Emmaco News Update

Cutting Crime with Background Music?

2012-01-17T08:15:00.000-08:00

Made Page One of the Wall Street Journal today...

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970203721704577157512700171698.html?mod=WSJ_hps_RIGHTTopCarousel_1

1.8 GigaPixel Camera

2012-01-04T10:40:00.000-08:00

(EnGadget) Starting in July of 2012, the United States Army will deploy three Boeing A160 Hummingbird drones to Afghanistan as part of a one-year trial program. Unlike the Predator drones already in combat, the A160 is a rotor-based aircraft capable of vertical take-offs and landings.

What's more, the craft will be affixed with the DARPA-developed ARGUS-IS imaging system -- which boasts a 1.8 gigapixel camera the Army says can "track people and vehicles from altitudes above 20,000 feet."

The A160 Hummingbird platform will provide the Army with the ability and flexibility to: take off and land without a runway; fly for twelve hours or more without refueling; and monitor up to 65 enemies of the State simultaneously. Test flights of the unmanned chopper are scheduled for early 2012 in Arizona, but residents hoping to get a glimpse of the A160 in action best have great eyesight -- the ARGUS-IS system can see targets from almost 25 miles down range.

FCC Implements CALM Act, Lowers Volume of Commericals

2011-12-14T13:41:00.000-08:00

Loud TV commercials could one day soon become a thing of the past as the FCC Dec. 13 moved to implement the 2010 Commercial Advertisement Loudness Mitigation (CALM) Act. The new rules, adopted at the agency’s monthly open meeting, require commercials to have the same average volume as the programs they accompany.

The rules, which cover OTA TV broadcasters, cable operators and satellite TV providers, set up a method for stations and multichannel video programming distributors (MVPDs) to demonstrate compliance without placing upon them an unnecessary burden, the agency said.

Broadcasters and MVPDs have until Dec. 13, 2012, one year after rule implementation, to come into full compliance. In a press statement, the commission said the year also provides “ample time” for programmers and networks to provide their distributors with certification that the commercials accompanying programming comply with the rules.

Although not mandatory, the certification will make the safe harbor process for broadcasters and MVPDs easier, the commission said.

Sharing the Same Pipe

2011-12-13T10:01:00.001-08:00

HDBaseT hits the cable companies...

http://www.systemscontractor.com/article/66382.aspx

25 Million Poor to Get Cheap Computers, $9.95 Internet Service

2011-11-09T08:35:00.000-08:00

What was originally supposed to be a "bring broadband to rural areas" morphed into a subsidized computer and internet service by the FCC. Windows 7 to the masses...

"The Federal Communications Commission is launching a $4-billion program to narrow the digital divide by making high-speed Internet access and computers more affordable for more than 25 million mainly low-income Americans.

Those who qualify would pay $9.95 a month for Internet access at 1 megabit per second and $150 for a refurbished laptop running the Windows 7 operating system, along with applications that include digital literacy training.

http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-fcc-broadband-20111109,0,7709028.story

Google Finally Figures Something Out

2011-11-04T06:35:00.000-07:00

After losing 8 percent market share to Bing over the last year, Google is trying to update its core search engine....

http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/11/03/google-changes-search-algorithm-trying-to-make-results-more-timely/?hp

Panasonic Cuts Plasma Output

2011-10-20T07:09:00.000-07:00

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/technology/2011/10/panasonic-jobs-plasma-tv.html

Einstein was Wrong?

2011-09-23T06:42:00.000-07:00

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424053111903703604576588422968704078.html?mod=WSJ_hp_MIDDLENexttoWhatsNewsTop

Gamers Crack AIDS Puzzle

2011-09-19T11:54:00.000-07:00

http://news.yahoo.com/online-gamers-crack-aids-enzyme-puzzle-175427367.html

Making Electric Cars Noisy

2011-09-15T14:04:00.000-07:00

Usually we're trying to make things quieter...

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424053111904103404576558701065779940.html?mod=WSJ_hpp_MIDDLE_Video_second

Ten Years Ago

2011-09-02T08:05:00.000-07:00

Apple opened its first retail stores in Tyson's Corner, VA and Glendale, CA. We were there.

Emmaco designed the electronics infrastructure and project managed the electronic systems for an entire generation of stores.

Indiana State Fair Collapse

2011-08-23T09:13:00.000-07:00

5 dead so far...

