Motion DSP vReveal Software Updated

When OCC reviewed the vReveal video enhancement software earlier this year, our reviewer found a lot to like about the package including the results along with its ease of use and the fact that it is CUDA-enabled in order to take advantage of the additional processing power offered by NVIDIA GPUs. Motion DSP has recently upgraded the software to include support for NVIDIA GeForce 8 Series (G80) graphics cards as well as other additional features:

• NVIDIA "G80" models now supported for GPU acceleration (GeForce 8800 Ultra, 8800 GTX, 8800 GTS 640, 8800 GTS 320; Quadro 4600 and 5600)
• Even more powerful video stabilization, plus auto-cropping of black bars from around stabilized videos
• New output formats including DivX and MJPEG AVI (joins the previous output options of WMV and uncompressed AVI)
• Japanese localization (full set is now English, French, Italian, German, Spanish, Japanese)
• Integrated Facebook video uploader

ASUS Produces HD Media Streamer

Manufacturer of motherboards as well as the popular Eee PC systems and other computer components, ASUS, is planning to bring consumers a media streamer that will show off quicker speeds than competing models. ASUS is including a good amount of ports on the products, such as USB, HDMI, eSATA, stereo audio jacks, optical digital audio, Ethernet, as well as an AC port on the model, which is codenamed HDP-R1. The actual name of the streaming product is O!Play, and will be sold with a price tag of roughly $168, with it hitting European stores by July. More specifications on the HD media streamer will be available at Computex, including information on whether an internal hard drive will be sold with it or not.

Sony Confirms New DSLR Cameras

While reports of the new Sony DSLRs have already been out on the Internet for a little while, the electronics manufacturer has now confirmed that the cameras are ready for the consumer market and the masses. Prices on the new revisions of the camera known as Alpha are decent, with the Alpha 230, 330, and 380 retailed at $550, $650, and $850 respectively with the SAL-1855 standard zoom lens. While those prices are for the L-series kit, the Y-series kit comes with second lens, a telephoto SAL-55200, which raises the total price up $200 across all of the Alpha models. Pre-ordering is available on May 18th for the Sony products, while the cameras will actually be shipped out sometime shortly after, in July.

Consumers Still Opt for DVDs Over Downloads

According to results recently released from a report by market researchers NPD Group on entertainment trends in America, the majority of consumers still prefer physical media when it comes to their video viewing habits. That 88% of U.S. consumer home video spending was made up of sales or rentals of DVDs or Blu-ray discs over the past three months suggests that won't be changing in a hurry. Of an average $25 per month spend, it comes down to 63% of that being accounted for with DVD purchases, 18% on rentals, 9% on video on demand, 7% on Blu-ray purchases and a mere 3% on digital downloads. Of the 11,000 people surveyed, 9% did say that they had watched movies online, compared to 5% last year. That would suggest that consumers are slowly becoming more accepting of online viewing, though when online distribution will become the preferred choice for the majority is hard to predict. Analysts will continue to question how long physical media can last, but for now at least we seem to be happy enough to hold onto our discs.

VLC close to 1.0

On Thursday, VideoLan released VLC version 0.9.9, a bug fix release that corrects a few issues with the previous version. The new release allows fullscreen behavior on Windows with multiple screens, has a workaround bug with libxml2 >=2.7.3, gives better video performance on Intel-based Macs, and adds various decoders updates on Windows. It also has updates to it's Real Media demuxer, which will give better performance with Real Media Files. You can download it here.

