Archive for October, 2010

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The next star wars could be shot using open source software and hardware

October 30th, 2010
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George Lucas is generally credited with pushing the envelope in film making technology. Besides computer animation, Lucas helped pioneer the use of motion capture technology. Well if Lucas were going to film Star Wars today he might just be using both open source software and hardware to do so! Chris Church and his partners in Dynamic Perception are making motion capture and time lapse technology available to everyone via open source. Their Open MoCo project not only makes software to run cameras and equipment available under an open source license, but they also publish the specs for the hardware under an open source license as well.

I had a chance to sit down and spend about 20 minutes talking to Chris about the open source motion capture movement, open source hardware and much more. You can listen below:

Chris and company are not the only project around motion capture either. Chris gives credit to the Arduino open source platform for much of the micro-controller functionality that the Dynamic Perception equipment uses. Open MoCo has published the specs for the dollys and hardware both electronic and structural that will let anyone make state-of-the-art video. If you don’t want to make it yourself, you can buy it from Dynamic Perception.

Chris started Open MoCo and Dynamic Perception to fuel his own hobby of filming. When he wanted to start using motion capture technology in his film, he was blown away with how expensive the hardware and software was. It was out of the reach of most hobbyists and even some professionals. So again as a hobby, Chris and his partner set about seeing how they could make motion capture available to everyone.

Chris’s background in technology had already resulted in him being a big fan of open source software. He was also intrigued by the open source hardware movement. That along with his passion for filming have resulted in a full time endeavor of love for Chris.

So if you think you are the next George Lucas and need the technology to make your dreams and visions come true, check out the open source hardware and software from Dynamic Perception and Open MoCo. Oh, and pay no attention to those droids, now move along.

Source:http://www.networkworld.com/community/node/68114

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Sony PlayStation or PSP phone may be in the works along with a tablet PC

October 30th, 2010
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During a recent results call, Sony tipped it’s hand a bit by giving strong hints towards the development of a possible PlayStation phone or PSP phone (PlayStation Portable phone). Although not confirming nor denying this possible direction in product development, enough was said to allow those listening in to draw some pretty strong conclusions.

Sony did confirm they are working on a new hardware device that would be delivered by the Network Services group.

This is the same group that is responsible for both the PlayStation brand as well as Sony branded computers.

The company also mentioned a plan to “better incorporate” the Sony Computer Entertainment division by bringing them onto the main Sony City campus. This would allow the division to be involved at a more intimate level with planning teams for what appears to be a mystery product.

The Ericsson side of Sony Ericsson was mentioned as well in connection to both smartphone and game devices. They appear to be helping out with the development process.

On the call, Sony mentioned wanting to add cellular capability to the device line established by the PSP. This is a critical step for the electronics giant in competing with the Apple iPhone. Rumors of an Android based slide phone with PSP Go controls have started to surface lately.

Another important product that was alluded to was a tablet PC. It’s unclear at the moment if that would be released as a Sony Ericsson device or one geared toward the VAIO line. Regardless, it appears the tablet PC category Sony has been cautious about up until the release of the Apple iPad is now becoming a focus.

Source:http://www.newsi.es/sony-playstation-or-psp-phone-may-be-in-the-works-along-with-a-tablet-pc/882087/

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Viewsonic launched full hd vx2250wm-led monitor in india; offers 1080p hd resolution

October 30th, 2010
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ViewSonic has launched in India its brand new 22-inch ViewSonic Full HD VX2250wm-LED Monitor,offering full 1080p HD resolution and most affordable price of Rs. 8,999 posing touch competition to prevailing 19 inch LCD monitors in India in both price and features.

Made from mercury-free WLED backlight technology, the ViewSonic full HD VX2250wm-LED Monitor affirms their commitment towards company’s recently launched “Go Green” initiative where they announced the shift towards Green LED.

The VX2250wm-LED provides a customizable green-friendly home or office display solution provides users an option to replace their existing LCD monitors with an energy efficient LED technology monitor that can help save up to 40% in energy bills.

Featuring 22-inch (21.5-inch Vis.) the ViewSonic full HD VX2250wm-LED Monitor is an ideal monitor for the green conscious customer unwilling to compromise on picture quality and advanced features.

The VX2250wm-LED display clad a slim, sleek design and offers a powerful 1920×1080 resolution delivering crystal clear quality and provides a stylish and sophisticated display while simultaneously providing up to 40% energy savings over a typical 22-inch LCD monitor.