See the video of at:

http://www.jimonlight.com/2011/08/15/indiana-state-fair-stage-collapse-five-dead-now-what/

iTunes 1, Walmart 0

2011-08-10T08:48:00.000-07:00

Walmart is closing down eMusic downloads later this month....

http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/10/walmart-shutters-its-online-music-store-somewhere-steve-jobs-is/

Macy's Peeking in the Dressing Rooms

2011-07-22T06:47:00.001-07:00

Absurd.

http://www.wtsp.com/news/topstories/article/202101/250/Hidden-cameras-expose-privacy-problem-in-a-Macys-fitting-rooms

Acoustic Cloaking?

2011-07-18T07:17:00.000-07:00

Works from 1 kHz to 4 kHz using plastic sheets!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-13905573

Facial Profiling

2011-07-13T07:47:00.000-07:00

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303678704576440253307985070.html?mod=WSJ_hp_MIDDLENexttoWhatsNewsSecond

End of an Era- iPod Sales Sinking Fast

2011-06-26T09:29:00.000-07:00

If I'm going to put something in my pocket, it better do more than play music...

http://www.thestreet.com/story/10820263/the-era-of-the-apple-ipod-may-have-passed.html?cm_ven=outbrain&psv=outbraintopstories&tools=&obref=obnetwork

A Move to Unionize the Apple Stores

2011-06-14T09:17:00.001-07:00

http://ca.news.yahoo.com/apple-store-employee-seeks-plant-union-seed-162709710.html

Happy IPv6 Test Day

2011-06-08T17:27:00.001-07:00

The plan is to check it out for 24 hours...

http://www.worldipv6day.org/

Use this link to test your system:

http://test-ipv6.com/

Theater Motion Base Technology Comes to the Individual Chair

2011-05-07T20:50:00.000-07:00

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704810504576305363217225214.html?mod=WSJ_newsreel_technology

RIP- Sony's Ogha- Mr "CD"

2011-04-23T10:31:00.001-07:00

http://www.latimes.com/news/obituaries/la-mew-former-sony-president-20110424,0,3412637.story

RIP- Sid Harman Age 92

2011-04-13T09:03:00.000-07:00

Industry Legend- Harman/Kardon, JBL, etc...

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-sidney-harman-dies-20110414,0,1593631.story

Incandescent Lamps Get a Reprieve

2011-04-07T13:16:00.000-07:00

South Carolina allows bulbs to be manufactured in their state.

http://www.manufacturing.net/News/2011/04/Other-Manufacturing-Traditional-Incandescent-Bulbs-Get-SC-Lifeline/?et_cid=1376250&et_rid=54676654&linkid=http%3a%2f%2fwww.manufacturing.net%2fNews%2f2011%2f04%2fOther-Manufacturing-Traditional-Incandescent-Bulbs-Get-SC-Lifeline%2f

Tokyo Disneyland Remains Closed

2011-04-04T19:44:00.000-07:00

Not much earthquake damage, but X day is still some time off. Local businesses suffer.

http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-ct-tokyo-disney-20110405,0,4981903.story

Inventor of SuperGlue Dies

2011-03-29T07:59:00.001-07:00

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/afterword/2011/03/harry-wesley-coover-jr-considered-the-inventor-of-super-glue-dies-at-94.html

Half the Undersea Cables to Japan Not Working

2011-03-14T08:13:00.001-07:00

Want to be Billionaire?

2011-03-02T13:59:00.001-08:00

Just figure out how to unencrypt Blackberries, Google, Skype, and iPhone messages...

http://www.zdnet.com/blog/igeneration/india-poised-to-ban-blackberrys-skype-google-could-be-next/8563

Audio Cable Voodoo?

2011-01-18T09:00:00.000-08:00

Russ Andrews' exotic cable capability claims were taken to task by the UK's advertising authorities.

He lost. Big time.

http://www.asa.org.uk/ASA-action/Adjudications/2011/1/Russ-Andrews-Accessories-Ltd/TF_ADJ_49597.aspx

Universal Donates Recordings to Library of Congress

2011-01-11T20:31:00.001-08:00

Wow!

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2011/01/universal-music-library-of-congress-bing-crosby-ella-fitzgerald.html

GM Sold More Cars in China than USA Last Year

2011-01-04T13:26:00.001-08:00

BEIJING (Kyodo) -- U.S. automaker General Motors Co. said Tuesday its new car sales in China jumped 28.8 percent year on year to a record 2,351,610 units in 2010, becoming the first foreign car maker in the Chinese market to have sold more than 2 million vehicles a year.

GM also said its new car sales in the United States totaled 2,202,927 units in 2010. As a result, GM's annual sales in China surpassed those in the U.S. market for the first time ever.

Among foreign automakers, GM topped the list of new car sales in China for the sixth straight year, according to the U.S. firm.

Is 3D Television with Glasses Dead Yet?

