Sony Reveals New Wave of Professional Grade Cameras

While most consumers have gotten used to the digital camera as something that now fits into our cell phones and tablets, anyone can capture that important personal or family moment. Taking a picture has become a task even a child can perform with the basic point-and-shoot cameras. While the inexpensive and easy picture-taking and video-making devices have proven hot, people making a living in still or motion capturing require higher grade, more capable technology so they can share potentially monumental moments. 

Electronics powerhouse Sony has introduced a slew of new high-end cameras meant to provide greater flexibility options for professional photographers and videographers.

Sony a99 DSLR Camera

Price: $2,800 (body-only)






Sony's flagship DSLR camera, the a99 is described as providing peak performance for recording a combination of photo and video. Constructed with magnesium alloy panels for durability and lightness, the Sony a99 DSLR incorporates Translucent Mirror Technology that eliminates the moving mirror previously used for full-frame imaging. Equipped with XGA OLED Tru-Finder viewfinder technology, the Sony a99 camera can crisply balance brightness, contrast and clarity as well as maintain a 100% field of view with DT lenses.

The Sony a99 camera 24.3 effective megapixel Exmor CMOS sensor joins the BIONZ image processing engine that is capable of handling a sizable amount of data. The a99 is able to record up to 6 still shots per second in burst mode at high level resolution. In Tele-zoom high speed shooting mode, the Sony a99 can capture 10 frames per second. Providing a full range of automatic and manual settings for still shots, the a99 also set for providing Full HD 60p/24p progressive video recording.

The Sony a99 is designed to optimize the SDXS memory cards allowing readable data transfer speeds up to 94 megabytes per second.

Sony NEX-VG900 Handycam Camcorder

Price: $3,300 US (Body-only)


Advertised as the "World's First 35mm Full-Frame Handycam Camcorder" by Sony, the NEX-VG900 is created to unleash creative potential of semi-professional filmmakers.

Utilizing a Exmor CMOS sensor (a technology 40 times larger than the equivalent sensor found in typical consumer camcorders), the Sony NEX-VG900 Handycam Camcorder captures still images at a 24.3 megapixel resolution. Supplying film-like video, the NEX-VG900 Handycam Camcorder is packed with numerous modes for Full HD quality picture in 60p or 24p frame rates. Automated and manually operated settings assures a professional level of work is produced from this latest Sony product. Along with superior picture quality, Sony has provided a Quad Capsule Spatial Array Microphone on the NEX-VG900 Handycam Camcorder that allows support for 5.1 surround sound.

A seesaw lever and the adaptability for fit a wide range of interchangeable lenses will make the Nex-VG900 Handycam Camcorder a valuable piece of motion picture production. The NEX Series of camcorders are designed to use Sony's Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo HX Series of storage.

Sony NEX-VG30H/VG30 Handycam Camcorder

Price: NEX-VG30- $1,800 US (Body-only), NEX-VG30H- $2,700 US



A little less sophisticated than the NEX-VG900 Handycam, the NEX-VG30H and NEX-VG30 camcorders has been created to incorporated many of the same professional film-making features. Also capable of shooting Full HD, the base model NEX-VG30 and better equipped NEX-VG30H Handycam models incorporate a 16.1 megapixel resolutions for capturing detailed still shots. The NEX-VG30H comes with a SELP-18200 E PZ 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 Power Zoom lens that makes anything from wide angle to telephoto shots achievable.

Sony Cyber-shot RX1 Compact Digital Camera 

Price: $2,800 US


A 24.3 megapixel compact camera, the Sony Cyber-shot RX1 is a powerful image capturing device featured with a small palm-sized body. Capable of taking 35mm full-frame image quality, the Cyper-shot RX1 camera includes Pixel Super Resolution digital zoom technology as one piece of software suited for creating professional still pictures. A Carl Zeiss-brand lens is added to the Cyper-shot RX1 digital camera allowing a photographer to take splendid shots in a variety of indoor and outdoor environments. With a full array of automatic and manual adjustments available for photogs with the Cyper-shot RX1, the camera also includes 13 Creative Styles meant to fine-tune an image to near perfection.

Primarily a still shot digital camera, the Sony Cyber-shot RX1 is also effect for taking Full HD video.

