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Valentine's Day Gift Ideas from JVC

jessica — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 10:00:35 +0000

Whether you're looking for a Valentine's Day gift for the girl in your life, the man of your dreams, or something that's suitable for everyone, JVC's got you covered.

For Her:

JVC Fashionista Headphones
These inner-ear headphones are designed to match the latest fashion trends. Each earpiece utilizes a neodymium driver unit to deliver high-quality sound and each headphone comes with super-soft inner-earpieces in three sizes for a snug fit that also reduces background noise.

JVC's Fashionista headphones are available now for $19.95.

JVCs Portable iPod Speaker with Built-in Stand
The new JVC SP-A130 is a portable speaker for your iPod. Powered by two AAA batteries, the JVC SP-A130 is a dual driver speaker that features a sliding cover design. Sliding it open exposes both drivers along with the built-in storage area in the back for the connecting cord. A stand allows the speaker to be easily propped up for use.

The JVC SP-A130 portable speakers are available in four iPod Nano matching colors: black, silver, pink and blue and will be available in March for $29.95.

JVC PICSIO
About the size of a small cell phone, JVC's PICSIO camcorder with flash shoots 8-megapixel stills and 1080p HD video. Other features include 4X digital zoom and HDMI connectivity. PICSIO shoots video in MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 format and stores them as .MOV files. Movies can be stored on an SD/SDHC Card (not included).

JVC's PICSIO is available now for $199.95.

For Him:

JVC's Sport Ear-Clip headphones
JVC's Sport Ear-Clip headphones (model HA-EB70A) are splash proof and feature a soft rubber ear hook for a comfortable fit. It also offers a powerful bass sound and a 3.3ft length cord.

The Sport Clip headphones are available now for $12.95.

JVC XV-BP1 Blu-ray Player
JVC's XV-BP1 Blu-Ray player offers playback of high definition Blu-ray discs as well as AVCHD format playback, the high definition format widely used for HD camcorders.

The XV-BP1 is available now for $229.95.

For everyone:

JVC Gumy Headphones
JVC's Gumy Headphones come in 9-colors that match the iPod nano. These earbud headphones feature a soft rubber body that provides a snug fit and include a tangle-resistant 3.28-foot (1.0 m) color matching cord.

JVC's Gumy earbud headphones are available now for $9.95.

JVC "FLATS" Headphones
Available in 6 new iPod matching colors, JVC's FLATS headphones have a metallic finish and a flat, foldable design. The earpieces pivot so that the headphone can lie flat, great for listeners who want an easily packable headphone in a headband/on-the-ear style. A 30mm Neodymium driver in each earpiece gives you clear, crisp sound, and the soft ear pads seal against ambient sound.

The JVC HA-S150 Flats come in six iPod matching colors: black, silver, red, purple, blue and pink. The headphones come with a four-foot (1.2m) cord and an iPhone-compatible plug. They are available now for $19.95.

JVC Dual iPod Dock
JVC's Dual iPod dock charges one unit while it plays the other. It also features a Motion Sensor, Sound Turbo FM Tuner, and has 10W Total Power.

JVC's Dual iPod dock is iPhone and iPod compatible and is available now for $149.95.

JVC Kaboom
JVC's Kaboom boombox features 40 watts of power and an iPod dock which is shielded from the elements by a protective door. It also has USB connectivity for playback of music files stored on a USB device, a CD player that can handle MP3 and WMA file playback, and an FM tuner. A remote control is also included.

JVC's Kaboom boombox is available now for $299.95.

JVC TeleDock HDTV
JVC's 32" TeleDock HDTV with integrated iPod dock is compact, making it perfect for dorm rooms, small apartments and bedrooms. This widescreen high definition flat panel LCD is not only an HDTV, but lets you playback video content you've downloaded to your iPod. It also upconverts the video content to 1080p, and charges your iPod too.

Available in 32", 42" and 46" sizes (42" shown), the 32" TeleDock HDTV is available now for $849.95.

Brother's HL-3070CW Features Fast Color Printing, Wireless Networking

jessica — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 17:35:34 +0000

Brother is well known for their high quality printers and the company's HL-3070CW is no exception. The HL-3070CW is a compact color printer with built-in wireless networking, making it easy to share with others in your small office or at home.

The HL-3070CW can print beautiful presentations, color brochures and other documents at up to 17ppm in both color and black. It features a 250-sheet capacity paper tray and a manual feed slot for envelopes. Thanks to its built-in wireless 802.11b/g connectivity, you can place the printer where you want and share it with others on your network. The HL-3070CW also features a Hi-Speed USB 2.0 interface allowing you to print from your USB flash memory drive or PictBridge-enabled camera.

Features:

Flexible connectivity with built-in wireless and Ethernet network interfaces, also includes Hi-Speed USB 2.0
High-quality output at up to 600x2400dpi using Brother's Digital LED print technology
250-sheet capacity paper tray; single-sheet bypass slot
USB Direct Interface – print from a USB Flash memory drive; also supports printing from PictBridge-enabled digital cameras
Easy to set up – for users with wireless access points that support SecureEasySetup, Wi-Fi Protected Setup, or AOSS, you can automatically configure your wireless settings by simply pressing a button on your router.

