|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
• Adobe To Introduce Inexpensive, Easy to Use, Photoshop Elements Image Editing Software For Photo Enthusiasts
Adobe To Introduce Inexpensive, Easy to Use, Photoshop Elements Image Editing Software For Photo Enthusiasts Adobe Systems Incorporated has announced Adobe Photoshop Elements, a new product designed specifically for amateur photographers, hobbyists, and business users who want a powerful yet easy to use digital imaging solution. Based on Adobe's Photoshop software, Photoshop Elements delivers unique, new features that give users access to many of the same, advanced tools used by graphics professionals. With enhancements that simplify capturing and editing photos, Photoshop Elements software makes it easy to prepare images for both print and the Web. The product will be publicly unveiled today at the PMA tradeshow. As sales of digital cameras and scanners accelerate, photo enthusiasts are increasingly seeking the power, quality, and creative freedom offered by professional image-editing tools but also want ease-of-use at an affordable price. With powerful tools, an intuitive interface and an affordable price, Adobe Photoshop Elements combines the power of Photoshop with customized features that enable users to freely explore their creativity while mastering the elements of digital imaging. "Mid-range image software users, those who need more than basic editing tools but don't require professional-level operations, represent one of the fastest growing segments of the digital imaging software market right now," said Janet Kauffman, research analyst at InfoTrends Research Group. "This is a great space for Adobe to be in, and Photoshop Elements provides a great blend of functionality and usability. Combined with the Adobe brand and its reputation as the software leader in professional image editing, this product will appeal to a lot of users." Photoshop Elements software delivers powerful features for quickly performing the necessary steps to retouch images while mastering the essentials of using professional image editing tools. The unique Hints palette provides context-sensitive illustrations and tips that help users learn to use the sophisticated Photoshop tools and palettes. The exclusive Recipes palette interactively teaches more complex editing techniques for task-oriented activities and can be updated with fresh content over the Web. Photoshop Elements provides more visual access to existing features, as well as useful new capabilities not available in competitive products. For example, Adobe Photomerge technology automatically arranges and blends multiple photos into panoramas by resizing and skewing any portion of the images to fit seamlessly together into a single image. The Filter Browser lets users visually scan the 95-plus special effects filters then drag and drop the desired filter onto an image to apply it. Previews save time on trial and error by letting users immediately see the effect of a filter on an image. Photoshop Elements software also provides flexible image capture and output options. Users can work with images from digital cameras, traditional cameras and scanners and prepare them for posting on the Web, ordering prints online, or ouputting their images to a desktop printer. For posting photos to the Web, the Save for Web command and Web Photo Gallery help users optimize their photos for screen viewing. In the U.S., customers can also use the integrated, award-winning Shutterfly service to take advantage of Web-based photo printing and send high-quality, personalized prints and photo greeting cards to friends and family. When printing to the desktop, Photoshop Elements saves time and money with its unique Picture Package feature that maximizes the use of expensive photo-quality paper by formatting multiple copies of a photo on a single page. In the United States, Canada, and Europe, Adobe Photoshop Elements for Windows 98, 98 Release 2, ME, 2000, NT 4.0, and Macintosh OS 8.6, 9.0, 9.0.4 and 9.1 is expected to ship in the second quarter of FY01. The estimated street price will be $99 (U.S.) for all platforms. Registered users of any version of Adobe Photoshop LE, PhotoDeluxe, or selected competitive digital imaging software products are eligible to receive Photoshop Elements for $69 (U.S.) if purchased through Adobe Direct or a $30 (U.S.) mail-in rebate if purchased elsewhere. French, German, and Japanese versions of Photoshop Elements software also will be available in the second quarter of FY01. For more information, visit:
