Panasonic to Launch Consumer 3D Camcorder – The new camera is part of the Lumix cameras series, and a consumer version of Panasonic’s Pro 3D camera. It will be the first 3D-capable camcorder for the consumer market from a major manufacturer and will have two lenses in a single case, replacing the normal single lens. The camera records full hi-def 3D images to SD memory cards, in 1080p AVCHD resolution.
3D Connectivity in New Denon Receivers – The latest Denon AV receivers are fully compatible with 3D movies, games and broadcasts due to having HDMI 1.4a ports. They also upconvert all video sources to HDMI (and in the case of the top model to 1080p resolution) and output them over a single HDMI cable. Denon’s Audio Return Channel feature eliminates the need for additional cables to send digital audio back to the receiver. In addition to DTS-HD and Dolby TrueHD decoding the receivers also handle Dolby Pro Logic IIz, adding the vertical dimension to surround sound. The top-of-line AVR-1911 also has a USB port for Direct Play from iPods and iPhones, and with an optional Networked Control Dock allows streaming of networked audio. A newly-designed remote provides easy setup to operate other brands of components, accompanied by clear on-screen instructions. Audyssey Dynamic Volume, MultEQ and Auto Setup are part of both receivers. All seven channels of the 1911 are 90W @ 8 ohms.
Warner Offering Free IMAX 3D Blu-rays With 3D TVs – Warner Home Video has partnered with Sony and LG to offer new Blu-ray 3D versions of three IMAX productions: “Under the Sea 3D,” “Space Station 3D,” and “Deep Sea 3D.” One of them will be made available with the purchase of select Blu-ray 3D players, TVs and projectors from LG and Sony. The only catch is that customers must mail in a coupon to get their free disc.
Hacking Vulnerability in Mobile Devices – Security experts are concerned about a series of security bugs identified in various mobile devices over the past week. Mobile devices have become increasingly vulnerable to hackers’ attacks because the software used on them has become more complex, giving the devices many of the same capabilities as personal computers. Two vulnerabilities have been identified in the Apple OS for their iPhone, iPad and iPod which could be exploited to take complete control of a vulnerable device. Apple is investigating the report.
In an allied area, security analysts are warning that social networking in general – Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc. – is proving to be a gateway for criminals trawling the internet for information that can be exploited to do harm to both businesses and consumers. Only 20% of worldwide companies have a social networking policy in place, yet over 40% of businesses have used social networking successfully for their business development. Around 250 Million people log into Facebook daily. Both personal and business users should be very careful about what they post online, so as not to provide gateway data to criminals.
Singalong Album Maven Mitch Miller Dies – Influential oboist, music producer and choral director Mitch Miller died in NYC at age 99. He began playing classical oboe (heard on the Frank Sinatra-conducted Alec Wilder instrumental album.) and then working in the record industry. He came up with the idea of recording familiar standards with a chorus of a couple dozen male voices and printing the lyrics on the album covers. The “Sing Along With Mitch” series was a huge hit. He also shaped the careers of singers such as Tony Bennett, Rosemary Clooney, Doris Day and Johnny Mathis. Clooney was only getting $50 a session when Miller asked her to record “Come On-a My House,” which used an Armenian folk melody and lyrics by William Saroyan and Ross Bagdasarian, and was the first pop tune use of the harpsichord (played by Stan Freeman). One of his biggest hits was Johnnie Ray’s “Cry,” but he was outspoken in his dislike of rock n’ roll – he said: “It’s not music; it’s a disease.”
