All posts by Scott Meisner

HP utilizing tilt-shifting photography for latest ad campaign

And it rocks.

HP has used the techniques of tilt-shifting photography and minuature faking for the latest ad campaign called “Create Amazing.”  Tilt-shift photography “refers to the use of camera movements on small- and medium-format cameras, and sometimes specifically refers to the use of tilt for selective focus, often for simulating a miniature scene.”  Miniature faking is “a process in which a photograph of a life-size location or object is made to look like a photograph of a miniature scale model.  Blurring parts of the photo simulates the shallow depth of field normally encountered in close-up photography, making the scene seem much smaller than it actually is.”  “A miniature can also be simulated digitally, using an image editor to blur the top and bottom of the photograph, so that only the subject is sharp.”

UPDATE:  Apparently the video was taken off YouTube because the filmmaker still needs to clear it with HP.  I will repost as soon as it reappears on the Internet.

[Via Engadget; Wiki, here & here]

Verizon takes another jab at AT&T with slew of new “maps” adverts

What happens when you have a great 3G phone (ie. the iPhone) but a poor cell phone carrier that lacks proper 3G coverage (read: AT&T)?  You get plopped onto the Island of Misfit Toys, that’s what.  Look after the break for two more anti-AT&T ads from Verizon Wireless.  Oh, it’s on.

[Via Engadget]

Continue reading Verizon takes another jab at AT&T with slew of new “maps” adverts

New Droid commercials finally bring Android into play

We’ve already seen the viral iDont and pods falling from space promos.  Now Verizon has decided to take a turn in marketing strategy moving towards more traditional “this is what the product can actually do” commercials.  I mean, what does DroidDoes do does did?  Peek after the break for two more spots that will take over the airwaves “soon.”

[Via Engadget]

Continue reading New Droid commercials finally bring Android into play

DJ Jazzy Jeff invades Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, DJ Hero and all

DJ Jazzy Jeff + The Roots = pure awesomeness.

Last week DJ Jazzy Jeff sat in with house band The Roots for an episode of Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.  He was there to scratch out with the band and promote the release of DJ Hero.  This clip is a ‘best of’ that shows off Jazzy Jeff’s best material throughout the night; it also features a segment where Fallon and guests Ian Somerhalder (Lost‘s Boone) and Rosie O’Donnell give DJ Hero a try.

Also, look after the break for two IGN behind-the-scenes making-of DJ Hero videos.

Continue reading DJ Jazzy Jeff invades Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, DJ Hero and all

Rock Band 3 to actually teach gamers how to play real instruments; Natal support?

Dhani Harrison (son of The Beatles’ George Harrison and developer on The Beatles: Rock Band) sat down with The Chicago Tribune and spilled some new information of what’s to come with the next installment of Harmonix’s Rock Band.

“I’m working on ‘Rock Band 3’ and making the controllers more real so people can actually learn how to play music while playing the game.  Give me a couple years, it’s going to happen.”

When asked about potential integration with Microsoft’s upcoming Project Natal interface, MTV Games general manager Scott Guthrie: “We aren’t standing still – we will keep moving into new areas and look at new technologies that our platform holder partners are also developing, such as Project Natal from Microsoft.”

It’s starting to look like Rock Band 3 will not just be another rhythm game in the serieswith a new tracklist and an updated online catalogue.  With more realistic instruments and potential Project Natal integration Rock Band 3 will surely make gamers and newcomers alike ready to rock out all over again.

[Via IGN]