Canon Introduces Smallest 2.1 Megapixel Camera Canon U.S.A., Inc., is expanding line of PowerShot digital cameras with the PowerShot S300 Digital ELPH. The camera's ultra-compact and elegant stainless steel design is based on the extremely popular PowerShot S100, and offers new and improved features including a powerful 3x zoom lens, making it the world's smallest and lightest 2.1 megapixel camera with a 3x zoom lens. The PowerShot S300 Digital ELPH is Canon's second ultra-compact digital camera. In addition to its high-resolution, and retractable 3x zoom lens, the S300 offers a number of new and improved features including: direct print capabilities from the new Canon Card Photo Printer CP-10; 20 frame-per-second movie clips with audio at selectable resolutions up to 640x480 pixels; shutter speeds from 1 second to 1/1500 second; an adaptive primary color filter for improved color reproduction; a choice of nine image quality modes; automatic exposure sensitivity adjustment; a high-output light guide flash; and a new high-speed digital signal processing IC with low power consumption. A new digital signal processing IC in the PowerShot S300 enables high-speed image processing and rapid data transfer through the cameras' USB interface. The PowerShot S300 takes advantage of this feature by offering a Direct Print mode that enables users to print hard-copy images using Canon's new CP-10 dye-sublimation printer. The CP-10 makes printing from digital files simple and fun by allowing users to control all print settings directly from the camera's LCD monitor. Printer data is then transferred to the CP-10 directly through a dedicated interface cable. The new, ultra-compact printer produces beautiful, 300 x 300 dpi credit card-sized color prints in as little as 56 seconds. The CP-10 can also be used to print eight miniature copies of the same image on one sticker sheet, adding a new dimension of fun for everyone. Each sticker measures approximately 0.9 x 0.7-inches. The Canon PowerShot S300 can record movie clips with audio at 20 frames per second in any of three resolution modes: 640x480, 320x240 or 160x120. PowerShot S300 movie clips are recorded as QuickTime AVI files, with the image data saved in the Motion JPEG format and the sound in the WAVE format. The video portion of the PowerShot S300 movies can be replayed on the camera's LCD monitor. Full audio-video playback is possible with a connected TV monitor or a compatible PC after downloading. Downloaded movie clips can be edited, saved, and sent to others via e-mail using the PowerShot's S300's bundled software. Due to the new digital signal processing IC, the S300's movie clip processing speed is approximately 2.7 times faster that other models in its class. The elegant stainless-steel body styling of the PowerShot S300 is based on the popular PowerShot S100, but the S300 features a new 3X (equivalent to 35-105mm in the 35mm format) f/2.7-4.7 all-glass aspherical lens compared to the 2X zoom lens on the S100. The body dimensions and weight of the S300 are slightly larger than the S100 at 3.7 x 2.5 x 1.2-inches and 8.5 ounces, but the PowerShot S300 is still the world's smallest 2.1 megapixel digital camera with a 3X zoom lens. The Digital ELPH features a 0.37-inch, 2.1 megapixel CCD sensor that creates full color or black-and-white images up to 1600x1200 pixels when set to the camera's Large resolution mode. The camera also offers an additional resolution settings of 1024x768 and 640x480 when set in the Middle or Small modes, which are ideal for on-screen applications, such as Web sites and CD-ROMs and allow more images to be recorded on a single CompactFlash memory card. The new camera is compatible with Type I CompactFlash Cards and will be shipped with an 8MB CF card. Bundled with a comprehensive suite of programs enabling image management, editing, compositing and printing, the PowerShot S300 comes with ArcSoft PhotoImpression and VideoImpression software plus Apple QuickTime 4.1, Canon RemoteCapture 1.3, and PhotoStitch 3.1 for both Macintosh and Windows, as well as Canon ZoomBrowser EX 2.6, PhotoRecord 1.2 and WIA and TWAIN for Windows, plus ImageBrowser 1.6 and a Photoshop-compatible plug-in for the Mac. Features integrated in both ZoomBrowser EX 2.6 and ImageBrowser 1.6 include TimeTunnel and SlideShowMaker. When using ZoomBrowser EX 2.6 or ImageBrowser 1.6, users can take advantage of new and