Sony NEX-6 Camera

Price: $850 US



Designed to provide a full DSLR experience in a compact camera, the Sony NEX-6 digital camera is a considerably well loaded image-capturing device guaranteed to win over some professional photographers. Featuring a Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor allowing up to 16.1 megapixel pictures to be snapped, the Sony NEX-6 also supplies Wi-Fi capabilities as well as access to the recently-introduced PlayMemories Camera Apps platform. A set of free apps, the PlayMemories Mobile programs can allow photos to be directly uploaded to popular social media sites including Facebook. The NEX-6's 3-inch Xtra Fine LCD display can pivot to a 90-degree or 45-degree down angle so photographers can easily identify when the right shot can be taken.

The Sony NEX-6 digital camera can also be ordered for $1,000 equipped with the compact SELP1650 power zoom lens.


Information and Photo Source: Sony Electronics

Tablets R Us: Major US Toy Retailer Introduces Tabeo

Photo Credit: Toys "R" Us

With September barely two weeks old, the month has featured a greatest rollout of tablet computer hardware for a last time. Started with the new Sony Xperia tablet, Kobo and Amazon also revealed some major improvements to delivering mobile content to consumers. Much of the focus placed on the teen and adult market of portable technology, major retailer Toys “R” Us has announced the Tabeo as a young kid-centric tablet.

Not the first concept in kid-friendly tablets, the Toys “R” Us backed Tabeo is a high functioning device. Controlled through a 7-inch touch screen, the Wi-Fi enabled Tabeo is equipped with a built-in speaker, microphone and camera. Running on the Android 4.0 “Ice Cream Sandwich” operating system, a child is actually interacting with a tablet similar to want parents utilize in more adult-like computing. In the case of the Tabeo, a range of parental controls is built into the software to restrict online access. Standard equipped with a 4-gigabyte internal hardware, the Tabeo’s memory is expandable up to 32 gigabytes using micro SDHC cards. While unclear by the photos, it would be desirable that some kind of childproofing would be put into place in order to prevent a young boy or girl from coming into contact alone with the tiny memory card.

Through 50 preloaded apps and the ability to upload over 7,000 free child appropriate programs through an App Store, Tabeo is capable is providing a wide span of educational and entertainment solutions to a child. Games such as Angry Birds, Cut the Rope and Tiki Golf are some of the more carefree playing experiences preloaded on the Tabeo. As a more educationally engaging interaction, the Tabeo provides several apps to help children gain familiarity with counting and the alphabet. Kids can also explore their inspiring shutterbug abilities with the Camera App and built-in photo editing capabilities of the tablet. The Tabeo has the ability to view several formats of still as well as video files including those presented at 1080p. The tablet also functions as an ereader with iStorybooks, Candy Factory and Little Red Riding Hood included as an introductory library ideal for bedtime.
  

Photo Credit: Toys "R" Us

When this announcement came for this latest tablet for children, the moment caused me to recall my childhood spent with a Whiz Kid computer. Less than sophisticated than any computer device any age group is used to more than 20 years later, I did remember spending quite a bit of time with the educational cards containing various programs. Another thing I recalled about my Whiz Kid was my constant dependence on my parents to get me more batteries. In the case of the Tabeo, a lithium ion battery can provide up to 7 hours of enjoyment for a child (more than enough for extended Car rides). The device is rechargeable by a USB power adapter.

Set to hit United States based Toys “R” Us stores for October 21^st, parents can pre-order the device right now for $149.99. There appears to be no plans to introduce the Tabeo tablet to Canadian stores.

Kobo Introduces New eReader Family

Photo Source: PRNewsFoto/Kobo

Just in time as children go back to school and college students hit the books on their path to a future in Canada, electronic reading solution company Kobo debuts a diverse line of products positioned to win over many demographics. Referred by the company as the "New Kobo Family", the new array gives buyers a varying choice ranging from basic eReaders to more sophisticated tablet computers. 

Three of the four products in the Kobo family focuses bear strictly on the eReader bases which is attractive in both pricing and simplicity for a sizable population. Named the #1 eReader in 2012 by Wired, the touch-screen model of the Kobo continues to be popular. Priced at $99.99, the Kobo Touch is Wi-Fi enabled for immediate uploads of books with a maximum capacity ranging up to 30,000 literary works. The Kobo Touch will feature upgraded software to allow digital readers to better experience their literary enjoyment.

