Geekazine

When I’m at a major conference, I try not to take on anything that consumes 4-5 hours of my time. Of course, I make exceptions – which you have to do from time to time at SXSW. Long lines for movie premieres or major events are a common thing. When I found that Westworld was going to have an experience at SXSW, I knew I couldn’t pass this up – no matter how long it took. The end result was an event I will never forget.

How HBO Built Westworld at SXSW

About 30 miles northwest of Austin sits the J. Lorraine TX Ghost Town. A theme park open year round and host to many different events. Therefore, it would make sense that HBO and Westworld would use this to set up the town of Sweetwater – the main town in the TV series.

With simple re-branding of some buildings, the real-life adventure can begin.

Starting Out at SXSW

Everyone gathered at the EastSide Tavern to get on a bus for the event. We were given wool cowboy hats with the Westworld logo inside. You either got Black or White hats, depending on if you were good, or bad.

I guess I was a bad guy…

There were two ways to get to the event – by bus, or through a special code via Lyft. Random code-entered rides would see a Lyft Premiere pick them up and take them to the park. I calculated around 6,000 people got to experience the event

Going Through Sweetwater

After the 45 minute bus ride, we passed through a train car (like one that would take you to the town in the show) and found ourselves in Sweetwater on the other side. We had 2 coins for drink, and could find more in different places. I even found one in a spitoon (thank goodness it wasn’t being used for what it was made for).

60 actors playing roles for a 3-act structure. In my adventure, I had to find the town gossip to get a code to try and find the end game. But since my time was limited, I decided to wander the park and pick up scenes as they went.

The Park had Cross Over Points

Workers from Westworld could be seen from time-to-time in their white hazmat-type suits, sporting tablets to (assumably) make sure all characters were working in normal parameters. But if you were lucky, you saw the Samurai walking the park, showing there were unresolved issues. A factor that will present itself in Season 2 of the show.

More in the Video

Check out the video for this event I put together. As Westworld is one of my favorite shows, I wanted to give you the once-in a lifetime experience I had.Don’t forget to catch up on Westworld to get ready for Season 2!

 

This is a once in a lifetime opportunity as I was at the DC press event at SXSW. Even top artist Jim Lee was excited to do this. But I got to say, It’s not easy getting into a Batmobile…

DC Panel at SXSW

The press was invited to sit with top DC names to learn about 80 Years of Superman, along with the new TV show, Krypton on Syfy. Moderated by IGN Executive Editor Laura Prudom, we heard from Dan Jurgens, Jim Lee, Frank Miller, Brian Michael Bendis, Cameron Welsh, Nadria Tucker, and Lina Patel.

About Krypton: The Making of a Legend

Nadria and Lina are working on the show Krypton. The show focuses on Superman’s grandfather, Seg-El, who has to fight for his family’s honor as the House of El was shamed over false claims with Superman’s great-great grandfather.

About the 80th Anniversary – 1000th Issue of Superman. The Trunks are Back!

The panel also discussed how in this 80th anniversary how the iconic superhero has changed. One issue was how the trunks were removed from the iconic suit – but now #thetrunksareback.

A great panel interview (which I will be posting later this week – See the Facebook Live version).

Geekazine Gets Into A Batmobile

It was an honor to be able to get into the Batmobile. I had a choice between the Tumbler Batmobile (Dark Knight), or the current Justice League Batmobile. The “Batman Forever” batmobile was also there, but not accessible for this opportunity.

Jim Lee got to not only get into each Batmobile, but got to start and rev the engine. No word on if these cars could drive on the streets of Austin legally, but from sitting in it, I know I wouldn’t be able to see the car next to me.

I also didn’t have the grace of getting into this vehicle. Although the seat area was small, it wasn’t cramped. Panels to the left and right were easily accessible – although also pretty archaic, as they were toggle switches rather than digital displays.

Nonetheless, I had an awesome time for this once-in-a lifetime opportunity – sitting in the same seat as Ben Affleck.

This morning I unboxed the Samsung S9+ phone, which I got from Verizon (a returnable press review model, but all opinions are of Geekazine). I had the phone for the last 24 hours, and I will be taking it to SXSW with me to record video, create social posts, and more. This is a first look of the device.

