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Creativity Motivation – What is motivation – Corey K Katir
Advertising From http://www.creativitymotivation.com Describes motivation process for creativity with emphasis on intrinsic motivation by Corey K Katir Kodak to stop making digital cameras
From dpreview.com
There was an outburst of nostalgia when the company announced it was discontinuing its famous Kodachrome color film but today’s announcement that one of the innovators in portable photography and digital camera technology is leaving the business is a sad one. The company’s recent retreat into bankruptcy protection means this step won’t come as a complete shock but, whatever now happens to the company, its link to everyday photography has been broken. Press Release Plans to phase out dedicated capture devices business
Eastman Kodak Company (the “Company”) (OTB: EKDKQ.PK) announced today that, as a result of its ongoing strategic review process and commitment to drive sustainable profitability through its most valuable business lines, it plans to phase out its dedicated capture devices business – comprising digital cameras, pocket video cameras and digital picture frames – in the first half of 2012. Kodak will instead expand its current brand licensing program, and seek licensees in these categories. Following this decision, Kodak’s Consumer Business will include online and retail-based photo printing, as well as desktop inkjet printing.
Kodak has contacted its retail partners, and is working closely with them to ensure an orderly transition. Kodak will continue to honor all related product warranties, and provide technical support and service for its cameras, pocket video cameras and digital picture frames.
“For some time, Kodak’s strategy has been to improve margins in the capture device business by narrowing our participation in terms of product portfolio, geographies and retail outlets. Today’s announcement is the logical extension of that process, given our analysis of the industry trends,” said Pradeep Jotwani, President, Consumer Businesses, and Kodak Chief Marketing Officer.
Upon completion of the phase out, Kodak expects to achieve annual operating savings of more than $100 million. Kodak expects to incur a charge related to separation benefits of approximately $30 million resulting from the exit of the business.
In addition to its Consumer Businesses segment, Kodak has a Commercial Businesses segment that includes the Digital and Functional Printing, Enterprise Services and Solutions, and Graphics, Entertainment and Commercial Films units. Kodak’s digital businesses now comprise approximately three-fourths of total revenues.
Kodak continues to have a strong position in the personal imaging market. While photos are increasingly taken on multi-function mobile devices, Kodak technology makes it easy for consumers to produce a broad range of photo products, anywhere, anytime – from prints to photobooks, photo greeting cards and personalized calendars. These items can be made on Kodak products, with Kodak quality at retail, at home, and ordered for delivery to home.
Kodak’s continuing consumer products and services will include:
Kodak files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection
From dpreview.com
As film giant Kodak files for bankruptcy protection, everyone from photographers to economists is looking back at the company that was, for so long, synonymous with American photography. The company has entered the US ‘Chapter 11′ process by which a court oversees its restructuring and protects it from its creditors as it attempts to reorganize into a profitable business. However it emerges from the process, Kodak will never again be the photographic titan it was during the film era. This has prompted many retrospective articles, including a heartfelt and personal piece by New York Times writer and photography blogger David Gonzalez. Meanwhile, The Economist has also published two interesting pieces on the company: the first comparing its fortunes with those of its Japanese peer Fujifilm, and a blog post looking at how large companies struggle with technology changes. The irony of Kodak’s dedication to research and development helping give birth to the technologies that saw its downfall is widely remarked upon. Kodak has recently whipped-up a flurry of litigation against large electronics companies using the basic digital imaging processes it created. As well as creating the first commercial DSLR (the Kodak DCS), the company invented many of the technologies on which modern cameras are based (and its patents have raised over $3bn in revenue since 2003). No matter what happens to the company, it should be remembered that Kodak wasn’t just the company to create the 20th Century icon ‘Kodachrome,’ it’s also the company that created the Bayer color filter array that underpins the overwhelming majority of digital cameras used across the world.
Press Release: Flow of Goods and Services to Customers to Continue Globally in Ordinary Course; Non-U.S. Subsidiaries Are Not Included in U.S. Filing and Are Not Subject to Court Supervision; Company Secures $950 million in Debtor-in-Possession Financing in U.S.; Kodak’s Reorganization to Facilitate Emergence as Profitable and Sustainable Enterprise
ROCHESTER, N.Y., January 19 — Eastman Kodak Company (“Kodak” or the “Company”) announced today that it and its U.S. subsidiaries filed voluntary petitions for chapter 11 business reorganization in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York.
The business reorganization is intended to bolster liquidity in the U.S. and abroad, monetize non-strategic intellectual property, fairly resolve legacy liabilities, and enable the Company to focus on its most valuable business lines. The Company has made pioneering investments in digital and materials deposition technologies in recent years, generating approximately 75% of its revenue from digital businesses in 2011. Kodak has obtained a fully-committed, $950 million debtor-in-possession credit facility with an 18-month maturity from Citigroup to enhance liquidity and working capital. The credit facility is subject to Court approval and other conditions precedent. The Company believes that it has sufficient liquidity to operate its business during chapter 11, and to continue the flow of goods and services to its customers in the ordinary course.
Kodak expects to pay employee wages and benefits and continue customer programs. Subsidiaries outside of the U.S. are not subject to proceedings and will honor all obligations to suppliers, whenever incurred. Kodak and its U.S. subsidiaries will honor all post-petition obligations to suppliers in the ordinary course.
“Kodak is taking a significant step toward enabling our enterprise to complete its transformation,” said Antonio M. Perez, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “At the same time as we have created our digital business, we have also already effectively exited certain traditional operations, closing 13 manufacturing plants and 130 processing labs, and reducing our workforce by 47,000 since 2003. Now we must complete the transformation by further addressing our cost structure and effectively monetizing non-core IP assets. We look forward to working with our stakeholders to emerge a lean, world-class, digital imaging and materials science company.”
“After considering the advantages of chapter 11 at this time, the Board of Directors and the entire senior management team unanimously believe that this is a necessary step and the right thing to do for the future of Kodak,” Mr. Perez continued. “Our goal is to maximize value for stakeholders, including our employees, retirees, creditors, and pension trustees. We are also committed to working with our valued customers.
“Chapter 11 gives us the best opportunities to maximize the value in two critical parts of our technology portfolio: our digital capture patents, which are essential for a wide range of mobile and other consumer electronic devices that capture digital images and have generated over $3 billion of licensing revenues since 2003; and our breakthrough printing and deposition technologies, which give Kodak a competitive advantage in our growing digital businesses.”
Mr. Perez concluded, “The Board of Directors, the senior management team and I would like to underscore our appreciation for the hard work and loyalty of our employees. Kodak exemplifies a culture of collaboration and innovation. Our employees embody that culture and are essential to our future success.”
Kodak has taken this step after preliminary discussions with key constituencies and intends to work toward a consensual reorganization in the best interests of its stakeholders. Kodak expects to complete its U.S.-based restructuring during 2013.
The Company and its Board of Directors are being advised by Lazard, FTI Consulting Inc. and Sullivan & Cromwell LLP. In addition, Dominic DiNapoli, Vice Chairman of FTI Consulting, will serve as Chief Restructuring Officer to support the management team as to restructuring matters during the chapter 11 case.
