Events

Sky+ App for iOS Updated to Version 3.4

Apple
News

Andrew Edney

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Dec 16, 2011

0

The Sky+ App for iOS has been updated to version 3.4 bringing with it series link features.

The latest Sky+ App ensures you never miss the latest and greatest TV.

For a start, there’s a full Seven Day TV Listing Guide that presents all your favourite channels.

And for shows that are simply unmissable, we’ve now introduced Series Link for mobile. This ever-so-useful function lets you record entire seasons of favourite shows to your Sky+ box.

And all with just a few finger taps.

In the app’s Showcase section you’ll find the top TV picks of the week – whether it’s a movie premiere, a big match or a new must-see drama.

Now & Next shows you what’s on and what’s coming up. And beneath individual Programme Details you’ll find Other Airings (which tells you when else a favourite programme is on air) plus alternative programmes you may like.

The Sky+ App also lets you group channel Favourites together to create your very own personal TV guide. Recording couldn’t be easier – you just tap on the Record button alongside your chosen programme and the request will go straight to your Sky+ box. What’s more, the app allows you to record from anywhere in the world.

So take control of your TV – DOWNLOAD NOW.

In order to use Remote Record you will need to set this function up on your account/download this app to your Phone OR Tablet. To do this, simply visit http://www.sky.com/remoterecord and follow the simple instructions.

Once set up/downloaded, go to Settings and Sign In and you will then be able to choose what to record while away from home. Series Link is available to customers with a Sky+HD box or the latest black box.

What’s New In Version 3.4

Series Link for compatible Sky+ HD boxes
Improved stability and memory management
Minor bug fixes

Download from the App Store now

Roku Release Roku iOS App

Andrew Edney

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Dec 16, 2011

2

Turn your iOS device into a control center for your Roku streaming player. Launch channels, use your phone as a remote and find new channels to watch.

The free application lets you:

• Launch or rate any channel with a tap of your finger.
• Use a simple touch and swipe based remote control. Includes instant replay, back and options buttons.
• Easily browse hundreds of channels in the Roku Channel Store.
• Quickly add and remove channels to/from your Roku player.
• Control and switch between multiple Roku players.

Works with all Roku players. To get started, you must connect your iOS device to the same network as your Roku player. You will be asked to sign-in to your Roku account.

CyberLink Launches Public Beta of PhotoDirector 3

Andrew Edney

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Dec 16, 2011

0

CyberLink Launches Public Beta of PhotoDirector 3

CyberLink has unveiled a new public beta program of its industry-leading photo workflow software, PhotoDirector 3.

Here is the press release:

Multimedia Leader Offers Consumers an Exclusive Preview of the New Dimension in Photography Workflow Software

London — December 15, 2011—CyberLink Corp. (5203.TW) today unveiled a new public beta program of its industry-leading photo workflow software, PhotoDirector 3. PhotoDirector 3 Beta can be downloaded for free and includes a wide array of new and improved features, including a complete set of new editing tools such as the Wrinkle Remover, Tooth Brush, Skin Smoother and Object Removal.

In June 2011, CyberLink launched the first PhotoDirector public beta program and received feedback from more than 125,000 photographers who participated and inspired a wealth of new improvements and additions for PhotoDirector 3 Beta. With the PhotoDirector 3 public beta program, participants can enjoy exciting new features including a deep set of editing tools that allow users to magically remove objects and people from images and reduce lens defects like geometric distortion. Users can also improve portraits by whitening teeth, removing wrinkles, and smoothing skin and personalizing images by adding watermarks, among a number of other enhancement features.

All consumers and photographers that participate in the PhotoDirector 3 Beta program, and complete a survey or report a bug will receive MediaShow 5 (UK £29.99), CyberLink’s media management and slideshow tool, for free, and will have a chance to win a Nikon D3100 DSLR camera. Additionally, users who submit a testimonial describing their experience with PhotoDirector 3 Beta will have a chance to win a Nikon D3100 DSLR camera, PowerDirector 10 and the full version of the official release of PhotoDirector 3 when it’s available in early 2012.

“”The input we receive in the public beta process is invaluable and weighs heavily into the features we build into our award-winning products,” said Alice H. Chang, CEO of CyberLink. “We have been impressed with the creative feedback and passion that our customers have provided in the past and are confident that the PhotoDirector 3 Beta program will be very successful. We look forward to hearing feedback and testimonials from the program participants.”

