We would like to announce the launch of Instant Video Generator, a brand new Web Service to adds streaming videos into a website or email messages. According to the deveolpers, streaming video can increase the site selling conversion rate. This tool is deveolped by Armand Morin, Alex Mandossian and Rick Radditz. This Service is expected to change the way business is done on the Internet. You will be able to easily add video messages to your site and email without expensive equipment or technical know-how.
The generated video clip can be inserted in any place of your website as in the case of flash video. The developers claim that their instant streaming video generator is the Net"s fastest, records with any Web cam and microphone, works great on dial-up modems or high-speed modems and most economical way to create professional streaming video clips for Websites and email broadcasts.
Members can place Unlimited video clips on thier sites. Technical know-how or experience is not necessary to use this streaming video creator service. Visitors can instantly play the video clip with the click of the mouse, which makes other video technologies obsolete! All members will be able to access the private 90-minute training with Alex Mandossian, Armand Morin, and Rick Raddatz. They allow only 800 pre-launch membership signups.
Legal Notice: Please note that the content the above site is for information only and can not be a substitute for a personal consultation with a qualified streaming video professional. InstantVideoGenerator(TM) product and InstantVideoGenerator.com website are owned and copyrighted by their respective owners.
Visit Instant Video Generator:
http://filestreams.com/partners/instantvideo.html
Saturday
Creating A Video From Your Desktop
If you are looking for an inexpensive solution that will allow you to record decent quality video, you should consider the Logitech Pro4000 webcam. It's picture quality is superior to all the others I have tried. In fact, here is an example of a video I shot with this camera.
The example page includes links to Logitech for more information as well as a link to Amazon where you can get the camera for around $72 ( They were $99 at BestBuy and Circuit City the last time I looked ).
The example page includes links to Logitech for more information as well as a link to Amazon where you can get the camera for around $72 ( They were $99 at BestBuy and Circuit City the last time I looked ).
Sorenson Adds AAC Plus Audio to Squeeze 4.1
Sorenson Media Adds AAC Plus Audio to Its Upcoming Sorenson Squeeze 4.1 Video Compression Software Lineup and a Windows Media Encoding Plug-in Option for Mac Suite Version
Macworld San Francisco 2005
SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 11, 2005--Sorenson Media(R)
-- Sorenson Squeeze 4.1 Compresses Audio Files to Half Their Original Size, Streamlines File Distribution Options, and Provides Mac Users an Option for Encoding Windows Media 9 Directly on the Mac
Sorenson Media(R) today announced Sorenson Squeeze(R) 4.1 -- the latest update to its award-winning lineup of video encoding and compression applications for digital video professionals and enthusiasts. Sorenson Squeeze 4.1 introduces AAC Plus Audio, an audio compression feature providing the same audio fidelity as the AAC standard while compressing audio file sizes to half its original, uncompressed size. Additionally, users of the Sorenson Squeeze 4.1 Compression Suite for the Macintosh(R) will be able to purchase a new Telestream Flip4Mac plug-in allowing video encoding of Windows Media(R) 9 format directly on the Mac(R). Also included in the release is a new optional task dialog -- a feature allowing users to send video files to multiple applications and locations on a single computer, over a network, to an FTP site, or to VitalStream(R) on-demand video streaming services.
"We are excited to build upon the success of Sorenson Squeeze with the Windows Media encoding plug-in option for Mac users and AAC Plus Audio for our entire Windows(R) and Macintosh Sorenson Squeeze lineup," said Matt Cupal, vice president of strategy and business development at Sorenson Media. "We were the first full-featured video compression suite to introduce High Definition (HD) video encoding in Squeeze 4.0 and now by offering AAC Plus Audio, we are keeping ahead of the competition and building upon the Squeeze legacy."
The Sorenson Squeeze 4.1 product line includes the Sorenson Squeeze 4.1 Compression Suite, Sorenson Squeeze 4.1 for Macromedia(R) Flash(TM) MX, and Sorenson Squeeze 4.1 for MPEG-4 -- all of which are available in Windows and Macintosh versions. With this latest release, each product features AAC Plus Audio and AAC Plus preset options. AAC Plus is the new audio codec favored by Internet, wireless, and digital broadcast media and communications providers. Sorenson Squeeze's AAC Plus Audio compresses audio files much more efficiently than older formats such as MP3, yet delivers quality similar to that of uncompressed CD audio. The AAC Plus presets allow users to quickly select audio options that maximize a chosen distribution option.
