Apr
30
2009
During a recent trip to LA, I had the honor of visiting Xeni Jardin and Boing Boing at their secret beach side lair in Venice. What a cool bunch!
Shoutout to Richard Metzger for making the intoduction to Xeni!
Read the article HERE
Apr
28
2009
Unless you have been hiding under a rock for the past week, you are well aware of the potential risk of a swine flu pandemic. Being in South Texas, where there are already reported cases, I must admit that I’ve been closely watching this story.
Here are some facts:
- 50 confirmed cases here in the US with 28 in just one New York HS.
- Confirmed cases in CA, KS, NY, OH and TX
- It has been less than week from the first report in Mexico.
- 152 deaths Mexico
- Feds warning against all non-essential travel to Mexico.
- 19 airports in US with quarantine facilities.
What can you do to prepare?
- Have two weeks worth of food and supplies in your home.
- Have N95 masks on hand
- Make sure you have enough prescription medication on had to last a couple of weeks.
- If you or your family is feeling sick, stay home. Do you part to help contain the spread of H1N1, Swine Flu.
Below are some handy links for more information on the Swine Flu
Apr
25
2009
My eyes have been opened to a scam that appears to be sweeping the Satellite service business.. Bait and Switch.
Most that know me have heard my horror stories of dealing with Time-Warner Cable and their insanely poor customer service but after leaving Time-Warner, I decided to give satellite TV a try..
First attempt was DirectTV.. I called in and explained to the sales rep, exactly what I was looking for. HD DVR’s in two rooms and a channel package that included FOX News. Very simple request.. The sales rep offer me a package that “met me request” so I signed up. The installer shows up with two HD Receivers, no DVRs. After explaining the order to him, I learn that I’ll be charged an extra equipment fee and an extra monthly for the DVR on top of the originally agreed upon price. I canceled the order…
Decided to give Dish Network a try.. Called their sales line with the same request. HD DVR’s in two rooms and a channel package that included FOX News.
This morning the installer shows up and I felt like I was in the movie Groundhog Day… He has one HD DVR and a standard def receiver. If I want HD DVR in two rooms it would be an extra equipment fee and an extra monthly fee. After speaking with two different customer service reps at Dish Network, they agreed to waive the equipment fee but still wanted to charge me an extra monthly fee.
This my friend, is bait and switch.. You want to watch TV. The installer is in your house… What do you do?
I wonder how much extra revenue these satellite companies make due to these un-ethical business practices. Would love to hear from you about an similar experiences.
I guess I’m installing an antenna on my house this afternoon and using that extra money to buy DVD’s.. 🙂
Apr
23
2009
Yesterday, NewTek got some exciting news! Our hot new HD instant replay box, 3Play was awarded the TV Technology STAR Award at NAB 2009.
You can checkout the 3play in action Friday April 24, 2009 during the NBA Development League Finals coverage at http://www.nba.com/dleague/
More info on 3Play HERE
Apr
23
2009
I was invited to do an interview with Dave Gardy of TV Worldwide during his salute to the troops live webcast NAB 2009. Just for fun, the TriCaster operator threw in some random graphics and effects during the interview..
Enjoy..
Apr
22
2009
A sad development in a mad time, CFO of Freddie Mac commits suicide. Read the story HERE
Apr
21
2009
NEWTEK HD/SD TRICASTER PUTS HD TRUCK IN A BACKPACK
While some flounder with the proliferation and fragmentation of media, others have flourished using enabling technologies like NewTek’s “studio in a box” TriCaster. At NAB 2009, the company unveiled the forthcoming TriCaster XD300, an SD/HD upgrade with a wealth of new features and functionalities opening the door to low-cost portable HD production. For sports apps, having this alongside the company’s new 3Play multichannel HD/SD slow-motion replay system adds this crucial fan favorite.
Building on a wealth of experience of TriCaster use in college sports and entertainment, the XD300 combines live switching, integrated live streaming, virtual sets and multiple effects layers. According to Philip Nelson, NewTek’s SVP Strategic Development, the HD upgrade also has a significant improvement in graphics as well as a streamlined workflow.
Read article HERE
Apr
21
2009
Day 1 of NAB is in the can. I know we are in a down economy but you would never know that from the traffic in the NewTek booth. I feel that the down turn in the economy may even be driving more people to look at TriCaster.
Everyone has been waiting for an HD version of TriCaster and our announcement of TriCaster Model XD300 is a hit. Our press suite was PACKED on Monday. No lunch breaks.. No bathroom breaks.. Just demo madness. Sports Video Group gave TriCaster Model XD300 some love. Read the article HERE
For those interested here are some few key facts about the HD version of TriCaster
Price: $14,995.00
Availability: Q4
Internal Processing: 4:4:4:4, Floating Point
Inputs: 3 (HD-SDI,Component,Y/C, Composite)
Overlay Channels: 2 (with Motion)
Virtual Inputs: 5 (This is an amazing new feature. That is all I’m saying right now)
Virtual Set Enhancement: Zoom (actually there are many improvements)
Apr
21
2009
Two days in a row, my site as been hacked.. Please STOP IT!
Apr
19
2009
Last night, the NewTek crew hit the Penn & Teller show in Las Vegas. Thanks to Penn Jillette for the tickets. Their new show is a blast and they have a great new segment about Metal Detectors and the TSA.
After the show, we had the chance to go back stage and visit CFONT’s (Cool Friends of NewTek) Penn & Teller.