Fujifilm Finepix s8100fd

There’s something nice about walking around with a big bankroll in your pocket or having high credit-card limits, knowing you can buy just about anything that comes your way. Nice. The same holds true when you’re packing digicams like the S8100fd, an 18x mega zoom camera with an attractive focal length of 27-486mm. Compare this to the much more typical 35-105mm and you’ll immediately see that you can capture wide-angle portrait and landscapes then zoom all the way in to snap birds resting on the top branches of tall trees. And this is much more flexible than almost any interchangeable D-SLR lens—plus you don’t have to hassle with lugging around additional glass. Of course there are some major trade-offs between this 10-megapixel point-and-shoot and any 10MP D-SLR such as the Sony DSLR-A200 or new Nikon D60 besides several hundred dollars and overall image quality. Speed is one of the biggest—speed meaning the time it takes saving images to the card and burst mode—which is almost creaky compared to a D-SLR. That said the new S8100fd costs less than $400 USD and it just might be a perfect camera to take on your next vacation. Let’s see if it’s worth the dent in your bankroll…

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Sears: 50% off select tools

Sears: 50% off select tools

Mediawiki Forum Extension

I have been helping to test and debug AWC's forum extension, due to be released shortly, v2.0

A substanial update from the previous v1.2, I will boldly say, in my humble opinion, it blows every other forum extension away.

Currently the options for forum extensions:

DPLforum
WikiForum
MWBB - well supported extension, good admin features, plenty features but lacking the typical forum presentation, most importantly, lacks last post/new threads details/updates on main page.
AWC forum
Forum extension
IPBwiki - an excellent forum, but not a forum in an extension by itself, it requires IPB for the forum, and the IPBwiki extension intergrates it into the wiki - available at a cost 


IPBwiki would be the best, but comes at a substanial cost, as it requires purchasing the IPB forum application, and the IPBwiki extension, and as the extension is not actually a forum itself, I will not compare it to the others, also the rest are free.

The other extensions, are all very basic, and lack the standard presentation of a forum...
The exception may be MWBB, which has excellent control and admin features, has stickys, annoucements, locked threads etc, but where its let down substanially is its presentation, as it does not display last post/new threads information on the main page, and generally its skin is just ugly.

The AWC forum on the other hand, looks just like a forum should, displaying last post/new thread information, nice catagories, and easy to skin, but in v1.2 it was let down but being a little buggy and lacking admin and user options, and lacking features such as annoucements, stickys and locked threads...

Well, the AWC forum has now been updated, and the improvements are substanial!

Its in the final stages of testing and debugging, and is due to be released shorty, but here is a highlight of features this extension now offers:

General

• Unread Thread Indicator
• Unread Post Indicator
• Full Wiki Syntax
• HTML as Wiki allows
• Full 'Breadcrumb' Navagation
• Global Announcements
• Thread Stickies/Pinned
• Thread Locking
• Restricted Categories and Forums based on Group Permissions
•     Three settings: Everyone, Admin or Admin/Mod
  

User

• Adding Signatures
• Editing Own Post (if Sysops/Admins allow)
• Deleteing Own Post (if Sysops/Admins allow)
  

Moderator options

• Able to edit and delete posts/threads
• Able to lock or sticky threads/pin

Admin options

• Able to make threads annoucements
• Can edit user signitures from within wiki admin section
• Can edit the lnumber and length of a varity of forum settings
• Able to edit language file/wording and spelling of entire forum from within admin section

The presentation is also substanially improved, with many of the fine detailed bugs of v1.2 ironed out, and it also works on the latest version of Mediawiki.

I would highly recommend this extension to anyone with a wiki wanting to include a forum.

There is a working example of this forum available for all to see, but as its being used for testing/debugging, its not a great advertisment...

I will blog on this again with links provided once this extension is ready for release.

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Freeview|HD Frequently Asked Questions

Freeview|HD Frequently Asked Questions
This is a fact sheet I received today from Freeview. It is related to the upcoming launch of its terrestrial digital TV broadcast service with High Definition (Freeview|HD) on 2nd April 2008:

What is Digital TV?
In the past the pictures on television seen by the majority of New Zealanders were by virtue of analogue transmission.
In May 2007 Freeview launched a digital satellite service giving Kiwis’ the option of watching their favourite programmes in crystal clear digital quality, free- to-air, for the first time.
Within twelve months we are approaching 100,000 (or 6% of) NZ homes that have access to the Freeview satellite service.

Freeview|HD will launch in April and the evolution of New Zealand free-to-air broadcasting takes its next major next step forward.

Why is this happening?
The Government has announced that the current analogue service will eventually be switched off, probably in the next 4-7 years. The current policy is that a target date will be set once 60% of homes have digital television and a switch off date finalised once 75% of homes have digital TV. We are currently at approximately 47%.

Freeview’s aim is to ensure that world class digital technology is not only available and affordable but that it also offers a superior broadcasting experience for all New Zealanders. The goal is to make this a reality for Kiwis through choice, not compulsion.

