Unboxing Photos for QNAP TS-459 Pro+

Jim McCarthy
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0
Unboxing Photos for QNAP TS-459 Pro+

Now for the second unit: the TS-459 Pro+.

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Here is how QNAP describes this product:

Modern business faces the challenge of dramatic growth of digital data, including documents, emails, applications, and so on. To deploy the IT environment with a reliable, affordable and expandable storage center to securely store, share, and back up the digital assets has become an important task for the server managers of the SMB and entry-level enterprise nowadays.

TS-459 Pro+ houses up to four 3.5-inch or 2.5-inch SATA hard disk drives, incorporates Intel® Atom™ 1.8GHz dual core processor and 1GB memory, and is capable of delivering ultra high performance, reliability, and lower power consumption during intensive data transfers. The NAS is an efficient and powerful business storage center with advanced iSCSI services, cross-platform data sharing, and all-in-one server applications. With VMware® Ready™ and Citrix® Ready™ certification, and proven compatibility with Microsoft Hyper-V environment, the NAS is an ideal shared storage solution in the virtualized and clustered environment.

This one offers a setup option that allows you to set up the RAID configuration without using a PC, entirely based on an LCD panel on the front.  I’ll be setting this one up and reviewing it as well!  Drop me a comment here if there is something in particular that you’d like me to test out.

Again, thanks to Yo from QNAP for sending these units out for review!

QNAP Website TS-459 Pro+

Unboxing Photos for QNAP TS-419P+ NAS

Jim McCarthy
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0
Unboxing Photos for QNAP TS-419P+ NAS

QNAP was good enough to send out two units for me to review: a TS-419P+ and a TS-459 Pro+.  First, the TS-419P+.

2011 08 25_1378

Here is how QNAP describes the 419P+:

TS-419P+ is QNAP’s new generation four-bay Turbo NAS with iSCSI, especially designed for small business and home users who are looking for a large storage center to store, back up, share thousands of multimedia files or expand the storage capacity. The NAS is equipped with latest powerful 1.6 GHz embedded CPU and 512MB DDRIII memory, supports 2.5″ and 3.5″ SATA hard drives, and delivers ultra high speed performance yet maintains extremely low power consumption. The powerful system can let you build the RAID5, or RAID 1 mirroring for hard disk redundancy.

The TS-419P+ takes the lead in the current small business and home NAS market with the outstanding specifications, hot-swappable hard disk design, great expandability by two eSATA and multiple USB ports, dual Gigabit LAN ports, handy LCD screen, high reliability, and numerous all-in-1 software applications. It is a reliable, powerful yet affordable mini storage server which can be easily deployed for various application environments.

I am looking forward to testing out the remote access and Android client that works with this unit, and I’ll also be looking at QNAP’s latest turbo NAS firmware, version 3.5.

I’ll be setting this unit up and testing it over the next few weeks.  If there is something in particular that you’d like to see me test, leave a comment here and I’ll see if I can answer your questions.

A quick shout-out to Yo from QNAP.  Thanks for the review units!

 

QNAP Website TS-419P+ Product Information Turbo NAS 3.5 Article

The Digital Lifestyle Show #317 – Grumpy Andrew

Andrew Edney
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0
The Digital Lifestyle Show #317 – Grumpy Andrew

This weeks Digital Lifestyle Show has just been released – its show 317.

DLS Show

Here’s what Ian says about this week show:

A complete compliment of hosts for you this week. Garry and Andrew join me to talk about the weeks news including HP dropping WebOS and possibly selling of their PC group, Google buying Motorola’s phone devision, new addins for Windows Media Center and great giveaways from TDL and UWHS.

You can listen to or download the show from here.

Star Wars Kinect Game Delayed Until 2012

Andrew Edney
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0
Star Wars Kinect Game Delayed Until 2012

Bad news for those of us waiting for the Star Wars Kinect game for the Xbox 360. Microsoft have just said that it is being delayed until 2012. I detect a disturbance in the force!

