Forget everything you know about DSLR cinematography; this is the future of camcorders and Zacuto's DSLR Baseplate Kits are the new standard for DSLR cinematography. The new Nikon D90 and the Canon 5D Mark II with super 35 (DOF) depth of field are revolutionizing the industry so much that even RED One Digital has taken notice and is redesigning the Scarlet into a DSLR.
Available now, the new Zacuto DSLR kits: Docu, Cine, Newsman, Indie, and Filmmaker are universal and will work with all cameras and accessories. Zacuto kits allow users to make DSLR's work much like camcorders. All kits are balanced which is critical for smooth movement and less user fatigue in both tripod and handheld use. Zacuto's trademarked Z-Release (quick release) allows for fast installation of components like an articulating arm, matte box, follow focus, wireless mic, on-board monitor, an audio adapter, and more. Zacuto kits give you all the components you need for your camera package right out of the box and at a discounted price compared to buying the components a la carte. With various price points, no confusion, and the ability to be used with a tripod, steadicam, dolly, 3D crystal and shoulder mount; you can purchase the kit that is perfect for you and your type of shooting. All Zacuto products are made in the USA and come with a lifetime warranty.
DSLR camera's typically have low lens mounts, making it not possible to mount a matte box without raising the camera very high. The combination of Zacuto's height adjustable Universal Baseplate and their new Z-Spacer allows you to mount any matte box or follow focus, like the Z-Focus, to any DSLR. Not only can you mount any matte box, but you can make your matte box a swing away by using the new Zacuto Zwing-away adapter included in the Zacuto DSLR Filmmaker kit. The Zacuto Z-Spacer is specific to DSLR cameras; otherwise, all previous Zacuto equipment owners can mount DSLR cameras into these configurations with their existing Zacuto equipment. Zacuto has additionally created a universal case that keeps the camera package assembled for shipment, making it a stand out from the rest and a complete turnkey solution.
"The principles of camera mounting are the same no matter what the camera. You want to keep the front as light as possible so when shoulder mounted you won't need as much counterbalance weight," begins Steve Weiss, Product Designer, Zacuto USA. "I think it's actually harder to get good shots with a DSLR than with a camcorder. You tend to get a lot of rocking motion, left to right, which is not a very desirable look. Additionally, the lack of DOF makes it hard to keep things in focus -- especially in handheld mode. I agree the price of cameras has dropped, but nothing has changed in how you would use them. If you want to have balanced handheld shots you need a teeter totter type system so that when it's on your shoulder you can take your hands away and the camera package floats. If it's not balanced your hands will get tired in minutes. If it is balanced you can shoot all day, like a traditional ENG style camera."
2009年3月25日星期三
Millions in red-light camera profits sit idle
Texas cities have collected at least $40 million from red-light camera citations in the past two years, with Houston leading the way, but the portion intended to help cash-strapped regional trauma centers still is not being spent.That is because the Legislature, which passed a 2007 law requiring cities to share profits with the state, has not formally approved transferring the money to the hospitals.
To spend the camera money, which totals about $9 million so far, lawmakers this session must include specific language 3D camerain the biennial budget plan being drafted.“We need to get the money out to these centers,” said state Sen. John Carona, R-Dallas, whose 2007 law required cities to share their profits. “We promised the public that the money would be for regional trauma care, and, to me, there is no excuse for that money going any place else.” The Senate version of the biennial state spending bill, which is being printed, does not include language for the red-light camera funds. The provision could be added in later negotiations before being enacted into law.
The $9 million collected so far — much of it from Houston — is a fraction of the state’s biennial budget. But trauma centers across the state need all funding available, said John Hawkins, vice president for governmental relations for the Texas Hospital Association.
He said that especially is true at facilities like Ben Taub General Hospital, which has seen increased traffic since Hurricane Ike damaged operations at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston.
“All of the money collected ought to be appropriated,” he said. “There’s real need out there.” It remains unclear how the money, if allocated, would be spent. City officials said they would prefer the money be distributed using a formula proportionate to what regions collect. Houston, for example, sent the state $3.7 million — about 40 percent of the total.
http://984940.blogspot.com/2009/03/tapping-physicians-digital-reference.html
To spend the camera money, which totals about $9 million so far, lawmakers this session must include specific language 3D camerain the biennial budget plan being drafted.“We need to get the money out to these centers,” said state Sen. John Carona, R-Dallas, whose 2007 law required cities to share their profits. “We promised the public that the money would be for regional trauma care, and, to me, there is no excuse for that money going any place else.” The Senate version of the biennial state spending bill, which is being printed, does not include language for the red-light camera funds. The provision could be added in later negotiations before being enacted into law.