The ViewSonic VX2250wm-LED monitor delivers clear and sharp image quality with a 10,000,000:1 Mega DCR (Dynamic Contrast Ratio) and offers Full HD 1080p ViewLED technology.

In addition, the VX2250wm-LED display also benefits from intelligent colour corrective technology with a mercury-free WLED backlight that automatically detects image signal and intelligently controls backlight brightness for blacker blacks, purer whites and more clearly defined grays.

The ViewSonic VX2250wm-LED monitor is equipped with integrated stereo speakers, and includes DVI and VGA inputs, providing the perfect combination of precise images and powerful sound capability.

Price and Availability

Complete with a flexible VESA Mountable slim design, the ViewSonic VX2250wm-LED energy saving monitor features Windows 7 Certification and full TCO 5.0 compliance and comes at a price of Rs. 8,999/- in India with one year warranty.

Source:http://www.cyberindian.net/2010/10/29/viewsonic-launched-full-hd-vx2250wm-led-monitor-in-india-offers-1080p-hd-resolution/

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Home pc repair – replacing your motherboard

October 30th, 2010
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If do it yourself projects generally scare you take heart. This ones pretty simple. The good news is that Home PC repair – replacing your motherboard is pretty basic and quite hard to mess up.

Familiarize yourself with how the PC comes apart. Where are the screws that allow the side panel to be removed? Are their multiple panels that can be removed? Do an online search for how to build a computer so that you can become familiar with how the parts of the PC should look.

The most important thing to know about replacing a motherboard is to get a socket that matches the CPU you will be using and the type of RAM you intend to use. If you are going to use the same CPU and RAM you will need to get the same socket motherboard that also can take the RAM you currently have. Finding this information can be done very easily by doing a search at newegg for your socket and ram followed by motherboard. For example; “socket 775 ddr2 motherboard” in their search bar.

You will also need to get the correct size of board for your PC case. These numbers are easiest to find by doing a search of your existing motherboard model numbers.

When you have your New Motherboard: READ THE MANUAL that came with the motherboard. Even if you don’t understand it. It will all make sense when you start pulling things apart.

1. Disconnect the Power to the computer.

2. Place the PC on a towel to keep from scratching the case.

3. Remove the side or access panel

4. Locate the parts of the PC such as the power supply, CPU cooler, RAM modules, etc.

5. Mark the wires and their corresponding positions. Make a map of where they plugged in on the board. This step is more for your mental well being than a necessity.

6. Start unplugging all the wires that are plugged into the board. You will notice that each wire has a unique style plug. This will keep you from confusing things when you reassemble.

7. Release the strapping mechanism on the CPU cooler. Gently twist the CPU cooler in a circular motion without pulling up. This is to break the seal of the CPU thermal paste between the cooler and the CPU. Then gently pull up on the CPU cooler while making gentle twisting motions. (sometimes the paste will create a vacuum seal between the CPU and cooler.)

8. Remove as much thermal paste from the top of the CPU without letting any pieces of paste fall between the CPU and clamp down bracket. If a piece falls in you can remove it after the CPU is out of the socket.

9. Unlock the CPU hold down clamp and carefully remove the CPU. Place the CPU in a safe place so you do not damage the pins. If you bent some pins during removal -very carefully bend them back into position. If you broke some pins off your CPU is scrap, order a new one.

10. Remove the RAM sticks by pushing down on the tabs at each end. These tabs will push the RAM up and out.

11. Remove any cards from the PCI, PCIe slots. These are the slots that give you places to plug components into from the back panel. Some PC’s will have cards here, other not.

12. Locate all of the mounting screws that hold down the motherboard and remove them with a tool. Usually, a screw driver but sometimes other tools are necessary.

13. Gently remove the old motherboard from the case.

Before you place the new board into the case count the holes in the board and make sure you have the right number and placement of mounting holes. If a support stud would touch in the wrong spot on the board it could short out the board.

14. Reverse the order to install the new board.

15. Use a magnifying glass and work light to make sure your front panel wires are in the correct positions. Note the markings on the ends of the wires to place them properly. The board will be marked next to the places where the wires should plug in. Just read, you won’t mess it up. Then double check your work.

16. When you are done put the lid back on and power the PC up. Depending on the type of motherboard you may need to set your RAM voltage and other settings within the BIOS. Use the motherboard manual to access the BIOS features and make these changes. Most of the time though you will be able to just power it on and it will work without any changes.

