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SPACE.com – A whopper of a solar flare that fired up earlier this week is wreaking havoc on some radio communications on Earth, and could spark exceptional auroras soon.

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Popularity: 6% [?]

The perfect musician and blues guitarist Gary Moore e died in a hotel in Spain. Peace be upon you Gary …

Your music will stay forever…

Popularity: 17% [?]

As the post-Consumer Electronics Show jockeying for competitive positioning against Apple’s iPad tablet shapes up, Motorola’s new Xoom tablet is being eyed as a possible contender. New reports indicate that the Xoom will launch Feb. 17 at a price between $700 and $800 for a 32GB model. This compares to the $729 price for the iPad 3G 32GB. Motorola has indicated that Xoom tablets will have 3G connectivity.

The Xoom, with a 10.1-inch 1280×800 multi-touch screen, has a variety of strengths as it steps into the ring. It’s the first tablet to be based on Google’s tablet-optimized version of Android, the 3.0 Honeycomb, and it contains a two-gigahertz dual-core processor. It will also be distributed by Verizon Wireless,. A model that will run on Verizon’s growing 4G LTE network is expected in the second quarter.

Xoom Apps?

There’s support for 1080p HD, including the ability to operate as a HD camcorder, Adobe Flash 10.1, and battery life that Motorola says is up to 10 hours. A front-facing two-megapixel camera is available for video chatting, and a rear-facing five-megapixel camera has a dual LED flash.

A built-in accelerometer and gyroscope are available for games and apps, Google maps and GPS are included, and a maps app has 3-D renderings of buildings when zoomed. According to news reports, the e-reader looks similar to the one offered in the iPad.

In terms of post-CES attention, Motorola’s Xoom, Research In Motion’s Playbook, and Samsung’s Galaxy Tab have been leaders. Motorola stoked interest in its tablet before CES with a video promo that positioned the then-unseen device, draped for unveiling on a pedestal, as the latest in the evolution of tablets that began with the Ten Commandments.

But aside from specs and price comparisons, a key measure of any prospective iPad challenger is the apps. Apple, which just announced the… Read more

Popularity: 7% [?]

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Nikon D7000 Digital Field Guide
by Thomas
(10)
Publication Date: January 11, 2011

Buy new: $19.99 $13.59
18 used & new from $13.55

(Visit the Hot New Releases in Photography list for authoritative information on this product’s current rank.) Read more

Product Description
Master your Nikon D7000 with this go-anywhere guide

The Nikon D7000 is the first new mid-level Nikon DSLR camera that features full 1080p HD video with full-time autofocus. This full-color guide is packed with expert advice and full-color photos to both educate and inspire as you get better acquainted with your Nikon D7000. The handy trim size allows you to take it with you wherever you go so you can frequently refer to the top-notch tips, tricks, and techniques for getting unique and memorable photos and handling problematic shooting situations. Practical examples take you beyond the basics of the functions of each button and lavish photos exemplify the professional-level photographs that you can achieve.

• Walks you through the essential controls, features, and functions of the Nikon D7000 using step-by-step instructions
• Includes full-color images of each menu screen to reinforce your understanding
• Features full-color photos, how-to information, and no-fail formulas, all aimed at helping you get great digital photos with the D7000
• Includes a grey and color checker card to help you capture perfect color in any environment
• Delves into the more advanced features of the D7000

Author Tip: Using Ultra-Wide Angle Lenses

Ultra-wide angle lenses are a great way to add an interesting effect to your images. Ultra-wide lenses bend and distort your images, which allows you to portray your subjects in a way that the human eye can’t see. This gives your photos an out of the ordinary look that attracts attention from even the most casual observer.

Getting up close to your subject distorts the perspective causing close-up areas to look huge and areas behind to look inordinately small. This is usually not recommended for portraits of people, but can be used for comedic effect and works especially well for pets.

Using an ultra-wide lens close-up pulls the viewer right into the scene and creates the illusion of extreme depth, which can give your photos an almost 3 -D feeling.

