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TriSpecs: “Where High Tech Meets High Fashion”

New York-based Tri-Specs, Inc. is touting its TriSpecs sunglasses – “Bluetooth Stereo Fashion Eyeware” – in the North Hall.  The product features dual mics, dual speakers, and is built on STEP Labs’ voice separation acoustic technology.  (According to the rep the noise reduction software is based on the kind of Digital Signal Processing originally developed by DARPA.)

trispecs

We’ve seen similar devices for playing media in the past, but TriSpecs takes it to the next step by allowing users to switch between voice communication and stereo music with Bluetooth functionality that connects to mobile phones and music players by pushing a button on the glasses.

Where to see it:

  • North 931

Top Ten Finalists Announced for “Last Gadget Standing”

NetShelter Technology Media has gathered editors of eight popular tech blogs including Geek.com, Slashgear and TGDaily to create a list of the top 10 favorite gadgets on display at this year’s CES.

The 10 finalists will battle it out in the North Hall during Saturday’s 8th Annual Last Gadget Standing supersession where competitors will have four minutes to demo their products.  Robin Raskin, founder of Living in Digital Times, will announce this year’s winner based on audience applause.

The top 10 finalists:

  • Eye-Fi Memory Card: Wirelessly upload and share videos in real time, over the Internet.
  • Bug Labs: Create your own gadget with modular, programmable electronic units.
  • ClickFree: Transforms any hard drive into a automated backup system.
  • emWave PSR: Portable biofeedback tool from HeartMath.
  • FlipMino HD: World’s smallest HD-quality video camcorder.
The Mino HD features 4GB of memory and up to 60 minutes of recording time

The Mino HD features 4GB of memory and up to 60 minutes of recording time

  • LiveScribe Smart Pulse Pen: Pen-sized computer that records and syncs audio with what you write.
  • MSI Wind: Wi-Fi Network Device – first 10″ notebook to feature the new Intel Atom 1.6GHz processor.
  • Motorola ZN5: Mobile phone with Kodak imaging innovation.
  • T-Mobile G1 Powered by Android: First mobile phone to feature Google’s Android OS offering free email access to Gmail users.
  • WowWee: Joebot – a walking, talking, interactive buddy.
According to the judges, the Motorola ZN5 is the first mobile phone that lets them feel comfortable leaving their digital camera behind

According to the judges, the Motorola ZN5 is the first mobile phone that lets them feel comfortable leaving their digital camera behind

 

Where to see it:

  • Saturday, January 10, 10:30–11:30 a.m.
  • North Hall, N255-257 

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Specification for Naming VFX Image Sequences Released

ETC’s VFX Working Group has published a specification for best practices naming image sequences such as plates and comps. File naming is an essential tool for organizing the multitude of frames that are inputs and outputs from the VFX process. Prior to the publication of this specification, each organization had its own naming scheme, requiring custom processes for each partner, which often resulted in confusion and miscommunication.

The new ETC@USC specification focuses primarily on sequences of individual images. The initial use case was VFX plates, typically delivered as OpenEXR or DPX files. However, the team soon realized that the same naming conventions can apply to virtually any image sequence. Consequently, the specification was written to handle a wide array of assets and use cases.

To ensure all requirements are represented, the working group included over 2 dozen participants representing studios, VFX houses, tool creators, creatives and others.  The ETC@USC also worked closely with MovieLabs to ensure that the specification could be integrated as part of their 2030 Vision.

A key design criteria for this specification is compatibility with existing practices.  Chair of the VFX working group, Horst Sarubin of Universal Pictures, said: “Our studio is committed to being at the forefront of designing best industry practices to modernize and simplify workflows, and we believe this white paper succeeded in building a new foundation for tools to transfer files in the most efficient manner.”

This specification is compatible with other initiatives such as the Visual Effects Society (VES) Transfer Specifications. “We wanted to make it as seamless as possible for everyone to adopt this specification,” said working group co-chair and ETC@USC’s Erik Weaver. “To ensure all perspectives were represented we created a team of industry experts familiar with the handling of these materials and collaborated with a number of industry groups.”

“Collaboration between MovieLabs and important industry groups like the ETC is critical to implementing the 2030 Vision,” said Craig Seidel, SVP of MovieLabs. “This specification is a key step in defining the foundations for better software-defined workflows. We look forward to continued partnership with the ETC on implementing other critical elements of the 2030 Vision.”

The specification is available online for anyone to use.

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