Specific to Sorenson Squeeze Compression Suite 4.1 for the Mac, users can install a plug-in that will allow encoding and output of Windows Media 9 format. Said Cupal, "The past process of creating Windows Media files from a Mac is unwieldy and often requires Mac users to export files to a Windows PC and then encode their files into Windows Media using the Windows version of Sorenson Squeeze. Now with the new plug-in option for Sorenson Squeeze 4.1, Mac users will be spared the time and hassle of working between the two platforms."
Included in each Sorenson Squeeze 4.1 product is the new optional task dialog. The optional task dialog allows users to quickly send video files to other applications on a single computer, over a network, or to an FTP site where the file is ready to be viewed or further refined. Providing a simple solution for distributing video over the Internet, the optional task dialog also gives users the ability to send files directly to VitalStream.
Pricing and Availability
Sorenson Squeeze 4.1 upgrades are scheduled to be available by the end of the first calendar quarter of 2005 to current users of Sorenson Squeeze 4.0 products for free. The Windows Media plug-in for the Sorenson Squeeze 4.1 Compression Suite (Macintosh) will be available for $179. Upgrade pricing is also available for current Sorenson Squeeze 3 users. For more information about purchasing a Sorenson Squeeze 4 product, or to find a reseller, call 888-767-3676 or visit www.sorenson.com.
About Sorenson Media
Sorenson Media (www.sorenson.com and www.sorensonvrs.com) is the recognized technology leader in video services, video compression, and video communication to improve the quality of communication over the Internet. The company's products and services include the industry's highest-quality video relay service, award-winning video compression solutions, and the market-leading broadband Internet videophone technology.
(C) 2005 Sorenson Media. All products and brand names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
Macworld San Francisco 2005
SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 11, 2005--Sorenson Media(R)
-- Sorenson Squeeze 4.1 Compresses Audio Files to Half Their Original Size, Streamlines File Distribution Options, and Provides Mac Users an Option for Encoding Windows Media 9 Directly on the Mac
Sorenson Media(R) today announced Sorenson Squeeze(R) 4.1 -- the latest update to its award-winning lineup of video encoding and compression applications for digital video professionals and enthusiasts. Sorenson Squeeze 4.1 introduces AAC Plus Audio, an audio compression feature providing the same audio fidelity as the AAC standard while compressing audio file sizes to half its original, uncompressed size. Additionally, users of the Sorenson Squeeze 4.1 Compression Suite for the Macintosh(R) will be able to purchase a new Telestream Flip4Mac plug-in allowing video encoding of Windows Media(R) 9 format directly on the Mac(R). Also included in the release is a new optional task dialog -- a feature allowing users to send video files to multiple applications and locations on a single computer, over a network, to an FTP site, or to VitalStream(R) on-demand video streaming services.
"We are excited to build upon the success of Sorenson Squeeze with the Windows Media encoding plug-in option for Mac users and AAC Plus Audio for our entire Windows(R) and Macintosh Sorenson Squeeze lineup," said Matt Cupal, vice president of strategy and business development at Sorenson Media. "We were the first full-featured video compression suite to introduce High Definition (HD) video encoding in Squeeze 4.0 and now by offering AAC Plus Audio, we are keeping ahead of the competition and building upon the Squeeze legacy."
The Sorenson Squeeze 4.1 product line includes the Sorenson Squeeze 4.1 Compression Suite, Sorenson Squeeze 4.1 for Macromedia(R) Flash(TM) MX, and Sorenson Squeeze 4.1 for MPEG-4 -- all of which are available in Windows and Macintosh versions. With this latest release, each product features AAC Plus Audio and AAC Plus preset options. AAC Plus is the new audio codec favored by Internet, wireless, and digital broadcast media and communications providers. Sorenson Squeeze's AAC Plus Audio compresses audio files much more efficiently than older formats such as MP3, yet delivers quality similar to that of uncompressed CD audio. The AAC Plus presets allow users to quickly select audio options that maximize a chosen distribution option.
Specific to Sorenson Squeeze Compression Suite 4.1 for the Mac, users can install a plug-in that will allow encoding and output of Windows Media 9 format. Said Cupal, "The past process of creating Windows Media files from a Mac is unwieldy and often requires Mac users to export files to a Windows PC and then encode their files into Windows Media using the Windows version of Sorenson Squeeze. Now with the new plug-in option for Sorenson Squeeze 4.1, Mac users will be spared the time and hassle of working between the two platforms."
Included in each Sorenson Squeeze 4.1 product is the new optional task dialog. The optional task dialog allows users to quickly send video files to other applications on a single computer, over a network, or to an FTP site where the file is ready to be viewed or further refined. Providing a simple solution for distributing video over the Internet, the optional task dialog also gives users the ability to send files directly to VitalStream.