IMG_5147IMG_5149IMG_5150IMG_5152IMG_5153IMG_5154

This is what they said:

“Microsoft and LucasArts have elected to move the launch of Kinect Star Wars beyond holiday 2011 to ensure the full potential of this title is realised,”

I had the pleasure of playing the game last month at the Microsoft at Christmas event and it was great!

I assume this also means that the special limited edition Kinect Xbox 360 Star Wars bundle will also be delayed?

The Home Server Show Episode 149 Out Now

Andrew Edney
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1
The Home Server Show Episode 149 Out Now

Dave at the guys at the Home Server Show have released episode 149.

home_server_show_small_thumb_thumb_t

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

Update Rollup 1 is out and we go over the release as well as some news. It’s a light week so we also have some fun with the “only man in America with a Touchpad.”

As usual you can listen to the show from here.

Steve Jobs Steps Down as Apple CEO

Jim McCarthy
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1
Steve Jobs Steps Down as Apple CEO

Some sad news from Cupertino today…Steve Jobs steps down as Apple CEO.

applestore_5thave3

Two press releases from Apple tonight announcing that Steve Jobs is stepping down.  First up, the corporate announcement:

Steve Jobs Resigns as CEO of Apple

Tim Cook Named CEO and Jobs Elected Chairman of the Board

CUPERTINO, California—August 24, 2011—Apple’s Board of Directors today announced that Steve Jobs has resigned as Chief Executive Officer, and the Board has named Tim Cook, previously Apple’s Chief Operating Officer, as the company’s new CEO. Jobs has been elected Chairman of the Board and Cook will join the Board, effective immediately.

“Steve’s extraordinary vision and leadership saved Apple and guided it to its position as the world’s most innovative and valuable technology company,” said Art Levinson, Chairman of Genentech, on behalf of Apple’s Board. “Steve has made countless contributions to Apple’s success, and he has attracted and inspired Apple’s immensely creative employees and world class executive team. In his new role as Chairman of the Board, Steve will continue to serve Apple with his unique insights, creativity and inspiration.”

“The Board has complete confidence that Tim is the right person to be our next CEO,” added Levinson. “Tim’s 13 years of service to Apple have been marked by outstanding performance, and he has demonstrated remarkable talent and sound judgment in everything he does.”

Jobs submitted his resignation to the Board today and strongly recommended that the Board implement its succession plan and name Tim Cook as CEO.
As COO, Cook was previously responsible for all of the company’s worldwide sales and operations, including end-to-end management of Apple’s supply chain, sales activities, and service and support in all markets and countries. He also headed Apple’s Macintosh division and played a key role in the continued development of strategic reseller and supplier relationships, ensuring flexibility in response to an increasingly demanding marketplace.

Apple designs Macs, the best personal computers in the world, along with OS X, iLife, iWork and professional software. Apple leads the digital music revolution with its iPods and iTunes online store. Apple has reinvented the mobile phone with its revolutionary iPhone and App Store, and has recently introduced iPad 2 which is defining the future of mobile media and computing devices.

Press Contacts:
Katie Cotton
Apple
katiec@apple.com
(408) 974-7269
Steve Dowling
Apple
dowling@apple.com
(408) 974-1896

Acer RevoCenter Windows Home Server 2011 Server Finally Ready To Ship?

Andrew Edney
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0
Acer RevoCenter Windows Home Server 2011 Server Finally Ready To Ship?

According to a blog post by Microsoft tonight, the Acer RevoCenter Windows Home Server 2011 based server ready to hit markets!

Acer RevoCenter

Well the first thing that I can say is “it’s about time”!

We first reported on the Acer WHS 2011 box back in April, and then again in June. It’s funny as we just recorded this weeks Digital Lifestyle Show and I commented that it hadn’t made an appearance.

However, I will believe it when I see it, as Microsoft are saying “Stay tuned for Acer announcement availability dates for global markets” and Acer don’t have anything on their website about it!

So let’s see what happens, but I hope it happens soon as WHS 2011 desperately needs something to happen with it, and a box from a major OEM would go a long way to help it!

What’s disappointing is that they are still using Atom CPUs!

Stay tuned for more information when we get it!

