The advent of digital technology for recording still and moving pictures in other words, digital cameras and digital camcorders has made it easier than ever to take holiday snapshots, or to record family events, such as birthdays, weddings, etc.. Digital cameras and camcorders are often compact enough to slip into a pocket or bag, easy to operate, and provide results that can be viewed almost instantaneously. Digital images can also be easily transferred to a computer for editing, and distributed, or shared, via CD, DVD, email or the Internet.

Digital Camera & Camcorder Features

Digital images are all about “resolution” the number of individual picture elements, or “pixels”, of which an image is composed and this is a term that you frequently see bandied about in the specifications of digital cameras and camcorders. Unlike traditional, analogue devices, digital cameras and camcorders rely on a photosensitive chip either a CCD (”Charge Coupled Device”) or a CMOS (”Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor”) positioned behind the lens to capture an image, or series of images. It is the number of pixels, or “megapixels” shorthand for 1,000,000 pixels in the sensor, and the size of individual pixels, which determines the clarity, and overall quality of the image(s) produced.

Generally speaking, the higher the number of pixels the better, although the more pixels a digital image contains the larger the size of the file required to store that image. This may have a bearing on the type, and size, of storage medium that you choose for your digital images. Digital camera typically employ “flash”, or solid state, memory expansion cards ranging in capacity from 16Mb to 8GB, or more as storage media. A 3 megapixel (Mp) camera with a 16Mb memory expansion card is capable of storing just 6 digital photographs, at maximum resolution, so you need to think about your storage requirements. Digital camcorders are typically more flexible when it comes to storage media, and offer a choice of Mini DV digital cassette tape, Mini DVD an 80mm, or 3″, version of standard DVD and hard disk storage.

Digital Camera & Camcorder Reviews

From the current crop of digital cameras & digital camcorders on the market, two that stand out for compactness and versatility are the Coolpix P80 from Nikon and the Xacti VPC-CA65 from Sanyo. The Nikon P80 is a 10Mp digital camera with an integral storage capacity of 50Mb, compatible with SD, and SDHC, memory expansion cards. It also features an “18X” optical zoom lens one of the longest available on a compact digital camera but has dimensions of 79mm x 110mm x 78mm, and weighs in at just 365g. The Sanyo Xacti VPC-CA65, on the other hand, is a portable digital camcorder and digital stills camera, featuring an adjustable 150,000 pixel LCD, and capable of recording video at 640 x 480 pixels, 30 frames per second. The Xacti VPC-CA65 is also waterproof, to a depth of 1.5 metres

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SatuGO website has some interesting suggestion to capture pictures, including throwing it at a bird to capture its image. This would be easier said than done of course in the real world and doesn’t sound too much fun unless of course you are real skillful with your throw and aim. A useful mode is the one which the camera can be triggered by pulling on a chord attached on the other side of the lens. This helps to point the camera in a specific direction and the fact that it is tethered to the chord will give it some stability so as to negate camera shake. SatuGO’s designers argue that the camera features pretty high rates of shutter speed in order to freeze motion no matter what speed it is moving. The camera does look like something which is capable of producing some fun and maybe at times a snap as well. The camera has been designed by Eschel Jacobsen and Mads Ny Larsen they have suggested that the device would be retailed at around US$69. The camera is about the size of a standard tennis ball which makes it really compact and you can even carry it in your pocket. SatuGO is not for photographers who intend to take that picture perfect shot, that’s the reason it doesn’t have a screen, you will have to connect it to a PC to see what you have shot. The camera is connected to PC via a belt clip which functions as the USB connector, while you are transferring the pictures, the device’s internal battery gets charged up. This one is for photographers who fancy an out of the box and quirky picture

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It will cost you $199 for five users and $129 for single users. The installation time of the Mac OS X Leopard is 40 minutes on an Intel configured MacBook a little longer than Windows Vista. It may give problems or difficulties to get installed on few machines like iBook G4, 399 MHz processor. You should be pretty careful while transferring the required applications and files. Prevent the overwriting of valuable data, though Apple guides you on every step during the process. Even with a configuration of 2.33 Core 2 Duo and 2GB of RAM, Leopard faced difficulties in installing many applications along with the GroulCal and Parallels.

Leopard runs bug free on a 2Gz Core 2 Duo Macbook, though some users have reported the “blue screen of death” flashing on their screens. The Leopard runs very well on PowerPC G5 Mac or Intel. Apple recommends of using 512MB of RAM. An USB or a backup device is necessary for using time machine. iChat requires Webcam.

The layout and the interface of the Leopard are very unique. The organising of files and applications is very transparent. The active window is highlighted by the drop shadow. New stacks avoid pile up of icons on the desktop by arranging the icons in the reverse order in which they were accessed. It becomes easy to manage or downloaded files. The stacks can be displayed in the form of the grid. There are many design elements that have been made familiar in the iPhone and iTunes. Browsing of files is very easy.

