Panasonic announced today that Amazon Video On Demand is now available on its full line of 2009 VIERA CASTTM-enabled Blu-ray Disc Players. Current owners of Panasonic’s 2009 Blu-ray Disc players automatically received a free software update today and can begin enjoying the service immediately when they register their VIERA CAST Blu-ray Disc Player with Amazon Video On Demand.

Panasonic introduced Amazon Video On Demand on VIERA CAST-enabled Plasma HDTVs in April 2009. Bringing unique internet-enabled services to Panasonic VIERA Blu-ray owners, Amazon Video On Demand on VIERA CAST enables customers to:
· Browse and shop for their favorite movies and TV shows from Amazon Video On Demand’s selection of more than 45,000 commercial free titles including the latest new releases and over 1000 titles in HD.

... continue reading Amazon VoD available on Panasonic CASTTM-enabled Blu-ray players

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Nikon Inc. introduces four new COOLPIX Style Series compact digital cameras. Building on the success of Nikon’s previous touch-screen models, the ultra-stylish COOLPIX S70 features an enhanced interface and organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display technology for a new user experience, housed in a stylish camera body. The COOLPIX S1000pj features the world’s first built-in projector, which enables consumers to share their images and videos in an all-new fun way. Additionally, the COOLPIX S640 and COOLPIX S570, leaders in speed and affordability, respectively, complete the new smarter, cooler, simpler COOLPIX line.

“These latest Nikon COOLPIX digital cameras reflect hallmarks of the COOLPIX line: performance, design and innovation,” said Bill Giordano, general manager marketing, COOLPIX for Nikon Inc. “With new features such as a built-in projector and new touch controls for viewing, shooting and zooming, these COOLPIX cameras will appeal to users of every level.”

... continue reading Nikon Coolpix S70 with HD video and S1000PJ featuring built-in projector

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CyberLink Corp. today released video editing software CyberLink PowerDirector 8, featuring a number of new technologies to enhance consumer generated videos and to create amazing movie productions with ease.

Key highlights of the new version include:

• Effortless Pro-Like Results: Automated video enhancement and editing tools, combined with an improved interface and more advanced editing options, let users create the videos they imagine quickly and easily.

• Video Upscaling Technology: PowerDirector boosts standard definition video to HD-like results, allowing users to enjoy their content on high-resolution displays in color-rich quality.

• Unique Editing Effects: Powerful effects templates and design tools allow users to easily customize free-floating objects with random navigation. No action script required.

... continue reading CyberLink PowerDirector 8 introduction

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Samsung Electronics America, Inc. today unveiled the flagship model of its expanded LED HDTV lineup with the all-new 8500 Series. The new HDTVs combine the award-winning picture quality and thinness of Samsung’s previous LED HDTVs, with the latest networking and interactive features.

“For consumers who are looking for the ultimate HD centerpiece and high-level performance in their home theater, the Samsung 8500 Series delivers break-through quality and design,” said John Revie, senior vice president of Visual Display Marketing, Samsung Electronics America. “The 8500 Series underscores Samsung’s dedication to providing a full range of HDTVs that not only achieve the highest levels of picture quality, but also provide unique and immersive entertainment experiences through our Medi@2.0™ suite.”

With Samsung’s use of white LEDs as a backlight source, the 8500 Series is capable of a stunning 7,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio for extreme detail and image depth. Its Wide Color Enhancer Pro ensures that colors are consistently vibrant, while Samsung’s Ultra Clear Panel works to improve image clarity and brightness regardless of a room’s ambient lighting. The 8500 Series is also compliant with the latest Energy Star® v3.0 ratings, and includes an optimized energy savings mode that adjusts the backlight and picture quality, without sacrificing the overall viewing experience.

