AV CONCEPTS issue 108

ONLINE MARKETING * 3D * ASTRONOMY * IMAGE CONTROL * FLIGHTSIM * SUPER-8 * VIRTUAL REALITY * MULTIPLE SCREEN TECHNIQUES, and more...

Welcome to issue number 108, for Tuesday 28th April 2009

Hi [[Column#2] What are editorials for? Often they just repeat what you find you're about to read anyway. So this week, I'm asking you what you consider comprises a good editorial. Let me know, and the one I choose as the best will receive a small gift. Now read on..... TONY SHAPPS Editor mailto:tony@shapps.myzen.co.uk

REPORTING USA Says John Fleming: "You've Got To Have Vision" Writes John: "To many people the continual development in available film stocks for Super-8 users remains a small miracle. Why, they ask themselves, when video and similar digital medium is so easy to use (not to mention the cost advantage, after you have purchased the necessary equipment, of course) do people like Pro8mm of Burbank, CA continue to introduce new emulsions and better way of using it? The answer is simple, it's all a question of colour quality and the 'look' and 'feel' of chemical film". "For example, take their latest introduction of a 250 ASA daylight balanced negative film. This is currently being reformatted from 35mm to Super 8mm at their Burbank facility. Yes, right in the heart of Hollywood, the site of the world's most famous movie industry". "The stock is made from 5207, Kodak's newest addition to their Vision 3 line of film. Pro8/07 is a medium-speed daylight balanced emulsion. The stock as described by Kodak has attributes such as "the highest resolution available, unrivalled highlight latitude, reduced grain in shadows, and greater flexibility and control in post. The film is $30.00 per cartridge, but this includes processing".. "They back this up with host of professional packages such as a one-roll tester which includes scanning in HD Pro Rez on their M2 scanner to DATA DVD for $108.00 or to many other formats. For additional information press this button to email them. on See you next month John Fleming THINKS! What makes resisting temptation difficult for many people is that they don't want to discourage it completely. Franklin P. Jones

Matius Shriver writes: "WORDS! WORDS! WORDS!..." "....sang Eliza Doolittle in the musical 'My Fair Lady', and if you've ever tried reading the average book on astronomy you will know exactly what she meant". "So, in an effort to clarify some of the words that you are likely to meet up with when trying to understand the world of star-gazing I thought I'd try a few explanations, beginning with: Aberration is a word you'll find in the dictionary applied to other things or events, but in the case of astronomy it merely means an optical effect which degrades an image. Achromatic literally means 'no colours' i.e., a lens in which chromatic aberration are absent. Airy disc describes the bright central part of the image of a star. Roughly, about 85% of the light emanating from any star should fall within this area. Albedo is a measurement used to describe the amount of incident light which a body reflects in all directions. For example, the albedo of the Earth is 0.36, whilst that of the Moon is 0.07 and that of Uranus is 0.93. Altazimuth is a type of telescope mounting which allows it to be moved in either a horizontal or vertical direction when tracking heavenly bodies. An altazimuth mount needs to be able to move in both axes in order to follow an astronomical object. It is usually far simpler to make than the more expensive equatorial mount (more about the latter in the next issue)" See you in the next issue Matius Shriver p.s. I notice that the Secret Cypher web site is now offering a rather nice pocket Cylinder Sundial. A great reproduction and exquisite copy of an early 16th century design. If you want to own something a little different, here's your opportunity: Take a look at their site by pressing:

NOT A LOT OF PEOPLE KNOW THAT! GaGa. We have the French language to thank for this, less than charitable, adjective sometimes applied to those who are showing signs of senile decay. 'Gaga' is not restricted to the elderly. Anyone considered to be half-witted can be described as 'gaga'. However, the French verb 'gater' means 'to impair' or ‘to spoil’ which may account for the association of its English descendant with declining faculties brought on by old age.

