You Say Tomato (CES), I Say Tomahto (PMA)

You Say Tomato (CES), I Say Tomahto (PMA)

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In wrapping up the one-two punch that was CES and PMA 2008, one might simply say, “The weather in Vegas was a bit chilly this year.” We’ll call that a fair assessment if only because the two shows were spaced so close together this year many of you may still be recovering from the Goundhog Day effect of two quick trips to LV to see mountains of imaging product.

But of course we’re taking a good natured jab at the unfortunate spacing of these two great events, as both shows truly shed some new light on the interesting direction this industry is headed in.

CES told a story of “convergence” and of how manufacturers are bringing a wide variety of solutions to market that are allowing consumers greater access to and more creative freedom with their digital content. The “Connected Home” is coming and imaging will play a large role in that connection.

PMA told a story of how imaging retail has a bevy of new solutions for consumers beyond the 4×6-inch print and the entry-point with regard to ease of operation and price have never been more attractive.

Based solely on the calendar, we’ll start with a look at some of the headline news from CES and then morph into what was hot from the show floor at PMA (if the sounds of the slots are still ringing in your ears, revisit this issue in a few days).

Convergence is Here

As we’ve already explained a bit, “convergence” was the big buzz word this year at CES and many manufacturers showcased a wide variety of solutions that are allowing consumers that aforementioned freedom with their digital content. Within the imaging world that content centers around memories, both still and video, and the annual CE gathering in Vegas displayed all manner of devices and services that allowed the user either easier access to these files or new and creative ways to display said memories.

We saw a tiny 3M projection device that enabled a variety of handheld devices (including digicams) to project images/video as large as 40-inches. Texas Instruments displayed an even smaller form factor in a similar device with resolution capabilities that appeared even more stunning than what the 3M device produced. Working with projection companies Sypro and Young Optics, TI demo’d prototypes of their Pico-projection products powered by DLP technology. DLP Pico-projectors, either as standalone products or as integrated modules in contemporary mobile devices, will provide consumers and business professionals with the flexibility to share video, stills and other graphic content in a bigger, more convenient way.

Displayed at their CES booth, TI showed the technology off in a camera phone prototype designed with a small button that projected stills/video wherever the device was pointed in whatever size the user chose, up to 40-inches before the image resolution began to take a hit. The company explained that they have signed on several vendors to date to integrate Pico with expected release dates in late Q2 2008.

“Game Changing” Digicam?

It’ll hit the market this Spring at a hefty $999, but Casio is offering consumers a new camera which company spokesman Bill Heuer boldly says “could change the world of photography.” It’s called the F1 and what it does, which at this point in the industry is truly unique, is shoot 60 frames per second, all at 6-megapixel resolution. (Most digital cameras these days can capture up to 10 frames in burst mode.)

“Now, you have the opportunity to get the precise moment that the bat hits the ball,” says Heuer, who unveiled the F1 at a CES press conference. “You can get the tennis ball compressed against the racket.” Heuer says the F1’s target market will likely be professionals and serious amateurs, but also parents with the desire to document decisive moments in their children’s lives/games. Scientists may also find the F1 desirable, says Heuer, to help study an object in motion frame-by-high-res-frame.

The Casio EX-F1 is not a small camera, due to a 12x optical zoom lens, and Heuer acknowledges that it borders on the HD camcorder category, shooting 1200 frames per second in “high speed movie” mode. An interesting digicam to keep an eye on.

Intel/Seagate Release Storage Solutions

We are beginning to see more and more of these home network storage and content retrieval solutions begin to surface as both HP (MediaSmart Server) and Microsoft (Windows Home Server) made news in 2007 with entries into this market.

Intel has entered this space as well with the introduction of their Entry Storage System, the SS4200-E, what Intel terms as, “ a complete hardware and software Network Attached Storage (NAS) solution that instantly adds storage capacity to small business, small office/home office (SOHO), and home networks.” The unit is powered by software from EMC, an information management specialist, and Intel explains that the SS4200-E offers an intuitive user interface and an easy four-step setup process. Out-of-the-box RAID and Retrospect backup software together provide security to protect digital data like business files, photos, videos, and music libraries. With four USB 2.0 ports and four SATA ports (3 Gb/s), the SS4200-E can be connected to most digital devices as well as business and home networks, for shared, centralized data access.

