Geekazine

This is a straight unboxing of the Fossil Gen 5 Carlyle edition watch. In the video, I unbox, and do a simple pair with my phone. Get the Carlyle Gen 5 Here.

Quick specs:

* Qualcomm Snapdragon War 3100* 8 GB Storage* 1 GB memory* WearOS – Compatible with Android 4.4+ or iOS 9.3+* 24+ hour battery with Rapid Charge* Un-tethered GPS* More at Fossil Gen 5 Carlyle

A more in-depth review will happen soon.

If you create a lot of online data, or need a home Enterprise IT box, iXSystems is a great way to do that for a lower price. The software is open-source, so you can use your own hardware. But they do have hardware solutions if you want an out-of-box setup.

FreeNAS Mini

For the SMB, the FreeNAS Mini is a great way to store files, create a Plex server, create vSphere shared storage, or whatever you need. The Mini comes in multiple setups, starting with the Mini E to the new Mini XL+

Mini E ($749) – 4 Hot-swap bays, 8GB RAM, Dual-core CPU, Quad 1 GbE

Mini XL+

The newest in the line of Mini is the XL+. This runs the C3758 Intel CPU (2.2GHz), 8+1 Hot Swap bays, up to 32 GB ECC RAM, and dual 10GbE network.

You can upgrade the unit with read and write cache options, SFP+ NIC card, and up to 3 year hardware warranty.

Use your favorite brand of drives for up to 80 TB of data. Remote management to the FreeNAS OS.

Of course, with that, you have the Open ZFS self-healing data protection, and many plugins to help turn your device into something you use.

FreeNAS Mini XL+ starts at $1,499. Get the MiniXL+ Here

iXSytems TrueNAS Rack Mount Systems

If you need something for Enterprise IT, the TrueNAS X and M series rack-mount machines for HDD or SSD storage is available. Multiple size storage options, with memory up to 1.5TB, 4x100GbE, Fibre channel options, and much more.

Prices for TrueNAS hardware starts at $10,000.

For more information, check out iXSystems.com

Ready to switch up your home printer? HP offers a new line of OfficeJet Pro printers for your all in one need. I went to New York to find out more about this printer back in March. I’ve been using the 9025 printer for the last two weeks, and am loving how it works!

Pros

* Fast printing* Duplex tray* 2-tray support with multiple sizes* HP Smart App support with Instant Ink subscription plan

Cons

* Bigger than other home office All-in-one printers* Where is NFC?

About the HP OfficeJet Pro 9025

This smart printer is ready for high volume tasks. You can print, copy, scan, and fax up to 99 copies at a time – color or black and white.

The printer will print out a first page speed of 9 seconds (first page) for black ink, and 10 seconds for color. 1200×1200 dpi for black, and up to 4800×1200 optimized dpi for color prints.

The Thermal Inject technology comes in 4 cartridges – Black, Magenta, Yellow, and Cyan. Two sizes of ink – the smaller cartridges will print up to 1,000 pages, and the large cartridges will print up to 1,600 pages.

There is a black ink cartridge option for 3,000 page printing.

In draft mode, black and white printing can produce up to 39 PPM.

The lower tray is adjustable for standard sizes, all the way up to 8.5×11 inch printing. The 9025 will also print borderless if needed.

Price

The 9025 is $329, and part of a series of Smart Printers. I feel this is comparable to other home all-in-one printers out there.

* Get OfficeJet Pro 9025 at Amazon* Get OfficeJet Pro 9025 at Best Buy

The HP Smart App

With the iOS/Android HP Smart App, you can increase productivity in your scans and prints. The app supports a personalized tile system, to customize what you do with your Officejet Pro printer.

You can print, scan, scan to cloud, copy, and run smart tasks. These are shortcut tasks that will turn your printer into a personal assistant.

For example, you can scan in receipts, and they can be recognized, archived, copies, and shared to other services, so you don’t have to do the same thing twice.