2010-12-28T14:51:00.000-08:00

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/fasterforward/2010/11/the_flat_market_for_3-d_tv.html

Emmaco Project wins Thea Award

2010-12-27T13:48:00.000-08:00

The Chicago Museum of Science and Industry's "Science Storms" exhibit recently won a Thea award, which is the theme park's equivalent to an Oscar Award.

Emmaco supported Mad Systems (Orange, CA) in their design of the acoustics and audio/video systems on the project.

This is the second Thea Award wining project in which we have been involved. The first was EPCOT Center, a project of Walt Disney Imagineering.

At left is a 40 foot high Tornado guests may walk through in Science Storms.

The Loudest Sport

2010-11-26T16:01:00.000-08:00

Unless you play under a space shuttle lauch...

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/news/story?id=5759488

Invisibility Cloak?

2010-11-04T11:05:00.001-07:00

One of the very few articles on metafabrics...

http://uk.news.yahoo.com/4/20101104/tuk-step-closer-to-harry-potter-s-invisi-dba1618.html

Phased Microphone Array for Sporting Events

2010-10-22T15:05:00.000-07:00

Now they can hear anything at the Laker games...

http://broadcastengineering.com/audio/new-microphone-audioscope-1022/

Taming TV Commercial Volume

2010-10-05T18:13:00.001-07:00

The government has a plan...

http://broadcastengineering.com/hdtv/senate-calm-1005/

Great Article on the Future of White Space

2010-09-30T09:57:00.000-07:00

http://www.economist.com/blogs/babbage/2010/09/white-space_wireless

Disneyland's Dragon is Drooping

2010-08-30T19:46:00.000-07:00

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-disney-dragon-20100831,0,3787283.story

Album Sales Continue Downward Plunge

2010-08-27T07:50:00.000-07:00

http://www.npr.org/blogs/money/2010/08/25/129428450/album-sales-hit-record-lows

A Solution to Tomlinson's Omission?

2010-08-23T15:55:00.000-07:00

Many of you may have had moments of frustration with digital TV audio. More specifically, getting blasted out of the room during loud commercials because someone forgot to create a formal reference level.

Not wanting to mention any names, but one AES member on the Advanced Television Standards Committee who should have known better forgot reference levels, plaguing us with the need to keep the remote handy at all times during TV viewing for the next 50 years or so. Well, at least we got AC-3.

Well, $179 later... at least we're not screaming for the remote at every commerical break.

http://www.gefen.com/kvm/dproduct.jsp?prod_id=8707

Buzz Price, 89, the Key to the Magic Kingdom

2010-08-17T11:44:00.000-07:00

Buzz Price (right), the man who put Anaheim and Orlando on the map.

http://www.latimes.com/news/obituaries/la-me-buzz-price-20100817,0,7160741.story

Gene Czerwinski, Founder of Cerwin-Vega, Passes

2010-08-14T15:43:00.000-07:00

Great guy, will be missed...

http://www.dailynews.com/business/ci_15747512Genen

Major Safety Hazard Finally Fixed After 52 Years!

2010-08-14T09:10:00.000-07:00

California's safety inspectors and Disney's legal department have teamed up and deemed The Vine at the Disneyland Alice in Wonderland ride unsafe.

http://www.ocregister.com/news/ride-262083-alice-safety.html

Sidney Harman Buys Newsweek?

2010-08-03T07:58:00.000-07:00

OK, it was only a $1, but...

http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2010-08-03/newsweek-losses-revealed

Host of FCC Rulings Today

2010-07-26T13:09:00.000-07:00

So it's now legally OK to jailbreak your iphone, share DVD content in school, get rid of dongles, and some software protection.

Good day for the consumer.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ytech_wguy/20100726/tc_ytech_wguy/ytech_wguy_tc3236_2

China Tops USA in Energy Usage

2010-07-20T10:10:00.001-07:00

Historical.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703720504575376712353150310.html?mod=WSJ_article_LatestHeadlines

Is Universal's Harry Potter the Worst Marketing/Research Job Ever?

2010-07-12T08:33:00.000-07:00

Here's a picture of the queue line entrance to the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal's Islands of Adventure, taken about noon on July 7th, 2010. The end is actually located between Toon Lagoon and Marvel SuperHero Island- three lands and at least a mile away.

The path to Harry Potter is marked via masking tape on the ground. Universal was obviously caught with its pants down and badly underestimated their market. Just as there are perils for spending too much, there are also ones for been to cheap. They've already opened up the land to Universal Hotel guests an hour before the official opening and it still is well undersized for the demand.

For those of you who never make it, here's a picture of inside of the Wand Shop, the most popular location in the land. Once you've gone through the two hour line to get into the Wizarding World, it's another hour plus line to get into the Wand Shop. If you want to go straight to the gift shop, that's another hour wait.

