Todd Cochrane the host of the Geek News Central Podcast a 10 year veteran of CES discusses how the team coverage is going to shape up this year.
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Category Archives: Video
Adjustable spread and color temperature LED light panels from GiSTEQ
Looking for LED light panels that you can adjust according to your preference? GiSTEQ presents a photo/video lighting solution with adjustable spread and color temperature LED light panels at the recently concluded CES 2014.
Unlike any other light panels, GiSTEQ’s LED light panels allow you not only to adjust the intensity of the light, it’s also a little different. The Flashmate F-198C lets you go from daylight balance to tungsten balance without a filter. So if you are an event photographer, you don’t have to worry about the lighting in the reception because you can easily match the lighting through the LED light panel. This also works for podcasters who records at different times of the day. Whether you’re shooting at night and needs a good lighting or during the day and needs a good lighting to balance the sun, GiSTEQ’s LED light panel will be a great addition that will help make your podcast better.
If you want your subject to stand out from the background and wanted a hair light, GiSTEQ’s Flashmate F-198A allows you to adjust your spread from a spot to a wide by simply adjusting the dial. This gives you more control of the light regardless of the condition of the natural lighting in your surroundings.
The color control model, Flashmate F-198C is available at $179. The light angle model, Flashmate F-198A however, is being sold at $149. Each model has 200 LED lights with about 5 mm of round soft-light LEDs. For more information about these LED lights that allows you to adjust the color temperature and address the spread of the light, visit GiSTEQ now.
Interview by Daniel J. Lewis from The Audacity to Podcast.
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Control your DSLR with Hyper’s iUSBportCamera
Remotely control your digital SLR using Hyper’s iUSBportCamera. Whether you’re using a Canon or Nikon DSLR, the iUSBportCamera will turn your DSLR into a wireless digital SLR.
Essentially a router, the iUSBport Camera includes the battery, USB port, and some sophisticated software that allows you to communicate wirelessly with your DSLR camera. Simply plug it in your DSLR camera and because it is a router, it makes its own WiFi network. Take your tablet or smartphone, connect to the USBportCamera’s network, then open Hyper’s free app, which is available for both Android and iOS devices.
Once you haveopened the app, you can see the screen with multiple options, one of which is being able to control the camera. At the touch of the screen on either your smartphone or tablet, you can adjust the autofocus, change the focus, move and adjust the HDR, adjust the white balance, set the ISO, switch from video to photo, and preview photos, among others. One of the greatest things about Hyper’s iUSBportCamera is that you can preview the photo or video that you are taking while you’re taking the shots.
Hyper’s iUSBportCamera can be used in most Canon and Nikon DSLR cameras. The iUSBportCamera is offers 5 MBps transfer rate and allows up to twelve devices that can connect to it at any given time. It also comes in two different models—iUSBportCamera and iUSBportCamera 2. The only difference is that iUSBportCamera 2 can be mounted however you want, but primarily vertically compared to its predecessor, which can only be mounted horizontally. In addition, iUSBportCamera 2 has two USB ports, whereas the iUSBport Camera only has one. Aside from being able to use it on a DLSR, you can simply connect any USB storage device to the iUSBportCamera 2, turning it into a wireless storage device. This way, you and up to twelve of your friends (or other devices) can share videos and images with each other from this WiFi network. You can even connect it to an existing network that will allows you to expand its range.
If you are a podcaster that is used to going back and forth just to check the focus of your DSLR camera when you’re about to do your podcast, the iUSBportCamera will save you time and energy. By just connecting it to your Android or iOS device, you can access it from your seat and change the settings whichever way you prefer without standing up.
At just $199.95, you can already own Hyper’s iUSBportCamera, while the Hyper’s iUSBportCamera 2 is available at $299. You can find these two great devices at Hyper’s website, as well as in as Amazon and specialty photo shops. Learn more information about its specifications and the complete list of the devices compatible with these two products and see how it can help make your media streaming easier and better!
Interview by Daniel J. Lewis from The Audacity to Podcast.
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Nady introduces new wireless and headset audio gear at CES2014
Nady Systems, Inc., a company that has been designing, manufacturing, and marketing wireless microphones since 1976 introduces two new microphones that will give you a new way of recording audio content.
As part of their MGT wireless series, this miniature plug-in transmitter easily converts wired dynamic microphones to wireless. It is also lightweight compared to other plug-in transmitters, so you wouldn’t get tired holding your microphone because of its weight. If you are an active podcaster or video producer and you want to move around a lot, sometimes the level of your microphone doesn’t really work because you’re turning your head around and you have to take the microphone with you but that doesn’t work because your shirt stays in the same place. Fortunately, Nady now has a very affordable solution for active audio recording that works great in video, too.
The Nady HM-35 is one of their HeadMic series that is a single-ear omni-directional condenser microphone. This particular lightweight microphone is perfect for aerobic instructors, dance school teachers and public speakers that are getting tired of in-ear microphones that they have to adjust regularly as they speak. The HM-35, on the other hand, stays in your ear and won’t have to keep adjusting it so you can simply focus on what you are going to say next.
