Video Gadget Inspector

Eye Ball R1

2008-02-19T23:54:00.000-08:00

The Eye Ball from Israel's O.D.F. Optronics is a hand-held mobile gadget with a 360-degree Omni-Directional imaging system, that provides real-time wireless image and audio transmission capacity.

The Eye-Ball system reduces the danger associated with gathering information in hazardous and confined areas such as buildings, caves, tunnels and alleys.

“Imagine your security-men positioned near where terrorists are holed up and you
want to know what’s going on. Do you want to risk sending a man in there? Now,
you don’t have to—an Eye Ball and an Eye Drive will do it for you by capturing
the visuals from the area to plan an offence. These are life-saving equipment,”

explains Eran Tibon, chief operating officer of ODF Optronics.

Features

Omni directional camera
Near infrared illumination up to 8 meters
Captures video up to 23 meters and audio up to 5 meters
Transmits streaming video up to 125 meters
Rotates 4 RPM and can be directed toward a specific target, capturing a 55° horizontal and 41° vertical field of view
Battery powered (operating time is 2 hours; standby mode up to 24 hours)
Wireless Transmission
Personal Display unit that communicates with two Eye Ball R1s

O.D.F. Optronics develops, manufactures and markets a wide variety of innovative imaging systems for Counter Terrorism, Military Reconnaisance, Low-Intensity Conflicts (LIC), Homeland Security, Surveillance, Training, Monitoring and Post Action Review, such as the Gate Keeper, a mobile wireless security system which enables Video Motion Protection and Audio Detection and transmits the video and audio signals to a remote processing and display unit, or the Omni-Directional Reconnaissance System for vehicles, that provides real-time 360 degree images of the vehicles surroundings, allowing the crew to build situational awareness, and navigate the vehicle while being inside the vehicle.

Available from:

Remington

Pinnacle Video Transfer

2008-02-09T13:54:00.000-08:00

The Pinnacle Video Transfer allows to capture all kinds of video and audio files, such as TV shows or movie tapes from any source fitted with Composite Video (PAL-SECAM-NTSC), S-Video (PAL-SECAM-NTSC) or Stereo Audio and transfers them in MPEG-4 quality onto any iPod, PSP or USB 2.0 storage device without using a PC.

Sounds good? It gets better.
Just by simple touching a button, the device starts recording and encoding at high-quality MPEG-4 in H.264 at up to 720x480/576 (NTSC/PAL) resolution.
And it provides with multiple capture options specific for mobile devices, full-screen PC and even video editing or DVD burning.

As an added bonus, it is capable of recharging the iPod battery while it transfers the video files.

Technical Specifications:

Input connectors:

Composite Video: 1xRCA (PAL-SECAM-NTSC)
S-Video: 1xY/C (PAL-SECAM-NTSC)
Stereo Audio: 2xRCA

USB output:

Sony™ PSP® (firmware version 2.81 or higher)
Apple® iPod® Video, Nano and Classic (FAT32 only, firmware version 1.2.1 or higher) iPod Touch and iPhone are supported via iTunes
USB2.0 Hard Disk Drive (FAT16/32 only)
Flash Memory Stick USB 2.0, (FAT16/32 only).

Capture format:

H.264 (MPEG-4)

Capture quality:

IPOD®:

Good: Video 320x240 512 kbps video 96 kbps stereo audio 48 KHz
Better: Video 320x240 768 kbps video 128 kbps stereo audio 48 KHz
Best: Video 640x480 1.5 Mbps video 128 kbps stereo audio 48 KHz

PSP®:

Good: Video 320x240 512 kbps video 64 kbps stereo audio 48 KHz
Better: Video 320x240 768 kbps video 96 kbps stereo audio 48 KHz
Best: Video 320x240 1 Mbps video 128 kbps stereo audio 48 KHz

HDD/Flash memory:

Good: Video 320x240 768 kbps video 64 kbps stereo audio 48 KHz
Better: Video 640x480 1.2 Mbps video 128 kbps stereo audio 48 KHz
Best: Video 720x576 (PAL, SECAM) / 480 (NTSC) 1.5 Mbps video 192 kbps stereo audio 48 KHz

Capture quality:

To view the Transfer Rate Chart click here.

Available from:
http://www.pinnaclesys.com

ad notam Mirror Image

2008-02-04T10:19:00.000-08:00

German manufacturer ad notam has created a line of Mirror Image LCD TVs that consists of a innovative mirror-monitor-system with integrated visible surface that allows to conceal a TV screen that can be watched through glass and mirrored surfaces.
Using patented application of mirror etch together with industrial magnet technology, it fits a TV screen onto an existing mirror or a smoked glass that shows only when turned on.
The watcher gets the impression that the TV and the mirror are part of a single unit.