What's the Fascination? FlightSim. Rufus explains it all Says Rufus: "When I was a little boy I was fascinated by the idea of flight and my father used to make paper airplanes for me to play with. I then progressed to balsawood small gliders and, eventually, had my first flight in a real aircraft". "Not, at any time did I want to be a train driver, or a 'Bob the Builder', flying became my great interest as I grew up. however, my parents were not wealthy and my notions of becoming a pilot never came to fruition". "The nearest I ever got to my ambition was a flight over Havering Island in an joy ride holiday plane for 20 minutes, and somewhere I still have a roll of Standard-8 movie film to prove it. However, in recent years I discovered a reasonable substitute in the flight simulation programmes put out, by that provided of all things, Microsoft". "Whilst I am still of the opinion that using a computer is something of a 'black art', I have recently installed the very latest version of Flight Simulator-X, and never cease to wonder how the clever programmers make it work" "Like all things computer, these simulation programmes have spawned an incredible selection of add-on extras and accessories. For example, I was able to purchase what is known as a 'yoke' (no, that's correct, and it's not a 'joke) which is an almost perfect copy of the controls that you find in the majority of of single-engined light aircraft. Unbelievably, it even provides the 'feel' of flying the real thing. Then there are the headsets that, again, actually vibrate in the way that they do when in a small plane. And more recently a programme has appeared which lets you talk t the control tower...and get replies and instructions - and, just as you would in real life, you have to file a flight plan prior to take-off".. "You will probably realise from this that Flight Simulation is more than just a game. Indeed, FSX as the latest version is commonly known, provides you with a complete flight training course of lessons so that you're able to learn to fly without ever going near the real thing. There's lots more to it than I can write about here, but - believe me - it is a truly fascinating hobby. Just try it!". Regards RUFUS rufus@gaming-in-3D.com

ANAGLYPH OF THE WEEK Historic Mdina, fortress town in middle of Malta, is full of little alleyways that are ideally suited for photography. At one time no cars or vans were allowed into it precincts but in recent years, with much restoration work being carried out, all this has changed.. Still, it is worth a visit as the views from the battlements over the island give you the 'feeling' for the area once governed by the Knights Templar. Simply click on the photo and you will be able to see an enlarged full-screen version. Of course you can now click-through to see a larger, full-screen, more detailed image of the above image. As mentioned in our lat edition, we've had a very positive response to this larger image access so it now becomes a permanent feature. As usual, you can view this image with its full, outstanding, depth using Red/Cyan glasses. Yours Rufus mailto:rufus@gaming-in-3D.com or take a look at my website at: http://www.gaming-in-3D.com p.s. Red/Cyan Glasses are readily available from two popular suppliers - The Widescreen Centre and David Burder - you will find Links to both of them at bottom of this issue READER SERVICE We've purchased some packs of those fabulous Chinese Realist stereo images and we intend offering them as a 'thank you' to any reader sending in a stereo image that we can publish. So have a dig in your photo library and see what you can come up with. They can either already be in the anaglyph format or a stereo pair. Send to: mailto:tony@shapps.myzen.co.uk

LINKS are an important part of the web as they take us to places we might never have seen (or sometimes even wanted to see). Do you, Dear Reader, have a great link that you're just bursting to tell others about? If so, let me have it for consideration and inclusion in our USEFUL LINKS TO MAKE YOUR DAY . Every little helps!