The $9 million collected so far — much of it from Houston — is a fraction of the state’s biennial budget. But trauma centers across the state need all funding available, said John Hawkins, vice president for governmental relations for the Texas Hospital Association.
He said that especially is true at facilities like Ben Taub General Hospital, which has seen increased traffic since Hurricane Ike damaged operations at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston.
“All of the money collected ought to be appropriated,” he said. “There’s real need out there.” It remains unclear how the money, if allocated, would be spent. City officials said they would prefer the money be distributed using a formula proportionate to what regions collect. Houston, for example, sent the state $3.7 million — about 40 percent of the total.
http://984940.blogspot.com/2009/03/tapping-physicians-digital-reference.html
2009年3月23日星期一
Tapping a Physician's Digital Reference
Dan Diamond is a family practitioner who works at the 3D camera Clinic in Silverdale, Wash., not far from Seattle. If he forgets his stethoscope when heading to work, he won't go back home for it, since he can borrow another at the practice. Not so Dr. Diamond's iPhone. "If I leave my iPhone at home, I will turn around and go back for it," he says. "It's that important."
Apple's (AAPL) iPhone has become a critical tool for saving time and improving the quality of the care Diamond provides, particularly when he's with patients, he says. Of 22 applications Diamond has installed on his iPhone, 10 are health related. The most important, he says, is Epocrates Essentials, which lets him quickly check for drug interactions, look up disease symptoms, and find out what lab tests he might need to order. "I don't have everything I need to know memorized," Diamond says. "This makes me look like I do." Epocrates Essentials is one of at least 278 downloadable tools in the "medical" section of Apple's iTunes App Store, a compendium of more than 15,000 games, tools, and other applications available for use on the iPhone.
A $17 Billion Medical Modernization
Diamond's deepening dependence on health-related mobile apps underscores the potential that the iPhone and other Web-enabled wireless handsets can play in overhauling the way physicians and hospitals dispense heath care. "The lead application is for doctors to look up information so they can be up-to-date with the latest [Food & Drug Administration] warnings and new drugs to help them write prescriptions," says Harry Wang, director of health and mobile research at Parks Associates in Dallas. "But in the future you'll see devices like the iPhone be a portal to a lot more medical information like patient records and lab results. They'll eventually be writing prescriptions directly from their phones." and convenient access to digital health records is likely to take on added importance as the Obama Administration doles out $17 billion in economic stimulus spending with an eye to modernizing the U.S. health-care system and pressing hospitals to begin keeping electronic, rather than paper, records. Diamond doesn't use his iPhone for medical records, which in his clinic are still maintained on paper; he expects to move to a digital format later this year. He uses his iPhone for a number of other tasks. A medical-specific calculator application called Mediquations handles the wide range of math-related tasks confronting a medical doctor, with body-mass indexes, ideal body weights, acid-base balances, and some 200 other formulations doctors regularly use.
Apple's (AAPL) iPhone has become a critical tool for saving time and improving the quality of the care Diamond provides, particularly when he's with patients, he says. Of 22 applications Diamond has installed on his iPhone, 10 are health related. The most important, he says, is Epocrates Essentials, which lets him quickly check for drug interactions, look up disease symptoms, and find out what lab tests he might need to order. "I don't have everything I need to know memorized," Diamond says. "This makes me look like I do." Epocrates Essentials is one of at least 278 downloadable tools in the "medical" section of Apple's iTunes App Store, a compendium of more than 15,000 games, tools, and other applications available for use on the iPhone.
A $17 Billion Medical Modernization
Diamond's deepening dependence on health-related mobile apps underscores the potential that the iPhone and other Web-enabled wireless handsets can play in overhauling the way physicians and hospitals dispense heath care. "The lead application is for doctors to look up information so they can be up-to-date with the latest [Food & Drug Administration] warnings and new drugs to help them write prescriptions," says Harry Wang, director of health and mobile research at Parks Associates in Dallas. "But in the future you'll see devices like the iPhone be a portal to a lot more medical information like patient records and lab results. They'll eventually be writing prescriptions directly from their phones." and convenient access to digital health records is likely to take on added importance as the Obama Administration doles out $17 billion in economic stimulus spending with an eye to modernizing the U.S. health-care system and pressing hospitals to begin keeping electronic, rather than paper, records. Diamond doesn't use his iPhone for medical records, which in his clinic are still maintained on paper; he expects to move to a digital format later this year. He uses his iPhone for a number of other tasks. A medical-specific calculator application called Mediquations handles the wide range of math-related tasks confronting a medical doctor, with body-mass indexes, ideal body weights, acid-base balances, and some 200 other formulations doctors regularly use.