Pricing and Availability
Sorenson Squeeze 4.1 upgrades are scheduled to be available by the end of the first calendar quarter of 2005 to current users of Sorenson Squeeze 4.0 products for free. The Windows Media plug-in for the Sorenson Squeeze 4.1 Compression Suite (Macintosh) will be available for $179. Upgrade pricing is also available for current Sorenson Squeeze 3 users. For more information about purchasing a Sorenson Squeeze 4 product, or to find a reseller, call 888-767-3676 or visit www.sorenson.com.
About Sorenson Media
Sorenson Media (www.sorenson.com and www.sorensonvrs.com) is the recognized technology leader in video services, video compression, and video communication to improve the quality of communication over the Internet. The company's products and services include the industry's highest-quality video relay service, award-winning video compression solutions, and the market-leading broadband Internet videophone technology.
(C) 2005 Sorenson Media. All products and brand names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
Thursday
Wireless Video Streaming - Verizon Wireless Launches VCAST Service
According to attendees of the CES, the quality of the video stream is quite impressive. Remember all the hype about 3G back in 2000-2001? Now we may be entering reality........
On-Demand In The Palm Of Your Hand: Verizon Wireless Launches -VCAST -- Nation's First And Only Consumer 3G Multimedia Service
VCAST Delivers Video and 3-D Games Straight to Consumers on Ultra-cool 3G Handsets
Media Contact Info
Jeffrey Nelson
Jeffrey.Nelson@VerizonWireless.com
908-306-4824
01/07/2005
LAS VEGAS, NV — Imagine the future of wireless: crystal clear video on-demand, live-action 3-D games, news, sports, entertainment, music videos and much more in the palm of your hand. Verizon Wireless delivered the future of wireless today from the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas when senior Verizon Wireless executives announced the company is launching VCAST – the nation’s first third-generation (3G) wireless multimedia service for consumers – beginning February 1, 2005. VCAST will bring high-quality video, 3-D games and music straight to new 3G phones that will run on the Verizon Wireless broadband EV-DO (Evolution-Data Optimized) 3G network, delivering the fastest, most widely-available fully-mobile wireless data experience in the nation today.
“3G is here – we are delivering true 3G services to our customers; this is not a plan for services on the horizon, this is about now,” said Denny Strigl, president and chief executive officer of Verizon Wireless.
Starting February 1, Verizon Wireless customers will be able to use new handsets to access VCAST’s video on-demand service, viewing current news, weather, sports and entertainment programming. They will also be able to download and play cutting-edge three-dimensional games on powerful new handsets. Customers will also be able to watch music videos and short programs specifically designed for mobile phones and other video applications on their handsets.
“With the launch of VCAST, Verizon Wireless is building on its reputation for providing the most reliable and exciting wireless experience in the U.S. VCAST establishes the gold standard for consumer wireless multimedia services,” continued Strigl. “This multi-functional service is so entertaining and informative, so timely and cutting edge, that it gives our customers another dimension to their wireless service.”
When the service is available on February 1, customers can expect video and games from a variety of familiar and popular sources, such as MTV Networks’ VH1 and Comedy Central brands. A relationship with News Corp. and 20th Century Fox will bring Verizon Wireless customers hot exclusive programs – “24: Conspiracy,” “Sunset Hotel” and “Love & Hate” – specifically designed for mobile phones. A broad offering of content will also be available from NBC, including newscasts made exclusively for mobile phones.
VCAST will be accessed through the award-winning Get It Now® virtual store found on Verizon Wireless handsets.
“With VCAST, we have put together a comprehensive package of multimedia services for consumers that will be immediately available at launch,” said John Stratton, Verizon Wireless vice president and chief marketing officer. “This robust offering in the marketplace will take wireless to a new level, offering Verizon Wireless customers a wealth of news, sports and entertainment programming in the palm of their hands at an affordable price.”
EV-DO 3G Network Expansion
VCAST runs on the Verizon Wireless 3G EV-DO network, which began commercial operation in October 2003 in San Diego and Washington, D.C. The Verizon Wireless 3G EV-DO network initially launched commercially with BroadbandAccess wireless Internet access service for business customers and mobile professionals. BroadbandAccess boasts average user speeds of 300-500 kilobits per second (kbps), and enables users to remain productive and connected whether they’re at home, a meeting across town or on the road. BroadbandAccess customers can connect via laptop to the Internet, corporate intranet, email and attachments all at high speed.
“When we announced the rollout plans for the Verizon Wireless 3G network one year ago at last year’s Consumer Electronics Show, we said we would deploy the technology in areas covering 75 million people, or one-third of our network, in the United States by the end of 2004. Promise made, promise kept,” said Dick Lynch, Verizon Wireless executive vice president and chief technical officer, in announcing new metropolitan areas to the 3G network coverage area.