To download PhotoDirector 3 Beta, or for more information regarding the PhotoDirector 3 Beta program, please visit www.cyberlink.com/event/phd3beta.

The Home Server Show Episode 165 Out Now

Andrew Edney

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Dec 16, 2011

0

Dave at the guys at the Home Server Show have released episode 165.

Here’s what Dave has to say about this weeks show:

A new debate. Windows Home Server 2011 vs. Windows 8 Server. A Microserver update, news, flash storage, and more. Enjoy 165.

As usual you can listen to the show from here.

iTunes Match Launches in the UK

Apple
News

Andrew Edney

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Dec 15, 2011

3

Tonight Apple finally launched iTunes Match here in the UK.

iTunes Match stores your music library in iCloud so that you can access it from anywhere. It is a subscription based service that you have to pay £21.99 a year for.

Personally it’s not something I am interested in using as I have an iPhone and an iPod which has music on and I pretty much take them wherever I go and I don’t have to pay extra to do so.

Is iTunes Match something you are interested in? Let us know…..

Review of the Lenspen Original – The Industry Standard in Optical Cleaning

Reviews

Dan James

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Dec 15, 2011

2

Review of the Lenspen Original – The Industry Standard in Optical Cleaning

As a keen photographer here at UWHS, I’m here to review the Lenspen Original Lens Cleaner.

I’m already an owner and big fan of the Lenspen DigiKlear, so I was expecting the same great quality from the Original, and was not disappointed. Lenspen make several pen-like products (as well as sensor-cleaning kits, air blowers and other tools), with the Original being primarily designed for the cleaning of the larger lens surfaces on DSLR cameras. The smaller lenses of compacts and camera phones are best cleaned with some of the other Lenspens like the MiniPro II and the MicroPro.

Here are Lenspen to explain the product themselves:

If you just watched that video, you’ll now know that the main features of all the Lenspens are their soft natural goathair brushes, flexible cleaning heads, and self-replenishing carbon-based cleaning pads. The carbon means no liquids to spill or dry out, meaning Lenspens last for a finite (but large) number of uses, but have no risk of drying out like liquid-based cleaners.

The difference between the various pens is the size and shape of the cleaning head and brush. The Original has a large, round and concave head, ideally suited to cleaning large lens surfaces. As in the video, I tested the Original by putting a fingerprint on the front of my Canon 24mm f/1.4L lens. I normally use my DigiKlear for cleaning my lenses, and I found the larger head of the Original made the job easier. The flat DigiKlear needs a little more time as the area in contact with the lens is smaller. The DigiKlear, however is excellent for cleaning the ocular (eyepiece) due to its triangular cleaning head, which allows you to get into the corners. Different tools for different jobs! I’ve also just used the Original to spring-clean my glasses, which have come up sparkling! The Original will clean up all kinds of optical glass, including telescopes, binoculars and weapon scopes. This image shows the difference between the round Original head (right), and the triangular DigiKlear head (left):

My rating for the Lenspen Original: 5/5 – No camera bag should be without one. Highly Recommended

Apple TV (2nd generation) Software Updated to version 4.4.4

Apple
News

Andrew Edney

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Dec 15, 2011

0

Apple have released an update to their 2nd generation Apple TV’s, taking them to version 4.4.4.

What’s in the Update:

Stability and performance : Apple TV software version 4.4.4 includes general performance and stability improvements, including a fix for an issue that displayed an error when playing some video content.

You can update to the latest software by going to Settings -> General -> Update Software.

Back-up Photos and Music without a Computer with PlexEasy

Gadgets
News

Andrew Edney

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Dec 15, 2011

0

Back-up Photos and Music without a Computer with PlexEasy

Plextor plan Standalone DVD Writer with Integrated Screen & USB/SD Reader called the PlexEasy.

Here’s the press release:

December 15, 2011 – Plextor (www.plextor-digital.com), a leading brand of high-performance storage and digital media solutions, has today announced plans to differentiate its existing ODD portfolio with a convenient stand-alone optical storage device, the PlexEasy (PX-650US).

Launching in early 2012, the PlexEasy device has been thoughtfully designed for home or office users who are less familiar with computers, but still need to back-up precious data such as digital photos or music.