The Brother HL-3070CW is available now for $349.99.

New Solar Powered Charger from Scosche: solBAT II

jessica — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 10:00:00 +0000

Scosche just announced a new solar powered charger and back-up battery device – the solBAT II. It works with almost any handheld device that can be charged via a USB cable and has two lights on it which let you know when the solBAT II it is charging from the sun or a USB cable (red), and when it is passing that stored energy to a handheld (green) like a Blackberry, iPhone, iPod, or PSP.

The solBAT II's lithium ion battery has a capacity of 1500mA and an output of 5V, so it charges USB powered devices at the same rate as a wall charger. When fully powered a solBAT II can charge a mobile phone up to two times, making it a great battery backup solution when traveling.

"The solBAT II is a great way to charge your devices using the free, renewable power of the sun," said Kas Alves, executive vice president of Scosche Industries. "It is the perfect accessory for powering outdoor adventures or can keep your iPhone topped off while you watch your favorite movie on a long flight."

The solBAT II comes with a windshield mount and a universal carabineer mount. It is available now for just $29.99.

Greatest Valentine's Day Accessories Roundup

jessica — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 10:00:35 +0000

Valentine's Day is almost here. Are you still looking for that perfect gift? Here is a list of tech accessory options for some of the hottest products on the market today.

be.ez: LA robe Allure
Stylish & functional notebook case for Apple notebooks

Stylish notebook protection available in Red
Made of memory foam (low resilience polyurethane) to absorb shock
Inner lip for maximum protection
Available for MacBook 13", MacBook Pro 15"

Available at: AppleStore.com, Amazon.com and select retailers across U.S. & Canada
Price: $34.95
Website: www.be-ez.com

be.ez: LA robe Netbook
New sleeves protect and add flair to today's most popular netbooks

Made of memory foam (low resilience polyurethane) to absorb shock
Reinforced interior lip for extra protection
Available for a variety of 10.2" netbooks

Available at: Amazon.com
Price: $19.99
Website: www.be-ez.com

Urbanears: Plattan Headphones
Medium size fashionable, functional, and stylish headphones

Medium size headphone provides rich, secluded sound
Features exclusive "zound plug" which allows a friend to plug in and enjoy music with the user
Folds down to the size of your fist providing maximum mobility
Features custom microphone and remote compatible with the iPhone and Nokia, HTC and Blackberry phones along with two extra cable extensions making the headphones compatible with a majority of all devices

Available in 14 fashionable colors like Salad, Army, Ocean, and Chocolate

Available at: Nordstrom, www.KarmaLoop.com, www.ThinkGeek.com
Price: $59.99 MSRP
Website: www.urbanears.com

Urbanears: Tanto Headphones
Retro 80's style fashionable and functional headphones

Headphones are a tribute to the 80's revolution in mobile music
Features custom microphone and remote compatible with the iPhone and Nokia, HTC and Blackberry phones along with two extra cable extensions making the headphones compatible with a majority of all devices
Available in 14 fashionable colors like Salad, Army, Ocean, and Chocolate

Available at: Nordstrom, www.KarmaLoop.com, www.ThinkGeek.com
Price: $39.99 MSRP
Website: www.urbanears.com

MSI: U135 Wind Netbook
MSI's first Wind Netbook to Run on Intel's Pine Trail Platform

Chiclet Keyboard – raised keys improve accuracy and comfort
Intel Atom N450, Windows 7, 250 GB HDD, and 1GB DDR2 Memory
6-Cell battery with 7.5 HR Battery Life
Comes in Black, Red, Blue, and Silver

Available at: Amazon.com and Newegg.com
Price: $329.99
Website: www.msimobile.com

iLuv: Tatz Headphones and Earphones
Make a statement with trendy high quality headphones & earphones

Designed with the latest in precision acoustic engineering and contemporary styled graphics
Headphones feature memory foam and sound isolation design
Earphones feature slight curve for maximum bass and clear sound
Available in 3 colors and designs, Broken Heartz, Impressionz, Scarz

Available at: www.i-luv.com
Price: $39.99 - $89.99
Website: www.i-luv.com

iSkin: Vibes and Vibes FX for BlackBerry
Fashionable cases for your BlackBerry Curve 8900, Bold and Storm

Crafted from an environmentally safe, flexible material that is resistant to impacts, abrasions and tears
Perfectly encapsulates the subtle contours of the BlackBerry with no obstruction of syncing ports or the Storm's touch screen
Features a clear camera and flash guard to shield them from everyday hazards
The case has a textured leather back to mirror the phone’s sophisticated look
All models have MicroBan antimicrobial product protection to prevent germ transfer

Available at:www.iskin.com, Apple retail stores and other participating authorized iSkin retailers worldwide
Price: Vibes $29.99 & Vibes FX $32.99
Website: www.iskin.com/products_blackberry

iLuv: iMM153
A bedside alarm clock for iPod that shakes the heaviest sleepers awake

Bed shaker vibrates a bed or a pillow to wake you up
Dual alarm clock with 7 ways to wake up and 10 Level LCD dimmer control
Listen to iPod, FM stereo or any audio device via the auxiliary line input