Ritz Camera Closing Stores; Liquidations to Follow

Ritz Camera will be closing almost half of its stores. This is part of the new bankruptcy status Ritz Camera has found itself in. A total of 300 Ritz Camera retail stores will close out of a total of 700 retail stores currently open. The press release stated the liquidation will continue until "everything is sold to the bare walls." This means that everything in the store, not just camera equipment, will go. If you've been looking to pick up any new camera equipment, now is you chance to get a great deal on some. If you've been looking for somewhere to put your Folding farm, now is your chance to pick up cheap shelving. If you have a Ritz Camera store near you, it's probably in your best interest to drop by and see what's for sale. Ritz Camera also owns other chains, such as Boater's World, Wolf Cameras, and Kits Cameras. Boater's World's 137 stores are also slated to close.  The Ritz Camera chain all started with a single store in Atlantic City in 1918, now they are barely hanging on. A full list of the stores that will be closing can be found here.

iTunes Serves Up HD Movies

Apple has for a while now given users the option of renting movies with a quality set at 720p. For downloads however, this high-definition video was not avaliable to keep, as only standard definition videos were sold in the form of Hollywood movies. With the new iTunes 8.1 and the release of the new iPod Shuffle though, the company has now given users the option to both download and keep movies in the form of 720p. Along with the video file that users will watch, a mobile version of the same content is provided, so customers can even catch their favorite flick while they are out and about. The HD form of the movies available cost $19.99 and will take up approximately 4 to 5 gigabytes.

Giving A New Meaning To The Term Eyewitness Reporting

In an inspiring tale of turning disability into ability, a filmmaker named Rob Spence plans to use the camcorder built into his prosthetic eye for unconventional filmwork. His eye was shot out when he was a child and he's been forced to see the world with one eye ever since. But this one eye does not mean that he's one-sighted, focused only on tragedy and gloom. On the contrary, Spence plans to use his prosthetic camcorder to bring to light the extent of government surveillance and possible breaches of our privacy that go unnoticed. Spence is currently making a documentary using his unique video recording ability, reminding me of my favorite saying, "When life hands you lemons, you paint them 'thangs gold and try to sell them on the street."

The Future of TV: Coffee Stains

Inspiration often comes from the most unlikely source, and for Ivan Vakarelski, coffee stains may be the next big thing in TV coatings. He believes that the pattern formed by coffee when it dries, like that of a coffee ring on a napkin, will provide a superior coating for LCD and plasma screens than what today’s technology currently offers. The circular ring left by drying coffee is caused by the evaporating liquid in the coffee, with the coffee granules being arranged by varying rates of evaporation and convection.

Coffee isn’t quite conductive enough for a screen coating, so Vakarelski instead uses gold particles about 20 nanometers across along with latex balls to create a conductive coating suitable for LCD and plasma screens. The main benefit to the process that Vakarelski has created is cost; typical coatings are expensive, requiring clean rooms and vacuum chambers. While there has only been a coating created a few square centimeters large as of now, the process should be easy to scale in the future.

Canon Pushes Out A Slew Of New Cameras

Canon just gave anyone looking for a new point and shoot a few new options, adding 10 new models to its ranks. It's hard to get too excited about what are mainly updates to models that already exist, but there is the rugged PowerShot D10, which is waterproof (to 33ft), freeze-resistant and shoockproof (providing you don't drop it too far). Apart from that it's about updated features, such as the latest Digic IV image processor and bumped resolutions. The new cameras range from the $600 SX1 (I don't have to tell you that's a lot for a point and shoot), down to the $130 A480. So just about something for everyone then.

Apple Updates iDVD

After announcing that it is shipping its new iLife ’09 suite to consumers, Apple has now updated is consumer level DVD creation program. iDVD has now been updated to version 7.0.3, fixing minor issues. The update to the application also improves overall stability in general, though not much information was given with the update announcement. The new version of iDVD can be downloaded from the Apple website, though consumers who purchase iLife ’09 will find and updated version coming with the suite. Overall, users of the program should not expect much, unless they have a specific bug or crash that they believe has gotten fixed by this recent update.

Gigapan Imager Helps Create 1,474 Megapixel Inauguration Photo

The Gigapan Imager is a small robotic photography platform that takes the pain (and human unpredictability) out of taking huge panoramas by stitching together large numbers of photos. Photographer David Bergman made use of one, along with his Canon G10, during president Obama's inauguration to create a monstrous 1,474 megapixel image that is made up of 220 individual images stitched together. It took the Gigapan software more than six and a half hours to compose the image on Bergman's Macbook Pro, with the resulting file weighing in at almost 2 gigabytes. You can view the image at Gigapan's site, where users have helpfully tagged some interesting sights for you to zoom in on. You can discuss this story in our forums.

