Events

Wargame AirLand Battle real-time strategy video surfaces

Andrew Edney

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May 26, 2013

With less than a week before its worldwide release, a new video presents the spectacular real-time strategy game’s innovative campaign mode.

Narrated by Cédric Le Dressay, CEO of Eugen Systems, this video explains in two minutes all there is to know about the fascinating, dynamic campaign of Wargame AirLand Battle. The video lets us discover all the original game mechanics of this innovative game mode, which would-be generals will get to experience for the first time next week, be it solo or in multiplayer against another player!

You will first handle in this campaign your army and your battle groups, on a huge strategic map representing Europe: ordering movements, asking for reinforcements, but also launching support strikes such as intelligence missions, special forces strikes, satellite spying, bombardment, tactical nuclear attacks, etc…

When a zone is under attack and you need to defend it, or when you send your own battle groups to assault, you are thrown at the heart of the spectacular battles happening in real-time. Your army is persistent all along the campaign: your units and battle groups will earn experience, making them perform better with every battle they survive…. but keep in mind losses are definitive as well!

Visit the official website for more information.

Only a few more days before a new worldwide conflict begins! Wargame AirLand Battle will be available for PC on May 30th.

Hauppauge announced new Capture software for HD PVR 2

Andrew Edney

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May 26, 2013

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Hauppauge Digital has announced that users of its popular HD PVR 2 console and PC gaming personal video recorder range have a new all-in-one recording, streaming and editing application. ‘Hauppauge Capture’ is a free download to all HD PVR 2 users, and is a powerful video capture which allows console and PC gamers to both record and live stream their game play along with commentary.

Hauppauge Capture provides:

· “One touch “ recording of live game play with commentary mixer

· Live Stream via Twitch or Ustream using the built-in Hauppauge hardware boosted SteamEez application

· Quick editing with the ‘cuts only’ video editor

· Personal logo inserter

· YouTube upload

· Record Xbox 360 or PS3 or WiiU gameplay in 1080p HD

Hauppauge Capture provides a built-in audio mixer to combine game chat with game audio. The audio mixer is for both recording and streaming gameplay, and uses a microphone plugged into the recording PCs ‘Mic input’. Hauppauge Capture’s mixer has independent control of game and chat audio. Hauppauge Capture also supports the HD PVR 2’s built-in record button, which is mounted in the top cover of all HD PVR 2 models, to allow users to instantly start and stop recordings directly from their HD PVR 2.

Hauppauges’ SteamEez application, built into Hauppauge Capture, uses the HD PVR 2 hardware video encoder to stream live game play via Twitch or Ustream. Gamers can create high quality, low bit rate streaming game events for Twitch or Ustream followers. The built-in hardware video encoding means live streaming over the Internet will require minimal system resources.

Game play can be recorded with Hauppauge Capture in full 1080p HD from a gaming PC using HDMI or Sony® PlayStation®3 or Microsoft® Xbox® 360. A simple to use quality slide control allows users to choose their recording and streaming quality level. Hauppauge Capture runs on a Windows laptop or desktop PC using Windows XP, Vista, 7 or 8.

Hauppauge Capture will help users to maximise their game recording experience, benefiting from ‘one-click’ functionality for Capture, Edit, YouTube, SteamEez, Settings, all in one application. Here is a screenshot of the Hauppauge Capture application.

A personal logo inserter also allows users to “burn” a personalised logo directly into their recordings. It’s an all-inone-gaming application designed for gamers by gamers!

The new look application is available for download from www.hauppauge.com/capture

Review of the devolo dLAN 500 AV Wireless+ powerline Starter kit

Andrew Edney

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May 26, 2013

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Sometimes it just not possible to get a decent wireless signal in certain places in your home. That’s where powerline devices come in. We have the latest kit from devolo in for testing – the dLAN 500 AC Wireless+ starter kit, and here is our review.

In the dLAN 500 AV Wireless+, devolo combines all the features of a high-performance Powerline adapter in one housing. Integrated WiFi for an optimal connection to wireless terminal devices such as a smartphone or laptop, three LAN ports for connecting network-compatible devices. Using the integrated electrical socket, power strips and other devices up to 16 amps can be connected. Never has it been easier, faster or more secure to network wireless and stationary devices!

