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The Blackmagic Streaming Bridge is a companion device for your ATEM mini pro or ISO which will allow you to stream from in-house, to across the world. Similar to streaming to Facebook or YouTube, the bridge allows you to get a 1080p video signal to the remote control room for streaming, or recording with fast editing.

* 00:00 Intro* 2:32 What is the Streaming Bridge * 4:33 What you get with the Streaming Bridge * 6:22 Connect ATEM mini to Bridge Peer-to-Peer * 19:40 Connect ATEM, Streaming Bridge to Your Network * 23:14 Connecting across the Internet to the Streaming Bridge * 28:13 Final Thoughts

Get the Streaming Bridge Here – Get the ATEM Mini Pro ISO Here

*NOTE: This product I paid for with my own funds. All opinions are of Geekazine.com. Review policy here

About the ATEM Streaming Bridge

This is a device that will connect your ATEM Mini Pro or ATEM Mini Pro ISO to a remote location. This will not control the source camera or switcher (at least, not yet). The end result as a 1080p video to the source location for streaming or recording.

The Streaming Bridge will connect in via Ethernet cable (no WiFi). Video can then be sent to a monitor, computer for streaming, or recording device via HDMI or SDI . Two ways to genlock the video with Ref-in options.

USB for Configuration

USB-C is included, but the connection is to configure the device. It’s not for streaming. You will have to connect the Bridge up, then use the ATEM Setup to create an XML file that will import into the ATEM Mini Pro.

Configuring the Streaming Bridge

There are 3 configurations:

* Direct peer-to-peer connect* Across an internal network* Connected to the Internet

You can also send signal in streaming, or Hyperdeck data rates (around 50 Mbps).

Peer-to-Peer 6:22

This setup only requires an Ethernet cable (no cross-over cable needed). Plug the cable from ATEM mini Pro to Streaming Bridge. Configure the Bridge, and set up in the Mini Pro.

This is perfect for a studio to either record or stream video, or send video to a lobby to know when a person is on-air.

Across the Network 19:40

This is great for larger buildings, and campuses. The video will be sent via Intranet (as long as both the ATEM Mini Pro and Streaming Bridge are on the same network) to a location that can also either record, stream, or play on a monitor.

Added security with a stream key,

Kingston launched some new DataTraveler USB drives for fast read/write speeds. DUO, and Kyzen drives for fast storage, and the DataTraveler 2000 for encrypted data. We take a look at the series.

DataTraveler DUO

This is a dual-sided USB drive. USB-C on one side, and USB-A on the other. With USB 3.2 Gen 1 speed, you’ll be able to transfer files from one computer to another in seconds. I use these drives all the time to pull video from laptop to desktop. Especially when I am fast editing files.

Prices start at $8 for 32 GBGet the DUO drive

DataTraveler 2000

If you need security, the DataTraveler 2000 is a USB-A drive with encryption. You set your numeric passcode on the device, then when you dismount the drive, your data is safe – or in a safe. A small battery is inside to remember your code, simply plug it in to charge.

The 2000 is FIPS level 3 certified, and is USB-3.1 Gen 1. You can get drives up to 128 GB

Get the DataTraveler 2000 here

Nucleum

Nucelum is a dock for your USB-C port. Complete with HDMI, USB-A, USB-C, SD, and Micro SD card reader, this is perfect for transferring data from camera card to computer, or adding a second screen experience on your laptop at home.

The HDMI port can give you up to 4K resolution (depending on computer) for a second screen experience. The on-dock USB is also power pass-through, so you can charge your laptop and copy files at the same time.

Nucleum starts at $49.99. Get Nucleum Here

I talked with TCL about their new Series 6 TV lineup, along with their new sound bar offerings with Alto. We talk about all the new features, sizes, and more.

TCL Roku Series 6 TVs

The new series 6 TVs, available in up to 75 inches, will have all the features their Series 8 TVs have. This includes 4K HDR using mini-LED technology, Dolby Atmos sound, THX certified, low-latency for gaming, and a variable refresh rate for gaming.

Color Palette

The Series 6 color palette and contrast range will also be expanded as it’s added Dolby Vision to the monitor. This will optimize every frame of video so even low light content will be viewable.

Whether you are watching a hit movie, playing a game, or just starting your day with the local news, content will be crisp and clean, with great audio.

Connections

TCL Series 6 monitors will have 4 HDMI ports; including 1 HDMI-eARC, Cable antenna, USB for media and updates, optical audio, Ethernet, and WiFi.