Stepping back from the subject and photographing from further away stretches out the apparent distance between the camera and the subject causing short spans to look immense. Use this technique to add a sense of space and depth to your photos.

Since ultra-wide lenses fit so much of the scene into your photograph you really need to pay attention to your composition. Keep a close eye on the foreground and edges of the frame. An empty foreground and a small subject can make your image boring. Get up close and fill the foreground with your subject, but try to exclude distracting elements from the edges of the frame.

When shooting from a distance, your subject is sure to be small. Use the foreground to include leading lines that draw attention to the subject or to create a near-far dynamic that conveys the apparent distance between the subject and the camera.

Example: Motocross Rider Example: Boston Terrier Example: Skateboarder

Click on any of the images above to find out more about the photo.

[ Product Details | Technical Details | All Customer Reviews | All Offers ]

Popularity: 12% [?]

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OPPO BDP-93 Universal Network 3D Blu-ray Disc Player
by OPPO Digital
(18)
Date first available at Amazon.com: November 11, 2010

Buy new: $499.99
3 used & new from $499.99

(Visit the Hot New Releases in Electronics list for authoritative information on this product’s current rank.) Read more

Technical Details
- Blu-ray 3D & Network Streaming
- Wireless N, eSATA & USB 2.0
- Dual HDMI, IR & RS232 Control
- 2nd Generation Qdeo Video Processing
- SACD & DVD-Audio/Video

Product Description

(November 2010)
Oppo’s BDP-93 gives you universal playback of Blu-ray, DVD, CD, SACD, DVD-Audio, and a wealth of digital files, with solid picture and sound quality no matter the format. With access to streaming content from Netflix or Blockbuster on Demand, USB and eSATA ports for your external drives, and wide connectivity including dual HDMI 1.4, this player defines versatility.

A universal player with stylish design, ample connectivity, and serious versatility. Click here for a larger image Serious Media Support

The BDP-93 is ready to play most any disc media. Enjoy the latest and greatest with the Blu-ray Disc and Blu-ray 3D formats (3D television and glasses required for Blu-ray 3D). On the Blu-ray front, the BDP-93 also supports BD-Live (Profile 2.0), with Ethernet/wireless networking and a gigabyte of internal storage; and BonusVIEW, which enables picture-in-picture features while the movie plays.

DVD audio and video are supported, and it’ll play Super Audio CD (SACD) in stereo or multi-channel. Users can select whether to output the DSD (Direct Stream Digital) signal in its native format or convert it into PCM.

Add the USB/eSATA connectivity and the list gets longer, with support for DVD, audio CD, HDCD, Kodak Picture CD, AVCHD, MP4, DivX, MKV, FLAC, WAV and other audio/video/picture files on recorded discs.

Streaming Content

Instantly watch movies and shows streamed to your TV via the Internet connected BDP-93 with both Netflix Instant Streaming (membership required) and Blockbuster on Demand.

Crystal-Clear Video and Upconversion

The BDP-93 incorporates Marvell’s Kyoto-G2 video processor, which delivers a truly immersive viewing experience by rendering video free of noise and artifacts. This goes for all types of content–Blu-ray, up-converted DVDs, streamed content, etc. Enhancement options include video noise reduction, compression artifact reduction, intelligent color, contrast, detail and edge enhancements.

Per-pixel motion-adaptive de-interlacing and advanced scaling transform the standard definition image on DVDs to high-definition output to your TV, with help[ from the Qdeo processing for a clearer, smoother, and true-to-life picture free of noise and artifacts.

Connections to suit most any modern system--dual HDMI 1.4, multi-channel audio, coaxial/optical digital audio, composite/component video, and more. Custom OPPO decoder and Marvell Kyoto-G2 Qdeo video processor. These chips help deliver a truly immersive viewing experience, free from noise and artifacts no matter the source. Two HDMI 1.4 outputs, compatible with the latest 3D equipment and pre-3D HDMI v1.1-v1.3 A/V receivers. 1080p/24Hz High-Resolution Video

The BDP-93 features user selectable video output resolutions, including 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i, and up to 1080p 50 or 60Hz. The BDP-93 can also faithfully display 24 fps Blu-ray discs for smoother motion and a flicker-free, film-like home theater experience.

