Eye on Imaging Volume 5, No. 1 • January 2008 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Welcome to the I3A “Eye on Imaging†newsletter, which is issued every other month. We will keep you informed and up-to-date on key I3A and industry activities and breaking news, as well as highlight the accomplishments of the individuals whose efforts keep our organization humming. If you have comments or questions, please send a message to Editor@I3A.org. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The President’s Focus |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Media Mashup - Aisle 5 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Companies whose structure is centered around the more traditional models are struggling to identify their place in the converged, user-controlled future, experimenting with new approaches, while watching their current businesses erode. Future business models are uncertain, just as they are in the traditional photo industry. The blending and blurring of lines between content, devices, delivery methods and user needs creates great uncertainty and opportunity. The creative aspect is also squarely in the hands of consumers. Blogs give them a publishing platform instead of a printing press. Anyone can become a film or music producer. Google will even pay them advertising revenue for their efforts. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Identifying the exact opportunity for your business is the real challenge. Loss of control over delivery strikes fear into the hearts of photography and media companies alike. But the opportunities are there. If there is benefit to consumers, they will buy. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| I encourage you to attend PMA and talk with your peers about the converged world we all live in, and how they are taking advantage of it. Learn about the future of media mashup sharing at the DIMA session I will moderate on January 30th. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The future is here, be part of it. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Back to top
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
I3A Welcomes New Members |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| I3A welcomes eight companies that have recently joined or upgraded their memberships. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| I3A’s new members reflect diverse constituencies, from component technology to healthcare imaging to mobile consumer services and cut across many geographical and topical boundaries. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| A listing of the new members follows. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Participating level:
FotoNation Inc., www.fotonation.com (upgrading from Associate level) Image Engineering, www.image-engineering.de Philips Lumileds Lighting Company, www.lumileds.com Konica Minolta Medical and Graphic, Inc., www.konicaminolta.com Zoran Corporation, www.zoran.com |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Participating level:
FotoNation Inc., www.fotonation.com (upgrading from Associate level) Image Engineering, www.image-engineering.de Philips Lumileds Lighting Company, www.lumileds.com Konica Minolta Medical and Graphic, Inc., www.konicaminolta.com Zoran Corporation, www.zoran.com |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Many of the new member companies have also signed on to Phase 2 of I3A’s Camera Phone Image Quality Initiative, which is working to develop a complete set of image quality testing metrics and methodologies in order to enable a consumer-oriented image quality rating system. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Back to top
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
I3A Elects New Board Members |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Back to top
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Keeping Preservation Top of Mind:Digital Photo Archiving Technical Forum at PMA |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Tech Forum Topics: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Does advanced technology really benefit consumers who struggle with simple file copying and back-ups? How can the industry truly make consumer’s lives easier? |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| How Can Metadata Help Solve the Image Preservation Problem?
Kevin Connor, Adobe Systems; Josh Weisberg, Microsoft Corp. Each time a digital image is opened, tagged, edited or even printed, some image data is lost. Most consumers have no idea that loss of image data will degrade the stored memory to the point of rendering it unusable. This session will focus on new technologies that allow the persistence of image data throughout the image workflow. Why the Preservation Issue Will Outlive Us All! James Peyton, I3A |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Back to top
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Spotlight Reception and Annual LeadershipAward Presentation at PMA |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Don’t miss this entertaining evening filled with good food, drink and most importantly, networking. You’ll also be on hand to find out who is the 2008 winner of the prestigious Leadership Award. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Please join us in celebrating the imaging industry and the people who lead and inspire us! | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Back to top
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
CPIQ Marketing Working Group Meeting |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The CPIQ MWG plans to hold their initial face-to-face meeting in San Jose, CA on February 5, 2008. This meeting is open to current participants in the CPIQ MWG. The meeting will be hosted by Flextronics.
For additional details on how to become involved in the CPIQ Initiative and the CPIQ MWG, please contact Donna Cohn at +1.914.285.4933, ext. 14 or email donnac@i3a.org. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
CPIQ Phase 2 Initiative Group MeetingFebruary Meeting For Initiative Members to Tackle Definitions and More |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
I3A 62nd Annual Conference |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Back to top
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Remembering Herb KepplerFormer Publisher of Modern Photography and Popular Photography Was a Driving Force in Imaging Industry |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Under Keppler’s supervision, Modern Photography built the industry’s first independent test lab, a state-of-the-art facility. Its tests of lenses and cameras were the most highly regarded in the industry. The lab model was later replicated at Popular Photography.
