Geekazine

The TNP USB-C Hub is a dongle you can add to your Mac or PC. It adds 4K HDMI, Ethernet, USB-A, and USB-C for Charging or using another USB-C device. I’ve been using with my HP Elite X2 laptop for when I need a Ethernet connection, 2nd monitor, or extra USB device.

Ethernet is a 1 Gigabit and transfers data very well within my network. Sometimes I need the wired connection for video and screen-sharing. Ethernet connections have a lower latency, and less chance of getting bumped off the network if too many wireless devices are connected.

In connecting to my Vizio M50 4K TV, I had no problem getting the 2160p signal the monitor can produce. I can then use my x2 to present, or watch a video online or one I created.

The Elite X2 also has one USB-C port, and that is used for charging as well. With this dongle, I can add more devices and still charge my laptop.

Overall, the TNP USB-C Hub is a $40 device that can help you present, transfer files, and more.

Blackmagic Design sent me a web presenter and ATEM Television Studio HD to test out and assess. I’ve been excited for this unit ever since NAB when I interviewed Blackmagic. Within an hour, I was hooked on the web presenter and all it can do.

What is the Blackmagic Web Presenter

This is a box that will let you use your DSLR, GoPro, or prosumer camera to send video to YouTube, Facebook, Periscope, and many other online sources. The box also has the ability to switch between two video sources – even if the resolutions are not the same!

That means if your GoPro is at 720p and your other camera is at 1080p, the web producer will switch without issue. I connected my iPad, then switched it to my iPhone, the device brought back up the signal and continued on.

Add the Face Plate for Switching

If you want to use the switching option, you will have to get the additional Teranex Mini smart panel. This will also allow you to adjust audio, create a cut, fade, or dip between sources, and more.

Great Device, Great Price

I have yet to test on other devices. Blackmagic states this will work with many different switching programs (Wirecast, OBS, xSplit), and send video to streaming services such as YouTube, Facebook Live, Twitch, Skype, and more.

The Presenter is $495 and available now. The Mini smart panel is an additional $85 and well worth the add-on.

In the Video

I take a first look at the Web Presenter and all it can do. Check it out!

If there was a channel on air that brings YouTube and other Internet creators forward, would you watch it? TBD believes you will. I sit down with Kyle Hill to talk about TBD, which markets it’s available in, and how you can watch it online.

TBD is at VidCon! Come to our booth in the industry lounge and hang out. We have stuff to give you! #TBD #WhatsNext #VidCon2017 pic.twitter.com/3IMpZrJOLT

— TBD (@TBD) June 23, 2017

Check out TBD.Com to watch the channel live, or check out the many great shows, such as TableTop, FailArmy, Emma Approved, and more.

There are a couple different ways to create stop-motion animation: The 24 frame – move characters ever so slightly style, and the 1-2 second record style (where you are not looking for fluidity). Whatever your style, Stikbot has a way to get you into this genre. It was so easy, I made my own animation within seconds at Vidcon! What is Stikbot Stikbot is a series of characters that can be posed in many ways. Using plastic bodies with an elastic cord running through legs, arms, and head – along with suction cup hands and feet – you can pose your characters in different ways. Make small or bigger moves to simulate the animation. What Do You Get with Stikbot There are many different types of products, from the main studio – with 2 characters and a chroma-key background – to simple one character bots with add-ons such...

While at Vidcon, I ran into Mark W. Gray, and his daughter, Fiona, along with a very interesting owl. It is not really as much a prop as what it can do – create stereoscopic VR180 Video.

YouTube Announcement at Vidcon – VR180

Last week I reported on YouTube announcements. One announcement dealt with VR180 (video link queued up for you). This is a form of video where you only see the front side of 360 video. Just like if you were there. Looking behind you won’t matter, as you see nothing past the first 180 degrees. For creators, this allows a focus on the important content – an interview being conducted, a race being run, band playing, etc.

Stereoscopic VR180

If you own a VR unit such as Google Cardboard, Oculus, or another headset, you will be able to set your Youtube video to watch in VR180 mode. If two cameras are recording, you can choose the Stereoscopic mode, which will send video in 3D – giving you a more in-person feel to the video.

The VR180 Stereoscopic Owl

Mark W. Gray saw the need to make a mount for the popular 360 camera – the Kodak PixPro 4K. He created a mount that spaces the two cameras at the right distance so a creator can use the cameras to create the stereoscopic look.

The Owl is simply a skin to the cameras. “Nobody got excited (for the cameras) like they do when they see the owl,” said Gray. They first debuted the Owl at a Renaissance Faire, and decided to bring the owl to other events. You could easily make other skins for your video if you wanted.

Who is Mark W. Gray and Fiona Gray

Gray is a producer and director of music videos, shorts, commercials, and feature videos at Rocket Pictures. Gray also created Professor Puppet, a web series where an Einstein-looking puppet talks with celebritiies, solves crossword puzzles, and gives general thoughts.