software offers! See for yourself just how each works...and at no cost! 3D COMBINE A 21-day trial working version of this genuine three-dimensional manipulation programme, just let me have your name and address, and a CD will be in the post to you within days. Send a blank email with the subject ‘3D COMBINE’ to: mailto:rufus@gaming-in-3D.com INTRODUCTION TO HD-AV CD Find out about the latest trend in A-V. THE COMPLETE STUMPFL - One of the worlds most used combined A-V/Imaging/Presentation Programmes, and it’s yours without cost USEFUL LINKS TO MAKE YOUR DAY =================================== ‘INSPIRATION FOR THE HOME’ says Marla... ...whose online company of Shapps & Coutts Ltd., supply all those interior enhancements that make a house a home. From knick knacks to fold-flat flower vases; from children’s garden horse swings (made from re-cycled tyres) to cast iron cookbook stands, they’ve got the lot: http://www.shappsandcoutts.com __________________________ BEST 4 REVIEWS Looking for that essential review? Meet Doug Harman at the new technology and buyers guide web site. Read before you buy.: http://www.best4reviews.com/ ePHOTOZINE newsletter and Photo magazine, an online source of imaging news: check them out and meet Peter Bargh at: http://www.ephotozine.com ____________________________ For some of the best 3D virtual reality gaming equipment, we use and certainly recommend: eDIMENSIONAL offers some great 3D stuff at http://www.edimensional.com ________________________________ THE SECRET CYPHER contains a wealth of information on many of the subjects touched on in AV CONCEPTS and you can make purchases direct from its pages a!: http://www.secretcypher.myzen.co.uk __________________________________ MICRO AVIATOR - the magazine of the flight simulation:. Recommended by Rufus. They also publish this handy manual - a 'must' for the enthusiast: and you can download a free copy by going to: http://www.microaviator.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk _______________________________ 3D NEWS UPDATES visit this site for a terrific selection of updating information on all things stereo and 3D http://Giz3D.com

THE WIDESCREEN CENTRE http://www.widescreen-centre.co.uk ..... is the astronomical centre of London and the South-East. A positive Aladdin's Cave of astro telescopes...plus some great advice. Ring Simon on 020 7935 2580 HAVING TROUBLE WITH PDF's? Easily fixed using www.iceni.com/infix.htm ------------------------------------------------------------ SNAP 3D For those who require lenticular processing of their 3D images we have made contact with, Peter Sinclair of Suite 122, 2255B Queen St. East Toronto ON M4E 1G3 Canada Tel.: +1 (416) 850-1972 E-Mail: info@snap3d.com Pro8mm - Super-8 specialists 2805 West Magnolia Blvd. Burbank, CA 91505 818-848-5522 http://info@pro8mm.com DAVID BURDER offers... For a fully professional & commercial 3D service take a look at http:// www.3Dimages.co.uk with a complete range of stereoscopic services Tel . +44 (0) 20-8364 0022. Also 0104. Fax: 020-8364 1828 Get AVG - . And PROTECT YOUR COMPUTER by going to: If you have any questions or, indeed, ANY COMPLAINTS? Please feel free to contact me at: tony@shapps.myzen.co.uk TONY SHAPPS Editor: 'AV CONCEPTS' copyright MMVII BACK ISSUES OF AV CONCEPTS ARE AVAILABLE AT: http://avconceptsupdate.blogspot.com/ Have something to say? Email us today with your comments, opinions, criticisms, , or suggestions. Your editor is 'all ears' (well, at least two) and waiting to hear from you: mailto:tony@shapps.myzen.co.uk AM I ADDRESSING YOU CORRECTLY? If you name is not Tony, but rather Tanya, or Ralph as opposed to Rosalie, can you kindly let me know? mailto:tony@shapps.myzen.co.uk AV CONCEPTS - Your regular information publication. To unsubscribe or change subscriber options again, send an email to mailto:tony@shapps.myzen.co.uk and just put the word UNSUBSCRIBE or CHANGE in the subject matter. If it's 'change to' please remember to tell me what it is 'changed FROM'. AND FINALLY... Posterity gives every man his true value. Publius Cornelius Tacitus 55-117 AD, Roman Historian Have you got a saying or a proverb that you particularly like? Why not share it with others?

Celebrate... ...the 400th anniversary of Galileo's use of the telescope, by assembling this fully functional working paper/card model that makes up into a realistic replica of his original for just £6.50 (inc.post). Go to:

Just a thought.... The so-called 'paperless age' seems to have generated more paper than ever before! Sometimes, because of our inherent mistrust of computers, we print out and file anything of importance 'just in case'!