In addition to 20 previously launched metropolitan areas, the company today announced 12 additional markets: Chicago; Houston; Boston; Phoenix; Cincinnati; Orlando; Columbus and Dayton, OH; Providence, RI; Jacksonville, FL; Hartford and New Haven, CT. Major expansions have been made in many existing 3G markets, including New York City; Newark, NJ; Los Angeles; Philadelphia; Atlanta; Miami, Tampa and West Palm Beach, FL; Baltimore, MD; Kansas City, MO; and Milwaukee, WI areas.
(EDITORS: A complete list of markets follows this news release.)
“Today, another promise,” said Dick Lynch. “We will deploy our 3G network – our BroadbandAccess and VCAST service areas – to cover 150 million Americans by the end of 2005.” Lucent Technologies and Nortel Networks have provided wireless infrastructure technology for the Verizon Wireless 3G network, and EV-DO technology is licensed from QUALCOMM.
“Verizon Wireless continues to set the standard for innovative consumer and business services, and by offering VCAST to the mass consumer base, they are proving the success and reliability of their 3G network,” said Roger Entner, director of wireless and mobile services for The Yankee Group. “Services like games and videos everyone is used to playing and watching while tethered to a TV or monitor are now going to be available virtually anywhere and any time, with similar speed and often even greater excitement. VCAST gives consumers the mobility they’re looking for and leapfrogs anything else that is available today.”
Multimedia Preview
For the past several months, Verizon Wireless has been conducting a “sneak preview” of VCAST for 1,000 participants from the company’s existing customer base in the Washington, D.C. and San Diego metropolitan areas. The preview focused on consumer adoption, usage patterns, content from potential VCAST partners, and both network and handset performance.
“The quality on this video is just unbelievable,” said Melanie Hoffman, reacting to video news clips she was watching on an LG VX8000 phone in Washington D.C. last week. “The picture, I just can’t explain it, it’s really neat – it’s like Christmas.”
VCAST Overview
For $15.00 monthly access in addition to their regular Verizon Wireless calling plan, VCAST customers get unlimited access to a wide array of more than 300 daily updated videos from leading content providers. Verizon Wireless VCAST customers also receive unlimited browsing of Verizon Wireless’ Mobile Web 2.0 news and information service. In addition, customers can choose from premium content, available for an additional cost, that includes 3-D games, music videos and other premium channels.
VCAST’s array of hot new multimedia programming is located in the Get It Now virtual store – customers can access video from favorite news, sports and entertainment providers in the getFLIX shopping aisle and check out new cutting-edge 3-D games in the getGAMES aisle. VCAST also gives customers unlimited access to browse and view applications in the other familiar Get It Now shopping aisles – such as getTONES and getGOING.
“Customers no longer need to be chained to their computers or televisions to play video games or view the latest news and information via video,” said Jim Straight, vice president of multimedia services for Verizon Wireless. “With our expansion and the widening reach of our high-speed network, the next level of Get It Now applications is possible – from three dimensional and multi-player games to higher-resolution photos and video downloads.”
At launch, customers will be able to access VCAST on three hot new phones, from LG Mobile Phones, Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung) and UTStarcom Personal Communications. The featured phone is the new LG VX8000 phone – with its full-motion video with audio downloading and playback capabilities, the LG VX8000 offers customers a rich and rewarding interactive experience. The LG VX8000 also features a 1.3 mega-pixel camera with 10X digital zoom and embedded flash. Customers can capture 15-second videos and still photos and send them to other Verizon Wireless customers with video messaging-capable phones or any e-mail address.
For more information Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to www.verizonwireless.com.
EDITORS NOTE: Broadcast-quality B-Roll and high-resolution stills of VCAST from Verizon Wireless are available online. Log on to Verizon Wireless' Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia to preview and request video segments, which can be received in newsrooms digitally, by tape or via satellite, or to request images. Available footage features customer testimonials and footage of applications in use.
As of Friday, January 7, 2005, Verizon Wireless’ EV-DO network will be available in the following major metropolitan areas:
Atlanta
Austin, TX
Baltimore
Boston
Chicago
Cincinnati
Columbus, OH
Dallas/Ft. Worth
Dayton, OH
Hartford, CT
Houston
Jacksonville, FL
Kansas City, KS/MO
Las Vegas
Los Angeles
Madison, WI
Miami/Fort Lauderdale, FL
Milwaukee
New Haven, CT
New Orleans
New York/Newark, NJ
Orlando, FL
Philadelphia
Phoenix
Pittsburgh
Providence, RI
San Diego
Tampa, FL
Washington, D.C.
West Palm Beach, FL
About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless owns and operates the nation’s most reliable wireless network, serving 42.1 million voice and data customers. Headquartered in Bedminster, NJ, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). Find more information on the Web at www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.