More information about Kodak’s Chapter 11 filing is available on the Internet at www.kodaktransforms.com. Information for suppliers and vendors is available at (800) 544-7009 or (585) 724-6100.
Kodak will be filing monthly operating reports with the Bankruptcy Court and also plans to post these monthly operating reports on the Investor Relations section of Kodak.com. The Company will continue to file quarterly and annual reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which will also be available in the Investor Relations section of Kodak.com.
Kodak reported to be preparing for bankruptcy protection
From dpreview.com
Click here to read the Wall Street Journal’s report
Press release: ROCHESTER, N.Y.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Jan. 3, 2012– Eastman Kodak Company (NYSE:EK) today announced that the Company has received a continued listing standards notice from the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) because the average closing price of the Company’s common stock was less than $1.00 per share over a period of 30 consecutive trading days.
The Company’s common stock continues to trade on the NYSE. Under NYSE rules, the Company has six months following receipt of the notification to regain compliance with the minimum share price requirement. The Company can regain compliance at any time during the six-month cure period if the Company’s common stock has a closing share price of at least $1.00 on the last trading day of any calendar month during the period and also has an average closing share price of at least $1.00 over the 30 trading-day period ending on the last trading day of that month or on the last day of the cure period.
The Company’s Securities and Exchange Commission reporting requirements and debt obligations are not affected by the receipt of the NYSE notification.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SAFE HARBOR PROVISIONS OF THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995
Certain statements in this document may be forward-looking in nature, or “forward-looking statements” as defined in the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. For example, references to the Company’s expectations regarding the following are forward-looking statements: the future trading price of the Company’s common shares; and compliance with or the Company’s ability to cure deficiencies under the NYSE listing standards.
Future events or results may differ from those anticipated or expressed in these forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements include, among others, the following risks, uncertainties, assumptions and factors as described in more detail in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2011, June 30, 2011, and September 30, 2011, under the headings “Risk Factors,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and “Cautionary Statement Pursuant to Safe Harbor Provisions of the Private Litigation Reform Act of 1995″ and in other filings the Company makes with the SEC from time to time:
The Company cautions readers to carefully consider such factors. Many of these factors are beyond the Company’s control. While the Company may elect to update forward-looking statements at some point in the future, the Company specifically disclaims any obligation to do so, even if its expectations change. In addition, these forward-looking statements represent the Company’s expectations only as of the date they are made, and should not be relied upon as representing the Company’s expectations as of any subsequent date.
Notwithstanding the opportunity for a six-month grace period to return to compliance with NYSE continued listing requirements, given the liquidity challenges confronting the Company and the recent market experience with our listed securities, there can be no assurance that the Company will return to compliance with the NYSE listing standards. Moreover, no assurance can be given that future actions by the Company or the marketplace will not give rise to alternative bases for potential delisting from the NYSE.
Any forward-looking statements in this document should be evaluated in light of the factors and uncertainties referenced above and should not be unduly relied upon.
Kodak sells Image Sensor Solutions business
From dpreview.com
Click here for more on Kodak’s proposed patent sale (Reuters)
Press release: ROCHESTER, N.Y., November 07 – Eastman Kodak Company (NYSE:EK) announced today that it has completed the sale of its Image Sensor Solutions (ISS) business to Platinum Equity in a move that will sharpen Kodak’s operational focus and strengthen its financial position.
While the financial details were not disclosed, Kodak will have continuing access to the image sensor technology involved in this transaction for use in its own products. Kodak has previously communicated that it would sell assets that are not central to its transformation to a profitable, sustainable digital company. This sale is aligned with that strategy to generate cash to complete the transformation.
Included in the sale is a 263,000 square foot facility in Eastman Business Park in Rochester, N.Y., that houses manufacturing and research facilities.
The ISS business develops, manufactures, and markets the world’s highest performance solid state image sensor devices. Over the past 30 years, Kodak’s image sensors have delivered unrivaled image quality and innovative features for use in a broad range of demanding imaging applications. From precision manufacturing inspection to digital radiography, from earth imaging satellites to traffic monitoring, from the world’s highest performing studio photography cameras to DNA sequencing systems, customers around the world rely on high-performance products from ISS in the most mission-critical applications.
Platinum Equity is a global M&A&O® firm specializing in the merger, acquisition and operation of companies that provide services and solutions to customers in a broad range of business markets.
“Image Sensor Solutions is a business that is well-positioned in the high-performance imaging markets in which it participates,” said Pradeep Jotwani, President, Consumer Digital Imaging Group, and Senior Vice President, Eastman Kodak Company. “This sale maximizes shareholder value by obtaining a full and fair valuation for this business, and allows Kodak to increase its financial flexibility.”
Jotwani noted that Platinum Equity brings significant financial and operational resources to the ISS business and a comprehensive plan to ensure its continued success.
“Platinum Equity is an ideal acquirer of Kodak’s ISS business because they are committed to the success of the business for the benefit of customers and employees,” Jotwani said. “I’m very pleased that we have such a favorable outcome for all of our constituents.”
Platinum Equity focuses on acquiring businesses that can benefit from the firm’s extensive in-house capability and expertise in transition, integration and operations.
“This is a great opportunity to acquire a business with an impressive record for delivering innovative solutions to customers around the world,” said Brian Wall, the partner at Platinum Equity who led the team pursuing the acquisition. “The ISS business has a strong management team with the right vision for leading the company into the future. We share their commitment to product development and customer service and are committed to helping the business realize its full potential.”
Wall said Platinum Equity’s experience managing complex transitions from corporate parent companies will benefit employees, customers and other partners.
“Our operations group will work hand-in-hand with the management team to ensure a seamless transition while allowing the organization to stay focused on delivering world class imaging products and solutions,” said Wall. “We are proud to have forged a unique divestiture solution in partnership with Kodak that serves the best interests of everyone involved.”
Kodak releases EasyShare M950 digital compact camera
From dpreview.com
Press Release: Rochester, NY, Aug 23 - Eastman Kodak Company today introduced the new KODAK EASYSHARE M590 Digital Camera, the ultimate social networking accessory for people who love to share their pictures. With Kodak’s exclusive Share Button, consumers can tag pictures and videos directly on the camera for effortless uploading to popular social networking sites including FACEBOOK, KODAK Gallery, FLICKR, ORKUT, and YOUTUBE. Pictures can also be tagged to email and to send to any KODAK PULSE Digital Frame.
The new KODAK EASYSHARE M590 Digital Camera is the world’s thinnest* 5X optical zoom digital camera. On top of its sleek, modern and stylish design, the camera also boasts advanced features including Kodak’s Face Recognition feature that makes it simple for consumers to find and share the pictures they want, and Kodak’s Smart Capture feature that helps them take better pictures automatically.
“We are thrilled to see how people have embraced Kodak’s Share Button as an easier way to share life’s moments with family and friends, in three simple steps,” said Phil Scott, Vice President of Marketing, Digital Capture and Devices, Kodak. “With the new KODAK EASYSHARE M590 Digital Camera, we are continuing our commitment to bring to market innovative, intuitive and stylish products that make it fun and easy for today’s socially savvy crowd to share all their favorite moments.”
