left hanging, another $500,000 ($500 million?) will be available only to those depending on antennas for reception. Apparently only 15% of the current 73 million analog TV users are catching their TV via antenna, so they shouldn't have much trouble scoring the discount at least. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration's plan alots for a max amount of about 33,750 (37.5 million?) coupons -- hopefully enough to keep everyone glued to the tube. In the case of a shortage, one idea is to sit tight and hope enough people opt out of the coupons and volunteer to throw down for a new TV that supports digital broadcasting. Another is for the government to increase the subsidy -- a measure the Democrats already tried to push for with no success. Either way, we're talking about a historic shift in the way we watch television in America, people -- it's sure to be rat possum race and if you snooze 'til February 19, 2009, you'll royally lose.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Sony's easy MEX-BT2500 Bluetooth car stereo pairs with almost anything
In line with a growing concern for simultaneous calling / driving dangers, Sony releases the MEX-BT2500 Bluetooth head unit -- which isn't a far cry from last summer's MEX-BT5000, except for the makeover (or should we say under?) and huge drop in price. The stereo features an integrated microphone and wireless streaming for any Bluetooth-enabled cellphone, and is capable of remembering profiles for up to five different handsets. Bluetooth-enabled DAPs can also be paired with the 4-channel, 52-watt in-dash unit, while wired players can be connected via auxiliary input; if the you prefer to play CDs, Sony's got your back with support for MP3 and WMA encoded discs. As if that wasn't enough, musicphones supporting A2DP (like, ahem, many models from Sony Ericsson) can also be paired with this one, giving you pretty much the full slate of connection possibilities. Look for the BT2500 online and in stores by March, for around $180.
New Sony Cybershot DSC-T20 and T100 targeted towards party crowd
As part of their batch-release of new Cybershots, Sony introduces the 8-megapixel DSC-T20 and DSC-T100, "destined to be the fashionista crowd's favorite party companion," at less than 0.5-inches thick. The T100 is a slight upgrade with its 3-inch LCD screen and 5x optical zoom Carl Zeiss lens, while the T20 sports a 2.5-inch LCD and 3x optical zoom Carl Zeiss lens. Both come with three accessory options for high def photo viewing, all compatible with Sony's VMC-MHC1 HD component cable for an easy connection to an HDTV set or to Sony's CSS-HD1 high definition Cyber-shot Station that includes a bundled component cable and remote. They also offer Super Steady Shot optical image stabilization, up to ISO 3200, and a Bionz processing engine, initially used in Sony's Alpha DSLR system, that allows users to "keep snapping for the duration of the party" -- about 340 shots for the T20 and 380 shots for the T100, on a full charge. Keeping with this party-hardy theme, both also feature Sony's face detection technology, automatically adjusting white balance, flash, focus and exposure while identifying up to eight faces in the LCD frame. The color selection, of course, will "match your party gear" with coordinating cases sold separately. The T100 will ship in March for about $400 while the T20 will be available later in April for about $330.%Gallery-1825%
Blackmagic intros DeckLink HD Studio: "world's first" HDMI / analog capture card
Although Blackmagic already tossed out a budget-friendly way to capture direct from HDMI sources via PCI-Express, now the firm is hittin' the high-end by offering up the DeckLink HD Studio to handle both newfangled HDMI-capable decks as well as component / analog renditions. Thanks to the HDMI input / outputs and the multifaceted breakout D-sub cable, users can connect a variety of inputs new and old into a single card, and it also touts the ability to "instantly switch between high definition and standard definition video connections," giving you one less reason to ditch those analog decks you just can't stand to part with. The card supports HDMI (up to 1080i), component, and 14-bit analog video, and of course, plays nice with both Macs and PCs. Those looking to get serious about capturing, but aren't quite ready to go purely HD just yet, can pick up the DeckLink HD Studio for $995 and juggle both worlds.[Via MacNN]
FCC denies Comcast's CableCARD appeal
Chalk another one up for the FCC, as its chairman Kevin Martin slapped down Comcast's waiver to continue deploying specific Motorola, Scientific Atlanta, and Pace Micro Technology set-top boxes right on through the July 1 deadline. Contrary to the wishes of the cable provider, the FCC showed no mercy, and continued to insist that customers should be issued a new digital STB with CableCARD slots as scheduled. The cable provider stated that it would "seek full Commission review," and if that didn't work out, it just might clash with the Federal Communications Commission in court. Comcast claims that the costs to implement such a change, in addition to eventually phasing out all analog transmissions, places an unfair burden on the consumer (of all people), and even proclaimed that the rejection of the waiver would mean that "millions of American consumers won't have the opportunity to enter the age of digital television easily and affordably." Although the ruling has been made, the FCC will very likely be hearing from Comcast again regarding the issue, and also has eight other cable / telecommunications providers to deal with that have filed similar requests, which it probably doesn't think is very Comcastic at all.
