Geekazine Special Media: Interviews and Reviews

Today's item I have for review is the Monoprice 615808 8-Channel mixer. This is a sub-$100 mixer that is perfect for 2-4 vocals, or 2-3 musicians. About the Monoprice 615808 Mixer This mixer has 4-XLR inputs, 4-line in inputs and 4 auxiliary inputs. You can also plug in a CD or RCA stereo jack and send out via the 2 track mains or RCA jacks. The mixer also has a USB port (playback only) and aux send if you choose to add effects or compression to your mixer. The first 4 channels of the 615808 contain an overall gain, two EQ options, the aux-pre channel, pan and volume level. Channels 5/6 and 7/8 only have EQ, aux-pre, pan and level. Main outs are 1/4" cables and the headphones is balanced 1/4" jack. Advantages of Monoprice 615808 Mixer This mixer is small and very portable. Perfect for a one-on-one interview, connecting to a computer and recording a show. The added adapter on the bottom allows you to place the mixer on a microphone stand if no table is available. You can even run mics needing phantom power as it can run +48V. Disadvantages of the Monoprice 615808 Mixer The biggest is the USB - It's playback only. If you try to record via USB, your recording will run a high pitched hum. Even connecting to the iPad - it recognizes the USB mixer - but will still bring the pitch into your recordings. Overall - Monoprice 615808 Mixer For the $70 price tag, this mixer is perfect for beginners and works well if you are running a portable setup. The mixer works a lot better with a compressor/gate on it, which with a little thought (and some cool technology from JamUp Pro (http://www.geekazine.com/news/jamup-turns-ipad-pedal-board-video/)) I was able to do.

This week I take a look at the Epson Expression home XP 410 printer. This is a smaller All-in-on printer that doesn't need to connect to a computer to be set up or printed to. In fact, you don't even need to be at home to print pictures to this printer. I personally use Epson printers at home. The Artisan 810 (http://www.geekazine.com/cool/review/unboxing-the-epson-artisan-810/) has been my main printer for the last couple years. The XP410 is meant to be a smaller printer - so no paper tray, no duplexer and no sheet feeder. What it does do - it prints. The XP410 is a 4-color printer (CYM-B). Epson uses DURABrite Ultra pigment ink, so pictures are smudge, fade and water resistant on glossy paper. The XP410 can print 8.7 pages per minute (ppm) and 4.5 ppm in color. The Epson scanner will do a maximum resolution of 10,200 x 14,040, which is larger than you will most likely scan something in. You can scan to copy, scan to USB or scan to cloud or computer. With the Epson iPrint app, I can use iOS or Android to print out pictures from my phone or tablet. I can also print via email - which Epson gives you when you sign up from the site. Get the Epson Expression Home XP-410  at Amazon Epson XP 410 - the Good This printer is pretty small. I printed using several types of paper and it held through. Even with construction paper - something that failed from time to time from my Artisan 810 (because the paper had to flip through the rollers). The XP410 size is small enough to be in a corner and not noticed. The LCD screen and touchpad allow you to setup your wireless without a computer. If you do want to connect to a computer, just use a USB cable. The printer broadcasts on the SSID. I was at my desktop and it picked up on the printer - a screen came up asking if I wanted to install it. The firmware was then updated on the printer and was ready to print from my machine. Ink is priced right - $10 per standard cartridge ($40 for full replace). There are two types of replacements - the T200 (165-175 pages) and the 200XL (450-500 pages). Epson XP 410 - the Bad The power cable is in a really odd spot. I had to turn the printer on its side to get the plug in. Thankfully, that's a one-time job. I also had problems printing with the iPrint app. I couldn't find out how to print in 4x6 photo mode. When I try to set up the app, it pulls up the web portal page. I tried to make changes there, but it still didn't give me options to print more than 8.5x11 Overall - Epson XP 410 A decent printer for the sub-$100 market. I was able to print out some pictures of me over the summer, which I'll frame and put on the wall. There was no extra work to try and get the print setup from computer. This will be great for a college student or a SMB that prints every so often.