Two completely new products sold by Kobo are some of the smallest, lightest examples of the company's eReader platforms. Compared to the Kobo Touch's 7-inch screen, the Kobo Mini will offer just a 5-inch screen. Kobo advertises their new Mini as the most compact eReader currently available with full-featured E Ink. Even though the Kobo Mini screen is 5 inches, the E Ink insures a no-glare reading experience almost exactly like viewing print on paper. Designed to be small effort to fit easily into a backpack, purse or even pocket, the Kobo Mini can provide a most portable reading experience of up to 1,000 ebooks. Going on sale October 1st, the Kobo Mini will sell for $79.99 available in three sharp colours.

A 6-inch eReader called the Kobo Glo is also a new addition to the product line-up of the company. As could be disseminated from the model name, the Kobo Glo has been created to address the downside of some eReaders. Incorporating ComfortLight technology, the Kobo Glo can be read in dark making it comfortable for reading in a room with low light or when relaxing in bed ahead of a good night's rest. The Kobo Glo includes E Ink, customizable fonts as well as Wi-Fi technology for a simple, easily adaptable reading experience for new eReader customers. Priced at $129.99 when placed on sale at the start of October, there will be a total of five colours offered for the casing of the Kobo Glo including black, white and three stylish shades.      

The most premium product of the Kobo Family is the source of some great improvement as they compete in the super-hot tablet computer market. The Android-based tablet Kobo had sold as the Vox is heavily upgraded and renamed the Arc. Adding a built-in microphone and a 1.3 megapixel camera, the Kobo Arc runs on the Android 4.0 operating system. Beyond books, television shows, movies, music and a full Internet surfing experience is presented through the Kobo Arc's 7-inch high definition display capable of showing up to 16 million colours. The Kobo Arc also presents the Google Play app community to users allowing access to over 600,000 Android-created apps. Twitter, Facebook, Zinio and PressReader are names of a few well-known apps available on the Kobo Arc. Containing a more enduring battery over its predecessor, maximum life for the Arc ranges up to 10 hours (a 3-hour improvement over the Vox). Available in November just in time for holiday shopping, the Kobo Arc will feature an 8-gigabyte model for $199.99 and a 16-gigabyte choice for $249.99.

The Kobo family of eReaders and the Arc tablet computer can access a diverse ebookstore of almost 3 million titles available in nearly 60 languages.

Canadians Consumed Growing Amount of Media in 2011: CRTC Report

Photo Credit: CNW Group/BELL ALIANT INC.

As citizens of a massive land mass separated by hills, mountains the occasional waterway, Canadians have existed in a society that historically connects us through extraordinary means. From the Canadian Pacific Railway constructed through the late 19th century, the 20th century embraced wide telecommunication and broadcasting networks that integrated a country that could have otherwise been isolated by geographic separation. Combined with Canada's typically trying weather during the winter seasons, the allure of media content has allowed Canadians spanning across age groups to explore and surrender a few hours. According to a recently-published annual report by government-supported regulator CRTC (Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission), 2011 tends to indicate English as well as French speaking Canadians have realized an increased amount of content across radio, television, Internet and mobile platforms. 
While a pop song once popularized the phrase "Video Killed the Radio Star", the "Spirit of Radio" (perhaps not unlike the one Canadian rock band Rush sang about in 1980) remains a part of 21st century life in Canada. In 2011, the CRTC has computed the average Canadian listened to 17.7 hours of radio per week. A slight increase from the previous year, it is possible some listening is incidental in restaurants and stores.

In terms of Canadian viewing habits with television, the appetite remains strong for so-called "Couch Potatoes". In 2011, the average Canadian television viewer watched 28.5 hours of content (up from 28 hours in 2010). Despite the increase access to on-line sources for entertainment and information, improvements to television content delivery such as video-on-demand as well as digital cable has kept the medium popular among media consumers in Canada. While the average subscription cost has increased by $2.13 per month in 2011 compared to the previous year, paid television remains a popular option. With 11.8 million Canadians subscribed to television broadcast services, cable leads over satellite accounting for 70 percent in the category compared to 24 percent. The CRTC also notes a 6 percent present of telephone line-based television content delivery.

A source for decades, radio and television have been sharing an increasing amount of the media landscape with forms of new digital media. Through digital media, consumption along English-language Canada has shown a remarkable raise in 2011 over the previous year. Rating the average Canadian spending 18.2 hours a week engaging in digital media content during 2011, it is almost an increase of a full hour from 2010. Average French language Canadian spent 13.1 hours a week with digital media content.