They take roughly 14 guests as a time, pick out two, and magically select wands (via a number of cheesy doorbell switch activated special effects) from the cupboards for both of the selectees.

There are sixteen different models of wands available in the gift shop, priced at $29 each. Not sure if they really have unicorn hard inside them as claimed.

With it's three rides (two of which are off-the-shelf iron rides having no relationship with the Harry Potter series), some poorly merchandised shops, no characters, and even a 45 minute wait to get some Butter Beer, one can only conclude that Universal could have done better. Much better. No doubt there will be some improvement in their other parks in the upcoming years.

Apple Spins an iPhone Yarn

2010-07-02T07:49:00.000-07:00

(Los Angeles Times) Apple Inc. said Friday that it was "stunned" to find that its iPhones use a "completely wrong" formula to show how many bars of signal strength they are getting.

Apple said that's the reason behind widespread complaints from users that the latest model, iPhone 4, shows a big drop in signal strength when held in a way that inadvertently blocks the antenna at the bottom of the phone.

That drop seems exaggerated because the phone can wrongly display four or five bars of signal strength when it shouldn't, Apple said.

World Cup Noise Filter?

2010-06-16T07:02:00.000-07:00

What a crock.... a noise cancelling mp3.

http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=CNG.4e383a0267a8dd858a24ec0bfb2007a5.471&show_article=1

V-12? V-6? Or a 3 Banger?

2010-05-24T10:40:00.000-07:00

Only your audio system knows for sure. Lotus is adding engine sounds to its new electric vehicle...

http://www.gizmag.com/lotus-evora-414e-hybrid-plug-in-concept/14316/

Fritz Sennheiser (1912-2010)

2010-05-23T10:50:00.000-07:00

Incredible career.

http://www.sennheiser.com/sennheiser/home_en.nsf/root/press_releases_180510_biographie

NYCTA to Add Ten Thousand CCTV Cameras?

2010-05-11T14:11:00.001-07:00

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100511/ap_on_re_eu/eu_britain_bloomberg

Draining Disneyland's Rivers of America

2010-04-29T14:40:00.000-07:00

Every seven years they drain it...

http://www.ocregister.com/articles/disneyland-246315-workers-unusual.html?pic=1

Steve Jobs on Flash Video

2010-04-22T07:33:00.000-07:00

"Folks who want porn can buy an Android phone.“- Steve Jobs

http://beforeitsnews.com/news/35475/Steve_Jobs:_Folks_who_want_porn_can_buy_an_Android_phone.html

No 3D TV for Pregnant Women?

2010-04-15T11:09:00.000-07:00

So says Samsung. Classic!

Pregnant women, drunk people and "those who are sleep deprived" should not watch 3-D television because of potential health issues, electronics manufacturer Samsung says on its Web site.

The company also says people at risk for stroke or epileptic seizures should consult a medical professional before watching TV in three dimensions.

http://scitech.blogs.cnn.com/2010/04/15/samsung-issues-warnings-about-3-d-tv/?hpt=T2

Memristors?

2010-04-08T09:08:00.000-07:00

Must read...

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/08/science/08chips.html

NYCTA Paging Announcements Getting Better?

2010-04-05T11:05:00.000-07:00

One of the very few attempts at quantifying paging system quality for a system I've ever read.

Emmaco did work on this system back in the early 1990's for http://wcbstv.com/local/subway.mta.announcements.2.1611880.html

Disneyland Paris Staff Suicides

2010-04-04T18:40:00.001-07:00

Something very odd is going on in Paris...

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article7086719.ece

Ed Roberts, Computer Genius, Dead at 68

2010-04-03T06:41:00.000-07:00

This is the guy that got Bill Gates and Steve Wozniak going with his Altair computer back in the 1970's.

Gates dropped out of Harvard and moved to Albuquerque to found Microsoft because of this guy.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304871704575159680960424558.html?mod=WSJ_hps_sections_tech

Hackertown, China

2010-03-27T17:44:00.000-07:00

Well, you always wondered where they came from:

http://technology.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/tech_and_web/the_web/article7078760.ece

Broken Any Laws Lately?

2010-03-21T18:44:00.000-07:00

Some physicists at Brookhaven have... laws of physics that appears...

Interestingly, this is the same facility Alec Baldwin wants shuts down...

http://www.physorg.com/news188211977.html

Blockbuster Bankrupt?

2010-03-17T06:59:00.001-07:00

First Hollywood Video, now Blockbuster? End of the physical rental era?

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704743404575127424263678934.html?mod=WSJ_hps_LEFTWhatsNews

Microsoft Workers and iPhones

2010-03-15T17:02:00.000-07:00

Worth a read...

