video capture
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OS X Yosemite enables Lightning video capture of iOS 8 devices
For developers, instructors, podcasters and others who want to capture video from iOS devices, the current method of choice is to either use an external video camera aimed at the device's display, Apple's HDMI cable attached to a dedicated capture device, or a third-party Wi-Fi solution such as Reflector that can capture an AirPlay stream of a mirrored screen. Now Apple's going to make video capture much easier by allowing OS X Yosemite Macs to grab iOS 8 device video simply by connecting a Lightning cable between the two. When the iOS 8 device is attached, it appears to the Mac as a video input source in QuickTime. QuickTime can then be used to capture the video coming in from the iOS 8 device. Although we're not sure at this time, you should also be able to use iMovie or Final Cut Pro X to receive the video stream. Developers were given the word yesterday that the App Store will soon allow video previews, so this new capability will make it simpler for them to prepare the App Preview content for upload later this year.
Future PS4 firmware to allow gameplay capture without HDCP restrictions
Upcoming PlayStation 4 firmware is bringing the option to turn off High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP) for high-definition gameplay capture, along with the ability to save videos and screenshots to a USB drive. Sony noted it previously announced the impending removal of HDCP restrictions as a post-launch feature, but it's still welcome news for YouTube users, as is the introduction of a "rich video editor" in the 1.70 update. "We recognize that some gamers want to record and share longer clips of their gameplay sessions, and we're excited to deliver this option with PS4," wrote SCEA's Scott McCarthy. "There's a lot more coming in this update as well, so stay tuned for more - there will be plenty in the update to excite everyone." As for gameplay streaming, Sony is also upping the resolution on Ustream and Twitch streams to 720p in a separate, future update. McCarthy also reiterated Sony's plans to bring Twitch archiving to the PS4 in that future update, but didn't provide a timeline for when users can expect it. He did note the 1.70 firmware is due "in the upcoming weeks." [Image: Sony]
Sony confirms PS4 camera supports commands via voice, face recognition
You can order your PS4 about without picking up a controller, thanks to the console's add-on camera. Revealed by Sony Senior VP and Business Division President Masayasu Ito at the Tokyo Game Show, you can use its voice and face recognition tech to do things like loading up Knack. Although, sadly, you'll still have to get up and grab a controller to play it (we were so close to the future). The news isn't a great surprise given the leak from earlier this month. It's still unclear how these commands work in practice, but we expect Sony to show off the tech soon enough. The PS4 camera will be priced $60. Ito also revealed another interesting tidbit at Sony's keynote, namely that the PS4 supports video capture over HDMI, something the PS3 did not. SCE America VP of Publisher & Developer Relations Adam Boyes took to Twitter afterwards to say there'll be "more details to follow down the road." The PS4 launches on November 15 in North America, November 29 in Europe, and February 22 in Japan. Sony estimates by the end of March 2014 it'll have shifted 5 million units of its next-gen console.
Learning to livestream: Configuring the software
Last week in this Learning to Livestream miniseries, we pulled apart my livestreaming computer, analyzed each part, and explained why I bought the pieces that I did. I loved the comments as well. Different players have differing opinions of which pieces are needed for which purpose. I appreciate the input; it makes us better streamers. The one key ingredient that I did not talk about last week was the software. Encoding and uploading software obviously play a key role in how well the stream works and the audience's enjoyment of your broadcast. Currently, the Stream Team uses XSplit for the majority of its broadcasts, so I will spend most of my space today explaining how to set that up. But there are alternatives. What do other pieces of software have to offer, and is there a setup that reduces the CPU lag for older systems? Continue on and we'll get into the nitty-gritty of livesteaming software.
Diamond Multimedia intros GC1000 console-friendly real-time HD video capture device
Want to record those epic Modern Warfare shootouts, but don't want to impede your lightning fast reloads? Diamond Multimedia thinks its new GC1000 is just the box you're looking for. The USB HDMI video capture device promises to let you preserve, share (via YouTube and Facebook) and edit your finest gaming moments in 1080i with zero lag, thanks to its video pass-through capability. There's also the GC500, which Diamond refers to as a "lite" version of the GC1000. The main difference, it seems, being the lack of HDMI (both do composite and s-video also). If you're jonesing for the full-fat version, then you can lay down $140 for one from today. Don't need HDMI? Then you'll save yourself $70. Scan the PR after the break for retailers.