improved features for auto layout printing, self-running full-screen slide shows, and automated preparation of images for use as e-mail attachments. ZoomBrowser EX and Image Browser simplifies the process of emailing photos by automatically compressing the image and starting the email program. The new PowerShot S300 is supplied with the following standard accessories: Lithium Battery Pack NB-1L, Battery Charger CB-2LS, an 8MB CompactFlash Card (FC-8M), Interface Cable for USB (IFC-300PCU), AV Cable (AVC-DC100), Wrist Strap (WS-110), and PowerShot Solutions Software CD-ROM. Optional accessories include AC Adapter Kit ACK500 (which contains Compact Power Adapter CA-PS500, DC Coupler DR-500, and an AC Power Cord) and Soft Compact Case PSC 300 (with space for an extra battery and CF card) as well as spare batteries, CF cards and interface cables. In addition to Card Photo Printer CP-10 previously mentioned, Canon will also introduce a new WP-DC100 dedicated underwater housing with a depth rating of 100 feet. The PowerShot S300 digital camera will be available in the second quarter, 2001, and have a suggested retail price of $699. For more information, visit:
JVC Introduces 'microPocket DV' New Ultra-Compact MiniDV Camera JVC, has developed a remarkable MiniDV camera that challenges traditional conventions of video camera design with a sleek full-flat surface and ultra-compact design. The "microPocket DV" GR-DVP3 model packs high-performance features found on JVC's top-of-the-line MiniDV units into an ultra-compact personal video device small enough to slip comfortably into your pocket. With its full-flat body and brushed aluminum surface. With its 680,000-pixel CCD and its Super High-Band Processor, the GR-DVP3 offers commendable image quality. The tiny camera also comes provided with a full set of multimedia interfaces and features including JVC's exclusive MPEG4 Video Clips for Email, MP3 Sound Effects, as well as a USB connector and SD Memory Card slot. Small enough to fit comfortably in your pocket or purse, and with its integrated lens cover and sensible, ergonomic button layout, the GR-DVP3 features a smooth flat surface that doesn't even look like a video camera. The GR-DVP3 has been designed to offer the best possible DV imaging performance in a compact design. In combination with a new Super High-Band Processor, a 680,000-pixel CCD image sensor produces 520 lines of horizontal resolution. To ensure that the image is as sharp and crisp as possible, the high-band processor intelligently calculates and restores the high-band components of the luminance signal that would be lost in conventional processing. he MPEG4 Video Clip For Email function takes advantage of the multi-format compatibility and enhanced quality of MPEG4 to let users create instant video clips that can be viewed on most computer systems without proprietary software. As the most advanced MPEG standard, MPEG4's higher compression rate and small file size make it an ideal format for motion picture distribution even on networks with narrow bandwidth -- making it the perfect solution for video email. Available on the provided SD Memory Card, sound effects can be inserted into a recording at any time -- either during shooting or afterwards during editing. Among the effects provided are: Applause, Cheering, Laughter, Explosion, Buzzer, Siren, and Fanfare. Users can also visit JVC's website and choose from an even wider range of sound effects available for download here:
The GR-DVP3's built-in digital still camera can capture still images for output in either XGA mode (1024 x 768 pixels) or VGA mode (640 x 480 pixels). The HG Snapshot function is able to deliver high resolution still pictures using a combination of mechanical shutter system and 680,000-pixel CCD to capture highly detailed full frame stills offering 1.5 times the vertical resolution of conventional field stills. By emulating the operation of a progressive-scan CCD, HG Snapshot enables moving subjects to be captured for non-jittery high quality stills. The GR-DVP3 is provided with a variety of multimedia interfacing capabilities that will make it easy for users to transfer their DV recordings to a computer for editing, processing or printing. A DV input/output (i.Link, IEEE 1394 compliant) terminal enables fast, lossless DV signal transfer to a computer or for dubbing to another DV unit. For even more convenience, the GR-DVP3 incorporates a USB terminal for quick, plug-and-play high-speed data transfer (digital stills/sound effects/MPEG4 clips) to any USB-equipped computer. For additional flexibility, it's also provided with a removable SD Memory Card (8MB) that makes it easy to download digital stills, video clips and sound effects from the camera to a compatible PC, or vice versa. Compatible with conventional MultiMediaCard, this card slot is ready for forthcoming mass storage media. The GR-DVP3 comes provided with a USB Driver and three powerful software applications to help you manage all your post-production requirements. Presto! PhotoAlbum simplifies the creation of digital photo albums. Presto! Mr.Photo simplifies storing and cataloguing, while Presto! ImageFolio provides advanced photo editing tools like multi-layer and masking. Both PhotoAlbum and Mr.Photo enable conversion to Web-ready HTML files. JVC's Info-Shoe plugs you into a wide range of performance-enhancing accessories that make it easy for you to expand your creative vision. Connectable by this exclusive hot-shoe which supplies power to the attached accessory and acts as conduit for control signals, available accessories (optional) include Auto Light, Video Flash, and Stereo Zoom Microphone. For clearer, brighter night shots, the GR-DVP3 includes JVC's powerful NightAlive function. NightAlive's enhanced low-light sensitivity lets you capture clear, full-color night images without relying on infrared rays as do similar systems. As a result, the image you shoot is always in color and there's no limit on shooting range. To make it easier to get great shots, the GR-DVP3 is provided with a 2" high-resolution color LCD monitor that can be freely tilted for accurate shooting. An easy-to-use on-screen menu is available for quick, easy selection of camera settings and special effects. With power-linked operation, the camera automatically powers up as soon as you pull out the viewfinder or open the LCD monitor, so you're ready to shoot right away. And when you close the monitor or retract the viewfinder, the power automatically shuts to save battery power. A 10x optical zoom provides superb, high-quality close-in shots. If you're shooting from a great distance, you can take advantage of the powerful 200x Digital Zoom. To improve image resolution at high zoom ratios, the Digital Zoom uses spline interpolation to smooth contours and minimize jagged edges, assuring crisp, clear images of subjects that may not even be visible to the naked eye. Further quality is assured by JVC's proven Digital Image Stabilizer which recognizes the user's unique camera shake characteristics to eliminate shaky pictures more effectively. Superior sound quality is assured by a built-in 16-bit PCM digital stereo audio system that offers a choice of either 2-channel (16-bit linear, 48kHz sampling) or 4-channel (12-bit non-linear, 32kHz sampling) recording, enabling two different stereo soundtracks to be recorded for the same footage. Also included is a wide range of digital effects and transitions that make it easy to give your videos a professional-looking finish. These include a variety of fades, wipes, and dissolves that can be used to provide smooth transitions between scenes as the user is recording. Among the many effects and transitions available are black & white effect, classic film effect, strobe effect, corner wipe, and shutter wipe. Easy-to-use, versatile playback and editing capabilities are available via the provided multi-brand remote control which can be used with the Random Assemble Editing feature for simple video editing with multiple VCR brands. With this feature, you can splice up to eight scenes at a time -- adding your choice of digital effects and transitions -- for direct transfer from the camera to video deck. This remote also lets you zoom up a selected portion of a frame during playback with the 10X digital pinpoint zoom. For more information, visit:
Canon Introduces PowerShot A10 and A20 Digital Cameras Canon U.S.A., Inc. is introducing its PowerShot A10 and A20 digital cameras, with compact size and light weight (4.3 x 2.8 x 1.5 inches, 8.8 ounces) Both cameras are capable of creating credit card-sized prints as well as stickers using Canon's new CP-10 printer. Nearly identical in appearance, the PowerShot A20 has a 2.1 megapixel CCD while the PowerShot A10 features a 1.3 megapixel CCD. Both cameras incorporate a newly developed 3x optical zoom lens and offer features and image quality normally found in more expensive models, such as a primary color filter and adaptive signal processing for maximum image quality, high-precision auto white balance, exposure sensitivity automatically set according to brightness, three point AiAF autofocusing system for precise and simple focusing, shutter speeds from 1 second to 1/1500 second and a built-in flash with slow-sync functions for creative photography in low light. The PowerShot A10 will also be available in a Photo Print Kit which will include the new CP-10 printer. A new digital signal processing IC in the PowerShot A10 and A20 cameras enables high-speed image processing and rapid data transfer through the cameras' USB interface. The PowerShot A10 and A20 take advantage of this feature by offering a Direct Print mode that enables users to print hard-copy images using Canon's new CP-10 printer. The CP-10 makes printing from digital files simple and fun by allowing users to control all print settings directly from the camera's LCD monitor. Printer data is then transferred to the CP-10 directly through a dedicated interface cable. The new, ultra-compact printer produces beautiful, 300 x 300 dpi credit card-sized color prints in as little as 56 seconds. The CP-10 can also be used to print eight miniature copies of the same image on one sticker sheet, adding a new dimension of fun for everyone. Each sticker measures approximately 0.9 x 0.7-inches. The PowerShot A10 and A20 cameras are equipped with a newly-developed 5.4-16.2mm f/2.7-4.8 (equivalent to 35-105mm in 35mm format) 3x zoom lens which is ideal for a wide range of picture-taking situations from landscapes to portraits. The all-glass lens is designed using 9 elements in 7 groups, including one highly-refractive, glass-molded aspherical element. The aspherical element effectively suppresses distortion and provides high resolution. To help reduce the overall size of other PowerShot-series cameras, Canon elected to use lithium-ion batteries. However, the PowerShot A10 and A20 are powered by four AA-size batteries. This decision was based on the type of consumers interested in these new cameras and also because AA batteries are relatively inexpensive and much more readily available when compared to other batteries, making their replacement more economical and convenient. The PowerShot A10 and A20 both feature three-point AiAF autofocus system for fast and accurate focusing, exposure compensation up to +/- 2 stops in 1/3-stop increments, and Auto White Balance with manual overrides for various types of light such as daylight, cloudy, tungsten and fluorescent. The new cameras also include shutter speed capabilities from 1 second to 1/1500 second; an improved primary color filter array with adaptive signal processing for outstanding color reproduction; automatic ISO adjustment based on the brightness of the scene; a selection of 9 image quality (resolution/compression) modes; a real-image optical zoom viewfinder; single and continuous shooting up to 1.7 frames per second; Macro and infinity modes for close-ups and landscapes; Auto Play mode for slide shows; DPOF (Digital Print Order Format) support; Stitch Assist for panoramic images and a built-in flash unit with red-eye reduction and slow-sync modes for greater flash flexibility. The PowerShot A20 is also equipped with switchable NTSC/PAL video output. Bundled with a comprehensive suite of programs enabling image management, editing, compositing and printing, the PowerShot A10 and A20 come with Apple QuickTime 4.1, Canon RemoteCapture 1.3, and PhotoStitch 3.1 for both Macintosh and Windows, as well as Canon ZoomBrowser EX 2.6, PhotoRecord 1.2 and WIA and TWAIN drivers for Windows, plus ImageBrowser 1.6 and a Photoshop-compatible plug-in for the Mac. Features integrated in both ZoomBrowser EX 2.6 and ImageBrowser 1.6 include TimeTunnel and SlideShowMaker. When using ZoomBrowser EX 2.6 or ImageBrowser 1.6, users can take advantage of new and improved features for auto layout printing, self-running full-screen slide shows, and automated preparation of images for use as e-mail attachments. Thw PowerShot A10 and A20 cameras include a Wide Conversion Lens (WC-DC52) that, when attached, creates a wide angle effect equivalent to 24.5mm (35mm format). The conversion Lens Adapter (LA-DC52) is required for use with the wide angle adapter. In addition, the camera's will also accept Canon's 250D close-up lens along with any 52mm filter for special effects. A new underwater housing will allow the camera's to go as deep as 100 feet and is ideal for the beach and in any weather condition. A compact power adapter and rechargeable Ni-MH batteries and charger will also be available. The Canon PowerShot A10 and A20, as well as the PowerShot A10 Photo Print Kit will be available at authorized Canon dealers in the second quarter, 2001 and have the following suggested retail prices: PowerShot A10 $499
