JUNE 2009 (CEPIC) - Splash News is an owner-run picture multimedia agency with offices in Los Angeles, Miami, New York, London, Tokyo and Rome. It was founded in 1990 and is one of the world´s largest agencies in the field of celebrity & news photography offering pictures and videos, ranging from daring paparazzi shots to events and premieres on the red carpets of the world to feature stories on the lives of the rich and famous.
It also distributes mugshots as well as photos of well-known personalities in their childhood. About 1300 images are added every day, including many that are exclusively available from the agency. The stock file of Splash News, which comprises 1.7 million images, is now available via Picturemaxx.
www.splashnews.com Splash News and Picture Agency Via Lima 7 00198 Roma Italia
CALGARY, Alberta, June 24, 2009 – A recent survey of more than 28,000 iStockphoto customers found that search and quality of collection are two of the top reasons for choosing iStock. Enter Best Match 2.0 and the Vetta™ Collection. The Best Match algorithm provides more relevant results and saves people time when searching. Seventy-eight percent of customers found it reduced search times — 20 percent of those said search times were reduced by more than 50 percent. Vetta is a collection of top-quality iStock images hand-selected for exquisite art direction and intelligently executed concepts.
“Part of why we remain the microstock market leader is because we challenge ourselves to do two things: keep iStock’s collection the highest quality in the world, and help customers find the right files faster,” said Kelly Thompson, COO of iStockphoto. “By improving search efficiency and relevancy with Best Match 2.0 while launching the high-caliber Vetta Collection, we’re again improving the customer experience.”
Best Match 2.0 Best Match 2.0 is a new proprietary search technology. As it constantly learns from customer behavior, the advanced algorithm returns some of the most accurate and relevant search results in the industry.
Visitors can further customize their search experience by using the Best Match Sort Slider, located in Advanced Search. Setting the Best Match Sort Slider to 'high' causes the search engine to prioritize files with primary subject keywords. Setting it to 'low' gives more prominence to other factors such as concepts and secondary subject matter in the image. A 'high' slider position will find exactly what a designer is searching for whereas a 'low' slider position will show a wider variety of files and is great for brainstorming.
“What’s even more exciting is phase two of this technology,” said Thompson. “We’ve already started collecting search data based on the country and language in which the search originated. The next version of Best Match will use this language and country data to deliver superior, locally relevant search results.”
Vetta Collection Details Vetta, Italian for peak, is the answer for creative professionals looking for exceptional imagery. Submitted by Exclusive iStock contributors, every Vetta image is hand-selected by our seasoned inspection team for its art direction, well-executed concept and uniqueness. On launch, Vetta will contain 35,000 images and vector illustrations meeting the collection’s strict acceptance criteria. Prices will range from $20 for small to $70 USD for XXXL. Visit iStockphoto.com/vetta.php or simply perform a search on the site and Vetta images will appear indicated by a gold camera icon.
GOLDEN, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The manufacturer that builds digital cameras to go boldly where none have gone before has announced the PENTAX Optio W80. More adventure-proof than ever, this latest PENTAX digital camera is waterproof, dustproof, coldproof, and now shockproof enough to withstand impact from a fall of more than three feet (one meter).
PENTAX first introduced dunkable digital cameras in 2003 to the delight of outdoor enthusiasts, travelers and families everywhere. Today, the PENTAX Optio W80’s waterproof design withstands depths of up to 16 feet (5 meters) to protect from rain and spills, as well as allowing full underwater photos and video for up to two hours. On dry land, the rugged, shockproof design protects against drops of up to 3.3 feet to protect the camera from hard use and occasional spills. Also featuring 12.1 megapixels, a 5X internal optical zoom (equivalent to 28-140mm), a slim body, and a wide angle 28mm lens, the Optio W80 offers an expanded perspective that is ideal for landscape, group and more confined shots. With a PENTAX-developed imaging engine and a high-performance PENTAX zoom lens, the Optio W80 delivers brilliant, high-quality images with well-defined details. A Super Protect (SP) coating applied to the mineral crystal cover of the internal zoom lens helps repel water, grime and finger marks.
Other important features in the Optio W80 include a:
* Coldproof design that allows the camera to be used in sub-freezing temperatures of 14 degrees Fahrenheit (-10 degrees Celsius), ideal for cold weather activities such as skiing and snowmobiling. * 2.5 inch LCD monitor that features anti-reflective coating, making it easy to view, even in bright sunlight. * Widescreen, HD movie capture that records resolutions up to 1280x720 pixels at full-speed 30 frames per second. * Fast Face Detection technology that sees up to 32 faces in 0.03 seconds, with Smile Capture and Blink Detection, for perfect portrait shots. * Pixel Track Shake Reduction (SR) that ensures sharp images in any lighting condition, without adding high ISO noise. Digital SR and Movie SR are also available. * Close focusing, Super Macro mode that brings out the details in even the smallest subjects as close as 1 cm (less than one inch).