The D’link wireless adapter with the MGT micro receiver is being sold at a retail price of $329.95. The HM-35 headset microphone, however, can be bought at only $59.95, which is of a great price compared to other single-ear microphones being sold elsewhere.
Find out more about these new wireless and headset audio gears at Nady.
Interview by Daniel J. Lewis from The Audacity to Podcast.
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VidPro launches new DSLR camera stabilization gear
Known as one of the leading innovators when it comes to video and photography products, VidPro recently launches new DSLR camera stabilization gears for all you photographers and videographers out there.
Whether you’re a professional or simply just a hobbyist, VidPro’s video and photography equipment will take your shots into a different level. One of these is the Skater Dolly, which is a roller skate device where you can mount in your DSLR cameras or video camcorders. Currently available at Amazon at just $69.95, this VidPro DSLR and video camcorder gear comes with an articulating arm and extendable handle, enabling you to gain 360 redial and straight line dolly motion.
Coming out this March, however, is the new VidPro camera slider dolly, wherein you put your DSLR camera or video camcorder into the slider and can simply slide it back and forth to the left or right for very smooth, cinematic motion. If you think that this slider dolly is too bulky, VidPro also offers another slider dolly, which is the video stabilizers. Sure, your DSLR cameras or video camcorders might have stabilization built in, but VidPro’s is handheld where you get a lot more stabilization as it has weights on the bottom. Short, small, and handy but provides more stabilization and smooth, cinematic shots.
If you want to step it up, VidPro has a stabilization gear that has a bit more weight and a slightly different design and handle. Although it is heavier than the other two, this stabilizing gear has a handle that, no matter how or which direction you move your hand, the top where your camera or camcorders are would not move. They also have another that is much heavier with the same features, but gives more stabilization for more steady shots.
Keep checking VidPro’s website to learn more about these awesome stabilization gears, including their pricing and its release.
Interview by Daniel J. Lewis from The Audacity to Podcast.
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Professional audio for DSLR video with TASCAM DR-60D at CES2014
At the recently concluded CES2014, TASCAM, a company that has been developing products for the sound and music industry shows another of their latest product with great audio for your DSLR video—the TASCAM DR-60D.
DSLR videos these days are really blowing up in terms of the continuous number of people shooting with it. However, audio is so important when it comes to video recording via DSLR camera. DSLRs are known to shoot exceptional videos but the audio is a little bit marginal; The new TASCAM DR-60D connects these two. With this dilemma in mind, TASCAM designed a product that allows you to record superb audio from your DSLR camera on an SD card up to 24bit/96kHz TASCAM DR-60D.
The DR-60D is a 4-channel audio recorder with two XLR/TRS inputs support +4dBu line level input and phantom power (12 or 48VDC), and channels 3 or 4 access through a 3.5mm jack. DR-60D also has 3-4 channel inputs that support plug-in power and high-output mic input, making it great for a 4-channel audio. Another great component of the TASCAM DR-60D is that if you don’t need 4-channels, it will also do dual-recording, which allows two files to be recorded simultaneously at different levels. In addition, this dual-recording allows you to record your primary stereo track at a certain level and at the same time, record a safety track up to 12dB just in case you’re shooting something and all of a sudden there’s an unexpected loud noise that may distort your primary track. With this dual-recording, you can still have a safety track; no need to plug-in an extra microphone.
One thing about the DR-60D is that you can simply mount in on your DSLR camera just like you do on a tripod and carry it with you as you shoot. Even though you’re recording your audio to your DR-60D, there’s an adjustable camera out connector so you can make sure that everything you record on your DR-60D will also be sent to your camera, making it easier to sync it up.
There are times when you’re doing a special shoot where you have a microphone that are 50ft away and close-up microphones. The DR-60D has a feature where you can delay up to 150ms, one mic to another mic so you can take that time difference and correct that.
As for its pricing, the TASCAM DR-60D is being sold at $349 and is sold in different places with their authorized dealers in-store and online. Learn more about the rest of TASCAM DR-60D’s features.
Interview by Daniel J. Lewis from The Audacity to Podcast.
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Canon’s new Vixia HD camcorders for podcasting and home production
For many years, Canon has been a household name when it comes to high quality cameras, camcorders, printers, scanners, and copiers, to name a few. Recently, Canon introduces a new line of camcorders that are perfect not just for hobbyist, but also for podcasters that are looking for a new camcorder that has excellent features but affordable at the same time.
Canon introduces a new completely different reimagined line of camera of their Vixi mini camcorder that is perfect for producing a podcast or any kind of media at all. Introducing the VIXIA mini X, not only can this new mini camcorder take images at 12.8 Megapixels, it can also capture full HD video recordings up to 1920 x 1080p (30p/24p) to a removable SD memory card.
Unlike its predecessor, the Vixia mini X has two large stereo microphones that are two and a half times larger than Vixia mini, enabling it to pick up great audio in wide dynamic range. It also has a two-stage system, which can eliminate unwanted noises. Aside from the built-in stereo microphone, it also has a microphone input on the side, which is great for podcasters who want to use their own microphones quite often, especially when podcasting from a noisy environment. In addition, the Vixia mini X also has a headphone terminal, allowing you to adjust the audio whenever necessary using the volume dial.