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703455804575057651922457356.html?mod=WSJ_hp_mostpop_read

Tired of Cellphones at Movie Theaters?

2010-03-10T06:05:00.001-08:00

In a bizarre incident, a moviegoer is stabbed by another patron with a meat thermometer after complaining of his cell phone use...

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-meat-thermometer10-2010mar10,0,7045869.story?track=rss&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+latimes%2Fmostviewed+%28L.A.+Times+-+Most+Viewed+Stories%29

Electrosonic Sells Off Product Group to Extron

2010-03-09T13:25:00.000-08:00

No price discussed.

http://blog.svconline.com/briefingroom/2010/03/08/extron-acquires-products-division-of-electrosonic/

Sony's Playstation 3 Looking for Leap Year

2010-03-02T09:08:00.001-08:00

Oops. A software bug.

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/entertainmentnewsbuzz/2010/03/tens-of-millions-of-playstation-3s-disabled-by-bug.html

Adobe Fires Back on Apple's Flash Position

2010-02-18T09:24:00.000-08:00

The lack of Adobe Flash playing capability on Apple devices is more than just annoying- it's stupid and impossible to logically justify. Apple's Steve Jobs has repeated refused to integrate it into their systems and tried to justify it publicly. Now Adobe's Narayen is firing back...

Apple CEO Steve Jobs has shunned Flash on mobile devices, throwing his support behind an emerging standard called HTML5. Apple is the only one of 20 smartphone makers that doesn't let users view Web sites containing animation, videos and other content created in Flash, Narayen said. Apple doesn't support Adobe's Flash in the iPhone, iPod music player or iPad tablet.

http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_14421098

"Main Street" Electrical Parade Going South

2010-02-12T07:10:00.001-08:00

Less than eight months after the debut of the new and improved Electrical Parade at Disney’s California Adventure, the popular attraction is being boxed up and shipped to the Magic Kingdom.

The long-running parade will reclaim its former name, the Main Street Electrical Parade, when it premieres in Florida in June.

No word yet on if the parade will ever return to California. California Adventure is expected to debut the new World of Color nighttime show this spring.

Google to Offer 1 Gig Data Service

2010-02-10T10:34:00.000-08:00

Google Inc. said it will begin selling ultra-fast Internet access to consumers, a test that could threaten existing telecommunications carriers' grip on the Web and is designed to show off new uses of the Internet at high speeds.

Under the plan, Google will build an experimental fiber network that will target several cities and between 50,000 and 500,000 people, the company announced Wednesday. Google said it would offer service at a speed of 1 gigabit per second—or 100 times faster than what many U.S. consumers are used to—and would offer the service at "a competitive price."

The FCC, Wireless Microphones, and Licensing- ACT NOW

2010-02-08T13:44:00.000-08:00

FCC REVISING WIRELESS MICROPHONE LICENSE ELIGIBILITY

Deadline For Comments February 22, 2010

After nearly 35 years, the Federal Communications Commission is considering expanding its licensing rules for wireless microphones, in-ear monitors, production intercom systems, and similar equipment that operates in the television broadcast (VHF and UHF) band.

Until now, only broadcasters, motion picture and television program producers, and similar entities were eligible for licenses. The FCC is aware that wireless microphones are used today by musical performers, houses of worship, theaters, schools, businesses, and many other types of entities.

The FCC permits wireless microphone operation either with or without a license. However, in the near future, licensed users may be afforded greater protection against interference from future consumer wireless TV Band Devices (both fixed and portable) that will operate in the same spectrum as wireless microphones.

The FCC is seeking comments from wireless users that will assist them in determining who should be eligible for a wireless microphone license. They need to know how you use wireless systems and how your productions and/or your business would be affected by sporadic interference from new TV Band Devices.

If you rely on wireless audio equipment, it is critical that you submit comments to the FCC before the deadline of February 22, 2010.

For guidelines on how you can submit comments on this issue, send an email message to wirelessmicrophones@shure.com. You will receive a reply message with details on what information must be included in your comments and how to file them with the FCC.

First Recorded Sound- Ever

2010-02-03T11:36:00.000-08:00

Thomas Edison wasn't the first person to record sound. A Frenchman named Edouard-Leon Scott de Martinville actually did it earlier.

He invented a device called the phonautograph, and, on April 9, 1860, recorded someone singing the words, "Au clair de la lune, Pierrot repondit." But he never had any intention of playing it back. He just wanted to study the pattern the sound waves made on a sheet of paper blackened by the smoke of an oil lamp.