Sony Announces the Handcam NEX-VG20

Andrew Edney
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0
Sony Announces the Handcam NEX-VG20

Today Sony introduced the Handycam NEX-VG20 with touch screen, interchangeable lenses and 16.1 megapixels.

VG20 Side Grip1 - low resVG20 side screen open - low res

  • Effective 16.1 megapixel Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor
  • AVCHD Full HD video plus 50p and 25p progressive modes
  • DSLR-quality 16 megapixel stills with RAW support*
  • Improved audio with Quad Capsule Spatial Array microphone and stereo/5.1 sound recording
  • Manual controls and revised ergonomics with new hand grip, Assignable Dial and dedicated function keys
  • 7.5cm (3”) Xtra Fine LCD touch-screen with Tru-Black technology
  • Widened choice of E-mount lenses

* Effective 16 megapixel still image resolution in JPEG mode

The new Handycam NEX-VG20E camcorder from Sony broadens creative possibilities for shooting cinematic Full HD video and high-resolution still photos.

Offering comprehensive manual controls, the NEX-VG20E lets videographers explore the artistic potential of the growing range of E-Mount lenses. With refined ergonomics, improved imaging quality and upgraded sound, it provides several enhancements over the acclaimed NEX-VG10E – the world’s first consumer HD camcorder with interchangeable lenses.

With a resolution of 16.1 effective megapixels, the Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor assures outstanding video image quality, with extremely low noise in low light. It also captures pristine 16 megapixel still photos, with RAW format support for all the post-processing flexibility that’s familiar to DSLR users*.

Whether you’re shooting video or stills, the large sensor rivals the expressive picture quality of a DSLR camera. This allows the creation of beautiful background defocus (‘bokeh’) effects with your E-mount lens collection.

Full HD video shooting in AVCHD format is now complemented by a choice of 50p and 25p (progressive) frame rate options. Footage shot at 25p can be enhanced with Cinema Tone Gamma™ and Cinema Tone Colour™ for an even richer, more cinematic look.

Dialogue and other sounds are captured by the precision Quad Capsule Spatial Array Microphone that now supports stereo and 5.1 channel surround. There’s a new audio level control, plus pro-style jacks for an external mic and monitoring headphones.

Several ergonomic refinements let videographers shoot HD video and stills in even greater comfort. The camcorder’s handgrip has been redesigned and offer excellent stability. Allowing manual adjustment of exposure, iris and other settings, the pro-style control dial can now be accessed even when the LCD panel is closed.

Button layout has also been revised with ‘hard’ function keys, direct access to each shooting mode (Iris, Shutter speed, Program AE), a second REC button for low-angle shots and expanded focus button – all sited for intuitive operation without taking your eye from the electronic viewfinder.

Shots can also be framed and reviewed on the 7.5cm/3″ Xtra Fine LCD that features TruBlack technology for clear, high contrast images. The screen can be rotated over a 270 degree range for easy framing in any position, even with the camera held low. Touch panel operation simplifies fingertip operation of shooting functions.

The Handycam NEX-VG20EH comes with the SEL18200 F3.5-6.3 E-mount lens. With a wide 11x optical zoom range and built-in Optical SteadyShot, this versatile lens offers smooth, quiet autofocus operation during movies and still shooting.

There is now a choice of seven E-mount lenses to cover virtually any shooting situation. Also available, the optional LA-EA2 lens mount adaptor gives even wider compatibility with the established family of A-mount optics. Translucent Mirror Technology supports high-speed phase-detection AF that keeps even fast-moving subjects in focus.

The Handycam NEX-VG20E Full HD E-mount system camcorder from Sony will be available from November 2011.

Orbitsound Raises the Bar with the T12v3

Andrew Edney
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0
Orbitsound Raises the Bar with the T12v3

Yesterday Orbitsound announced its new T12v3 soundbar for your iPod or iPhone and a few weeks ago I had a listen.

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A few weeks ago I got a preview of the T12v3 and I have to say I really liked it. The sound was amazing. And it had to be at £299!

Here is what Orbitsound said:

Acclaimed British audio technology brand, Orbitsound today announces the T12v3 soundbar which will launch to market in September. Its flagship product upgrade still delivers the ‘spatial sound’ experience that Orbitsound is famous for, but now has even greater sound clarity, improved bass response and extended volume range.

