Geekazine

Editor’s Note – 24 hours after this post, the distributor removed the product. This device is a re-branded product, so I have linked to 2-3 other companies that also sell this unit. It’s the exact same unit. Also keep in mind, these units can be different, as the manufacturer doesn’t announce updates or fixes.

Do you remember your first game console? Mine was the original NES – I worked hard to save up the money to buy this machine.

It’s long gone, now, but the games are still alive on retro consoles, such as this one.

I unbox, setup, and play some of the 621 games inside, including some games that were not on the 8-bit gaming system.

About the Mini Gaming Console

First of all, don’t get caught up in the name. This is a simple PCB that holds 621 games inside. You might see several names on the same console, but most likely it’s made by the same manufacturer and re-branded.

The game console is about 1/3 the size of the original NES, and doesn’t support cartridges. It has 2 NES-style controllers (full size) with 2 additional buttons to play non NES-classic games.

The device connects to a monitor via HDMI, and can be powered by the 5V adapter (included).

621 Games Inside

The console has all the games on the board, with no way to add more, or save settings. There are 6 categories:

* Action Games (88 games inside this category)* Shooter Games (94)* Sport Games (43)* Puzzle Games (325)* Racing Games (25)* Fighting Games (46)

Super Mario Brothers was the first game I navigated to. Lots of recognizable names, and some that were not 8-bit.

And Sonic is on the System

Yes, you can play Sonic the Hedgehog, along with certain other games that were not available on the NES console.

Not a Perfect System

I played only a few of the games, including Tetris, Gauntlet, 1942, Top Gun, Mortal Kombat, and more. I have to say, the NES games seemed to work fairly well (I would have to play longer to really make sure).

Gauntlet was the worst of the games on the system. It wasn’t programmed right, and I couldn’t pick up keys, or open doors. I could pass through certain walls, and new artifacts would just appear and disappear when I paused and resumed the game.

F1 racer also had some sprite placement issues, but was playable.

Mortal Kombat 4 felt like they took the game and down-graded it. There were missing frames, which you would see when you tried to kick and punch.

Teardown of the System

Inside is a single PCB, with daughter board to connect the controllers, and power buttons.

Final Thoughts

It’s simply amazing how 621 games (and console), which used to fill up a wall in a room, was small enough to fit on the corner of my table and not take up much space.

While not all games are winners, there are games on there that will entertain you. If you want a simple fix of Super Mario Brothers, that alone should suffice. After all, the original retail price of this game was $25, and one copy was recently sold for $100,150.

Wirecast 7 Logo

Telestream Wirecast released a Beta version of 13.2. During my weekly show “Wirecast Pros” (on Facebook), I showed off this new version of software.

There are still bugs in it, so this is not software you should use in production, yet. I personally have seen a couple crashes during tests.

New Features in Wirecast 13.2

* Revamp of Chromakey, adding Luma and Color options.* Improved connection to Wirecast Go and Webstream* The “?” can be changed to transparent or a logo if the video drops* NDI 4.5 update* smoother text scrolling* Mac – switch to Metal: Apple’s 3D graphic shader API (similar to OpenGL)

Otherwise, Wirecast 13.2 looks and feels like 13.1.3.

What is Wirecast

Wirecast is a software video switching program. This allows you to switch between cameras, allow graphic overlays, present a webpage, video, or game, and much more.

Wirecast comes in Studio ($599) and Pro ($799) versions. You can get Wirecast here.

SanDisk creates solutions for file backup, storage, and transfer for those times you need to move files quickly, and without any network connections. SanDisk has many different storage options – including MP3 players – you can use for photos, video, and more.

I take a look at four different options for backing up, transferring, and cloud viewing.

iXpand iOS Dual Flash Drive

iXpand makes transferring files from your iOS device to a computer easy. In some cases, it can be a lot faster than cloud transfer, and you can get those files off your phone quicker.

The iXpand flash drive comes in 128 and 256 GB sizes, and is a dual connector flash drive. On one side is the lightning connector, and the other is a USB-A 3.0 connector.

When you are done moving photos, videos, audio, and more from your iPhone or iPad, simply unplug the device, and plug into your computer – or another iOS device to copy to.

You can even set up automatic backup whenever you plug the flash drive into your phone.