Hauppage releases the HD PVR 2 Gaming Edition, now with HDMI
Hauppage has released the second version of its "Gaming Edition" Personal Video Recorder, which allows you to record streams of video from a television, gaming console or PC directly on to your Mac. We took a close look at the last version of this device, and it worked well, but completely without the benefit of HDMI. This new version, however, includes an HDMI port, which means you can record video on it at up to 1080p resolution. The box is listed at $169, but you may be able to find it cheaper online. The biggest drawback with this unit, however, is that you'll need to buy the software used on the Mac to capture video from it, and that can run you about $29.95. But if you specifically need a Mac to record the video, the box works well, and that added HDMI port means you have even more options (including buying an iOS HDMI adapter from Apple and even recording video straight from an iPhone or iPad).
Insert Coin: Stabil-i case reduces iPhone camera shake, fits in your pocket (video)
In Insert Coin, we look at an exciting new tech project that requires funding before it can hit production. If you'd like to pitch a project, please send us a tip with "Insert Coin" as the subject line. Ah, stability, a commodity valued by videographers who want to produce footage that won't make their viewers throw up. Reducing camera shake can be especially tricky when using a smartphone such as the iPhone, whose form factor and light weight make it easier to have the shakes while shooting. Currently, options for reducing camera vibration in iPhone videos include apps like the Dolly Cam and more hardware-oriented solutions such as the Steadicam Smoothee. Our latest Insert Coin candidate, the Stabil-i, happens to use the latter route, serving up a "video stabilization iPhone case" that's still reasonably affordable. According to its creators, the Stabil-i's design is based on concepts found in larger, more expensive camera stabilization systems used in the film industry -- minus 90 percent of the hardware and the expensive bearing system. The result, they say, is a device that does a good job in reducing camera shake while still being compact enough to fit in one's pockets.
TUAW and MacTech interview: Elgato
Elgato is currently celebrating the tenth anniversary of its EyeTV product. EyeTV is now a line of hardware and a set of apps for Mac and iOS which allow you to watch and record TV. Elgato makes other products as well, like capture devices and storage. In this video, Neil Ticktin (Editor-in-Chief, MacTech Magazine) interviews Florian Dejako of Elgato at WWDC 2012. Florian was kind enough to tell us about his thoughts on the announcements on WWDC, and how it will affect Elgato's plans moving forward. #next_pages_container { width: 5px; hight: 5px; position: absolute; top: -100px; left: -100px; z-index: 2147483647 !important; }
RED5 remote control plane can fly like an eagle, spy like one too
RED5's Spy Hawk might look like the stuff of a hobbyist's dreams, but it's not such an innocent craft. The remote control glider does precisely what its moniker implies, melding one part recreation with that other time-honored tradition: espionage. That's right, aspiring CIA-types can get a headstart gathering intel by relaying video captured with the nose-embedded, 5-megapixel camera to the transmitter's built-in 3.5-inch LCD screen. And lest that precious recon get lost, an included 4GB SD card will let you safely save it all for a rainy blackmail kinda day. There's also an autopilot stabilization feature to keep it upright in windy conditions, but temper your excitement, as the drone's 7.4v Li-ion battery is only rated for 15 minutes of uninterrupted privacy invading flight time. If you're spidey senses are a-tinglin' just knowing this sneaky toy plane exists, prepare to make peace with $305 (£249) and pre-order at the source below.
TUAW and MacTech interview: Matrox Electronic Systems
Matrox creates a wide range of video solutions, from those "wall of screens" you see at airports and conventions to imaging tools to consumer-grade video capture tools. They've also announced the DS1, a Thunderbolt docking station. In this video, Neil Ticktin (Editor-in-Chief, MacTech Magazine) interviews Charles Aimyot of Matrox Electronic Systems at WWDC 2012. Charles was kind enough to tell us about their thoughts on the announcements on WWDC, and how it will affect their plans moving forward.