KODAK M590 Digital Camera Features:
The KODAK EASYSHARE M590 Digital Camera will be available this fall for US $199.95 MSRP in silver, red, purple and blue at major retailers and Kodak.com.
New 10-inch KODAK PULSE Digital Frame Kodak is also introducing a larger size for its popular and award-wining KODAK PULSE Digital Frame. The new 10-inch PULSE Digital Frame will be available this fall for US $199.95 MSRP at major retailers and Kodak.com. With all the features of Kodak’s current 7-inch PULSE Digital Frame, including Wi-Fi connectivity and a customizable email address, the 10-inch PULSE Frame is the perfect gift for the holiday season. The KODAK PULSE Digital Frame makes it easy for consumers to keep their frames fresh with new pictures and share with family and friends. Pictures can be emailed directly to the PULSE Frame from mobile phones, computers and any device with email capability. It also connects to FACEBOOK and KODAK Gallery photo albums, offers easy set-up with no software to install, and has an intuitive touchscreen interface.
With the KODAK PULSE Digital Frame, there is always something new to look forward to.
KODAK Digital Camera Accessories
A range of accessories are available for the KODAK M590 Digital Camera including:
* World’s thinnest 5X optical zoom digital camera as of July, 2010
** Colors and availability may vary by region
Kodak and Samsung settle patent dispute
From dpreview.com
Click here to read our previous news story on the patent issue
Press Release: Agreement Is Royalty-Bearing to Kodak
ROCHESTER, N.Y.—Eastman Kodak Company (NYSE: EK) announced today that it has entered into a technology cross license with Samsung Electronics Co Ltd. that will allow each company access to the other’s patent portfolio.
The license agreement, which provides significant benefits to both companies, is royalty bearing to Kodak. The company received a payment from Samsung in December that has been credited toward its royalty obligation. Additional financial details were not disclosed.
The companies also entered into an agreement to file joint requests for the termination of patent infringement proceedings before the U.S. International Trade Commission, and to settle their patent infringement lawsuits against each other, which are pending in U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York and in the German courts. Both the settlement of the litigation and the license agreement become effective upon approval by the International Trade Commission of the joint requests for termination. The ITC is expected to make its determination by the end of January 2010.
“We are pleased to have reached a mutually beneficial arrangement that advances the interests of Kodak and Samsung and which validates the strength of Kodak’s intellectual property portfolio,” said Laura G. Quatela, Chief Intellectual Property Officer, and Vice President, Eastman Kodak Company.
Kodak unveils Slice touchscreen camera
From dpreview.com
Press Release: “Kodak knows that consumers want the ability to share life’s memories at a moment’s notice, whether it’s pictures that evoke a tear or just the funny everyday moments,” said John Blake, General Manager, Digital Capture and Devices and Vice President, Kodak. “The power of sharing and reliving life’s moments drove the development of our new SLICE Camera. It provides instant access to all of your KODAK Moments, and it’s right at your fingertips.”
Store, Sort and Share with the SLICE Camera
With the ability to store up to 5,000 pictures in HD resolution, the SLICE Camera’s onboard KODAK SLICE Search Feature and Face Recognition allow consumers to sort through thousands of pictures by person, place, date, or occasion in order to locate and share a collection of treasured moments.
The touchscreen and Share Button allow consumers to tag pictures directly on the camera for effortless uploading to popular sharing sites including Facebook, KODAK Gallery, Flickr, and YouTube. Pictures can also be tagged to email or to send directly to the new KODAK PULSE Digital Frame.
KODAK SLICE Touchscreen Camera features include:
The KODAK SLICE Touchscreen Camera will be available in black, nickel and radish for US $349.95 MSRP beginning in April 2010. Best Buy will initially be the exclusive retailer for in-store sales. The KODAK SLICE Touchscreen Camera will also be sold online at Amazon.com and Kodak.com.
Kodak is also introducing a case for the SLICE Camera, which was designed in a competition among accessories students at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York City. The final case design was chosen by celebrated designer Steve Madden and FIT faculty.
*Colors and availability may vary by region
Kodak announces four EasyShare M-series cameras
From dpreview.com
Press Release: Rochester, NY, Jan 6 — Eastman Kodak Company today unveiled the newest additions to its EASYSHARE Digital Camera portfolio. The new cameras are designed to make sharing pictures and videos to sites like Facebook, KODAK Gallery, Flickr and YouTube – or to an e-mail address – as simple as pressing one button on the camera. Equipped with a range of impressive features from Smart Capture and Face Recognition, to HD photo and video capture, the latest EASYSHARE Digital Cameras transform the “KODAK Moment” from a picture taking experience to a picture and video sharing experience thanks to the Kodak Share Button.
Kodak has improved its innovative on-camera tagging capability to make sharing as simple and personal as possible. The Share Button now allows consumers to tag pictures directly on the camera for effortless uploading to popular sharing sites including Facebook, KODAK Gallery, Flickr, and YouTube. Pictures can also be tagged to email or to send directly to the new KODAK PULSE Digital Frame.
“In a world where people are sharing online more than ever before, Kodak wants to make it as simple as possible. You simply press the Kodak Share Button to tag the pictures on the camera and they automatically email or upload to your favorite sharing sites when you connect to a computer,” said Phil Scott,Vice President of Marketing, Digital Capture and Devices, Kodak. “We designed our new digital cameras to give consumers an easier and more intuitive way to share and relive their moments when they want, where they want and how they want.”
Just Press Share with KODAK EASYSHARE M Digital Cameras
The KODAK EASYSHARE M Digital Camera line makes it simpler for consumers to share their pictures with one touch of the Share Button. The cameras include Kodak’s new Face Recognition feature so consumers can find the pictures they want, and Smart Capture feature so they can take the perfect shot in a variety of lighting conditions without worrying about camera settings. KODAK EASYSHARE M Digital Cameras come in a sleek and compact design, and are available in a variety of stylish colors.
KODAK EASYSHARE M580 Digital Camera features 14MP, 8X SCHNEIDER-KREUZNACH VARIOGON Optical Zoom Wide Angle Lens, 3-inch Bright LCD with KODAK Color Science technology, HD video capture, built-in HDMI connector, and more. The M580 will be available in silver, light blue, brown, purple and pink for US $199.95 MSRP beginning in April 2010.
KODAK EASYSHARE M575 Digital Camera features 14MP, 5X SCHNEIDER-KREUZNACH VARIOGON Optical Zoom Wide Angle Lens, 3-inch bright LCD with KODAK Color Science technology, HD video capture, and more. The M575 will be available in red, green, blue, black and brown for US $179.95 MSRP beginning in April 2010.
KODAK EASYSHARE M550 Digital Camera features 12MP, 5X Optical Zoom Wide Angle Lens, 2.7-inch Bright LCD with KODAK Color Science technology, and more. The M550 will be available in dark grey, purple, tan, blue and green for US $149.95 MSRP beginning in March 2010.