YouTube Adds Downloadable Video Feature

In the last address made by Barack Obama, a feature under the video has now been added that let users download the clip in a high-quality MPEG4 format. Google is now rumored that it will add the download feature to more video channels along the way, since it began experimenting with the feature late last week. While it is unclear to what videos or video channels will contain the new download feature, users are happier with the video website since now, the video format that they can download is one that works on both Apple iPods and iPhones. Rumors around the download feature have been circulating, and bringing up the problem of copyright laws, but it seems that the only logical choice that Google could make, would be to allow users that upload videos to specify whether they want viewers to have the option of downloading the said video or not.

JVC Brings Out New Camcorders

This CES, many people have watched as companies have unveiled new models of their hardware, and JVC is one of them. The electronics manufacturer at this years consumer electronics show introduced the world's first dual-memory card high definition camcorder. The line of new cameras, called the Everio series, is comprised of the GZ-HD300, which retails for $699.95, along with the GZ-HD320, which retails for a slightly more expensive $799.95. The smallest of the cameras, the GZ-HM200, features dual flash memory card slots, which allows for a continual recording of either high definition or standard definition video. All three Everio model camcorders record video at a resolution of 1920 x 1080, and also feature face-detection as well as a high-performance Konica-Minolta HD lens.

Sony Introduces New Cameras

Just this past Wednesday, Sony introduced two new cameras in Las Vegas, the Cyber-shot DSC-S950, and the Cyber-shot W220. The DSC-S950 will feature a thinner body, a 4x optical zoom instead of a 3x optical zoom that the S750 features, and will also incorporate a 2.7-inch screen along with the ability to take photos at 10.1 megapixels. The DSC-W220 will include more enhancements than the S950, such as smile detection, an intelligent scene recognizer, optical image stabilization, and a dynamic range optimizer. The DSC-S950 will retail for $129, while the W220 will sell for $199. Currently, the availability of the cameras is not yet known.

Pentax Shows Off Two New Cameras

Even with the Consumer Electronics Show, Pentax showed off two new cameras that are known as the P70 and the E70 before hand. While both feature advanced face detection, which can detect up to 32 faces in .03 seconds, the cameras will offer different megapixels and be different sizes. The Optio P70 comes with a 12-megapixel lens, a 4x optical zoom, and a 2.7-inch screen. It can also shoot video footage at an astounding 720p quality; though will only offer a lowly 15 frames per second while doing so. The Optio E70 will be able to take pictures up to 10-megapixels, with a 3x optical zoom, and a 2.4-inch LCD screen. Neither the P70 nor the E70 cameras feature a viewfinder, and they both sell for $199.95 and $139.95, respectively.

Nanostructures Could Improve Digital Images

A team of scientists lead by the University of Glasgow have been given a grant of nearly half a million pounds ($725,000) to help with the development of nanostructures that could be used on digital imaging sensors. By creating these tiny patterns or structures in the metal film on a CMOS (Complimentary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor) sensor, the sensitivity to light could be improved. That means higher quality images as well as the possibly of improved color discrimination. The project is expected to continue into 2012.

LG Features CinemaNow Along With YouTube

While Netflix has been partnering with LG Electronics since July and delivering viewers access to thousands of movies and television show, CinemaNow and YouTube are getting featured on its line of networked Blu-ray players. The new partnership will allow viewers access to more than 14,000 movies and television shows from CinemaNow alone. YouTube will also be featured on the players so viewers can stream millions of internet videos directly to their television display. LG hopes to capitalize on this partnership with more and more people dropping their television packages for online video content. The company plans to unveil more details about all of this at the Consumer Electronics Show in the upcoming week.