2009年3月17日星期二
Fashionable Casio Cam Comes in at $150
One of just a few new 3D laser announced during the Product Marketing Association (PMA) conference this year, the slim3D crystal Exilim Zoom EX-Z29 is an entry-level addition to Casio's point-and-shoot line.
With a 10-megapixel sensor, face detection, 23 shooting modes, digital image stabilization, a simulated wide-screen movie mode that also optimizes clips for upload to YouTube, and a 3x optical zoom (37.5mm to 112.5mm), it offers a decent feature set for the bargain-bin price of $150.
Perhaps more importantly for potential buyers in today's brutally fashion-conscious world, it comes in five colors: black, silver, blue, pink, and purple. The Exilim EX-Z29 is scheduled to become available in April.
2009年3月15日星期日
Cash-starved states turn to Web to auction goods
U.S. municipalities, strapped for cash as the recession decimates revenues, are stepping up sales of everything from old police cars, helicopters and bicycles to confiscated jewelry and slot machines in an effort to reduce swollen deficits. And municipalities that previously relied on old-fashioned auctions conducted in local parking lots are getting more sophisticated, turning to the online world as they seek to maximize their sales. As many as 46 states are struggling with deficits, according to the Washington-based Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. And governments, which are required by law to close budget gaps, are being creative in seeking ways to meet the shortfall. http://www.shining-tech.com/
"Anything that we can dispose of that generates revenue definitely helps to reduce any deficit that we have in the budget," said Greg Spearman, director of purchasing for Tampa, Fla. Tampa recently raised more than $300,000 from the sale of a 1978 Piper police airplane. The sale was conducted by auction on GovDeals.com, a Web site founded by a former investment banker and two partners to help local governments maximize returns on unwanted assets. Listings on the site have increased significantly in recent months and governments are looking deep into their closets for things to sell, according to Chief Executive Bill Angrick.
"Anything that we can dispose of that generates revenue definitely helps to reduce any deficit that we have in the budget," said Greg Spearman, director of purchasing for Tampa, Fla. Tampa recently raised more than $300,000 from the sale of a 1978 Piper police airplane. The sale was conducted by auction on GovDeals.com, a Web site founded by a former investment banker and two partners to help local governments maximize returns on unwanted assets. Listings on the site have increased significantly in recent months and governments are looking deep into their closets for things to sell, according to Chief Executive Bill Angrick.
2009年3月12日星期四
Stellar case for courtroom cameras
The California Supreme Court's hearing last week in the Prop 8 case - broadcast live over the Internet via streaming video - erased any doubt about the wisdom of allowing cameras into the nation's courts.
Let's hope U.S. Supreme Court Justices David Souter, Stephen Breyer, Anthony Kennedy, Antonin Scalia and Clarence Thomas were watching the oral arguments on Prop 8's constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage. They are the laser crystal-allergic justices who have publicly stated their opposition to televising the U.S. Supreme Court's oral arguments (and other public proceedings).
The video coverage of the Prop 8 proceeding is important not merely because of its educational value - although it certainly was educationally eye-opening to anyone who has not attended a Supreme Court argument. Broad public access to the Prop 8 arguments is essential because it will enhance the legitimacy of the Court's eventual decision in a politically-charged and divisive case.
Viewers on both sides of Prop 8 saw the California Supreme Court justices struggling to make sense of the parties' positions in the context of a continuum of legal precedent. While they may have expected to see a partisan foodfight, instead they saw thoughtful and well-informed judges asking questions of the lawyers to test the applicability of general legal principles to the specific facts of this case.
It is an exercise that, among other things, highlights the complexity of the legal issues. If, as seems likely from the justices' questions, the Court upholds Prop 8 (while leaving intact the marriages held prior to the November election), Prop 8's opponents will - because of the video coverage - be more inclined to respect that outcome. They will disagree with it; they will organize to reverse it through the political process; but they are not likely to believe in large numbers that they have been cheated by the judicial system.
Legitimacy, the most valuable asset of any court, is diminished by judicial secrecy and enhanced by openness. Justices of the U.S. Supreme Court, take note.
Let's hope U.S. Supreme Court Justices David Souter, Stephen Breyer, Anthony Kennedy, Antonin Scalia and Clarence Thomas were watching the oral arguments on Prop 8's constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage. They are the laser crystal-allergic justices who have publicly stated their opposition to televising the U.S. Supreme Court's oral arguments (and other public proceedings).
The video coverage of the Prop 8 proceeding is important not merely because of its educational value - although it certainly was educationally eye-opening to anyone who has not attended a Supreme Court argument. Broad public access to the Prop 8 arguments is essential because it will enhance the legitimacy of the Court's eventual decision in a politically-charged and divisive case.