KODAK EASYSHARE M530 Digital Camera features 12MP, 3X Optical Zoom Lens, 2.7-inch bright LCD with KODAK Color Science technology, and more. The M530 will be available in red, green, blue, orange and carbon for US $129.95 MSRP beginning in February 2010.
* Colors and availability may vary by region
New KODAK Digital Camera Accessories
New accessories for KODAK Digital Cameras make it easy for consumers to be ready to capture life’s moments. They include:
KODAK Camera Battery Charger K7700 in a slim, sleek design is small enough to take anywhere, features fast one-hour charging for many KODAK Digital Cameras, and is ENERGY STAR® qualified.
KODAK C-Series Camera Battery Charger K450 includes two high performance AA Ni-MH rechargeable batteries, which enable consumers to take approximately 300 pictures on a single charge, and is ENERGY STAR® qualified.
Kodak creates print and share app for iPhone
From dpreview.com
Click here for more information and to download the app
Press Release: ROCHESTER, N.Y., Nov. 2 — Eastman Kodak Company (NYSE: EK) has introduced the KODAK Pic Flick App, a new, free Apple iPhone and iPod touch Device that enables consumers to upload pictures to a KODAK W1020 Wireless Digital Frame or print them wirelessly on the KODAK ESP 5250 All-in-One (AiO) WiFi-enabled Printer, which saves consumers an average of $110 a year on ink* and offers the lowest total ink replacement cost in the industry.**
“Pictures are a way of sharing the unique moments in our lives,” said Randy Brody, Vice-President of Marketing Inkjet Systems, Eastman Kodak Company. “The KODAK Pic Flick App provides a fast, easy and fun way to print, display and share within seconds of capturing a moment at home or away from home. Consumers can simply upload pictures to a nearby KODAK W1020 Wireless Digital Frame or send them to the KODAK ESP 5250 AiO Printer using their Apple iPhone or iPod touch.”
The KODAK Pic Flick App features include:
“At Kodak, we believe pictures are meant to be shared and are committed to helping people do more with their pictures by providing solutions to make, manage and move images easily and effortlessly,” continues Brody. “With the KODAK Pic Flick App, we are helping consumers to print and share moments in the time it takes to make a simple phone call.”
The KODAK Pic Flick App is free and is available on the App Store.
To learn more, please visit the official KODAK Pic Flick page www.Kodak.com/go/PicFlick . KODAK Pic Flick App works on Apple iPhone and iPod touch devices using OS version 2.2 and above.
To send a print job or a file to the KODAK ESP 5250 All-in-One Printer or to the KODAK W1020 Wireless Digital Frame, consumers need to ensure that the device(s) are connected to the same LAN/WiFi connection as their iPhone or iPod touch device.
The KODAK ESP 5250 AiO Printer, available since September 2009, is the latest in Kodak’s range of AiO consumer printers. Kodak printers, including the KODAK ESP 5250, produce lab-quality, long-lasting photos and documents.
The WiFi-enabled AiO printer retails for $159.99 and features a 2.4″ color LCD display panel to easily view and crop images along with built-in memory card compatibility. The wireless KODAK W1020 Wireless Digital Frame can hold up to 4,000 photos and can display and play pictures, video and audio clips. The 10″ W1020 retails for $229.95.
Kodak challenges Samsung and LG on patents
From dpreview.com
Press Release: ROCHESTER, N.Y., Nov. 17 – Eastman Kodak Company (NYSE:EK) announced today that it has filed complaints against Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics and other related entities for infringement of Kodak patents.
The Kodak actions specifically allege that Samsung and LG camera phones infringe Kodak digital camera patents. The patents in question cover technology related to image capture, compression and data storage and a method for previewing motion images.
Kodak filed against Samsung and LG in theUnited States District Court for the Western District of New York, as well as in the U.S. International Trade Commission. Kodak’s District Court complaints request compensation for damages resulting from the companies’ infringement, and both the District Court and ITC actions seek injunctions prohibiting Samsung and LG from further importation and sale of products cited in the complaints. Kodak did not disclose the amount of damages it is pursuing.
“Kodak has a long history of innovation and we have invested many millions of dollars developing our digital camera technology,” said Laura G. Quatela, Chief Intellectual Property Officer, and Vice President, Eastman Kodak Company.
“We’ve held discussions with both companies in an attempt to resolve this issue and have not been able to reach a satisfactory agreement. Consequently, we must take this legal action in order to ensure that we protect the interests of our shareholders and existing licensees of Kodak digital camera patents.”
Kodak has licensed its imaging patents to several leading technology companies including: MEI/Panasonic, Motorola, Nokia, Olympus, Sanyo, Sharp, Sony, Sony Ericsson and others.
Kodak fits 50MP into dynamic range
From dpreview.com
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“We were being told two things by our customers,” said Kodak: “The first was the need for more resolution, to give increased levels of detail. The cameras this chip will be used in can support this: they have headroom in terms of what their lenses can resolve. But, at the same time, we were being told: ‘Don’t take anything away that we already have,’ particularly in terms of dynamic range.”
Kodak says the new chip is the first of a new generation of sensors and is the first to utilize a new technology platform. There are three key technologies in the new chip to help improve responsiveness, color accuracy and to handle the output of such a large sensor. One of the most interesting is the chip’s four-channel readout, which has been designed with dynamic range, rather than speed, in mind. “Dynamic range is essentially signal-to-noise ratio, which is just signal divided by noise.” the company said: “Going to a smaller pixel you get less signal so, to retain dynamic range, we need to drop noise.”
“The 39MP chip was a two-channel readout design. This means each row was pulled down into the output register, then read out from either side of the chip to the amplifiers, before the next row could be pulled down. The 50MP is a four channel device – there are two registers, one for the odd pixels, the other for the even ones. Again, half go to the left and half go to the right.
“As you operate the amps faster and faster, you get more noise. This four-channel approach gave us more bandwidth, partly to deal with the extra information created by the extra pixels but also to allow us to run the amplifiers slower. On this chip there are four amplifiers running at 18Mhz, rather than two running at 24Mhz.” Click-to-capture time is kept down by using a new pixel clearing technology Kodak has dubbed ‘Pulse flush.’ “Before you can read the output of a sensor, you have to make sure it’s clear from any electrical noise that could be hanging around. Traditionally you had to read out all of the pixels, drop them down and through the output register. As you increase pixel count, this takes more and more time and also it takes power. “What we’ve got in this design, in addition to the light sensitive area in each pixel, is a drain for anti-blooming draining. This is usually used to carry away excess voltage if the pixel is over-exposed, to stop that voltage over-flowing into neighboring pixels. We use that, in a process called ‘Pulse flushing,’ to drain all the pixels before each shot. This way the initial delay is measured in microseconds, rather than milliseconds.” The other change in the new chip is the use of a new red pigment to increase color accuracy. “One of the things our customers liked about the last chip was the color accuracy but we thought we could do something to make it better. The new pigment shifts the absorption band 15 nm towards the blue, which increases the overlap between the red and green channels.” Increasing the overlap between channels helps the camera more accurately detect colors that fall between the two channels, meaning the new sensor should be better able to interpret yellow and orange tones.