After 60 Years, Fans Bid Adieu to Polaroid Film

After more than 60 years, Polaroid Corp. has announced that December will be the last month it will produce its instant film. In the face of the onslaught of digital cameras, Polaroid has decided to retire film as it looks toward the future. Although first introduced in the 1940's, there is still a very loyal fan base, especially those with nostalgic memories of growing up with the product. There's even a fan site, SavePolaroid.com, with over 4,000 members. While Polaroid will cease production of the film, it expects supplies to last into next year. A four-pack of 10-exposures sells for around $64 on Amazon.com.

Netflix HD Streaming Through TiVo

Back in October we heard about high definition streaming of Netflix content on the Xbox 360. Starting from today, Netflix subscribers will also be able to access content (including the growing number of HD titles) through TiVo, though you will need a series 3, TiVo HD or TiVo HD XL device. The interface for accessing Netflix content means you'll get an instant queue list for your TiVo (which you add to through the Netflix website), as well as synopses and rating functions. Engadget has a hands-on with the interface and also comments on the streaming implementation, commending it for picture quality (compared to the Xbox implementation) and the ability to switch down to standard definition when network congestion hits.

Nikon D3X Shoots 24.5 Megapixels

Unless you happen to be a professional studio photographer, it's unlikely that Nikon's new D3X is aimed at you. That never stopped anyone from looking at such equipment and wondering what it might be like to own (without stumping up the $8000 asking price of course). The D3X comes with a 24.5 megapixel sensor (that means shots at 6048 x 4032), and can shoot bursts of five frames a second at full resolution. You get a regular ISO range of 100-1600 (expandable to ISO 50 and ISO 6400), with supposedly no grain at ISO 1600, as well as dual CF card slots and a 51 point autofocus system (which can also track and lock on to moving subjects). All that and a battery that claims 4400 shots from a single charge (naturally, it aint small). You can see some impressive shots taken with the D3X here.

Western Digital Debuts WD TV

The device, made by Western Digital, is meant to be used between a USB portable hard drive and either component video or HDMI-equipped HDTVs. Western Digital includes a remote with the package and a free copy of ArcSoft MediaConverter 2.5, which will allow users to convert video, music, and photos into formats that are optimized for use on the player. The company also specifies that no networking is required when using the device between a portable hard drive and a connected television. The box retails for $129 and plays various photo, video, and audio formats including 1080p HD video, MP3, multiple MPEG formats, OGG-Vorbis, MKV with subtitle support, TIFF, JPEG, and many others.

Netflix HD Streaming To Appear On XBox 360 First

When Microsoft releases the updated Xbox 360 dashboard on November 19th one of the features available will be high definition streaming of video from Netflix. You'll have to be an Xbox Live Gold member to take advantage of the HD content (which will be limited, at least initially), but the potential is certainly there to turn the Xbox 360 into a stronger all round media platform because of it. According to engadget, the quality is impressive enough (they also give a low down on the other features coming with the new dashboard). One lingering question with this introduction is when (or if) current Netflix streamers will get the HD treatment.

Canon Kicks Out New Camera Models; 5D MkII Shoots Full HD Video

Canon has been relatively quiet on new releases recently, with cameras such as Nikon's D90 grabbing some attention. Canon set that straight today by announcing some new models, which included the revamped EOS 5D MkII. The new 5D is obviously aimed at the high end of the market with its 21.1 megapixel sensor and $2,699 price tag come November (body only). It also goes a step further than the D90 (which can record 720p video), by offering a 1080p video mode. If you want to get down to the nitty gritty, then dpreview has a nice preview article for you. Canon also announced some new compact models today, including another camera capable of full HD video, the SX1 IS. There were also new additions to the Powershot range, and the SX10 IS and G10. Obviously most will probably lust after the new 5D, but there might be something else amongst those that catches your eye.

Smallest SLR Camera For The Ladies

Matsushita is planning on launching a new SLR camera that only weighs 385 grams. They have stated that it works out roughly to what a full can of beer weighs however they did not say if a can of beer is included with the camera or not. :) Their idea behind the SLR camera is to avoid being bulker and heavier but still providing a great camera, of course there is a downside it will cost you about $840 for one ouch.