Source Direct Mode

For users who wish to use an external video processor, high-end audio/video receiver or display, the BDP-93 offers a "Source Direct" mode for sending out content with no additional processing or alteration.

Dual HDMI v1.4a Outputs

Two assignable HDMI v1.4a outputs are provided, giving you the option of full audio and video output to two displays; or dedicating one to audio and one to video. The BDP-93 supports 3D and Deep Color modes on both HDMI output ports.

High Fidelity Audio

The BDP-93 supports bit-stream output of lossless Dolby TrueHD audio via its HDMI 1.4a output, and can internally decode Dolby TrueHD into LPCM and output via HDMI or the 7.1ch analog audio output terminals (Dolby Digital and Dolby Digital Plus audio formats are also supported).

The BDP-93 also supports bit-stream output of DTS-HD Master Audio, for decoding and output via HDMI or the 7.1ch analog audio output terminals. (DTS-HD High Resolution Audio and DTS Digital Surround are also supported.)

7.1-Channel Analog Output

Individual analog 7.1-channel surround outputs are ideal to connect to a 7.1-channel or 5.1-channel surround sound system. The BDP-93 delivers an incredible sound stage and an immersive surround experience. For users with stereo speakers, the BDP-93 offers a down-mix mode.

For simple and easy connection to more traditional A/V receivers, the BDP-93 features both optical and coaxial outputs for digital audio.

Connectivity

The BDP-93 is equipped with two HDMI output ports, for versatile installation options. No need to upgrade your A/V receiver to a 3D model--one HDMI output of the BDP-93 can be connected to a 3D TV and the other can be connected to a pre-3D HDMI v1.1-v1.3 A/V receiver. For projector users, you can connect one output to a projector for home theater use and the other to a TV for casual viewing. For a multi-room installation the BDP-93 can output audio and video to two 3D or 2D TVs simultaneously.

Dual USB ports and an eSATA port provide you with options for external storage, so you can enjoy high-speed delivery of your digital files.

Using the included wireless-N adapter or the built-in RJ45 Ethernet port, users will also be able to interact with BD-Live content, watch instant streaming programs from provides such as Netflix, Blockbuster etc., playback contents on their home network, and update firmware to keep up with new Blu-ray releases.

What's in the Box Oppo BDP-93, Remote Control, User's Manual 3D Technology Checklist

This product is 3D-related. To help you get a great 3D experience, use our checklist below to ensure that you have everything you need. If you have any questions or want to learn more about 3D, we invite you to visit 3D 101--our center for everything 3D. To get started with 3D, please ensure that you have:

A Display The first--and most important--item you'll need is a 3D-ready display--whether it be a 3D HDTV, 3D projector, or 3D computer monitor. These displays usually have a higher processing power than older models as they need to display one image for each eye to create a 3D effect. A Source While your display is ready for 3D playback, you still need a device to read 3D content (i.e., a movie or a show). This source can be a cable box with a subscription to a 3D channel, a 3D Blu-ray Disc player, or a PlayStation 3. Content In order to watch 3D, you will need to get some 3D content. This 3D content will come from the source mentioned above in the form of a 3D program, movie, or game. Please ensure that your 3D movies are in the Blu-ray 3D format, as this new format will provide the best 3D experience. 3D Glasses All 3D HDTVs on the market require Active Shutter glasses to create the 3D effect. You will need to buy one pair of glasses for each viewer. Also make sure that the Active Shutter glasses you buy are compatible with your display--for example, buy the glasses from the same brand as your 3D HDTV. HDMI Cable To connect your source (such as a 3D Blu-ray Disc player) to your display, you'll need a hgh-speed HDMI cable. Cables with this designation--with bandwidth speeds up to 10.2 Gbps (gigabits per second)--will be able to carry the 3D signal without any loss of quality. If you want to get more information about 3D, shop our 3D products, watch videos, or interact with other customers, visit 3D 101, our customer center about everything 3D.