Seagate’s latest home storage solutions include the Maxtor BlackArmor encrypting storage solution, a 160GB portable storage device that provides AES government-grade encryption protection against unauthorized access to digital files. The BlackArmor drive uses Seagate Secure technology, a hardware-based encryption that makes the encryption transparent to the user and, according to the company, is easy to install and use. The device interfaces with the computer over a USB 2.0 connection. It’s scheduled for release in the second quarter with an MSRP of about $149.99. Other announcements include the Maxtor Central Axis software solution, a free download, which provides a secure and convenient way to access and share content on a Maxtor Shared Storage II networked drive via a Web connection.

Seagate also rolled out its FreeAgent family of storage products, designed to offer increased capacities and cross-platform compatibility, with support for the MAC OS X, Windows XP and Windows Vista operating systems. In the first quarter of 2008, FreeAgent Pro hard drives will be available with up to 1TB storage.

“Do it All” Digi Frames

The digital frame market continued its remarkable evolution at CES as a multitude of new models debuted, offering everything from wireless uploads to the ability to print 4×6-inch photos.

The latter model comes to us from Smartparts who debuted a 7-inch frame, available by March they told us, that houses a small 4×6-inch dye-sub printer on the back. Cartridges that contain the photo paper and ink to make the prints at the touch of a button will cost about $20 and make 36 prints. The frame will carry a cost of around $270. The prints we eyed at the show looked solid. The idea here is obvious, as the images fly by and someone in the family says, “Oh, that’s a great picture of Mom and Dad,” the owner simply hits a button on top of the frame and that particular print comes out less than a minute later.

ToCad entered this market last year and the company has grown this SunPak-branded line to now include 5.6”, 7”, 8”, 10.4”, 12.1” and 15” models that are available in both wood and acrylic outer frames. The displays are all of the TFT-LCD variety and can display photos or videos with SD, MMC and MS types of memory cards and/or USB Flash Drives. Add built-in stereo speakers on some of the models for sound when viewing movies or listening to mp3 files.

Optical storage makers LiteOn, under the CenOmax brand name, have entered the digital frame market as well with a nifty 7” model that doubles as an mp3 player – the F7024B.

CenOmax offers this stylish 7” widescreen digital frame with four frame inserts for some home décor flexibility. The F7024B can play back photos, video and audio in several formats including SD/MMC/MS/xD/CF for photos, supports major video formats and MP3 audio through its built-in speakers, and allows users to add music to their slideshows.
It incorporates an Auto Rotate feature that automatically rotates images for proper viewing, whether the frame is positioned vertically or horizontally. Expect an under $100 MSRP on this one.

Digital Spectrum Solutions introduced the Nu-Touch 700 frame that features a variety of new features including a T-Lite touch-sensor array that illuminates while in use, then disappears while a slide show is playing. The Nu-Touch has a 7” TFT screen and includes 128MB of internal memory that can store approximately 800 images. Add a built-in speaker and audio player so music can be added to slideshows as well. This model comes on the heels of the company’s Wi-Fi models, the MF-8115 and MF-8000, introduced last year.

Audiovox jumped in to this market as well with a combo message board/digital photo frame aptly named the Homebase Digital Message Board. Homebase is a digital picture frame with audio and video messaging capabilities, a built-in video and still camera, a digital calendar, and the unit allows for writing directly on the screen with a marker. The device can be mounted on a refrigerator door or sit on a countertop. They include 512 megabytes of built-in memory for storing photos, audio and video, and it accepts media cards to expand storage. Homebase will be available in two versions, one without the video camera for $149 and with the camera for $199. They’re expected to be out in time for Mother’s Day.

Digital Foci also introduced a new 15” model to their Image Moments line. With 256MB of internal memory and a 1024×768 display, Foci had added the most robust frame their line features. Add built-in file management features along with slots for all the most widely used media formats. Foci has really fleshed out their offerings in this category of late going from keychain models selling for under $100 to the new 15” model with a $399 price tag.

