May 22, 2006 19:31 - Keeping track of things in the digital home
Do you now have a digital home video system in place? Well if you do you should read on to find out how to manager your storage of digital media in your home. Keep on top of it or lose it....Managing storage in a 'digital home'
One of the most commonly overlooked but crucial aspects of any digital home is storage...opines Yogesh Kamat, India country manager, Maxtor.
Ask ten experts how to build a "digital home" and you'll likely get ten different answers. Some will tell you to focus on applications: security, photo slideshows, music streaming, TV recording, and so on. Others will tell you to focus on building a solid, high-speed network or making sure your multimedia gadgets support this or that type of content. Especially for novices, it can all be a bit overwhelming.
We can't tell you what approach is best; the balance of planning priorities varies from home to home. We can tell you that one of the most commonly overlooked but crucial aspects of any digital home is storage.
Why Storage Matters
Many of us grew up on word processing and spreadsheets, back when 20 megabytes of disk storage seemed vast. But then came multimedia, and now 20 gigabytes seems uncomfortably cramped. Our world now has CD ripping, file sharing networks, download services, digital cameras, and affordable DV camcorders. A CD ripped at high fidelity settings in MP3 format might consume 80MB. The same album downloaded from a music subscription service (at slightly lower fidelity) would chew up about 45MB. A conventional 5-megapixel (MP) image captured in standard-compression JPEG format takes up roughly 1MB. And one hour of uncompressed standard video consumes over 14GB of disk space. Want to use your computer or similar TiVo-like device to record your favorite TV show? At DVD-quality recording, that's about 2GB per hour. Going high-def will multiply that by more than six times.
You can run the numbers for yourself, but with a relative handful of CDs, downloads, and video, it's apparent that dozens if not hundreds of gigabytes of storage space are needed. If you're still devoted to your VHS tapes and film camera, accept that the world is now running in the opposite direction. Digital now outsells analog on almost every media front, and some old school analog titans are closing plants left and right. Especially if you have broadband, there are literally terabytes of data flowing through your home like a river, and all you need is the storage solution to dip in and have your fill. The trick is to have the right solution to ensure you have enough storage and the right level of data protection so you can manage that content easily and keep it safe.
Fortunately, reputable companies offer a suite of reliable storage solutions at affordable prices. So yes, there are lots of ways to tackle a “digital home,” but all of them depend on having plenty of storage capacity, with the right management tools, planted at the right places across your home network.
Storage Hotspot #1: The Primary PC
The average capacity for a new PC's hard drive may still be under 100GB, but this size is really more pertinent for a user with a system holding an operating system and a handful of applications and documents. In a digital home, the rule for a primary PC is to buy as much storage capacity as you can afford because, trust me, you'll grow into it. But there are a couple of caveats.
First, the mistake that most consumers make is to buy the biggest hard drive they can afford and nothing else. Capacity is great but not if it means sacrificing data protection. With two hard drives in a computer, you have the ability to set up and use the second as a periodic backup location, or set up both drives in a “mirrored” configuration. In technical circles this is called a RAID 1. In essence, whatever gets written to the primary drive is immediately mirrored to the second. Because the second drive is more or less invisible to the system, your two 250GB mirrored drives still yield only 250GB of visible storage, but if anything happens to the first drive the second automatically kicks in so you have no down time and zero loss of data. Experienced computer builders can help you with setting up a RAID 1 in your PC, again assuming that it has two disk drives of [equal] capacities.
For those users that do not want to break open their PC and install another hard drive, a simpler route is to use add an external hard drive that plugs directly into the computer's USB or FireWire port. Many external drives come with the ability to add storage space and back up a computer's data, but it's important to choose a solution with integrated software backup capabilities and not one with software just thrown in the package as this can make set up more difficult.
Speaking of backup, every heavily used computer should have adequate backup provisions. If this computer houses your priceless family photos and videos, isn't the cost of a second hard drive, whether internal or external, ultimately negligible? Moreover, if you depend on this computer for income, homework, or mission critical recordings like the Super Bowl, do you want to risk drive problems at the worst possible time, including the infamous “disk full” error message?