Who are devolo?

From their website:

devolo AG is the leading European company on the market in Powerline communication solutions. The company’s core product is dLAN, a technology that allows flexible networks via existing wiring like electrical and coaxial lines. Powerline solutions are employed in private households as well as commercial environments and they lead the way in future-oriented energy data distribution and home automation.

Features

• dLAN Powerline adapter for Internet and network connection via household power lines into any room – whether cabled or via WLAN. All devices in the room have an optimum connection
• Easy and flexible set-up of WLAN zones – every power outlet is a WLAN access point (2.4 / 5 GHz frequencies selectable)
• 3 LAN ports for easily connecting cable-based devices such as PCs, printers, TVs or game consoles
• The integrated electrical socket ensures that no power outlet is lost! You can connect terminal devices and power strips directly to the adapter
• Integrated mains filter ensures interference-free data transmission, even when multiple devices are plugged in
• 500 Mbps (gross) connection for fast data transmission in dLAN Powerline home network, 300 Mbps (gross) in WLAN operation (IEEE 802.11n standard)
• Power outlet adapter with integrated antennas (MiMo arrangement) for optimal transmitting power and flexible positioning
• If WLAN is not needed, it can be switched off easily using a switch on the housing. In addition, automatic WLAN time control via software configuration is possible
• Encryption for WLAN (WPS, WEP, WPA/WPA2) and dLAN (AES) at the touch of a button
• Thanks to the patented PowerSave technology witch reduces the energy consumption automatically
• Compatible with all dLAN 200 and 500 AV adapters (HomePlug AV)
• Compatibility with all 200 and 500 AV adapters (HomePlug AV)
• 3-year manufacturer‘s warranty, as unit is designed, tested and certified in Germany

Specifications

Exclusive Wildstar interview and gameplay with Stephan Frost

Andrew Edney

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May 26, 2013

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At a recent event I had the opportunity to play some of Carbine Studio’s new sci-fi MMO Wildstar. I also had the chance to talk with Stephan Frost, the game director all about it.

In the interview we talk about Wildstar and what it is, where its set, the four character paths, housing, combat and much more. And there is some new gameplay in there too, including footage I captured on the day.

Over to Stephan, and enjoy the new gameplay:

I really enjoyed my time with Wildstar – I found that there was so much to do and explore and in the really short time I had I was already engrossed in the world, and I for one cannot wait to go back and continue my adventures on the planet Nexus.

Wildstar will be released on the PC later this year, and there will be a beta before that, so watch this space.

You can learn more about Wildstar and sign up for the beta on their website.

What do you think of Wildstar? Let us know by leaving a comment below.

Let’s Play Call of Juarez Gunslinger Episode 2 parts 1 and 2 (PC Version)

Andrew Edney

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May 26, 2013

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Call of Juarez Gunslinger is out now and here is Episode 2 of our Let’s Play series. All footage was captured from the PC version on a near final build.

From the dust of a gold mine to the dirt of a saloon, Call of Juarez Gunslinger is a real homage to the Wild West tales and era. Players will live the epic journey of Silas Greaves, a ruthless bounty hunter who spent his life on the trail of the West’s most notorious outlaws. Now it is Silas’ time to tell his story, which is linked to the history of the Wild West era: a mix of myths and historical facts.

Made of memorable encounters with some of the West’s most notorious names such as Pat Garret, Jesse James and Butch Cassidy, the game blurs the lines between man and myth. Call of Juarez Gunslinger lets players live the greatest legends of the Old West.

Here is Episode 2 – part 1:

Here is Episode 2 – part 2:

You can also check out our complete Let’s Play Call of Juarez video series here.

So what do you think? Let us know by leaving a comment below.

The Winners of our Raspberry Pi For Dummies book contest

Andrew Edney

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May 26, 2013

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For anyone who’s new to the Raspberry Pi and not sure how or where to begin, Raspberry Pi For Dummies is the ideal companion and here are the two winners from our contest.

