Geekazine

Keeping your vehicle safe, especially in these times, is important. That is why Thinkware has created the x700 dual dash camera. This is a 2 camera system that lets you record what happens in front of your car, and in back.

The x700 is a 2.7 inch touchscreen camera that gives you driver assistance, and record in full 1080p. You can adjust settings for continuous recording, or for when an incident has occured.

The x700 has Super Night vision 2.0 for those low-light conditions, and a 143 degree camera to capture more of the road.

You can check out the live view, with picture in picture for both cameras. Tap on the backup camera screen to enlarge so you can see what’s behind you. I use this when my truck is packed with items, and it’s difficult to see out the window.

When parked, the camera can detect motion, impact, and even time-lapse at 2 fps. This feature does use the car’s sensors, so you will have to hardwire in to use it.

The advanced driver assistance system can warn you if the car in front stops suddenly, starts to move, or if you drift from your lane.

With the additional GPS, the x700 informs you of speed limits, and if you are approaching a red light.

The full x700, with rear camera and GPS, is $179. You can get the x700 here.

One of the coolest things about travel is the ability to taste the cuisine. From restaurants, to how the fast food looks and tastes different from around the world, to even the snacks you can get from the local bodega (because travel always involves late night snack runs).

But if you don’t travel like me, you don’t know some of the cool snacks I try, unless if I talk about it.

I’ve done this before when I was in South Korea. I tried the local Korean Convenience Store Snacks, which included foods I couldn’t come home with. You’d be surprised what works in one country, but others would think that it’s not that appetizing.

So when Munchpak asked if I could try their snacks, I was intrigued. I’ve never tried a monthly subscription pack, so this would be a great way to get into that.

Plus, I’m starved for content (get it?

Canon last week announced a Beta Utility for EOS cameras so you can use it as a webcam. I take a look at how it installs, and how you can use it for your Zoom, Skype, Hangout, or just as another camera for a multi-camera event.

NOTE: Version of Beta software at the time of this recording was 0.90. Newer versions could bring more (or less) cameras into play. Make sure you have the latest firmware for your camera.

EOS Webcam Utility Beta

The new program allows you to connect to the camera via USB port, and run as a webcam. The utility is perfect for those cameras that don’t have “clean” screens on their HDMI out.

There are some restrictions, though:

* This is a Windows-Only utility at this time. No word if a Mac version will become available* The webcam will use the sensor, but depending on the model, you might run a 720p resolution. * It looks to be one Canon camera at a time. You can use other webcams and capture cards for other cameras. * It will only send video. Audio needs to be provided separately. * There are only a certain amount of Canon cameras able to use this utility at this time. Those models are:

EOS DSLR Cameras

* EOS-1D X Mark II* EOS-1D X Mark III* EOS 5D Mark IV* EOS 5DS* EOS 5DS R* EOS 6D Mark II* EOS 7D Mark II* EOS 77D* EOS 80D* EOS 90D

* EOS Rebel SL2* EOS Rebel SL3* EOS Rebel T6*

I’ve been playing with Character Animator on and off for the last couple years. It’s a fun program, but it also takes a little bit of commitment if you want to use it for any video. Nonetheless, one of my goals during this quarantine period is to build up skills like that.

So it’s time to delve in and create my first puppet for Character Animator. From scratch.

That means I’ll be creating the layers, groups, and more. I have read and seen a lot of the tutorials, and is all about putting a layered graphic together. Not a big deal, right?

What is Character Animator?

This is a program in the suite of products you get with Adobe Creative Cloud. Character Animator can simply create a animated puppet to use in video. The Simpsons uses Character Animator to create their shows, for example.

Best part is, it uses programs you already know how to use if you’re in the Adobe family.

You can get Creative Cloud here. $52/month, or $598. year.

The computer I used during this build day is the HP ZBook Core 15 inch i9. Get the ZBook here.