I had the opportunity to play with the Sony Handycam PJ710 over the summer. I saw these Sony cameras at CES (http://www.geekazine.com/special/sony-handycam-hdr-pj790-projector-input-hdr-pj430v-wifi/) and was really excited to add this to my video arsenal. This is a camera that is also a video projector. Great for showing off those videos you just took of the kids, the parents or whatever you recorded. The camera is part of the PJ7xx series. PJ710 and PJ790. The main difference between the two is the PJ790 comes with 96 GB internal flash memory - perfect for a few hours of recording. I also have the Sony Handycam XR260 - a previous model with internal HD that records up to 24 hours in 1080p. Advantages of Sony Handycam PJ710 The best advantage was the stabilization system. The balanced optical SteadyShot is a device that will actually stabilize the video by moving the lens. If you shake the camera, the lens stays in place. This makes for better walking shots and even more useable running shots. I recorded a video without tripod and I was impressed to see the jitter-less result. The PJ7xx series also adds Carl Zeiss lenses and IRIS to the mix from the 260V. Now, I can adjust Iris,  focus, exposure and white balance manually if needed. The dial in the front makes it easier to manually make changes. Press the button and turn the dial. The shoe on top allows for external light, microphone or even the Wifi adapter to turn your phone into a remote. Sony has done an awesome job on their camera mics - I recorded B-roll of my band and when listening to the result, ended up using that audio over the other recording I made. Get the Sony Handycam PJ710 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/838312-REG/Sony_HDR_PJ710V_HDR_PJ710V_High_Definition_Handycam.html/BI/8450/KBID/9352) from B&H Get the Sony Handycam PJ790 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/909736-REG/sony_hdr_pj790v_b_96gb_hdr_pj790_hd_handycam.html/BI/8450/KBID/9352) from B&H Disadvantages of Sony Handycam PJ710 The PJ7xx also comes with remote control, so you don't have to touch the camera for recording or playback. However, the range on the remote was not there. I had to be a couple feet away and had to point the remote at specific areas for response. The interface of the PJ7xx series is exactly the same of the 260v. Options are too close together and sometimes you fat-finger an option, then have to go back. The focus option is a lot better, but can still use improvement. When I record, I have to set levels, then walk in front of the camera. I cannot use Auto focus, because at times it will try to re-focus a scene. Using the internal microphone jack is problematic at times. Just like with the 260v, I cannot use my mixing board for it will buzz on the video. I end up using my Sony UDP-V6 microphone (http://www.geekazine.com/cool/review/sony-wireless-camera-microphone-uwpv6-professional-interviews/) (which is why I bought it) and still have to kill a lot of external sound. Overall - Sony Handycam PJ7xx This is a great mid-camera for those podcasters, show creators, small budget cinematographers and more. You can not only get a great shot, but you might be able to use the internal mic for ambient sound. The PJ790 is preferred since it comes with 96 GB of internal flash memory. The 710 has 32 GB of memory and the card slot can give you hours of interviews or other recordings. Add a long-life battery and you could literally go without plugging in for hours.