NOTE: This press release contains statements about expected future events and financial results that are forward-looking and subject to risks and uncertainties. For those statements, we claim the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The following important factors could affect future results and could cause those results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements: materially adverse changes in economic conditions in the markets served by us, an adverse change in the ratings afforded our debt securities or those of Verizon Communications by nationally accredited ratings organizations, the effects of the substantial competition that exists in our markets, which has been intensifying, and which may intensify further as a result of local number portability regulations that allow wireless customers to retain their phone numbers when switching wireless service providers, our ability to obtain sufficient financing to satisfy our substantial capital requirements, including to fund capital expenditures, debt repayment and distributions to our owners, our ability to obtain sufficient spectrum licenses, particularly in our most densely populated areas, our ability to develop future business opportunities, including wireless data services, and to continue to adapt to the changing conditions in the wireless industry, our ability to receive satisfactory service from our key vendors and suppliers, our ability to generate additional subscribers, with acceptable levels of churn, from resellers and distributors of our service, material changes in available technology, and technology substitution that could impact the popularity and usage of our technology, our continued provision of satisfactory service to our subscribers at an acceptable cost, in order to reduce churn, the impact of continued unionization efforts with respect to our employees, regulatory developments, including new regulations that could increase our cost of doing business or reduce demand for our services, developments in connection with existing or future litigation, and changes in our accounting assumptions that regulatory agencies, including the SEC, may require or that result from changes in the accounting rules or their application, which could result in an impact on earnings.
####
On-Demand In The Palm Of Your Hand: Verizon Wireless Launches -VCAST -- Nation's First And Only Consumer 3G Multimedia Service
VCAST Delivers Video and 3-D Games Straight to Consumers on Ultra-cool 3G Handsets
Media Contact Info
Jeffrey Nelson
Jeffrey.Nelson@VerizonWireless.com
908-306-4824
01/07/2005
LAS VEGAS, NV — Imagine the future of wireless: crystal clear video on-demand, live-action 3-D games, news, sports, entertainment, music videos and much more in the palm of your hand. Verizon Wireless delivered the future of wireless today from the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas when senior Verizon Wireless executives announced the company is launching VCAST – the nation’s first third-generation (3G) wireless multimedia service for consumers – beginning February 1, 2005. VCAST will bring high-quality video, 3-D games and music straight to new 3G phones that will run on the Verizon Wireless broadband EV-DO (Evolution-Data Optimized) 3G network, delivering the fastest, most widely-available fully-mobile wireless data experience in the nation today.
“3G is here – we are delivering true 3G services to our customers; this is not a plan for services on the horizon, this is about now,” said Denny Strigl, president and chief executive officer of Verizon Wireless.
Starting February 1, Verizon Wireless customers will be able to use new handsets to access VCAST’s video on-demand service, viewing current news, weather, sports and entertainment programming. They will also be able to download and play cutting-edge three-dimensional games on powerful new handsets. Customers will also be able to watch music videos and short programs specifically designed for mobile phones and other video applications on their handsets.
“With the launch of VCAST, Verizon Wireless is building on its reputation for providing the most reliable and exciting wireless experience in the U.S. VCAST establishes the gold standard for consumer wireless multimedia services,” continued Strigl. “This multi-functional service is so entertaining and informative, so timely and cutting edge, that it gives our customers another dimension to their wireless service.”
When the service is available on February 1, customers can expect video and games from a variety of familiar and popular sources, such as MTV Networks’ VH1 and Comedy Central brands. A relationship with News Corp. and 20th Century Fox will bring Verizon Wireless customers hot exclusive programs – “24: Conspiracy,” “Sunset Hotel” and “Love & Hate” – specifically designed for mobile phones. A broad offering of content will also be available from NBC, including newscasts made exclusively for mobile phones.
VCAST will be accessed through the award-winning Get It Now® virtual store found on Verizon Wireless handsets.
“With VCAST, we have put together a comprehensive package of multimedia services for consumers that will be immediately available at launch,” said John Stratton, Verizon Wireless vice president and chief marketing officer. “This robust offering in the marketplace will take wireless to a new level, offering Verizon Wireless customers a wealth of news, sports and entertainment programming in the palm of their hands at an affordable price.”
EV-DO 3G Network Expansion
VCAST runs on the Verizon Wireless 3G EV-DO network, which began commercial operation in October 2003 in San Diego and Washington, D.C. The Verizon Wireless 3G EV-DO network initially launched commercially with BroadbandAccess wireless Internet access service for business customers and mobile professionals. BroadbandAccess boasts average user speeds of 300-500 kilobits per second (kbps), and enables users to remain productive and connected whether they’re at home, a meeting across town or on the road. BroadbandAccess customers can connect via laptop to the Internet, corporate intranet, email and attachments all at high speed.