MediaStreet launched several new models as well, including – a 15” Thomas F. McKnight Edition that comes pre-loaded with images from the painter; a digital photo frame watch that displays the time, personal photos and a calendar all on a 1.5” display; and the 3.5” Personal Photo Edition, a touchscreen viewer with a leather cover that opens to activate the frame as well as serve as a stand. Media Street has also added a nifty handheld photo viewer to their digital frame product line dubbed the eMotion Pocket Digital Photo Viewer – featuring a 1.5” LCD screen along with a calendar, clock and 8MBs of internal memory.

Playing quite nicely to the currently hot “digital lifestyle” product trend we are seeing lately is Fidelity Electronics’ Shogo-branded Wi-Fi digital picture frames. The three latest models are designed to receive, view and share digital pictures with friends and family around the world – without a PC. Additional features include touchscreen operation, auto rotate, rechargeable batteries, RF remote, Ethernet and up to 2GB internal memory. The new frames are capable of viewing images from the Net along with weather forecasts and streaming Internet radio through Fidelity’s new MyShogo.com site.

Sony and HP debuted new models at PMA as well – for HP a new venture altogether as they have jumped in with two models – a 7- and 8-inch – that both play mp3s and video. PNY is testing these waters as well with 8” and 10.2” models with either classic mahogany or brushed metal outer frames. The frames accept most formats including SD, xD, MS, MMC, CF and USB flash drives. This provides but a peek at a market that is now nearing 80 different players, and we’ll be taking a much closer look at this category in an upcoming issue of Picture Business.

PMA – Photos Made Accessible

As we said, less about “convergence” and more about increased bang at retail, PMA’s story was just as compelling as the capture-output-storage chain grew even stronger. Shaving a day off the show (Super Sunday) didn’t deter the energy level – although attendance did seem a bit light on the last day.

DSLR Train Rolling

It may be the easiest $700 sale retailers make this year: Simply stated, American consumers are hot for D-SLR cameras and manufacturers exhibiting at PMA introduced several lower-cost, higher-performing consumer models to meet this growing demand.

Canon upgraded its top-selling entry-level D-SLR, the Rebel XTi, with the new 12.2 megapixel XSi, due out in April at $799 (we’ll review this one along with a few others in the months ahead). A 3-inch, LiveView LCD and 9-point AF are just a few of the things to be excited about here. Nikon returned serve with the D60, an entry-level D-SLR with onboard editing and a “Stop Motion Movie” feature, launching this month for $750. Add an auto Eye-Fi recognition feature that automatically adjusts the settings when an Eye-Fi card is inserted for instant, wireless image upload as per the Eye-Fi offering

Pentax is in as well with the K200D, a 10.2 MP CCD along with a 2.7-inch wide view LCD, a weather and dust-resistant body that allows for some flexibility in harsher conditions – a feature that should be most appealing to the intended audience. Samsung’s play at keeping pace in this wild ride of a DSLR market comes in the form of the slightly higher priced GX-20, a much more serious-mined effort than the fun, affordable and easy-to-use GX-1L and a more robust effort than the more recent GX-10. The GX-20 boasts a CMOS Sensor, improved Shake Reduction, and a Live View LCD among its many new features.

Sony also lifted the curtain on their latest DSLRs, the fist being the A200 (10.2MP) – a model released at CES that features a more compact body, a wider LCD screen (2.7-inch, features new Clear Photo technology) and Sony’s Dynamic Range Optimizer, a feature that allows for greater shooting flexibility in a wide variety of lighting conditions. The second model is the Alpha 300 (10.2MP), the first Sony DSLR with a LiveView LCD – $799. The Alpha 350 (14.2MP) also features LiveView – MSRP at $899.

The impressive Olympus E3 and Panasonic’s L-10 with its face detection capabilities were on hand as well and we can only assume that both companies have some interesting plans in this category as we move through the early part of 2008.