Meant to be fitted in bathrooms, wellness-oases or hotel suites, the Mirror Image® can create living rooms which present guests with e.g. breakfast TV, Internet, video presentations, stock exchange prices, etc. They could even be set up inside elevators, subway cars, you name it.

ad notam is offering three different lines at the moment:
The New Living TV and Highboard furniture series for unobtrusive home entertainment.
The Bathroom Mirror TV series for small-screen leisure viewing.
The Magic Mirror series offers a smoked glass mirror effect, that conceals the underlying panel until the set is turned on.

The flexibility of the product allows you to even create your own designs that can be integrated as part of your custom furniture.

Specs:

Screen sizes: 6.4 - 46“
Screen format: up to 23“ in 4:3 Format, larger screens in 16:9 Format
Installation depth: 22 - 70 mm
Protection class: up to IP X5 (damp location)
Accessories: Splash-proof RF-remote control

Additional features:

No heat circulation necessary
Magnetic mounting system, simple revision
RS232 interface
Approved FCC, CSA, CE
Automatic recognition of input source
Invisible sound system
It "disappears" when system is switched off
Easy to clean
Lighted mirror version as an option

More Info:
ad notam

Video Gadget Inspector's AdSense Player

2008-02-01T01:56:00.000-08:00

YouTube has launched a new service called AdSense Players.

With AdSense Players you create customized video players for publishing to Websites or Blogs, using keywords or pre-selected premium content, like you see below:

Watch the latest videos on YouTube.com

This Post is just a test to see what AdSense Player picks up from the content of the Video Gadget Inspector's Blog.
Comments are welcome.

Alienware Curve Prototype Display

2008-01-14T07:20:00.000-08:00

The Alienware Curve is a curved gaming monitor designed to simulate peripheral vision that has made its debut at CES 2008.

The curvature of the screen mimics peripheral vision. It is made of four different monitors that are supposed to be seamless, although you can see the seams between this monitor's four segments, Alienware assures that the flaw will be gone by the time this prototype hits the market.

A doublewide curved DLP display with LED illumination, the Alienware Curve displays a resolution of 2880x900, is well over three feet wide and has a .02ms response time, which makes it perfect for gaming.

Price is yet to be determined, but being a DLP display, expect it to be high.

More Info:
http://www.alienware.com
http://www.engadget.com

RIDGID SeeSnake Micro Inspection Camera

2007-10-21T06:42:00.000-07:00

The Ridgid SeeSnake Micro Inspection Camera is a Video Inspection and Diagnostic equipment composed of a camera placed at the end of a 3-foot flexible cable that uses a 2.5 inch, 234×160 pixel color LCD screen for display.
The small camera uses 2 adjustable LED lights and comes attached to the cable.

What can it be used for? Countless uses, such as inspecting inaccessible places inside machinery, wiring connections, searching underneath a large piece of furniture, having a peek inside a hollow wall, H/VAC-R Repairs, etc.
It will help you "Detect and Inspect the Unreachable".

The camera head is completely waterproof.
The cable can be lengthened to up to 30 feet and will remain fully waterproof up to 10.
Various accessories can be placed at the end, including a small mirror, a hook, and a magnet.

Features:

Waterproof Camera Head and Cable
100% stainless steel camera head and new heavy-duty lighting
Fully Adjustable LED Lighting
High intensity lights offer better resolution and better illumination
Flexible 3' Cable
Stiffer push rod to let you push your camera longer distances
Twist and Lock Attachments
4-AA Batteries
Comfort Grip
High Visibility 2.5 Inch Color LCD
Protective Storage Case

Available from:
RIDGID

Spy Cameras

2007-10-10T06:34:00.000-07:00

Spy Cameras from Spy Gadgets

Wired:
They have a wire that goes all the way from the camera to the VCR or TV.
They also need a power supply that plugs into an A/C outlet.

Cordless:
No wires but require power, solar power or battery packs. A separate receiver system attaches to your TV, Recorder, Computer, etc.

Wireless:
Air-borne signal, but you also require power, solar power or battery packs., use batteries, while a separate receiver system attaches to your TV, Recorder, Computer, etc.

And the ones we like the most, Self-contained Spy Cameras:

Available in the following disguised appliances:


Air Purifier	Alarm Clock	Ionizer	Mantle Clock	DVD Player	Boom Box

Motion Detector	Portable CD Player	VCR	Wall Clock	Calculator	Lantern Style Clock

Watch this video of how these self contained hidden spy cameras can help you capture the evidence you need.