Price

The Series 6 TCL Roku monitors are available now and start at around $700 MSRP. Get a Series 6 TCL Here

TCL Alto Sound Bar

TCL debuted the Alto 9+ sound bar at CES this year, and have released the Alto 9+, Alto 8i, Alto 6/6+, and Alto 3 bars. These bars feature Dolby Atmos for amazing sound playback.

Roku Ready

All but the Alto 3 bar will be Roku TV ready. This means they will connect with Roku devices easily – even if the monitor is not a TCL brand. The devices will also be Bluetooth ready for streaming audio from tablet or mobile devices.

Three modes for Alto speakers include Movie, music, and TV modes.

2 Pieces for Dynamic Sound

These sound bars are Stereo 3.1. Included are sound bar and sub-woofer. The spread of the sound bar will help throw audio for the immersive environment.

Price and Availability

The Alto series speakers are available now. Alto 9+ starts at $299. You can get Alto 9+ here.

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Most 2-in-1 computers only have one side for the screen, and either the keyboard detaches, or folds over. Lenovo has changed this idea with the X1 Fold, as the screen can fold to laptop, or a full 13.1 inch tablet. During the Pepcom event, I learned about this, the Legion Slim 7i, and other new machines.

ThinkPad X1 Fold

Whether you use it as a tablet, or a laptop, this folio-style mobile device will transform how you work. The 13.1 inch foldable screen opens up in many ways to fit your need.

Specs

Inside is a Intel® Core™ Processor with Intel® Hybrid Technology with Intel UHD 11th Gen Graphics, Integrated UHD 11th Gen Graphics, 8 GB LPDDR4x memory, and up to 1 TB in storage (through NVMe M.2 2242 SSD). Base model comes with 256 GB SSD

This machine can run Windows, and the Discrete Trusted Platform Module (dTPM) 2.0 controls security on this device.

Connectivity

WI-FI-6, Bluetooth 5.1, and optional Nano Sim Card slot. You can upgrade to the Optional WWAN CAT20 5G/LTE modem.

There are two USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 slots. This can be used with a docking station, charge the X1 Fold, and more.

Camera & Audio

Single camera at 5 MP, with HD RGB, and IR sensor for focus and light correction.

Audio is Dolby Atmos sound speaker system, which runs to headphones via Bluetooth, or USB audio connector. 4-microphones inside the tablet for conference calling.

Battery

Inside is a 50 Whr internal battery that will take you through a 10 hour day. Rapid charge 65W USB-C plug included.

ThinkPad X1 Fold Display Unfolded

When you use the tablet unfolded, you get a full 13.3 inch QXGA 2k OLED touchscreen. This will play video at 2048×1536, and has a brightness rating of 300 nits. The screen color is DCI-P3 for a wider color range than sRGB, developed by LG.

If you half-fold the X1 Fold, you can use it like a laptop. Unfold the screen all the way, open the kickstand (within the outer folio), and dock it to a keyboard/mouse for a desktop experience.

With Lenovo’s hinge design, the device will not fold the wrong way, as well as not buckle under pressure when you are tapping on the screen. It may fold inside itself if you are holding and tapping on the middle (won’t know until I can test the machine out).

Optional Features

The X1 Fold has an optional keyboard, and stylus for additional functions. The keyboard layout can be set on the half-folded screen to give it more of a Laptop feel.

Price

The Lenovo X1 Fold will be out shortly at $2495. Pre-Order Here

Legion Slim 7i Gaming Laptop

The Yoga Slim 7i series is the worlds lightest RTX enabled gaming laptop. At 15 inches, you can get great frame rates for your game play. Options on NVIDIA graphics up to the GeForce 2060 Max-Q, and 10th Generation Intel Core processors (up to Core i9-10980HK) . Up to 32 GB RAM, and 2TB NVMe PCIe SSD.

The Slim 7i series also has WiFi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.0, Dolby Atmos, Thunderbolt 3.0, USB 3.2 Gen 2, and power adapter.

This laptop also starts at a weight of 3.96 lbs, in an aluminum frame. The laptop comes in Slate Grey.

The Legion Slim 7i starts at $1,699, and

ViewSonic showed off a line of new monitors, a projector, and entered into the portable monitor ring. These new monitors will help up your PC gaming ability, or add to your home computer for those conference meetings we’re all a part of nowadays.

ViewSonic Portable Gaming Monitors

The TD1655 and VG1655 Portable monitors are 1080P, 15.6 inch viewable IPS screens. They can connect through mini-HDMI, or USB-C on a computer, laptop, gaming console, and more.

With 16.2 million colors, and an 8 bit (6 bit+FRC) color space, and a response time of 14ms, gaming from your arm chair will be fun. Then again, you can always do the two-screen experience from laptop (Mac or PC), iPad, or more when the large screen is being used for something else.