Viewers on both sides of Prop 8 saw the California Supreme Court justices struggling to make sense of the parties' positions in the context of a continuum of legal precedent. While they may have expected to see a partisan foodfight, instead they saw thoughtful and well-informed judges asking questions of the lawyers to test the applicability of general legal principles to the specific facts of this case.
It is an exercise that, among other things, highlights the complexity of the legal issues. If, as seems likely from the justices' questions, the Court upholds Prop 8 (while leaving intact the marriages held prior to the November election), Prop 8's opponents will - because of the video coverage - be more inclined to respect that outcome. They will disagree with it; they will organize to reverse it through the political process; but they are not likely to believe in large numbers that they have been cheated by the judicial system.
Legitimacy, the most valuable asset of any court, is diminished by judicial secrecy and enhanced by openness. Justices of the U.S. Supreme Court, take note.
Surveillance-camera maker Axsys exploring sale
Surveillance-camera maker Axsys Technologies Inc. said Wednesday it has hired an investment bank to help explore a possible sale of the company.
The Rocky Hill, Conn.-based company says a steep decline in its stock price has led to an "increasing number of overtures from interested strategic buyers." The company emphasized that it doesn't have to take any offer that is not in shareholders' best interest.
In a brief statement after the market closed, Axsys said it had hired investment bank Jefferies & 3D camerato explore a possible sale.
During the regular trading session, the stock gained $8.90, or 32.5 percent, to $36.27 on initial media reports that the company was for sale. Shares gained another $2.93, or 8.1 percent, to $39.20 in after-hours trading following the company's confirmation of the reports.
The stock traded at nearly $80 in mid-August.
2009年3月11日星期三
Wal-Mart Plans to Market Digital Health Records System
Wal-Mart Stores is striding into the market for electronic health records, seeking to bring the technology into the mainstream for physicians in small offices, where most of America’s doctors practice medicine.
Wal-Mart’s move comes as the Obama administration is trying to jump-start the adoption of digital medical records with $19 billion of incentives in the economic stimulus package.
The company plans to team its Sam’s Club division with Dell for computers and eClinicalWorks, a fast-growing private company, for software. Wal-Mart says its package deal of hardware, software, installation, maintenance and training will make the technology more accessible and affordable, undercutting rival health information technology suppliers by as much as half.
“We’re a high-volume, low-cost company,” said Marcus Osborne, senior director for health care business development at Wal-Mart. “And I would argue that mentality is sorely lacking in the health care industry.”
The Sam’s Club offering, to be made available this spring, will be under $25,000 for the first physician in a practice, and about $10,000 for each additional doctor. After the installation and training, continuing annual costs for maintenance and support will be $4,000 to $6,500 a year, the company estimates.
Wal-Mart says it had explored the opportunity in health information technology long before the presidential election. About 200,000 health care providers, mostly doctors, are among Sam Club’s 47 million members. And the company’s research showed the technology was becoming less costly and interest was rising among small physician practices, according to Todd Matherly, vice president for health and wellness at Sam’s Club.
http://www.shining-tech.com/
Wal-Mart’s move comes as the Obama administration is trying to jump-start the adoption of digital medical records with $19 billion of incentives in the economic stimulus package.
The company plans to team its Sam’s Club division with Dell for computers and eClinicalWorks, a fast-growing private company, for software. Wal-Mart says its package deal of hardware, software, installation, maintenance and training will make the technology more accessible and affordable, undercutting rival health information technology suppliers by as much as half.
“We’re a high-volume, low-cost company,” said Marcus Osborne, senior director for health care business development at Wal-Mart. “And I would argue that mentality is sorely lacking in the health care industry.”
The Sam’s Club offering, to be made available this spring, will be under $25,000 for the first physician in a practice, and about $10,000 for each additional doctor. After the installation and training, continuing annual costs for maintenance and support will be $4,000 to $6,500 a year, the company estimates.
Wal-Mart says it had explored the opportunity in health information technology long before the presidential election. About 200,000 health care providers, mostly doctors, are among Sam Club’s 47 million members. And the company’s research showed the technology was becoming less costly and interest was rising among small physician practices, according to Todd Matherly, vice president for health and wellness at Sam’s Club.
http://www.shining-tech.com/
2009年3月10日星期二
Lean inventories could speed recovery
The semiconductor industry will suffer double-digit contraction in 2009, but lean inventories across the supply chain could jump-start a rapid recovery when the economy finally starts to improve, an analyst said Monday (March 9).
Delivering a forecast at the Semico Summit 2009 here, Jim Feldhan, president of Semico Research Corp., predicted that semiconductor revenue will decline by about 15 percent this year, down to roughly $213 billion. But Feldhan forecast that revenue would grow by 13 percent in 2010 to reach $244 billion and continue steady growth to pass $330 billion 2013. Feldhan said the chip industry reacted quickly to the deteriorating economy and that he believes there is a lot of opportunity for a recovery.