When is the launch date for the Freeview|HD service?
Wednesday the 2nd of April 2008 is when the network will go-live and digital terrestrial receivers will be available from appliance retailers to access the service. The official launch event will be on the 14th April 2008.

What does Freeview|HD deliver in addition to the Freeview satellite offering?
Where the Freeview satellite service made bad reception a thing of the past by delivering crystal clear standard definition pictures, Freeview|HD will provide crystal clear digital pictures and sound on all channels with the added bonus of Page 2/8
Freeview Limited

some of your favourite programmes broadcast in High Definition.

TVOne, TV2, and TV3 will broadcast in a high definition format. There will be no standard definition signal for these channels meaning no need to simulcast in SD and HD. TVOne and TV2 will broadcast in the 1280 * 720 progressive (720p) format, while TV3 will broadcast in the 1920 * 1080 interlace (1080i) format. Both provide stunning HD picture quality.

On day one not all programmes on these channels will be true HD (i.e. shot, edited, stored, and broadcast in HD). As such the balance of the schedules will be ‘up-converted’ (or up-scaled) from standard definition to the appropriate HD format.

What High Definition programming will there be?
As stated above the TVOne, TV2, and TV3 schedules will be ‘up-converted’ (or up-scaled) from standard definition to the appropriate HD format.

Initially, TV3 will offer about 12 hours a week in true HD.

TVNZ will broadcast this year’s Beijing Olympics in High Definition on TVOne.

We expect that each channel will look to increase the quantity of true HD programmes throughout 2008 and into 2009.
In addition, Freeview will provide an HD demonstration channel (channel 100) to showcase true HD from the Freeview|HD service launch.

What do I need?
Freeview does not sell digital receivers or carry out installations. It does, however, certify receivers to ensure quality and it also accredits retailers who wish to promote Freeview and sell compatible products.

Once you have an approved digital receiver you can access Freeview|HD from UHF aerial or for the Freeview satellite service a satellite dish.

What are your take-up projections?
Initial projections for the Freeview satellite service’s first year (at 30,000) were proven to be conservative as Kiwis’ quickly embraced the chance of receiving crystal clear digital quality pictures and sound for free. As stated above, within twelve months we are approaching 100,000 (or 6% of) NZ homes that have access to the Freeview satellite service.

With the launch of Freeview|HD we expect take-up of this service to be low initially and tracking upwards over time as the number of devices that contain a digital receiver increase and the channels accessible through Freeview grows.

Once again it is hard to predict how the take-up of Freeview|HD will unfold, but given the increasing number of homes with HD capable TV’s (approximately 300,000 homes) looking for the best digital quality experience, we are confident that we will see over 50,000 NZ homes with the Freeview|HD service by June 2009.

Why are you deploying two separate technologies (satellite and terrestrial)?
By having two platforms Freeview will provide 100% national coverage, different cost options, features and ultimately more choice for New Zealanders who wish to receive crystal clear television and radio services.

Both platforms have different strengths and merits and by combining the two we have been able to deliver a digital broadcasting service that uses the latest technology and places New Zealand right at the forefront of global broadcasting capability.

Most OECD countries have or are planning dual digital broadcast platforms to ensure ubiquitous access for its citizens. We are the first country to have a digital satellite and terrestrial, free-to-air, service available under one brand.

How long before Freeview’s broadcast infrastructure will need to be updated again?
The current analogue television network has been in service now for over 30 years. And whilst it is very hard to predict what the future will bring we have endeavoured to future proof the Freeview platforms as much as practically possible.

The Freeview|HD digital terrestrial platform’s HD capability, coupled with decisions by TVNZ (TVOne and TV2) and TV3 to broadcast on this platform in HD only, place New Zealand alongside the world’s leading HD platforms in terms of not just the technology deployed but also in providing our ‘most watched’ channels in HD.

Internationally, HD broadcasting has been led by pay-tv operators who have charged premium subscriptions for access to HD channels. Other than in the USA, Japan, and Australia, HD channels are almost exclusively pay-tv channels, not free-to-air.

What digital receiver products will Freeview provide?
Freeview does not manufacture or sell any digital reception hardware.

What we do is work with leading manufacturers and their NZ importer/distributor partners to produce technical specifications so that they are confident to make receivers for Freeview services.

To provide both manufacturers and consumer confidence in these products we do, however, provide a testing and certification service. As such Freeview has receivers rigorously tested to ensure that they are easy to install, automatically tune-in new channels when they launch, have the ability to access interactive TV content as it becomes available, work with the Freeview Guide (EPG), and as part of the warranty have technical support and service available throughout New Zealand. Overall certified products undergo and pass over 5,000 tests.

