Category Archives: Video

Nady introduces new wireless and headset audio gear at CES2014

CES 2014, Video, , , , , , , ,

NAD-HM-35-3.5mmNady 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

Accessories, Cameras, CES 2014, Video, , , , ,

VidPro rolling stablizerKnown 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

Cameras, CES 2014, Video, , , , ,

Tascam-dr-60d

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

Cameras, CES 2014, Gadgets, Video, , , , , , , ,

VIXIA_HF_R52_main_LCD_bkFor 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.

VIXIA_mini_X_02If 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

CES 2014, Gadgets, Video, Wireless

Dropcam LogoDropcam 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

Accessories, Cameras, CES 2014, Video, Wireless

Flir FX CameraFlir 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

Accessories, CES 2014, Home, Video

Omnimount 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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Griffin Technology Introduces the PowerMate Bluetooth and the Merchant Square Case

Accessories, CES 2014, Video

Griffin Technology showed off two items at CES 2014. The PowerMate Bluetooth and the Merchant Square Case .

The PowerMate Bluetooth is a programmable device which connects to your Mac through Bluetooth. It can be programmed to control various applications. You can use it to control volume, scrub through video, play and stop music and much more. You can program up to six different functions or key commands. It will be available sometime this summer for $59.99.

Merchant Square Case

The Merchant Square Case is a joint effort with Square. It is a case made specifically to work with the Square Card Reader. When in use the Square Card Reader fits snugly into the case. This prevents Square Card reader from moving when you go to swipe a card. It also has a grove to guide the card into the reader. Once you are done using the reader, you can store it in the back of the case, so you never lose it. The Merchant Square Case is available now for $19.99.

Interview by Todd Cochrane of Geek News Central for the TechPodcast Network.

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Kiwi Wearable Technology

Accessories, Cameras, CES 2014, Mobile, Video

kiwiwearableKiwi Wearables is wearable technology that can be clipped on or worn on the wrist. It works with both bluetooth and wi-fi. The device can interact with both your phone and connected devices within your home network. It has motion, temperature, magnetic and barometer sensors. The Kiwi Wearable also includes a microphone which listens to the environment around the users. The users can also use the microphone to issue commands. You can also issue commands using custom designed gestures. In the video on the website, the user writes an S in mid-air and brings up her Shazam app to identify the song playing over the loud-speaker. The device is not waterproof, but it is something that they are working on. The API is open to developers. The Kiwi Wearable will come in white, silver and black and should be shipping in July. It will be $125 plus shipping. I have to say I am really curious about this device and I am thinking about preordering one. I only hope that it works as advertise

Interview by Todd Cochrane of Geek News Central for the TechPodcast Network.

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Elmo USA Introduces Qbic-MS1 and the BOXi-T200

Accessories, Cameras, CES 2014, Gadgets, Video

Elmo USA Elmo USA which has been around in the United States since 1973 and in Japan since 1921, offered two new products at CES 2014. The Qbic-MS1 a wearable action camera and the Elmo BOXi T-200 Projector.

The Qbic-MS1 is a wearable camera which can be used to take both videos and photos. It has a standard mount and can use most action camera tripods on the market. It has a wide-angle lens and can take pictures at 120, 145 and 170 degrees. It is WiFi enabled and connects to a free app which will be available in the iTunes app store upon release. An Android app is currently being worked on . You can watch live videos from the camera through the app. You can also control the camera using the app. The Qbic-MS1 will last two hours on a fully charged battery. It uses a micro SD card to store the content. It should be available in spring 2014 for between $200-$300, price is yet to be established.

The Elmo BOXi T200 is a light and compact mobile projector. It is 3.7 inches x 6.0 inches by 1.4 inches and weights only 0.6 lb.. It produces 1080 resolution. You can project a 50 inch image with only three feet of room. The Elmo BOXi T200 has HDMI input, and audio output. You can also listen to audio directly from the device. The device is available on the website for $429.

Interview by Todd Cochrane of Geek News Central for the TechPodcast Network.

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