Available in Cardinal Red, Azure Blue and Gunmetal Gray, the Optio W80 will be available in July 2009 for $299.95 USD. To help keep the Optio W80 fresh and at hand, PENTAX offers a custom designed clear protective skin ($16.95 USD) and a comfortable floating wrist strap ($19.95 USD). More information about the Optio W80 and these accessories is available at: www.pentaximaging.com and preorders may be placed now at www.pentaxwebstore.com. Product images are available here: http://www.pentaximaging.com/press/pressfiles.html.
PENTAX Imaging Company is an innovative leader in the production of a variety of digital cameras including weather resistant digital SLRs and compact, waterproof cameras, as well as lenses, flash units, binoculars, scopes, and eyepieces. For 90 years, PENTAX has developed durable, reliable products that meet the needs of consumers and businesses. With headquarters in Golden, Colo., PENTAX Imaging Company is a division of PENTAX of America, Inc.
Sigma is pleased to be affiliated with Baseball Player Magazine as the official Lens of Amateur Baseball on Long Island. Baseball Player Magazine supports, promotes and encourages amateur baseball, Little League through the College Level. As the Official lens of Amateur Baseball on Long Island Sigma products will be used and featured throughout the newly formed magazine which reaches over 70,000 people throughout Long Island and is distributed via paid and non paid subscriptions. The magazine’s website will host the “Sigma Photo Gallery where readers and baseball fans will post their photos and periodic product reviews will appear. Baseball Player Magazine has affiliations with the New York Mets, the New York Yankees and the Long Island Ducks. If you love baseball and photography, please vie w the magazine’s website at www.baseballplayermagazine.com and see how Sigma sees the world of amateur baseball.
AudioMicro upgrades its music licensing platform with a cleaner, smarter interface, and improved search tools; brings stock music and sound effects to the SlideRocket marketplace
PhotoInfos readers are in for a special treat today: the first 10 readers to sign up for the service using the promotion code “PHOTOINFOS2” get access to 2 free downloads credits (an $8.99 value).
Los Angeles, CA – June 24, 2009 - AudioMicro.com, the web's largest micro stock music and sound effects licensing destination, has launched a new version of its website, targeted at purchasers of royalty free music and sound effects. New visitors to AudioMicro.com will find a completely revamped user interface and design, making it a rich and simple destination for discovering and licensing stock audio.
Visitors to the new AudioMicro homepage experience improved utility and design, including:
Advanced Browse and Search Capabilities - features to help you locate the perfect cue or effect for your projects
Embeddable Tracks - embed tracks on external sites including websites, blogs, MySpace, Facebook, etc - simply copy and paste the embed code, it's that easy
Customizable Favorites Lists – create multiple favorites collections to preview your favorite tracks on the fly, before you buy
Invite friends, Earn Rewards- connect with your address book and invite friends. Users receive 2 free download credits (an $8.99 value) for every 100 friends invited, up to a maximum of 500
API Integration – the AudioMicro API allows approved partner platforms to create highly customizable applications utilizing the AudioMicro library
Brand new content and features to be announced over the coming months
In addition to the newly redesigned website, AudioMicro has teamed with SlideRocket and added its extensive library of stock music and royalty free sound effects to the SlideRocket marketplace. Utilizing AudioMicro’s new API, SlideRocket users can now license tracks from the AudioMicro archive and incorporate them directly into their SlideRocket presentations.
“SlideRocket’s beautiful design and powerful communication capabilities made a natural fit for the AudioMicro music and sound effects library”, said Ryan Born, founder and CEO of AudioMicro. “At least 50% of the entertainment value of visual media comes from the audio. With over 125,000 tracks to choose from, SlideRocket users are now able to create more compelling, attention grabbing presentations, utilizing AudioMicro music and effects to engage their audience.”
Last month, AudioMicro announced the availability of its second iPhone app, AudioMicro Lite. AudioMicro Lite includes over 50 professional-quality royalty free sound effects as well as a “Sneak Attack” feature, which sets the iPhone to play a specified sound effect when the device is moved by an unsuspecting person. For 99 cents, users can upgrade to the full AudioMicro app, which includes over 500 professional sound effects.
About AudioMicro AudioMicro is the largest collection of user-generated micro stock music and sound effects. The platform offers advertisers, music supervisors, creative directors, webmasters, filmmakers, and "YouTubers" an affordable, quality solution for securing synch music for use in creative audio-visual projects. With content purchased from AudioMicro for as little as $1 per minute, a movie or webisode can be scored at a fraction of the cost of a traditional production library. The AudioMicro collection is an ever-expanding archive of pre-cleared tracks from publishers, composers, independent bands, and sound designers worldwide.