ZyXEL intros DMA-1000 HD media streamer / adapter
We've already seen what's likely to be one of the most popular HD media adapters to end up stateside hit the scenes at CES today, but networking guru ZyXEL Communications is apparently trying to steal a bit of that digital home marketshare by offering up an HD media streamer / adapter of its very own. The forthcoming DMA-1000 is a network device that channels your audio / video files from a networked source or locally connected storage device to your home stereo and television, and like most of the similar alternatives, this unit streams video up to 1080i over Ethernet or 802.11g and delivers the content via HDMI / S-Video. Reportedly housed in a compact form factor, it also boasts an onboard USB 2.0 port for attaching files locally, and is completely self-sufficient, not needing a PC to call the shots. Aside from being UPnP and DLNA-compliant, this box hits at a very reasonable price point if you're willing to sacrifice 1080p streaming, and while no snapshots are currently available, this elusive device will be hitting shelves for $175 during the first quarter of this year.
Microsoft shows off Ana, says no HD DVD in Xbox 360... ever
Microsoft recently had the guys from Ars Technica over to show how the Xbox 360 compares to the PlayStation 3 on one of Sony's own 1080p Bravias, and of course didn't find much difference except in cases where scaling came into play. They looked at the 360's hardware scaler, Ana, which means while it may lack the advanced digital A/V output of the PS3, it will allow every HDTV owner to play games in HD resolutions over component or VGA. Also of note was their response to questions about possibly putting an HD DVD drive in the console, the answer was a firm no, and even referred to the company's own format of choice as a potential "next Betamax". The lack of HDMI may be resolved soon, but with the high def war still very much in flux don't look for Microsoft to put all of its eggs in the HD DVD basket just yet.
Art exhibit brings analog tech to digital games
We Make Money Not Art has an interesting interview with David Pfluger, one of the artists behind the "Game Arcade" art exhibit currently touring around Germany. The exhibit transforms digital video game concepts using analog components like slide projectors, super-8 film and mechanical buttons and switches. The examples sound more like Dadaist installations than games: Racer features a cardboard car that runs over a variable speed film of a road, and High Noon (pictured) uses a rotary dial phone to control film projections of old west duelists. More than just interesting gameplay experiments, Pfluger says the exhibit is a statement on the game industry's myopic focus on the latest and "best" technology. "Each technology has its own characteristics which makes it artistically unique.... Painters still use oil painting even though there is Photoshop." It raises an interesting question: Is the game industry sop focused on new technology and graphical "realism" that it's forgetting the unique aesthetic influences of the past?
Diamond Multimedia offers up HDTV100 portable USB TV tuner
Although these miniscule USB TV tuners have long been available overseas, we're thrilled to see Diamond Multimedia bringing the tiny OTA tuning love here to the States. The firm's HDTV100 sports an attractively small thumb drive-like enclosure, is powered entirely by USB, and features both ATSC and analog tuners within. Aside from supporting EPG, allowing you to schedule recordings and simultaneously playback a stored show while capturing another, it also comes with a "video capture dongle" to grab content from sources other than your trusty TV antenna. Best of all, Diamond's wee gem can be snapped up for just $99, which should give American travelers yearning for a little TV action while on the go little to frown upon.