"It's not going to be a good year, but I don't think we are going to see as disastrous a year as we did in 2001," Feldhan said. Following the bursting of the dot com bubble, semiconductor revenue in 2001 declined more than 32 percent from 2000.
Discussing inventories, Feldhan cited as an example Apple Inc.'s popular iPhone. Sales of iPhones continue to grow, he said, noting that the product is now available in some Walmart locations. But Feldhan said he has heard reports that the contract manufacturer that produces the iPhone has cut orders for components, simply because it didn't want to be caught holding excess inventory.
"I think at this point everyone is fearful of holding inventory," Feldhan said.
Because inventories are being kept low, Feldhan said, there is likely to be a "whiplash" effect when the economy starts to recover and orders improve. He added that the industry is likely to see a few false starts on demand improvement before it stays steady.
"We are having a hard time finding anyone who admits they still have a lot of inventory," said Joanne Ito, a senior analyst at Semico. "It's not anything close to 2001." Semiconductor industry revenue contracted in every month from October 2008 through January of this year, Feldhan said, the first time that has ever happened during that time of year. But unlike previous downturns, Feldhan noted, this one was not preceded by a big dramatic peak of double-digit growth. http://www.shining-tech.com/
Delivering a forecast at the Semico Summit 2009 here, Jim Feldhan, president of Semico Research Corp., predicted that semiconductor revenue will decline by about 15 percent this year, down to roughly $213 billion. But Feldhan forecast that revenue would grow by 13 percent in 2010 to reach $244 billion and continue steady growth to pass $330 billion 2013. Feldhan said the chip industry reacted quickly to the deteriorating economy and that he believes there is a lot of opportunity for a recovery.
"It's not going to be a good year, but I don't think we are going to see as disastrous a year as we did in 2001," Feldhan said. Following the bursting of the dot com bubble, semiconductor revenue in 2001 declined more than 32 percent from 2000.
Discussing inventories, Feldhan cited as an example Apple Inc.'s popular iPhone. Sales of iPhones continue to grow, he said, noting that the product is now available in some Walmart locations. But Feldhan said he has heard reports that the contract manufacturer that produces the iPhone has cut orders for components, simply because it didn't want to be caught holding excess inventory.
"I think at this point everyone is fearful of holding inventory," Feldhan said.
Because inventories are being kept low, Feldhan said, there is likely to be a "whiplash" effect when the economy starts to recover and orders improve. He added that the industry is likely to see a few false starts on demand improvement before it stays steady.
"We are having a hard time finding anyone who admits they still have a lot of inventory," said Joanne Ito, a senior analyst at Semico. "It's not anything close to 2001." Semiconductor industry revenue contracted in every month from October 2008 through January of this year, Feldhan said, the first time that has ever happened during that time of year. But unlike previous downturns, Feldhan noted, this one was not preceded by a big dramatic peak of double-digit growth. http://www.shining-tech.com/
2009年3月8日星期日
Windows XP to compete with Win 7 in netbook market
Neil Holloway, Microsoft International's vice president of business strategy, told ZDNet UK on Thursday that the company expected Windows 7 to be more popular than XP. However, Microsoft will ultimately decide which operating system it will offer for netbooks depending on customer preference, he said.
"Let's see what the market does," Holloway said at Microsoft's Growth and Innovation Day in Brussels. "As we introduce Windows 7 for netbooks, the availability of XP will be less and less. I think, on this one, the market will decide on Windows 7."
The unanticipated success of the netbook market over the past year-and-a-half has forced Microsoft to repeatedly postpone the retirement of Windows XP, mainly because its newer Vista operating system was too processor-hungry to run on the devices.
Holloway's comments suggest that Microsoft will delay the demise of XP even longer. That will effectively bring the ageing operating system into competition with the upcoming Windows 7 Starter Edition, which is aimed explicitly at netbooks and is expected to arrive around the end of 2009 or beginning of 2010.
Although Windows 7 is built on the same underlying architecture as Windows Vista, Microsoft has repeatedly stated that the upcoming operating system is more lightweight than Vista and therefore more suited to netbook use.
Last month, Microsoft chief Steve Ballmer said people who buy a netbook with the Starter Edition of Windows 7 will be offered the opportunity to trade up to a more fully featured version of that operating system. Holloway confirmed that this would happen.
"You could have a low-end [Windows 7] netbook or a high-end netbook," Holloway said. "The question is, do you have reduced Windows 7, or the next level up, with more functionality?"