For more information, visit:
Canoscan FS4000US High-speed Film Scanner for 35mm and Advanced Photo System Films Canon U.S.A., Inc., has announced a new high-speed film scanner designed for use with 35mm and Advanced Photo System films. The CanoScan FS4000US is a high-performance, desktop film scanner that offers 4000-dpi optical resolution at 42-bits, the highest specifications in its class. The new scanner accepts 35mm and Advanced Photo System films, including slide film, and helps consumers bridge the gap between analog and digital imaging by providing a means of downloading conventional photographs into a computer for creating prints, Photo CD's, email and personal web sites. The scanner offers a number of new and improved features including 4000 dpi optical resolution for outstanding clarity plus 14-bit A/D conversion for exceptional gradation and accurate color reproduction; two built-in interfaces - USB for easy connection to personal computers and SCSI-2 for high-speed data transfer; FARE, a Canon-developed dust and scratch "detect and correct" function; Automatic film type detection; Autofocus; and a full range of scanning functions using FilmGet FS for Windows and Mac. Content creators for print, Web and multimedia will be pleased with the FS4000US's top scanning speed of 48 seconds (using SCSI 2), which is faster than other manufacturers' models, even at higher price-points. The CanoScan FS4000US provides 42-bit scanning capability which supports recognition of literally trillions of different colors. The result is extremely accurate color rendition compared to the original film, which retains subtle details in the highlight and shadow areas of the scanned image. In addition, the new scanner features optical resolution up to 4,000 dpi as well as an improved color tone algorithm for more accurate color reproductions from original art. The CanoScan FS4000US's rated dynamic range is 3.4. The FS4000US performs primary scanning using a 3-line CCD color image sensor. This sensor is a 1-chip photoelectric conversion element with an array of three lines of receptor elements, each with a built-in filter for R (red), G (green) or B (blue), along with scanning function circuits. Primary scans are at 4,000-dpi resolution, and use 4,000 of the CCD's 5,400 pixels in the vertical scanning direction. Light passing through the film is formed into an image on the CCD, converted into voltages, and output to the signal-processing circuits as signals in each of the RGB colors. Each of the RGB colors is controlled independently by the CCD, which has a built-in electronic shutter for correct exposure so that it can acquire optimal exposure data for both negative and slide film. The FS4000US scanner uses new hardware and software independently developed by Canon to detect dust and scratches on the film and correct those defects in the resulting image file. FARE (Film Automatic Retouching and Enhancement) detects flaws by comparing an image scanned by infrared light with one scanned by visible light. While the scan made with visible light includes dust and flaws on the film's surface as part of the color data, the infrared scan shows image defects only. By superimposing both scans, the scanner can determine the exact position and size of the flaws, and correct them. FARE can be manually turned on and off by the user. The scanner advances film automatically using both a film holder advance and film advance housing movement. The 35mm filmstrip holder or slide mount holder is advanced by meshing the flat gear on the bottom of either film holder with the feed gears located on the scanner. The film advance movement, in contrast, moves the film holder (35mm filmstrip holder, slide mount holder, or APS film cartridge holder) that is set in the film advance housing, providing a secondary scan in the main scan sequence. The film advance housing is capable of minute movements using a high-precision feed screw rotated by a stepping motor. This makes possible high-precision 4,000-dpi secondary scanning that was impossible with previous gear-driven film advance mechanisms. The new scanner also includes a built-in autofocus