“When we announced the rollout plans for the Verizon Wireless 3G network one year ago at last year’s Consumer Electronics Show, we said we would deploy the technology in areas covering 75 million people, or one-third of our network, in the United States by the end of 2004. Promise made, promise kept,” said Dick Lynch, Verizon Wireless executive vice president and chief technical officer, in announcing new metropolitan areas to the 3G network coverage area.
In addition to 20 previously launched metropolitan areas, the company today announced 12 additional markets: Chicago; Houston; Boston; Phoenix; Cincinnati; Orlando; Columbus and Dayton, OH; Providence, RI; Jacksonville, FL; Hartford and New Haven, CT. Major expansions have been made in many existing 3G markets, including New York City; Newark, NJ; Los Angeles; Philadelphia; Atlanta; Miami, Tampa and West Palm Beach, FL; Baltimore, MD; Kansas City, MO; and Milwaukee, WI areas.
(EDITORS: A complete list of markets follows this news release.)
“Today, another promise,” said Dick Lynch. “We will deploy our 3G network – our BroadbandAccess and VCAST service areas – to cover 150 million Americans by the end of 2005.” Lucent Technologies and Nortel Networks have provided wireless infrastructure technology for the Verizon Wireless 3G network, and EV-DO technology is licensed from QUALCOMM.
“Verizon Wireless continues to set the standard for innovative consumer and business services, and by offering VCAST to the mass consumer base, they are proving the success and reliability of their 3G network,” said Roger Entner, director of wireless and mobile services for The Yankee Group. “Services like games and videos everyone is used to playing and watching while tethered to a TV or monitor are now going to be available virtually anywhere and any time, with similar speed and often even greater excitement. VCAST gives consumers the mobility they’re looking for and leapfrogs anything else that is available today.”
Multimedia Preview
For the past several months, Verizon Wireless has been conducting a “sneak preview” of VCAST for 1,000 participants from the company’s existing customer base in the Washington, D.C. and San Diego metropolitan areas. The preview focused on consumer adoption, usage patterns, content from potential VCAST partners, and both network and handset performance.
“The quality on this video is just unbelievable,” said Melanie Hoffman, reacting to video news clips she was watching on an LG VX8000 phone in Washington D.C. last week. “The picture, I just can’t explain it, it’s really neat – it’s like Christmas.”
VCAST Overview
For $15.00 monthly access in addition to their regular Verizon Wireless calling plan, VCAST customers get unlimited access to a wide array of more than 300 daily updated videos from leading content providers. Verizon Wireless VCAST customers also receive unlimited browsing of Verizon Wireless’ Mobile Web 2.0 news and information service. In addition, customers can choose from premium content, available for an additional cost, that includes 3-D games, music videos and other premium channels.
VCAST’s array of hot new multimedia programming is located in the Get It Now virtual store – customers can access video from favorite news, sports and entertainment providers in the getFLIX shopping aisle and check out new cutting-edge 3-D games in the getGAMES aisle. VCAST also gives customers unlimited access to browse and view applications in the other familiar Get It Now shopping aisles – such as getTONES and getGOING.
“Customers no longer need to be chained to their computers or televisions to play video games or view the latest news and information via video,” said Jim Straight, vice president of multimedia services for Verizon Wireless. “With our expansion and the widening reach of our high-speed network, the next level of Get It Now applications is possible – from three dimensional and multi-player games to higher-resolution photos and video downloads.”
At launch, customers will be able to access VCAST on three hot new phones, from LG Mobile Phones, Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung) and UTStarcom Personal Communications. The featured phone is the new LG VX8000 phone – with its full-motion video with audio downloading and playback capabilities, the LG VX8000 offers customers a rich and rewarding interactive experience. The LG VX8000 also features a 1.3 mega-pixel camera with 10X digital zoom and embedded flash. Customers can capture 15-second videos and still photos and send them to other Verizon Wireless customers with video messaging-capable phones or any e-mail address.
For more information Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to www.verizonwireless.com.
EDITORS NOTE: Broadcast-quality B-Roll and high-resolution stills of VCAST from Verizon Wireless are available online. Log on to Verizon Wireless' Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia to preview and request video segments, which can be received in newsrooms digitally, by tape or via satellite, or to request images. Available footage features customer testimonials and footage of applications in use.
