Category: video

Flaky Franchises a Reality

Last Summer we netflixed a movie called Flakes.

It was the story of a local cereal bar being threatened by a big, mean corporate cereal bar. Yes, cereal- like Cocoa Puffs. It was mildly entertaining, but the concept of a cereal bar was the most memorable part. Well, that and Zooey Deschanel.

So then last night, passing through DFW airport enroute from San Antonio, I spotted this sign in one of the food courts…
Cereal Bar in DFW

Turns out Cereality is a franchise based in Scottsdale, Arizona. The wacky idea is apparently not so wacky after all.

Once again, life imitates art.

Service Pack 3 Glitch Kills Video Capture

After installing Windows XP SP3 my camcorder was no longer recognized when I plugged in the Firewire cable. No matter what I tried it wouldn’t allow me to capture video.

Turns out there’s a glitch in the IEE1394 driver you get with Microsoft’s service pack that is well documented. However, the fix isn’t that easy to find.

Fortunately it’s quick and simple.

If you roll back the OHCI1394.sys file to the SP2 version you’ll be able to capture video again. And this error isn’t specific to any particular brand of camera or computer- I have a JVC but we tried a Panasonic, a Sony and Canon without any better results. This also applies to other Firewire devices, like hard drives.

I was able to fix the problem by copying the OHCI1394.sys file from my Dell’s system support files (look for a folder called C:\i386). Otherwise dig out your Windows XP disk. Once you find a pre-SP3 version of the file open C:\Windows\System 32\Drivers and make a copy of your current OHCI1394.sys file. You might want to email it back to Bill later. Now copy the older version of the file into the System 32 Drivers folder and you’ll get a warning that you’re copying over a newer file. Just say “Thank you very much” and click OK.

Now restart and you should be good to go.

Abother option is uninstall SP3. That’s a more lengthy process but easily done through the Add/Remove Program section of Control Panel. Hope this helps someone else solve their video capture troubles!


Deep Discounts at the “Open Box” Center at B&H Photo and Electronics

Hot Camcorders at Cool Prices

B & H Photo is offering some great bargains on top notch camcorders. I picked a few of my favorites from different categories- from lightweight point-and-shoot to fully digital HD.

Pure Digital 30 Minute Point & Shoot Camcorder
The Pure Digital 30 Minute Point & Shoot Camcorder is so easy to use, anyone can record home videos. All you have to do is point the camera at your subject, press record and shoot. That’s it! Capture up to 30 minutes of video to the camera’s internal 512MB flash memory and when you’re ready to share what you’ve recorded upload it to your compatible PC or Mac via the USB arm.

The Point & Shoot also features a 2x digital zoom for getting in closer, a 1.4″ TFT color playback screen, and review and delete options for recorded footage. Built-in software aids in sharing and archiving, and includes free video hosting options. This camera is not only easy to use but also extremely affordable, which makes it perfect for the budget conscious consumer who wants an uncomplicated camcorder experience.

Special Price- $79.95+ Shipping

Samsung SC-D382 Mini DV Camcorder
The Samsung SC-D382 Mini DV Camcorder features a 680k pixel CCD image sensor for recording all your adventures in life. Whether you’re at a child’s sporting event or on a family vacation this camera will capture the moment with ease. The 34x optical zoom and Digital Image Stabilization (DIS) allows you to capture clean, clear video from far off or in crowded situations where you’re likely to experience hand shake. The 2.7″ color TFT LCD display provides a platform for composing your shots and a place to watch video upon playback. When you’re ready to take a little more control of your movie making, just switch over to manual focus, exposure, white balance or shutter speed. And, because of it’s compact size, take the SC-D382 anywhere you go; just drop it in a bag and forget about it until it’s time to record!

Special Price- $ 154.95 + Shipping

Sony HDR-UX5 AVC HD DVD Handycam Camcorder
The Sony HDR-UX5 AVC HD DVD Handycam Camcorder shoots in genuine 1080i resolution, for real unparalleled HDTV clarity. Its professional quality Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens captures brilliant images with life like color and tones, while the 2.1-megapixel CMOS processes faster than a CCD for richer color and better detail. The Progressive Shutter System supplies digital still images with excellent definition and sharpness.

This camcorder comes with a variety of features, including 80x digital zoom, 16:9 widescreen mode, a hot shoe, a USB 2.0 interface, and Dolby Digital 5.1 audio. This camcorder records in DVD format MPEG2 and AVCHD onto DVDs. The DR-UX5 is compatible with DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+RW and DVD+R Dual Layer disc formats for easy shooting and storing.