Instant Ink Service

The app also allows you to not only get supplies for your printer, but the program also predicts when you need replacement cartridges, and sends them to you before you run out. All at a deeper discount than if you got it at the office supply store.

Overall Thoughts

I put this printer through it’s paces, and didn’t see any real issues. Compared to other all-in-one printers, it does a comparable job. I’ve used the app a few times to make quick prints, scan to the cloud, and more.

It’s not too big, or oddly shaped, so it sets in the corner pretty easy. While I don’t have a phone line, I am glad these printers still come with fax and phone support. Especially for anyone using dial-up networking.

Prices are on-target with other all-in-one printers, and you get a good deal if you use the Instant Ink option.

What do you think about this printer? Let me know!

The DIT Cart

While at Cine Gear 2019, I met up with my friends at Kingston Technologies to find out a little more about the conversation I had with Dane Brehm at NAB. We saw a little bit of his Digital Imaging Technician (DIT) cart, but at Cinegear, we could delve a little deeper into what he uses to make cinematic masterpieces.

First, a little disclaimer: Kingston did bring me to this event. They had editorial rights on the video. No reviews were given at this time, this is simply a DIT cart walkthrough, and product information.

Powered by Kingston DC1000M

Kingston Technologies DC1000M 3940GB NVMe SSD

In 3.8TB and 7.68TB sizes, this NVMe SSD is ready to capture 4K video at working speeds. This is a U.2 form factor SSD that Kingston states will offer 5x the performance of SATA SSD drives.

The drive can work solo, in something like the OWC Akitio enclosure, or in a RAID on a 2U rack. But for Thunderbolt 3 users, this drive will keep up with whatever you do.

Dane Brehm’s DIT Cart

When on set, Dane needs to not only watch 4K on set, but also do quality control, and to allow others to keep an eye on what’s being recorded. This needs to be in SDR and HDR formats.

The cart also has Hyper-X keyboard and mouse – which is perfect for not only DIT, but also gamers who need fast response times.

The camera attached to the cart is the Keslo ARRI Alexa LF, a large format sensor camera base.

The two screens on the cart are the Flanders Scientific DM350 (for SDR) and the FSI XM311k (for HDR)running through the AJA FS|HDR converter and AJA image analyzer.

The video then goes to the Blackmagic Design Hyperdeck Studio Pro 2, and is recorded on Kingston SSD drives.

Other camera connectors will be found on the cart, along with cup holders, and “Rex”, the Kingston chyron mascot.

Dane has done DIT work for movies such as Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri, Bright, Annibelle Comes Home, and much more. You can check out more work at Cintegral.tech.

The ARRI Alexi LF vs. Geekazine Sony AX700

While at Cine Gear 2019, I got my first look at the DJI Osmo Action – their first 4K non-gimbal action camera. We even put the SD card into that camera and took a small walk around the stage.

DJI Osmo Action

This is DJI’s first attempt to rival GoPro with a on-body action camera. The DJI Osmo Action allows for 4k60p HDR video at 100Mbps, 8x slow motion, and in-camera stabilization (called Rocksteady) to make the action smoother.

The biggest feature is the dual screen built into the camera, so you can see what you’re shooting – even if it’s yourself.

The 145 degree camera view allows for vlog-style videos to be shot. You can even control the camera with your voice – five commands to help capture without having to walk over and hit a button, or pull out the Mimo App to control.

The Action is waterproof to 11 meters, therefore, you won’t have a case fogging up, or heating up your camera. Further, it does work in environments up to -10 degrees Celsius.

One thing I miss from any of the action cams was the ability to connect an HDMI cable for streaming. But that is a different type of video work. This will be perfect for timelapse, on-board video, and much more.

The camera is $345 and can be acquired here. Also check out DJI website for more information.

Recorded with the Osmo Pocket

I did most of this video on the Osmo Pocket. Some of the content came out blurrier than I wanted. DJI has since corrected with a firmware update.