Maybe even watch 2-3 football games simultaneously.

The screen boasts a 178 degree viewing angle, and anti-glare surface. Perfect for watching with others. If you have a laptop, you could mirror the screen so no neck-cricking happens!

The left-size features 2 USB-C Gen 1 ports, with a 60W passthrough plug (included). This allows you to power the monitor, and a laptop at the same time, or the monitor when plugged into an HDMI source.

Included is a kickstand to set up on a table. No folding origami case (which I am fine with).

The VG1655 is available now for $185 MSRP. Get the VH1655 here

TD1655 is Also a Touchscreen

If you have a device with touchscreen capabilities (sorry Mac owners), the TD1655 is a 10-Point touchscreen. This could turn a computer into a remote control display, ability to scroll through movies, or a fun drawing tool.

Unfortunately, there is no native touch ability if you plug it into a Mac.

This portable display is $245 MSRP and available here

ELITE Gaming Monitors

ViewSonic also has a host of gaming monitors for the holiday season. These monitors are 27 inch IPS screens with a WQHD resolution of 2560×1440, and 16.7M colors.

With a viewing angle of 178 degrees, NVIDIA G-Sync adapter, and 165 MHz refresh rate, you will be able to game your best (or surf the web, email, etc).

Severl models available:

* XG270Q flat panel at $500* XG270QC curved at $470 * Either are available here

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If you had a computer in 2000, you might have owned this iconic brand. Gateway has since changed, and currently owned by Taiwan based Acer Computers. They have continued to release new Windows models, including this Ultra-slim notebook (Model GWTN141-4BK). I put this laptop through it’s paces, and beyond a couple issues, finding to be a pretty solid laptop.

This laptop is available at Walmart exclusively. Get it here

Gateway 14.1 Inch Ultra Slim Specs

Here are the specs of the GWTN141-4BK. I also verified hardware and specs using two programs Belarc Advisor, and PCMark 10.

Inside the machine is a Intel Core i5-1035G1 “Ice Lake” processor at 1.20 GHz – but can work up to a frequency of 3.6 MHz. This is a 4-core (8 thread) system, with 6MB Intel SmartCache.

GPU is the integrated UHD graphics at 100 MHz. This should be able to handle the laptop with an external display at 1080p without issue.

Display is 14.1 inches, and up to 1920×1080 resolution, 59.99 Hz.

16 GB RAM, which seems to be soldiered to the board. A M.2 256 GB SSD hard drive (From Forsee, a product of Longsys) with smart technology, and an empty M.2 slot, which is behind a door on the bottom side of the machine. You can update with more storage at any time.

Ports include an external HDMI, 3.5mm headphone jack, 2 USB-A 3.0, and 1 USB-C (transfer only) . American Megatrends BIOS backend (man, that display hasn’t changed since the 90’s, has it?). Bluetooth 5.1 and Wifi 802.11ac.

THX Tune Audio

The Ultra slim model has Realtek Audio, but also supports THX sound. This is perfect if you have a THX headset or 7.1 surround speakers. In initial tests, I found it to be perfect for that late night movie watching.

Security on Board

This Ultra Thin laptop does have on-board security. The BIOS can be locked down, and you can log onto the machine with a simple finger swipe.

1 MP Web Camera

There is a 1 MP camera on the machine. It’s nothing to write home about, but it does the job if you need to get on a Zoom or Skype call.

I did a Zoom connection test to see how the camera/built in microphone work.

Gateway Made by EVOO?

There has been mention online that this model of Gateway was manufactured by a company called EVOO. This is another brand laptop you can find at Walmart.

It’s not uncommon for this to happen, and Gateway has tasked EVOO to also make their new line of tablets, and 2-in-1 computers. EVOO also has the license for THX, so there’s an added incentive for this laptop.

Finally, EVOO makes smartphones. I have to wonder – is a Gateway Smartphone coming soon?

Pros and Cons

Although the screen side is aluminum, the rest of the machine is plastic. The case also can slightly bend, so I wouldn’t hold it in one hand walking around the house.

The keyboard and trackpad are not problems at all. I was able to work on this machine on a table, or in my lap while watching a show. The middle of the trackpad does a double-click when you press it, but that does not do anything more than a single select on the screen.

Opening up this device was not difficult. You might need to do that to clean out the fan, or upgrade the primary SSD.

The New iPad Air – Same as the old iPad Air. Except with a new chip. Oh, and a fingerprint sensor.

Last week’s Apple announcement gave us a new watch with fitness and health apps. I talked about it last week in the first Focus.