When it comes to it’s screen, Canon’s Vixia mini X can be flipped in multiple angles. So whether you’re setting it up to interview someone or doing a separate podcast where you have to do the video work and be in the shot as well, you can simply reach, angle it, and make adjustments according to your needs. It also has a close-up mode, where you can crop unnecessary backgrounds and just focus on you and what you want to show. Even if you’re shooting at a low-light setting, the Vixia mini X has the Canon DIGIC DV 4 Image Processor, which provides excellent performance in a low-light situation. It also has an aperture of f/2.8, which also works great on low-light environment. What is great with this latest addition to the Canon camcorders is that it has no limit as to how long you can record; it only lies on the memory space of the SD memory card you are using.
If you want to step up your game when it comes to your podcasting, however, there are three newest lines of the Vixia HF R camcorders you can choose from, one of which is the VIXIA HF R500. Although it has no Wi-Fi and internal memory, it has 57x advanced zoom and an SD memory card slot, as well as the other advanced features the Vixia HF R camcorders have. The VIXIA HF R50 and VIXIA HF R52, however, both have built-in Wi-Fi and an internal memory of 8GB and 32GB. Using the built-in Wi-Fi, you can take control as to what images are coming up on the internet using their Media Controller App, whether it’s on an IOS or an Android smartphone system.
Canon also recently introduces the Pan Table, which is a base accessory that can be attached to the bottom of your Vixia mini X or the Vixia HF R camcorders. With this, you will have the option to oscillate the camcorder from left to right up to 200 degrees. It can also be manually adjusted for a tilt up to 20 degrees. Plus, using the Canon CameraAccess plus app, you can use the Wi-Fi to manage your files, as well as the camcorder’s stop-start and zoom option, making it more convenient when shooting your podcast.
At $399.00, you can already have the Vixia mini X and if you want to get the Pan Table, simply add $100.00 and it can be yours as well, which includes the battery pack and compact power adapter, to name a few. The Vixia HF R500, however, is at $299.99, whereas the Vixia HF R50 is being sold at $399.99 and the Vixia HF R52 is only $449.99.
One of the great things that Canon’s new line of camcorders bring to podcasters is that with its built-in Wi-Fi, you can be creative as you can be and share your video instantly. Learn more about VIXIA mini X, VIXIA HF R500,Vixia HF R50, and VIXIA HF R52 by visiting Canon’s website.
Interview by Daniel J. Lewis from The Audacity to Podcast.
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Dropcam Cloud-based Wi-Fi Video Monitoring
Dropcam has been a sponsor here at TPN for several months but if you haven’t clicked through on any of the links, this is your opportunity to see a Dropcam in action. Don Baine chats to Elizabeth from Dropcam about this cloud-connected webcam.
The Dropcam is a wireless 720p webcam that connects easily to your home network but can be accessed across the internet, letting you check up on what’s happening while you aren’t there with your smartphone – both Android and iOS devices are supported. Motion-activated notifications can alert you to unexpected activity and a subscription-based video recording facility gives the ability to rewind and see what happened earlier. Overall it’s a complete solution that goes beyond an internet-connected webcam.
The Dropcam comes in two models, the standard Dropcam and the Dropcam Pro, priced at $149 and $199 respectively.
Interview by Don Baine, the Gadget Professor for the TechPodcast Network.
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Flir FX Portable Interchangeable Wi-Fi Camera
Flir made the news at CES with its personal thermal imaging device for the iPhone but the company does a whole range of imaging devices, including the Flir FX, a portable interchangeable wi-fi video camera. Todd gets further illumination from John Distelzweig of Flir.
The Flir FX is a fundamentally a webcam running 1080p over wi-fi, but that’s largely where the similarity with other products end. The Flir FX unusually has an internal battery, giving it greater portability than most similar products and the main camera unit can be slotted into different mounts, converting from a home webcam into sports video camera or an outdoor security camera, depending on the exterior case used. It’s really very cool.
The Flir FX will be available in late spring with an MSRP $249 and you can put your name down to be notified .
Interview by Todd Cochrane of Geek News Central for the TechPodcast Network.
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Omnimount Ergonomic TV Mounts
Omnimount the maker of ergonomic furniture is now making ergonomic TV mounts. The Omnimount mount for TVs allows a television to be moved easily up, down, forward and backward. If you are sitting on the floor you can lower the TV so that you are not craning your neck to watch it. The mount is also extendable so you can bring the TV closer to you. The mount can be extended out up to 28 inches. These mounts would be perfect for people who want to mount their television sets over their fireplace. The problem with this idea is that it leads to the viewer having to look up to watch it which is uncomfortable and unhealthy. With the Omnimount mount you can still place the TV over the fire-place and then bring it down when you want to watch it.
The mounts can handle monitors up to seventy pounds and come in various sizes. Mounts that handle smaller TV monitors are available now and those that can handle bigger monitors should be available soon at an MSRP of $449.00.
Interview by Jeffrey Powers of Geekazine.
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