Geekazine

Datavideo has come out with a table-top video switcher that uses a single 4K camera to make multiple shots for a band, panel discussion, and more. Best part is you can record or stream an event in a standard 16:9 landscape mode, or 9:16 portrait for social media.

About the KMU-200 Touch Screen Switcher

The unit allows for a single camera of up to 4K resolution to plug into the unit. You can also bring video in from a second source – such as a laptop video, along with 2 microphone inputs, and audio playback.

The unit is called a “Multi Channel Touch Screen Region of Interest” switcher. This means you take the large video, and split it up into scenes using the touchscreen.

If you have a band playing, for example, you can create regions for each musician to cut to, to make it feel like you’ve switched cameras. Each region can be moved and zoomed around so you can get the person in-frame.

Stream Your Event

Thie KMU-200 will send CBR video out in 1080p 10 Mbps to your favorite streaming service. You can also record up to 16Mbs (via SD card) or send to a viewing monitor. Video processes at 4:4:4, 4:2:2, or 4:2:0.

Audio

The unit has a 4-channel audio mixer built in.

Stream in Portrait or Landscape

One big feature of the KMU-200 is the ability to stream 16:9 or 9:16. This makes the KMU-200 perfect for streaming to social media formats like Facebook, Instagram Live, Tiktok Live, and more.

With the tap of a button, you can switch to landscape, and stream out or record a YouTube or other video.

Price

The Datavideo KMU-200 is available for $3,499 and available now. Get the KMU-200 here. For more information, check out Datavideo.

If you are building a stage that will rotate through presenters or simply making a hands-free media room, PresenterTek has a host of stands that allow you to adjust height from a distance. I saw them at Infocomm 2021 in Orlando, and had to find out more.

About PresenterTek

The company was formed to fulfill a need. The event was a presidential visit, and they were approached to build a robotic teleprompter stand that could raise height to match the presenter’s height.

Since then, PresenterTek has been building hands-free stands and other devices to help not only keep social distances, but also keep crew behind the cameras.

TeleStepper

This is the stand that started it all. Easy to use, and quiet , the telestepper will raise height to the presenter. This is only the stand, although PresenterTek does have bundles with known teleprompter solutions companies.

The TeleStepper is controlled either through the controller (through Ethernet cable), or through computer app.

The unit comes with 2 TeleStepper stands, and carrying case.

Prices range from $3,500 to $5,000.

Mic Mover / PTZ Mover

These are both stands similar to the TeleStepper. Difference is the ability to not only add a microphone or camera, but also add boom arms and other extensions to raise the device even higher, or get closer to one’s mouth. And these stands can also be mounted to the ceiling if you need to work from the top-down.

The stand also comes in pairs, and also with controller and case. Prices also range from $3,500 – $5,000

CueSpin

This is a device that allows you to turn a teleprompter. The unit is placed in-between stand and teleprompter device, and can also be controlled via remote control. The unit can remember 4 positions, and the remote can control up to 9 CueSpin devices.

TeloMic

The newest addition to the PresenterTek line, this device can mount to any podium, and control the height of the microphone. The stand is mounted to the side of the podium, and can be raised or lowered by a 2-pedal system – meaning the presenter could easily raise or lower the microphone to them.

TeloMic will be available soon for $1,199.00

Check out PresenterTek.com for more info.

Bowflex has updated their popular Max Trainer series with the Max Total 16 cross-training system. The ability to have a trainer in the machine, you can train on the Max Total, then do a Yoga session, weight lift, and back onto the elliptical.

Back at CES, we saw the VeloCore bike and Treadmill 22. The Max Total 16 is designed for all levels of fitness. Fully customizable and expanded with their JRNY digital platform, you can plan out your workout for peak performance.

The Max Total 16 is half the size of a treadmill. You can set it in a corner of a room without taking up space. 6 hand position handles and a magnetic resistance system with 20 levels of resistance. You can adjust resistance with the turn of a dial.

Heart hand grips help you keep track of which zone you want to be in – fat burning or cardio. The heart rate armband allows you to use the other handles for the workout you desire.

Other features include Bluetooth connection, media shelf, accessory tray, and USB charging port.

The JRNY digital fitness platform can plan your workouts by assessing your level, and recommend possible workouts. A one-year membership is included with purchase to try out the system.

Max Total 16 will be available November 2nd for $2,799. After 1 year, the JRNY digital fitness program membership will start at $19.99/month, or $1,788/year (25% savings).

Check it out at Bowflex.com

Electrochomic Tint is technology we see at offices, in your car, and in some homes to make the windows tint to a degree of light blocking (and privacy). Now, Ampere is bringing the technology to your sunglasses with the Ampere Dusk Smart sunglasses.

What is Ampere Dusk

These glasses uses photochromic lenses, and a bit of electricity to react to the light. It will tint your lenses to your preferred settings. This way, you can adjust between indoor, outdoor, overcast, and very sunny day.