About SlideRocket SlideRocket is a revolutionary new approach to presentations. It's the only presentation software that allows users to create stunning presentations, manage them intelligently, share them securely and then measure the results. SlideRocket also includes an online marketplace where users can find all the content and services needed to make presentations great. SlideRocket goes beyond traditional presentation tools by harnessing the power of the Internet and making everything available to you in an integrated and intuitive online interface. SlideRocket is provided in a software-as-a-service model in a variety of price points starting at free.
Media Contact: Ryan Born AudioMicro, Inc. (800) 804-2171 AudioMicro(at)AudioMicro.com
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Rochester, NY, June 23 -- KODAK UPFRONT Production Planning Software Version 4.2 provides the tools for an automated, repeatable digital workflow for production planning in two new native languages, German and Russian.
UPFRONT Software enables planners and customer service representatives to automatically produce accurate job layouts, create imposition-ready digital templates for prepress, and automate the setup of finishing equipment with JDF/CIP3. Through reductions in planning and prepress labor, material and makeready waste, spoiled plates and setup time of bindery equipment, UPFRONT Software can increase a commercial printer’s bottom line by up to 1.5%.
With Version 4.2, commercial printers like Bechtle Druck & Service in German-speaking countries can now utilize UPFRONT Software to unify and standardize planning. The company’s production schedule typically comprises many different kinds of jobs on one of its 16-page heatset web offset presses.
“We needed to implement a software tool for production planning that would enable us to streamline the entire planning process. UPFRONT Software serves as a fully integrated planning tool for us,” said Roland Mannschreck, Technical Director, Bechtle Druck & Service. “Every job gets processed using this software, including all multi-up layouts and complex gang files. Handling such a diverse range of products in prepress would be far more complicated and time-consuming if we didn’t utilize UPFRONT Software.”
“UPFRONT Software outshines similar solutions with its support for web, digital and sheetfed presses,” said Freddy Eckel, Managing Director for Germany, Austria and Switzerland, Kodak’s graphic communications business. “Our customers can streamline their production planning for all of their presses with a single tool.”
“Russia is home to nearly 7,000 print enterprises and everyone is looking to increase their efficiency and reduce their costs,” said Yosef Ben Dor, Kodak’s Sales Director for Eastern Europe. “Our customers have been asking for a localized version of UPFRONT Software and it’s arriving just when it’s really needed.”
KODAK Products are backed by KODAK Service and Support.KODAK Service and Support is made up of more than 3,000 professionals reaching more than 120 countries. It is a leading multi vendor integrated services provider, delivering consulting, installation, maintenance and support services for the commercial printing, graphic communications, document imaging and data storage industries. KODAK Service and Support professionals are uniquely qualified to provide services that control costs, maximize productivity, and minimize business risk.
Both Lenses Equipped With Unique Systems to Eliminate Camera Shake and Ensure Quiet and High-Speed Auto Focus
RONKONKOMA, NY--(Marketwire - June 22, 2009) - Sigma Corporation, a leading researcher, developer, manufacturer and service provider for some of the world's most impressive lines of lenses, cameras and flashes, is pleased to announce the availability of two new, high-value lenses: the 18-50mm F2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM and the 50-200mm F4-5.6 DC OS HSM.
A unique feature in these lenses is Sigma's own Optical Stabilizer (OS) function, which eliminates camera shake in the viewfinder and provides sharpness at lower shutter speeds. The company offers both lenses in Canon, Nikon, Sigma, Pentax and Sony mounts, and is the only manufacturer to provide lenses with the OS system for Pentax and Sony digital cameras.
Both lenses incorporate Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass elements, are outfitted with an inner focusing system to provide high image quality throughout the entire zoom range, provide Super Multi-Layer Coating to reduce flare and ghosting, and include Hyper-Sonic Motors (HSMs) to ensure quiet and high-speed auto focus.
"We've become known for our high-quality, interchangeable lenses, but we certainly haven't lost sight of the need for high-performance and high-value 'kit' lenses," said Mark Amir-Hamzeh, general manager of Sigma Corporation of America. "These lenses have been manufactured with Sigma's usual high standard of quality and they, undoubtedly, offer the best optical performance in their respective classes."
As an upgrade to its predecessor, the 18-50mm F2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM is a large aperture, standard zoom lens that is dedicated to digital SLR cameras with APS-C size image sensors. It is currently the only lens in this category to offer internal focus and internal zoom, meaning that the lens does not extend while zooming. The combination of the F2.8 aperture and the OS, or anti-shake function, makes it easy to capture exceptional photos in low light with this lens; the wide angle is well suited for indoor photography. This lens has a minimum focusing distance of 11.8 inches (30cm) throughout the entire zoom range and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:4.1.