Fiona Gray joins Mark with the CraftyTime Podcast. One video on the podcast shows the Owl being added to the VR180 system.

Digital photos are easy to store and care for, but not as easy to display. A printed photo can be put into a scrapbook, on a wall, or just given to friends. That is where Prynt comes in. With a thermal-based printer you can attach to your phone, you are able to take photos right away, with an added Augmented Reality bonus.

The Prynt Pocket

This is an adjustable iOS device that allows your iPhone 5 and better to connect and print out any photo on your phone. You can also import photos from other devices to have printed onto the Pocket. The Prynt Pocket adjusts to the phone so you can dock in.

A small cartridge filled with the ink-free paper will create photos in Black and White and Color. Within 30 seconds, a print will be ready for you!

Prynt Augmented Reality Brings Photos to Life

Download the Prynt app on iOS or Android to watch the photos come to life. Simply point the camera at the photo, and any video that is associated with the photo will start to play. Usually it’s a live shot that is created with the photo.

Prynt starts at $149 with 2×3 inch sticker paper at $19.99 per 40-pack. For more information, check out Prynt.co

Creating content on the go can be tough, simply due to the amount of gear you have to bring. In years past, I would need a powerful computer to mix down an Interview, put in music, and titles. Now, Luma Touch has given me a solution to create a more professional looking video using only the iPad. This includes custom titles and transitions.

LumaFusion Offers More Options than iMovie

LumaFusion gives you 3 video tracks to mix on. For basic interviews (such as this one), I can put the main interview on the base track, then use track 2 and 3 for graphics. One audio track for music.

This program can also customize titles and graphics. You can start from scratch, or use a template to edit for your needs. All titles created in this video are based off the template options.

You can download and upload to many cloud services, or connect your video camera card to the iOS device so you can download and upload content.

LumaFusion allows for 360 degree editing. Your VR videos can be edited and given a professional look.

Finally, you can choose many video render options from 4:3 to 16:9, 9:16 (Portrait-style), or many different movie formats.

How LumaFusion Works

Simply create on the iPad or import your videos – either through cloud storage or via card reader. Once the video files are on the device, you can put it all together for mixdown. When complete, choose a format to render, and let the iPad go to work!

LumaFusion can only accept certain file formats (AVCHD files, for example, will need to be converted). Luma-Touch is working on a companion product that will help with that.

This Video was Created Using LumaFusion

I mixed and rendered this interview using the app. Compared to rendering on a computer, it was a little tougher as I had to use touch for all my edits. An Apple Pencil might be a good investment as you can see the screen better while editing.

You can use any iOS device that runs iOS 10. Luma-Touch recommends you use a more current device, especially for larger video files and longer sequences.

LumaFusion is $19.99 in the App Store. No in-app upgrades. For more information, go to Luma-Touch.com

Famebit is a great way for YouTube creators, Twitter, Instagram channels, and more to make extra sponsorship dollars. Simply browse the listings and send proposals to those companies looking to promote their products.

I sat down with Adam Hendle, General Manager at Famebit, at Vidcon. We talked about the Google (YouTube) acquisition, and if that affected how Famebit conducts business. The service is going through some changes, including a new website, iOS, Android, and a more pro-active sponsor search service.

Adam also talks about the extensive community this service has around it. Creators collaborate, help out, and embrace the group. I can tell you first-hand that is true, for I have used Famebit to get sponsors myself.

For more information, check out Famebit.com

As a sole camera operator in my travels, I find it difficult at times to see the camera screen. The new Canon M5 screen doesn’t articulate right, so sometimes I have to frame a videos, then trust it’s position. If I had to do a close-focus shot from a lens, that could definitely go south. SmallHD makes video monitors for your camera. Not only ones that allow you to position for yourself, but also ones that add extra features so your camera shot is the best it can be. With a full touchscreen, the 5 inch Focus is for the Vlogger or Video podcaster like myself. About the SmallHD Focus The Focus will show you a 720p resolution video, 294 PPI, and 800 nits. This allows for viewing the screen even if the sun is beating down on you. The camera works on the Sony series L battery...

Sliders are great ways to get more motion out of your camera without having someone physically sit there moving the camera. Most sliders are pretty expensive – especially ones that are remote controlled. But GripGear is working to make a slider affordable for everyone. Best part – the device can do more than just slide across a rail. GripGear as a Slider The GripGear Motorized slider is a single aluminium rail with teeth. The until will work it’s way down the track until it hits the end, then starts it’s way back. You can adjust the speed and direction through a pad on the unit, or through a simple remote. GripGear as 360 Video Unit Remove the gear box from the slider and add the top attachment. Now your device will do 360 shots. A GoPro and universal phone mount is included. GripGear Soon to Add a Skate Option...