[ Product Details | Technical Details | All Customer Reviews | All Offers ]

Popularity: 14% [?]

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Nikon D7000 Digital Field Guide
by Thomas
(1)
Publication Date: January 11, 2011

Buy new: $19.99 $12.87

(Visit the Hot New Releases in Photography list for authoritative information on this product’s current rank.) Details

Product Description
Master your Nikon D7000 with this go-anywhere guide

The Nikon D7000 is the first new mid-level Nikon DSLR camera that features full 1080p HD video with full-time autofocus. This full-color guide is packed with expert advice and full-color photos to both educate and inspire as you get better acquainted with your Nikon D7000. The handy trim size allows you to take it with you wherever you go so you can frequently refer to the top-notch tips, tricks, and techniques for getting unique and memorable photos and handling problematic shooting situations. Practical examples take you beyond the basics of the functions of each button and lavish photos exemplify the professional-level photographs that you can achieve.

• Walks you through the essential controls, features, and functions of the Nikon D7000 using step-by-step instructions
• Includes full-color images of each menu screen to reinforce your understanding
• Features full-color photos, how-to information, and no-fail formulas, all aimed at helping you get great digital photos with the D7000
• Includes a grey and color checker card to help you capture perfect color in any environment
• Delves into the more advanced features of the D7000

Author Tip: Using Ultra-Wide Angle Lenses

Ultra-wide angle lenses are a great way to add an interesting effect to your images. Ultra-wide lenses bend and distort your images, which allows you to portray your subjects in a way that the human eye can’t see. This gives your photos an out of the ordinary look that attracts attention from even the most casual observer.

Getting up close to your subject distorts the perspective causing close-up areas to look huge and areas behind to look inordinately small. This is usually not recommended for portraits of people, but can be used for comedic effect and works especially well for pets.

Using an ultra-wide lens close-up pulls the viewer right into the scene and creates the illusion of extreme depth, which can give your photos an almost 3 -D feeling.

Stepping back from the subject and photographing from further away stretches out the apparent distance between the camera and the subject causing short spans to look immense. Use this technique to add a sense of space and depth to your photos.

Since ultra-wide lenses fit so much of the scene into your photograph you really need to pay attention to your composition. Keep a close eye on the foreground and edges of the frame. An empty foreground and a small subject can make your image boring. Get up close and fill the foreground with your subject, but try to exclude distracting elements from the edges of the frame.

When shooting from a distance, your subject is sure to be small. Use the foreground to include leading lines that draw attention to the subject or to create a near-far dynamic that conveys the apparent distance between the subject and the camera.

Example: Motocross Rider Example: Boston Terrier Example: Skateboarder

Click on any of the images above to find out more about the photo.

[ Product Details | Technical Details | All Customer Reviews | All Offers ]

Popularity: 7% [?]

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Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 3: Das umfassende Handbuch (Galileo Design)
István Velsz (Autor)
Veröffentlichungsdatum: 9. Dezember 2010

Neu kaufen: EUR 49,90
44 Angebote ab EUR 49,90

(In der Beliebte Neuveröffentlichungen in der Kategorie Fotografie-Liste finden Sie maßgebliche Informationen über die aktuelle Rangposition dieses Produkts.) Read more

[ Product Details | All Customer Reviews | All Offers ]

Popularity: 8% [?]

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Canon EOS 60D Digital Field Guide
by Charlotte K. Lowrie
Publication Date: December 7, 2010

Buy new: $19.99 $13.59
16 used & new from $13.48

(Visit the Hot New Releases in Photography list for authoritative information on this product’s current rank.) Details

Product Description
No-fail formulas for getting great digital photos from your Canon 60D

The Canon EOS 60D offers a newly designed, hi-res 18.0 megapixel sensor and full high-definition movie recording capability. This full-color guide gets you completely caught up with all the bells and whistles that accompany this new dSLR. The handy trim size allows you to take it with you wherever you go so you can frequently refer to the top-notch tips, tricks, and techniques for getting unique and memorable photos and handling problematic shooting situations. Practical examples take you beyond the basics of the functions of each button and lavish photos exemplify the professional-level photographs that you can achieve.