COMING SHORTLY: Look out for our new competition with
some interesting prizes

JUST A F.....! "The Secret Cypher's small selection of those famous stereo Chinese Realist 3D pictures images from China are going fast. And to quote their website: 'Unless you saw these Chinese Realist 3D pictures, when they first came out, you'll never appreciate the overall quality of the images. The inherent depth achieved using specially designed and produced 3D cameras - cameras that never appeared on the open market but were only used for shooting these stereo images. Each one has become a Collectors Items, and Secret Cypher have located what is obviously the last remaining examples of them". "Each stereo pair comes mounted in permanently sealed plastic Realist Format Double mounts. If you own a Realist Viewer that's all you need. A pack of 10 (ten) of these mounted exquisite Chinese stereo slides will cost you just £12.50. If you're interested this could be your last chance, so go to: to find out more". COUNTDOWN NOTE: GOING! G..! As of last issue, they only have 6 packets left

:

Issue 94 New Year 2009

astronomy, 3D, virtual reality, super-8, panoramics, antique replicas, audiovisual, flight simulation, andmuch, much, more!

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STOP PRESS! See our recession-busting
EXTRA at the end of this weeks CONCEPTS!!!

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NEW CONCEPTS for OLD!

May I take this opportunity of wishing you all a Very Happy New Year. And with this period in mind I decided to give 'AV CONCEPTS'' a bit of a facelift.

This is actually in response to both many readers suggestions, not to mention criticisms, about how we were being perceived at the receiving end. With a plethora of screens - both CRT and TFT - and each of a different size - it seems that we were often going off your screens (in the HTML version).

Others experienced some very strange formatting. So I decided to spend a little time over Christmas producing this redesign update in the hope that it would make the publication more readable. Let me know if you have any problems in opening it. Or any comments you would like to make. Simply press the button below and let me have your opinions. All are welcome, Meanwhile, on to 2009
Tony
Editor 'AV CONCEPTS'
mailto:tony@shapps.myzen.co.uk

P.S. STOP PRESS. Rufus tells me that there are big developments afoot in the world of Virtual Reality and he has promised to give us a full report and rundown on some great new products as soon as he has tested a sample, and is actually confident about the outcome of using any new equipment. So, stand by for interesting news, and remember that you will have read it first in AV CONCEPTS (where else?).

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It happened in 1880

Yes, this weeks anaglyph is quite an historical one. But I'll let reader Brian Beatty from Melbourne, Australia, tell you all about it.

Writes Brian: "I'm forwarding a Widelux 3-D Panorama of Melbourne's Exhibition Building built in 1880, now a World Heritage Building. You may be able to convert this to Anaglyph for one of your newsletters (EDITORS NOTE; yes, as you can see) . My friend Max Hem copied this onto a digital file; Max is member of Victorian 3-D Society, as I am also".

Brian is an expert exponent of the third dimension using two of the wonderful Widelux Panoramic camera to shoot magnificent stereoscopic images. A camera that gives a 140-dgree image from a revolving swing lens, resulting in a negative or transparency of 58mm x 24mm on standard 35mm film stock. The Widelux is a camera that I have both used, and also sold, in the years when I was with The Widescreen Centre. Unfortunately, the company manufacturing it , Panon Shoko, no longer exists as the owner, Mr. Akatsu, on reaching 82 years of age decided to retire! But it is still possible to find some of the cameras being offered on such places as eBay.
I understand that the said Widescreen Centre still offer the Russian version of this camera, under the name of Horizon. You can contact Simon Bennett by ringing them on 020 7935 2580 or, of course, visit their website at:

http://www.widescreen-centre.co.uk/

As always, this week's 3D image is suitable for viewing with a pair of anaglyph red/cyan or red/green glasses. This is an anaglyph conversion from Brian's two images using the popular '3D COMBINE'. You can obtain your trial copy by going to:

mailto:tony@shapps.myzen.co.uk

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NOT A LOT OF PEOPLE KNOW THAT!

CLIMBING ON THE BANDWAGON In days gone by it was common in the USA for a band to be paraded on a wagon through the streets to advertise political meetings or other public gatherings. In the case of meetings held prior to elections, local dignitaries showed their support for candidates by climbing onto their particular wagons. Since then climbing on a bandwagon has been taken as a display of support for a popular movement in the hope of personal profit or advantage.

