Explore The Current Audio Visual News (environmental news)
No commentsBy Shaun Parker
This article explores the weird and the wonderful world of audio visual keeping a finger on the pulse of the latest technological developments. We are entering the realm of seriously scary with what can be done and this article is packed with CGI humanoids and robotic snakes.
Every year natural geometric disasters plague certain parts of the planet and although we cannot prevent this from happening , we can certainly be equipped to deal with the aftermath. This is where the 8 metre robotic snake comes in, which is designed to be controlled by an operator to locate survivors.
The snake uses an internal system of fibre optics which is a series of mirrored fibres that cause total reflection in order to transfer data via light at optimum speed. It can negotiate around complex obstacles and reach places that rescue workers and dogs cannot. The balance between flexibility, size and durability was paramount in the design and the Japanese developers hope that the technology will be developed further to help people all over the globe.
The use of CGI in feature films has thrown the gates of the imagination wide open, allowing directors to stage realistic fantastical effects from apocalyptic explosions to creating strange creatures from other worlds. The latest developments in this technology have seen CGI taken to another level by a company called Image Metrics and is set to revolutionise CGI computer gaming.
Image Metrics, producers of CGI for the cult gaming phenomenon Grand Theft Auto have developed a facial recognition system that builds facial expressions by focussing on individual pixels as opposed to targeted points on the face. The company states that the eye movements and lack of symmetry is what makes this new technique so effective and they have released a promotional video featuring an actress called Emily being interviewed about the technique although she is not really there.
These developments have to be sustained by hardware as previously graphics chips could not cope with this new technology. AMD has produced a chip with the equivalent processing power of a computer that would have filled a whole room twelve years ago, but the chip fits inside a standard PC. Although these images are a step up toward life-like photo imagery, it is believed the line between real and CGI will not be completely blurred until 2020.
CGI is big business and this facial recognition technique in theory could used for other facial recognition purposes such as security. The face has a fingerprint in it that is unique as no one face is the same, so the pixel system could in theory be adapted to monitor the movements of criminals or terrorists.
Shaun Parker is a correspondent covering Video News and all developments in audio visual technology.
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How to Be a Top Stock Trader
By Roberto Garabelli
It’s easy to buy stocks. But buying now and turning those same stocks over for a profit is not quite so simple. Knowing when to buy and sell takes proficiency, and that takes time; you won’t learn it from just one article. But if you want to learn the ABCs of stocks, then roll up your sleeves and keep reading!
Most important what is “stock?” Very simply, stock is the ownership of a corporation that is represented by shares. You might hear stock and “equity” used interchangeably. When you buy stock or equity in a corporation, it means you become one of many owners of the company. This ownership means you have a stake in the company’s assets and earnings. It doesn’t matter if your share seems tiny or insignificant.
Buying and selling stocks is done through an exchange. An exchange is an organized market that’s been designed exclusively to buy and sell stocks, bonds, options and futures. Before you can buy stock, you must be a member, or have what is called a “seat” in the exchange. For most of us, though, this just isn’t realistic; the price for a seat on an exchange can run into the millions. Another method for buying and selling stocks is to use a company or other entity with a seat on the exchange.
When you own stock, you are entitled to certain rights and privileges. If you decide you no longer want your shares, you can sell or transfer them to another person. But you can also increase your stake by buying more. With some stocks, you can actually have a voice and vote on corporation issues. But how much you vote counts may depend on the percentage of shares you own.
Shareholders also have a right to be informed; whenever corporation changes are made, you will receive notice by mail. If the company makes a profit and has money to spend, you may be entitled to dividends. But the board of directors has the right to decide whether to pay shareholders in cash or stock dividends.
There are two kinds of stock for sale Common Stock and Preferred Stock.
New investors will quickly discover that Common Stock is more popular than Preferred Stock. One aspect of being an owner of common stock is that you share in both the risk and reward of the company. If the company’s value goes up, so will your stock. If the company pays dividends, you’ll receive them in one of two forms: either cash or stock dividends. Common stock usually means you’ll also get voting rights. You will be allowed to cast your vote on management decisions and corporate policies through a proxy.
Preferred stocks also give you a stake in a corporation but add a few more perks. Preferred stockholders are first to get a dividend payout. Common shareholders have to stand in line. If the corporation folds, preferred stockholders are entitled to any remaining assets but only after all the creditors are paid. Essentially, this places the preferred stockholders ahead of common shareholders when it comes to collecting any remaining assets. Another difference between the two is that preferred stock does not go up in price as would common stock. Another important point preferred stock does not offer voting rights.
Feel ready to start buying and selling stock? The next step is to open a stock trading account. Although there are many types of brokers available on-line, you’ll most likely want to work with one known as a “discount broker.” Offering even cheaper per trade commissions are “deep discount brokers.” You’ll find many of them online, too. And don’t forget — It’s always a good idea to compare several brokers before you pick one. Good luck!
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Mark Crisp is a stock trader. Day trading and longer term momentum trading. Check out his daily blog where he shows you the results of his amazing intra day stock trading method. Often making thousands of dollars in one day. Visit http://www.blogofdaytrader.com.
Monday, August 25th, 2008 at 9:00 am and is filed under news. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