Awesome for Transferring Large Video

I have used this drive many times when I create B-roll. Before, I had to either connect via cable to transfer, or wait for Dropbox (or AirDrop) to copy over the files. If you take 5 minute videos at 4K 60fps, you know this can take a while to do.

Lightning only transfers at 2.0 speeds, but the USB-A can send files at up to 20 Mbps.

Prices start at $45 for 128 GB. Get your iXpand Flash Drive Here

There is also a Dual Drive that is USB-C / USB-A if you have an iPad with USB-C connector.

Extreme Pro Portable SSD for Larger File Storage

These drives are important to my everyday work. I’m always moving files from PC to Mac and back. When I prepare for travel, I use an external drive to store prepped files, hold all the video interview content, and even use as a scratch drive to help the laptop speed along.

The USB-C drive will transfer files at up to 1050 MBps. The aluminium case doubles as a heat sink to keep the SSD from overheating.

This drive is also IP55 rated for water and dust resistance. The outer shell is a silicon rubber, keeping it safe if dropped.

It comes with two cables: A USB-C to USB-C, and USB-C to USB-A cable. Only downfall is they don’t have a way to store with the drive, so you might lose those cables quick.

Prices start at $119. Get the Extreme Pro Portable SSD Here.

Ibi Cloud Manager for Photos, Video

I

HP has updated their line of ENVY printer line with the 6000 and 6400 Pro series. These desktop printers include Instant Ink options, just like with the HP Neverstop and HP Tango lines. Along with the HP Smart App, you will be able to print from anywhere.

HP ENVY Pro 6455

This is the top of the line All-in-one in this line. This includes:

* Dual Band WiFi* Bluetooth 5.0, WiFi dual-band 802.11ac* Double Sided Printing* 35 sheet auto feeder (scanner)* 100 sheet paper try* Flatbed scanner at 1200×1200 dpi* Color print resolution: 4800×1200 optimized* Copy resolution 300×300 dpi* Two-cartridge loading system* Borderless printing up to 8.5×11 inches* Print speeds up to 1- ppm black, 7 ppm color

Pros of ENVY Pro Printers

This is a small form factor, so it will replace an older inkjet printer. The interface is a simple touch panel on the right side.

Setup is simple. Unboxing takes about 10 minutes, and connects to the HP Smart App within minutes. Once joined to the network, computers will see the printer quickly.

The dual cartridge ink (included) installs just as easy. Print quality is good for plain and photo paper. HP has print calibration you run out-of-box.

Printing from computer or HP Smart App is easy to do. Duplex printing is seemless, as long as you have the receiving arm extended.

Neutral of ENVY Pro

The button interface is simple. There are two buttons when you insert a document – one that copies in black/white, and one that copies in color. The indicator is the color button flashes in color. I can see people pressing the wrong button for their need.

Cartridges are small, and full color images could suck down the tri-color cartridge quickly.

Cons of ENVY Pro

You can print 8.5 x 11 inch, and Letter, along with anything in-between. There is no self-feed option, so legal page printing is out.

Price

The 6455 is $149.99. The 6000 series (without document feeder) for $129.99. Get the HP ENVY Pro 6455 here.

HP Instant Ink

The printer comes with an offer for Instant Ink, there is a free plan (15 pages/month), $2.99/month plan, and higher. You can control the Instant Ink plan though the Smart App.

In the Video

I unbox the printer, set it up, and run a few tests.

Wirecast 7 Logo

I sit down with Stephen Heywood of Telestream, and talk about Wirecast 13.1.3, the features of the software, and how we use the software. Stephen is the Marketing Manager of Telestream, and also a content creator himself. He runs the Tech Buzz, a tech and gaming channel.

Wirecast 13.1.3

The latest version of Wirecast added LinkedIn Live, for those who have the ability to livestream to the software. Wirecast 13 itself overhauled the shot bin with layer resize and movement, changed the option that if you stream to Facebook, you can stream to another source, Facebook 1080p streaming, BlackMagic Designs and Direct Show process separation, MacOS dark mode, and analytics opt-in.

Two versions of Wirecast – Studio for $599, and Pro for $799. Yearly upgrade of $100. You can get Wirecast here

NewBlueFX

Of course, the software comes with a copy of Titler Live. Express for Wirecast Studio, and Live Present for Pro. Check out NewBlueFX for more great options (I run Live Broadcast). You can check out all the options at NewBlueFX.com

Wirecast Gear

We also talk about the new Wirecast Gear 420, and what you are able to do with it. Stephen has been testing this box, and is impressed with how much power this rack mount computer can do.