• Shares step-by-step techniques that cover exposure, composition, and shooting tips for the Canon EOS 60D
• Includes a grey and color checker card to help you capture perfect color in any environment
• Features full-color photos, how-to information, and no-fail formulas, all aimed at helping you get great digital photos with the 60D
• Covers all the camera’s modes, dials, menus, and functions including the HD movie mode
• Delves into the more advanced features of the 60D

More instruction, more guidance, and more explanation than the owner?s manual! The Canon EOS 60D Digital Field Guide is an essential accompaniment to the 60D.

Featured Tips for Canon EOS 60D Cameras from the Author

The Canon EOS 60D packs a lot of power in a small package, and it can be a challenge to learn all the features of the camera. To help you get started, here are a few tips for using the 60D.

• Two things that can help you with your image workflow are adding your copyright information in the camera, and using the 60D’s star rating system. Both of these things carry over from the camera to the computer when you upload images. So be sure to add your copyright using the setup 3 menu. Just select copyright information and then add your name and copyright information. And you can rate images using the playback 2 menu. The ratings you apply are then available to jump to images in the camera, and they are available on the computer when you use an editing program that uses the XMP standard such as Canon’s Digital Photo Professional software included with the camera.

• You may already know that digital noise degrades the overall quality of your images. With the 60D’s auto ISO option, the ISO can go very high in low light, and that will inevitably increase the incidence of digital noise. I recommend that you set a limit on the highest ISO sensitivity setting that’s used with auto ISO. I set the limit at ISO 800 on my 60D. There will be some noise at ISO 800, but it is manageable using a good noise reduction program during image editing or RAW image conversion. A side benefit using low ISO sensitivity settings is that more images will fit on the SD card because digital noise is detected as “detail” that cannot be compressed when storing images on the media card.

• If you’re shooting movies, use the general rule of thumb of using a shutter speed that is twice the frame rate. This means that if you’re shooting at 25 frames per second (fps), then the shutter speed should be 1/50th sec.

• Take advantage of the C shooting mode by setting it up for movie shooting. You can set the correction resolution, frame rate, and the shutter speed so that by simply setting the mode dial to “C,” you’re ready to begin shooting movies at your favorite settings.

• If you’re not getting the full 58-image JPEG burst that the 60D can deliver in continuous shooting drive mode, check the custom functions. Using custom functions such as II-1, long exposure noise reduction, and II-2, high ISO speed noise reduction will slow down the maximum burst rate to deliver fewer than the 58-image rate.

• If you want better and more consistent color for movies, then set a custom white balance or use one of the preset white balance options instead of using Auto White Balance. If you change the ISO or aperture (f-stop) while shooting the movie, the white balance can change as well with auto white balance. It doesn’t shift with a custom or preset white balance option. This also makes editing your movie easier.

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Popularity: 5% [?]

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Nikon D3100 Digital Field Guide
by Thomas
(4)
Publication Date: December 7, 2010

Buy new: $19.99 $13.49
17 used & new from $12.65

(Visit the Hot New Releases in Photography list for authoritative information on this product’s current rank.) Details

Product Description
Expert advice helps you master your camera and capture great photos

The Nikon D3100 features full 1080p high-definition video with full-time autofocus and is an ideal upgrade for point-and-shoot camera owners who want to learn the features of a dSLR. This go-anywhere, full-color guide is the perfect companion for getting started with your Nikon D3100. Packed with nearly 300 lavish photos and professional-level tips and techniques, this handy reference explains how to make the most of the full-time autofocus and takes you through the more advanced features of the D3100.

