Nikon Scan 4.0.3 for Windows Vista

I mentioned a few weeks ago a solution to run the slide scanners Nikon Coolscan and Super Coolscan with Windows Vista. This solution was to install and execute Nikon Scan 4.0.0 and 4.0.2 update compatibility mode in Windows XP.

Be aware that the version 4.0.3 Nikon Scan just now see the light of day and provides full compatibility with Windows Vista. This is a complete version of Nikon Scan which requires uninstalling the 4.x versions that you may already have installed. It should be noted that only 32 bit Windows Vista is supported by this version 4.0.3 systems, Windows 9X, 2000 and XP is not supported. In addition Nikon Scan software, the archive also contains the drivers USB and FireWire (IEEE 1394). The scanners are compatible with Nikon Nikon Scan 4.0.3 are the following models.

• Coolscan IV ED
• Coolscan V ED
• Super Coolscan LS-4000 ED
• Super Coolscan LS-5000 ED
• Super Coolscan LS-8000 ED
• Super Coolscan LS-9000 ED

The firmware for authentication Nikon image arrive

During the month of July this year we announced that Nikon was working to develop new 2.x firmware for its SLR (SLR) D200, D2Hs and D2X. The main improvement of these new concerns firmware features support for image authentication introduced in the latest high-end reflex Nikon, the D2Xs. This function called "Image Authentication" ensures the authenticity of a photograph that is to say if it has been modified or tricked since taking. For that, this function must of course be enabled and supported by the camera and it is also necessary to use a specific software developed by Nikon, which analyzes photos and probably a digital signature included in the files (JPEG, TIFF and NEF / RAW).

Apart from the image authentication, the new 2.x firmware adds numerous other enhancements primarily for the D2Hs and D2X (see list). Regarding the D200, the only support for the base-Fil without Wi-Fi WT-3 is also added by the new firmware. The latter, version 2.0.0, is the first of these three firmware to be proposed by Nikon. The firmware 2.0.0 for the D2X and D2Hs should, however, further delay and Nikon provide in all cases to publish before the end of the year.

In addition, the software Camera Control and Capture Pro has been updated to version 1.1.1, respectively, and 4.4.2. Camera Control Pro 1.1.1 adds support for the recently announced D80 SLR, as well as support for D2X SLR D2Hs and modified with their future firmware 2.0.0. Capture 4.4.2 also provides compatibility with both firmware and various other improvements such as better compatibility with the software files Camera Control Pro.

Once the firmware 2.0.0 for Nikon D2Hs and D2X available, we will keep you abreast of course.

Availability next Canon ZoomBrowser EX 5.5

This week Canon announced for the beginning of a host of new digital cameras compatcs and reflexs. An example is the arrival of the models PowerShot S80, PowerShot A410, PowerShot A610, PowerShot A620, Ixus 55, Ixus 750, EOS 5D, EOS-1D Mark II N. .. The new aircraft should be delivered with a software suite also updated. Thus, the version 5.5 software ZoomBrowser EX will be coming as well as version 5.5 of its equivalent for Mac OS, ImageBrowser. These two programs are currently available in version 5.2.1. This series 5.5.x make the following improvements:

• In the image viewer, displaying information in a transparent manner as the date of the photo, the file name, the name of the camera, the value of the white balance ...

• Improved page used to launch prints of images and easier access to printing options.

• Added new options editing images: tone curve, sharpness, text insertion, automatic adjustment.

• Ability to change the background color of the explorer images. The grey should not be to the liking of everyone.

• Improved transfer time between the PC and the camera.

• Possibility of extracting an image of a video.

• Enhanced mode.

• Transfers and copies of images were accelerated.

ZoomBrowser EX 5.5 priori should soon also be downloaded from Canon's Web site so that all purchasers of the Canon camera to enjoy.

Bluetooth printers for Canon Selphy CP510 and CP710

Most printer manufacturers have plunged into the growing market for compact photo printers. These printers are specialized in printing traditional photo formats and even if the quality and life of the photos obtained are not really at the level of those obtained by a photo lab, the success of this type of product that accompanies obviously digital cameras. Moreover, they tend to enjoy the benefits of a battery and can be transported easily seen their small size which falls well as most of them can escape a computer to perform impressions.

This is the PictBridge protocol that allows a direct communication between the digital camera and the printer using a USB cable. However, a growing number of devices capable of taking photos (cameras, mobile phones, PDAs ...) support wireless connections type Wi-Fi or Bluetooth thus forcing manufacturers of printers to market models supporting too.

Moreover, the manufacturer Canon has released new firmware for two of its printers Selphy range, the CP510 and CP710. This firmware update brings compatibility with the wireless adapter Canon BU-20 (BU means Bluetooth Unit) now that it is sufficient to connect to the printer in order to be able to receive and print photos (JPEG up to 4 MB) present such a cell phone or a PDA also supports Bluetooth. In fact, only the first Selphy CP510 and Selphy CP710 would require the firmware to support Bluetooth because the latest models will be marketed already equipped. The optional Bluetooth adapter BU-20 is expected to be launched around € 70.00 TTC, anyway!

Problems with Epson printers in Windows XP SP2

The main new Service Pack 2 for Windows XP as the default firewall, the integration of DEP (Data Execution Prevention) or the restriction of Internet Explorer have seemingly caused some problems logical and minor incompatibility with some software requiring the creation of exceptions.
It would seem that this is also the same with the drivers for some devices and this is the case for printers particularly when they shared on the network.
Epson, has issued some solutions in its FAQ to solve these problems with the firewall Service Pack 2. At the same time, Epson announced that the majority of its inkjet printers, and large format laser benefit in the coming months new drivers also solving these problems.