The intuitive PlexEasy will integrate a compact 8x DVD writer alongside a built-in SD card reader and USB port which allows users to create direct backups from data that is stored on SD Cards or on digital devices such as tablets, smartphones, hard disks, flash drives, camcorders, and digital cameras –even without a PC connection.

Direct transfers between devices without a PC:

PlexEasy will support Picture Transfer Protocol (PTP), an image transfer technology integrated into many models of cameras and smartphones – allowing users to burn photos directly from a camera (point-and-shoot or DSLR) or smartphone (iOS, Android, Blackberry etc). The drive’s additional compatibility with mass storage devices enables the connection of MP3 players, flash drives, and external hard disks, so users can transfer videos, music, or other data from an external device to DVD or from an SD card directly onto another external storage device.

Intuitive design and technology for simple, fuss-free back-ups:

Simplicity has been a key focus for Plextor in the development of PlexEasy, which features a user-centric design and is controlled directly by buttons located on the top. When connecting the source device where the original files to back-up are stored, PlexEasy will even automatically present the logical destination medium to transfer files to. So, with just a simple touch invaluable memories can be stored safely or shared with friends and loved ones. Users can even check the status of their transfers using the integrated LCD screen.

Connect to a PC for fully functional DVD burner mode:

Building upon Plextor’s prestigious optical drive technology, PlexEasy can also be connected to a PC or notebook, offering the full functionality of a high-end external DVD burner and delivering benefits even to advanced computer users with 8x writing speed and support for all types of CDs and DVDs.

When using the PlexEasy alongside a notebook or PC, users won’t need to worry about additional power cables as the drive will draw its power from the USB ports using the USB Y-Cable (included in the package).*

Pricing & Warranty:

Plextor will offer 2 years of ‘Fast Warranty Service’ in the EU, Norway and Switzerland for the PlexEasy (and 1 year carry-in in other countries).

The PlexEasy (PX-650US) UK launch is set for the first quarter of 2012. Further details on specifications, pricing, and exact availability will be announced at that time.

*In standalone mode, the device is powered with a 5V /2A AC/DC adapter.

About Plextor

Plextor is a leading brand of high-performance digital media solutions for professionals, consumers and enterprises. Since entering the European market in 1994, Plextor has introduced a number of award winning products, including CD/DVD recordable drives, Blu-ray drives, Portable HDD storage solutions, Media Players and Networked Attached Storage devices.

Elgato Release EyeTV Netstream App

Apple
News

Andrew Edney

-

Dec 15, 2011

0

Elgato today released its EyeTV Netstream app, allowing iPad, iPhone and iPod touch to control Elgato’s EyeTV Netstream network tuners.

Here is the press release:

Munich, December 15, 2011 – It enables Netstream users to watch, pause, rewind/fast-forward and record live TV on their iOS device. It also features a 7-day programme guide with a recommendation function. Thanks to built-in UPnP and Bonjour support, the app is extremely simple to set up. The free EyeTV Netstream app is available now from the App Store.

7-day programme guide
The EyeTV Netstream app’s integrated EPG offers up to seven days of detailed programme guide data (the amount of EPG data varies by broadcaster). A pulldown calendar menu, navigation buttons for Now/Tonight/Tomorrow and genre colours make it very easy to find one’s preferred shows. Users can tweet or email programme details directly from the Guide to recommend upcoming shows to friends or print them with AirPrint-enabled printers.

Mac & PC software included
EyeTV Netstream products can stream live TV to iPads, iPhones, plus Macs and PCs on the home network. The Netstream products include the prize-winning EyeTV 3 software for Macs, drivers for Windows 7 Media Center, and the TV application THC for Windowss – which offers many of EyeTV 3’s functions on the PC.

Pricing & Availability
The EyeTV Netstream app is available for free from the App Store. EyeTV Netstream Sat and EyeTV Netstream DTT are available for £199.95 (including VAT) each, from Elgato and from selected retailers.

About Elgato
Elgato produces award-winning TV software together with a complete range of TV tuners and capture devices to watch, record, and edit TV and HDTV on Macs and PCs. Elgato is the home of EyeTV, the world’s leading television solution for Mac computers. Elgato also produces a variety of world-class H.264 video conversion and streaming products. Elgato is privately held with offices in Munich, Germany and San Francisco, California.