Photoshop or Adobe Illustrator

I suppose any program that can create a layered graphic could be used, as long as they can be saved in .PSD or .AI format. You can also make a single layer image, and use Character Animator to warp and adjust. That would mean no eye or mouth movements, unless you’re building from the program itself.

I chose Photoshop, because I have a better understanding of the program. I can still create vectors in my layers and groups. What’s even cooler is I can create Smart Objects with layers (like the torso, legs, and face) that don’t need to move independently. By editing a smart object, it moves all other layers out of the way, and lets me focus.

Taking an old school approach

Years ago, one of my first web ventures was creating an online comic. I am familiar with the old-school way of drawing a character: Outline, draw, ink. I used some of these techniques in building my puppet so I can draw the puppet faster and easier.

Once I drew out my blue-line sketch, I started on the head.

Building the Head

This is the easiest part of the build, because if you set it up correct, the program will take over and do what you want it do. For example, if you make a layer for the eyeball, then the pupil, animator will move it around the eyeball when you import it.

This is because it uses it’s own identification commands in the plus (+) symbol. If you create a group called “+Left Eyeball” (the + being the identifier), then the program will know that anything inside that group will move freely.

They call it “Warp Independently”. If the layers are set up correctly inside the “+Left Eyeball”, you will be able to blink, move the pupil around, and more (depending on if you have the camera mapping turned on).

The head can have the eyes, mouth, nose, ears, eyebrows, and hair move when you move your head around. If you end here, you can create some simple and easy videos with just a floating head.

Building the Body

Once again, you can have a single sprite, or a complex set of groups, layers, and smart objects for the body. You can program arms, legs, and more to move however you set it up.

I was joined by Bob Caniglia from Blackmagic Design to talk about some of the cool updates they have. Blackmagic Design released the ATEM Mini Pro, and also made a price drop on their 6K cinema camera. With these items, people can start streaming and recording video without breaking their banks.

ATEM Mini Goes Pro

Last year, Blackmagic released the ATEM Mini. For $300, you could switch between four different video sources, creating better VLOGs, Twitch gaming sessions, or other video content from weekend warriors and enthusiests.

There were a few features that were highly asked for, so Blackmagic released the ATEM Mini Pro – A slightly more beefed-up version of the switcher.

The ATEM Mini Pro added USB flash disks in H.264, direct streaming via Ethernet, and Multiview (one of the biggest requests from creators) with a revamped look.

The ATEM Mini also connects up to 4 HDMI video sources – with the sources not having to be the same resolution camera, DVE for picture-in-picture, Fairlight audio mixer with EQ and dynamics, transition effects, 20 still media pools, and chroma key options (a.k.a. green screen).

The ATEM sends the video to the computer via the USB-C cable. It uses the same Blackmagic ATEM switching software as the other devices, so you can easily set up your scenes and get help from the pros. You don’t need to run the software, but it’s definitely an added resource to your video.

The ATEM Mini series willl accept multiple 1080p standards, and be able to send out up to 1080p/60fps video. With PiP options, and chromakey, you could easily make a studio-style recording from your home.

The ATEM Mini Pro is available for $600. Get the ATEM Mini Pro Here

BlackMagic 6K Pocket Cinema Camera Price Drop

Of course, they want you to have a great camera with your video switcher. That is why Blackmagic Design dropped $600 off the price of their 6K Pocket Cinema Camera. This is a DSLR- style camera with interchangeable lenses, a lightweight fiber policarbonate body, 16:9 and 17:9 options, and 6144×3456/60fps resolution (with 120fps options at 2.8K and lower). All with the same Generation 4 Color science imaging technology that most DSLR cameras have today.

The 6K Pocket is also compatible with EF or MFT lenses. If you already have a DSLR, you won’t have to buy new lenses to work with the camera.

The Pocket 6K camera, with many additional features, new starts at $1,995. You can also get the 4K Pocket Cinema Camera at $1,295.

Get the 6K Pocket Cinema Here

In the Video

I talk with Bob about the new switcher, how it works with the 6K camera, and a lot more. Check it out!