Available at: www.i-luv.com
Price: $59.99
Website: www.i-luv.com

KONNET Technology: HardJAC Graffito
Slim protective cases for iPhone 3G/3GS that feature unique graphic designs

Ultra slim polycarbonate iPhone case with fun, edgy designs and patterns
Includes one matching graphic screen protector
Free downloadable wallpaper to match the graphic case and screen protector (available in black or pink)

Available at: Amazon.com, Tigerdirect.com, Newegg.com, Frys Electronics, Source by Circuit City
Price: $19.99
Website: www.konnetonline.com

mophie: juice pack air
World's thinnest 'Works with iPhone' external battery/protective case

Rechargeable 1200mAh lithium polymer battery virtually doubles the amount of time you have to rock, talk, surf, and send
Ultra-thin, light-weight low-profile design
"Standby Mode" allows you to turn battery boosting on/off
Integrated 4 LED charge status indicator shows how much juice is left
Fully compatible with new iPhone 3G S and iPhone 3G and available in black, white, purple, and soft-touch red

Available at: Apple Stores and www.mophie.com
Price: $79.95
Website: www.mophie.com

Ten One Design will be offering 20% off everything pink (Sketch and Stylus) from Feb.1-14. No coupon codes needed.

Ten One Design: Pogo Stylus
The first touch screen stylus for iPhone & iPod touch

Faster typing, greater comfort/control and a familiar input method for navigation
Capacitive touch screen solution for people with long fingernails, larger fingers, or wear gloves
Aluminum base and advanced technology tip is compatible with other multi-touch, capacitive screens, allowing electrical charge to transfer from your hand to the screen
Four color options: black, silver, gunmetal and hot pink
Travel Clip secures the stylus allowing quick accessibility

Available at: www.tenonedesign.com and www.amazon.com
Price: $14.95
Website: www.tenonedesign.com

Joby: GorillaPod
Revolutionary line of tripods designed to affix cameras of any size to just about anything

Versions to fit point-and-shoots to large professional cameras supporting up to 11 pounds
Two dozen flexible leg joints bend & rotate for maximum tripod flexibility & functionality
Rubberized rings and foot grips ensure a steady shot on any surface or structure
Compact and lightweight design featured in bright 7 colors! (original GorillaPod)
Complete line of attachments & accessories to satisfy even the most serious photographer

Available at: B&H, SkyMall, BestBuy.com, Target.com, Cabelas, J&R and many others
Price: Gorillapod - $21.95, Gorillapod SLR - $39.95, Gorillapod SLR-Zoom - $49.95, Gorillapod Focus - $99.95
Website: www.joby.com

booq: Mamba shift L
Lightweight, extremely functional backpack uses a clean and compact exterior design to conceal a plush and roomy interior

1680 denier ballistic nylon exterior with water-repellant coating and interior water repellant ripstop lining
Diagonally overlapping interior accessory pockets, provide easy access to all your gear
Separate accessory zipper pouch to carry cables, external hard drive, etc.
Elastic pop-out iPhone pockets integrated into shoulder straps
Airmesh back padding increases comfort and allows heat to escape
Equipped with Terralinq service, helps reunite you with your lost bag

Available at: www.booqbags.com and various retailers www.stores.booq.com
Price: $149.95 (13"-17" Mac or PC)
Website: www.booqbags.com

Canon Launches EOS Video Plug-In for Final Cut Pro

jessica — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 10:35:45 +0000

Canon on Friday announced that the EOS E1 video plug-in for Apple's Final Cut Pro is now available.

This new plug-in allows you to easily transfer video content from Canon's EOS DSLR cameras directly into Final Cut Pro. The EOS E1 video plug-in takes advantage of Final Cut Pro's Log and Transfer feature, which lets you select and mark the video directly while it is still on the camera. You can also add custom metadata and ingest the clips in the background so the editing can start immediately.

The EOS E1 video plug-in is a free download available at www.apple.com/downloads/macosx/finalcutstudio. The plug-in is compatible with Final Cut Pro 6 or higher and currently supports Canon EOS 5D Mark II, EOS 7D and EOS 1D Mark IV cameras.

New VAIO E Series Notebooks Announced

jessica — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 10:12:35 +0000

Sony this week announced a new line of colorful and affordably-priced notebook computers— the VAIO E Series.

The VAIO E Series feature a 15.5" (diag.) LCD screen, Intel Core i3-330M (2.10GHz), Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit ,4GB RAM, CD/DVD burner, webcam, HDMI output, eSATA/ USB port, three USB ports and Bluetooth capability. An optional Blu-ray drive is also available.

The E Series sports three handy hardware buttons too - WEB, VAIO and ASSIST. The WEB button allows you to access the Internet without a full boot up; launch Sony's Media Gallery software by pushing the VAIO button; and troubleshoot problems or do your own PC maintenance by pressing the ASSIST button.

Five high-gloss colors will be available— Caribbean Green, Iridescent Blue, Coconut White, Hibiscus Pink and Lava Black— and three matte colors—Maple Brown, Silver White and Gunmetal.