While not technically a DSLR, the Fuji FinePix S8100fd falls into the “long-zoom” bridge category and features 10MP and an incredible 18X wide-angle, optical zoom (27mm-486mm equivalent).

The DSLR market is producing product with very short shelf life as shipments and sales of D-SLR’s outpaced most analyst predictions in 2007. According to a new CIPA (Camera & Imaging Products Associations) report, 7.5 million D-SLR’s shipped in 2007 and over 9 million are expected to go out in ‘08, an increase of 22.3%.

HD Everywhere

A new trend worth keeping an eye on is the increasing number of cameras and camcorders that offer new HD capabilities as Samsung, Sony, Panasonic and GE were among the many manufacturers offering up product in this area. Samsung actually introduced 10 new digital cameras including the NV24HD (10MP), a model that is capable of recording high-definition movies at 720p resolution/30fps. The camera can connect to an optional HDMI cradle for displaying captured images and video on HDTVs. GE’s E1050 added GPS capability along with its HD video recording feature.

News Flash on Flash Drives/Memory

Another category that has enjoyed an incredible evolution in the last few years is the portable flash drive market as capacities, form factors and functionality continue to head in some amazing directions.

Kingston is one such manufacturer who has come to market with drives in this category that have helped take it to new heights with each passing product cycle. At both PMA and CES, Kingston showed the DataTraveler (DT) 400 that comes preloaded with MigoSync data synchronization software that allows users to work between multiple PCs by directly synchronizing files, email, and Internet Browser settings onto the drive. The DT 400 is available in 2, 4, and 8GB capacities. The DataTraveler (DT) 110 allows users to transfer and share information, photos, music and other files with the 1GB mode down to $12, 2GB priced at $21 and 4GBs at $35. Perhaps coolest of all is the fact the personalization craze has hit this market as well with the DataTraveler Style that allows users to customize the exterior of their drive with one of several pre-packaged “inserts”. Users can also go to http://www.kingston.com/style to create inserts form their own original art such as graphics and photos. In addition, text can be created to easily identify information on the Flash drive such as “My Music” or “My Photos”, etc.

SanDisk also made big news at both shows with the announcement of their new media cards for HD video – SanDisk VideoHD cards were unveiled in SD format that allow for the capture of true HD video, with an 8GB card holding approximately 120 minutes worth. It was very clearly a show where many of the media vendors began bracing themselves for the continued revolution we are seeing in the consumer video space.

PNY also checked in on the huge memory increase we have seen and will apparently continue to see as they displayed their new 8GB SDHC cards (yes, excellent for HD video), along with their 32GB flash drive and offered up a bit about their planned partnership with National Geographic aimed at promoting the company’s high-speed SDHC, SD and CF cards for the professional photo market.

Just as we had speculated several weeks ago, Eye-Fi is beginning to announce partnerships surrounding their new wireless media card technology. At CES they (www.eye.fi) announced an agreement with Lexar Media to introduce a wireless memory card based on Eye-Fi’s patent-pending technology. As a result of the agreement, Lexar Media will introduce a new memory card with Eye-Fi’s technology that allows users to send photos directly from their digital camera to their computer or their favorite online photo sharing site.

“Our agreement with Lexar Media is our first step toward offering camera, storage, and digital home device makers a unique way to incorporate the power of wireless connectivity and Web services into their products,” said Jef Holove, CEO of Eye-Fi.

Panasonic’s new SD HD memory card checks in at 32GB and can store up to 8 hours of HDTV video and 5.5 hours of full HDTV. The user can insert the SD card from a camera or camcorder directly into their Panasonic plasma TV to immediately view photos and video – there’s that “convergence” theme again.

Whew! There was so much more to talk about but space constraints limit our scope here. Please check out our online newsletter, Digital Clique, as well as future issues of Picture Business for more on what made news and will continue to make news from both CES& PMA as the weeks roll by.

Consumers Gain More CE Control

Consumers want control over all their digital content. And, if the prevailing theme during an Industry Trends session at CES is any indicator, this is the year they’re going to gain control and more of it.