The technical improvements to the T12v3 are significant. A smoother, tighter bass response has been achieved with an improved subwoofer, allowing the T12v3 to perform in most room sizes without compromising on quality. The main speaker drives include higher quality components which produce a more rigid, balanced, cleaner sound stage and the system is now more powerful. Aesthetically, the T12v3 has remained faithful to the original form, the elegant, high-gloss unit perfect for sitting almost unnoticed in front of a flatscreen TV. A metal speaker grill gives a more high-end finish and also ensures the sound is more acoustically transparent. The unit, again, couldn’t be simpler to install with no multiple speakers and no messy wires.

The patented ‘spatial stereo’ technology incorporated in the device is capable of reproducing true, stereo surround sound from one single unit, something other conventional sound systems simply cannot achieve. Eliminating the much accepted notion of a ‘sweet spot’, the T12v3 effectively reproduces surround sound wherever you are standing or sitting in the room. Moreover, the sound produced is much more faithful to the original audio recording and more akin, for example to watching an acoustic live musical performance or play.

The team behind Orbitsound includes Founder Ted Fletcher, a former musician and renowned audio electronics designer, who has previously worked with legendary producer Joe Meek, The Eagles and Elton John. Ted Fletcher said “In essence, Orbitsound is reinventing the wheel. The sense of depth and space experienced with our technology is simply not possible to achieve when listening to a traditional ‘left’ and ‘right’ speaker system. The result is that the ‘spatial sound’ is more pure, truer; it is essentially how sound deserves to be heard. If the ‘perfect’ sound really does exist, then we’re coming even closer to replicating it.”

Orbitsound has already proven a massive hit with music and film fans alike. In less than a year, UK sales of the T12v2 soundbar have already rivalled those of more well known brands and for good reason: the technology really works. Orbitsound is working closely with retail partners including John Lewis and Harrods and has recently signed a deal with UK distributors Widget. The launch of the T12v3 will open more doors to a wider consumer audience and the company hopes to establish Orbitsound as a household name. John Cameron, Orbitsound’s Chief Operating Officer, said “We are delighted to be launching the T12v3 to market in September. The commercial success of the T12v2 has been overwhelming and we are thrilled to bring consumers a significantly improved model in the T12v3, at the same price point and in time for Christmas.”

The T12v3 comes with an upgraded remote control with extended range and controls all playback options and menu functions as well as volume, source and tone. TV streaming is possible through the dock (iPod and iPhone) so the user can watch or listen to any library song, TV programme or film. The T12 also features a 3.5mm stereo jack, and inputs for the latest digital TVs, CD, MP3/MP4, laptop and desktop computers and games consoles.

big_t12_2big_t12_3

Pricing & Availability

The T12v3 soundbar costs £299 and will be available from September 2011. For more information about the Orbitsound and the T12v3, visit www.orbitsound.com.

Samsung Announce Series 7 Gamer Notebook

Andrew Edney
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0
Samsung Announce Series 7 Gamer Notebook

Last week we told you that Diskeeper’s ExpressCache would be seen first on Samsung’s new Series 7 notebook – now Samsung have officially announced it!

samsung series 7 gamer

There is a 17.3-inch 3D Full HD display, a quad-core Intel Core i7 processor and AMD Radeon HD graphics card with 2GB of GDDR5 graphic memory.

There is also a 2MP camera, virtual 3D surround sound and a Blu-ray drive.

It comes with Windows 7 Home Premium and a pair of active shutter 3D specs.

There is VGA, HDMI, DisplayPort, headphone and microphone inputs, two USB 3.0 slots and two USB 2.0 slots – so that’s a lot of ports!

And the price – well the price starts at a whopping £1,499 and is available now!