The speed of backup processing is very fast, it will get you rid of long hours of boring data transfer process. To add to it a timeline or estimated time left is also displayed along the selected files and folders chosen throughout the history. Restoring of files is also easy, you just need to an earlier time and by clicking the Restore option you are shifted to your current desktop. The Time Machine takes a back up every hour that too for 24 hours and the process in completely automatic. The back up is stored for every day, for last month and every week. The performance has improved by a percent to 3 compared to the Tiger. There is not much difference between the Tiger and Leopard in application performance.

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Like most other Olympus models, the SW 770 uses an XD memory card for storing the pictures. Thankfully, this one can store video clips on the xD, unlike other Olympus models like the SP-510 UZ which allowed just 15 seconds of video capture onto the xD or buy the more expensive HxD. Sadly, the Stylus’s video clarity is nothing to right home about. It looks all grainy and jumpy, perhaps it shoots with a 640 by 480 VGA resolution that too 15 frames per second. Many users have complained of blurry video footages with the highlight being blown out. A rather disappointing omission is the guide mode which Olympus could have incorporated to help newbie users to choose the correct mode. The daylight shot with the SW 770 is pretty good, maybe a bit overexposed but they were still good for the price. The flash shots tend to have some colored noise and the flash strength is a bit of a let down. The camera scores 1,650 lines of resolution which is almost as the same as its predecessor, the boot up time is 2.4 seconds which again is pretty decent. There is a bit of shutter lag nothing really bad maybe a casual photographer may not even notice it. The great thing about the SW 770 is the absence of any pincushion distortions, for a nontelescoping lens to be without pincushion distortion is a big thing. The Stylus 770 SW is priced at $400 which is pretty steep for a compact camera., however if you consider the specialty camera range, there is very little competion for this one, there is a very small number of camera out there which is capable of shooting 33 feet underwater and is freeze/crush/shock-proof. Outdoor enthusiasts who can overlook the minor quality issues with the image and video and the basic feature set can definitely mark this one a must buy.

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Wii Fit sort of takes the concept of games as a means of exercising to altogether a new level. The device features a balanced inclusion of an intelligent board peripheral which tells you how good or how miserable you are doing various activities. Nintendo has been on a marketing rage with this one, promoting it as a mixture of fun and fitness, and it works. The Wii Fit is no doubt a decent alternative for people who don’t have the time to hit the gym or are too self conscious. However, the device has faltered in a few critical places, a really odd omission is the ability to create your own exercises. There are also serious questions about the health issues, thereby limiting its effectiveness.

At the core of the Wii Fit is a sleek new balance boars and an exquisite looking yet surprisingly sturdy peripheral which has several internal scales to detect any change in pressure and weight. The board itself I quite heavy weighing approx 4kgs, it is powered by four AA batteries and interaction with the Wii is purely wireless. The board comes fitted with four rubber pads to prevent it from slipping when kept on smooth surfaces. It even comes with four extra legs which can be used to increase the height of the device in case you have a thick carpet. Much like the Wii Remote, the balance board is extremely intuitive and is an ease to use once you get the hang of it. The Wii Fit is designed to be extremely sensitive and picks up the slightest changes in the weight. However the Wii Fit can accommodate only a max weight of 330 lbs (150 kg) and this prevents the real needy gang from joining the Wii Fit fad.

Anyway the plus sizes need not worry that they are missing out on a major weight loss chance. Wii Fit is by no means a total fitness solution due to the exercises concentrating more on muscle toning rather than on cardiac and weight loss. What it does give is a better and efficient way to better track your weigh, time spent for exercising , BMI (Body Mass Index) and thereby gives a clearer picture on how your health is functioning over a period of time. Wii Fit going to make you super fit as much as the Wii Sports is going to make you tennis pro. It can nonetheless prove to be an anchor for a heavier and maybe expensive routine.

Right from the moment you input you date of birth and height you will be asked to step onto the balance (all of which is guided by a cartoon on screen). From the height and weight it calculates your BMI and segregates into overweight, underweight to ideal. A balance test then determines your Wii Fit Age. The area where the Wii Fit runs into some rough edges is the judgments regarding BMI and fitness. These are usually evaluated by doctors and healthcare professionals and not by some cartoon in a video game peripheral.

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BlackWing Cineversum is the ultimate all-in-one solution to watch Cinemascope movies on a real 2.35:1 screen. The BlackWing Three is a futuristic projector that offers a breathtaking 30,000:1 contrast ratio, and a more precise color generation within billion graduations. The device features a motorized slider for the Anamorphic Lens, which makes it a versatile solution to operate a 16:9 native resolution projector. It allows the device to render Cinemascope movie with no black bars or loss of brightness, The Anamorphic System is used to move the Theater Anamorphic Lens in front of the Projector to transform the projected picture format from 16:9 to 2.35:1 aspect ratio.