Elgato Game Capture HD hands-on
Elgato first announced its Game Capture HD device mere weeks ago, but since the thing went on sale earlier this month, we hadn't gotten a chance to see it in the flesh. Naturally, given E3's all-things-gaming nature, Elgato brought the device to E3 and we got a chance to get our hands on one. In case you forgot, the Game Capture HD's a lightweight, palm-sized device that plugs in between your Xbox or PS3 and your TV to capture footage of you pwning family and friends. It then converts the footage into Elgato's preferred H.264 format and dumps it on your PC or Mac so you can share your gaming exploits with the world. Still not ready to drop $200 on the thing? Perhaps our gallery of pics can persuade you.%Gallery-157246%
Pivothead review: video recording eyewear for (reasonably) discreet POV clips
We won't mince words -- the Pivothead Durango have a decidedly "sporty" style that probably won't win it too many fans. But, if you're in the market for some POV video action, chances are style isn't particularly high on your list of must-have features. They have the appearance of low-key, but bulky Oakley knockoffs. But again, if you're hurtling yourself down a hill on a snowboard, how cool your specs look is probably secondary to recording high-quality video and absorbing a beating. So, we promise, this is the last you'll hear about how unsightly these things are. (And they are just that -- ugly.) Once you head past the break we'll have video samples, photo samples and field tests, but nary a word about how embarrassing it is to walk around in public with these on. Promise. So, join us below as we put Pivothead's video sunglasses through their paces.
Pivothead video glasses offer impressive quality, we go hands-on (sample video)
There's a new adventure video capture company in town, and both Zeyez and GoPro would have good reason to be afraid. You may not have heard of Pivothead -- the company has had a remarkably quiet push to market over the last few months -- but the video recording eyewear startup could very well become a household name after its first products hit the market this April for $349. Aurora, Durango, Moab and Recon may offer distinct exterior designs, but they're virtually identical under the hood. Each model includes an eight-megapixel Sony sensor (that reportedly captures higher quality images than the iPhone 4S cam), a four-element glass lens, 8GB of built-in storage, a 440mAh battery (with about an hour of shooting time) and three video modes: 1080/30p, 720/60p and 720/30p. We had a chance to go hands-on with Pivothead earlier today, and took the glasses for a spin on the streets of New York City. You'll find that sample video, along with our impressions, just past the break.
PlayStation Vita's Feb. 8 update adds video capture, OS X support, GPS tracking
PlayStation Vita firmware version 1.60 is set to drop on February 8 (as least in Japan), and it'll bring several major features when it arrives. Among those features are standards like GPS tracking via a newly added Maps application, the ability to capture video, and the release of a support application for Mac OS X. It can also now serve mixed vanilla/chocolate froyo swirl. Finally!Additionally, the update will banish mentions of the the phrase "PlayStation Network" from various services and replace it with the newly renamed "Sony Entertainment Network" branding. Considering that the PSP is still supported by Sony but has yet to receive any form of Mac support for content management, we're gonna go ahead and call this a big step forward.
ZionEyez becomes Zeyez, wants you to know it's still watching
When ZionEyez launched its Kickstarter campaign this summer, the company promised a "Winter 2011" ship timeframe for its Eyez video recording glasses. And when that deadline came and went, many backers were understandably frustrated, requesting refunds and even emailing us for a status update after attempts to contact the design team were unsuccessful. We've been in touch with the company on a consistent basis since we first covered its Eyez project, and we even had an opportunity to test out a prototype in December. Now, ZionEyez (now simply "Zeyez") executives have provided several explanations for the unexpected delays, including an enormous number of project backers, broader market appeal and a desire to partner with a top-tier manufacturer in order to produce a higher-quality product. Jump past the break for the unabridged appeal.
Eyez 720p video streaming / recording glasses hands-on (video)
Sure, you may already lead an exciting life, but wouldn't it be great if you could broadcast those daily escapades -- you know, to all of your internet friends? ZionEyez hopes to deliver a method for sharing your point of view -- quite literally -- in realtime, across the web. The company's first product, a set of 720p embedded-camera eyeglasses called Eyez, houses a tiny camera to the left of the standard-size eyeglass lens, with a processor, Bluetooth and WiFi module embedded in the adjacent ear piece. We first read about the inconspicuous specs when the company launched a Kickstarter page, netting nearly $350,000 in pledges from curious backers, but just had an opportunity to spend a few hours with the device, recording the journey to a meeting in New York City. Jump past the break for a closer look, and our sample footage.%Gallery-141272%
Sony Alpha NEX-5N makes clicking sound when moved, renders captured audio useless (video)