As of Friday, January 7, 2005, Verizon Wireless’ EV-DO network will be available in the following major metropolitan areas:
Atlanta
Austin, TX
Baltimore
Boston
Chicago
Cincinnati
Columbus, OH
Dallas/Ft. Worth
Dayton, OH
Hartford, CT
Houston
Jacksonville, FL
Kansas City, KS/MO
Las Vegas
Los Angeles
Madison, WI
Miami/Fort Lauderdale, FL
Milwaukee
New Haven, CT
New Orleans
New York/Newark, NJ
Orlando, FL
Philadelphia
Phoenix
Pittsburgh
Providence, RI
San Diego
Tampa, FL
Washington, D.C.
West Palm Beach, FL
About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless owns and operates the nation’s most reliable wireless network, serving 42.1 million voice and data customers. Headquartered in Bedminster, NJ, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). Find more information on the Web at www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.
NOTE: This press release contains statements about expected future events and financial results that are forward-looking and subject to risks and uncertainties. For those statements, we claim the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The following important factors could affect future results and could cause those results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements: materially adverse changes in economic conditions in the markets served by us, an adverse change in the ratings afforded our debt securities or those of Verizon Communications by nationally accredited ratings organizations, the effects of the substantial competition that exists in our markets, which has been intensifying, and which may intensify further as a result of local number portability regulations that allow wireless customers to retain their phone numbers when switching wireless service providers, our ability to obtain sufficient financing to satisfy our substantial capital requirements, including to fund capital expenditures, debt repayment and distributions to our owners, our ability to obtain sufficient spectrum licenses, particularly in our most densely populated areas, our ability to develop future business opportunities, including wireless data services, and to continue to adapt to the changing conditions in the wireless industry, our ability to receive satisfactory service from our key vendors and suppliers, our ability to generate additional subscribers, with acceptable levels of churn, from resellers and distributors of our service, material changes in available technology, and technology substitution that could impact the popularity and usage of our technology, our continued provision of satisfactory service to our subscribers at an acceptable cost, in order to reduce churn, the impact of continued unionization efforts with respect to our employees, regulatory developments, including new regulations that could increase our cost of doing business or reduce demand for our services, developments in connection with existing or future litigation, and changes in our accounting assumptions that regulatory agencies, including the SEC, may require or that result from changes in the accounting rules or their application, which could result in an impact on earnings.
####
Wednesday
Tsunami Videos
Here are some Tsunami home videos that have been floating around the web, they are a little poor in quality but still amazing to watch!
http://filesteams.com/demo/tsunami.html
http://filestreams.com/demo/tsunami2.html
http://filestreams.com/demo/tsunami3.html
http://filesteams.com/demo/tsunami.html
http://filestreams.com/demo/tsunami2.html
http://filestreams.com/demo/tsunami3.html
Creating A White Video Background
I promised you an email describing in more detail how to do the white background effect. Here it is!
1. Definitely use a Logitech webcam because their control panel is the only one that gives you total control
2. Use the new blue-filtered incondescent lights -- the bulbs will look a bit blue when they are off. Get the highest wattage you can find. Home Depot is the easiest place to find them. (or buy a $9 blue lens filter from the local camera shop and tape it over your webcam).
3. Set up at least two lights - maybe more - behind the sheet, but not too close to the sheet. Set up one or two lights in front of you, and if you have another, put it behind you but in front of the sheet, pointing at the sheet to help remove shadows.
4. Take the webcam off 'automatic' (there are typically two "automatic" checkboxes on a Logitech control panel)
5. Set the shutter-speed (aka exposure) to between 1/30th of a second and 1/50th of a second
6. Adjust the Gain so your face is properly lit
7. Adjust Gamma to where it looks best (probably all the way down if you have enough light)
8. Select the white-balance that looks best to you. If your control panel has an 'auto' and 'freeze' setting, then sometimes you can get the best result by clicking on a specific setting, letting it adjust, then clicking 'auto' -- the image will slowly change -- then click 'freeze' when it's at just the right point. Other control panels will have a red/blue slider -- this actually gives you more control. Adjust as needed.
9. Adjust the brightness to get rid of the final color in the corners of the video -- pure white is the goal.
10. Adjust the 'saturated' level to add color into your face, but not too much. If you don't have the white-balance or the right lighting, you may look best without a lot of color. If you have the right lighting and white-balance, you can add a little extra color
11. Go back and tweak all settings as needed, adjust position of lights, number of lights, etc until perfect. Once you get it set up the way you like it, save the settings using the 'save' button if you have one.
Hope this helps!
- Rick Raddatz, co-founder, IVG
Get A Video Steaming Account
1. Definitely use a Logitech webcam because their control panel is the only one that gives you total control
2. Use the new blue-filtered incondescent lights -- the bulbs will look a bit blue when they are off. Get the highest wattage you can find. Home Depot is the easiest place to find them. (or buy a $9 blue lens filter from the local camera shop and tape it over your webcam).