Drobo Announce the Drobo B1200i 12-bay SAN

Andrew Edney
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1
Drobo Announce the Drobo B1200i 12-bay SAN

Drobo have just announced their new Drobo B1200i 12-bay SAN, and it’s pricing starts at $10,000, so this is definitely for businesses!

lg_b1200i_front_800x500

Designed for applications like VMware, Microsoft Exchange, and backup for small and medium businesses, the Drobo B1200i offers another fundamental breakthrough with our new Automated Data-Aware Tiering technology. This innovation enables Drobo to automatically optimize performance over a mix of SAS and SSD drives within a single chassis. Performance levels adapt to your workloads in real time (no knobs, no tuning, no waiting), making it truly application-driven, not admin-driven!
The Drobo B1200i also includes:

  • 12-bay SAN (iSCSI-attached) capabilities, with dual redundant power and other hardware redundancy.
  • Patented BeyondRAID technology for the world’s most automated data protection.
  • Drobo’s thin provisioning and thin reclamation capabilities to optimize your capacity and expandability needs.

All of these features, which you’d be hard-pressed to find in any one system at any price – starting at about $10,000. automated, application-driven, and affordable; perfect for small and medium businesses.

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Drobo model B1200i Specifications

Connectivity

  • 3 x 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet ports
  • 1 x 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet port for out-of-band management

Capacity

  • 12 drive bays
  • 3.5″ SATA 1 / SATA II orSAS 3.0 Gbpsdrives
  • Expandableby hot-swapping drives with larger ones. Use our capacity calculator to estimate available storage in various configurations. Go to Capacity Calculator.

BeyondRAID Features

  • Thin Provisioning
  • Instant Expansion
  • Mixed Drive Size Utilization
  • Automatic Protection Levels
  • Dual Disk Redundancy
  • Virtual Hot Spare
  • Data Aware
  • Drive Re-ordering

Additional Features

  • Data-Aware Tiering
  • Smart Volumes (LUNs, up to 255)
  • Drive Spin Down
  • Drobo Copy
  • Field-replaceable controller, power supplies, and fan unit

Ethernet Features

  • Connection failover
  • Jumbo Frames (up to 9000 bytes MTU)

Network Protocols

  • iSCSI
  • CHAP Authentication

Operating System Support

  • Windows 2008 Server R2 SP1 64 bit
  • Windows 2003 Server R2 SP1 32 and 64 bit
  • Windows XP SP1 32 and 64 bit
  • Windows Vista SP1 32 and 64 bit
  • Windows 7 SP1 32 and 64 bit
  • Mac OS 10.5.8 or later (Intel Only)
  • Mac OS Server 10.5.8 or later (Intel Only)
  • VMware vSphere 4.x
  • Citrix XenServer 5.6

File System Options

  • Windows: NTFS
  • Mac OS X: HFS+
  • VMware: VMFS

Certified Applications

  • VMware vSphere 4.x
  • Citrix XenServer 5.6
  • Symantec Backup Exec 2010

Management

  • Drive bay indicator lights, capacity gauge, status lights
  • Drobo Dashboard version 2.1 or later
  • Drobo-initiated email notifications
  • SNMP

Size and Weight

  • Width: 17.17 in (436.1 mm)
  • Height: 5.20 in (132.1 mm) – 3 rack units
  • Depth: 21.85 in (555.0 mm)
  • Weight: 47lbs (21.3 kg)

Power and Cooling

  • Dual, redundant, hot-swappable power supplies
  • Hot-swappable cooling fanunit

Warranty

  • One (1) year warranty in the US or outside the EU, or two (2) year warranty in the EU (as provided by EU law).

Box Contents

  • Drobo model B1200i
  • 2 x 6′ power cord
  • Quick Start Instructions
  • User Guide
  • Resource CD, includes:
    • Drobo Dashboard application
    • Help files
    • Electronic Documentation
Learn more and take a risk free trial from here

Sony Announce the NEX-5N Digital Camera

Andrew Edney
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0
Sony Announce the NEX-5N Digital Camera

Today Sony announced a number of new cameras, including the NEX-5N which sports 16.1 megapixels and full HD movie mode!