On the other hand, the 50-200mm F4-5.6 DC OS HSM is a compact, high-performance telephoto zoom lens that allows the use of shutter speeds up to four stops slower than normal for steady, handheld photography. The lens has a minimum focusing distance of 43.3 inches (110cm) throughout the entire zoom range and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:4.5. An inner focusing system eliminates front lens rotation, making it suitable for use with circular polarizing filters.
The 18-50mm F2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM and 50-200mm F4-5.6 DC OS HSM are both currently available for $500 MSRP in stores nationwide. To locate an authorized Sigma dealer nearest to you, visit www.sigmaphoto.com/where/where.asp.
For information about Sigma Corporation of America, visit www.sigmaphoto.com.
KODAK EASYSHARE S730 Digital Picture Frame Enables Easy and Intimate Sharing of Digital Images
ROCHESTER, N.Y., June 22 -- Eastman Kodak Company (NYSE:EK) today announced the European launch of an innovative digital picture frame that provides new ways to enjoy and share digital images. The new KODAK EasyShare S730 Digital Picture Frame features a built-in rechargeable battery that enables consumers to bring it from shelf or table into the hands of family and friends for more intimate sharing of moments and memories. The frame also boasts a new Picture Finder feature, enabling users to easily and quickly bring to life images and videos from special moments in time.
“The new S730 Digital Picture Frame offers exciting new ways to interact with your picture collection,” says Phil Scott, Worldwide Director of Marketing, Digital Capture and Devices and Vice President, Consumer Digital Group. “Kodak digital picture frames have long led the way in enabling consumers to enjoy and show off their pictures and videos without being tied to their computers. The battery-power of the S730 goes further, allowing users to ‘unplug and share,’ putting the frame in people’s hands so everyone can enjoy treasured picture collections and browse through pictures as they would with a photo album. It’s a wonderful way to get your pictures back into your life.”
The KODAK EasyShare S730 Digital Picture Frame further enhances how memories are rekindled through a variety of viewing modes, and the new Picture Finder feature. The viewing modes include full-screen Slideshow, which scrolls through pictures individually. In Slideshow mode, the user can also choose screen views showing both images and either a clock or calendar. The fourth viewing option is Collage mode, which scrolls through an entire collection and shows four randomly selected images at a time.
The new Picture Finder feature is available in all viewing modes, Scott explains. “Picture Finder allows consumers to retrieve and relive memories that in some cases may have been forgotten. When users see a compelling picture in the collage, they can select that picture, touch the Picture Finder control, and the frame automatically retrieves and displays more pictures from that date.”
The full complement of features on the KODAK EasyShare S730 Digital Picture Frame includes:
* Rechargeable battery featuring a one-hour capacity that makes it simple to pass the frame around to share memories; * Capacity to store up to 8000 pictures* with 1 GB internal memory; * Stunning picture quality featuring patented Kodak Color Science technology that delivers crisp detail and vibrant colors; * Mercury-free LCD panel; * Updated Quick Touch Border, with touch-sensitive controls that enable easy access to controls on the front of the frame, and featuring a motion sensor that illuminates controls as your hand approaches the frame; * Dynamic collage mode that displays several pictures at the same time; * Mode button on top of frame enables easy toggling between viewing modes, including collage, single picture, clock and calendar views; * Plug-and-play operation—just insert a memory card or USB flash drive with digital pictures and a slideshow automatically begins; * Kodak EasyShare Digital Display Software that allows users to synchronize with the pictures on their computer and create slideshows; * Play videos and add music to slideshows.
The KODAK EasyShare S730 Digital Picture Frame will be available throughout Europe for €149 beginning in June, 2009, and in the United States and Canada for $139.00 US beginning September, 2009.
To easily take the new battery-powered frame on the go, Kodak will also offer a stylish case that is perfect for safely transporting S730 Digital Picture Frame. The case will feature a padded interior to cushion the frame during transport, interior pockets for storing power cords and accessories, and a convenient handle. The case will be available for $19.99 US beginning September 2009.
*Actual storage capacity will vary based on image content.
Thousand of people share their favored photo through Flickr. Creates a different experience to search for Flickr images with Taggalaxy.com. Start with on keyword search first, and then select more and more keywords to narrow down the result. The images are projected onto a globe. Click on an image to see a larger view. Click again to see more information an a link to the flicker page. Have fun exploring!
JUNE 2009 (CEPIC) - Splash News is an owner-run picture multimedia agency with offices in Los Angeles, Miami, New York, London, Tokyo and Rome. It was founded in 1990 and is one of the world´s largest agencies in the field of celebrity & news photography offering pictures and videos, ranging from daring paparazzi shots to events and premieres on the red carpets of the world to feature stories on the lives of the rich and famous.
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