3. Set up at least two lights - maybe more - behind the sheet, but not too close to the sheet. Set up one or two lights in front of you, and if you have another, put it behind you but in front of the sheet, pointing at the sheet to help remove shadows.
4. Take the webcam off 'automatic' (there are typically two "automatic" checkboxes on a Logitech control panel)
5. Set the shutter-speed (aka exposure) to between 1/30th of a second and 1/50th of a second
6. Adjust the Gain so your face is properly lit
7. Adjust Gamma to where it looks best (probably all the way down if you have enough light)
8. Select the white-balance that looks best to you. If your control panel has an 'auto' and 'freeze' setting, then sometimes you can get the best result by clicking on a specific setting, letting it adjust, then clicking 'auto' -- the image will slowly change -- then click 'freeze' when it's at just the right point. Other control panels will have a red/blue slider -- this actually gives you more control. Adjust as needed.
9. Adjust the brightness to get rid of the final color in the corners of the video -- pure white is the goal.
10. Adjust the 'saturated' level to add color into your face, but not too much. If you don't have the white-balance or the right lighting, you may look best without a lot of color. If you have the right lighting and white-balance, you can add a little extra color
11. Go back and tweak all settings as needed, adjust position of lights, number of lights, etc until perfect. Once you get it set up the way you like it, save the settings using the 'save' button if you have one.
Hope this helps!
- Rick Raddatz, co-founder, IVG
Get A Video Steaming Account
Monday
Pre-Caching Video Stream
This article from Sports Business News talks about a type of video streaming technique called Pre-Caching where a video is completely loaded prior to viewing. It does a goo job of discussing the benefits and drawbacks of this technique.
Article Segment-
"But since streaming video downloads to a computer at the same time it's playing, the video size and picture quality are limited by the speed of the user's Internet connection.
Pre-caching solves this problem by not displaying the video until it's been fully downloaded. Using this technique, sites can offer users video at any size and picture quality. One of the earliest examples of pre-cached video was BMW Films, which allowed users to view full-screen, DVD-quality videos all the way back in 2001. By comparison, most streaming video at that time covered less than 10 percent of a computer screen and offered video quality that was inferior to even broadcast television.
While it solves the picture quality problem, pre-caching creates a different problem; a user needs to come and ask for the video well in advance of viewing it, and typically must download and install special software as well. To set up ESPN Motion, a user must install a plug-in that then downloads new video content to his computer as it becomes available. The user can watch the video clips at ESPN.com in a standard-sized online video window, or expand the window to approximately four times its original size without any noticeable drop in picture quality.
Unfortunately, most Internet users are confused by software installations and afraid of viruses, and therefore won't install pre-caching software. The trade-off for significantly improved picture quality, then, becomes significantly reduced audience size.
ESPN certainly suffers from this problem. While the ESPN.com site draws nearly 15 million users each month, ESPN Motion delivers less than 30 million video clips each month to only 1.5 million users. The largest streaming video site, Launch Music on Yahoo!, delivers over 250 million video clips each month to around 12 million users - making it 10 times larger than Motion. "
Link to Complete Article
SBN - Pre-caching a Video Stream
Article Segment-
"But since streaming video downloads to a computer at the same time it's playing, the video size and picture quality are limited by the speed of the user's Internet connection.
Pre-caching solves this problem by not displaying the video until it's been fully downloaded. Using this technique, sites can offer users video at any size and picture quality. One of the earliest examples of pre-cached video was BMW Films, which allowed users to view full-screen, DVD-quality videos all the way back in 2001. By comparison, most streaming video at that time covered less than 10 percent of a computer screen and offered video quality that was inferior to even broadcast television.
While it solves the picture quality problem, pre-caching creates a different problem; a user needs to come and ask for the video well in advance of viewing it, and typically must download and install special software as well. To set up ESPN Motion, a user must install a plug-in that then downloads new video content to his computer as it becomes available. The user can watch the video clips at ESPN.com in a standard-sized online video window, or expand the window to approximately four times its original size without any noticeable drop in picture quality.
Unfortunately, most Internet users are confused by software installations and afraid of viruses, and therefore won't install pre-caching software. The trade-off for significantly improved picture quality, then, becomes significantly reduced audience size.
ESPN certainly suffers from this problem. While the ESPN.com site draws nearly 15 million users each month, ESPN Motion delivers less than 30 million video clips each month to only 1.5 million users. The largest streaming video site, Launch Music on Yahoo!, delivers over 250 million video clips each month to around 12 million users - making it 10 times larger than Motion. "
Link to Complete Article
SBN - Pre-caching a Video Stream
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)