Throughout his career, Keppler dedicated himself to promoting of the art of photography, and was active on the board of the International Center of Photography. In 1985, Keppler was honored by being inducted into the PMA Hall of Fame. According to the PMA files, when PMA asked about his goals for the future, Keppler said: “I just want to continue doing what I’m doing — it’s like being employed in a toy shop — and getting paid to do it.” |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
I3A MarketPlaceThe MarketPlace is a service for I3A members. There you will find I3A’s http://members.i3a.org/Resource.phx/plaza/marketplace.htx. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Industry Briefs |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Canon Integrates Operations of Its Business Solutions Regional Subsidiaries Under One Entity
Canon U.S.A., Inc, announced the establishment of Canon Business Solutions, Inc. The new Canon Business Solutions, Inc., results from the merger of Canon Business Solutions-East, Inc., Canon Business Solutions-Central, Inc., and Canon Business Solutions-West, Inc., to form one corporate entity. Kodak adds Ultra Max 800 to single use cameras Eastman Kodak Company will showcase their family of single use cameras, all of which will include the next generation of Kodak Ultra Max 800-speed colour film, at PMA 2008. Kodak Ultra Max 800 Film, the best 800-speed film for low light and fast action, now offers even brighter colours. Technology chief at Motorola steps down Motorola’s chief technology officer has left the company, the first business day after Chief Executive Edward Zander announced his retirement. Padmasree Warrior had run Motorola’s research and development operations, overseeing 26,000 engineers around the world, according to the most recent version of her company biography. Spokesman Charles Kaiser confirmed that Warrior had left, but declined to give a reason for her exit or say where she had gone. He did say that the company had been making preparations for her departure as early as October. Rich Nottenburg, who is Motorola’s chief strategy officer, has assumed Warrior’s responsibilities.
Dan Hesse, a telecommunications veteran tapped yesterday to be Sprint Nextel Corp.’s chief executive, said his first priority will be to tackle the customer-service problems and customer defections that have dogged the wireless company in the past year. Mr. Hesse succeeds Gary Forsee, who stepped down in October amid pressure from the company’s board and investors. Zink Imaging, Polaroid Announce Partnership to Develop Products Based on Zero Ink Technology |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Digital Photography Trends |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Digital Toolbox: Why RAW Works To show you the incredible difference between RAW and JPEG, we sent landscape photographer Marc Adamus into the field, and asked him to take the same picture in both formats. Check out the difference, and follow along as working in Adobe Camera RAW saves the day. George Eastman House to Create a Wiki for Photograph Evaluation, Identification The photo world will soon have a wiki dedicated to understanding the diverse materials and methods of photography. Designed for use by collectors, curators, archivists, and conservators, the wiki is under development at George Eastman House International Museum of Photography & Film, which will create and maintain the globally accessible online resource addressing photograph appreciation and identification. The creation of the wiki has been made possible via a $323,000 grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, a federal agency. An Array of Colors for Products Has Retailers Seeing Green A trend that began with consumer electronics is spreading like wildfire through everyday products as people personalize their household machinery. Nowadays, shoppers can match a rainbow of products — from a purple camera to a red toaster to a blue washing machine — to someone’s personality. It’s part of a trend that began with consumer electronics and is spreading like wildfire through everyday products as people personalize their household machinery. Understanding and Solutions digital imaging market report James Wells, Market Analyst with Understanding and Solutions, provides a round-up of market movements. First “Office Photography Machine” Unveiled at CES 2008 Photosimile 5000 is the next generation imaging device for the office. This PC-controlled desktop photography studio integrates a 28 x 28 x 28″ light box (featuring 6500K daylight bulbs, an automated camera positioning system and a built-in 3D turntable) with a Canon digital camera and powerful workflow software to simplify and automate business photography. With Photosimile 5000, anyone can create professional, shadow-free pictures ideal for Web, print and daily business communication. According to the editors of Popular Photography & Imaging, the Nikon D300 raises the benchmark for every camera maker. Phanfare Relaunches with Free and Improved Photo Sharing The revamped online photo and video sharing service now offers social networking tools and a free membership option. The Samsung Digimax NV20 is a 12 megapixel digital camera with a 3x optical zoom lens. It will just about squeeze into a pocket. The Digimax NV20 is a bit different to most digital cameras. This is true in terms of looks and also the way in which the camera’s menu system works.
The new A700 maintains compatibility with Maxxum as well as Sony AF lenses, but this new 12-megapixel Alpha model is entirely different than the A100 in most other respects. A “prosumer”-level model, it provides superior resolution, versatility, and performance. VistaQuest to Market AgfaPhoto Brand to North America AgfaPhoto digital cameras and digital video products will be added to the VistaQuest product line. The distribution contract between VistaQuest and AgfaPhoto’s digital still and video manufacturer and license holder, plawa-feinwerktechnik GmbH & Co. KG of Germany, permits distribution in the U.S., Mexico and Canada. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mobile and Camera Phone Trends |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Deadline passes for 700MHz spectrum applications The 700MHz band is sought by companies that wish to build wireless voice and data networks, and is probably the last time for a while that such a chunk of spectrum will be up for grabs. Google, Cox Communications, Frontline Wireless, and AT&T all appear to have submitted an application for a chance to bid on the spectrum, which is set to be freed up with the Federal Communication Commission’s decision to move everyone to digital television in 2009.