A few weeks ago I got to talk with the folks at Plantronics. They showed me this neat Bluetooth headset in the Voyager Legend UC. It has the ability to connect up to your computer, smartphone or tablet. Best part - you can have the device connected to two computers at the same time. About the Plantronics Voyager Legend UC The Voyager Legend UC is an earpiece Bluetooth headset that is also a smart headset. you can press a button and speak a command. You can also activate your smartphone's voice commands, speak to text and more. A CES Innovations award winner, the UC headset can be paired with your smartphone, tablet or PC. For those computers without Bluetooth, the UC also comes with a USB dongle. The UC Legend also comes with 7 hour talk time battery and 11 days of standby time. The headset weighs 18 grams and the buttons are placed apart from each other so you don't "Fat finger" it. The three precision tuned mics help pick up your voice without getting the sounds around you. The earpiece contains Soundguard technology for leveling and limiting sounds over 118 dbA. The Bluetooth device also has a 128-bit digital encryption. UC's portable charging case puts your headset and USB dongle in one place. The magnetic connector will fit for charging everytime and if the case opens, the parts don't go flying out. Additional accessories include a desktop charger, a mobile charger and extra earpiece covers. Two models of the Voyager Legend - B235 for UC applications and B235-M for Microsoft Linc and OCS 2007. The Review - Plantronics Voyager Legend UC (http://www.geekazine.com/recommends/plantronics-voyager-legend-uc/) The best part is if I had it connected to two items, I could answer calls from one headset. So it doesn't matter if the phone rings or someone on Skype calls on the PC. I can use one headset to answer and talk. It's also very portable. The case is small enough to fit in the computer bag and I know it won't go flying out the case. I do wish the Bluetooth USB was able to connect more than just the Plantronics device. For that matter, I can just get a USB Bluetooth adaptor for $15 and use that. The headset does look a bit bigger than most headsets. The exchange for that is the technology inside and the long battery life. It is comfortable to wear throughout the day, so I may never have to take my smartphone out of my pocket as I can take calls and send / receive text messages. Overall, the Plantronics Voyager Legend UC is a great bluetooth device for the tech-savvy person that needs to stay connected. Get the Plantronics Voyager Legend UC at Amazon

A few weeks ago, Google came out with their newest streaming media device in Chromecast. An HDMI dongle that plugs into the back of your TV to watch applications such as Netflix, YouTube and more. In the meantime, the Parks Associates just released a report stating Roku has 37% share to Apple TVs 24% in the market. So which one do you want to get? Today, I am going to show you these three set top boxes along with their advantages and disadvantages.Then you can make an informed decision to purchase the set top box of your choice. Other Streaming Media First of all I want to state there are many other set top boxes out there. From Boxee, Western Digital and Sony to even gaming systems PS4, XBox One and Nintendo Wii. Certain DVD and Blu-Ray players also come with apps installed and even certain TVs have embedded apps inside. With all these choices, you can get the set top box that works best for you. Since most of these devices are under $100, you might even get a couple of these items to put on the bedroom TV, basement TV and more. Apple TV We'll start with Apple TV. It's in its 3rd generation of set top box. The small form factor device plugs into the HDMI port, then to a Ethernet or wireless network. You can plug the Optical Audio into a receiver for a better audio experience. The A5 processor will allow for 1080p on your Apple TV (when available). With Airplay, you can send signal from your iPhone or iPad to the TV.  Purchase movies, TV or music through iTunes. There are limited apps for Apple TV - Netflix, Hulu Plus, MLB, NBA, NHL, HBOGo and more. Of course with Airplay, you should be able to watch whatever you want from another device. Apple TV comes with Apple Remote. $99 Roku The Roku streaming player is similar to Apple TV only in look. Slightly smaller, the Roku has over 750 channels you can choose from. Most recent additions include PBS and College Humor. Roku comes in multiple options from the LT to the newest Roku 3 - which the Roku3 also plays 1080p videos and games such as Angry Birds, Galaga, Pac-Man and others. The Roku 3 remote doubles as a game joystick and also has a headphone jack so you can watch TV while others are sleeping. You can even use your iPhone or Android as a remote (app download) Roku has apps for free or at purchase. The SDK is available to download through their site. I look at the Roku 3 while at SXSW (http://www.geekazine.com/special/pbs-pbs-kids-roku-3-sxsw-2013/). I also took at look at the Roku Stick (http://www.geekazine.com/special/3m-projector-hml-support/), which is available for MHL-compliant devices. Roku rangest from $49 (LT) to $99 (Roku 3). Get Roku 3 on Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BGGDVOO/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00BGGDVOO&linkCode=as2&tag=geekazine-20)(http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=geekazine-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00BGGDVOO) ChromeCast It's pretty new, so ChromeCast probably has the least amount of apps. But - if you install the ChromeCast app - it will take the content from your device and play it on the TV without needing your device to be on. Your phone or tablet simply becomes a remote control - which everyone can connect to. You can send a video, someone else can start playing a Netflix movie. You can even queue it up like a jukebox. ChromeCast plugs directly into the HDMI port. It almost disappears behind the TV. However, you also need to plug the Chromecast in - which in some TVs you can plug into the USB port (not the "Service port" for that could fry your Chromecast). The GDK is available for those who want to write apps for Chromecast. There are only a few apps at this time - Netflix and YouTube are the primary apps. Any device that can install Chrome will become a remote control for Chromecast. Chromecast is $35 and available now. Get Google Chromecast on Amazon