CNW Group/Bell Canada

When it comes to experiencing the Internet at home, 78 percent of Canadians have a subscription to the vast virtual world that stretch beyond the country's borders. Of those customers of Internet, 54 percent utilize connections that involve a minimum of 1.5 megabits per second (Mbps) Internet download speeds. In 2011, the typical Canadian watched 2.8 hours of Internet television content per week according to the annual report from the Canadian telecommunications regulator. The CRTC has also realized that a modest 4 percent of the Canadian public now absorb content exclusively through on-line sources. Music streaming through radio or as downloadable content is also recorded as modest. English-speaking Canadians usage was accounted at 22 percent while 17 percent French-speaking users in the country utilize the Internet for accessing music or other audio programs.

The annual report of 2011 also recognized the smartphone and tablet technology many Canadians have been embracing more each year. Accounting that 38% of Canadians use a smartphone and 10% had a tablet computer at the time of the study, the CRTC identified the smaller devices as possessing a smaller piece of the media puzzle. With only 4 percent of Canadians watched television on tablets and 3 percent watched the similar content on smartphones. With the rapid advance of technology, the data for smartphones and tablets is more than likely set for an increase within annual reports going forward.

Showing that no single platform is ultimately conquering Canada's media spectrum, radio, television and new media should paint a diverse culture for citizens to absorb content. The CRTC annual report for 2011 also makes several mentions of enhanced technologies (LTE and over 5 Mbps Internet) that should insure the sprawling of the landscape could be as ambitious as the far-reaching lands we have built a country.

Stream TV Networks Reveal New Technology for Super HD 3D

A concept marketed since the 1950s, 3D viewing of motion picture content has been largely restricted to B-rated movies. Having the potential of presenting an immerse experience, the use of 3D technology had been long regarded as a novelty. Most cases, 3D would be added to a product that could typically be lacking other redeeming qualities. However, the perception changed through the introduction of the James Cameron blockbuster Avatar in threaters during 2009 that combined high quality 3D with an engaging, well-produced story. Since then, several media companies believed that the consumer market was ready to embrace more 3D experiences. Sadly, the charm of 3D has been poorly delivered to consumers in general with inconsistent fostering of the technology. First high prices of 3D-utilized home electronics, the more pressing issue was the overall quality of 3D content. At the Berlin IFA electronics exhibition, Stream TV Networks Incorporated has shown off a remarkable advancement in home and personal 3D that could increase the prevalence of viewing.

The Stream TV Networks' Ultra-D 2160p technology incorporates extremely high resolution to deliver 3D without the need of special viewing glasses. Improved high definition 3D made possible through what Stream TV Networks deem as a "ground breaking algorithm", the proprietary Ultra-D product allows consumers to view existing content at a resolution between a boosted range of 1080p and 2160p. Performing in conjunction with the SeeCube Auto Converter box, a user-controlled 3D experience provides a picture lacking of distortions and other restrictions that limited previous generation 3D viewing.

Making the Stream TV Networks' Ultra-D system particularly eye catching is a range of exclusive technology that permits the compatibility with various forms of media such as cable and satellite TV, Blu-Ray as well as downloadable content through Xbox, Apple iTunes, YouTube and Netflix. Along with accepting a wide assortment of media formats, the Ultra-D has the ability to operative on many viewing sources. Ultra-D technology will first be available in 42-inch and 46-inch LED television sets but the potential of integrating the 3D viewing system in larger displays as well as tablets and smartphones is said to be upcoming.

Along with the optimized 3D technology, Stream TV Networks proposes a standard for under-serviced native 4K (an ultra-high resolution setup) for which developers of future content can employ. Seeing their Ultra-D technology not only as being an advantage for consumers wanting a premium 3D threater experience, Stream TV Network is eager to have medical, military and other industrial parties see the potential in high quality three-dimensional viewing technology.

Sony Reveals New Xperia Devices; Includes Large Screen Tablet

Photo Source: Sony Xperia

Integrated into many of our lifestyles, handheld electronic devices is well-known as a fast-growing, constantly evolving segment of the consumer marketplace. A supreme innovator in the present portable computer evolution, Apple with their iPhone and iPad products have acclimatized a majority to small, web-connected devices. Competitors in the personal electronics arena have been angling to take a bite out of the apple in the eye of consumers. Showcased at the ongoing IFA electronics show in Berlin, Germany, Sony revealed a new line of their Xperia series mobile devices.