The Raspberry Pi is a credit card sized computer that, when plugged into a screen and a keyboard, can do many of the things that a desktop PC does, and a whole lot more too. With the Raspberry Pi, you’re free to experiment by connecting up electronics circuits, you can learn to program in Scratch and Python, learn to manage your programs and files with Linux, and build a low cost media centre. Raspberry Pi For Dummies contains everything the reader needs to know to get them up and running – from downloading and installing the Operating System and connecting to other devices, to discovering and installing great free software, and carrying out projects such as editing photos, managing budgets, creating web pages, programming games, and building your first electronics projects.

Although initially intended for schools to help improve computer science skills amongst students, the Raspberry Pi has also been adopted by techies and hobbyists – so much so that when first released, worldwide demand completely outstripped supply.

Written by veteran tech authors Sean McManus and Mike Cook, Raspberry Pi For Dummies will also appeal to those who want to teach programming, basic electronics and Linux Systems Admin skills, guiding beginners as they embrace this exciting new technology.

The two winners, selected at random, were:

George T. from Canada

George wanted to use his Pi to make a cheap Media Center device (this one was a very popular suggestion).

Julia from Coventry

Julia wanted to use her Pi to teach her son to program.

Congratulations guys, the books will be winging their way to you this week, and let us know how you get on with your suggestions.

Keep checking out CDW for more contests and thanks to our friends at Wiley for the books.

Syrian Electronic Army Hacks Sky Apps on Android

Chris Hare

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May 26, 2013

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Syrian Electronic Army Hacks Sky Apps on Android

Sky’s Android apps have been hacked into and replaced by the Syrian Electronic Army. The anonymous group revealed that they had targeted the apps by posting their logo and the words “Syrian Electronic Army was here” in the description box on each app’s page on Google Play.

The Sky Help Team warned users on Sunday (May 26) at 1.25am BST to take precautions if they had downloaded the Sky Go, Sky+, Sky WiFi, Sky News, Sky Sports Football or Sky Sports News apps for Android.

They tweeted: “All Sky’s Android apps were hacked and replaced… please uninstall it, And we will let you know when it will be available.”

Halo Bootcamp Comfirmed by Microsoft

Gaming
News

Chris Hare

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May 26, 2013

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Halo Bootcamp has been confirmed by Microsoft. A listing for Halo Bootcamp was recently discovered on the Korean ratings board.

The listing, which was spotted by Gamefront, refers to Bootcamp as an online third-person shooter for the PC.

Confirming its authenticity, a Microsoft spokesperson said that the mystery title was not part of the current Halo trilogy or an Xbox One project.

“What’s Bootcamp? It is not related to our Xbox One efforts, or the Reclaimer Saga, but rather a project we’re very enthusiastic about and will have more to say about in the near future,” the Microsoft spokesperson explained.

Microsoft announced a new live-action television show based on the Halo series during this week’s Xbox One unveiling.

The programme will be overseen by Halo 4 developer 343 Industries, with Steven Spielberg as the executive producer.

Lacie 5big NAS Pro Review Part Three: UPnP and Media Streaming

Storage & NAS

Jim McCarthy

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May 25, 2013

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In Part Three of our Lacie 5big NAS Pro review, we look at media streaming capabilities. Read on for details!

In Part Three of our Lacie 5big NAS Pro review, we look at media streaming capabilities. One of the core requirements that I have for NAS units is seamless management of media for streaming to a variety of devices. Let’s see how the 5big NAS Pro does!

In Part One, I looked at general setup and installation.

In Part Two, I looked at Remote Access and Wuala installation.

Apology for the Delay

This review series has been delayed by about a month and I apologize for that. I had to take a trip to Japan for work, and while I was gone, our basement flooded, meaning that I had to dismantle most of my test equipment until that was cleaned up. Now that we’re back up and running, I am back at this review series. Look for good stuff coming soon!

UPnP Streaming

Go ahead and log into your 5big NAS Pro dashboard. You’ll see this:

Now onto UPnP/DLAN. Click Application Services.

Select the Pencil icon for UPnP/DLNA.

Synology Officially Releases the Latest Surveillance Station

Storage & NAS

Jim McCarthy

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May 25, 2013

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Synology Officially Releases the Latest Surveillance Station

The latest version of Surveillance Station is now out of beta in official release. Read on for details!