In Wisconsin, we love to cook outside. When the weather is warm, or cold, we’re out cooking burgers, brats, cheese, and yes – even beer! So the Hestan Cue is the perfect thing for us, as we can prepare food for the grill and not heat up the kitchen doing so.

Pros – Hestan Cue Cooktop

* Easy to make your favorite foods* Step-by-Step instructions* Cook almost anywhere* App teaches you more than just cooking with the Hestan Cue

Cons – Hestan Cue Cooktop

* Pans will move around – make sure burner is level* App not available on Fire Tablet (even though sold on Amazon)* Price

Warnings and Disclaimers

This product does get hot, and could cause fire hazards. Make sure you have all necessary precautions nearby, cook in well ventilated areas, and proper supervision while cooking.

About the Hestan Cue Smart Cooktop

The Hestan Cue helps simplify cooking with using your cookware to tell you what to do. The Bluetooth connected cook-top, pans, and pots connect to your iOS or Android device, then guide you to making the perfect dinner.

The cooktop uses Induction cooking, heating the pans with magnetic induction. Inside the pan is a sensor, that communicates with the app, and the cooktop.

This cooktop also uses 1,500W of power, which is similar to a space heater. An electric range uses 1,000W. So it won’t save you on electricity, but it’s more about mobility than anything.

The Hestan Cue App

Once you’ve connected your phone or tablet, open the app. You will be guided through many different recipes to make the perfect dinner on the Hestan Cue. They even have step-by-step instructions for cooking or grilling without using the cooktop.

Last year I reviewed the AuAg Sous Vide Immersion Cooker. There are recipes for bringing both items together!

The app runs on iOS or Android devices (not on Fire tablets, unless you side-load the Google Play store).

The Good, the Bad, and the Tasty…

In the video, I cook an egg – sunny-side up – and steak – pink, and juicy – on the Cue using the step-by-step instructions. I was impressed how easy it was to do, and learned a couple things on how to prep your food.

I did notice the pan moving around on the cooktop. Making sure this device is level is a good idea, but would love to see Hestan Cue make some type of rough surface to avoid the movement.

When you make beer brats, that can stink up a kitchen. Having the boiling sausages next to the grill keeps the smell out, the kitchen cool (on hot days), and the brats easily transportable to the grill.

The Hestan Cue – Starting at $399

Get the Cue here – More information from Hestancue.com

I’ve already heard some rumblings on the price, but this is a convenience item for cooking. Put it in the RV for rainy day pancakes, or on the picnic table to fry up that fish you just caught, scaled, and filet.

Or an impossible burger for those vegetarians out there…

X-Keys is a great product for if you need a hotkey system for your devices. The keys are customizable, and you can also put in jog wheels, joysticks, and other items.

Last year, I interviewed X-Keys on the live show. This year, I stopped at the booth to find out what’s new. And that is – One button.

It’s actually a great idea. Using a special USB dongle, you plug the single button in. If you use a splitter, you can plug in 2-3 buttons.

If you’re putting together a game show (for example) on your stream, this can be your ring-in system. On a live show, the button could be set like an “Extreme, don’t press” type button.

There are many other uses for this button. You can connect even more together for a group panel, for example. Maybe put them together to use for a video game. The ideas are endless…

The USB 3-switch interface is $59.95, and One Button will start under $50. Check out all options here.

I’ve had a studio in my house since 2009. From the basement, to the spare bedroom, I’ve created thousands of audio and video recordings that have been enjoyed millions of times around.

And with that, several times a year I get asked what gear I use in the studio. Gear I use only tells part of the story, so I thought it would be a good idea to show you the rest.

In this video, I go over the studio, what cameras I have in it currently, and some new features I set up this last week to get you better shots of product reviews.

You can see all the gear on my Amazon List.

PTZ Cameras

The two cameras I have in-studio right now are the PTZOptics SDI-20x, and the AVer CAM520. Most of my cameras are Sony Handycam – because of their ease of use.

The CAM520 is in for a review, which I found has helped me make some decisions of scene settings. I began adding desk shots into the video.

