Tag: windows

  • Skype Update With Screen Sharing – and Reinstated Extras


    Skype has released a beta version of its software for Windows which includes a screen sharing feature.

    The Skype 4.1 release also reinstates some extras that were removed in the previous update – much to the disappointment of many subscribers.

    With the screen sharing feature, which is view-only, users get the choice to record the full screen or a region.

    It is also possible to shift between full and partial screen modes. With one-way viewing, the "guest" sees only the screen selected.

    This addition moves Skype into the realm of low-cost international business communications, although it is limited to two users – host and guest.

    It would seem logical for the screen sharing function to be expanded in the future to group calls.

    Screen sharing was made available to Mac users in the last beta version of the Mac client in January – so Mac users now have the possibility of sharing screens with PC users.

    The Windows beta has also reintroduced two features dropped from the 4.0 version – birthday reminder alerts and contacts-sharing.

    The former simply send an automatic reminder on a contact’s birthday if this detail is available on their profile.

    Skype 4.1 also reinstated are a screen reader accessibility tool and a contacts import function from Gmail, Windows Live Hotmail, AOL and LinkedIn.

  • JVC launches HD camcorder with ability to record up to 50 hours of video


    The first ever AVC/MPEG-2 HD camcorders are to go on sale this summer.
    JVC’s Everio HD30 and HD40 are the first camcorders that capture picture in AVCHD (H.264) or MPEG-2 format with the ability to use either.
    The dual-format provides access to the superior long time compression afforded by AVCHD, as well as MPEG-2’s superior editing and post-production environment.
    With the ability to record up to 50 hours of 1920×1080 video in Extended Play mode, the HD40 also claims to be the “longest-running HD camcorder available”.
    Full quality recording time is 15 hours.
    The HD40 boasts a 120GB HDD and the HD30 offers the same recording capabilities but with a built-in 80GB HDD instead.
    JVC is also offering a third HD camcorder aimed more at the entry level. The HD10 has a 40GB HDD and has a 1440×1080 resolution.
    All three Everio models supports HDMI 1.3 output with Deep Color on compatible HDTVs, a newer HD Gigabrid Duo image processing chip and the option of using either Firewire or USB for transfers.
    The camera lines come with Windows editing software and a plug-in to allow MPEG-2 editing in Final Cut Pro and iMovie. AVCHD support is already built into Apple’s latest software.
    The camcorders are to go on sale in early August with price tags of $800 USD for the HD10, $1,000 USD for the HD30, and $1,300 USD for the high end HD40.