The VAIO E Series will retail for about $799. It is available for pre-order now at www.sonystyle.com/pr/e. It will also be sold at Sony Style stores and at other major retailers around the country starting next month.

Olympus Intros $600 PEN E-PL1 Micro Four Thirds Camera with Pop-Up Flash

jessica — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 21:56:23 +0000

Olympus just added the new PEN E-PL1 to its lineup of Micro Four Thirds digital cameras. Designed for those who want the power of a DSLR camera but not the bulk or complex interface, the E-PL1 allows you to take beautiful pictures without the difficult learning curve.

This third generation of the Olympus PEN series features a 12.3-megapixel Live MOS image sensor, 2.7-inch HyperCrystal LCD, in-body Image Stabilization, Imager Autofocus, Olympus Dust Reduction System, the TruePic V Image Processor and is the first in the PEN series to include a built-in pop-up flash.

The E-PL1 also has a new Direct Button for HD movies which lets you instantly switch to video recording if you're about to take a picture but realize video would be better. And its new Live Guide lets you preview the Scene modes to see what the picture will look like before you even shoot.

The new camera also features Intelligent Auto (iAuto) Mode, Face Detection, In-Camera Panorama, and an iEnhance mode which heightens the warm yellow and orange colors of a sunset.

The E-PL1 will be available in March 2010 for $599.99 in Black, Champagne Gold and Slate Blue. It includes the E-PL1 Body, M. ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-42mm f3.5/5.6 Zoom, USB Cable, Video Cable, Li-Ion Battery Pack (BLS-1), Li-Ion Battery Charger (BCS-1), Shoulder Strap, OLYMPUS [ib] software CD-ROM, Manuals and Registration card.

Press release:

Powerfully Simple: Introducing The Incredible Olympus PEN E-PL1 Camera

Simple Operation + High-Quality 12 Megapixel Images + HD Video + In-Camera Creativity + Interchangeable Lenses = Total Compact Multimedia Package

February 3, 2010 – The new Olympus PEN® E-PL1 is truly greater than the sum of its parts, with a surprisingly small camera body packed with technology normally found in bigger, bulkier and heavier professional Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) cameras and High-Definition (HD) camcorders. This third-generation PEN is built for shutterbugs who always wanted better pictures and considered a DSLR, but were intimidated by the bulky size and complex interface. The new camera’s simple design and easy interface enable consumers to easily create amazing images never dreamt possible. It will make you wonder how Olympus managed to put all of these powerful features inside such a compact camera for only $599.99.

The E-PL1 equals an affordable and powerfully simple all-in-one package that travels with you to capture life in the high quality that your memories deserve.

"Many of today’s consumers want a camera with the professional still image quality of a DSLR and HD video in a compact body that’s as easy to use as a point-and-shoot," said John Knaur, senior marketing manager, Digital SLR, Olympus Imaging America Inc. "Thanks in part to an image sensor that’s approximately eight times larger in size than what’s inside the average point-and-shoot camera, the E-PL1 delivers outstanding high-quality images. Add the flexibility of high-quality interchangeable lenses, the convenience of a built-in pop-up flash, in-camera creative features and technology designed to produce images effortlessly, and the E-PL1 is the total consumer-friendly, multimedia package."

EASILY PEN YOUR STORY WITH A BRAND NEW PEN

This third generation of the Olympus PEN series combines powerful features in an easy-to-use package that will make capturing your life more fun. The new direct record button makes taking videos easier than ever and the new Live Guide functionality makes it simple to learn photography techniques without requiring the skills of a pro shooter.

New Direct Button for HD Movies

Recording HD movies with the E-PL1 is simple, thanks to an easy-to-reach red "direct button" (red record button) on the back of the camera body. If you’re about to snap a photo and you realize a video would capture the spirit of the scene even better, simply press the record button and instantly you’re capturing videos! Easily toggle back and forth between capturing stills and videos by using your index finger to press the shutter button or your thumb to press the red record button. Having the ability to shoot still images and videos opens up a world of imaging possibilities.

New Live Guide Sets the Scene Before You Shoot

The E-PL1’s new Live Guide interface simplifies great photography and gets the results you desire at the touch of a button. Want more vivid or muted color in your shot? Want warmer or cooler color? Want a brighter or darker subject, or a sharper or softer background? Or maybe you want to capture the fast-moving action of your subject with a little artistic blur, or perhaps freeze the action? Simply select Live Guide and press the up and down arrows on the back of the camera to slide through numerous photographic effects. Make adjustments and watch the LCD as the effects are made live – before the image is captured! Don’t worry about learning technical things like f-stops, shutter speed and white balance; jump right in by composing, adjusting exposure and more before the shot is taken.

Seeing the results before snapping the image ensures you are getting the shots you want, and it will change the way you photograph. Shooting Tips are also included with Live Guide, so you can leave the manual at home.

Automate Everything

Live Guide is just the start of automated technologies on the E-PL1 designed to free you up to focus on your subjects instead of focusing on your camera’s settings.