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Project the SUNand stay safe!
......this week Matius tells you how

Writes Matius: "I've written several times about 2009 being the Year of Astronomy, and also the Galileo 400th Anniversary of his telescope; however, it occurs to me that one of the most interesting of heavenly bodies is here, right on our own doorstep. What’s more it’s the only star that you can study during daylight hours - weather permitting”.

“Yes, I’m talking about our nearest star, affectionately known by all as THE SUN. There are those who spend their whole astronomical life studying this heavenly body, and it is possible to spend hundreds of pounds to get the right viewing equipment. In fact there are quite a number of different ways to approach the subject. For example you could choose an Hydrogen-Alpha Telescope which is an highly-specialised piece of equipment likely to set you back around GBP 450.00 (about US $650.00). This type of ‘scope isolates various wavelengths allowing you to view the Sun in total safety.”.

“If you already own a telescope you can purchase Solar Filters. In this great care must be taken in making the right selection, but whichever you select is likely to be a costly option. However, there is a cheaper - and very safe - method of studying the sun and that is by projection”.

“To do this you simply obtain a large cardboard box and put a sheet of white paper in the bottom. Then line your telescope up with this improvised screen, NOT BY LOOKING THROUGH IT, I HASTEN TO ADD, but by simply pointing it at the sun so that you get a perfect round shadow of the telescope tube which - in turn - should give you an image on the screen. WARNING, and I repeat NEVER LOOK THROUGH A TELESCOPE DIRECTLY AT THE SUN”.

“Now if this is too much of a fiddle for you, I can tell you that there is a new, inexpensive, option about to hit the market called, appropriately, The Sun Projector and I will have more to say about this in a future issue. But, for now, here’s an illustration to give you an idea of what it looks like”.

Regards
Matius

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"Why not get a 'Freebie' that actually works"

says Uncle Curt...and he should know.

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NEW WINGS PLATINUM-3 IS NOW AVAILABLE

___________________________
Writes Curt: "Audiovisual has come a long way ion the last 10 or 20 years. When I recall struggling with the early dissolve units - and even single-changers which appeared to have minds of their own - it is truly amazing just how precise and accurate things have become".
"And with the advent of video coupled digital projection things have never been better for the man, or woman, interested in achieving great presentation. Even better, Tony tells me that he has just received a fresh supply of the latest Stumpfl brochures and the free CD of the new WINGS PLATINUM-3 advanced AV software".

"Want to produce perfect panorama's? Using two three, or even four, laptops in conjunction with a videos projectors with seamless joins and frame accuracy between all the projectors - Stumpfl lets you do it, and do it with ease. What's more you can warp the images to accommodate curved screens for greater effect"

"In fact, WINGS PLATINUM-3 is capable of producing everything from light shows (as per the one at the Pyramids in Egypt) ;through to simple programmes and presentations for the home. All this is available to you on a CD that allows you to select the bits that you want....offering optional extras for special events"

"So there you have it, what must be the ultimate AV software. Email Tony for your copies".

"Happy New Year from

Curt Buchanan

USA

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LINKS are an important part of the web as they take us to places we might never have seen (or sometimes even wanted to see). Do you, Dear Reader, have a great link that you're just bursting to tell others about? If so, let me have it for consideration and inclusion in our

SO HERE'S SOME USEFUL LINKS TO MAKE YOUR DAY .

3D COMBINE
A FREE 21-day working version of this genuine three-dimensional manipulation programme, just let me have your name and address, and a CD will be in the post to you within days. Send a blank email with the subject ‘3D COMBINE’ to:
mailto:rufus@gaming-in-3D.com

INTRODUCTION TO HD-AV CD
Find out about the latest trend in A-V.
THE COMPLETE STUMPFL - One of the worlds most used combined A-V/Imaging/Presentation Programmes, and it’s yours entirely free.