• Walks you through the controls, features, and functions of the Nikon D3100 using step-by-step instructions
• Provides full-color images of each menu screen of the D3100
• Teaches you how to adjust white balance, autofocus, exposure, and explains why and how to adjust each of these settings
• Demonstrates how to capture portraits, candids, sports action, travel, and cinematic-quality movies

The Nikon D3100 Digital Field Guide goes beyond the owner’s manual to offer you amazing examples, helpful tips and tricks, and invaluable advice for taking memorable photos and movies.

Author Tip: Using Leading Lines

One of the easiest ways to make your images more dynamic and interesting is by using leading lines. Leading lines draw the viewer’s eye through the scene, generate dramatic tension by creating or dividing negative space, lead the eye to the subject, or they can do any combination of these.

Leading lines exist everywhere, both in nature and in man-made structures. Oftentimes when composing a photograph we unwittingly include leading lines because in real life, just as in a photograph, our eyes tend to be drawn to leading lines.

The key is to recognize leading lines so you can use them more effectively in your photographs. Some leading line subjects are obvious, a path or trail leading off into the distance, railroad tracks, handrails or stairways. Some leading lines are less obvious, the curving shore line of a beach or the gentle sloping curve of a hill or mountain leading off into the distance.

Keep an eye out for leading lines and incorporate them into your images when you can. Keep in mind that the leading line doesn’t always have to be the key subject, sometimes the subtle use of a leading line is best.

Snail Shell In this almost surreal shot of a snail shell, the spiral draws your eye into the image. I purposely underexposed the shot to let the background go dark to further focus the eye on the center of the photograph.

Shot with the Nikon D3100 with Nikon 105mm f/2.8 VR for 1/500 second at f/4.8, ISO 800 Matrix metering.

Arts Center In this photo of the Long Center for Performing Arts in Austin, Texas, the balustrade leads the eye up through the image while it and the columns make separations in the dark negative space.

Shot with the Nikon D3100 with Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4 OS at 17mm for 0.6 seconds at f/8, ISO 200, Matrix metering.

Abandoned Grain Elevator The strong vertical pattern of these abandoned grain elevators creates a dynamic tension. Using the MC Picture Control and increasing the contrast serves to highlight the “lines within lines” of the texture of the concrete. Leaving the plants in the foreground adds a bit of an organic element to an otherwise harsh composition.

Shot with the Nikon D3100 with Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 VR at 18mm for 1/320 second at f/10, ISO 640 (Auto-ISO), Matrix metering.

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Popularity: 4% [?]

Research In Motion’s BlackBerry smartphones are starting to look like Droid food as devices made by Motorola and HTC running Google’s Android operating system gobble up an increasing share of Verizon Wireless customers.

New data from ITG Research, published online by The Wall Street Journal, show that BlackBerry devices from Canada-based RIM plunged from 90 percent of sales at the nation’s largest carrier in October 2009 to just under 20 percent last month.

‘Incredible’ Rise

During that time, sales of smartphones made by Motorola, including its popular Droid and Droid X devices, climbed from an almost-flatlined under 10 percent last October to almost 40 percent last month. HTC, which makes the Droid Incredible, rose from under 10 percent to just under 20 percent.

Eighty percent of Verizon’s sales are now powered by Android devices, and 46 percent of those are Verizon’s branded Droid phones made by Motorola and HTC, Matthew Goodman of ITG Research told the Journal’s Digital Daily blog.

The first Droid hit the market in November 2009, followed by the Droid Incredible in April, the Droid X in July, and the Droid 2 in August. The Droids stand out because of their fast processors and large screen size.

RIM is still Verizon’s second-biggest smartphone supplier, with 3,411,000 units sold this year, according to the data, compared with Motorola’s 5,002,000, and both companies trail Samsung in overall device sales with 10,846,000.

Resistance Is Futile?

But RIM faces an uphill battle trying to regain market share, especially if the widely held belief that Verizon will begin carrying Apple’s top-selling iPhone next year comes true.

“[RIM] will never be able to complete with Android on [market] share as a free open-sourced OS platform that has many OEM vendors using its software in their devices versus a proprietary system like BlackBerry,” said wireless industry analyst Kirk Parsons of J.D. Power and… Details

Popularity: 4% [?]