Holloway compared it to the situation with Vista: people will be able to select the version of Windows 7 that suits them, in the same way they can choose the Home Basic edition of Vista rather than the Ultimate edition, depending on their computing need. He added, however, that the offer of a choice of versions of Windows 7 will depend on the outcome of Microsoft's licensing negotiations with netbook manufacturers.
The first netbook — the seven-inch Asus Eee PC — was introduced in 2007, and it used a Linux-based operating system. A year ago, Microsoft announced a deal with Asus to provide netbooks running XP at the CeBIT trade show. Since then, Windows XP has become the dominant operating system in the broader netbook market.
"Let's see what the market does," Holloway said at Microsoft's Growth and Innovation Day in Brussels. "As we introduce Windows 7 for netbooks, the availability of XP will be less and less. I think, on this one, the market will decide on Windows 7."
The unanticipated success of the netbook market over the past year-and-a-half has forced Microsoft to repeatedly postpone the retirement of Windows XP, mainly because its newer Vista operating system was too processor-hungry to run on the devices.
Holloway's comments suggest that Microsoft will delay the demise of XP even longer. That will effectively bring the ageing operating system into competition with the upcoming Windows 7 Starter Edition, which is aimed explicitly at netbooks and is expected to arrive around the end of 2009 or beginning of 2010.
Although Windows 7 is built on the same underlying architecture as Windows Vista, Microsoft has repeatedly stated that the upcoming operating system is more lightweight than Vista and therefore more suited to netbook use.
Last month, Microsoft chief Steve Ballmer said people who buy a netbook with the Starter Edition of Windows 7 will be offered the opportunity to trade up to a more fully featured version of that operating system. Holloway confirmed that this would happen.
"You could have a low-end [Windows 7] netbook or a high-end netbook," Holloway said. "The question is, do you have reduced Windows 7, or the next level up, with more functionality?"
Holloway compared it to the situation with Vista: people will be able to select the version of Windows 7 that suits them, in the same way they can choose the Home Basic edition of Vista rather than the Ultimate edition, depending on their computing need. He added, however, that the offer of a choice of versions of Windows 7 will depend on the outcome of Microsoft's licensing negotiations with netbook manufacturers.
The first netbook — the seven-inch Asus Eee PC — was introduced in 2007, and it used a Linux-based operating system. A year ago, Microsoft announced a deal with Asus to provide netbooks running XP at the CeBIT trade show. Since then, Windows XP has become the dominant operating system in the broader netbook market.
2009年3月5日星期四
Sony SPK-HCE sports pack
For Sony Handycam camcorder usage in wet conditions, the SPK-HCE sports pack consists of a hard-plastic housing that shields the video camera from rain, snow and other moisture. It can also be submerged for underwater video capture of watery worlds up to 17 feet (5m) deep for about $250.
Sony Cybershot Accessories : DSC-T90The Sony APK-WB and APK-THAB Aqty packs for the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T90 and W-series cameras protect the cameras from splashes near the pool and offer waterproof protection in up to 5 feet (1.5m) of water.
Sony Battery Power and camera protectionProtecting footage and memories and making sure the fun never stops due to a rundown battery is the sole purpose of the additions to the full line of accessory kits that include cases and extra batteries for both Cyber-shot and Handycam models. The Sony ACC-CBK accessory kit includes a battery (Sony NP-BK1) and case (Sony LCS-CSQ), and works with the Sony Cyber-shot S-series camera models, and with the brand new Webbie HD camera (model Sony MHS-PM1), retailing for about $45. For the Cyber-shot W series models, the ACC-CMFG accessory kit, which includes an NP-FG1 battery, LCS-CSQ case and convenient Memory stick Duo reader/writer, is also available for about $60.
2009年3月4日星期三
EC ends full-time antitrust monitoring of Microsoft
In 2005, the Commission appointed an independent trustee to assess whether Microsoft was supplying interoperability information for Windows with workgroup servers to software rivals. The Commission told ZDNet UK on Wednesday that it will no longer require a full-time monitor, and that it will use "ad hoc assistance" to provide it with advice on any issues arising from the ruling.
"We don't think it's necessary to have a full-time trustee any more, as there have been changes in Microsoft's behaviour, and third parties can exercise their rights before national courts," said Commission antitrust spokesman Jonathon Todd.
While the trustee has been removed, Microsoft still has an obligation to supply complete and accurate interoperability information, the Commission said in a statement. However, the agency said it is satisfied that the original set of interoperability information has been documented by Microsoft, and that Microsoft's licence agreements for third parties are sufficient to allow those parties to make cases in national courts, should any disagreements arise.
