Another of NRK’s employees’ “inventions” is the multi-camera server recorder.
Normally when capturing video material you can just capture one camera’s stream to the computer/hard disk at a time. So previously when I wanted to capture two cameras live I had to route each camera to a different computer, and then synchronize with TC (timecode). It works, but is a hassle and well for every camera you need a computer with TC and video capture capabilities. (This setup is part of the racks and network we have available at the University, nothing easy to take with you.)

(Video-mixer – for mixing the show live. From POTW 02 2007)

With this invenstion, instead of backing up each video-camera’s content to its own tape, they backup all of the cameras (up to eight – from what I understand) directly to their servers. This way they can see “on-the-fly” whether the backups are being saved as they should. This solution saves them a lot of time and even a whole position while out “in the field” (transportable?). Previously they always needed a person responsible to check that all camera’s were being correctly recorded to the tape decks, the VB position. See the original post at NRKbeta.

Basicly creative use of hard-disk video recorders/servers (EVS?).

According to NRKbeta, the Norwegian Broadcasting Channel NRK has a company-internal award for innovation each year. Personally after studying tv and multimediaproduction I can relate to the need of several of these inventions. I will point out one of the nominated inventions that I found especially interesting based on a recent lecture.

When it comes to recording sound, especially dialogue for documentaries and film, the rule of closeness applies. You want to place the microphones as close to the source as possible. You therefore often put the microphone on a boom, a metallic rod, which the boom-operator can hold and direct towards the source. However this several meter long boom becomes heavier by the minute, and lecturers as well as guest speakers warn of the physiological risk. That is why I like the idea that this sound-guy developed together with a physiotherapist. See the original post and pictures here (NRKbeta).

Basically from what I understand they add a weight to create a balance and take the strain off ones shoulders with customized braces. The see-saw effect.

There has been a bunch of similar looking phones to Apple’s iPhone since the first pictures of the iPhone were released. Chinese Meizu is the company that made me smile the most. From the pictures I have seen of Meizu M8 at Gizmodo, these phones do replicate so much of Apple’s iPhone User Interface.

The Gizmodo article talks about how iPhone copy’s or clones can be a good thing for the consumers. I presume that Meizu does not have all the legalities in place, but on the other side Apple, Microsoft and many other the big names have not all played completely fair all the time either?

Even though I had personally thought about keeping away from the iPhone hype and not purchasing one when available, I must admit that the iPhone is sweet. While visiting the States I was able to try out its interface and have some fun with it. With all its PDA features as well as just being a phone it combines my necessities in a practical format. Another friend of mine, who visited another part of the US a couple days ago, purchased an iPhone while on vacation. Now I look forward to see the success or failure of the unlocking process now required to force it to work in Norway.

Benjamin Kuhn‘s Newsware is an interesting concept that does look interesting. In todays world of citizen journalism, being mobile is one of the most important features. One reporter is supposed to write an article and record both usable video and audio. Therefore the less hassle the equipment is the easier it will be to get the job done as quickly as your editor needs the story. So inspiring designs and concepts are always welcome.

(Pictures copied from YankDesign.)

Kuhn’s Newsware having so many individual parts I find a little of a minus. Nevertheless you can read more at TechEBlog and YankoDesign if you are interested.

This commercial I found via TechEBlog. The ad shows WindwardReports purpose with their software; that programmers now will have too little to do at the office.

Click here to view the embedded video.

A rather well made commercial for people who understand the tech-savvy or geek language used, otherwise for the average viewer, I do not know how effective this ad would be.

DesktopTwo is another good online desktop solution, if you are considering cutting down on your stationary desktop use. Personally I have enjoyed using YourMinis (Your Minis Your Online Desktop) for the past five months.
Although YourMinis offers more of a widget type interface for each application, DesktopTwo is a more tradtitional style desktop.

In addition the applications are also more versatile, allowing your more customization and control. The most impressive applications are an online version of Open Office and Adobe Acrobat.
The portability of Open Office gives Desktop Two a slight advantage of Peepel Online Office.
Among other applications included I can mention email, an address book, RSS feed reader, MP3 players, live chat and an instant messenger.

(Via LifeHacker)

SuTree is a collection of instructional videos for a wide range of topics. From everyday personal care how-to videos, to more traditional software or hobby tutorial videos. Although it is still in an early stage there are more than 5000 lessons.

For more information on SuTree’s intent check out there about page.

(Via TechCrunch)

When you don’t actively use the knots you may have learned years ago in school, on field trips or summer camps, you might forget them. If you are like most people you do fine with the basic overhand knot. Del.icio.us bumped up this knot link: How to Tie the 10 Most Useful Knots.

So perhaps if you might want to try a new knot or two, there are the supposedly 10 most useful knots: Shoe laces anyone?

Do you struggle to remember what fonts look like? Would you like to compare fonts against each other without manually formatting individually? Well then give TypeTester a try. TypeTester allows you to compare a number of fonts on the fly,  and best of all online.

You can also compare colors and sizes. Thanks to LifeHacker for the link.

With Web 2.0 Running out of Time, which help keep you organized and updated on several different social-networking services from the same site at once are in demand. Such as ProfileLinker (ProfileLinker Simplifying Social Networking) first caught my attention, there is a new player called Loopster (As of this morning Loopster is Refusing Connections(?)).

However according to TechCrunch’s review, ProfileLinker aims to be more of a central nerve of your social networking, while Loopster aims more at generating feeds of your friends updates on the various networks.