The PTZOptics camera is the overview shot – when I have a product in-studio, it will capture the item, along with me unboxing, or reviewing.

The Audio

On my left is the QSC Touchmix 16, a powerful mixer that does most of the audio work.

It’s the size of a laptop, but has all the effects, compressors, and gates I need to create audio for the stream. Although it doesn’t connect to a computer, it does connect to a drive for track recording.

I then take it with me for gigs with the band. It’s a very versatile device.

The headset I use comes from Amazon seller JK. I also found a company – Micronic – on eBay who sells a similar headset.

These mics are great for getting vocals, but also can be problematic in controlling at times. The QSC does a great job setting up a standard mic setting, and I do the rest.

Audio comes in via analog in. I have devices that also bring in audio digitally, but for what I do, this is perfect.

The Extras

When the Handycam is set up, I run a Blackmagic 4k Decklink Mini Recording PCIe card. I also use the NewTek Connect Spark for bringing in other computers, my XBox, or an iPad.

I also use the Elgato Stream Deck XL to control my computers and all the video processing they do. An Intel NUC with NewBlueFX Titler Live controls graphics, and the second computer live streams to Twitch and YouTube.

Of course, the video will show you what I do to make the doughnuts, er… videos.

My friends at Litra.com got me the LitraPro and accessories to check out. In this video, I’ll unbox the following items:

* LitraPro LED Light* Soft Box adapter* Barn door adapter* Honeycomb adapter* Color filter adapter

About Litra Pro

This is a LED light that can produce up to 1200 lumens. You can adjust light level, and temperature – which goes from 3,000K to 6000K.

The LitraPro is waterproof, and has a 70 degree beam angle. The light can run for 10+ hours on low input, or 45 minutes at 100%.

The Bluetooth control allows you to connect the light via phone. That way, if you have the light set up high, it can be adjusted for your needs without getting on a ladder.

The base unit costs $219.95, and can be purchased here. Also, check out Litra’s website for the LitraPro.

Editors Note: 2D Version on podcast. Watch the VR version on YouTube.

Insta360 was as Cine Gear 2019, showing off their new Titan camera – a $15,000 VR camera that can shoot up to 11K. I took this opportunity to also really look at the Insta360 One X.

About the Insta360

This is a consumer camera that can do up to 5.7K video in 360 video format. In fact, we recorded the video using this, along with my DJI Osmo Pocket for 2D video.

The One X Action camera also captures 18 MP photos. You can capture both video and photos on the device (with MicroSD card) or connect to the Insta360 app so you can record right to your phone via WiFi or cable (cable will be faster)

The app also allows for previews and adjustments to the camera. The App also can make edits and adjustments. It can give you a world view, or trim down the video for Facebook, Instagram, and more.

FlowState Stabilization keeps the video as stable as possible. Even if you turn the camera, you’ll see slight stitch lines, but the camera is keeping from majorly shaking.

When you look at the video, you’ll notice none of the camera, and most of your tripod or selfie stick will not be in the video.

Insta360 One X is $399 and available here. For more information, check out the Insta360 page.

Insta360 Titan with Farsight

If you’re looking for better quality, and have $15,000 laying around, the Titan is the 360 camera to go. It contains 8 cameras, using micro-4:3 lenses, and will stitch up to 11K photos or video (10K in 3D).

The camera also records 4 mono signals from 90 degrees to cover the whole camera.

You can connect with the app, and it will record your shots on 9 full-sized SD cards.

The camera also comes with Farsight – a ground-to-ground technology that allows you to control the camera from up to 1/3 of a mile away. This way, you won’t be in the shot, wires won’t be in the shot, but your content will be in the shot.

Titan can do H264 and H265 in camera, and Pro RES 422 in post stitching. it will even live stream using RTSP, RTMP, HIS, or RTMPS. The camera sends wireless, and wired signals if needed.

The $15,000 camera is available, and you can get it at B&H Video. You can also check out more info from the Insta360 Titan page.