Although Kodak refers to the chip as being the first product based on a new technology platform, it would not be drawn on whether this could include application on a DSLR scale. In addition to medium-format professional photography, the company said the sensor had been generating interest from aerial photography companies.
Press release: ROCHESTER, N.Y., July 8, 2008 – Eastman Kodak Company (NYSE:EK) has achieved another breakthrough in its storied history of imaging technology innovation with the introduction of the world’s first 50 million pixel CCD image sensor for professional photography.
At 50 million pixels, or megapixels, the sensor captures digital images with unprecedented resolution and detail. For instance, with a 50 megapixel camera, in an aerial photo of a field 1.5 miles across, you could detect an object about the size of a small notebook computer (1 foot by 1 foot).
What’s more, the KODAK KAF-50100 Image Sensor features a newly designed pixel that is smaller in size than the pixel used in current products for this professional market. This new pixel also reduces “click-to-capture” time for improved camera response, lowers power consumption for improved battery life, and improves color fidelity without compromising on the benefits to be enjoyed from larger pixel sizes.
“Professional photographers need to capture ever-increasing image detail with higher camera performance, and that to drives us to develop new technologies and products to serve this important market,” said Michael Miller, manager of Kodak’s CCD Image Sensor Business, part of the company’s Image Sensor Solutions group. “Kodak image sensors have been known as the professional imaging standard for years, and today’s announcement reaffirms our dedication to provide industry-leading image sensors that give professional photographers a real competitive advantage.”
The new Kodak sensor is the first to utilize the company’s new KODAK TRUESENSE 6.0 micron Full Frame CCD Technology Platform, which increases both the resolution and camera performance available to photographers. Based on a newly designed 6.0 micron pixel, the platform provides increased data throughput for faster frame rate, a reduced “click to capture” time for improved camera response, lower power consumption for improved battery life, and improved color fidelity, while still retaining key performance parameters available from the larger, 6.8 micron pixel used in current products. With an 8176 x 6132 pixel array, the 50 million pixel sensor provides the highest resolution available in the popular 48 mm x 36 mm optical format used in medium format photography. The KAF-50100 is the latest addition to Kodak’s family of full-frame CCD image sensors for the professional photography market. Engineering grade devices of the KAF-50100 are currently available, with volume production planned for Q4, 2008.
Kodak’s TRUESENSE offers hope for cramped chips
From dpreview.com
Having spoken to Kodak regarding the TRUESENSE CMOS Pixel, we have added a short editorial to further explain the workings of this new sensor technology.
Editorial:
Kodak used PMA to announce a novel sensor technology that could offer cleaner high-ISO images. Although initially aimed at the cell phone camera market the technology is scalable to the digicam and DSLR markets, the company says. Most of the benefits appear to be most relevant at the very small, cell phone camera scale but it does appear to be an interesting new way of doing things.
The sensor differs from conventional sensors in two ways: firstly it uses Kodak’s “High ISO color filter array,” which the company announced in late 2007. In addition, the detector layer of the chip works the opposite way ’round from existing sensors in that it detects the holes left by electrons, rather than the electrons themselves. This is achieved by using a pMOS, rather than nMOS layer to do the detection.
Kodak has reported that this hole-counting technology reduces crosstalk between adjacent pixels by three to four times. This is thought to be because the holes are less mobile than electrons and cannot jump to adjacent pixels (the remaining crosstalk is thought to be due to light spilling between pixels, rather than the holes). Dark current (essentially the background noise generated by the sensor itself) is reduced by more than 30 times – a benefit that comes from the differing chemistry of pMOS-based pixels. Pixel temporal noise, the randomly occurring noise that builds up over the time the sensor is active, is reduced by around 40%.
Kodak’s sensor combines this hole-counting technology with its “High ISO CFA” (Color filter array), that includes clear, luminance-detecting, pixels as well as the red, green and blue-detecting ones used in traditional Bayer-pattern filters. Internal tests suggest this color filter array produces the same signal-noise ratio at sensitivity levels around 1.6-1.7 stops higher than those using Bayer pattern filters. This may not sound much but it means a High ISO CFA chip would produce the same amount of noise at around ISO 1270 as a conventional sensor would be expected to at ISO 400.
Using the pMOS detection layer may boost this figure by between 10 and 15 percent, says Fas Mosleh, Director Worldwide Marketing and Business Development at Kodak, resulting in around a 2-stop improvement overall depending upon the pixel design and size. This means ISO 1600 performance with the amount of noise you’d usually expect to see at ISO 400. However, these are the improvements offered in the tiny 1/4″ and 1/3.2″ sensors used in cell phone cameras. The benefits will not be so pronounced for larger sensors, says Mosleh. It could allow larger sensors to become more pixel-dense without a loss of quality, though.
A CMOS chip with a pMOS detector layer is fabricated using the same processes as existing CMOS sensors, so would not require any fundamental re-tooling to put into large-scale production.
Press Release:
ROCHESTER, N.Y., Feb. 4 – Eastman Kodak Company (NYSE:EK) is enabling a new level of performance in consumer imaging devices by redesigning the basic building blocks used to collect light and is incorporating that technology into a brand-new sensor.
The company has combined its recently announced Color Filter Pattern technology with a new CMOS pixel to create the KODAK KAC-05020 Image Sensor, the world’s first 1.4 micron, 5 megapixel device. Designed for mass-consumer camera applications such as mobile phones, Kodak’s new sensor enables a new level of resolution in small optical formats, using significantly smaller pixels. But unlike other small-pixel sensors which can produce poor images, especially under low light conditions, the 1.4 micron pixel used in the KAC-05020 Image Sensor changes this convention, providing image quality that can equal or surpass what is available from current devices using larger, 1.75 micron pixel CMOS designs.
“Camera phones and other small-pixel consumer imaging devices often suffer from poor performance, especially under low light conditions. To manufacture sensors that utilize these very small pixels – only two to three times the wavelength of visible light – we needed to challenge everything we knew about pixel and sensor design,” said Chris McNiffe, General Manager of Kodak’s Image Sensor Solutions business. “By completely rethinking the design of the CMOS pixel and leveraging our work with high sensitivity color filter patterns and algorithms, Kodak was able to develop this remarkable new sensor that will enable a level of imaging performance previously unavailable from CMOS devices.”
Key to the performance of this new sensor is the KODAK TRUESENSE CMOS Pixel, a re-engineering of the fundamental design and architecture of traditional CMOS pixels. In a standard CMOS pixel, signal is measured by detecting electrons that are generated when light interacts with the surface of the sensor. As more light strikes the sensor, more electrons are generated, resulting in a higher signal at each pixel. In the KODAK TRUESENSE CMOS Pixel, however, the underlying “polarity” of the silicon is reversed, so that the absence of electrons is used to detect a signal. This change enabled a series of improvements to the design and structure of the pixel that ultimately results in CMOS imaging performance that rivals that available from CCD image sensors.