The new Gear 420 is a 2RU chassis, with Windows 10 Enterprise, Intel UHD graphics, and 1TB of storage (base unit). 4 HDMI inputs (changeable to SDI), Neutrik XLR inputs for audio, dual 1 GB Ethernet, and WiFi. Gear also comes with NewBlueFX Titler Live Complete, and Telestream Switch.

Gear 420 starts at $5,999 as the all-in-one system.

As we switch to a more online meeting world, people are looking for easy cameras and microphones that won’t get in the way of these new video conversations.

With a Wireless microphone, people have the ability to move around without being tethered down.

Kimafun Wireless Headset/Lav Combo

Kimafun is a 2.4 GHz wireless series of bodypack and receiver combos that allow you to speak, sing, or play music without a cable to the mixer or phone.

In studio is the Wireless headset/lav combination. I can use this on my computer for a online presentation, Vlog, YouTube video, livestream, voice-over, and more.

Both the body pack and receiver have on-board Polymer Li-On batteries that will charge in 3-5 hours and run for 6-8. USB power for charging, and can be plugged in while using (just watch out for audio interference).

Plug into a computer line-in. With adapter, you can plug the Kimafun into your phone. The additional 1/4″ TRS adapter allows to connect to a mixer.

The blue LED lights will flash until a connection is made. This connection will be good for up to 100 ft away (depending on building, and other devices connected to 2.4GHz network). I was able to walk to my garage and back with limited disconnects.

Kimafun wireless systems range in price from $50- $130. Get the Wireless Headset Lav Combo here

Each week, I do a Facebook podcast for my group “Wirecast Pros” – a show about using a popular software switcher: Telestream Wirecast. This week, I talk about some software you can use to draw on the screen, called Panamation. It does more than just drawing, it can be a full graphics suite for video.

What is Panamation

This is a piece of software that allows you to draw on your screen, then record, or send video to a livestream, for webinars, how-tos, and more.

Panamation can make graphics for video, including lower 3rds, image overlays, file sequences, and even overlay other videos into your shots.

There are two modes to Panamation – recording mode, and live telestrator mode. In recording mode, you can pre-make segments for use in recorded or live video. In telestrator mode, you can connect to your live stream and draw on your screen.

With the addition of NDI, the Panamation Pro allows you to bring in video via capture card, or NDI, then send out also via capture card or NDI. You can record up to 4k video, and stream 1080p.

Panamation requires Windows 7 or better in 64-bit. Sandy bridge i5 processor or better, 4GB system memory, Gigabit connection, and a touchscreen display 1200×768 or better. I also found that setting your screen to 100% view size or else windows will get cut off.

Two prices for Panamation $195 for the standard software, and $295 for Pro.

I sit down and talk with Eric Bassier of Quantum to talk about their new solutions, including updates to StorNext, and NVME storage solutions. and ActiveScale object store system for indexing and archiving footage. This is part of the Virtual Conference Coverage 2020

Me Why don’t you tell everybody A little bit about you? And of course, a little bit about Quantum.

Eric Bassier I am Product Marketing Manager here at Quantum, a data storage company really focused on video and other forms of unstructured data. And of course, we’ve had a long presence and participation in the media and entertainment industry.

Me What were you guys going to talk about at NAB?

Eric Bassier Well, yeah, it’s a bummer not to be down in Las Vegas this year. The NAB Show for us is always a great opportunity to meet with all of our top customers. You know, we typically have hundreds of meetings there every week. And it’s always a good opportunity for us to unveil our latest innovations. This year, because NAB didn’t take place in Las Vegas, we actually decided to host our own virtual live NAB event and it’s actually taking place this week.

We’re unveiling new innovations that we’ve brought to market across our entire product set and that really deals with end-to-end workflows, everything from very high-speed tier one production storage to massively scalable online archives and everything in between.

In addition to talking about some of the new products that we’re coming out with, we’re talking about some of the things that are top of mind in the industry. First and foremost is how to maintain business continuity in the age of COVID. And really, that means in media how to enable a remote workforce, how to enable remote online editing, remote production, so we’re talking about that.

And last, but not least, enabling hybrid cloud and multi-cloud workflows. I think more than anything in this pandemic, once our customers got through crisis mode, it’s really been an accelerant toward a more hybrid cloud and multi-cloud future, an accelerant of where I think we and the media industry were going over the next number of years and it’s forced a lot of us to get there quicker.