mechanism that adjusts the focus if the film surface is not at the designed distance to the scanner. This step is performed before pre-scanning, assuring the sharpest scans possible. Manual override of the autofocus is also provided. The CanoScan FS4000US is fully compatible with PCs that support Microsoft Windows 98, Windows 2000, and Windows Me (Millennium Edition). The scanner is also compatible with iMac, iBook, PowerBook, Blue/White G3, all G4's and Mac OS 8.6-9.1 (when using the USB connection). When using the high-speed SCSI 2 interface, the scanner is compatible with Power Macintosh and Mac OS 8.1 or higher. A comprehensive software bundle including Adobe's powerful Photoshop LE image editor and Canon's FilmGet FS driver software is included with the scanner. Windows and Mac users can create quality images for immediate use with FilmGet FS. When used with popular TWAIN-compliant image editors like Adobe Photoshop and Photoshop LE, FilmGet FS allows Windows users to access the scanner directly from the application and perform basic image-editing functions such as setting resolution and bit-depths for input and output, color balance, tonal curves, levels and contrast. An Adobe Photoshop-compatible plug-in module provides similar functions for Macintosh users. Installation of either driver can be accomplished by using the setup CD-ROM provided with the scanner. Adobe Photoshop LE offers a wide range of image editing functions which allow users to alter the size, color, brightness, contrast and cropping of digital images. Users may also select, rearrange and superimpose elements from scanned images, and add special filter effects. The finished image can then be imported into web pages or desktop publishing documents. Photoshop LE runs on both Windows and Macintosh platforms. The Canon FS4000US film scanner measures 3.7 (W) x 5.75 (H) x 14.7 (D)-inches and weighs 5.3 lbs. It will be available at authorized Canon dealers in the second quarter, 2001, and have a suggested retail price of $1,099.(a) For more information, visit:
FileFlow's JPEG Support Expands Digital Photography and Photo Finishing Markets FileFlow, Inc. has announced the release of JPEG support for digital photography and photo finishing applications within their FastSend service. FastSend, the Internet courier, now delivers JPEG images at incredible speeds without relying on broadband access. FileFlow is demonstrating FastSend with JPEG functionality at the 2001 Photo Marketing Association Convention in Orlando. "The addition of JPEG support in FastSend further solidifies our lead as the de-facto standard for secure digital image transmission," said Nils-Johan Pedersen, president and CEO of FileFlow. "While our XSC(TM) compression algorithm is considered to be a superior solution for compressing large images, we recognize that consumers prefer to securely transmit files saved as native JPEG, as opposed to uncompressed data formats such as TIFF. By extending the XSC algorithm to support JPEG directly, we now enable digital camera and other users to securely transfer their images across the Web at speeds up to 2-10X faster than before." FastSend's visually lossless XSC compression allows users to save their files with minimum JPEG compression settings resulting in higher-quality images. Even though the original JPEG files are larger due to the higher quality settings, FastSend enables the transfer of these larger images up to 2-10 times faster than JPEG images sent through normal means. The end result is a file that contains enough data for enlargement and re-purposing without the usual JPEG artifacts. According to Ken Freedman, FileFlow's Executive Vice-President, this capability opens up new markets for FastSend. "We are now capable of addressing the needs of consumer imaging by supporting the JPEG file format," he said. "Also, since FastSend is platform independent technology that supports both the Windows and Macintosh OS, it is capable of expanding client offerings for many photo finishers, who, until now, were PC-only." FastSend enables the secure transmission of documents at substantially higher speeds than traditional FTP or email, by dramatically reducing file size to speed transmission. FastSend's transmission technology can be used with files of any size or format across a standard Internet connection and meets the highest demands for secure transmission over the Internet, using military-grade encryption (2,048 bits) rather than DES (56 bits) the far