And of course, this post would not be complete without the Undercover Cameras:

Hard Wired Pen Camera

Sunglasses Camera
Cell Phone Hidden Camera

Wireless Pen Camera

All Available from:
Spy Gadgets

They also offer:

Legal Issues
Illegal use of this equipment is becoming more and more frequent.
Improperly photographing unsuspecting people in places where they expect a reasonable amount of privacy is a felony.
When in doubt, contact a lawyer.

AT&T Video Share

2007-10-07T06:09:00.000-07:00

AT&T has presented its new Video Share service at DigitalLife 2007.
Video Share is a one-way video live streaming that lets you share the recorded images in your phone during a mobile-to-mobile phone call.

In order to use it the service you must first of all check Coverage in your area, because Video Share works only on the ultra-fast AT&T 3G Network.

To start a Video Share call, you initiate a standard voice call, wait until connection is made, and then hit the Video Share soft key on your phone.
The call recipient's asks for permission, and when allowed it, both phones switch to speakerphone mode and start showing what the caller's video-camera is recording.

Currently the service requires one of the following Video Share–capable phones:

It is expected that more Video Share–capable devices will be launching soon.

More Information:
AT&T Video Share

Holographic displays at Siggraph 2007

2007-09-12T08:02:00.000-07:00

A 3D display that allows viewers to see a 3D image on the screen, as they would see in reality has been on display at SIGGRAPH 2007, the Exhibition on Computer Graphics and Interactive Techniques, in the Emerging Technologies section.

Main features of this innovative system are:

No glasses needed, the 3D image can be seen with unassisted naked eye
Viewers can walk around the screen in a wide field of view seeing the objects and shadows moving continuously as in the normal perspective. It is even possible to look behind the objects, hidden details appear, while others disappear (motion parallax)
Unlimited number of viewers can see simultaneously the same 3D scene on the screen, with the possibility of seeing different details
Objects appear behind or even in front of the screen like on holograms
No positioning or head tracking applied
Spatial points are addressed individually

Optical illusions were offered up by a 3D wide-screen display called Holovizio, which creates giant images resembling holograms.
But instead of using lasers, 64 digital projectors are arranged behind the screen, and are programmed to illuminate it together, in order to build up the 3D image.

The effect works across a broader range of angles than a conventional hologram, allowing several people to view it at once. A hand-tracking system also lets viewers interact with the display, turning the image upside down or back-to-front.

This was the first practical demonstration of a system capable of computing and displaying the 3D geometry, texture, and dynamics of a complex object model in real time and creating accurate, interactive, three-dimensional, animated (up to 25 fps) images in true 3D with full, observer-independent, continuous parallax within a large workspace.

External Links:
Siggraph 2007
Holografika

Blu-ray Disc Vs. HD DVD

2007-09-08T07:47:00.000-07:00

The competing Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD formats aren't entirely dissimilar. Their differences, however, are significant. Blu-ray supports higher-capacity discs, which gives the format more headroom to mature. Blu-ray's additional space also allows movie studios to provide full, uncompressed audio (called Linear PCM) rather than solely compressed (but high-bit-rate) lossless audio technologies, such as Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio.

Where the Blu-ray Disc format falters today is in how much interactivity it can deliver in the movie playback experience. The new world of interactivity includes such features as on-demand picture-in-picture displays, the ability to bookmark favorite scenes, Java-based games, and extra content that you can download to your player directly (such as supplemental audio tracks, featurettes, or trailers) via ethernet. Though interactivity is a big part of the Blu-ray specification, the spec inexplicably failed to require early Blu-ray Disc players to have the minimum hardware needed to enable such features. Players produced after October 2007 will fix this problem by adding a 256MB minimum requirement for storage and a secondary video decoder (for on-demand picture-in-picture video).
The HD DVD format, by contrast, specified more-stringent minimum requirements from the outset. All HD DVD players must have an ethernet connection, a secondary video decoder, and at least 128MB of built-in storage.

These minimum specs enable all current HD DVD players to support the format's fun interactive features, giving you the ability to create bookmarks held in memory, even after you eject a disc; to play a secondary video stream (for viewing discs mastered with picture-in-picture extras that you can switch on and off while watching the movie); to customize your viewing experience (by changing the color of a car on screen, for example); and to download firmware updates and additional content (such as trailers or extra features that will eventually be stored on remote servers).

The catch is, these features are not available on all movie titles (see "Now Playing on Blu-ray and HD DVD" for details on what studios are doing on their movie discs). In fact, no HD DVD movie title today takes advantage of the ethernet connection the format requires players to have.

