IT-Code-News: IT News Head Lines (TweakTown) 05/08/2012

Logitech to bring Skype video calling to the living room
Logitech and Skype have jointly announced the new Logitech TV Cam HD. The new device features an HD camera that sits on top of your TV and outputs the video via an HDMI cable. This device should make it easier for families to share everyday moments from the room that a large amount of time is spent in.

"Amazing connections happen when the video calling experience moves to the TV in the living room: the most popular and comfortable place in the house," said Joerg Tewes, vice president of Logitech's digital home business group. "Because of the size of the TV screen and the quality of the video, the new Logitech TV Cam HD with Skype brings a whole new social element to the living room, helping you feel like your family and friends are right there with you. It's a transformative experience."

All that is required to make calls is the device and an Ethernet or Wi-Fi connection. Users operate the device using the included remote to sign in and make video calls to other Skype users on any Skype-supported device. Users can also call mobile or landlines using their Skype credit straight from the device.

"Our mission is to make Skype calling part of consumers' everyday routine by ensuring it is accessible to everyone at any time and from anywhere," said Bob Rosin, head of business development for Skype. "The affordable and simple-to-use Logitech TV Cam HD is a great way for the whole family to share everyday moments through Skype with others near and far - right from their living room."

The new, TV-mounted camera has a built-in ringer so that calls can be received irrespective of the power state of the TV. The camera also has four microphones in order to reduce noise and echos so as to provide higher quality audio. The device is expected to available in the U.S. and Europe beginning in August and September 2012, respectively, for a suggested retail price of $199.99.

ORICO unveils USB 3.0 to eSATA adapter, price won't break the bank
eSATA is one of those ports that has seemingly gone away. For those of you who still have an external enclosure that utilizes the eSATA connection, finding one on a laptop, or an open port on a desktop install one can be challenging. That's why ORICO has produced an adapter that converts USB 3.0 to an eSATA port.

Stylish? Maybe. Useful? Definitely. The CT6539U3E by ORICO plugs into a USB 3.0 port or USB 2.0 port and provides an eSATA port. The eSATA port operates at a maximum host data-rate of 3Gb/s and draws the necessary power from the USB port that it is plugged into. The converter's host controller features activity LEDs to indicate when data is being transferred.

The adapter should also support AHCI in order for hot-swap capabilities to work properly. The price of the adapter is a reasonable $15, nothing that's going to break the bank. The price is certainly cheaper than buying a new external drive, as long as the current drive still has enough space for what you need.

A real life Wall-E tugs at your heartstrings
Thanks to a dedicated robot fanatic, Wall-E, that crazy cute robot from a Disney movie, has been brought to life. The entire project started back in 2010 after Mike Senna finished his replica R2-D2 robot. His idea for Wall-E came from seeing how kids reacted to his R2-D2 robot at City of Hope hospital in California.

This build is no easy task. As a case modder myself, I understand how difficult it is to fabricate parts and how frustrating it can be if a detail part isn't exactly right. Adding the motion seen in the video above makes the build that much more complicated. There are no plans, no kits, no pre-built parts--everything had to be scratch built using the movie as the plans.

The project was almost scrapped after 18 months as the workload was so massive for this build. However, Senna persevered and some 3,800 hours of work later, the project was finished. The final result and Senna's return to the City of Hope hospital makes the entire project worth all of the work and love and blood and sweat that went into the project.

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Matrix One 7-inch Android ICS tablet for under $90, what a deal!
Need to get your kids to stop asking you for an iPad? How about spending a mere $90 on a full Android ICS tablet to get them to leave you alone. Not a bad deal, and the new Matrix One slate is a perfect solution which fits the bill. You aren't going to get much in the way of specs for only $90, but for $90, you get a reasonable amount.

The device features a 7-inch screen which has 5-point multi-touch support. The screen resolution is a pitiful 800x480 and won't be able to compete with most tablets on the market. It also features a 2MP front camera, a Cortex A8 clocked at 1.5GHz, 512 MB or 1 GB RAM, Wi-Fi connectivity, a 3200 mAh battery, and Android 4.0.3 ICS.

The best feature is probably its mini HDMI port which supports full HD. Theoretically, you can use this tablet to stream full HD to your home 50-inch big screen TV. The 4GB base model comes in at $89.99 and the 16GB model will only set you back $129.99. They are also available in black, white, blue, and pink which should match any style your kid might have. Save the money here and buy yourself an iPad or Nexus 7.

Samsung plans to unveil new Galaxy Note model August 29
If you've been holding out for the sequel to the Galaxy Note, you've got just a bit longer to wait until you can feast your eyes on it. Invitations to an event being held in Berlin have started being sent out. The event is just a couple of days before the IFA trade show starts, which is where the last Galaxy Note was revealed almost exactly one year ago.

Samsung is likely trying to take away some of Apple's thunder that is expected to come with its release of the new iPhone 5, rumored to be in September or October. Samsung recently overtook the top spot for smartphone makers after lagging behind Apple. In the last quarter, Samsung shipped around double as many smartphones as Apple.