Burning Blu-ray 4X for Lite-On LH-2B1S

The Blue-site Hardware has obtained information from the technical support of Lite-On on the CD / DVD / Blu-ray LH-2B1S. According to the information obtained by our colleague, the LH-2B1S could soon benefit from an update to its firmware to add support for burning the Blu-ray at the speed of 4X (18 Mb / sec) which is at least a very good news because it doubles the maximum speed currently supported by the LH-2B1S (2X or 9 MB / sec). It is not yet known what date this firmware is available and if the burn 4X will exclusively concern BD-R or media also rewritable BD-RE. Anyway, we should soon be fixed if it is confirmed.

If buying a burner Blu-ray you are interested, you can take a look at the test conducted by Blue-Hardware precisely on the Lite-On LH-2B1S.

Firmwares for Plextor burners and Windows Vista

Did the arrival of Windows Vista, a fairly large quantity of drivers is currently being published by the majority of manufacturers to support the new operating system. These new drivers include, for example, graphics cards, sound cards, TV cards ... But other types of equipment also require an update to work well with Windows Vista. This is especially true of certain motherboards for which an updated bios is advised. Some scanners also need to update their firmware so that the compatibility with Windows Vista is fully ensured.

The manufacturer Plextor has also published two new firmware for its burners PX-755A, PX-755SA (version 1.06), PX-760A and PX-760SA (version 1.05) to improve compatibility with Windows Vista. For the moment, only the RC 2 (Release Candidate 2) of Windows Vista has been tested with these firmware. Plextor does not therefore guarantee flawless operation with the RTM (Release To Manufacturer) and specifies, in addition, we must also ensure compatibility of burning software with the new operating system.

In addition, both firmware not merely compatible with Windows Vista, which today does a few users, but the quality of burning CDs and DVDs has also been improved. The performance of burning, especially when using the "AutoStrategy," have also been improved. Finally, for models PX-760A and PX-760SA only note that the burning of DVD-R DL at the speed of 8X is now supported. She was so far limited to 6X while DVD + R DL can, however, already be burned at a speed of 10X. For information, the site Gravure-News has just published these days folder to the latest DVD + R DL 8X marketed by Verbatim.

VSO-Software releases study on DVD

The software VSO-Software offers on its website a few days ago a study on DVD recorders and blank media. This study is based on data collected anonymously by software VSO as CopyToDVD, BlindWrite, and PhotoDVD ConvertXtoDVD that incorporate all the burning engine VSO. In this study, one can consult several very interesting information as the names of manufacturers and models of DVD's most popular ie the most widely used. The media formats and brands of the most commonly used DVDs are also listed. Whether on DVD or blank media, the success rate of engravings are also listed in this report.

According VSO-Software, the manufacturer Nec who wins this study with a success rate of 96.00% engravings followed closely by Plextor to 95.68%, 95.62% to Benq or to Philips 95.02%. In terms of popularity engravers, are models GSA-GSA-4163B and 4167B LGE, which are the most widely used followed by the ND-3500AG of Nec and the DVR-110D Pioneer.

Regarding the media to blank DVDs, the format is the most widely used DVD-R enough ahead of DVD + R. Followed far behind the media rewritable DVD + RW and DVD-RW and further DVD double layer (DL). With respect to blank DVDs with the best success rate in etching, the Verbatim (MCC) and the CMC who obtain, according to VSO, the highest scores.

Commend VSO-Software for the study, it is indeed rare for a publisher to provide such information. To view the full results of this study on DVD burners and the media, it is here.

In addition, VSO-Software informs us of the upgrade of its flagship software namely ConvertXToDVD 2 (ex DivxToDVD), which lets you transfer and easily convert a video file into a DVD Video. This new version 2.1 adds support for WMV files, GM Nsv, AVS and VC1. The compatible with the formats MKV, MOV, MP4, OGG, AVI, ASF has itself been improved.

Prime firmware for a Blu-Ray burner

he top players for the New Media High Definition HD DVD and Blu-Ray have appeared a few months ago across the Atlantic. They should also arrive en masse in Europe in the year 2007. In the meantime, you can repatriate on a drive for the PC since many manufacturers have indeed recently announced the upcoming release of burners for HD media. In the race between the two formats, the Blu-Ray seems to have taken a slight lead since the availability of such burners is imminent and many sites online sales have already started to reference the Blu-Ray recorders. However, the HD DVD should themselves either, not with a delay commercialization planned for the end of 2006 to see in early 2007 by some manufacturers.

Regarding the Blu-Ray, the major manufacturers have planned to support this technology in their burners. This is particularly true of Lg, Lite-On, NEC, Panasonic, Pioneer, Plextor, Sony announced that all models of this type in their range. These burners Blu-Ray, if it can also burn HD DVD, can of course also burn DVD + R and CD-R. The burners Blu-Ray will also benefit from updates to their firmware to support more blank media and to improve their performance, for example. The burner GBW-H10N LGE, which is barely in some stores at a price of approximately 750.00 € TTC, is the first Blu-Ray burner to receive an update to its firmware. This new firmware numbered gl04 improves playback movies on Blu-Ray Disc. For information, the GBW-H10N can burn BD-R discs at 4X speed, BD-RE at the speed of 2X, DVD ± R at a speed of 12X and DVD-RAM at a speed of 5X.