“Consumers are frankly expecting and demanding more, just look at the rapid growth of megapixels in digital cameras,” said CEA analyst Steve Koenig, who presented the macrotrends along with CEA economist Shawn DuBravac. “That’s consumer demand. They want greater storage capacity for their digital content too.”

New services are redefining the consumer experience and satisfying that need for more control and instant satisfaction, said DuBravac, referring to the proliferation of new companies that are allowing people the freedom to post videos, blogs, podcasts, and photos on personal Web sites or Web 2.0-style platforms, such as Facebook, Flickr, YouTube and Twitter, all from mobile devices and all for free.

The analysts said broadband is now in at least 51% of American homes, so people are getting used to catching quick news videos on their laptops or moving movies, home videos or photos from one device to another over home networks.

“People are expecting to connect all their products to the Internet in the future, even white goods,” Koenig said.

With smartphone demand on a growth rate expected to hit 30 percent this year, Koenig predicted people will soon get comfortable accessing entertainment or user-generated content on the road, untethering themselves from the PC and home theater. Mobile devices of all sorts are not just for music anymore, the analysts said.

In terms of the retail trends, they said the success of experienced-based models like the Apple and Sony Style stores suggests consumers want hands-on demonstrations of new products from salespeople who are living the digital lifestyle. “The demo is very important … underscore that!” Koenig said.

American consumers will also become comfortable with products that “do it all” anytime and anyplace, the analysts said, adding that this is one of the most interesting, fast-moving and consumer-friendly seasons in the history of the CE industry. “Service, content and devices are all coming together to achieve exactly what the consumer wants to do,” Koenig said.

Sony’s Serious CMOS Sensor

The competition for the entry level DSLR user is becoming increasingly fierce. As one pundit stated, the “DSLR is fast becoming a fancy (read interchangeable lens) point and shoot digital camera.” There’s no denying that the DSLR will carry the market for the near future; although point and shoot digital cameras did not drop in sales as much as predicted at least year’s convention, DSLRs are the one category showing growth well in the 2010 period, or so “they” say. All the major makers showed or revealed in closed meeting plans for an entry-level model, each becoming smaller and smarter than the competition. The battle for the mid-range, plus $1000 DSLR is heating up as well, with Sony, Samsung and Pentax revealing numerous models that are intended to challenge the current top dogs, Canon and Nikon.

But one Sony announcement, though anticipated, did shake things up a bit in this arena—the revelation that they are planning to bring out a 24 megapixel DSLR with so-called 35mm “full frame” sensor, perhaps later in the year (Photokina, anyone?) This is a direct challenge to Canon and Nikon, one where the electronics giant is clearly stating they are fully committed to the DSLR class of camera. It must be admitted that if you buy into the whole “convergence” idea, where electronics of all sorts—TV, computer, Internet, etc.—all act as feeds for the image “anywhere, anytime” mantra, then companies like Sony, Samsung and Panasonic, may act upon the wisdom of being involved on all fronts. These folks see images as data, as content that feeds into, and enhances the usefulness, of all types of electronic hardware. Those three, it seems, have the infrastructure to make it happen, and could become even bigger players in the digital imaging game as the years roll along.

Sigma/Foveon: Quietly in Game Too

Sigma, as they always seem to, quietly announced its delayed DP1 camera at PMA, a high-end compact model with a large Foveon X3 image sensor – the same one found in the Sigma SD14 DSLR.

The camera uses a 16.6mm f/4 fixed-focal-length lens, equivalent to 28mm in 35mm film camera terms. It produces raw image files for those who want the higher quality possible from using the unprocessed sensor data. The 14-megapixel camera likely will ship this spring for a retail price of $999. This duo has produced some amazing product in the last few years and the Foveon X3 sensor incorporates design and process enhancements which, the company has explained, improve performance at long exposures and high ISO speeds, and also provides a 40% increase in pixel count compared to the previous X3 DSLR sensor. Foveon’s proprietary X3 technology remains the only image sensor technology that stacks red, green and blue pixels vertically, increasing the information density of the recorded image while simultaneously eliminating the color sampling artifacts found with other image sensors, Foveon explains.

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