Light sensitivity in the new sensor is enhanced through the use of the recently announced KODAK TRUESENSE Color Filter Pattern, which adds panchromatic, or “clear,” pixels to the red, green and blue pixels already on the sensor. Since these pixels are sensitive to all wavelengths of visible light, they collect a significantly higher proportion of the light striking the sensor. This provides a 2x to 4x increase in sensitivity to light (from one to two photographic stops) compared to current sensor designs, improving performance in low light and reducing motion blur in action shots.
At 5 million pixels, the KAC-05020 provides the highest resolution available in the popular ¼” optical format, and enables imagery up to ISO 3200 and support for full 720p video at 30 fps. The sensor is also supported by the Texas Instruments’ OMAPTM and OMAP-DM solutions, enabling a host of KODAK Image Processing and Enhancement Features (such as digital image stabilization, rapid auto-focus, red-eye reduction, and facial recognition) that provide digital camera-like performance in a camera phone.
“For consumers today, high resolution is required but no longer sufficient,” said Fas Mosleh, Worldwide Director of CIS Marketing and Business Development for Kodak’s Image Sensor Solutions business. “Smaller and thinner camera phones, high performance under low light, and superior video performance are the types of features that will enable the next generation of consumer imaging devices. And with this new Kodak sensor, camera designers can now put those features directly into the hands of their customers.”
The new sensor expands Kodak’s portfolio of CMOS and CCD image sensors for consumer and applied imaging applications, and positions the company to take advantage of the growing demand for high-quality image capture in a variety of devices, regardless of size.
The KAC-05020 will be demonstrated by Kodak at the GSMA Mobile World Congress held Feb 11 – 14 in Barcelona, Spain. Samples of the KAC-05020 are scheduled to be available in Q2 2008.
For additional information, please contact Image Sensor Solutions, Eastman Kodak Company at (585) 722-4385 or by email at imagers@kodak.com. For more information on Kodak’s entire image sensor product line, please visit www.kodak.com/go/imagers.
IBM’s Watson Challenges University of Rochester MBA Students
From feeds.ziffdavisenterprise
2002 DIMA Innovative Digital Product Awards
From dpreview.com PMA 2002: DIMA, the Digital Imaging Marketing Association have announced the winners of the 2002 Innovative Digital Product Awards announced. Foveon scored well by not only receiving an award for the innovative X3 image sensor but also in a round about way in the shape of Sigma’s award for the SD9. Other notable products were Nikon D100, Adobe Photoshop 7, Leica Digilux 1 and the Minolta DiMAGE X. Out of the hundreds of digital products on display at the PMA 2002 Annual International Convention & Trade Show in Orlando, Fla., USA, 15 have been selected by digital imaging editors and writers to receive the prestigious DIMA Innovative Digital Product Award, handed out today. The annual award is one of several events sponsored by the Digital Imaging Marketing Association, a section of PMA.
An Innovative Digital Product of PMA 2002 is determined by the judges to utilize new technologies and/or applications in such a way as to make the product either unique or the first of its kind. The products are of high quality, and show themselves to be an influence on the future of digital imaging. Whether the product is hardware or software, amateur or professional, photographic or prepress, or any other segment, is irrelevant – judges were simply asked to cover the PMA Trade Show floor with an eye to the innovative.
Companies honored for their innovative digital products are: Foveon Inc., Santa Clara, Calif., USA Sigma Corp., Ronkonkoma, N.Y., USA Leica Camera Inc., Northvale, N.J., USA Adobe Systems Inc., San Jose, Calif., USA Minolta Corp., Ramsey, N.J., USA Pixel Magic Imaging, San Marcos, Texas, USA Nikon Inc., Melville, N.Y., USA Applied Science Fiction, Austin, Texas, USA Applied Science Fiction, Austin, Texas, USA Phogenix Imaging, San Diego, Calif., USA Concord Camera Corp., Hollywood, Fla., USA Hi-Touch Imaging Technologies, Pan-Chiao City, Taiwan Eastman Kodak Co., Rochester, N.Y., USA Eastman Kodak Co., Rochester, N.Y. Durst Dice America, Rochester, N.Y., USA
2002 DIMA Digital Camera Shoot-Out
From dpreview.com Twelve digital cameras were named winners in the 2002 DIMA Digital Camera Shoot-Out today at the PMA 2002 Annual International Convention & Trade Show in Orlando, Fla., USA.
Fifty-one digital camera entries and 20 manufacturers participated in the 6th Annual DIMA Digital Camera Shoot-Out, which took place on Saturday, Feb. 23, at the DIMA Annual Conference in Orlando. The point-and-shoot cameras and prosumer/professional cameras captured images in two live-model studios, while the commercial strobe-based and scanning capture cameras captured images of two commercial product setups.
Images from the point-and-shoot cameras were printed on the Fujifilm Frontier 370 digital minilab supplied by Fuji Photo Film U.S.A. Inc., Elmsford, N.Y., USA.
Images from the prosumer/professional category were output through a PC or Mac running Adobe Photoshop 6.0 and printed in RGB on a Fujifilm Pictrography 4000 II, also provided by Fuji.
Images from the strobe-based and scanning capture commercial studio cameras were output through a Mac running Adobe PhotoShop 6.0 and printed on an Epson 10000 CMYK inkjet printer, supplied by Epson America Inc., Long Beach, Calif., USA.
Color management support for the DIMA Digital Camera Shoot-Out was provided by Gretag Macbeth, Huntington Beach, Calif.; and ITEC Colorblind, San Diego, Calif.
Professional photo equipment was supplied by Bogen Photo Corp., Ramsey, N.J., USA; Hasselblad USA, Fairfield, N.J.; and Schneider Optics, Hauppauge, N.Y. Color viewing systems providing D5000 viewing conditions were provided by GTI Graphic Technology Inc., Newburgh, N.Y. Digital media readers were supplied by Microtech International Inc., Guilford, Conn. Photo-editing software was provided by Adobe Systems Inc., San Jose, Calif. Photo trimmers were provided by Quality Mounting & Laminating Systems, North Haven, Conn.
Additional technical expertise was provided by Mark Williford, Lee Varis, Claud Jodoin, William “Spook” Bolt, and Bill Smith.
The entries were voted upon by trade attendees of PMA 2002, based on image/print quality and color accuracy.
Below are the winners of the 6th Annual DIMA Digital Camera Shoot-Out: Below $100 $100 to $199 $200 to $299 $300 to $499 $500 to $699 $700 to $899 $900 to $1,200 Sony DCR-TRV50 – Sony Electronics, Park Ridge, N.J., USA $1,200 to $2,499 $5,000 to $9,999 (Merit Award) One-Shot (Merit Award) Scanning Capture
Jurors punished for using social media?
From feedproxy.google This week’s Daily Record column is entitled “Jurors punished for using social media?” A pdf of the article can be found here and my past Daily Record articles can be accessed here. _____ Jurors punished for using social media? Currently, the United States imprisons more than 2.3 million of its citizens.This incarceration rate means that 1 out of every 100 United States citizens is in jail. Since we already imprison people at a rate that some estimate is 10 times that of other Western democracies, I would suggest that it’s time to stop criminalizing trivial infractions. For example, it’s hard…
A pdf of the article can be found here and my past Daily Record articles can be accessed here.