That said, as you continue to amass multimedia content, some files will prove to be higher priority than others. This is where an external storage solution can also come in very handy. You might have one external for extra storage and another for backup, or one large external might serve both functions.
Also consider the role of extra drives for housing secondary content. For instance, say you shoot 100 images of the family reunion, and ten of them turn out to be excellent shots you edit and share around. Those other 90 might come in handy someday, but they're not important enough to tie up space on your primary drive. The same might be true of TV shows you watch and want to save but perhaps not revisit for a long time. An extra drive is a great way to keep secondary content within reach and not slow down or increase wear on your main drive(s) in the process.
Read more of this terrifc article on home video storage solutions
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May 23, 2006 20:47 - New Pentax Camera announced - K110D digital SLR camera
Keeping you on top of the latest in the digital world we bring you today the latest announcment from Pentax about a new digital SLR camera model. Simple and yet sofisticated enough to take high quality images. Check out this release from Pentax about this new digital camera.___________________________
Pentax Corporation is pleased to introduce the Pentax K110D, an entry-class lens-interchangeable digital SLR camera that combines a host of advanced technologies with a simple, user-friendly operation system and a compact, lightweight body. It brings high-quality digital SLR photography to everyone - especially to first-time digital SLR users.
Developed as a starter camera for budding digital SLR photographers, the K110D is designed to capture high-quality images with simplified operation in any situation. In addition to a sophisticated auto focus system that rivals the performance of high-end models, the high-performance K110D offers a bright, clear viewfinder, an extra-large, wide-view LCD monitor, and 6.1 effective megapixels.
Major Features
1. 11-point wide-frame AF to capture off-center subjects in crisp focus
The K110D's sophisticated SAFOX VIII auto focus system features 11 sensor points (with nine cross-type sensors in the middle) to automatically focus on the subject with utmost precision, even when it is positioned off center. The in-focus sensor point is automatically superimposed in red in the viewfinder for at-a-glance confirmation. This high-precision AF system offers a choice of two AF modes: the conventional single AF, and the continuous AF,** which maintains focus on the moving subject as long as the shutter release button is pressed halfway down.
2. Bright, clear viewfinder
The K110D features a lightweight penta-mirror viewfinder, which combines a Pentax-original finder optics with a Natural-Bright-Matte II focusing screen to deliver a bright, clear subject image with a 0.85-times magnification and a 96-percent field of view.
3. Large LCD monitor to facilitate image viewing and menu setting
The K110D incorporates a large 2.5-inch color LCD monitor on its back panel. Its wide-view design allows the photographer to check the monitor image over 140 degrees vertically and horizontally, ensuring effortless image viewing even from a diagonal position. With a total of approximately 210,000 pixels, it also offers digital zooming of playback images up to 12 times for easy confirmation of the image's focusing status and details. The large monitor size allows for large letters, digits and icons on the menu screens to facilitate menu confirmation and camera operations. In addition, the color scheme between the menu listings and the background is optimized for each menu screen to assure at-a-glance confirmation, even under varying shooting conditions.
4. Auto Picture Mode for effortless point-and-shoot SLR photography
The K110D offers the Pentax-developed Auto Picture Mode, which automatically and instantly selects one of the five Picture modes - including Portrait, Landscape and Macro - by calculating various factors to assure optimum results. Since this advanced shooting mode takes away all the concerns about aperture, shutter-speed, white-balance, saturation, contrast and sharpness settings, the photographer can concentrate on image composition and timing.
5. Auto sensitivity control up to 3200 standard output sensitivity
The K110D features an auto sensitivity control function, which automatically sets the optimum standard output sensitivity - up to 3200, which is the highest automatic setting in its class - based on such data as the subject's brightness level and the lens' focal length. Since this function allows the use of higher shutter speeds in poor lighting situations (such as indoor sports events and night scenes), it helps the photographer to effectively reduce camera shake and prevent blurred images.
6. AA-battery power supply for easy battery replacement on the road
The K110D is powered by four AA-size batteries - available nearly anywhere in the world - for worry-free battery replacement. It also accepts two CR-V3 lithium batteries.