Dueling technical specs aside, Blu-ray for now appears to be a better gamble than HD DVD, if only for the greater number of movie studios supporting the format. For flicks such as Cars, Casino Royale, Eragon, and the Pirates of the Caribbean Series, you'll need Blu-ray, since those films are produced by studios in the Blu-ray camp. But King Kong, Lost in Translation, Midnight Run, and Serenity, for example, are HD DVD only.

Source:
Melissa J. Perenson

Apple TV

2007-07-13T14:57:00.000-07:00

Shown at Fox 7's "Inspector Gadget".

After the release of Apple's new Apple TV, Steven Combs shows up on Fox 7's AM Evansville morning show to discuss this product with Sean McHose.

Video Making Equipment you can make easily at home

2007-07-06T07:39:00.000-07:00

PVC Camera Rig:
This really easy to make PVC rig for your camcorder is based on the figg design of a wheel that provides good control and also acts as a stabilizer because the centre of gravity is lowered. This is all made from easy to get PVC irrigation pipe and fittings and you can make it just with a hacksaw to cut the pipe. This universal rig ALSO allows you to attach microphones, receivers and video lights to the frame.

This simple to make project has it's own tutorial and it can be made in less than an hour and you are ready to shoot.

See the tutorial on how to build this rig

Build your own Mike Blimp:
This really effective microphone wind shield is simple to build and also has a great extendable boom. You will be able to build the entire blimp (zepplin) for less than $20 and we found a perfect boom for $15.

This simple to make project has it's own tutorial and it virtually eliminates all wind noise when you use your shotgun microphone in the casing.

See the tutorial on how to build this rig

Build your own LCD Hood:
Ever tried to use your LCD 'flipout' screen on your camera outdoors?? Right, when the light is bright you see nothing!! I prefer to do intial focus and setup with the EVF but it's a lot easier to follow action using the LCD screen..as long as you can actually see it!!!

It works really well and allows you to use the flip-out screen even in bright daylight and get a sharp clear image.

See the tutorial on how to build this rig

Front-end and 'anti-shock' mic mount for our Mini Crane:
For those of you who are building our Mini-Crane here's another option to build for the camera mount. Both my MiniDV cameras (for some unknown reason) don't have an accessory shoe so you cannot add an external microphone! Even if you did, there is still the aspect of transmitted noise so we replaced the original camera mount on the crane with the rig on the left which holds the camera nicely and also provides a shock-mount for the shotgun mike on top.

See the tutorial on how to build this rig

Build your own Camcorder Mount Rig:
This is simple and it works. We have recently sold all our big, heavy analogue shoulder mount cameras in favour of smaller and lighter DV cameras but you just CAN'T get a steady handheld shot with this small device strapped to one hand. (Even holding the LCD display with your second hand doesn't work that well. Here is the answer...it gives you steady handheld shots and costs under $20 to build and you get the same sort of stability that a shoulder-mount ENG camera gives you.

Watch the video

See the tutorial on how to build this rig

Build your own Camcorder Mini Crane:
I went one step further and ripped a tripod apart and mounted the pan head on my mini-crane cos it's more useful there. No more juggling around with the tripod trying to get the height and position right!! You just walk left or right, forward or backwards for that perfect shot. PLUS you can do smooth pans and you never have to tilt the camera to get a high shot!! Try doing a low angle pan from a couple of feet of the ground to over 10 feet in the air and then track forwards or backwards in one fluid shot.

Watch the video

See the tutorial on how to build this rig

Build your own Camera Stabilizer:
If you are making an action movie and your hand-held shots look decidedly amateur, then try using this unique cam stabilizer that will give you silky smooth footage. Believe it or not it not only provides a lower Centre of Gravity for your camcorder but also compensates for yaw, pitch and roll just like the professional units but this one will only cost you around $30 or less!!

See the tutorial on how to build this rig

Check out this video about the new DIY Camera Stabilizer

Making a Track Dolly:
To attain some degree of professionalism with shots you often need a smooth tracking shot because simply panning the camera looks decidedly amateur. A dolly that runs on wheels is not that expensive to purchase but it really only of any use on a smooth indoor surface. The only way to get smooth tracking shots outdoors is to use a dolly that runs on rails that can be laid down over rough terrain to get that shot you really need. You can build one yourself for a few dollars just using standard PVC irrigation pipe

See the tutorial on how to build this rig

From Sofweigh Multimedia Video Resources:

Home Security Cameras

2007-03-13T14:50:00.000-07:00

Shown at Fox 7's "Inspector Gadget".

Brian West gives Sarah Brownlee some tips on how to spy on the neighbors and those pesky animals using some interesting surveillance technology.