About the Samsung Galaxy S9+

This phone is all about the camera and it’s features, but it also has a powerful phone behind it. Some settings vary between the S9 and S9+, so check the specs page (and the slideshow) for more information.

The camera is only 12 MP rear, 8 MP front, which is no different than the S8. Samsung did add super slow mode (960 fps) in 720p. They also added live focus and Bokeh features (overlays and Augmented Reality sprites) to enhance your social media posts. You can even create your own Emoji to use in many different ways.

The phone itself is a 2.8 GHz Quad-core device with 64GB storage and 6 GB RAM (S9 has 4 GB RAM). A MicroSD card can be added (up to 400 GB) for extra storage. The Super AMOLED screen with Infinity display gives you a 18.5:9 screen at 529 ppi (571 for the S9).

AKG speakers with Dolby Atomos sound, wireless charging of the 3500 mAh battery (S9 is 3000mAh), and their 1.2 GB LTE network (where available). I was seeing 90 down / 15 upload speed in Madison (I’ll check in Austin as well).

Of course, the phone is IP68 rated for water and dust.

Samsung Knox Security

This is Samsung’s multi-layer security system that allows you to unlock the phone with facial recognition, fingerprint, pattern, or (in some cases) 2-form authentication. When I registered the phone, it sent a PIN number that automatically filled in the phone and advanced me forward.

Issues with the S9+

I had a problem setting up the facial recognition. It would not identify the face – with or without glasses. It took me several tries. I am thinking this is a Knox issue, because setting up the Emoji character wasn’t that difficult. It looks to be an issue that can get fixed with updates.

The Emoji character, by the way, is nice, but needs some work. They don’t offer facial hair to begin with, and the AR functionality for video is jittery at best.

The phone did have bloatware installed – removing was not a big issue, though. Verizon does also install their apps to the phone as well.

I am not a big fan of the bevel. I do like how the S9+ fits in my hand over my iPhone.

Positives of the S9+

It charges quick, the phone is fast (about 45-60 second boot up time), games look nice on the phone, and it’s easy to read. The infinity screen helps it look layered, putting the text in front. A sort-of 3D effect.

The S9+ is $829 and available now ($719 for S9). You can also get it through Verizon Wireless.

While at NAMM, I talked with Sylvan at Relish Guitars about their modular options. The Mary, Jane, and Mary Aluminum guitars are a different way to think of building and repairing guitars.

What is Relish Modular Guitars

The guitars can be opened simply through a magnetic back. Inside, you can easily change out the pickups, change batteries, or add new hardware, then snap on the back and continue to play.

The guitars are built using moulded wood veneer in a “Sandwich” construction. The fingerboard is made of Bamboo, with a Maple neck. The pickup touchpad works just like a toggle switch to move back and forth. Some models will have the touchpad, others with the toggle.

All guitars are produced in Lucerne, Switzerland, and held high in Swiss craftmanship standards.

Guitars will start at $2,500 and will be available in May. For more information, check out the Relish Website

 

I got to talk with Avid at NAMM about Pro Tools updates. I also sat in on a very interesting demo on MIDI drums. I talked with Adam Lebowski about those new features.

What is in Pro Tools HD 2018

Seven new feature sets to help creators make music. Retrospective MIDI record allows you to add a MIDI performance into your timeline so your not distracted.

Track Presets allow you to build sessions on the fly. You can create a chain of Effects that you may use on a regular basis. A vocal chain with light compression, and EQ for male or female vocals, a drum chain, a guitar chain, and even an overall chain.

Improved MIDI editing with keyboard commands. Nudge a note left, right, trim, and transpose with a keystroke.

Of course, Avid is also improving session data with dialogue presets for importing.

Pro Tools comes in many different versions, starting at $24.92. Get Pro Tools Here or check out the Avid Website.

 

Electronic Hand Drums can add a lot of new sounds and feels to music while keeping their roots in hand drumming. ATV has come out with a fun drum in the aFrame – a $1,599 device that matches that of a frame drum.

About the aFrame Frame Drum

To begin with, this drum is diamond shaped. This makes it easier to not only hold and position when you put on the drum strap, but also get different tones by where you strike the drum. The frame is Bamboo, with a polycarbonate surface. On the back is the drum module, with multiple buttons, USB, and microSD card support.