Now, let’s tackle the second part of that announcement – the iPad Air. Generation 4 iPad Air, The 12th iPad in the 10 inch series (not counting the mini or pro [and that’s both the pro 12 and 10.5 inch models]), and the 24th iPad offering, which does include the mini and Pro models.

Get the iPad Air (pre-order)

iPad Air Focus Chapters:

* 00:00 Intro * 00:52 iPad Air 2020 Specs * 2:56 Will the iPad Air have an Ultrawide camera? * 4:30 USB-C is onboard, but what type? * 5:35 Price and Availability * 6:06 Should You Upgrade Your iPad? * 7:21 iPhone 12 Thoughts – Will it even be called “iPhone 12”? * 8:40 Are You Getting the iPad Air?

iPad Air 2020 Specs

The iPad Air 4th generation will be out in October 2020. With a 10.9 inch display, liquid retina IPS screen at a resolution of 2360 by 1640, this will give you the best experience an iPad has offered. That is, until the next iPad Pro comes out.

The Air has the new A14 “Bionic” chip. The chip’s ARMv8 instruction set includes machine learning controller, 16-core Neural engine, Secure enclave, and 64-bit architecture.

This CPU is still a six-core processor, but it is only 5 nanometers (nm) in size – 2 nm smaller than the A13. To put in perspective, the A4 chip – which was in the iPad 1 – was 45 nm. It’s 1/9 the size.

There are 11,800 million transistors in this chip, so you can get email, read Facebook and Twitter, take selfies, TikTok – if that is still a thing in a month – play games, and cry when you broke the screen and forgot to get AppleCare.

Cameras in the iPad Air

Other features will include a 12 MP wide camera with ƒ/1.8 aperture, illumination sensor, five-element lens, geotagging, panoramas up to 63 MP, stabilization, and more. You’ll be able to record 4K 60 fps, but if you do, make sure you have enough hard drive space to save those files.

If you’re looking for Ultra-wide camera option, you are out of luck. This is a feature only the iPhone 11, and iPad Pro have.

7 MP selfie camera which allows for 1080p 60fps, and dual microphones with audio control for calls, Zoom, and…

… well, I guess that would be it, right?

The iPad Air Fingerprint Sensor

A new addition is actually something people have not only missed,

I have a lot of small cameras to get into tight shots, but a lot of them really fail in quality. There are some action cams that work great, but are not for sending a signal out to a live stream. The Mokose C100 is a camera that does both.

In this video, I unbox and set up the camera. Bonus footage at the end as I have it set up over my drums – the place I planned for it to go.

About the MOKOSE C100

This is a 12 MP camera running off the Sony Exmor R CMOS. It will run 4K 30fps in HDMI and record mode, and up to 1080p 60fps if you use as a USB web cam.

The camera also is supported in Windows, Mac, and Linux, so you can improve your Zoom calls.

The lens with this model is a C/CF mount 6-12mm manual zoom. This means you have to adjust as you go – no automatic sensors or gears inside to adjust focus.

The camera does have some internal options, including Digital zoom, exposure, white balance, and more. You can also change from a 50Hz to 60Hz video, photo mode, or playback the videos you recorded on the TF card (256GB card max).

Chapters in the Video

* 00:00 Intro * 2:00 Review policy * 2:17 Unbox the C100 * 7:15 C/CS Lens * 9:54 USB webcam setup * 13:23 HDMI connection * 15:01 Secret hidden footage

Using the Remote

It does come with an IR remote, so you can have the camera in the rafters and still be able to adjust some of the settings. The remote runs on a CR2025 battery, and can also adjust Digital Zoom, audio, and turn the camera off (but it won’t turn it back on).

Connecting the Camera

You can connect to a computer with the USB to USB-A cable. The USB cable also can be the power source if you connect HDMI. Keep in mind, it will take the USB-A video over the HDMI if the USB is not connected to a power bank.

Camera Audio

There is a microphone on the camera, but no microphone input jack. For me, that is not a big deal, as I usually run audio separate from video. Audio will run through USB and HDMI options.

Initial Thoughts – MOKOSE C100:

Setup was easy. If you understand how to manually focus and set exposure, you’ll be fine. Keep in mind, those thumbscrews can be used to tighten position of the lens. They can also fall out when loosening.

I do see a slight difference in USB to HDMI, especially when running in 4k mode. Still, the USB camera has a solid look, and your video will impress coworkers on a Zoom or Skype call.

Missing is a back display, so you can only use it running blind if not connected to a PC or HDMI source. Buttons are a little clunky in back, and the TF card should be able to support 512 or better, especially with a 4K video recording option.