In this second part of the HP Storage Tech Day, we learn more about StorAll, Express Query and Storage Research at HP Labs. Richard Jacobik started us off with StoreAll and Express Query. Richard talks about how much unstructured data is out on the Internet. He notes that unstructured data is 85% of world's data today and growing at 60%. That means with unstructured data if there was a big crash, a lot of information could be lost. Economics, protection and extraction time are the main points behind HP StoreAll storage. Hyperscaling, structure, ultra-fast search and scale down costs for data stored over time are part of this solution. Jacobik continues on with the family of servers and architecture StoreAll contains. Kimbery Keeton joined in to talk about Storage-related research. Since 1966, HP has been building innovation, StoreOnce being one of these innovations. Kimberly also talks about SSD storage and what happens when the system faults. Power faults, hardware failures or others.

On July 29, 2013 - HP's Calvin Zito offered a storage day in Anaheim CA before the Nth Generation Symposium. We spent the morning of the Tech Day deep diving into 3PAR StorServ. The first 30 minutes is from Calvin as he talks a little about his life at HP. Pretty amazing how he grew his career while staying in his hometown of Boise, ID. Vish Mulchand took over the 3PAR StorServ Deep Dive. Vishdiscussed the key initiatives to support 3PAR and a Storage Solid State Strategy. With the 3PAR StorServ 7450 Storage, you can support up to 120 SSD, 4BTB Raw capacity. Siamak Nazari came up to drill down flash technology. Siamak talks about the HP 7000 series and how flash enables new possibilities. He goes over the 3PAR approach to working with Flash by using processes like Autonomic Cache Offload and Multi-tenant I/O processing. PD Prasad talks about the 3PAR StorServ 7450 Flash array storage. LaMills Garrett brought in extra commentary and to help answer questions about the whole Tech Day. Great commentary and questions by bloggers, including a new blogger to the group - Nate Amsden of techopsguys.com (http://www.techopsguys.com/)

We just found out last week that if you have a YouTube account in good standing and 1,000 or more subscribers, you can get YouTube Live Events. Basically a way to stream to your Youtube account. In this video, I show you what you need to get approved for streaming, the process of setting up an event and of course streaming it. I use Wirecast for the software host (Get Wirecast Here (http://j.mp/getwirecast)). You can use other software, especially if you are setting up more than one camera. Also check out all the other tutorials on How to Record Podcasts (http://www.howtorecordpodcasts.com) including this video.

Most people would think the mainframe would have moved out for better technologies. Whats interesting is the Mainframe has actually adapted to today's technology. I got a chance to talk with David Hodgson about Chorus - CA Technologies software that modernizes the mainframe. By making the mainframe manageable by today's IT professionals through mobile devices. It also mixes roles in new interaction models. They are covering discipline of the times. Chorus is about integrating the old products. New interaction models to redefine management roles. They added security and storage management. Infrastructure management is in Beta, but as they add disciplines, you can mix and match items to see it work together.