Netherlands officially pulls the plug on analog OTA transmissions, goes all digital
Aw yeah, we knew this day was coming (or at least we thought), but it's thrilling to see the big shots keeping their word and actually going through with something in a timely manner. In a move sure to cause backlash and rejoicing alike, the Dutch have officially yanked the plug on OTA analog broadcasts, leaving a host of open frequencies that we're sure will be put to good use. Although just a small percentage of customers actually rely solely on those (now) antiquated signals, those folks who are now forced to search for alternate forms of fetching television can purchase a digital terrestrial tuner for around $66.50. The bandwidth formerly used by analog has been "licensed through 2017 by Royal KPN NV, which will use it to broadcast digital television." The government is suggesting that killing the old broadcasts will "save them around $14 million annually," not to mention the segment of new customers looking for service will hopefully drive competition within the cable / IPTV market there. So for those holding it down in the Netherlands, be sure to pop the champagne while everybody else sits around and waits it out.
Greenhouse kicks out 1Seg TV tuner in USB fashion
While we've seen plenty of TV tuning love for the UK / US crowd, it's about time we saw a new rendition to pick up those delightful digital terrestrial broadcasts while cruising through Tokyo. Greenhouse has busted out a silicon-wrapped 1Seg TV tuner for the Japanese market, but upped the ante on the typical USB stick design. By offering 360-degree rotation, you shouldn't have any problems blocking up spare ports while tuning on your laptop, and it also includes a magnetic base / extension cord to place the antenna at the faraway sweet spot. Aside from pulling in ISDB-T signals, this device also touts an electronic program guide and USB 2.0 / 1.1 connectivity, but unfortunately encodes the content as it's recorded so it can only be played back on the PC in which it was brought in on. So if the inability to view your shows on any other device than the one you used to tune with (somehow) doesn't faze you, you can pick up the GH-1ST-U2K now for ¥10,800 ($94).[Via Akihabara News]
ZOO Digital to publish new train sim
ZOO Digital, responsible for publishing past DS titles such as Sudokumaniacs and Snood 2: On Vacation, are at it again and look to bring their newest game, Lionel Trains on Track, to the DS. The game focuses on building a train empire from the ground up, asking the player to build virtual cities and fill it with glorious mass transportation. Players will also be able to research into new properties, allowing them larger and more impressive structures as their city grows.Some of the game's other features include: Cargo Chains: by taking your train to multiple towns and improving its cargo hold, you can gather each town's specific goods and sell it for a profit at a town in need The game will feature 3 modes of play: Campaign, Freeplay, and Sandbox You'll eventually unlock new trains and structures through the game by research
Blame the U.S.: HDTV threatening Canadian culture?
In a reverse Terrance & Philip situation, a couple of Canadian professors are warning of the threat the conversion to digital TV poses to "Canada's cultural sovereignty". In their book Canadian Television Today they address what they see as a problem for broadcasters forced to keep pace with the U.S.'s scheduled switch. Canada has not yet set a date to change exclusively to digital broadcasting, and the two University of Calgary professors don't seem to see why its necessary anytime soon given the great expense such a move puts on smaller local stations. An opposing viewpoint says the country can't wait to switch to digital, so that production companies can easily work with U.S. broadcasters to sell their content. We hadn't really considered the impact the digital broadcasting switch might have on our neighbors to the north, mostly because we hadn't considered their cultural sovereignty beyond hockey and an oddly misspelled version of SportsCenter. Still, with the number of U.S. shows filmed in Canada that are already formatted for HD -- and their contributions to the Discovery Channel -- whenever they do switch to digital there will be plenty of programming available.