7. True-to-life, rich-gradation images assured by 6.1 effective megapixels
The K110D features a large, high-performance 23.5mm x 15.7mm CCD as its image sensor, assuring the accurate reproduction of scenes- from images with beautiful out-of-focus backgrounds to those with edge-to-edge sharpness. By combining 6.1 effective megapixels with a high-performance imaging engine and advanced image-processing technologies, the K110D is designed to produce beautiful, true-to-life images that are rich in gradation. What's more, it offers a choice of two finishing touches of "Natural" or "Bright" to create a distinctive atmosphere.
8. Compatibility with existing Pentax interchangeable lenses
The K110D is compatible with all existing Pentax interchangeable lenses - both old and new.** This compatibility lets the photographer use various lenses for the same subject, or select the most appropriate lens for a given situation, assuring the top visual creativity available only through SLR photography.
** Lenses compatible with the K110D are: K-, KA-, KAF- and KAF2-mount lenses; screw-mount lenses (with an adapter); 645-system lenses (with an adapter); and 67-system lenses (with an adapter). Certain lenses may lose part of their functions.
9. Super-compact, ultra-lightweight body, with outstanding rigidity
While the K110D is designed to be compact and lightweight to enhance operability and portability, it also incorporates a newly developed stainless-steel chassis and a fiber-reinforced engineering plastic housing to reinforce its overall rigidity and durability.
Sounds like a winner. Lets go check it out.
Pentax Corp
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May 24, 2006 19:04 - Ricoh brings new digital camera to the marketplace
A new digital camera from Ricoh featuring a slim form factor, fast shutter response and a large 2.5 inch LCD screen. Check out the release.------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ricoh Caplio R40
Dennis Hissink : May 22th 2006
Ricoh Caplio R40 : Ricoh announced the Ricoh Caplio R40 compact camera, featuring a 5.7x optical wide zoom (equiv. to 28-160 mm in 35 mm format) in a slim body only 26-mm deep. Available in black, the new Ricoh Caplio R40 is a more affordable version of the highly successful R4, which featured a 7.1x (28-200 mm) optical wide zoom lens. Inheriting the Ricoh Caplio R4 its unique Double Retracting Lens System (Designed to have part of the lens assembly inside the camera’s body during lens storage, the wide-angle, high-powered zoom lens is more compact), the Ricoh R40 houses a 5.7x (28-160 mm) wide-angle, high-powered zoom lens in its compact, 26-mm deep body. The Ricoh Caplio R40 will be available in June 2006 and in a black finish.
Ricoh R40 camera - Responsiveness
Ricoh takes pride in manufacturing products based on the concept of Expandability. In addition to its highly versatile wide zoom lens, the new Ricoh Caplio R40 caters for every photographic situation. Thanks to the Ricoh R40’s enhanced macro capabilities, a specialty of Ricoh, and ultra-quick response, this is a camera that gets results anywhere, anytime. No longer will users miss shooting opportunities as they wait for their camera to power up or the Auto Focus to lock.
Ricoh Caplio R40 digital camera - Zoom lens
The newly developed Double Retracting Lens System makes it possible to ?t a 5.7x (28-160mm in 35mm) wide zoom lens into the Ricoh R40’s slim body, which is at a mere 26mm deep ?ts comfortable into the pocket. Ricoh’s innovative Double Retracting Lens System, newly developed from the original Retracting Lens System, allows the lens assembly to be stored in the camera body during lens storage. This enables the 26 mm body to hold a 5.7x wide zoom lens (28-160 mm in 35-mm equivalent).
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May 25, 2006 19:54 - Check out this easy to use digital video camera
The LA Times reviewed this new camera from Pure Digital Technologies Inc.. Cheap and easy to use, for a change... Check it out.----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Small Easy: Device Creates Instant Video
"Point-and-shoot" is not a term I associate with digital camcorders.
When I try out a new one, the pointing and shooting usually has to wait until I take a few moments to learn the basic controls. If the video camera doesn't have its memory disk or tape installed, add several more minutes. And if I have to consult the manual, tack on at least an hour.
So much for instant memories.
But as I was wandering through the newsroom a few days ago, I came upon a going-away gathering for an editor named Betty who had been promoted and was moving to the Food section. She was about to give a goodbye speech.