NEX-5N 1855 lens and EVF BlackNEX-5N black 1855 lens

World’s fastest release time lag and quick, responsive autofocus

 

  • 16.1 effective megapixels Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor and new BIONZ processor enabling ISO 25600 high sensitivity
  • Full HD Movie with 50p/25p, manual focus, full P/A/S/M exposure control and improved audio
  • Tilt-angle 7.5cm (3”) Xtra Fine LCD touch-screen and easy-to-use Photo Creativity interface
  • 10 fps continuous shooting (In Speed Priority Continuous mode)
  • Styled in magnesium, just 23.3mm slim (Distance from front of body to LCD monitor screen surface)

Drawing on the fantastic reception of the NEX-5, the new NEX-5N from Sony has advanced further still and offers the superb responsiveness, image quality, and creative possibilities of a DSLR camera in a compact body.

Styled in tough, light magnesium alloy and just 23.3mm at the slimmest point, the NEX-5N evolves the sleek, minimalist design of the acclaimed NEX-5. It’s also a step forward from its predecessor in terms of still images, HD video quality, powerful creative features and easy operation.

Responses are accelerated further by a release time lag of approximately 0.02 seconds1: the fastest of any interchangeable lens digital camera in the world. This, combined with an improved AF algorithm which doubled the readout speed from the image sensor and allowed for more efficient image processing, results in an AF that is significantly faster than the current NEX-5 model.

The camera’s Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor with 16.1 effective megapixel resolution is partnered by a specially-optimised version of the powerful BIONZ image processing engine. This combination of sensor and processor ensures exceptionally clean, low noise images. Maximum sensitivity is also boosted to ISO 25600, the highest among mirror-less interchangeable lens cameras, allowing very high quality handheld shooting in low light conditions.

At the touch of a button, the NEX-5N shoots smooth AVCHD ver. 2.0 (Progressive) Full HD movies with high-quality stereo sound at 50p – a world first for interchangeable lens cameras with an APS-C size sensor. Faster readout from the sensor increases the maximum frame rate to 60 fps over the previous 30 fps. When shooting at the 25p setting, movies achieve a beautifully expressive, artistic feel. As with stills shooting, Tracking Focus allows a target object to be selected via the touch-screen for accurate focusing, even when the subject is moving.

Photographers can also enjoy full control over exposure, when shooting video, with Programme, Aperture/Shutter Priority and all-Manual modes (PASM) – just like a DSLR camera. Stereo audio quality is improved, with revised circuitry that lowers wind noise levels, especially when shooting quiet scenes.

The NEX-5N is the first E-mount interchangeable lens camera from Sony that features an intuitive new Photo Creativity Touch interface. Background Defocus, Exposure, Picture Effect and other adjustments can be previewed, applied and combined in an instant via the LCD touch panel and control dial, with no photo jargon to confuse newcomers.

First introduced on the NEX-C3, Picture Effect simplifies the production of sophisticated artistic effects ‘in camera’, with no PC or post-processing needed. There are now 11 modes and 15 effects, including new HDR Painting, Soft Focus, Miniature, Rich-Tone Monochrome and Soft High-key. A generous palette of other artistic imaging functions includes 3D Sweep Panorama, Soft Skin, Auto HDR, Handheld Twilight and Anti Motion Blur Modes.

In Speed Priority Continuous mode, the NEX-5N captures fast-moving action at up to 10 fps (actual speed depends on shooting conditions and memory card performance). This represents the world’s fastest burst shooting speed of any mirrorless interchangeable lens camera2.

The camera’s 7.5 cm (3.0″) Xtra Fine LCD angles up to 80° up or 45º down for easy viewing in any shooting position. TruBlack technology assures superb detail and contrast and dramatically reduces on-screen reflections. Enhanced by the new Photo Creativity Touch interface, the LCD makes composition, shot review and adjustment of camera settings easier and more flexible than ever.

Lenses and accessories

The growing choice of E-mount lenses compatible with all α NEX cameras now includes the new Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* E 24mm F1.8 ZA, E 50mm F1.8 OSS and long-awaited Telephoto zoom E 55-210mm F4.5-6.3 OSS.

The world’s first mount adaptor with built-in Translucent Mirror Technology™, the optional Mount Adaptor LA-EA2 allows phase-detection AF with almost all of the A-mount lenses for both still image and video shooting. Also available, the optional Electronic Viewfinder FDA-EV1S, XGA OLED Tru-Finder™ offers high resolution/contrast and wide viewing angle.