If you’ve ever thought “Hey, it would be great if I could tell people where to find that blouse (or camera, or car, etc) on my video”, then Kerv might be of interest to you. Interactive video with powerful technology that can dig down to the pixel level and root out products is what the technology is all about. I interview COO Marika Roque for the first episode of Virtual Conference Coverage.

What is Kerv?

Kerv was founded in 2014 in Austin, TX with an idea to make digital advertising. They created and patented a cutting-edge technology which identifies object by pixel edges, as opposed to regions of a image or video. This allows Kerv to mask the product in the shot, and bring it out for more information.

Who is Marika Roque?

As Chief Operating Officer, Marika has worked in the Austin area in Digital Operations. She joined Kerv Interactive in 2017, and became COO in 2019. She has a strong background in digital marketing, along with social media, client services, and Data strategy.

Kerv Announces Vertical Video

The newest feature set to the Interactive Video is the ability to bring their technology to the mobile screen. With vertical video, Kerv can integrate with social programs such as Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok, and more.

Brands will be able to highlight areas of their digital content, and send customers to areas to get more information, or even purchase products.

Object Audio

The feature set also includes object audio: the ability to use custom sounds that will tie to products. This could really change the game in digital advertising as many iconic sounds in TV and movies could garner new customers.

Check out Kervit.com for more info.

More in the Video – How Calloway, eBay Use the Technology

Of course, I talk with Marika on all that is happening at Kerv. We talk about some of the interactive spots they have done for companies such as Calloway, Carhartt, and eBay.

Could we start using Kerv technology in our everyday videos? Maybe there will be a future Geekazine video where you can buy the product by selecting the item on-screen.

What do you think?

As we start embracing the teleconference apps, we see people who want to do more than show their faces. Some have dirty rooms, so they implement the virtual background – which cuts off parts of their bodies as they move around. Others are using programs like Telestream Wirecast or OBS to do a green screen effect.

Then there are those who bring goats and Llamas to the party…

But what if you could animate yourself, and join a Zoom, Skype, Hangouts or other meeting service as such? Complete with movement of face, arms, and legs?

Well, guess what? With Adobe Character Animator, and NDI Tools, you can do just that!

DISCLAIMER: Not for Zoombombing!

So I can’t believe I have to write this, but this is for sprucing up your boring meetings. Not trolling the system. I know some of you will probably do that, and with that, I will give you a stern wag of my finger.

OK. It’s Veronica Mars doing it. Kristen Bell is prettier than me.

Still, don’t do it. Be courteous – some of these conference rooms are here for education and checking in on friends and family. Be nice…

via GIPHY

Adobe Character Animator

If you have Adobe Creative Cloud, one of the programs in the vast array of software is called Character Animator. This is a program that gives you simple characters to use, or – with the help of either Photoshop or Adobe Illustrator – you can create your own puppets for insertion into the software.

Character Animator works similar to Premiere Pro or After Effects. You have a workspace, a timeline, and the ability to create within. Build your character on layers to set up a scene, or simply import this character into another program using the Live Output option.

Me as a Bear

Like I mentioned, you can create your own puppets with Photoshop or Ai, but there is also an “Open Characterizer” option. Simple movement of your face, and you can start the creation of your own face.

And even more puppets are available online using the 3rd party Puppet Page (Yes, that’s a thing. And might I add, a phrase I never thought I’d write).

Once you have created your puppet and environment, it’s time to bring it into Zoom, Skype, or whatever meeting software you use.

NDI Tools

The two best parts about NDI Tools is that it’s free, and it’s sole meaning is to send video over to other programs. I use this all the time when I’m recording video.

What happens is the NDI Tools looks like any webcam in your conference software. Once you have it selected, go into your NDI Tools folder, and choose “Virtual Input“.

This loads into your system tray (or up on the top for Mac users). Select for a drop-down, and any NDI source that is being sent on your network will show up here. Simply choose the Character Animator

Last week, I was asked to compare some of my favorite Blue Microphones. I pulled out my 3 favorites, to show you how they sound. The Yeti, Nano, and Raspberry. Each of these microphones have their own use, and work for any podcaster, vlogger, YouTuber, or teleconference.