The Ultimate Excuse for Building an HTPC

According to a recent study, owning a DVR can improve your relationship. That alone may be just the ticket to convincing your other half to give you the green light for that home theater PC you've been wanting to build. The study was commissioned by a company that makes digital pay TV equipment and looked at 1,000 DVR users from the U.S., U.K., Italy and Australia. Of the U.S. participants, 79 percent said DVR ownership has improved their relationship with 43 percent reporting they are happier in their current relationship because of the DVR recording and time shifting capabilities. While we're spouting statistics, 80 percent of those with a DVR said they couldn't live without it ranking the device just behind the washing machine and microwave in terms of importance.

Nikon D90 Gets Official, Shoots HD Video

As happens with seemingly every new product release these days, there have been rumors circulating about the Nikon D90 for a while now. All of those can be confirmed or put to bed as Nikon officially annouced the D90 earlier today. It is a camera that is aimed squarely at the serious end of the amateur photography spectrum, with features filtering down from some of Nikon's higher end offerings, such as low noise even at high ISO settings (which you can push as high as 6400). Key features include the 12.3 megapixel image sensor, 3 inch live view display and 11-point auto focus. One thing that does stand out is the fact that the D90 can also record 720p video at 24fps (in clips up to 5 minutes long). The video mode will work with any of your lenses, so it has plenty of potential for some artistic shooting. The D90 will set you back $999 for the body only, or $1299 with the 18-105mm f3.5/5.6 VR kit lens.

Create Your Own 3D, 360-degree Scene

360-degree views have been around for years, from virtual tours to Google's StreetView. But creating your very own can be a rather difficult process, often with horrendous results. Not anymore, though, thanks to Microsoft Photosynth. The process can still be extremely time-consuming, but the complexity will now be handled by Microsoft's new technology.  All a user has to do is take 20-300 photos with a digital camera and then upload them to the Photosynth site; Photosynth will do the rest, examining the photos for similarities and determining vantage points. The more photos you upload, the better your results will probably be, and there are some guidelines Microsoft suggests for capturing the best pictures. Not sure if your photo-taking ability is up to Photosynth standards? Upon completion, Photosynth will provide you with a "synthy" level, from 0 to 100%, letting you know just how good...or bad...you are at capturing 360-degree views. Sadly, it seems like the official site is unreachable at the moment (at least for me...even in *gasp* IE7), so I didn't get to play around, but you can read a bit more at the Microsoft Live Labs page.

TinEye for the Photographer Guy

One risk of the digital age that photographers face is how easy it is for others to copy and use digital photographs. Currently, there are ways to help reduce unauthorized uses such as applying a visible watermark. If you need to track how your photographs are being used across the Web there are ways to insert digital watermarks that can be traced through services that can be rather expensive for the casual photographer or review web site. Now there is a new way to track photographs using a visual search engine called TinEye. The search engine is currently in beta and was developed by Idee, a company located in Toronto, Canada. TinEye allows you to search the Internet for an image using an image instead of tags or text. Once the search is initiated, TinEye uses a pattern recognition algorithm to create a digital signature of images it finds and is able to return locations where an image has been used even if it has been modified by cropping or other techniques. TinEye is useful not just for tracking your own images, but for research purposes as well such as trying to track down the source of online images. The TinEye index currently includes several hundred million images and is focusing on building the index while in beta mode.

High-tech Voyeur Used Laptop Webcams to Secretly Spy on Women

A student at the University of Florida has been arrested and charged with computer tampering and faces possible prison time for allegedly installing software on women's computers that allowed him to secretly take photos of his unsuspecting victims. The sordid tale began when Marisel Garcia took her laptop to Graig Feigin for repair. A few weeks later she began having issues with low battery life and noticed the laptop's camera light came on every time she came near the computer. This time she took the machine to a trusted friend who discovered Feigin has installed software that allowed him to upload photos taken by the laptop to a remote machine, some 20,000 all told - and the laptop was in her bedroom. When Feigin was questioned by police he wasted no time in rolling over and copped to pulling the same stunt on 8 or 9 additional women's computers as well.