19 Scene-Select Modes: From portraits to sunset shots, the E-PL1 is equipped with 19 Scene-Select modes for effortless picture taking, including Fireworks, Sunset, Children, Macro and Panorama, to name a few. Capturing beautiful portraits is easy with the ePortrait Mode that enables you to smooth your subject’s complexion.
Intelligent Auto (iAuto) Mode: When you don’t want to use the scene-select modes, the iAuto mode automatically identifies what you’re shooting and adjusts settings for you to capture the best result depending on the situation.
Face Detection: Reduce the chance of blurred subjects in images by recognizing up to eight faces, tracking them within the image area, and automatically focusing and optimizing exposure for sharp portraits.
In-Camera Panorama: Capture three images and stitch them together to create one amazing, seamless panoramic picture. Or use the included OLYMPUS [ib] software to stitch up to 10 images together for the ultimate panorama.
iEnhance: With this mode the warm yellow and orange colors of a sunset are heightened to a dramatically lifelike color that’s truer to what you see with the naked eye. iEnhance can be used in any mode, and automatically engages when using iAuto to enrich color in any subject.
Share: Just connect the camera to an HDTV with an optional HDMI cable and use your TV remote to control playback functions and navigate the camera’s menus from the comfort of your personal front-row seat. The E-PL1 records to SDHC (Class 6 recommended) media cards that can be plugged directly into many devices and accommodate large files, including videos.

New Powerfully Simple Pop-Up Flash

The E-PL1 is the first camera in the Olympus PEN series with a built-in pop-up flash that makes it easy to illuminate low-light subjects, reduce red-eye and fill in dark areas. The camera is also compatible with a range of optional external flashes, including the Olympus FL-36R and FL-50R, which can be controlled wirelessly by the E-PL1 so you can dynamically control lighting as your photography skills grow.

PRO-QUALITY IMAGES

How do professional photographers capture the stunning images you see in the pages of glossy magazines and coffee-table books? Talent matters, of course, but you also need the right equipment. Rest assured that the E-PL1 has everything you need to produce vibrant, professional-quality images: a large image sensor, in-body Image Stabilization, Imager Autofocus, the proven Olympus Dust Reduction System and the TruePic™ V Image Processor.

Big Sensor, Not a Big Body

At the heart of the E-PL1 is a large-size image sensor that’s the same sensor as the one inside the Olympus E-30 and E-620 DSLR models. The only difference between this sensor and what the pros use is that this big sensor is inside the much smaller body of the E-PL1. This high-performance 12.3-megapixel Live MOS image sensor (eight times larger than the average point-and-shoot camera sensor) delivers excellent dynamic range, accurate color fidelity, and a state-of-the-art amplifier circuit to reduce noise and capture fine image details in both highlight and shadow areas.

Stabilize All of Your Lenses

Instead of selling more expensive lenses that have image stabilization inside them, Olympus takes a different approach by having image stabilization built right into the body of the E-PL1. This means that any lens (Micro Four Thirds™, Four Thirds and any third-party lens) attached to the E-PL1 will deliver blur-free images thanks to three modes of In-body Image Stabilization that automatically compensate for camera shake, including in low-light situations or when shooting without a tripod. Since the PEN cameras are the world’s smallest interchangeable-lens cameras with image stabilization built inside the body, you can take the E-PL1 with you and capture great images, and it won’t weigh you down.

Track Your Subjects Wherever They Roam

The E-PL1’s Continuous Autofocus (C-AF) Tracking and Autofocus (AF) Target Registration locks your subject into focus and constantly adjusts focus and brightness whether you or your subject is moving. With this mode, a simple push of the shutter release enables you to keep moving subjects in focus – tracking them from left to right and from front to back – within the frame, automatically ensuring that even active subjects, like kids playing sports, are captured clearly.

The E-PL1’s Imager Autofocus in Live View enables you to compose, focus and capture the shot quickly and easily without ever taking your eyes off the camera’s large, 2.7-inch full-color, high-contrast HyperCrystal LCD for an easy, seamless viewing experience when shooting still images or videos. The LCD also provides a wide viewing angle of 176 degrees, which ensures that images can be composed from even the most obscure angles.

This Camera Leaves Others in the Dust

If you’re just starting out with a camera that has interchangeable lenses, you don’t have to worry about dust spots on your sensor ruining the perfect image every time you change lenses. Spend more time shooting with the E-PL1 and less time worrying about dust with the proven Olympus Dust Reduction System that produces spot-free photos with the exclusive Supersonic Wave Filter™, a patented ultrasonic technology that vibrates to remove dust and other particles from the front of the image sensor, capturing them on a special adhesive membrane every time the camera is turned on.

True-to-Life Color

The E-PL1’s Live MOS image sensor is complemented by Olympus’ TruePic™ V Image Processor, which produces clear and colorful photos using all the pixel information for each image to provide the best digital images possible. The image processor is noted for accurate natural color, true-to-life flesh tones, brilliant blue skies and precise tonal expression; it also lowers image noise in photos shot at higher ISO settings (ISO 100 to ISO 3200), enabling great results in low-light situations.