Cineversum has designed a set of three new projectors that are expected to be released in the UK. The BlackWing Three is the third edition in the series. The model features a HD (1920 x 1080), 900 ANSI lumens brightness and two HDM 1.3 units. You can even upgrade it to the BlackWing Three Pro, which will give you a new Master Three video processor, an added two HDMI 1.3 units and an SD-SDI Input and 12V trigger board.

With a name like BlackWing, it’s got to be good right? Well, at least that looks to be the case with the Cineversum, as these slick designs are eerily reminiscent of something straight out of Star Wars galaxy. The specs sheets are something that would impress even Yoda. The trio is blessed with a 30,000: 1 contrast ratio, 1,920 x 1080 Full High Definition resolutions and to HDMI 1.3 inputs, Color-Select filters for a much wider color reproduction and a fully motorized zoom/focus. The Pro model features the aforementioned features coupled with an optional SD-SDI input, 12V triggers board and slick professional color management tools and VGA compatibility. Finally the Ultimate model pushes the ante a step further with two more HDMI 1.3 sockets, Theater Mode for 2.35:1 anamorphic setups and also a Mosquito Noise Reduction technology that renders perfect picture.

The Pro and Ultimate models also feature a Fine Detail video process that allows seamless upscaling. The Edge Enhancement that the Pro and Ultimate models come with allows smoothening out the diagonals and removes staircases artifacts. They also come with an Optimized out-of-the box setting, advanced game mode and D-sub15 (PC VGA) compatibility, total overscan control and extended plug and play capability. The HDMI 1.3 inputs can be directly connected to a Blu-ray or HD DVD player and capable of rendering a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. The BlackWing Three features an improved 3-LCOS technology with its three D-ILA 0.7 inch LCOS panels and an improved light engine. The 30,000:1 contrast ratio means that it is capable of rendering whiteness that can scorch your retina and also a black that makes mockery of the darkened hearts of a Gestapo. The unit comes with an included software package which includes extended options and picture settings that improves the control and over all picture quality. The only thing that’s going to stop you from buying this work of art is the cool $16,000 price tag.

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Players may remember the previous title, Devil May Cry 3 for the PS2 as an annoyingly difficult game, yet rewarded you with a slew of intense action sequences. If playing it made you pull you hair out in frustration, you’ll be happy you know that the sequel though is challenging is not an extremely difficult one. This is because you are provided with a number of gameplay choices that lets you forget the challenges to your liking. The game lets you choose from two difficulties (before you start frowning, it features several unlockable ones too), and the game lets you choose if you want the combos done automatically or manually. There is no way you will find Devil May Cry 4 excessively tough, although it’s not a cake walk either. The game play is however on the extreme side, in a positive kind of way. It comes loaded with terrific firefights, stylish action sequences and melodramatic cutscenes that make you fight it out till the last speck on the health bar drains out.

In short, it rewards you well for a well forged session of demon slaying. It is not very surprising that a game featuring the insanely charming Dante would be so slick and over the top. However, the game’s famed antihero is not the real attraction this time around.  The game does not sadden hardcore fans and you will definitely get to play as Dante who brings with him an outstanding selection of guns and fighting styles. However, for most part of the game you play as the newcomer, Nero who is no less proficient with weapons and moves.  The story doesn’t throw a lot of surprises but it has a queer way of adopting certain self-indulgence. The cutscenes are overwrought with aesthetic appeal and are arguably some of the best you would have seen in recent times.  

The theatrical dialogues, flashy camera work and splendid animation make for quite a show, but somehow, it manages to stay on the right side of cheesy. Devil May Care 4 manages to strike a clever balance between severe and funny. For every brutal cutaway, there is an equally humorous pun that helps to maintain the flow of the narrative. There is however some cringeworthhy cutscenes like for instance, Dante proclaims to be a Tango dancer, but overall most of the scenes are thought-provoking and emotionally stirring.  Nero is famed for his demonic arm, better known as the devil bringer, it allows you to grab hold of distant enemies and slam them around for some excellent combos and a few other surprises. This is a clear shift from the defensive gameplay technique of the previous title to a more aggressive tone of gameplay.  About halfway through the game, you will have to take control of Dante, and you may have to go through a period of adjustment as both the characters have a varied fighting style. The devil bringer is no doubt a great mechanic, but Dante compensates for it with his sheer variety of attacks (almost five fighting styles)

Anyone who liked the previous Devil May Cry titles is sure to like this one, especially those who were turned off the frustrating challenge of Devil May Cry 3.

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Called Free To Air (FTA) broadcasting, all you need to access these free channels is a satellite dish, and a satellite receiver to process the signal for your PC.