The aFrame can be placed on a snare stand when you want to sit. The strap also can hold a battery if you want to be as portable as possible. Simply plug in a wireless pack and jam out on stage.

Tone Creation on the aFrame

320 user defined tones can be saved into the aFrame’s memory. Multiple editing options including tone, sensitivity, and pitch through the options on back.

ATV Drums

ATV makes three things: Drums, Percussion, and Video mixers. ATV debuted a series of triggered cymbals lineup at NAMM, along with their aD5 module. In the video, I show you some of the sounds from this kit.

For more information go to aFrame drum, or atvcorporation.

While at NAMM2018, I was able to try out the Clavinova CVP-709 digital piano. A fun piano that has many options including the Piano Room – giving you options for sounds and backline for practicing.

About the CVP-709

A wood key keyboard gives this digital keyboard a realistic touch response. Being a digital piano, you can choose from many voices on the keyboard.

Piano Room

This is a dedicated area where a player can go in to play. The new features include 2 world-class CFX and Bösendorfer Imperial grand pianos, along with many vintage electric pianos. You can also enter into “jam” mode to play with a virtual band. The band allows you to perform and practice with 40 different musical styles.

The Yamaha Clavinova CVP-709 starts at $14,499 and is available now. Check out Yamaha for a retailer.

While at NAMM 2018, I got to check out the Pioneer DJ DDJ-1000 4 deck DJ controller. This is a device that works with Pioneer DJ’s rekordbox music management software.

About the DDJ-1000

This is a two digital turntable DJ controller, with mixer. The jog wheel has undergone some updates, including moving several options to the LCD display in the middle of the wheel. You can check playback time, beats per minute, waveform, playback postition, loop points, and hot cue. You can also adjust the jog wheel so it can be as loose or tight as you need.

16 pad page buttons are available on the unit to add any sound. Add in effects, with some new ones including Mobius SAW.

The DDJ-1000 can be configured to any DJ. You can even add 2 turntables for some old skool vinyl sound. 2 USB ports are available to direct music to where you need it.

The DDJ-1000 is available for $1,199 here, or through B&H. Also check out PioneerDJ for more info.

While at NAMM, I got to try out the new OMB Guitars system that turns your solo acoustic practice or performance into something with backing tracks. The device will tell the computer how to work the Bass and drums around your playing. Change chords, and the device will react to it.

Play a rock song, get a rock beat. Play a reggae song, geta reggae beat.

OMB also turns your guitar into a multi-tone instrument. Switch to Solo mode and your guitar becomes a piano, accordion, violin, or many other MIDI sounds. All controlled through the app.

OMBGuitars was successfully funded while at NAMM. You can get the device to mount on your acoustic or electric guitar, or you can buy a guitar with it already installed.

OMB just finalized crowdfunding and will be available soon. Check out OMBGuitars.com for more info.

Each TV has it’s own color palette which they work off to create the video you see on your screen. You have the ability to adjust, but might not get the desired results. Maybe with a game or movie, you want to see more detail. That is where DarbeeVision 5000S comes in. To enhance depth and clarity.

DarbeeVision is an HDR Mode for Your TV

By adjusting settings, DarbeeVision allows for detail to come out, similar to HDR photo mode. With the DVP-5000S, you can adjust how much depth you would like to see. The remote gives you three modes which you can choose from.

The DVP-5000S works best in up to 1080p 60fps TVs, but I was getting detail on my Vizio Smartcast M50 4k TV using the Roku Ultra.

DVP-5000S for Camera Recording

I’ve also seen some live stream and camera capture bundles including the unit to add detail to video capture. As you can see in the video, it can really help enhance the look of a scene without any post production.

To really see the device in action, simply hit the Demo mode. Press Demo a second time for a pass-thru line showing before and after.

Cons to the DVP-5000S

This unit only can give you enhancement of one HDMI source. If you have 3-4 HDMI inputs, you will not have the high definition options on all your devices, unless if you change plugs.

The unit also runs on power, and does not have a USB power option. Therefore, cable management is needed, along with doubling your HDMI cables.

You might notice some “ghost” images – especially light text on dark background. It’s not a one-size fits all, and adjusting the strength of the Darbee does help.

The Darbee DVP-5000S is $120, and available here. You can also check out the Darbee website.