John Hawley joined me to talk about CloudMinder. This is a single login option for employees to use one password for logging into multiple services including cloud based services. Just like a central identity service, you can set a standard model for an employee. When that person leaves the company, you can control their authentication with one account. Add the One time passwords into SaaS into the cloud. As for security, it depends on the maturity of the company. You can do it on-site or off. Hawley believes that is a benefit for scalability. Check out www.security.com (http://www.security.com) for more

I talked with Tony Davis, VP of solution strategy. I learned a little bit about a new program called CA fellow. With this, they are able to provide specialized management consulting for top clients and customers. With this program, when a customer make a purchase with APM, they send in a CA fellow with real-world experience leading that type of implementation with the Fortune 100 company. This is an industry first and a no-charge service. After all, CEO Michael Gregoire wants these companies to fully understand the software they just purchased. CA Technologies has been in beta with the CA fellow program and has worked out the kinks. They are currently rolling out CA fellow.

I got to talk with Jason English, Director of product marketing at CA Technologies. He joined the team when CA acquired ITKO - an enterprise software company dealing in virtualization, SOA and cloud computing.  Their program suite called LISA deals with service virtualization. With LISA, you can test, validate and deploy a program. You can simulate mainframes, databases and whatever your system needs. This CAWorld for Jason is about Dev Ops. The application delivery bridges the gaps in dev ops. From idea to deployment instantaneously. A lot has to happen for that - which is where LISA comes in. Accelerating the development process.

HP showed off two high-end video production machines at NAB this year. The Z820 and the Z1 All-in-one workstation. Dan Bennett guided us through this Z1 workstation with the all-in-one form factor. Some great highlights included the ease of opening this all-in-one system, hydraulics so you don't close the case too quickly and the optimization for thermal and acoustic performance. The HP Z1 ranges from a Core-i3 all the way to a Xeon processor. Other features - MXM Thermal card video processing, an internal USB so you can put the software key dongle into the computer and lock it so someone can't steal the dongle. Pro Tools iLock license dongle would be a good example. If you don't need that, you can put in a wireless keyboard or Bluetooth USB connector. Pricing for the Z1 starts at $1700 (Core i3 with integrated graphics). Beefing it up with a powerful Xeon processor can bump it up to $4,000. For a fast render of video - its well worth the extra cash. This is a two-video series. Watch the Z820 desktop (http://www.geekazine.com/special/hp-z820-workstation-video-production-nab-2013/) for another option HP has to offer!

During our interviews at NAB I kept hearing about the Z820 and Z1 workstations by HP. So I went right to the source to find out what makes these desktop computers so special. I met up with Dan Bannett, HP workstation lead engineer. We tore apart a HP Z820 desktop with dual Xeon processors to see just how powerful this machine is. The Z820 was a RED edition - with RED mockup bay to show how to connect your RED camera and use the Rocket encoding card. We also learned about Fusion-IO partnership with the IOFX card for uncompressed 4k video work. We also look at the HP Z1 workstation, which you can see in the next video.

Creating video nowadays with the right camera can bring you high quality images. Older videos or smaller camera (like GoPro) bring distortions of film grain or low light pixelation.  Cinnafilm (http://cinnafilm.com/) addresses these issues with a program called Dark Energy. This software helps upscale video and also clean up the imperfections. Co-Founder and COO Ernie Sanchez of Cinnafilm discusses some of the products that their company is presenting at NAB, solving this problem. Cinnafilm's solution - Using the GPU and CPU in their video production - which is why they use HP systems. Their software works best on this combination; the end result is getting videos done faster. Anyone that has sat waiting for a video to render and uploaded before a deadline understands the need for this type of system. During the video, we get to see Dark Energy in action as they cleaned up some old video and even low light issues in a GoPro camera. Ernie compares taking the video and making it look like it came from the same lens. That is what Dark Energy does.