The glasses have a 110 mAh battery that charge simultaneous through both bows. A single charge will last for a week’s worth of use.

Two Models of Dusk

The second frames come with speakers and microphone, connecting to your phone via Bluetooth. This allows for hands free use when driving, or listening to music when you’re next to the pool.

Dusk Carry Case

The additional case (sold separately) allows you to keep your Dusk charged constantly. The case is a hard shell, and has a spot for an AirTag so you don’t lose your glasses.

No Prescriptions Yet

Unfortunately, for us optically challenged folk, we’ll have to use contact lenses to enjoy the benefit of electrochromic tinting. This is something Ampere is working on for the future.

Prices

Dusk starts at $195 for the lite version, and $295 for the audio package. The case will be an additional $69. Dusk will be shipping November 2021.

Get Ampere Dusk Here

Withings Move Smart Watch

The Withings Move Smartwatch is a great way to wear a connected watch and not have it look like a computer on your wrist. With a standard watch face, the device bluetooth connects to your phone (iOS or Android), and tracks your steps, and other health data.

Inside the watch is a long lasting battery which you will not have to charge or change for 18 months. The device is also sealed, so it’s water resistant up to 50m.

The Move will do 24/7 tracking of walk, run, swim, and other activities. You can also track your calories burned, and distance traveled with the side dial. Press and hold the side button to activate sport mode, and start moving.

The watch also has GPS for tracking. Open up the app in your phone to see where you travelled, and how many calories you burned that day.

Finally, the Move has a sleep tracker that identifies light and deep sleep cycles. Since the watch doesn’t need daily recharging, nor has any annoying screen to light up, you can wear it all night and find out how well you sleep.

The Withings Move is $99 and available now. Get the Withings Move Here.

A regular question that gets asked – how can me and my bandmates play together when we are separated and shows are being cancelled? Live music online is a topic that Elk.Live is working on, and ready to release in Q4 of this year.

What is Elk.Live

This is a service with hardware that allows a musician to play with other musicians from miles, or continents away. The audio hardware includes a low-latency algorithm that allows the drummer to hear the bass in close-to-real time.

Whereas services like Zoom or Microsoft Teams has a latency of 100-300 ms or more, Elk.Live can get latency to a level where music can happen – around 30 ms.

Defying the Laws of Physics

Reality is, we have to deal with one thing – the speed of light. And with Internet signals, there is no direct path. But with Elk.Live’s appliance, they are able to get up to 5 people on a session.

And Elk is already working on a way to bring in 22 people at a given time.

The Elk Bridge

Elk.Live Bridge

This appliance works just like any other sound card adapter. You can use it with your favorite DAW, record to your favorite social media outlet, or bring it in to any meeting. When you are ready to jam, just call up the Elk service, log in, and get with other musicians to play live music online.

Does Elk Do Video?

While you can have a video aspect to your session, the focus is delivering audio. For musicians to be able to play online together, the latency has to get below 30ms. MIDI audio can do that, since it’s digital, but it’s tougher for analog audio.

More to Come

Bjorn Ehlers explains the process with me in the video. The service is in limited BETA right now, and plans to release publicly in Q4. To pre-order your bridge, check out Elk.Live

Stern Pinball, a company known for pinball machines for arcades and home use, has released their latest machine in the Mandalorian. Three versions available, you can get it for your cave if you don’t want to tread down to the local watering hole.

Check out the interview on Stern’s Led Zeppelin machine,or when I saw and played the Stranger Things Pinball at CES.

Three Versions Pro, Premium, and Limited Edition

Stern Pinball puts them out in threes. The Pro and Premium editions are more attainable, but the LE are just that – if you don’t pull the trigger the day it’s available, you might not get it.

There are differences in the 3. From features of gameplay, to artwork on the machine itself.

So it’s better to collect all three?

ViewSonic has come out with some new displays for 2021, and a projector for your backyard movie watching, conference Karaoke, or many other uses. I talk with Ray from ViewSonic on the new products.

All monitors we look at today work with AMD FreeSync Premium technology, although ViewSonic does have monitors that use NVIDIA G-Sync, such as the XG270Q flat panel Elite we talked about last time.

M2e Portable Projector

This is an 1000 LED Lumen, compact 1080p projector. With full HDMI, and USB-C, you can use this with a game console such as a Nintendo switch without issue.

Other connections include USB-A for power and video reading. MicroSD card also brings stored videos into the projector if no WIFI connection. The M2e does have WIFI to stream from your favorite streaming media (Apple TV, Roku, FireTV, etc).

The projector uses the Rec. 709 color space for image quality, and their proprietary Cinema SuperColor+ technology to bring out all each movie (or Karaoke song) has to offer.

Price

The M2e is available now for $599.99 – Get the M2e here

VX3418 2K PC Multimedia Monitor

If you are looking for a curved monitor, ViewSonic has the VX3418 for 2021, with a 24 inch WQHD screen (3440×1440) curved. The monitor has a 1500R curved screen, and a refresh rate of less than 1 ms.