The event, planned for August 29, will see the new Note released: "We plan to unveil the next Galaxy Note at the Samsung Mobile Unpacked event in Berlin on August 29," a Samsung spokesman said on Friday. The new Note is rumored to feature a 5.5-inch unbreakable screen, a faster CPU, and a much better camera.

Patriot Games (1992) Blu-ray Movie Review

Author Tom Clancy hit pay dirt with the success of 1990's The Hunt For Red October, which introduced the character Jack Ryan, played by Alec Baldwin. Fast forward two years and the series is soft re-booted in Patriot Games, with Harrison Ford in the role of Jack Ryan, under new Director, Australia's Phillip Noyce.

When ex-CIA agent Jack Ryan (Harrison Forward) is holidaying with his wife (Anne Archer) in London, he foils an assassination attempt on the Secretary of State to Northern Ireland, by a splinter group of the IRA. When Ryan shoots and kills one of the assassins, Patrick Miller, his brother Sean (Sean Bean) vows revenge on Ryan, following him half way around the world in an unexpected act of vengeance.

Celebrating its 20th anniversary, Patriot Games has aged relatively well, and includes a good example of the ever dependable Harrison Ford, who is still in his prime.

Video

Patriot Games is presented in the film's original aspect ratio of 2.35:1, encoded with AVC MPEG-4 compression.

First; the good: This is a relatively sharp and detailed image, far surpassing the standard definition DVD. Colour balance is generally good, even if some tones are slightly shifted, appearing as if the contrast has been set too low.

I noticed somewhat frequent blooming and focus issues on certain shots throughout, however this is a reflection of use of Panavision's anamorphic lenses used on the production and not a fault of the transfer per se.

Now to the bad; sadly there are far too many film artifacts on the transfer for my liking, in the way of constant black and white flecks, which litter almost every frame to varying degrees. The optical fades are telegraphed well in advance, featuring even more film artifacts - obviously the film was more man handled at those points. We are spoiled in that most studios clean these up these days, so when they don't, it sticks out like a sore thumb.

Overall, it's a good image, but considering film artifacts are my ultimate pet peeve, I can't help but be disappointed in this transfer.

Audio

Patriot Games is presented in Dolby TrueHD 5.1, at 24 bits.

Originally presented in Dolby Stereo, the audio track has been expanded to full 5.1 with pretty good results. Occasionally the mix can sound a little 'thin', although far from tinny, but I concede this is more of a reflection of the original mix rather than a fault.

It's certainly not the most aggressive sound mix, with the majority of the sound field contained to the front soundstage, but this is typical of early 90's stereo to surround conversions.

The Celtic tones of James Horner's score have always got me off side, despite being relatively appropriate to the locations of the film. That said, it is mixed well and features some particularly good split surround separation.

Extras

Paramount hasn't produced any new extra features for the debut of Patriot Games on Blu-ray, but they have retained the previous DVD features and bumped one up to HD.

First up is the 25 minute long Up Close featurette, which takes a reasonably detailed look at converting the book and interviewing the major players. The only other extra is the original Theatrical Trailer in HD.

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TP-Link Debuts 450Mbps Wireless N Dual Band PCI Express Adapter
TP-Link, a global provider of networking products, has released its 450Mbps Wireless N Dual Band PCI Express Adapter (TL-WDN4800), which allows users to connect a desktop computer to a wireless network to access a high-speed wireless network connection.

The adapter complies with IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n and can access the 2.4GHz or 5GHz channels to provide wireless speeds of up to 450Mbps. The speed is ideal for users seeking a highly robust, bandwidth intensive wireless networking experience for HD video streaming and online gaming.

Dual Band technology allows users to connect with a 2.4GHz or 5GHz network. This allows you to check e-mail and browse the Internet using the 2.4GHz band or stream HD movies and other media on the 5GHz band. The 5GHz band provides a distinct advantage because unlike the crowded 2.4GHz band, which is shared with microwaves, cordless phones and other wireless networks, the 5GHz band has much less interference and can provide a more stable wireless signal.

Both the adapter's 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands support the maximum speed of up to 450Mbps, which generates a maximum theoretical wireless throughput. Also included are three antennas to increase wireless performance and stability. Advanced security features such as WPA/WPA2 encryption standards ensure your wireless connection is safe from intruders.

TL-WDN4800 comes with a CD utility that makes setting up a network so easy that even for novice users should be up and running in minutes. MSRP of the TL-WDN4800 is $44.99.

EK Debuts Water Blocks for EVGA Classified SR-X and MSI R7970 Lightning
EK Water Blocks, premium water cooling gear provider, has released two new water blocks - the EK-FB KIT SR-X for EVGA Classified SR-X motherboard and the EK-FC7970 Lightning for MSI's premium R7970 Lightning graphics card.

EK-FB KIT SR-X full-board water block kit is a complete liquid cooling solution for EVGA Classified SR-X (270-SE-W888) motherboard. The water blocks directly cools Intel C606 southbridge (PCH), PLX PEX8784 PCIe lane splitter controller and power regulation (VRM / MOSFETs) module of both CPUs. Please note this water block cools exactly as much heat generating components as EVGA factory cooling solution. It is medium-high to high flow water block that can be easily used with systems using weaker water pumps. It is available in two variants - Nickel and Acetal+Nickel.