Source:http://www.booshnews.com/2010/10/30/home-pc-repair-replacing-your-motherboard/

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How to look for affordable computer repair tools from the internet

October 30th, 2010
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The computer has become a major part of our lives today.

The use of a laptop and desktop is now increasing common even amongst those as young as five years old, and even those that fall into the aged-folks category.

The revolution called the Internet should be getting the accolades for this transformation, as it has made the world a lot smaller by connecting people from different parts of the world exceptionally easily.

The computer is nevertheless a gadget that is highly sensitive, thus it should be taken care of well.

If there is a breakdown within your computer or laptop, you should get it fixed right away so that you can continue working on your assignment or surfing the Internet without any inconvenience.

Sometimes certain items within your computer such as the hard drive, the Random Access Memory (RAM) and the keyboard may malfunction, and thus you would need to open up your computer or laptop to repair it.

To fix your laptop, you could actually send your computer or laptop over to a service centre to get it fixed, or if you are competent enough with the right knowledge, you could probably perform the repair works yourself.

With the right computer repair tools, you could probably change defective parts yourself.

Usually computer or laptop repair tools could be obtained from a computer store, or even in large departmental stores out there.

Or another option to obtain PC repair tools would be undoubtedly the Internet, where you would have the option to scout around for the best computer repair tools out there.

To find the right tools or repair kit for your desktop or laptop, simply head to a search engine such as Google, MSN or Yahoo and type computer repair tools and click on search.

There would be numerous companies selling these tools online, and you would also be able to find individuals that market these items on the Internet for your benefit.

You may also find them on Internet-based selling stores such as eBay.

The advantage of purchasing online is without doubt the convenience of being able to find what you need without leaving the comfort of your own home.

You would be able to compare prices from different retailers simply from your home or office, and you can choose to purchase from the one that sells you the best items at the best price.

If you are looking for affordable laptop or desktop repair tools, you should definitely scout for the items that you need online.

You could either purchase an individual item that you need, or you could get a whole repair kit that would provide you with all the tools that you need.

Purchasing online would also allow you to purchase from other countries, an advantage by itself.

It is well-known that you would be able to get the tools that you need at better prices in certain countries where these items are sold at more competitive prices, for instance in China.

As long as you can get reliable items at good prices (include the shipping cost if you are purchasing from other states or countries), you are basically obtaining a good deal for yourself.

You would also be able to pick and select from a wide array of different suppliers, which makes your Internet purchase one that is more fulfilling.

Scout the Internet now to fund the most affordable of computer repair tools! All the best!

Source:http://www.booshnews.com/2010/10/30/how-to-look-for-affordable-computer-repair-tools-from-the-internet/

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The multifaceted external hard drives

October 30th, 2010
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Hard drives are peripheral devices of a computer which can be used to store all the data that is saved in the PC.

The word “hard” came into place since they have a non-volatile memory unlike the RAM that we use in our computer.

They are varying sizes and can be easily installed within the computer.

But there is one major drawback in the use of them Once installed within the CPU casing, it is not easy to remove the hard drive and port it to another computer.

There are varying technologies that are presented in hard drives.

Some of them are the HDD, SATA and many more.

Each of those drives has their own power cable and data cable which varied from one another.

As a result, their utilization in another CPU is not for granted.

This is the major drawback that was present in case of hard drives.

Hence in order to overcome this crisis, the external drives were developed.

They can be easily transported from one place to another and can be easily used as the only cable that is embedded in them is the USB connection.

Source:http://www.booshnews.com/2010/10/30/the-multifaceted-external-hard-drives/

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Kingston intros hyperx limited edition ddr3-1600 mhz 4 gb kit

October 30th, 2010
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Kingston announced a new HyperX Limited Edition DDR3-1600 MHz (PC3-12800) dual-channel memory kit, which sports black heat-spreaders.

This kit includes two 2 GB modules, and carries the model number KHX1600C9D3X1K2/4G.

The modules achieve 1600 MHz speeds with timings of 9-9-9-24, and DRAM voltage of 1.65V, making it compatible with Core i5/i7 LGA1156 platform.

Backed by a lifetime warranty, it is priced at around €75.

Source:http://www.techpowerup.com/133587/Kingston-Intros-HyperX-Limited-Edition-DDR3-1600-MHz-4-GB-Kit.html

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