Price:

The other day, Apple made some major changes, and I’m not just talking about just a new watch and iPad. One of the things Apple reinforced was how we are starting to bring our watches into play.

Just like that iconic photo: The person is surrounded by VCR’s, cameras, landline phones, scanners, and other electronics that end up being found in today’s phone, the watch is continuing to gobble up functions to place on our wrists

If they could only do it with a 72 hour battery…

The new series 6 watch looks great, monitors your health, and could even help you get rid of your phone.

Apple Watch Series 6, SE

Welcome to a new series called “The Focus” on Geekazine. This is where I’ll be looking at a technology in a deeper dive. For this series, I’m keeping the focus on mobile devices for now.

Apple Watch Series 6 was introduced at a virtual Apple event. I watched in a Zoom watch party, which made the experience a little better. A good discussion ensued, and we picked apart whether you should get upgrading to the new Apple products.

By the way, a New Apple iPad was also announced, and I’ll be talking about that in another video you can find here.

Let’s deep dive on this watch, because it’s coming out on the 18th. Apple watch is now in 2 versions – 6, and SE. SE is technically the Series 5 with a few extra features.

Series 6 will start at $399, and the SE at $279. You can get Watch Series 6 Here.

Processor on the 6 is the S6, while the SE is S5 (or the previous Apple Watch chip). Both chips are dual-core processors, with the S6 most likely running faster.

Common Features

Both watches, along with the Series 5, 4, and 3, will run WatchOS 7.

All these watches are water resistant up to 50 meters, have LTE model versions (for a little more), built in mic and speaker, Wi-Fi, GPS, and battery support up to 18 hours.

The series 6, 5, and SE all have Bluetooth 5.0, Wireless through the W3 chip, along with Compass, Always on OLED Retina option, 32 GB RAM, and the 44 and 40 mm sizes.

Series 6 Watch Only

The things that set the Series 6 apart from the others include the following:

To start, the new watch will usher in a cableless connection. You will need the magnetic wireless charging cable for power, and either an iPhone, iPad, or watch with cellular service to get any software or updates.

Another new feature is the U1 Ultra Wideband support , which adds spatial awareness. Think of it as a Ping and recieve service between 2 devices running Ultra Wideband. You can find out how far away you are to your phone, and AirDrop will use this service to send and recieve files, as it apparently does it better than Bluetooth. So your music, messages, and more will transfer faster.

The U1 chip is not in every Apple device, though. iPhone 11 seems to be the only other device that has this chip. Even the upcoming iPad Air is without U1, which is a little odd…

Series 6 will add a lot of health features. Tim Cook started the event with some case examples of people’s lives being saved because the watch warned them.

And it’ll be interesting to see a comparison of Apple Heath vs. Google Health, which already has some of those features.

Actually, even my bathroom scale has those features.

If you use an iPad for page turns in your music, or using a computer for a teleprompter, this device is a great way to control the content so you don’t have to stop to make adjustments. Coda Music Technologies makes products for the iPad on stage.

What is Coda Stomp

This is a simple 2 button Bluetooth 4.0 pedal that allows you to move around your device. If you can connect to Bluetooth, you can most likely use Stomp with apps that allow for hotkey control.

The pedal has options on what the two buttons do – turn a page, scroll down, or become simple “Enter” buttons.

The Loop button also allows for continuation, if you hold the button down. When you want to stop, then let go of the button.

On the back is a 9V power option, and a USB-A plug for connecting your mobile device only for charging. The Stomp does run on a 9V battery (with over 50 hours of use on a battery), but the USB can only be used when plugged in.

What to Control with Stomp

There are apps that start working with Stomp out of the gate. Some may need to be set up to work. There is a list of known apps on the Coda webpage. It ranges from music apps, to teleprompters, Spotify, Reaper, PowerPoint, Photo Presenter, Loopy HD, and more.

Connect to a PC, Mac, or Linux, and any program with a hotkey setup, Coda should be able to work with it.

Thoughts on the Coda Stomp

I do have to say, the first Stomp I got did not work. They promptly sent another, and it connected just fine. Battery insertion is a little tedious, as you have to remove the bottom plate to get to the battery compartment (four screws). With it’s longevity, that is not a big deal.

Buttons are a little loose, so they will click when you press them. It would have been nice to have the selection button be raised, so I could change reactions without having to kneel down to get to the button.

Connection is easy, and response time is instant. You don’t want the pedal too far away from the device, and it really should stay in line-of sight for best results.

Stomp is $129.95 and available now. Get Coda Stomp here.