Special Price- $ 379.95+ Free Shipping

Canon VIXIA HG10 HD AVCHD HDD Camcorder
The Canon VIXIA HG10 HD AVCHD HDD camcorder combines a 40GB internal memory, 1920 x 1080 Full HD CMOS sensor, and DIGIC DV II technology. The 40GB HDD allows for up to 15 hours of record time in LP mode while the CMOS provides for true-to-life color rendition even in low-light. The DIGIC DV II technology further improves color reproduction, especially in skin tones while at the same time reducing image noise.

The 2.7″ multi-angled vivid widescreen LCD enables you to shoot with the LCD screen at any angle and still be able to see what you’re recording. The SuperRange optical image stabilization offers more image stability than previously available on other camcorders. The 24p provides rich, movie-film quality for your videos.

The HG10 is small enough to fit in your pocket or bag, allowing you to take it anywhere you go. Canon’s compact design also provides for ease of use and ergonomic comfort when recording, giving you a camcorder that looks and feels smart.

Special Price- $ 599.99+ Free Shipping

JVC GZ-HD7 Everio 60GB Hard Disk Drive HD Camcorder
The JVC Everio GZ-HD7 is a hard-drive based high definition camcorder with a variety of unique features destined to wet the palette of professionals and enthusiasts alike. The 60GB internal hard drive is capable of recording up to 420 minutes of standard definition footage, as well as being able to shoot up to 1080i.

Equipped with a plethora of controls, the GZ-HD7 performs much like a compact prosumer camera while still being incredibly affordable. The most notable feature on the camera is its ability to shoot ultra-high bandwidth MPEG-2 video for increased quality over traditional HDV.

Special Price- $ 799.95+ Free Shipping

Panasonic PV-GS90 Mini DV Camcorder
Panasonic designed the PV-GS90 SD MiniDV Camcorder for the die-hard fan of both SD and MiniDV. Not only will this camera fulfill your need for the old school but its compact size makes it perfect for travel; just put it in your bag and go. The 1/6″ CCD image sensor captures video with accuracy and stills in 640 x 480 resolution to SD/SDHC cards (sold separately). Use the widescreen 2.7″ LCD display to compose your shots or to play back footage for friends.

The PV-GS90 also features an LED light, 42x optical zoom, and MEGA Optical Image Stabilization. Panasonic’s MEGA OIS is an upgraded version of standard OIS, which corrects 4000x per second for a steady shot every time. If you’ve been craving MiniDV in standard definition, the PV-GS90 is for you.

Special Price- $ 224.95+ Free Shipping

The Supersonic Kiwis

I’m still laughing my ass off to Flight of the Conchords.

http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=okmodern-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=B000P2A6C0&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_top&lc1=0000FF&bc1=FFFFFF&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr&npa=1A friend sent me a link to one of their music videos on YouTube a few weeks ago. I recognized Jemaine Clement from the offbeat film Eagle vs Shark. But I had no idea the musical pair actually did a television show about their digi-folk duo. A few minutes later it was in our Netflix queue!

The first season of the HBO series is now out on DVD and well worth your time. I recommend watching it with the subtitles turned on. Not because their Australian accents are hard to understand. Oops… I mean New Zealand…. But you’ll want to catch the lyrics, it’s subtle humor at it’s best.

Very funny stuff. I dare say it’s some of the best TV since Mr. Show.

Here’s that video I mentioned earlier…

This Recorder IS Handy: Zoom H2

Handy Recorder might be a silly name, but the Zoom H2 digital audio recorder is anything but silly.

I was looking for a way to record audio on the go, mostly with video in mind. The most common options are wireless microphones. But a really good one is expensive. And since we would be using it around machinery (ie; spark plugs) I worried about interference with the radio signal.


Then one afternoon I picked up a copy of Event DV magazine and saw an article about the Zoom H2. The specs rolled off like a wish list: built-in mic, external line or mic input, USB interface, no tape, no moving parts, weighs like… nothing. It even has a guitar tuner! What’s not to like?

We ordered one up. When it arrived I put a new battery in my trusty clip-on mic from Radio Shack and we were ready to go.
Synch
To record audio on the Zoom while recording video on our camcorder requires us to synchronize the two for our final product. This is really pretty easy to do with computer video editing software. It’s a similar process to synching a two-camera shoot.

To simplify this feat we use a $2 clicker from the local pet store (you’ve seen them before- like they use to train Border Collies). The click makes a huge spike that’s easily visible on the two audio tracks. Move them so the spikes match up and your sound is synchronized. Once we’re rich and famous maybe we’ll get one of those cool clapboards like the Big Boys use!
The sound is great, it can store days of audio and uses AA batteries. For under two hundred bucks we’ve got a fully portable audio system that can be used standalone or with a clip-on lapel mic. So far it’s worked out great for our nascent video productions, and we’re coming up with new uses almost every day.

I’m planning to use one at work to record conferences. Last week a buddy told me he attended a concert at the Cain’s Ballroom. A guy down in front was holding a Zoom recorder over his head to catch all the action.

This darn thing really is pretty handy.