We've spent a few click days shooting click with click Sony's new click NEX-5N click click click and were very click impressed with its click still image performance click click but click noticed some... Oh man, we've gotta hit Stop. As you can see, the camera suffers from a rather significant yet-to-be-diagnosed condition that outputs a mysterious clicking sound whenever you move it about. Since it's quite faint, this is little more than a minor nuisance when shooting stills, but when you go to playback video click it's impossible to ignore, rendering the audio component of your video virtually useless. We've been able to isolate the sound to the camera body itself, so it's completely independent of the lens and other accessories. We also happen to be testing a variety of new Sony products this week in San Diego, and had Sony reps on hand to acknowledge and confirm the issue, which seems to plague every NEX-5N that we've tried. This is still very fresh, so Sony doesn't have a fix or even a statement to issue, but because 1080/60p video is one of this camera's headline features, we're going to recommend holding off on your purchase until the company can confirm what's causing the issue. Jump past the break to hear it for yourself in our demo video. Update: To clarify our experience, we've only tested four cameras, all of which were likely manufactured at the same time. All four cameras presented the same clicking sound, but Sony is still investigating the issue, and has by no means implied yet that all NEX-5Ns are affected. We will of course share any updates as we receive them from Sony. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Fostex AR-4i turns iPhone 4 into handheld stereo HD video powerhouse
Attention budding iPhone videographers! Before you start filming your magnum opus for next year's Venice International Film Festival, be sure to check out the US$149.99 Foxtex AR-4i Audio Interface for iPhone 4. While the iPhone 4 does a pretty good job of capturing 720p video, the sound leaves a lot to be desired. There's only a small built-in mic, and the sound is recorded in monaural. With the AR-4i, your soundtrack can reach impressive levels of stereo awesomeness. The unit consists of a slide-on device that connects to the iPhone 4 through the Dock connector. Inside the device, powered by a pair of AAA alkaline batteries, is a AD / DA converter. You can either use the two small plug-in powered condenser cardioid mics that come with the AR-4i, or plug your own professional mics into the 3 stereo inputs on the device. To check sound levels while you're recording, there's a 4-dot LED level meter within sight and a thumb wheel gain control. To do your professional recording, you'll want to use the free Fostex AR-4i app that provides filters and equalization. The mics can be switched around to the various input ports for horizontal or vertical video capture, or switched in direction to capture both an interviewer and interviewee. Along with the stereo sound goodness, the AR-4i provides a screw-in hand grip, or you can place it onto your favorite tripod or monopod for extra stability. To demonstrate the use of the AR-4i, Fostex enlisted the help of winsome Japanese Ustreamer Ayano, who shows how the device works while wandering the famous Akibahara gadget district of Tokyo. Enjoy the video, and if you decide to buy an AR-4i, you can check 'em out at Amazon, J&R Electronics, or other retailers.
EverQuest II's GU61 going live today
Those of you trying to log into EverQuest II this morning may have been greeted by a crashing launchpad or some variation on the standard "service offline" message. Fear not, as it's patch day, and the servers will be back sooner rather than later (we hope). Game Update 61 is in the offing, and EQ2Wire has an extensive breakdown of the patch notes for what is one of the more significant non-expansion updates in the history of the game. Aside from the alternate advancement tweaks, the most significant change is a complete loot and itemization revamp. This means that there's no reason to restrict yourself to the "Golden Path" when it comes to leveling your characters. Norrath is one of the largest and most diverse game worlds in existence, and you should now see level-appropriate loot no matter where in the world you adventure. Also of note are new dungeons that scale between levels 60 and 90 as well as the house rating system, a native video-capture and YouTube publishing feature, and the ability for your Fae and Arasai characters to fly at level 85 and up. Finally, the official EQII site has a lengthy new lore passage related to the update, and you can bone up on what's happening with the War of Zek while you're waiting for the servers to restart.
DollyCam app lets you stabilize iPhone 4 videos, we go hands-on (video)
Apple's iPhone 4 can serve as a great little camcorder when you're in a bind, but it's never been our go-to cam for video shoots. Not only is its small sensor not best suited for high-quality HD shooting, but the smartphone form factor can be awkward to hold, resulting in shakier than normal footage. A new app called DollyCam, which also supports iPad 2, helps soften the blow of the latter, letting you successfully stabilize videos -- with a few drawbacks. We took our iPhone 4 out to test a watermarked free version of the app in New York City, shooting a scene first with the phone's native app, and then with DollyCam. It won't replace a hardware solution like the Steadicam Smoothee, but it's significantly cheaper and more convenient. The only major issues we noticed were related to softened sound capture of all things (pay close attention in the video past the break), and the fact that the app can't process in real-time, so a minute-long video clip will need about five minutes to process. The app does crop your footage slightly, as can be expected. You'll also need to remain in the app as it's processing, though you can also stabilize videos later, after completing your shoot. Overall, it's an acceptable solution, especially considering the $2.99 price tag. Jump past the break to see original and stabilized clips, and browse through the gallery below for a quick look at the interface.%Gallery-130039% [Thanks, Jon]