Apple Chief Executive Steve Jobs recently met with officials from Japan’s dominant mobile operator, NTT DoCoMo Inc., including NTT’s president, Masao Nakamura, to discuss a deal to offer the iPhone in the country, say people familiar with the situation. These people say Apple has also been talking to Japan’s No. 3 operator, Softbank Corp. Executives from both NTT and Softbank have also made multiple trips to Apple’s Cupertino, Calif., headquarters.
At last week’s Consumer Electronics Show, Samsung showcased its latest mobile phones, including several luxury models, but the gem in the lineup was the SGH-F490, an iPhone-like multimedia phone with a full touch screen.
Verizon envisions an explosion of wireless applications. The company currently offers about 800 applications such as music, games, and videos. The menu might have been even larger by now if not for the rigorous testing that Verizon requires of each developer for every application. Google is hoping the large, open scale of its Android platform will remove that hurdle, slashing development costs. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Personal Spotlight — Larry Scarff |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| In 1991, Scarff joined the Polaroid Corporation where he directed the imaging team’s contributions toward the development of a high-resolution medical diagnostic printer. The system analysis considered the design, measurement and optimization of the image reproduction characteristics to satisfy the requirements for radiographic imaging. He worked with marketing and engineering groups to compare image quality against competitive products, assess radiologist’s performance per imaging modality via ROC analysis, and created and presented seminars on the principles of Polaroid’s unique imaging technique for hospital and imaging center luminaries.
Scarff established his own company, Digital Imaging Solutions, in 1997. The firm provided advanced imaging system expertise to the aerospace, radiographic, and professional imaging markets. His clients included Raytheon, Goodrich Aerospace, Agfa Medical Systems, Fischer Imaging, Kodak/Applied Science Fiction, IDX, Flextronics, and others. Successful collaborations include the optimization of mammographic presentation and display algorithms, multispectral and dual-band reconnaissance imaging characterizations, system modeling and simulation of a dry photo-to-digital consumer processing lab kiosk, and hardcopy/softcopy image optimizations for a cardiology workstation. In 2004, Scarff joined Flextronics/Vista Point, and is currently the Sr. Director of Imaging Science, managing a geographically diversified team of imaging specialists providing support to all camera modules programs, including performance metric definition, optical and imaging test methodologies, and image quality analysis and characterization. “My vision is that through technical collaborations, discussions, and face-to-face meetings, the CPIQ Phase 2 Initiative group will achieve our joint goals to develop 1) a set of industry standards that will provide a systematic approach to camera-phone image quality evaluations and 2) a customer-focused methodology for comparing camera phone models with respect to image quality based on their use model,” Scarff stated. “I want to add a sincere thanks to our previous CPIQ Chair Ming Gao, whose recent corporate reassignment required that he step down. I know all wish Ming well with his new role and responsibilities within Hewlett-Packard, as we look forward to delivering on the priorities and goals established for the CPIQ initiative,” added Scarff. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Member Spotlight — Phanfare |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Members can create photo and video albums and invite friends and family to join their Phanfare network. All members can view shared albums, leave comments and create their own albums at no cost. Connected friends and family access an online dashboard where they are made aware of new events within their Phanfare network. New members receive 20 free prints. Phanfare offers 1GB of storage free to each user. Unlimited storage can be purchased for $54.95/year.
Phanfare was founded in 2004 by CEO Andrew Erlichson and CTO Mark Heinrich. Further information about Phanfare can be found at www.phanfare.com. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
I3A Meetings and Events |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| To arrange to attend any of these meetings, please register on the members’ Web site or contact the Standards Department at i3astds@i3a.org. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Back to top
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Industry Events |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| As a service to its members, I3A provides a listing of events affecting the imaging industry. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Back to top
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| To share your comments about this newsletter or to submit information, send a message to Editor@I3A.org.
Stay in touch with I3A: Membership questions: i3amembership@i3a.org Members–only Web site: http://members.i3a.org Phone: 781–876–6223 or 914–285–4933 Fax: 914–285–4937 I3A (International Imaging Industry Association) 701 Westchester Avenue Suite 317W White Plains, NY 10604 To leave this list, click here. © 2008 International Imaging Industry Association. All rights reserved. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