Have a listen (1860 version): http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/27/arts/27soun.html

Meltdown at Technicolor Continues

2010-01-28T08:52:00.000-08:00

The French board formally changed the name from Thomson to Technicolor yesterday as part of a "restructuring".

Apparently gave away their Convergent group to Sony as well. PRN and Grass Valley remain on the chopping block...

http://www.domain-b.com/companies/companies_s/Sony_Electronics/20100128_media_systems.html

Jobs Introduces iPad

2010-01-27T10:56:00.000-08:00

Steve Jobs took the wraps off the "iPad" tablet on today, looking to define a new category of wireless device that will play video, games and all sorts of other media.

The iPad has a 9.7-inch touch screen, is a half-inch thick, weighs 1.5 pounds and comes with 16, 32 or 64 gigabytes of flash memory storage. It comes with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity built in. Jobs said the device has a battery that lasts 10 hours and can sit for a month on standby without needing a charge.

The basic iPad models will cost $499, $599 and $699, depending on the storage size, when it comes out worldwide in March.

Apple will also sell a version with data plans from AT&T Inc. in the U.S.: $14.99 per month for 250 megabytes of data, or $29.99 for unlimited usage. Neither will require a long-term service contract.

Those 3G iPad models will cost more — $629, $729 and $829, depending on the amount of memory — and will be out in April. International cellular data details have not yet been announced.

FCC Orders End of 700 MHz Mic Use

2010-01-24T07:14:00.000-08:00

Not that they've actually solved the problem, but...

After a wait of roughly 14 months after the FCC’s Second Report and Order on White Spaces, the agency has finally issued a firm date for the cessation of wireless microphone systems in the 700MHz band that has been reallocated to new licensees. In essence, the use of any wireless mic, in-ear or communications system in the 698MHz-806MHz range will become illegal as of June 12, 2010, exactly one year after the DTV transition occurred. Users of systems that operate in the 700MHz band are required to retire them by that date.

http://broadcastengineering.com/audio/fcc-order-finalizes-ban-rf-mics-700mhz-range-0120/

Laser Microphone Update

2010-01-18T07:25:00.001-08:00

Is it all smoke and mirrors? Read on...

http://www.eetimes.com/news/design/rss/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=221900641&cid=RSSfeed_eetimes_designRSS

How to Go 3D Video at Home

2010-01-14T08:35:00.000-08:00

The process is very simple.

1. First, open up your wallet.

2. You'll need HDMI 1.4 compliant equipment. Everything you currently own is not.

3. You'll have to buy a 3D compliant television with 240 Hz refresh rates.

4. You'll have to buy multiple pairs of rechargeable active glasses.

5. You'll likely have to buy a new Sony Playstation (the existing one doesn't really cut it).

6. You'll probably have to go DirectTV.

7. You'll probably have to buy a new home theater receiver.

If you need to ask why, read the following summary article: http://www.retrevo.com/my/5875/article/16570720/Everything-You-Need-to-Know-About-3DTV?cmpid=Email

ESPN To Add 3D Channel

2010-01-05T07:00:00.000-08:00

ESPN is launching the industry's first 3D television network. The sports programmer is making a big bet on the format, announcing plans introduce a 3D TV network this summer.

http://www.thrfeed.com/2010/01/espn-launching-first-3d-television-network.html

Think Your Cellphone Conversation is Safe?

2009-12-30T16:31:00.001-08:00

False.

Computer hackers this week said they had cracked and published the secret code that protects 80 per cent of the world’s mobile phones. The move will leave more than 3bn people vulnerable to having their calls intercepted, and could force mobile phone operators into a costly upgrade of their networks.

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/54ca8e66-f485-11de-9cba-00144feab49a.html

On Line Manufacturer Outlets

2009-12-28T15:21:00.001-08:00

There are some good deals to be had online from the manufacturers direct. Here's one example from the Harman group. There are others...

http://stores.ebay.com/Harman-Audio

US House Passes CALM Bill to Lower Television Ad Volume

2009-12-27T10:17:00.001-08:00

The U.S. House of Representatives, in a voice vote on the floor, has passed the Commercial Advertisement Loudness Mitigation Act (HR 1084) and sent it to the Senate. The bill would require the FCC to create a loudness standard preventing broadcast commercials from being louder than the program material into which they are inserted. Several other countries, including the United Kingdom, Australia, Brazil, France and Russia, have already established such legal standards.

http://broadcastengineering.com/audio/archive/us-house-votes-for-calm-122209/

Sony, Real D Cut 3D Deal

2009-12-18T13:37:00.000-08:00

3D in the convenience of your living room...