... continue reading Samsung 8500 LED HDTV Series introduction

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Today, Nikon announced the D300s digital SLR, combining professional-level performance with agility and enhanced D-Movie capabilities to deliver a new benchmark for creative versatility. Engineered to leverage proven Nikon technologies, including a 12.3-megapixel CMOS sensor and 51-point autofocus system; the addition of HD video capture; and faster 7 frame-per-second (fps) continuous shooting, the Nikon D300s balances form factor, performance, versatility and reliability for serious photo enthusiasts and professionals.

The D300s retains the photographer-friendly features of the critically acclaimed D300, while enhancing speed, versatility, and agility of the DX-format for a wide variety of photographers, including advanced enthusiasts, wedding shooters and photojournalists. The D300s can record HD video clips in 720p format and high fidelity audio with an external stereo microphone input, offering users a D-SLR with full multimedia capabilities. Dual card slots afford users the ability to seamlessly record stills and video to one CompactFlash™ (CF) and one Secure Digital™ (SD) card separately, while one-button Live View, a new Quiet Shutter Release mode and Active D-Lighting bracketing help users to capture stunning images like never before.

“Today’s photographer demands excellence and value from high-performance digital SLRs – and the Nikon D300s delivers,” said Edward Fasano, general manager for Marketing, SLR System Products at Nikon, Inc. “It’s no secret that more photographers need to gather multimedia content. In addition to proven technologies, such as the 51-point autofocus (AF) system and 12.3-megapixel CMOS sensor, we are more than confident that the D300s’ HD movie mode, along with a host of additional performance enhancements, will broaden the appeal of the camera to those seeking exceptional still image quality and video versatility.”

... continue reading Nikon D300S SLR features HD video

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Eastman Kodak Company (NYSE:EK) announced the Kodak Zi8 Pocket Video Camera, featuring a sleek design, high-quality full 1080p High Definition video capture, and built-in electronic image stabilization.

“Images and video have tremendous power to help us stay connected to family and friends,” says Phil Scott, Worldwide Director of Marketing, Digital Capture and Devices and Vice President, Consumer Digital Group. “The Kodak Zi8 Pocket Video Camera makes it easy to spontaneously capture HD video – of heartwarming moments, of ‘can you believe that?’ moments, and of just plain laugh-out-loud moments – and then quickly and easily share them.”

The slim and stylish Kodak Zi8 Pocket Video Camera is designed to meet these needs at the touch of a button — no lens cap, dials to turn or settings to adjust. The new camera’s range of advanced features includes:

... continue reading Kodak Zi8 Pocket HD Video Camera introduction

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Pioneer Europe announced two new LX Series AV receivers to be available across Europe from September 2009:
• SC-LX82: AV Receiver with ICEpower, Sampling Rate Converter, DLNA, Internet Radio and THX Ultra2 Plus Certification
• SC-LX72: AV Receiver with ICEpower, DLNA, Internet Radio and THX Select2 Certification

Both receivers incorporate Direct Energy HD Amplifiers built on ICEpower analogue Class D technology to ensure exceptional reproduction of high resolution stereo and multi-channel audio.

Pushing the boundaries of AV receiver innovation, the SC-LX82 provides the full advantages of this amplification technology in addition to achieving THX Ultra2 Plus as well as AIR Studios certifications. As with most of our new mid-range receivers, both models offer seamless digital audio connectivity to iPhone and iPod devices.

The new high-end models successfully recreate studio-quality sound as a result of the exclusive Direct Energy HD Amplifier built on ICEpower analogue Class D technology.

... continue reading Pioneer SC-LX82 and SC-LX72 AV receivers introduction

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The new Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FZ35 is a digital camera featuring AVCHD Lite, High Definition (HD) video recording capability, combined with a powerful 27mm wide-angle, 18x optical zoom LEICA DC lens. A successor to the popular FZ28, the FZ35 packs enhanced creative features combined with the power to shoot HD videos, including motion zoom capabilities to take full advantage of the 18x zoom.

The operational layout of the FZ35 includes a dedicated video record button, making it a true hybrid – a single model that performs seamlessly at capturing both still and motion images – while still providing smooth and easy operation in either mode.

... continue reading Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35 digital camera featuring HD video

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