Yeticaster

The Yeti is a great microphone to have on it’s own. Add the scissor stand (aka Boom Arm) to it, and you have a very versatile microphone. I’ve used this in audio capture for vocals, music, and more.

The Yeti contains 3 acpsules inside. This allows you to switch between 4 different patterns (or types of microphone) – a Cardioid, Bi-directional, Omnidirectional, and stereo pattern.

* Cardioid pattern for Podcasters, instruments, voiceovers* Stereo pattern to capture vocals of a roaming podcaster, or one-on-one conversation* Omnidirectional for conference calls, event capture (like a band or orchestra)* Bi-directional pattern for one-on-one interviews, stereo instruments, duets.

The stand allows to position the microphone up close, overhead, or farther away for what you need. Perfect for if you don’t want the microphone in-shot.

Yeticaster is $199.99 and available now.

Yeticaster at Amazon

Yeticaster on B&H

Yeticaster at Best Buy

Yeti Nano

If you don’t need that much power, and love to have a great designed microphone on your desk, then the Yeti Nano is perfect for that. The nano comes in 5 different colors, and has 2 condensers for 2 different pickup patterns – Cardioid, and Omni Directional.

The USB microphone supports sample rates up to 24-bit/48Khz, so you can create high-quality podcasts, voiceovers, or Twitch gaming streams.

The microphone has a headphone connection on bottom, along with the ability to mount the mic on any type of boom arm. This includes the Compass arm that comes with the Yeticaster.

Volume control is available on the unit, but you would adjust any gain via desktop app.

The Nano is $99.99 and available now

Yeti Nano at Amazon

Yeti Nano at B&H

Heading up to the final 2 episodes of LEGO Masters on FOX, I sat down with Brickmaster and LEGO Senior Design Manager Amy Corbett. We talked LEGO Masters, The planning it takes to design creations, and some tips when building your own masterpieces.

On LEGO Masters

She talks about what it took to bring the teams together. How teams came together, how the show handles the builds,..

..and, of course, Will Arnett.

On Creating New Ideas at LEGO

I wanted to find out more about what she did at LEGO as well. We talk about what is her process in putting together sets for all of us to design. She also gives some good ideas for those working to become Brickmasters.

On My LEGO Builds

Of course, I show off the LEGO creations I have done. Amy gives some tips to speeding up the build, without going too fast.

LEGO Masters is on FOX Wednesday Nights at 9 PM ET/8PM CT. The finale will be on April 15th. You can catch up now on HULU.

IK Multimedia has a great line of microphones that can improve your phone’s audio. I’ve used the handheld microphone in conference situations, and know how important it is to condense the ambient noise. Today, I’m looking at 3 iRig mics that can help you with your VLOG, interview, or whatever you plan to record.

iRig Mic HD 2

If you want to do interviews, sing into your phone, podcast, or simply have video using a handheld mic, then the HD2 is for you. This is a dynamic hand-held microphone that will record at 24-bit, 96kHz.

The mic has an on-board pre-amp with gain control, and headphone jack with volume. It can be used for vocals, recording an instrument, and more.

The USB connectors will allow it to work with iOS, Android, PC, and Mac. Using Mic Room can turn this microphone into whatever sound you’re looking for.

The iRig Mic HD 2 is $99.99 and available now.

Get iRig Mic HD 2 at Amazon

iRig Mic Cast HD

This is a pocket-sized microphone that hangs on your phone. It can do a stereo split audio to get a good one-on-one interview.

The Mic Cast HD also records 24-bi, 96 kHz sound, and the selectable switch allows you to record solo, interview the host only, or have a conversation with the device in the middle.

If you add the Double Take App, you can record one-on-one videos from across the table.

The Mic Cast HD is also $99.99, and available now.

Get iRig Mic Cast HD at Amazon

iRig Mic Cast

Get iRig Mic Cast HD at IK Multimedia