EASILY EXPAND YOUR CREATIVE HORIZONS WITH BUILT-IN EFFECTS

Express yourself with in-camera creative features. Professional images are rarely unedited images. Video and still image pros use computer-editing software to render their images with effects that set their shots apart from the pack. Olympus appreciates that you may not have hours to spend retouching your images at the computer, so the E-PL1 incorporates editing effects inside the camera to save you time.

Whether you apply in-camera creative effects while shooting an image, or apply them later to images captured without the effects, all are inside the E-PL1, so you can achieve dramatic results on the go without a computer or editing software.

The E-PL1 has six in-camera Art Filters, including a new filter called Gentle Sepia. This filter gives your images and videos a soft, warm sepia cast similar to historical images from the early days of photography. The sepia tones are softer and the blacks are a true black, unlike traditional sepia images. The new filter joins Pop Art, Soft Focus, Pin Hole, Grainy Film and Diorama (the filter that makes everything look as small as the E-PL1).

With the E-PL1’s Multiple Exposure function available for still image capture, you are free to tell a visual story your way. The image capture options enable you to shoot one shot, then another and combine them in real time, or capture both shots separately and combine them within the camera later. Take a shot of your significant other, and overlay your self-portrait on top to figure out what your kids will look like. If you have kids already, overlay your kid’s face on top of a shot of his or her favorite cartoon character for laughs. Your ability to manipulate space and time makes this new creative multimedia device a veritable time machine.

You often can achieve greater photographic expression by framing a scene in a unique way. The E-PL1 provides four aspect ratios that serve as masks to frame your image to the desired proportions, including the standard 4:3 aspect ratio that is suited to an 8 x 10-inch enlargement; the 16:9 aspect ratio that will display beautifully on a widescreen television; and other popular aspect ratios, such as 3:2 and 6:6. The Multi-Aspect Shooting further expresses your creative vision when combined with in-camera Art Filters and Multiple Exposures.

With the E-PL1, you have your own living library of still images, HD video and audio to remix at your command. In playback mode, you can seamlessly mix stills and movies inside the camera to create a multimedia slideshow, and dub in one of three built-in dramatic background music options to provide a soundtrack for your cinematic creation. With so many creative options, there’s no limit to what you can create. Choose whether or not you want to play back just pictures, just movies or a combination; also control playing back the whole movie or just a clip.

OPEN SYSTEM EASILY GROWS WITH YOUR ABILITY

With a basic point-and-shoot camera, you get one lens built into the camera. One lens, that’s it. And it’s likely a small lens, which doesn’t allow a lot of light through to hit the image sensor. So, you may have a difficult time in low-light conditions. And without the option of adding more lenses, you’re limited to what that one point-and-shoot lens can do. The E-PL1 solves these issues by accepting a variety of lenses to maximize its functionality. Whether shooting still images or HD video, you can add everything from an extreme wide-angle fisheye lens to a super-telephoto lens for a wide range of expressive options.

The M. ZUIKO DIGITAL Micro Four Thirds lenses are designed to be more compact and portable like the E-PL1. Choose from the ED 14-42mm f3.5/5.6 zoom lens (28-84mm equivalent in 35mm cameras) sold with the E-PL1, the ED 17mm f2.8 lens (34mm equivalent), the new super wide-angle zoom ED 9-18mm f4.0-5.6 lens (18-36mm equivalent) or the high-power wide to telephoto zoom ED 14-150mm f4.0-5.6 lens (28-300mm equivalent).

If you want to have even more options, the MMF-2 Four Thirds System Lens Adapter makes the E-PL1 compatible with all Olympus ZUIKO Digital Specific™ lenses and other Four Thirds System lenses from Sigma, Panasonic and Leica. Olympus OM film-based lenses can be attached to the E-PL1 with the MF-2 OM Lens Adapter, and there are third-party adapters developed for lenses from most other manufacturers.

SOFTWARE AND ACCESSORY OPTIONS WHEN YOU’RE READY

The E-PL1 incorporates an accessory port for connecting the optional VF-2 live-finder, a detachable electronic viewfinder, or the new optional SEMA-1 external microphone adapter set (which includes the EMA-1 adapter, the ME-51S stereo microphone and a cord) for those who want to capture enhanced audio with any microphone that has a 3.5mm plug. These optional accessories easily slide into the camera’s accessory port and hot shoe.

Consumers who wish to hold the E-PL1 up to their eye rather than use the LCD will appreciate that the optional VF-2, which provides 1.15x magnification and a 100 percent field of view with sharp resolution, brightness and contrast. The viewfinder refreshes quickly to minimize image ghosting on fast-moving subjects. It also rotates up to 90 degrees to enable photographers to look down into it, which is useful when shooting subjects from challenging angles. The built-in diopter adjustment and high magnification offer easy viewing with and without glasses.

The E-PL1 offers OLYMPUS [ib] software that includes photography workflow, browsing, editing and unique photo-organizing functions. You can organize your photos by person with automatic face-recognition technology, by location with a Geotagging function or by event. You can easily view photos on an HDTV or on the camera’s LCD with the Photo Surfing or Slideshow functions. The name [ib] stands for image bridging, image browsing and image brightening. The software will be available for Windows operating systems only.