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Jurors punished for using social media?
Currently, the United States imprisons more than 2.3 million of its citizens.This incarceration rate means that 1 out of every 100 United States citizens is in jail.
Since we already imprison people at a rate that some estimate is 10 times that of other Western democracies, I would suggest that it’s time to stop criminalizing trivial infractions. For example, it’s hard to believe that jurors are being jailed for using social media during trials. And no, I am not making this up.
Last month, a Florida juror in a personal injury case was sentenced to 3 days in jail for contempt of court. His transgression? Sending a Facebook “friend” request to a defendant in the case.
In another case, during the summer of 2011, a Texas man sent a “friend” request to the plaintiff in the personal injury lawsuit for which he was a juror. After learning of his actions, the court sentenced him to 2 days of community service.
Most recently, in New Jersey, in a criminal case where a jury foreman conducted Internet research about the case, the judge held in contempt of court and fined him $500. In his Order, Superior Court Judge Peter E. Doyne suggested that Internet-based tools were such a danger to a fair and impartial trial that the Model Criminal Jury Charges needed to be revised to include possible punishments for noncompliance with judicial instructions.
The court wrote: “(T)his court rejects the notion the American courtroom, with its constraints and controls developed over the centuries, with its methodical and deliberate means of proceeding, is somehow incompatible with or outdated in today’s world of high-speed information on demand. Indeed, the proliferation of electronic information renders the sterilized atmosphere of a courtroom even more important … To better communicate the importance of obedience to the court’s instructions, it may be appropriate to further explain reasons for the prohibition on juror research and, even, possible punishments for disobedience.”
Yes, you read that correctly. This judge is suggesting that because the medium for juror misconduct has changed, we should now punish jurors who are simply doing what jurors have been doing since the dawn of jury trials: violating court prohibitions against conducting research or discussing the issues presented at trial.
The only difference is that jurors are now using newfangled technology and “the Internets” instead of reading the newspaper, conducting research via the library or an encyclopedia, or discussing the case with spouses or neighbors.
Juror conduct hasn’t changed. What has changed is the medium through which the jurors are violating the court order. The Internet and mobile devices simply make information more easily accessible and more easily disseminated, but the information has always been available for the taking and the ability to share it has likewise always existed.
To suggest that harsher penalties should be imposed for juror misconduct occurring via the Internet is nothing more than a knee jerk reaction to technological change cloaked in purported concern for the sanctity of the judicial system.
Jurors behaving in a predictably human fashion is nothing new. What is notable is the reaction of judges unwilling to accept change. Upping the ante for digital curiosity and imposing jail time, community service and fines for online research and discussion while failing to impose the same sanctions for similar offline misconduct is nothing less than outrageous.
Like it or not, the 21st century is here. Computers, the Internet and mobile devices aren’t going away. Unless you happen to possess a time machine, there’s no going back. So, enough already. Stop the Luddite insanity and accept reality.
Nicole Black is the Vice President of Business Development and Community Relations at MyCase, a cloud-based law practice management platform. She is a Rochester, NY-based attorney and a GigaOM Pro Analyst. She is the author of the ABA book Cloud Computing for Lawyers, co-authors the ABA book Social Media for Lawyers: the Next Frontier, and co-authors Criminal Law in New York, a West-Thomson treatise. She is the founder of lawtechTalk.com and speaks regularly at conferences regarding the intersection of law and technology. She publishes four legal blogs and can be reached at nblack@nicoleblackesq.com.
Withdrawing from PointOneLaw Because of my VP Position With MyCase
From feedproxy.google Yesterday I told you about my new position as Vice President of Business Development and Community Relations for MyCase, a company that offers a cloud-based law practice management platform. Unfortunately, because of my new position, I am going to have to withdraw as a speaker from LexThink1. This is because only one person from any given company can speak at LexThink1 and Matt Spiegel, the CEO at MyCase, is also slated to speak. I had the slide deck ready to go. My presentation was titled “Game, Set & Match: Serving Clients Better in the 21st Century” and I was going…
Yesterday I told you about my new position as Vice President of Business Development and Community Relations for MyCase, a company that offers a cloud-based law practice management platform.
Unfortunately, because of my new position, I am going to have to withdraw as a speaker from LexThink1. This is because only one person from any given company can speak at LexThink1 and Matt Spiegel, the CEO at MyCase, is also slated to speak.
I had the slide deck ready to go. My presentation was titled “Game, Set & Match: Serving Clients Better in the 21st Century” and I was going to discuss how tennis trusims can offer lessons for lawyers. You can view the slide deck below.
I was really looking forward to speaking and greatly appreciate everyone’s support in voting for my presentation. Nevertheless, I’m looking forward to attending and listening to some great presentations on the future of the legal profession and how lawyers can better serve their clients. Hope to see you there!
Nicole Black is the Vice President of Business Development and Community Relations at MyCase, a cloud-based law practice management platform. She is a Rochester, NY-based attorney and a GigaOM Pro Analyst. She is the author of the ABA book Cloud Computing for Lawyers, co-authors the ABA book Social Media for Lawyers: the Next Frontier, and co-authors Criminal Law in New York, a West-Thomson treatise. She is the founder of lawtechTalk.com and speaks regularly at conferences regarding the intersection of law and technology. She publishes four legal blogs and can be reached at nblack@nicoleblackesq.com.
Battery adds Donatelli, Richter and Ellison
From postandcourier.com The Charleston Battery signed midfielders Tony Donatelli and Ryan Richter and defender Cody Ellison for the upcoming USL Pro season. Donatelli joins the Battery after spending the 2011 season with the Rochester Rhinos. Richter was the 5th overall pick in the 2011 MLS Supplemental Draft by Philadelphia Union.
Richter was loaned to the Harrisburg City Islanders of USL PRO and made his debut versus the Charleston Battery on June 4 in a game Harrisburg won 1-0.
Richter playing for LaSalle aIn the midfield, Tony will add experience and knowledge to our squad which will be crucial throughout the season, while Ryan and Cody will add youthful excitement to our wide attacking and central defending unit,a said Battery coach Mike Anhaeuser. Charleston opens the regular season April 7 at the Richmond Kickers. See you at The Pitch, APM
Disappointing result; huge games against Orlando City
From postandcourier.com
Disappointing result over the weekend for the Charleston Battery in their 1-0 loss to Rochester.
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It wasnat for a lack of effort or chances. The Battery had four or five quality chances in the first half and didnat convert. Thatas been the story of their season. The final third of the field has been a real issue for them. A year ago, when the Battery won the USL Second Division, everything they shot seemed to go into the net.
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I sat with Battery coach Mike Anhaeuser during the game. That was an experience Iall never forget. I think I like it better when heas on the field and Iam up in the pressbox.
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The Battery has two huge games coming up against Orlando City. Thereas still a chance that Charlotte could catch them. They need to a good result in Orlando.