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704238104574602363412548716.html?mod=WSJ_hps_MIDDLEForthNews

Roy Disney Dies

2009-12-16T12:12:00.001-08:00

Certainly changed things up at the Mouse... ushered in the Eisner era and tolerated the Iger era.

In retrospect, did quality suffer when as the company expanded ten fold?

http://www.latimes.com/news/obituaries/la-me-roy-disney17-2009dec17,0,5129215.story

Bosch Meltdown Continues

2009-12-13T06:27:00.001-08:00

Midas and Klark Teknik are offloaded, presumably for the cash.

http://broadcastengineering.com/audio/bosch-sells-midas-klark-teknik-music-group-1211/

UCSD 3D Visualization Update

2009-12-06T06:23:00.000-08:00

Seriously cool.

http://broadcastengineering.com/hdtv/uc-sa-diego-develops-3-d-virtual-environment-1201/index.html

Sharp and Samsung Still Slugging it Out Over LCD's

2009-12-03T14:54:00.001-08:00

Way past ugly. Read on.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704107104574573191143439118.html

Apple Computer for Sale- $50,000

2009-11-20T06:30:00.000-08:00

Hand assembled by Steve Jobs...

http://www.news10.net/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=70629&provider=top

California Approves New Standards on Energy-Hungry TVs

2009-11-19T16:21:00.000-08:00

From the LA Times...
The California Energy Commission votes 5-0 in favor of the nation's first efficiency regulations for televisions of up to 58 inches sold in the state. The stricter rules take effect Jan. 1, 2011.

Starting in 13 months, new TV sets will have to meet energy-efficiency standards that slash the amount of electricity they consume. The regulations also will lower owners' monthly electric bills.

The first-in-the-nation criteria, approved unanimously Wednesday by the five-member California Energy Commission, is aimed at cutting the amount of electricity used by new high-definition TVs of up to 58 inches by a third starting Jan. 1, 2011. More stringent rules that take effect Jan. 1, 2013, would create a cumulative 50% power savings.

The standards don't apply to any of the approximately 35 million TV sets currently in use in California or units sold in the coming year.

"It's absolutely undeniable the benefits that this has for the people of California," said Commissioner James Boyd, an economist and former chief executive of the California Air Resources Board. "Efficiency is the cheapest and simplest way to save our citizens money, to provide a good quality of life and to drive our economy."

Since the sale of flat-panel televisions began to rocket early in the decade, TV-related power usage has more than tripled to 10 billion kilowatt-hours per year, accounting for nearly 10% of residential electricity consumption, said Commissioner Arthur Rosenfeld, a nuclear physicist and UC Berkeley professor.

Opponents called the new rules unnecessary and overbearing, and California consumers gave them decidedly mixed views Wednesday.

Many buyers say they welcome rules that would allow them to enjoy super-sharp pictures without feeling guilty about contributing to global warming.

"It saves energy, which saves the bottom line for the consumer, and for the big picture it helps save the environment," said Younger Hong, 35, a Web developer and teacher. Shopping at a Best Buy store in West Hollywood for a 40-plus-inch TV, he added, "TVs are one of the biggest energy consumers in the house; it's a good start."

But John Mayberry, an audio-video control systems engineer in San Marino, questioned the commission's priorities. "Their prioritization of what to do seems askew," he said. The state could find much more energy savings by going after waste in the antiquated electric transmission system, he said. Other critics have denounced the TV regulations as just one more instance of meddling by "nanny government."

The new regulations were fought by the Consumer Electronics Assn., a leading trade group based in Arlington, Va. "Simply put, this is a bad policy: dangerous for the California economy, dangerous for technology innovation and dangerous for consumer freedom," the group said. In a statement, the association argued that the regulations would lead to higher prices, lost retail jobs and a decline in state tax revenue.

Full article: http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-big-screen-tvs19-2009nov19,0,4027697.story

Movie Popcorn Standards Upheld

2009-11-19T12:37:00.000-08:00

In these trying times, the health freaks are even going after movie popcorn. Fortunately, some stalwarts have maintained the old standards.... as it has been since the beginning of time, popcorn remains great nutritional value, chock full of life giving calories...

"A medium-sized popcorn and medium soda at the nation's largest movie chain pack the nutritional equivalent of three Quarter Pounders topped with 12 pats of butter, according to a report released today by the advocacy group Center for Science in the Public Interest."

http://www.latimes.com/news/nation-and-world/la-sci-movie-popcorn19-2009nov19,0,4003634.story

Apple Start Up Memorabilia

2009-11-19T06:39:00.000-08:00

Interesting link:

http://gizmodo.com/5407687/steve-jobs-if-you-have-any-further-questions-please-call-or-write

Need a Good Chuckle Today?