EK-FC7970 Lightning (abbrevated as 'LTG') is a high performance full-cover water block for engineered specifically for MSI Radeon HD 7970 Lightning series graphics cards. Please check our Cooling Configurator online compatibility system for detailed compatibility list!

This water block directly cools the GPU, RAM as well as VRM (voltage regulation module) as water flows directly over these critical areas thus allowing the graphics card and it's VRM to remain stable under high overclocks. EK-FC7970 Lightning water block also features a very high flow design therefore it can be easily used in liquid cooling systems using weaker water pumps. The angled connection terminal EK-FC Link is already bundled with each water block and allows for up to four cards to be connected via EK-FC Bridge & Link CSQ system. The bridges are available for separate purchase through EK Webshop. The water block is available only in Acetal+Nickel variant.

Both products are readily available for purchase through EK Webshop.

LaCie Releases the RuggedKey USB 3.0 Flash Drive
Today LaCie announced availability of the RuggedKey, the perfect solution to protect data from life's stumbles. The RuggedKey is the latest addition to LaCie's award-winning line of Rugged drives designed by Neil Poulton. From inclement weather to unauthorized access, the RuggedKey protects data from any threat.

Ready for Life's Adventures

The iconic orange bumper is back, this time to protect a USB key from heat, cold, and 100-meter drops. The RuggedKey is a great accessory for an adventure photographer who needs a way to keep his photos protected and accessible while on the road. If the key is dropped off of a cliff or stepped on during a hike - no problem! His files are still intact. Furthermore, it's IP-54 certified to resist damage from dust and water making it the best device for on-the-go data protection.

USB 3.0 Speeds

USB 3.0 continues to proliferate as the industry adopts the technology. The RuggedKey, with USB 3.0 speeds up to 100 MB/s, is excellent for transferring files. Users can transfer an HD movie, 3,000 photos or a 5 GB file in less than one minute. It is also backwards compatible with USB 2.0, making the key a fast and convenient device.

Cloud Storage and Data Encryption

Wuala Secure Cloud Storage makes data on the RuggedKey easily accessible without compromising security. Wuala lets users keep one copy of data on the key and one in the cloud. That way, if a user forgets the key at the office, they can still access the files via the cloud. And for the ultimate in security, AES 256-bit encryption prevents unauthorized file access to the key with password protection.

Availability

The RuggedKey is available in 16 GB and 32 GB through the LaCie Online Store and LaCie Storage Partners starting at the suggested retail price of $39.99.

Corsair Selected as Official Gaming PC Partner for Electronic Arts at gamescom 2012
Corsair®, a worldwide designer and supplier of high-performance components to the PC gaming hardware market, today announced that it has been selected as the Official Gaming PC Supplier to Electronic Arts Inc. (EA) at gamescom 2012. Corsair is supplying 250 high-performance gaming PC demo stations, built with Corsair PC components and equipped with Vengeance® peripherals, to provide visitors to EA's show floor with an unsurpassed gaming experience when playing the hottest new games.

Corsair designs and manufactures an extensive range of high-performance, high-quality PC cases, memory modules, PSUs, cooling products, and solid-state drives, plus a full range of gaming keyboards, mice, and headsets. The Corsair components and peripherals when combined with a CPU, motherboard and graphics card, are designed to work in synergy to create the ultimate gaming PC.

"We're delighted that EA has selected Corsair to be its Official Gaming PC Supplier for gamescom 2012," said Andy Paul, Chairman and CEO at Corsair. "Corsair's extensive range of high-quality PC components and gaming peripherals are the ideal foundation for a performance gaming PC. Visitors to gamescom 2012 will be able to experience these incredible gaming PCs first hand."

Corsair will also have a booth on the EA show floor where visitors can meet representatives from Corsair, try out our latest hardware, and have the opportunity to get a first-play on the eagerly awaited Battlefield 3 DLC add-on, Armored Kill. Battlefield 3: Armored Kill features new tanks, mobile artillery, and the biggest map in Battlefield history.

"Thanks to our partnership with Corsair, we're thrilled to provide these amazing PC demo stations and gaming peripherals at gamescom 2012, which will ensure that visitors are guaranteed a perfect gaming experience at the show," said Goetz Klingelhoefer, Head of Marketing EA Games Germany. "And because the PCs are built using components that are readily available, gamers can easily recreate these PCs and get the same gaming experience in their own homes."

To follow updates from Corsair during gamescom 2012, please visit the Corsair gamescon 2012 micro-site (online from 10 August) at http://www.corsair.com/Gamescom2012. And also "Like" Corsair's Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/Corsair.

For more information about Corsair's full range of PC components and gaming peripherals, please visit http://www.corsair.com.

Available Tags:Logitech , Skype , USB 3.0 , USB , Android , tablet , Samsung , Galaxy , Blu-ray , Wireless , EVGA , MSI , USB 3.0 , Gaming ,

Sunday, August 5, 2012

IT News Head Lines (TweakTown) 05/08/2012

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