The latest version of Surveillance Station is now out of beta in official release. Here are the differences between the beta and final release:

Central Management System (CMS) has been redesigned for large-scale and high level enterprise surveillance projects:

A Synology NVR can act as a “CMS host,” providing a single entry point to manage your entire surveillance system.

Multiple Synology NVR can be designated as “Recording servers” to provide recording storage and resources for IP camera installation.

The camera list can now be quickly filtered by different criteria such as server, camera group, brand, model and more.

Recordings can now be filtered by server, camera, start time and more.

Customised CMS access privileges can be assigned to different users and groups.

Notifications can be managed on the CMS host to provide a CMS level notification centre.

Camera licenses on all recording servers are centralised on the CMS host to simplify management.

Logs from recordings servers are centralized on the CMS host to offer easy access and smart filtering.

Advanced filtering options are now available throughout the CMS user interface, offering a quick and unified search experience.

Tunnelling is now available to stream MPEG4, H264 via RTSP over HTTP.

Digital zoom is now available when live view is paused.

Image quality has been improved when adjusting digital zoom in/out.

Live view performance has been improved.

Notifications can now be sent to VS240HD.

76 new camera models have been added from Axis, ACTi, D-Link, and Edimax, and now supports 1478 camera models in total. Please refer to here for the complete list.

Other minor bug fixes.

And the full press release:

Synology officially release the latest Surveillance Station

More flexibility and interoperability

Milton Keynes, United Kingdom – 23^rd May 2013 – Synology UK Ltd today released the latest edition of their surveillance package: Surveillance Station. The Central Management System (CMS) will be deployed to provide scalable and convenient administration for massive projects.

“This version has been released after 50 days of beta period; it has generated a lot of enthusiasm from our users. Almost 20000 downloads have been recorded. This has helped us to fine-tune our Surveillance Station in order to meet our user’s high standards.” declared Vic Hsu, CEO of Synology Inc.

Watching over a building, a mall, a train station etc. requires a tremendous amount of cameras and recording servers. It’s critical for IT managers to have a reliable, scalable and unified point of control for their architecture. CMS has been designed to specifically answer those needs.

Watching live feeds and playback recordings, intelligent video analysis, user’s privileges, cameras settings and licenses, notifications, e-maps: everything is centralised within the CMS host for efficient management. This unified administration brings many benefits. For instance, cameras can be filtered out by different criteria, offering a quick search experience. They can also be moved seamlessly from server to server.

This latest version of Surveillance Station will be compatible with cloud cameras and other IP cameras. Thanks to the newly acquired ONVIF Profile S certification, a broader range of devices can interoperate with Surveillance Station. The Mobotix MxPEG codec, which enables high quality recording while using less computing power, is also now supported. The compatibility list of Surveillance Station has been extended and now includes over 1,400 IP cameras from 58 brands.

Please check http://www.synology.com/surveillance/index.php?lang=uk for more details.

Availability

Surveillance Station is free to download. It is now available in the Package Centre for DiskStation Manager. Supported models are:

13-series: DS213j, DS213+, DS413, DS213, DS413j, DS213air, DS2413+, DS1513+, DS713+, RS10613xs+, RS3413xs+

12-series: DS712+, DS212, DS212+, DS212j, RS212, RS812, DS1512+, DS1812+, DS3612xs, RS3412xs, RS3412RPxs, DS112j, DS112, DS412+, RS812+, RS812RP+, RS2212+, RS2212RP+, DS112+

11-series: RS3411xs, RS3411RPxs, RS2211+, RS2211RP+, RS411, DS3611xs, DS2411+, DS1511+, DS411+II, DS411+, DS411, DS411j, DS411slim, DS211+, DS211, DS211j, DS111

10-series: RS810+, RS810RP+, DS1010+, DS410, DS410j, DS710+, DS210+, DS210j, DS110+, DS110j

9-series: RS409+, RS409RP+, RS409, DS509+, DS409+, DS409, DS209+II, DS209+, DS209, DS209j, DS109+, DS109, DS409slim

8-series: RS408, RS408RP, DS508, DS408

This looks like a nice, comprehensive release so you should check it out if you are running a Synology with Surveillance Station.