2009-11-18T07:06:00.000-08:00

The Chinese are suing Microsoft over software Intellectual Property rights....

Assuming of course someone in China actually paid Microsoft along the way...

http://www.reuters.com/article/wtUSInvestingNews/idCNSHA24841320091118?pageNumber=1&virtualBrandChannel=0

How to Save $12k on Your System Cost

2009-11-17T14:46:00.000-08:00

In these tough economic times, the MIT Oracle V1.3 Biwire cables at $29,999 per eight foot pair may seem a bit over the top.

Perhaps you could go to their economy model, the V2.3. These list for only $17,999 per 8 foot pair for a twelve grand savings.

I don't make this up.

http://www.mitcables.com/available-online/oracle-v2.3-speaker-cable.html

Nice Overview of Pico Video Projectors

2009-11-17T14:06:00.000-08:00

http://www.retrevo.com/my/5875/article/11065962/Peter-Piper-Picks-Another-Peck-of-Pico-Pocket-Projectors?cmpid=Email

UN to RIAA- Stop with the Downloading Fines!

2009-11-12T15:45:00.001-08:00

Hillary Rosen must be so proud today... her legacy lives on...

http://in.reuters.com/article/businessNews/idINIndia-43894120091112

Altec Lansing Name Sold Again

2009-11-11T17:42:00.000-08:00

Plantronics dumps the name for $18 million. The sad saga continues.

http://topnews.us/content/27509-plantronics-sells-altec-lansing-prophet-equity-lp-18-million

Where Did That Shot Come From?

2009-11-09T14:01:00.000-08:00

Shotspotter. GPS tracking for gunshots. Just the thing for the innercity.

http://money.cnn.com/2009/11/09/smallbusiness/ear_for_crime.fsb/index.htm?postversion=2009110904

ESS AMT-1 Speaker Anniversary Production Run

2009-11-06T11:53:00.000-08:00

I was down at the manufacturer a couple of weeks ago and they're planning a limited production run of 500 pairs of ESS AMT-1 speakers in Jaunary, which featured the Heil Air Motion Transformer.

The Heil driver was an electrostatic type kind, is based on the principle "which makes air compress and emit and reproduces sound", and was developed by Dr. Oscar Heil of the Heil science laboratory in the United States.

This unit has about 5.5kg ferrite magnet and structure which placed the element into the magnetic field constituted by lamination pole piece. This element is the shape of accordion pleats which the covering with the optimal dumping characteristic of a macromolecule can expand and contract freely.

The electric conduction belt is embedded on the pleat, the pleat which faced each other when signal current flowed pays well, and air in it is compressed and emitted. The next pleat spreads conversely and inhales air from the opposite side. As for the remaining half-cycle, this motion operates completely conversely in a half-cycle.

This pleat is summarized to 17, when it is made into area, it is large in 2 and about 230mm, and it has acquired efficiency higher than a horn loudspeaker by operation which moreover compresses and emits air.

The characteristic in which the heil driver was excellent with this structure has been acquired, and also sound was diffused by the pole piece from which the front and the rear surface are completely symmetrical structures, and have become a wide angle, and the extensive directivity near indirectivity is realized.

Moreover, the element part has realized 20 microseconds and a very early standup at 5kHz on the structure by the covering (0.012mm) of a low-mass macromolecule.

Ouch! $200 to Use Your Apple Mini DisplayPort Input?

2009-11-06T11:19:00.000-08:00

So you've spent $2k to get a fancy quad core 27" iMac with that new mini DisplayPort input connector.

If you want to use the display with an external source it'll cost you. Turns our you need to buy an Atlona DVI to Mini DisplayPort adaptor to use it- add another $179. If you use an AppleTV you'll need a scalar as well.

http://www.atlona.com/Atlona-DVI-to-Mini-DisplayPort-Converter-p-17859.html

Disney Shanghai Gets $4B Nod

2009-11-03T21:30:00.000-08:00

From Chinese government after 10 years of negotiations.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703740004574514241448006288.html?mod=WSJ_hps_LEFTWhatsNews#articleTabs%3Darticle

$60 Million Cabling Mistake

2009-11-03T09:43:00.000-08:00

Lost a year of work and added $60 million in rework because their wiring wasn't straight and they "blamed" God no less.

http://www.thisisbrandx.com/2009/11/a-little-more-than-a-year-after-its-ill-fated-debut-the-large-hadron--collider-is-getting-ready-to-roll-again-the-controv.html

Digital Cinema Financing Improves

2009-11-01T06:50:00.000-08:00

Theaters want 3D systems to show Avatar...

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/entertainmentnewsbuzz/2009/10/picture-sharpens-for-digital-cinema-rollout.html