However, what’s even better is that these days, you don’t even need a satellite box - you can run it all through your PC.

It’s a technology surprisingly still in it’s in infancy, but Satellite TV on PC is growing increasingly popular.

In part, this is because people are becoming more aware of the availability of FTA broadcasting.

Additionally, as the use of home PC and TV continue to converge, the use of media on your computer is becoming an increasingly integral part of it.

Of course, there are always various technical issues involved in getting set up right - not least having the right software on your PC.

There are a number of software programs available, though, such as Prog DVB, Alt-DVB, DVB Dream and MythTV.

And if you get stuck, there are a number of great satellite help forums  out there, where you can get free technical help and support.

Some also offer private subscription models, where you can access codes and hacks to get pay for channels for free. Be aware that this is hacking, and illegal, though, so don’t try it if you can’t accept the consequences.

Overall, though, FTA satellite is one of the more exciting developments happening for the PC today, and as video and film increasingly play their part on the internet, you can be sure that satellite TV will be an integral part of it as well.

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The Lchair is a new take on an old idea. The team behind the Lchair don’t think serious gamers want chairs with speakers and vibration units and iPod sockets and massagers - why? Because they are always a let down! The vibration just feels like your phone going off, the sound is always thin and either too loud or too quiet. And do you really want to plug your iPod into your chair - could you rather just listen to it on your headphones or just listen to your stereo?So bring on the Lchair from Peac - a down to basics gaming chair that only does one thing, the only thing that serious gamers care about and want. Its really really really comfortable! Its high quality, solid construction seating at its best! The Lchair is upholstered in micro-suede, a great type of new material which is extremely soft to touch and yet very hard wearing. It’s padded with the latest comfort-maximised materials to produce a seat which is literally devine to sit in! So much better than everything else!

The Lchair is also a great looking piece of furiture which is balanced, light (12.5kg), durable and extremely comfortable. According the manufacturers their customers have said that the Lchair is great for laptop work, reading, of course gaming, watching TV and just generally relaxing.

And, here’s the really good thing the Lchair is great value for money. Usually retailing at £49.99, Gizmophobe is pleased to have negotiated an exclusive 10% discount with Peac for our readers. To take advantage of this, please quote the code in the coupon at the top of this page when ordering on the Peac site. But hurry as this offer expires 15th February 2008.

If you would like to be informed about latest updates on this site and to get details of all future special offers then please sign up to our email news service at top right of this page.

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The Video iWear AV 920 – C is the first eyewear that has been designed for consoles. The eyewear is from Vuzix and is a personalized video eyewear that can be used with gaming consoles. The eyewear is a great edition for all those gaming fanatics.

The company, Vizux Corporation seemed very excited to announce the launch of the product. The AV 920 – C was released only recently and comes with a virtual screen that is 62 inches wide. The iWear also features two LCD displays, each of which has a high resolution of 640 * 480. The two LCD displays functions in a wonderful manner and bring the videos from electronic devices to life. This is done with the help of two connections that are video – outs.

The design of the AV 920 – C is revolutionary, in the sense that it has in a great way transformed the way multiplayer games which were displayed. A TV screen displays the games of all the four players playing a multiplayer game at the same time. The AV 920 – C, on the other hand allows it’s users to view their own personal screens. This way, each of the players can enjoy their respective games on a 62 inch wide screen without having to worry about the fact that the opponent might view their game. According to the CEO of Vizux, Paul Travers, this feature will truly revolutionize the way multiplayer games are played at home.

The AV 920 – C is compatible with almost all the video devices that are available in the market as of now. In fact the iWear is designed to actually connect all the PAL or NTSC video / audio devices that feature capabilities for a video out.

The iWear also features an automatic control panel. This control is a 3D enabled one and eliminates the need to use buttons. The AV 920 – C can also be worn with spectacles. Thus, all those with prescription glasses can also enjoy a wonderful gaming experience. The device comes with lithium batteries that are rechargeable and provide 5 hours of continuous use. Apart from this, the AV 920 – C iWear also has a mini USB charger.

Apart from these features, the device also has integrated speakers that are adjustable and can be upgraded if needed. The users could also choose to connect to their own headset. The AccuTilt viewer that has been incorporated in the iWear is adjustable and can be pivoted up to 15 degrees, thus enabling comfortable viewing. The head strap on the device comes with a custom fit feature. Besides this, the iWear has a 3/8” extendable nosepiece that is soft, hypo – allergenic, and quite comfortable to use.

The advanced optical features on the device come with a field view of 32 degrees and intraocular distance of 2.5”, thus, providing for great image and picture quality. The device weighs around 2.9 ounces and the 62” wide screen can be viewed from an equivalent of 9 feet.

The iWear is a trendy device that, if affordable, should be owned by every gaming fanatic. The device promises a whole new experience for gamers.

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