Also new in the range of accessories, the stylish Body Case (LCS-EB50) and Lens Jacket (LCS-EL50) protect the camera and lens from scratches, the Shoulder Strap (STP-XS3) fits tightly to the body with its quick fit structure and the Soft Carrying Case (LCS-EMF) holds the E-mount camera body with attached lens as well as an additional lens or other accessories.

The NEX-5N ultra-compact interchangeable lens digital camera from Sony will be available from September 2011.

LaCie Launch LaCie NAS OS 2.0 Software

Andrew Edney
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0
LaCie Launch LaCie NAS OS 2.0 Software

LaCie have launched an update to their NAS software called LaCie NAS OS 2.0.

LaCie NAS OS 2.0

  • Intuitive management console with remote access
  • PC, Mac, and Linux client support for seamless network integration
  • Automated RAID migration and storage expansion
  • Powerful tools for server backup

The LaCie NAS OS 2.0 represents a significant update to its line of network-attached storage (NAS) devices. It features a simplified graphical user interface, the Dashboard, and new advanced features such as storage expansion with automated RAID migration and a robust backup system. This new operating system already powers new LaCie NAS, and existing customers can upgrade their NAS free of charge.

NASOS_7_a

So if you have one of the supported devices (d2 Network 2, 2big Network 2 or 5big Network 2) go upgrade now!

Learn more from the LaCie website

Sony Augmented Reality Tool for Choosing the Right Size TV

Andrew Edney
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0
Sony Augmented Reality Tool for Choosing the Right Size TV

Today Sony launched a new augmented reality tool for helping you choose the right size TV for your home – and it’s pretty cool.

Sony Augmented Reality

Here is what Sony say:

Sizing up televisions for the home can raise a number of questions for consumers. Judging if a TV will fit into a certain space and whether it will complement the style of the home are just some of the considerations associated with making a purchase. A lack of confidence over whether ‘bigger will look better’ often leads to consumers opting for a smaller size, when a larger television could easily fit within the space they have at home.

To help consumers choose the best size TV with confidence, Sony has developed its own ‘TV Size Guide’ tool. Hosted online (www.sony.co.uk/article/tv-size-guide), it uses augmented reality to show how different sized TVs look in any given location.

The prospective TV buyer simply goes to the TV Size Guide website and follows four easy steps:

1. Download and print out a marker – this is a simple shape printed onto an A4 piece of paper that the app will recognise and transfer onto a selected TV.

2. Place the marker where they want their TV to go, either on a flat horizontal surface or mounted on a wall, and take a photograph of it.

3. Upload the image to Sony’s online tool and it will automatically pick up the marker, working out the appropriate scale and position for the TV. It also allows the prospective buyer to choose different size TVs which will appear on top of the marker to find the best size TV to suit their needs.

4. The images will also be saved to create a gallery of choices to compare and contrast.

The TV Size Guide also acts as a reference point to provide clarity around the actual size of current TVs in comparison to previous years – for example, when comparing one of Sony’s top of the range 32-inch Trinitron TV’s from 2001(*1) and today’s 46-inch award winning BRAVIA, the KDL-46HX923 –– the latter is only 10cm wider than the Trinitron and half as deep at 24cm, including the stand, as the TV alone is just 3cm thick. This is because the frame around the actual screen takes up less space, as well as it being much flatter.

Tim Schwarz, Online Content Manager, Sony Europe explains: “Up until now a tape measure and guess work is all that most of us have had to rely on when it comes to picking the best sized TV for the home and this often leads to mistakes. We know consumers put a lot of emphasis on getting the right screen size and our research has shown that this is one of the most important features they look for when buying a TV(*2).

What people don’t often realise is that TVs take up a lot less space than they used to, so you really can go larger.  This is why we’ve developed this simple guide – to give you the confidence to choose the right size TV by accurately visualising how it would look in situ before you buy.”

For more details on how the Sony TV Size Guide works you can watch a how to video below:

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