Among the devices featured by Sony is the Xperia T and Xperia V smartphones sporting a new level of technological sophistication to the hands of mobile phone viewers. Featuring 13 megapixel rear-facing cameras with the capability of capturing full HD video and up to 7 hours of battery life, the two new Xperia smartphones offer a high level of infotainment enjoyment. The Sony Xperia T is controlled through a 4.6-inch HD display and offers a 720p quality front-facing camera. User of the Sony Xperia T also find the availability of viewing content on a larger television display through the use of MHL connectivity. With the 4.3-inch  Xperia V smartphone, the super-fast data download of LTE networks is offered. The Xperia T and Xperia V devices both perform on the Android 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich operating systems when launched. An update to the upcoming Android 4.1 OS (codenamed Jelly Bean) is built into the new Sony devices.

Photo source: Sony Xperia

Another smartphone choice exhibited by Sony at IFA includes the 4-inch Xperia J. Available in black, gold, white and pink colour plates, the Sony Xperia J are equipped to be a more affordable option that still features effective social media interaction. A 5-megapixel camera is found on the rear of the Xperia J smartphone while a VGA quality camera is front facing. All three Xperia smartphones include Sony's WALKMAN application, Google Play, Google Maps and Bluetooth connectivity.

A fighter against the iPad and the large screen Samsung Galaxy tablets, Sony is launching the Xperia Tablet S. Navigated through a 9.4-inch HD display splash-proof screen, the Xperia Tablet S delivers the advantages of a Android 4.0.3 operating system through the NVIDIA Tegra 3 quad-core processor hardware. IR remote control allows the user of the Xperia Tablet S device to operate home televisions and DVD players from Sony as well as other brands. Scheduled for release in early September in the United States and Canada, the 16 gigabyte version of the Xperia Tablet S will sell for $399.99 while the 64 gigabyte model will cost $499.99.

In regards to the eventual availability of these products, the Sony website for the Canadian market shows all of the new Xperia devices. However, the United States Sony webpage only shows the Xperia Tablet S listed. A upcoming model called the Sony Xperia acro S appears to integrate the features of the Xperia T and V devices.


Below is the 60-second commercial Sony has released for the Xperia Tablet S.

Arie Luyendyk Jr Turns Down "The Bachelor" for Racing Return

From May to late July of this year on ABC television, viewing audiences of the Bachelorette abroad were able to familiarize themselves with Arie Luyendyk Jr. The son to the two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Arie Luyendyk, Luyendyk Jr was determined to follow his father's footsteps to greatness at the Brickyard. Finishing 2nd overall in the Infiniti Pro Series (now known as the Firestone Indy Lights Series) in 2002, Arie Luyendyk Jr's career hit the glass ceiling separating so many drivers from the major IZOD INDYCAR Series. While he finished runner-up in the quest for love, a new sponsorship deal announced late Friday allows Luyendyk Jr to reconnect with his new love of motorsports.

Cementing racing plans for the 2013 season, Arie Luyendyk Jr has joined forces with media technology solutions company XYQ Inc. for a full 2013 auto racing calender. First, he will co-drive at the January 27th Rolex 24 of Daytona in a Michael Shank Racing sports car. After the sports car event, Luyendyk Jr will compete in the IZOD INDYCAR Series with XYQ Inc. support. "The entire business of sports and entertainment creation has evolved. Professional athletes require a new kind of digital-savvy management company – one that can oversee all points of engagement with their fans. Arie Jr. embodies the future of racing, sports and media. We could not be more excited about working with Arie." said John Marcum, CEO of XYQ, Inc.

This renewed focus on auto racing for Arie Luyendyk Jr has led to a decision relating to the ABC relationship reality show. The leading candidate to become the Bachelor where he would search for his true love from a number of contestants, Luyendyk Jr has chosen to decline any participation with the show. During his time spent on the Bachelorette, Arie Luyendyk Jr said to have rediscovered his connection to the passion of racing cars. "ultimately, I realized my heart is tied to the race track and my career is my main priority" said Luyendyk Jr. The 30 year-old Dutchman has not ruled out future involvement in broadcasts.