Microsoft was required to supply interoperability information to competitors following a 2004 ruling by then-competition commissioner Mario Monti. In addition to the workgroup server software interoperability issue addressed by the monitoring, the antitrust decision covered anticompetitive concerns to do with Microsoft's bundling of Windows Media Player with Windows. In its decision, the Commission not only required that the interoperability information be made public, but also called for the unbundling of Windows Media Player and fined Microsoft $613 million.
In 2008, the Commission fined Microsoft again, levying a $1.4 billion fine for failure to comply with the 2004 decision. Todd said that Microsoft has paid the fine, but that the money is currently being held in an account, gathering interest, pending the outcome of an appeal against the fine by Microsoft.
Other Commission antitrust investigations relating to Microsoft, including one into web-browser market dominance, are still being conducted.
"We don't think it's necessary to have a full-time trustee any more, as there have been changes in Microsoft's behaviour, and third parties can exercise their rights before national courts," said Commission antitrust spokesman Jonathon Todd.
While the trustee has been removed, Microsoft still has an obligation to supply complete and accurate interoperability information, the Commission said in a statement. However, the agency said it is satisfied that the original set of interoperability information has been documented by Microsoft, and that Microsoft's licence agreements for third parties are sufficient to allow those parties to make cases in national courts, should any disagreements arise.
Microsoft was required to supply interoperability information to competitors following a 2004 ruling by then-competition commissioner Mario Monti. In addition to the workgroup server software interoperability issue addressed by the monitoring, the antitrust decision covered anticompetitive concerns to do with Microsoft's bundling of Windows Media Player with Windows. In its decision, the Commission not only required that the interoperability information be made public, but also called for the unbundling of Windows Media Player and fined Microsoft $613 million.
In 2008, the Commission fined Microsoft again, levying a $1.4 billion fine for failure to comply with the 2004 decision. Todd said that Microsoft has paid the fine, but that the money is currently being held in an account, gathering interest, pending the outcome of an appeal against the fine by Microsoft.
Other Commission antitrust investigations relating to Microsoft, including one into web-browser market dominance, are still being conducted.
2009年3月3日星期二
AF fix and firmware update for Canon EOS-1D cameras
Canon is aware that some owners of the EOS-1D Mark III and EOS-1Ds Mark III digital SLR cameras have been experiencing problems with their cameras concerning the accuracy of the Auto focusing and display of the error code Err99. Canon has investigated the cause of these issues and is pleased to announce a service solutions to these issues.
To obtain free check up and repair (if required) for these issues, please visit the Canon service web site for more information and register your product and details on the 1D(s) Mark III repair registration form.
The firmware for both 1D Mark III and 1Ds Mark III resolve the same issues:
1. Correction of a display issue with Live view which caused the camera to display a black screen when using the Live View zoom/enlarge function.
2. Correction of a USB communication issue which caused the camera to remain in USB communication mode even when the USB cable has been disconnected and the message "busy" to be continuously displayed on the LCD.
3. Changes to the error codes. More detailed error codes are now displayed, enabling better clarification as to the causes of errors.
New error codes
To obtain free check up and repair (if required) for these issues, please visit the Canon service web site for more information and register your product and details on the 1D(s) Mark III repair registration form.
The firmware for both 1D Mark III and 1Ds Mark III resolve the same issues:
1. Correction of a display issue with Live view which caused the camera to display a black screen when using the Live View zoom/enlarge function.
2. Correction of a USB communication issue which caused the camera to remain in USB communication mode even when the USB cable has been disconnected and the message "busy" to be continuously displayed on the LCD.
3. Changes to the error codes. More detailed error codes are now displayed, enabling better clarification as to the causes of errors.
New error codes
2009年3月2日星期一
Samsung unveils new NX series camera system
Samsung Digital Imaging Co., Ltd. used PMA 2009 as the global launching pad for the NX Series, the company’s revolutionary new family of hybrid digital cameras. A new concept digital camera, the NX Series offers the performance and image quality of a DSLR and the portability and convenience of a compact point-and-shoot. With the NX Series, Samsung will become a global leader in the new hybrid market.
Samsung’s new NX Series bridges the gap between a DSLR and compact point-and-shoot digital camera by combining the benefits of both in one new model. Like conventional DSLRs, the NX Series utilizes an APSC sized image sensor providing a much larger surface area to gather light and produce higher-quality images than comparable digital camera systems. Unlike a DSLR, the NX Series does not feature a mirror box and employs an ultra-precise Electronic Viewfinder (EVF).
The use of an EVF has allowed Samsung engineers to significantly reduce the size and weight of the new camera system by decreasing the distance between the lens and image sensor (flange back) by approximately 60% compared to traditional DSLRs. In addition to utilizing the EVF, consumers can also take advantage of the camera’s Live View functionality to frame their shots on the NX Series’ highresolution screen.