Fujifilm FinePix V10

2006-09-13T15:02:00.000-07:00

Fujifilm introduced the Fujifilm FinePix V10 at the Las Vegas Consumer Electronics Show in January 2006.

Steven Combs shares with Sarah Brownlee at Fox 7's "Inspector Gadget", one of the best deals available in a pocket sized digital camera, the FujiFilm V10.

Rigel 3250 Compact Night Vision Goggles

2006-02-04T16:15:00.000-08:00

A night vision device is an optical instrument that allows images to be rendered under low levels of light, even approaching total darkness.
They used to be most often used by the military and law enforcement agencies, but are now available to civilian users.

The Rigel 3250 Compact is one of those devices known as "night vision goggles" that can be mounted on the user's head with a harness or helmet attachment, holding a pair of binocular lenses which provide a degree of depth perception as optical binoculars do.

The Rigel 3250 Compact weighs under 1 lb. and is over 20% lighter than any other Rigel series night vision goggle.
Both professional and consumer groups can now enjoy professional grade night vision goggle that features a built in infrared illuminator for viewing in total darkness.

The Rigel 3250 night vision goggle also features an enhanced 30 lin./mm resolution and an image intensifier.
The optical chamber can also be removed from the mask for use as a night vision binocular with an optional Rigel 9564 conversion kit.

Additional Features

Water resistant
Shock resistant body
Built in bright light protection
Contour eyecups block side light
Comfortable and safe fully adjustable headmount with flip-up storage capability

General Specifications

Magnification 1.0
Field of view 30 degrees
Tube Gen. 1 +
Objective lens/aperture 35mm/1.0
Detection Range with 1.0x lenses 140 yards
Detection Range with Rigel 9500 Conversion Kit 280 yards
Resolution 30 lin./mm
Focus range 10 in (.25 m) to infinity
Power supply 3 Volts
Diopter +4 to -4 dptr

Technical and Environmental Information

Continuous operation time, hrs IR 30, with IR 12
Dimensions 4.3"x4.2"x2.1" (110x108x53 mm)
Weight 0.95 lbs

Available from:
Rigel Optics

Lightwave 3D

2005-11-13T15:50:00.000-08:00

A veteran on TV, film, and game media, LightWave 3D is also used to create graphics for print, web, industrial design, architecture, medical imaging, etc.
LightWave 3D includes tools to create soft-body dynamics, particles, hair, and fur, plus unlimited render nodes.
LightWave 3D is one of the first animation packages with built-in high-dynamic range images (HDRI) support. First appeared in the Amiga scene and later migrated to Mac OS X and Windows, platforms while the render engine has been ported to Linux. It is developed by NewTek. WaveGuide (http://www.intuitionbase.com/waveguide/home.html) is dedicated to LightWave3D, on the Amiga, the best home computer ever.
LightWave has been used in films like Blade Runner, Terminator2 and Babylon5. Also been the software of choice in the Mimbari wars, Titanic, Tomb Raider 2, The Matrix Reloaded, Blade 2, The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, The Last Samurai, etc

Technorati : 3d, lightwave

Sony Cybershot

2005-11-13T11:51:00.000-08:00

The Sony Cybershot DSCP200 is a great camera disguised as a small gadget.

With a weight of only

and m.

It features an awesome 7.20

Megapixels CCD Sensor.

Its software runs both on

I want one.

Amazon.com: Sony Cybershot DSCP200 7.2MP Digital Camera 3x Optical Zoom: Camera & Photo

(Description copyright Amazon.com) - DSC-P200 - Compatible with Memory Stick and Memory Stick Pro media; includes 32 MB card. Powered by Lithium-ion battery (NP-FR1); connects to PCs and Macs via USB 2.0. 7.2 MP CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality prints up to 15 x 20 inches. 3x optical and 2x digital zoom for 6x total zoom. Carl Zeiss optics; 16-shot burst mode; high-resolution movie mode with sound

Windows and Mac.

180 grs. and a size of	104 x 52 x 28 mm. it is actually easier to handle than a packet of cigarretes.
It supports image resolutions from	3072x2304 to 1280x960
ovie resolutions of	640x480 and 160x112

Technorati : camera, sony

3D Home Architect

2005-11-12T19:28:00.000-08:00

Broderbund 3D Home Architect Home Design Deluxe 6

Samsung Digimax

2005-11-12T19:17:00.000-08:00

Samsung Digimax Pro 815 8MP Digital Camera

15x Optical Zoom
3.5-Inch LCD

Sony Cybershot Digital Camera

2005-11-05T13:32:00.000-08:00

Sony Cybershot DSCP200 7.2MP Digital Camera 3x Optical Zoom