Underwater Housing for Aquatic Adventures

The new camera’s compact design makes it the perfect companion for all of your dive trips. The PT-EP01 underwater case has been specially customized for the Olympus E-PL1 and is waterproof to a depth of 40 meters (approximately 130 feet). With its durable, high-quality polycarbonate construction, this Olympus housing protects the camera from water while also cushioning it from knocks and bumps on land.

The housing enables viewing from either the camera’s LCD screen or an optional electronic viewfinder. The flash connectors allow optional use of up to two UFL-2 underwater flash units via fiber optic cable. A nonremovable front lens port accommodates multiple Micro Four Thirds lenses.

New Exterior Design, Same PEN DNA

The E-PL1 streamlines the Olympus Micro Four Thirds PEN series form and is available in three new body colors, including Black, Champagne Gold and Slate Blue. Thanks to its compact size (4.51" W x 2.84" H x 1.63" D excluding protrusions) and light 10.4-ounce body, the E-PL1 won’t weigh you down when you’re on the go.

AVAILABILITY

The Olympus E-PL1 will be available in March 2010. It includes the E-PL1 Body, M. ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-42mm f3.5/5.6 Zoom, USB Cable, Video Cable, Li-Ion Battery Pack (BLS-1), Li-Ion Battery Charger (BCS-1), Shoulder Strap, OLYMPUS [ib] software CD-ROM, Manuals and Registration card.

U.S. Pricing / Product Configurations

E-PL1 Body with M. ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-42mm f3.5/5.6 Zoom Lens Estimated Street Price: $599.99

SOURCE OLYMPUS IMAGING AMERICA INC.

Amazon.com Offers FREE Two-Day Shipping on Kindle and Kindle DX

jessica — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 19:48:18 +0000

Amazon.com announced a special offer for those still looking for the perfect Valentine's gift this year. Kindle is Amazon's most gifted item in Amazon.com history and they are making it easier for you to purchase a Kindle and get it to your loved one in time for Valentine's Day. The company is offering FREE Two-Day Shipping for Kindle or Kindle DX for shipment in the continental United States between Feb. 3 and Feb. 11 for delivery on or before Feb. 13.

"Now it’s even easier for customers to share their love of reading with a new flame or a longtime love," said Ian Freed, vice president of Amazon Kindle. "Customers don't need to guess which romance novel or political page-turner to give the person they love – with Kindle and Kindle DX, they can give the gift of access to over 400,000 books across all genres in less than 60 seconds."

Kindle and Kindle DX are available for FREE Two-Day Shipping today for $259 and $489 respectively at www.amazon.com/kindle. To take advantage of this offer, customers simply add Kindle or Kindle DX to their Shopping Cart and select Two-Day Shipping.

Olympus Announces New DM-4 And DM-2 Digital Audio Devices

jessica — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 17:47:07 +0000

Large Color LCDs, Voice Guidance, Intuitive Menus and Built-in Stereo Mics in Both; Text to Speech and Voice Recognition Features Included in DM-4

February 3, 2010 – Today Olympus unveils two new DM series digital audio devices with large color LCDs and easy-to-navigate menus for audio recording, editing and playback of podcasts, music, audio books and textbooks. The DM-4 and DM-2 deliver internal memory storage capacity of 8 gigabytes and 4 gigabytes, respectively, as well as external microSD compatibility. The DM-4 also offers voice recognition so users can verbally navigate menus with voice commands and set the time and date, as well as create a schedule using only their voice.

"These new DM recorders are the perfect tools for students and professionals to capture audio files and keep them organized," said Amy Leslie, product manager, Olympus Imaging America Inc. "The devices also are ideal for personal time when playing music, podcasts and audio books. Text to speech, voice recognition and DAISY (Digital Accessible Information System) compatibility of the DM-4 makes it a great tool for the blind and dyslexic community as well."

Large 2.2-Inch Color LCD with Easy-to-Use Interface

As the first Olympus recorders to employ large color LCD screens, the DM-4 and DM-2 deliver an easy-to-use interface that enables users to accurately arrange digital files with unparalleled organization for meetings, dates and reminders. Both have folders for recording music, podcasts, audiobooks, pictures and schedules. Also in the DM-4, the Visual Index function allows users to link images to the recorded audio file; name and file your recordings using images instead of text to easily identify and retrieve later.

Super High-Quality Recording In Your Pocket

Both new DM audio devices offer built-in stereo microphones and can record and play super high-quality stereo PCM, MP3 and WMA (Windows Media Audio) files. This provides users with extreme flexibility for school, work and fun. Never wonder again what the professor was saying since you can play it back later in super high-quality audio. With infinite listening possibilities, there’s never a dull moment with the new DM recorders. Download an audio book and listen to it at the gym and then hear your favorite podcast on the ride home.

Voice Recognition with DAISY

The DM-4 features Voice Recognition so that users can command the device and add items to their lists and calendars. The DM-4 also is a DAISY Player certified by Daisy Consortium, which means that it can play digitally recorded material in the DAISY talking book format popular with the visually impaired and those with Dyslexia and other learning disabilities.