With 2 DisplayPort on back, the monitor runs Adaptive Sync technology for optimal screen performance. 2 HDMI ports (v.20) are also available for connection. This will not run picture in picture, but you can connect up to 4 computers on this monitor.

Price

The VX3418-2KPC Display is available for $469.99. Get the VX3418-2KPC Here

XG2431 ELITE Gaming Monitor

A smaller gaming monitor, this 24 inch screen has a 240Hz refresh rate, and native 1080p resolution. Complete with HDMI, DisplayPort, and a 2-USB-A Hub with Audio Out option.

Price

The XG2431 will be available in Q3 for an estimated price of $350

VP2756-4K – 27″ Display, IPS Panel

This is part of the professional graphic design monitor line. An SRGB color calibrated monitor, this will work best for color matching video and images alike.

The monitor is Pantone® Validated 100% sRGB color gamut coverage, and factory calibrated so the monitor won’t go out of color sync for a long time.

The monitor has a USB-C connector with 60W power delivery, and also comes with HDMI, Display Port, and a USB-hub for peripherals.

Price

The VP2756-4K is available for $489.99 soon.

VP3481a ColorPro 34 Inch WQHD+ Curved Monitor

This is a 34 inch curved screen with native WQHD+ (3440×1440) resolution. A USB-C connector with 90W power and built-in USB and 1 GB ethernet hub.

The monitor is also a KVM for multiple computers. Additional DisplayPort and HDMI inputs to connect other machines.

If you are looking for a new podcast microphone, Shure has updated their MOTIV line with the Shure MV5C. This is a simple spherical cardioid microphone that can be attached to the included stand, or mounted to an arm.

Check out our last interview with Shure Aonic Headphones

About the MOTIV MV5C

This unidirectional microphone will work great in Windows and Mac, and on multiple conference calling software programs like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, Facetime, and more.

If you are podcasting or live streaming, the MV5C can be ready to capture your voice. You can also do it without the microphone being in the shot.

The MV5C upgraded the voice intelligibility from the MV5. The new internal electronics also help with reverberation and speaker echo.

You can control the microphone easily from the LED panel on top of the MV5C. Adjust the input, output, headphone volume, and muting of the microphone right on the unit.

You can also plug in your headphones at the base of the MV5C for easier cord management.

The Shure MV5C comes with a desktop stand, and USB cables to connect to your computer.

Price and Availability

The Shure MOTIV MV5C is $99, and available here. You can also find out more at Shure.com.

What is OBSBOT Tiny

OBSBOT Tiny

OBSBOT is a company focusing on AI technologies for video production. I first learned of OBSBOT at CES when I used the OBSBOT Tail camera to follow me around. In all reality, the Tail was relatively small as well.

But the Tiny had taken this AI ability and made it the size of any other webcam. This USB-C based video device has a 150 degree pan, and a 45 degree tilt to follow you around a room. It also has a 2x digital zoom

Specs

* Size: 89.5*58*58mm* Weight: 146g* Power&Data: USB3.0/USB2.0* Video resolution?1920*1080,1280*720,860*540,484*480,640*360 MJPEG,H264* Zoom: 2X Digital Zoom* Stabilization?Pan?-150°~+150° Tilt?-45°~+45°* Max Speed Control: 120°/S* Build-in Audio: Built-in dual Omni-directional mics* Other Interface: UNC 1/4-20

Mounting the OBSBOT Tiny

OBSBOT Magnetic Mount

Included with the camera is a small magnet stand that can be placed on a monitor so the camera can easily set down. You also can attach to a tripod if needed.

With AI Functions

With the AI ability, if you raise your hand, it can start to follow you. Raise again to stop following, or to pass off the control to another person (they will raise their hand for follow feature). Raise your index finger to zoom in and out.

OBSBOT Software

The software is fairly easy to use, and versions available for Mac (OS 10.7 or higher) and PC (Windows 7 or later). Sorry, no Android or iOS support at this time.

Inside, you will be able to lock the camera, control the PTZ with a joystick function, adjust white balance and color, and even define preset positions with hotkeys (this feature was added after this video was made).

You can turn off all the AI functions, and manually set the cameras to fixed positions. That way, if you raise your hand, the camera won’t start following you around.

If you connect up multiple OBSBOT cameras, the software will be able to control them.

Creating the OBSBOT Video Studio

Three camera OBSBOT setup using Wirecast

So I did a simple 3 camera shoot with OBSBOT using Telestream Wirecast in 1080p. Since it’s a USB camera, I can use this with most programs, including Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Bluejeans, any web-based video capture, and more.

Each camera will show up as it’s own OBSBOT camera (numbered in the list). This makes it easy to set up in any streaming software – OBS, vMix, ECamm, and more.

Keep in mind to choose how you would set up audio. Each camera can produce it’s own sound, which could make a weird echo if you use 2-3 cameras at once.

Pros/Cons

I do like the ease of use, and of course the size.