mailto:tony@shapps.myzen.co.uk

===================================
‘INSPIRATION FOR THE HOME’ is offered by online company of Shapps & Coutts Ltd. Supplying all those interior enhancements that make a house a home. From knick knacks to fold-flat flower vases; from children’s garden horse swings (made from re-cycled tyres) to cast iron cookbook stands, they’ve got the lot:
http://www.shappsandcoutts.com/
____________________________
BEST 4 REVIEWS
Looking for that essential review? Meet Doug Harman at the new technology and buyers guide web site. Read before you buy.:
http:// http://www.best4reviews.com/.
____________________________
For some of the best 3D virtual reality gaming equipment, we use and certainly recommend:
eDIMENSIONAL offers some great 3D stuff at http://www.edimensional.com/
________________________________
THE SECRET CYPHER contains a wealth of information on many of the subjects touched on in AV CONCEPTS and you can make purchases direct from its pages a!: http://www.secretcypher.myzen.co.uk/
__________________________________
MICRO AVIATOR - the magazine of the flight simulation:. Recommended by Rufus, and you can download a free copy by going to:
http://www.flightsimgrpuk.free-online.co.uk/
_______________________________
3D NEWS UPDATES visit this site for a terrific selection of updating information on all things stereo and 3D
http://giz3d.com/

---------------------------------
THE WIDESCREEN CENTREhttp://www.widescreen-centre.co.uk
The astronomical centre of London and the South-East. A positive Aladdin's Cave of astro telescopes...plus some great advice.

=============================
For those who require lenticular processing of their 3D images we have made contact with, Peter Sinclair of
SNAP 3D
Suite 122, 2255B Queen St. East Toronto ON M4E 1G3 Canada Tel.: +1 (416) 850-1972, Fax: +1 (416) 690-6635
E-Mail: info@snap3d.com

===============================
For a fully professional & commercial 3D service take a look at David Burder's
http:// http://www.3dimages.co.uk/
Offering the complete range of stereoscopic services Tel . +44 (0) 20-8364 0022. Also 0104. Fax: 020-8364 1828

=======================================================
If you have any questions or, indeed,
ANY COMPLAINTS? Please feel free to contact me at: tony@shapps.myzen.co.uk
TONY SHAPPSEditor: 'AV CONCEPTS' copyright MMVII BACK ISSUES OF AV CONCEPTS ARE AVAILABLE AT:
http://avconceptsupdate.blogspot.com/

Have something to say?
Email us today with your comments, opinions, criticisms, , or suggestions. Your editor is 'all ears' (well, at least two) and waiting to hear from you:
mailto:tony@shapps.myzen.co.uk

AM I ADDRESSING YOU CORRECTLY?
If you name is not Tony, but rather Tanya, or Ralph as opposed to Rosalie, can you kindly let me know? mailto:tony@shapps.myzen.co.uk

AV CONCEPTS - Your regular information publication. To unsubscribe or change subscriber options again, send an email to
mailto:tony@shapps.myzen.co.uk

and just put the word UNSUBSCRIBE or CHANGE in the subject matter. If it's 'change to' please remember to tell me what it is 'changed FROM'.

======================================
AND FINALLY...
People who laugh actually live longer than those who don't laugh. Few persons realize that health actually varies according to the amount of laughter.
Dr. James Walsh

Have you got a saying or a proverb that you particularly like? Why not share it with others?

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EXTRA!EXTRA!
A recession-busting gift for you, and you, and you....
=================================
If the economy is making you feel like New Year's cheer is in rather short supply, then I've got some good news for you. My good friend Michael Green has written a new eBook called:' How To Beat Recession -- 101 'Must Have' Recession-Busting Hints & Tips'

Now normally Michael Green's toolkits retail for a fortune, but on this occasion he has been kind enough to offer a copy to my readers without charge, but only if you download your copy now. I've read this excellent new eBook and would guess that even if you implement just a handful of the 101 recession-busting ideas during 2009, you'll be laughing. So, download it right now at:
http://www.howtobeatrecession.com/
MAKE IT A HAPPIER HAPPY NEW YEAR

P.S. Go ahead and grab your copy now at:
http://www.howtobeatrecession.com/
... before Michael realizes that he should be charging for these types of ideas!