SanDisk vs. Washing Machine Gods

In no way am I saying that you should try this, and it will work, but I am probably the worst person when it comes to leaving things in my pockets before they go into the wash. Just recently I discovered that I left on of my SanDisk 4GB IVs in there and found it at the bottom of my wash. My heart sunk. I had already uploaded images but those things aren't cheep. Most things that go through that much water don't come out looking to good. But I let if dry out on its own and plugged it into my card reader and you know what, it worked! All the images were there and it worked with the camera. :) I haven't tried this with other disks but it's good to know that these things can stand up to some serious rinse cycles.

LaCinema? No Thanks.

LaCie has come out with a product much like the AppleTV, it even costs the same and sports a 500GB (up to 1TB) of space to store all those DVD you've ripped. Well, that's where the nice things end. This $250 unit just wont cut it in the bells and whistles department. There is no WiFi *(or even ethernet) updating so you must upload everything the first time through the USB if you plan on keeping this unit in one place. There is no HDMI and I don't understand why. There is optical audio and component, so it is possible to get a good picture (up to 1080i upscale) The unit's look or remote is nothing special, it's basically a black box with some non-essential lights. The remote is bulky as well. The interface is supposed to be 'easy to use' and 'streamlined' but it's quite ugly and sports the LaCie name twice on the home screen in the largest font.

If you are a movie person, and have a collection of DVD's ripped that your local FBI may want to look into, they you may have an interest in this product. One feature that is nice is there is no requirement to have the files in two places, like with AppleTV that syncs (copies) files from your main computer.

Canon's Digital Photo Professional Tutorials

We're back after a crazy weekend with MacWorldWe're back after all the MacWorld announcements. But since not much of that pertains to us, and the fact that you probably got your information the second it came out, we took a break for a few days and basked in all the Apple glory.

Getting back to business though, Canon has released a web page totally dedicated to helping users learn its Digital Photo Professional application (PC/Mac). The program is a free software that comes with most Canon digital cameras and all Canon EOS digital cameras. The video tutorials take you through the latest version of DPP to edit and process files. You are guided through the somewhat easy to understand videos by a Canon professional market rep, Elizabeth Pratt.

I use DPP sometimes to batch process RAW files on our windows system sometimes, but at home, I am a Mac guy and thing Aperture is worlds better. (But it cost money compared to this free alternative, granted you own a Canon EOS DSLR). Their workflow is not simplified and uses complicated terms for the beginner. But most users will get the hang of it to understand the basics of the interface.

Found on Flickr Fridays!

OK, so maybe this isn't a photograph or some photographer we found on flickr this week, and it is only week two. But, we did find this cool app for facebook that allows you to share your photos with everyone that can view your profile. It's called, coincidentally, My Flickr. It wont win best title of the year, but it offers simple features that allow a user to share up to 30 photos direct from their flickr account on their facebook.

Many people, at least myself, have for the past been uploading pictures to both Flickr and facebook, as well as a slew of other photo sites because I want everyone to see them. While My Flickr wont let you tag photos with your friends in them, it's a convenient way to display your photographs if you are looking to show off some of your more artsy stuff. It offers a lot of features and some are honestly pointless, but a knowledgeable user will find this app useful.

Once you go, Kuro, you never go backo

1080p. Some consider the high point of HDTV. Well it might be to some, but resolution is only one element of a great picture. Jim Catcheside of Pioneer explains in an article at tech.co.uk. "One of the blights on the TV industry at the moment is the big hang-up that people seem to have on resolution. It's a big bugbear of mine. All most people are worried about at the moment is that their new TV should have a resolution of 1920 x 1080. 1080, 1080, 1080, 1080. That's all some people want to hear about." Lots of things go into making a better picture like color, contrast, black levels, and other factors. Resolution is only part of the equation. People need to consider what black quality does to the overall color of the picture. Pioneer claims that if you put their 42in 720p model against other markets 42in 1080P models, the Pioneer model will be the clear winner.

Now it's BOTH of them!?!

Sources are now saying that both Universal and Paramount are both going Blu. They just wont stop and it's making everyone question the longevity of HD DVD. Bill Hunt at Digital Bits is reporting that his "second to none" sources are telling him that BOTH Universal and Paramount are working towards a switch to Blu-ray. A new update to previous posts, the contracts that prevent them from switching now, prevent them from confirming the rumor as well. Paramount could make an announcement any day now, but Universal wont come till February at the earliest, when their contract with HD DVD expires.

HD DVD Should your HD DVD equipment make its way to eBay ASAP? I have already started selling all my HD DVD stuff. I'm thinking about it more and more. I'm sticking with HD DVD till the end. I never even thought they has a chance. Blu FTW. view results

"Current plan is to support the HD DVD format." Key word being Currently

It was reported earlier through the Financial Times and engadget.com that movie studio Paramount was preparing to use their get out clause in the HD DVD exclusivity deal, the same clause Warner used just a few days ago. Paramount now has officially released a statement calling this rumor untrue. Unless you hear different, for now Transformers and Shrek are still HD DVD only :(