I quickly pulled the new Pure Digital Point & Shoot Video Camcorder ( about the size of a deck of cards ) out of my shirt pocket, pressed the record button on the back and zoomed in to capture her heartfelt remarks.
There were only four buttons plus a rocker switch for the zoom on the back of the camcorder, so even I couldn't mess it up.
When Betty was done, I zoomed out to catch the applause from the crowd and then walked back to my desk. I plugged the camcorder into a USB port on my computer, and about a minute later I was e-mailing the clip to Betty's co-workers.
The age of instant and relatively inexpensive video has arrived. This camcorder, which came out this month from Pure Digital Technologies Inc. of San Francisco, costs only about $130.
There are drawbacks, the biggest being that the images are not up to the quality of those made by more expensive and complicated video cameras.
But it could be just the thing for someone who wants to capture vacation memories without dealing with a full-fledged video camera. It could also be a good choice as a work tool. For example, an employee in charge of finding new offices for a company could easily shoot video of various spaces and e-mail the clips back to headquarters.
This is not the camcorder you'd want to use to record a major family occasion or a company presentation aimed at impressing outsiders. Nevertheless, the images were quite viewable — especially when shown uncompressed on a computer or television screen — considering the compact profile and ease of use of the device. Indeed, from the moment I opened the Point & Shoot package until I sent off my first clips, I never consulted the manual.
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May 27, 2006 08:22 - Digital Cameras: The New Generation by Olga Sen
With the advent of modern scientific tools, life has become highly sophisticated. There has been a significant evolution in the technology and the lifestyles of the human beings. One of the fine examples of evolution is the advent and craze for digital cameras. A digital camera is equipped with an electronic photosensitive sensor. The photographs are stored digitally in the in-built memory of the camera and can be directly uploaded on a computer for viewing and printing. There is no need for buying films or getting them processed with these modern gadgets.
The craze for using the cameras can be traced back to the 16th century. Man has used the cameras to capture the history or larger-than-life-events. As the science has expanded in this ever-shrinking world, the expansion of camera technology has soared to new heights. From the normal camera, the world has stepped into the era of digital cameras. These cameras have brought in a complete revolution in the camera industry.
The features of digital camera are so unique and advanced, that handling the camera has become a child’s play. Before you go and buy your digital camera, you should know some basic information on these modern weapons. You must pick the right camera to capture your precious moments.
How a Digital Camera Works
The basic difference between a digital camera and normal camera is that a normal camera uses a film to store the photographic images, while a digital camera uses an in-built memory to store the photographs in digital format. The lens of the digital camera focuses the light directly on to a semiconductor device. This device records the light electronically. The computer then breaks and stores this electronic data into digital data, which gets stored in the memory of the camera and can be transferred on to a computer.
Charge Coupled Device (CCD) is employed as the image sensors in the digital cameras. These charge coupled devices are responsible for converting the light into electronic forms. The CCD is made up of light sensitive diodes which accumulate electrons when hit by a beam of light. The prominently used CCDs are the triple CCD cameras. The product of these cameras is superb as the three CCDs react separately to the three basic colors such as red, blue and green. The end result is fantastic. These electronic symbols are then stored as digital data in the digital camera.
Buying a Digital Camera
The modern market is booming with various types of digital cameras. Digital cameras vary in function and most of all their mega pixel quality. If you plan to buy a digital camera, prior information about digital cameras would be an added advantage.
First of all you should figure out your need for buying a digital camera. The need for a digital camera helps you narrow your search for the best camera, suited to your requirements. You might want to buy a digital camera for posting photographs on the net, using photos for professional graphics work, to get a better-quality photographs and much more.
Next thing you should determine is the resolution you require in a digital camera. There are broadly 5 classifications of resolutions for digital cameras. These resolutions are expressed as mega-pixels. The higher the resolution of a camera, the better quality photograph it will produce. There are cameras available with 6 and 7 mega-pixels however, anything above 4 mega-pixels will produce really great photos.
Now buying a digital camera should be easy!
Olga Sen writes articles on a number of different topics. For more information on Digital Cameras please visit http://www.digital-camera-guides.com/ and for additional Digital Camera related articles please visit the following article pagehttp://www.digital-camera-guides.com/digitalcameras-articles/
Article Source:http://goodinfohome.com
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