Contemporary MPEG4-derived video codecs

For some applications, getting it wrong – or not fully optimal – the first time can be very expensive. For example, when making a semiconductor, it is very expensive to re-make masks. Plus, of course, if the semiconductor has already been put into another device, such as a camera, or mobile phone, or set-top box – it is too late (except perhaps for software workarounds). Also, in the field of semiconductors, there is a trade-off of extra silicon area for more advanced processing, versus the cost of designing and supplying a larger chip.

Another excellent primer from Tek - well worth reading if you're involved in digital video delivery.

Loudness Measurement

This how to guide highlights the benefits of the Loudness Measurements software on the WFM6000/7000 series and WVR6000/7000 series products.
Until NAB this year (when Tek introduced this update) the predominant way to measure perceived audio loudness was with some propriety instrument like the Chromatec (approved by Channel Four). Tek have done the right thing and not only followed Ofcomm's new guidelines but they've devised a scale that is as easy to read/understand as a PPM.

Hopefully they'll do the same thing with PSE measurement and put Harding out of business!

War Story - vintage Nick Park

Early Nick Park animation from 1990 - an old gentleman shares his rememberences of WW2. Sorry for the poor quality - I found it on an old VHS tape in the back of the cupboard! The old chap reminds me very much of my father-in-law!

These things should ALWAYS be opt-in

You may already have heard about this but early next week all UK mobiles will be on a directory which will mean that anyone will be able to access your numbers. It’s easy to unsubscribe but it must be done before the beginning of next week to make sure that you are ex-directory. You may want to suggest it to all your friends and family who have UK mobiles or they could be swamped by unsolicited messages and calls.
Click the title link to start the privacy-ball rolling!

Google Chrome Operating System

Speed, simplicity and security are the key aspects of Google Chrome OS. We're designing the OS to be fast and lightweight, to start up and get you onto the web in a few seconds. The user interface is minimal to stay out of your way, and most of the user experience takes place on the web. And as we did for the Google Chrome browser, we are going back to the basics and completely redesigning the underlying security architecture of the OS so that users don't have to deal with viruses, malware and security updates. It should just work.

So not Windows then!

Root6 training

This stuff seems to be getting some traction! I always wanted to diversify a bit and although we've not run many courses yet I'm looking forward to more. The last one I did at Bertorelli's last month was well attended and I got a lot of good feedback.

Too busy to blog this week!

Looking forward to a weekend with some old college buddies (one of whom is getting ordained!) and my folks - barbeque!