Me Yeah, absolutely. I’ve seen a lot of companies put out products that they weren’t planning to put out for a couple weeks or months. And they wanted to get it out in your hands. I know a few people that were planning to put together new shows and new events that just decided to push it into the virtual space. And they’re having some good success by doing this last minute thing, although it’s very jarring for sure.

Eric Bassier We’ve been really pleased with the success we’ve had so far. As I said, one of the most important things for us with NAB is meeting with all of our customers in this space. For us, culturally, it’s  where we get most of our ideas for our next-generation products. We really look forward to working hand in hand with our customers to help them solve their biggest and their emerging business challenges. And we’ve been able to do that now virtually and just try to replicate that experience as best as we can.

Me Let’s talk a little bit about this press release. The biggest thing that you’re going to be talking about is your StorNext software, correct?

Eric Bassier Yeah. And as you said, a lot of companies have had to quickly pivot their roadmaps and maybe redirect priorities, maybe change priorities. And we’ve done that with our StorNext software. You know,

My Pi Camera looks like Johnny 5 or Wall-E, right?

Last week, someone talked about how they are taxing their computer with work, plus a constant Zoom call. They wanted to set up another machine for this, but didn’t have a lot of money. That is why I started looking for alternate options. Of course, the Raspberry Pi was the first thing I thought of.

It’s not the best option, but with a good USB mic and camera, this could be a great alternative. While Zoom does not create a Zoom interface, you can always connect via web browser.

The bigger issue is during this time of “Work at Home”, something like the Logitech C920 are out of stock. Pi cameras are in abundance, and are really easy to install. So I decided to use it with both cameras to see if a Pi camera could be used for these conversations.

Raspberry Pi Setup

Shopping List

* Raspberry Pi 4 B+* SD Card* Pi Case* Keyboard/mouse* Pi 1080p Camera* Logitech C920 (when back in stock)* Fifine Gooseneck Podium Microphone

Setting Up the Pi Camera

The Raspberry Pi camera is very easy to setup. Depending on the ribbon cable (for whichever Pi you use), you will simply insert it into the locking cable connector, and push the latch closed. Make sure you put it in correctly (yes, the first time I had the cable in backwards).

This Pi camera comes with 2 ir lights, and 3 sensors to switch from day to night mode. The IR lights don’t need to be attached if you don’t want that function.

Setting up Raspbian Pi

I don’t claim to be an expert in setting up a Pi box, so I refer you to the NOOBS Setup at Raspberrypi.org. This will show you how to download the image, flash onto the SD card, and do first time setup.

Using other Pi OS?

As long as you can run a browser that can capture camera and microphone, and the OS can support the webcam, you should be able to run Zoom. Windows for IOT does have Zoom capability, but I am not sure if that is for Intel or ARM based machines.

Side-by-side of main camera to Pi Camera.

Other ARM Core Computers

Arduino, Odroid, Rock64, Jetson, are all Single-Board Computer (SBC) alternatives. Some can perform better than a Pi for Video conferencing, and may be able to use the same Pi camera. Check out Electromaker for a great comparison of SBCs.

As for this video, I work solely on the Pi 4 Model B, since that was the request. I might just see what’s the best alternative out there.

Stephen Tallamy, CTO of EditShare, joined the Virtual Conference Coverage 2020 to talk about their new Cloud service called “EFSv”. This allows for remote editing from around the world.

Using Terradici, your videos are easily accessible to sort, edit, and share. Simply upload the files to the server, and your ready to get going. If you don’t have Internet access, their FlowStory product will allow you to start editing, and it will sync up when bandwidth is available.

EFSv works with video and audio editors, along with color grading, so you can have your color guy in L.A. adjust, then your editor in the U.K. edit, and your sound guy in Budapest master the sound. It then can come back to you so you can finalize and get the video ready for distribution

Airflow to Zoom for Collaboration

Airflow is a program that accesses the video clips, put in markers, and can do it via proxy files, or the originals. They can edit, and post those files into Airflow for continued work.

Stephen worked with the Zoom API to add a great feature to the software. This allows for meeting recordings to be ingested by Airflow so they can be put into the same editing process. Therefore, interviews can quickly be recorded, and sent for editing.

For more information, check out EditShare.com.