Voice Guidance

The DM-4 and DM-2 feature a voice confirmation function that can be turned on or off. When turned on, the function enables the devices to speak, helping users to navigate the folders and various set-up options. The pleasant automated voice guides users through the onscreen menus for setting date, time and other menu selecting modes. It also confirms by stating the folder name as the user moves from one folder to another. This enables visually challenged users to achieve equal accessibility while capturing recordings and easily moving through the device’s menus, folders and set-up options.

Text to Speech

The Text to Speech function in the DM-4 enables users to hear file information, such as the time and date of the recording as well as keywords that users can set. This function also allows users to identify each file without listening to the recorded content. Text files (ending in .txt) also are compatible with the DM-4. Whether driving to work or exercising, users can now listen to their text files instead of reading them.

Memory Capacity and Expandability

The DM-4 has 8 gigabytes and DM-2 has 4 gigabytes of internal memory for more than 2000 and 1000 hours of recorded sound, respectively. Both audio devices feature a removable microSD media card slot to further expand capacity by up to 16 gigabytes. During a busy day of recording, changing optional microSD cards is an easy way for users to capture more audio without taking time to download files to a computer.

Long-Lasting Power with Rechargeable Battery Function

The DM-4 and DM-2 operate for more than 20 hours with a rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery that can be charged using the AC adapter or by connecting to a computer via USB.

Olympus Sonority Software Compatible with PC or Mac

Enjoy your sound with the included easy-to-use Olympus Sonority Software. You can erase noise, adjust sound effects and divide files, to name a few options. The software allows for uploading, organizing and emailing of audio files and direct downloading of podcasts. The software also expands your sphere of activities thanks to its compatibility with any PC or Mac. Users also can enjoy DAISY multimedia contents in the software.

Make the Connection

The USB 2.0 high-speed connection delivers fast downloads and uploads of files to and from the DM-4 and DM-2 using the included USB cable. No need to download any software since you can record in WMA, MP3 and WAV formats on the new devices. This feature enables users to connect with speed and ease, and once downloaded, files can be archived or emailed to friends and family.

Availability

The DM-4 and DM-2 will be available in June 2010. The DM-4 will be available in black and the DM-2 will be available in silver. They will include Li-ion Battery, AC Adapter, Stereo Earphone, USB Cable, Conversion Cable (DM-4 only), Carrying Case, Strap, Olympus Sonority Software, Instruction Manual and Warranty Card.

U.S. Pricing

DM-4 Digital Audio Device Estimated Street Price: $299.99 (U.S.)
DM-2 Digital Audio Device Estimated Street Price: $249.99 (U.S.)

For more information visit the Olympus Web site: www.getolympus.com.

SOURCE OLYMPUS IMAGING AMERICA INC.

Conceal Your Flatscreen TV with Beautiful Artwork

jessica — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 16:44:59 +0000

TV screens are getting larger and thinner, and most often, a popular location to place a TV is on the wall. But what about when it is turned off? Do you really want to stare at a large, black object hanging on your wall? Media Decor has a solution. Why don't you conceal your flatscreen display behind beautiful framed artwork? Three options are available - Moving Art on Canvas, Mirrors, and Art Lift systems. With over 500 frame styles, 2,500 works of art to choose from, and styles ranging from traditional to contemporary, there is something for everyone.

Moving Art Series

The patented Elite Moving Art is the most elegant solution. When the TV is turned off, it's simply framed artwork. When the TV is turned on, the artwork disappears inside the top of the unit, turning your TV into a beautiful framed painting.

The Moving Art frames require no special cabinetwork, and can be flush- or surface- mounted to the wall around the object or area to be concealed. The Elite model uses a magnetic furling system for smooth performance and silent operation. Artwork scrolls up and down, and the Elite can accommodate screens of up to 80". Prices range from $7250 to $12,350, depending on frame size.

Two additional options are available in the Moving Art series: Illusion, for screen sizes from 43" to 120", priced from $4,610 to $16,490; and the value-priced Ecco, which starts at $1,495.

Eclipse Art Lift

The Eclipse Art Lift is perfect for homeowners who want to showcase personal artwork or photographs. By just touching a button, the frame moves out of the way for television viewing. The Eclipse Art Lift is the first and only system available that exclusively uses the Lutron Q Electronic Drive Unit, for silent, electronic lifting configurable for up/down or left/right movement—or, in the Dual Eclipse, artwork that splits in the middle and moves left and right. Media Decor Lifts can also be used to conceal wine racks, in-wall safes and more.

Retail pricing for Art Lift ranges from $5450 to $5750 depending on size of screen.

Mirage Mirror

The Mirage Mirror is another option for concealing a plasma, LCD, or LED flatscreen display in a room with subdued lighting. When turned off, the TV is simply a framed mirror; when the TV is turned on, the mirror is transformed into a TV. This unique patented design includes a silent drop-down curtain between the front of the TV and the back of the Beam Splitter. This increases the mirror's apparent reflectivity, and requires no blacking-out behind the mirror when the TV is turned off.

Pricing begins at: $5,200, with 40 choices of standard frames. More than 200 optional frames are available at additional cost.

Visit www.mediadecor.com to view all of the artwork and frame options. There are even tutorials available that will help guide you through the selection process, as well as helpful tips and detailed instruction guides.