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Was there a sniper in the stands for this game? They should just take Mr. Wiserhof out back and shoot him!
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See you at The Pitch,
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APM
A few thoughts from the Portsmouth FC -Charleston Battery match
From postandcourier.com
A couple of thoughts from last nightas Portsmouth FC afriendlya with the Charleston Battery.
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For a 0-0 draw, I thought the game had some very entertaining moments. Both teams had scoring chances, but failed to finish when the opportunity presented itself.
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Levi Coleman is still kicking himself after that blown chance in the second half when he stepped in front of a throw from the keeper and had a wide open net to shoot at. Likewise, Jon Gruenewald had a great chance a little later and the Portsmouth FC keeper just got a toe on it to stop the shot. Great save.
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Everyone got to play for the Battery, which was nice and saved some legs for Saturdayas showdown with Rochester.
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The crowd of 3,245 was respectable for a Wednesday night. The game with Bolton sold out last summer, but it was a Saturday night game and there was a good bit of marketing for a month prior to the game. The Portsmouth FC game wasnat announced until June. I found out that the Battery had nearly schedule a game with Everton, another EPL team, for July 16, but that one fell through. They would have still played against Portsmouth even if Everton had come to Charleston.
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I would expect as word gets out there will be more teams from England and Europe coming to Charleston to play the Battery. Bolton and Portsmouth raved about the facilities and their experience here in the Lowcountry.
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A game like that also gets the Battery ready for the stretch run. Their next three games are against Rochester and Orlando City, twice, so points will be hard to come by. Remember the top four teams in each division advance to the postseason. The Battery is in fourth place in the American Division, one point out of second place (Richmond & Wilmington) and just four points ahead of fifth place Charlotte.
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In case you missed my story on John Anthony Westwood a Portsmouth FCas super fan a hereas a video about him. He was actually a pretty nice guy. I didnat sit near him in the stands Wednesday night, so I donat know what it was like to be around him during a game. I imagine it was pretty interesting. A
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I know this is late, but hereas some former Battery players in action against Portland. Love to Osvaldo and Lamar Neagle doing well.You might want to skip ahead to about the 5:10 mark of the video. A
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See you at The Pitch,
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Kodak will stop making digital cameras within the next few months. The company, currently in bankruptcy protection, will also stop making pocket video cameras and photo frames as a cost-cutting measure. Instead it is looking to license its name to other manufacturers who wish to sell cameras under the Kodak brand. Closing the business will cost around $30m, mainly in the cost of laying-off workers, but will save around $100m per year in running costs. All product warranties will be honored.
Financial paper the Wall Street Journal is reporting that former photography giant Kodak is preparing for ‘Chapter 11′ bankruptcy protection. The company’s shares fell below $1 per share yesterday, with the New York Stock Exchange announcing that the price must rise above this level within the next six months if the company is to avoid being de-listed (the share price must exceed $1 at the end of a calendar month and have averaged above $1 for the preceding 30 days). Reports claim that the company is planning to enter the court-administered Chapter 11 process if it cannot find a buyer for its portfolio of 1,100 patents covering many aspects of digital imaging.
Kodak has sold its Image Sensor Solutions business to Platinum Equity in a bid to strengthen its financial position. The company, which has struggled to manage the shift in the consumer photographic market from film to digital, also recently revealed that it may have to raise cash by the sale of more than 1100 patents to survive the coming year. Image Sensor Solutions provides sensors for the Leica M9 and S2 and a number of medium format backs, as well as a wide range of specialist imaging applications.
Kodak has released what it calls the world’s thinnest 5x optical zoom compact. Measuring 15mm on its thinnest side, the EasyShare M950 digital compact offers 14Mp sensor, 35-175mm equiv. lens and 2.7″ LCD. It includes features such as 720p HD recording, direct online sharing options and takes Micro SD/SDHC memory cards. The company has also announced the Pulse 10-inch touchscreen digital frame with internet access. Both the camera and digital frame are priced at $199.95 each and will be available from the end of this month.
Kodak and Samsung Electronics have agreed a licensing pact that will allow access to each other’s patent portfolio, settling a dispute between them. The agreement also saw Samsung pay towards what Kodak describes as ‘its royalty obligation.’ In November 2009 Kodak had challenged Samsung over alleged patent infringement of technology used in their Blackjack II camera phone.
Kodak has announced the ‘Slice’ touchscreen camera built around a 3.5″ LCD. It features a 14MP sensor, 5x optically stabilized zoom lens and will be available in black, nickel and ‘radish’ colors for US $349.95 from April 2010. It also has internal memory to store 5000 HD-resolution images. The camera’ combines its share and face recognition functions to tag pictures directly for easy upload ito popular social networking websites.
Kodak has announced four EasyShare M-series digital compacts. As usual, Kodak is promoting the cameras’ ease of use – the new models feature improved in-camera tagging and searching based on face recognition. The M580, M575, M550 and M530 are 14MP and 12 MP cameras featuring a variety of lenses from 8x to 3x with the the top two models extending from 28mm equivalent.
Kodak has introduced the Pic Flick print and share application for Apple’s iPhone and iPod Touch. Currently available only in the US, the free app allows users to wirelessly print images from their iPhone and iPod Touch on Kodak’s recently released Wi-Fi-enabled ESP 5250 All-in-One printer or upload them on the Easyshare W820 and W1020 wireless digital frames.
Kodak is challenging Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics and related companies over alleged patent infringement. Kodak is claiming technologies used in LG and Samsung camera phones are covered by its patents. Documents filed with the International Trade Commission highlight technologies in the Samsung Blackjack II and LG Dare handsets.
Kodak has announced the creation of a new medium format 50MP chip, to be used in the newly-unveiled Hasselblad H3DII-50. The KAF-50100 Image Sensor offers a sensitivity range of ISO 50 – 400 and the highest resolution currently available in the 36 x 48mm format. The company spoke to us to explain the chip and the technologies behind it.
Kodak has announced a new sensor which promises to improve the efficiency of CMOS designs with extremely small photosites. The new technology is to be offered initially in 1/4″ format suitable for mobile phone cameras but should be scalable to larger formats should the concept prove successful. Conventional designs count electrons which are generated when light hits the silicon from which they are constructed but this new chip works in roughly the opposite fashion, reversing the ‘polarity’ of the silicon in order to measure the ‘holes’ which remain when electrons are generated. The Kodak KAC-05020 also incorporates Kodak’s TRUESENSE Color Filter Pattern which adds panchromatic (transparent) filters to the usual Red Green and Blue, further improving luminance sensitivity.
PMA 2002: DIMA, the Digital Imaging Marketing Association have announced the winners of the 2002 Digital Camera Shoot-Out. They are the Kodak DCS 760, Minolta DiMAGE 7, Sony DCR-TRV50, Sony DSC F707, Minolta DiMAGE 5, Epson Photo PC3100Z, Kodak EasyShare Dx4900, Fuji FinePix 2600Z, Toshiba PDR-M11 and finally the Zoran CamMini.
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