The digital satellite receiver and digital terrestrial receiver technical specifications are complete and available to any manufacturer, importer or distributor. Through 2008 we are likely to see the following products available from retailers:

• Digital Receivers – a stand alone digital receiver which connects to the satellite dish or UHF aerial and then to the television. A digital satellite receiver is different from a digital terrestrial receiver so it’s important to make sure it matches the chosen Freeview service.

• Integrated Digital Televisions (iDTV’s) – a TV with a built-in digital receiver. This means there’s no need to buy a separate digital receiver if you haven’t already purchased an HD Ready analogue TV. The iDTV must have the minimum requirements for displaying High Definition programmes.

• Gaming consoles – for example, PlayStation are developing an add-on digital receiver which will enable the PS3 to be used as a digital television recorder as well as a gaming console.

• PC cards / adaptors – turning your computer into a digital TV. For this you need to either install a digital TV PC card (this means getting inside the computer) or, if you have a modern PC with a fast USB-2 socket, you can plug in a digital TV USB adapter. You use the supplied software to tune in and watch FTA digital TV.

Next we will provide a Digital Television Recorder (DTR) specification. We are hoping to see Freeview approved DTRs in the market later in the year. They are essentially a smart digital receiver that records programmes to a hard drive. Programmes you want to record can be selected directly from the on-screen programme guide (EPG). Some have advanced features such as the ability to pause live TV, record multiple channels while simultaneously playing pre-recorded programmes, time shifting and series recording.

Which areas will be able to receive the new Freeview|HD service?
Freeview|HD is broadcast on a digital terrestrial network and received via a UHF aerial. It will be available in the Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Napier, Hastings, Palmerston North, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin. That’s 75% of New Zealand homes.

Full coverage maps for each area are available at http://www.freeviewnz.tv/.

Outside of these areas, which equates to about 25% of homes, the Freeview satellite service provides free-to-air access to digital television.

How many channels does Freeview have and are there plans for any more in the next 12 months?
The number of channels that have joined the Freeview service currently sits at fifteen – thirteen television and two radio channels. We launched with five television and two radio channels on May 2nd 2007.
The currently available capacity of the satellite and terrestrial platforms is around twenty television channels. As such there is still room for more services and we are regularly approached by potential broadcasters looking to become part of the Freeview family.

Broadcasters can choose whether to broadcast their channels on satellite and/or terrestrial so the channel offering may differ between the two platforms. The Freeview|HD service will launch with the following channels: TV ONE, TV2, TV3, C4, MAORI TV, TVNZ6, TVNZ7, TVNZ SPORT EXTRA, PARLIAMENT TV, TV CENTRAL (Waikato & BoP only), RNZ NATIONAL, RNZ CONCERT.

Nikon Capture NX Update Version 1.2 Available

Nikon today released an upgrade to its highly acclaimed Capture NX software. Nikon Capture NX version 1.2 boasts several new improvements including increased performance, an Updating Image notification during certain processes, and several bug fixes covering both MAC and PC users. See full story... Read More

Nikon D300 Covered by Two Year Warranty

Nikon D300 Covered by Two Year Warranty
Nikon Canada Inc. has now officially confirmed that the new Nikon D300 digital SLR will come with a two year manufacturer's warranty when purchased in Canada. We recently received Nikon Canada's "Holiday Line Up" news release and noticed that the Nikon D300 was mentioned as one of the DSLR's that is covered with a 2 year Canadian warranty when purchased from an authorized Nikon Canada dealer. Read full story...

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 - full review and video tour

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 - full review and video tour
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 is a 9.1 Megapixel compact with nothing less than a 10x optical zoom range. It's the successor to the enormously successful Lumix TZ3 and features the same excellent 28-280mm stabilised zoom lens in a pocketable form factor, but along with two extra Megapixels, upgrades the 3in screen to 460k pixels, adds HD movie recording at 720p / 30fps, and tops it off with an improved Intelligent Auto mode which combines Face and Scene Detection, Intelligent ISO and Panasonic's latest Intelligent Exposure mode. Has the one of the best compacts just got better? Find out in our Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5 review, and for a demonstration of its features, see our TZ5 video tour. Note the TZ5 is known as the TZ15 in Asia, Australia and New Zealand.

Pentax K100D Super Digital SLR Announced

Pentax has today introduced the 6.1 megapixel Pentax K100D Super, an update to the Pentax K100D digital SLR camera. The K100D Super incorporates the Pentax-developed Dust Removal (DR) system, previously available only in the K10D, to help prevent adhesion of dust to the CCD surface. The Pentax K100D Super, like the previous K100D, also features, a CCD-shift Shake Reduction system, a large 2.5" rear LCD display, and 11-point area Auto Focus. See full story... Read More

LG 42LT75 Television

LG 42LT75 Television
The LG 42LT75 is a revolutionary LCD TV that has an integrated 160GB hard drive allowing you to pause

OQO Computers: refurbished OQO model 02 pocket-size mini-laptop XP Pro + WWAN $999

OQO Computers: refurbished OQO model 02 pocket-size mini-laptop XP Pro + WWAN $999