weaker encryption standard currently used by the online community. FastSend takes full advantage of XSC -- a proprietary image compression technology resulting from more than 10 years of academic research -- to develop the ultimate still-image compression format. The XSC format produces significantly smaller (2-10X) file sizes than the equivalent JPEG file -- requiring significantly less disk space, dramatically reducing download time, bandwidth cost and server loads. The XSC format supports a variety of color models such as gray, RGB, CMYK, LAB and multi-channel PSD. FastSend can send big files anywhere, using an ordinary Internet connection and without compromising the visual image quality of a file, as well as providing a confirmation that the delivery has been received. In contrast to an e-mail server, which has strict size and security limitations, the FastSend service easily and quickly guarantees secure and efficient delivery of the customers' most important documents to the correct recipient -- independent of the document size. In addition to time saved, there are also financial savings compared to alternative services, such as courier or uncompressed file transmission methods based on dedicated telecom lines. FileFlow has developed and is now offering a fast and secure delivery and storage solution for format-independent digital image workflows. FileFlow's solutions enable secure "anywhere access" of multimedia content for PCs, consumer electronics, and convergence devices. FileFlow's FastSend and FastStore products incorporate the world's leading proprietary image compression technology, military-grade encryption technology and intuitive user interfaces. Silicon Film Technologies Teams With Altamira to Bundle Genuine Fractals 2.0 LE With EFS-1 Product Line Silicon Film Technologies, Inc. announced today an agreement with Altamira Group of Burbank, CA to bundle Altamira's Genuine Fractals 2.0 LE software with Silicon Film's innovative Electronic Film System (EFS) product line, the initial version of which is being pre-qualified for launch. Genuine Fractals 2.0 LE is an Adobe Photoshop plug-in that brings resolution on demand to PhotoShop users. The software saves time by allowing the user to work in small-to-medium sized original files while being able to create much higher resolution output. Users can increase the size of an image well beyond capture resolution without degrading the image quality. Designed for both Windows and Macintosh operating systems, Genuine Fractals 2.0 LE will allow EFS-1 users to capture images with EFS-1's 1.3 megapixel resolution and create output in much larger print formats to meet the user's specific need. "Genuine Fractals' capabilities significantly enhance the EFS-1 user experience by expanding the EFS performance range through software," said Douglas Howe, Chief Marketing Officer, Silicon Film Technologies. "To be able to render an image to much larger size or resolution without sacrificing image quality is a terrific addition to our value proposition." "Altamira is delighted to include Genuine Fractals with the revolutionary new EFS-1," added Bob Goldstein, President of Altamira. "This break-through digital capture concept will provide a bridge to both professional and amateur photographers eager to add digital capability to their existing SLR equipment. Our software will give them the option of creating high-quality enlargements of their new digital images." Silicon Film's first generation EFS system, EFS-1, is designed to provide a convenient and affordable way for owners of traditional 35mm SLR film cameras to participate in the explosive growth of digital photography. EFS-1 consists of the (e)film( Cartridge, a self-contained digital imaging module that fits in a standard film compartment; the (e)port Carrier, which uploads the images to a computer, and the (e)box Storage module, which stores hundreds of images for future upload to a PC or Mac. Together, these components are designed to allow users to enjoy all the features and functions of their SLR camera system while capturing digital pictures. EFS-1 along with Altamira's Genuine Fractals will be demonstrated at the Photo Marketing Association Trade Show in Orlando, Florida starting Sunday, February 11 in Silicon Film's PMA booth #3411. For more information, visit:
|
. |
Cool Mac Gear• iPod 1G-2G • iPod 3G • iPod 4G • iPod Mini • PowerBook-iBook • Keyboard Skins • Garageband
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