Samsung has recently intensified its focus on the digital imaging market and established a separate company dedicated exclusively to digital imaging in Samsung Digital Imaging Company. The new company was formed to focus on the development of its digital still cameras around world’s first and best in class features, design, and easy-to-use interfaces, and will work towards achieving the company’s stated goal of becoming the world’s leading digital imaging company.
“We estimate that the hybrid digital camera market will be over 20% of the global digital still camera market by 2012,” said Sang-jin Park, CEO of Samsung Digital Imaging Company. “With the release of the NX Series, a digital camera that combines the strengths of a DSLR and compact digital camera, Samsung Digital Imaging will become a global leader in the new hybrid digital camera market and achieve the company’s goal to become the global leader in the digital camera market by 2012.”
Samsung Digital Imaging Company also creates a much more efficient vertical alignment between related Samsung affiliate business units including semiconductor, LCD panel and consumer electronics. This new vertical alignment will create competitive advantages for Samsung by fostering greater collaboration between Samsung affiliate business units and allowing the company to develop and deliver highly-innovative digital imaging products that set the standard for the industry, including the newly unveiled NX Series.
Samsung’s new NX Series bridges the gap between a DSLR and compact point-and-shoot digital camera by combining the benefits of both in one new model. Like conventional DSLRs, the NX Series utilizes an APSC sized image sensor providing a much larger surface area to gather light and produce higher-quality images than comparable digital camera systems. Unlike a DSLR, the NX Series does not feature a mirror box and employs an ultra-precise Electronic Viewfinder (EVF).
The use of an EVF has allowed Samsung engineers to significantly reduce the size and weight of the new camera system by decreasing the distance between the lens and image sensor (flange back) by approximately 60% compared to traditional DSLRs. In addition to utilizing the EVF, consumers can also take advantage of the camera’s Live View functionality to frame their shots on the NX Series’ highresolution screen.
Samsung has recently intensified its focus on the digital imaging market and established a separate company dedicated exclusively to digital imaging in Samsung Digital Imaging Company. The new company was formed to focus on the development of its digital still cameras around world’s first and best in class features, design, and easy-to-use interfaces, and will work towards achieving the company’s stated goal of becoming the world’s leading digital imaging company.
“We estimate that the hybrid digital camera market will be over 20% of the global digital still camera market by 2012,” said Sang-jin Park, CEO of Samsung Digital Imaging Company. “With the release of the NX Series, a digital camera that combines the strengths of a DSLR and compact digital camera, Samsung Digital Imaging will become a global leader in the new hybrid digital camera market and achieve the company’s goal to become the global leader in the digital camera market by 2012.”
Samsung Digital Imaging Company also creates a much more efficient vertical alignment between related Samsung affiliate business units including semiconductor, LCD panel and consumer electronics. This new vertical alignment will create competitive advantages for Samsung by fostering greater collaboration between Samsung affiliate business units and allowing the company to develop and deliver highly-innovative digital imaging products that set the standard for the industry, including the newly unveiled NX Series.
Jonas Brothers 3D Movie Is ‘Gimmicky’
Jonas Brothers 3D Movie Is 'Gimmicky' Not so glowing Jonas Brothers: The 3D Concert Experience movie review from AP Movie Critic Christy Lemire: Someday, we may actually get a clue as to what makes the Jonas Brothers tick. We may get a glimpse into the pop stars' distinct personalities, because certainly they must have them, and, eventually, even.. ..learn about their demons and desires. But for now, Nick, Joe and Kevin are presented as so much glossy, superficial packaging in this 3-D concert movie. Sure, there are behind-the-scenes moments wedged between the perky performances, but they feel self-conscious, staged, and consist mainly.. ..of the brothers marveling at how many screaming fans are gathered outside their hotel/car/wherever. We learn nothing about who they are or where they come from, they may not even have parents, for all we know, since the main adult we see accompanying them is their bodyguard. But then again, director Bruce Hendricks' film isn't intended for the uninitiated. It's for the tween and teen girls who emitted ear-piercing bleats of glee at the very sight of the words 'Joe Jonas' during the opening titles at the Los Angeles premiere. To their credit, the Jonases do put on a high-energy show, Nick does roundoff-back handsprings! And Hendricks, who also directed last year's Miley Cyrus 3-D movie, has his cameras everywhere. And it's hard to hate on them completely since they seem like such hardworking, decent kids, except Kevin, that is. At 21, he's a grown-up. He has chest hair and sideburns. Unfortunately, most of the three-dimensional effects here are pretty gimmicky. As for the songs themselves.. well, they all start to blend into each other after a while. G. 75 min. One and a half stars out of four.
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