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Ricoh Introduces the PX Series
Water- and Dust-Resistant Digital Cameras
for Day-to-Day Photography, Outdoor Use, and Everything in Between

June 9, 2011—TOKYO, Japan—Ricoh Co., Ltd. (helmed by president and CEO Shiro Kondo) today announced the release of the new PX compact digital camera. The new design offers 5.0×, wide-angle (28 mm) and telephoto (140 mm) optical zoom in a water- and shock-resistant package that can safely be used for hassle-free photography in a wide variety of locations and situations.

Designed for hassle-free operation, the new RICOH PX lets users take photographs anytime, anywhere with fast startup and settings that adapt to subjects for optimal results. Its high-resolution, 16-million–pixel CCD sensor and Smooth Imaging Engine IV image processing engine combine for high-resolution, high-quality photographs.

The new, fully flat design give the new RICOH PX, ease-of-use and portability, results in a camera that is easy to carry, while the optional protective jacket appeals to users with a choice of colour schemes that can be matched to the camera body.

While it exhibits the traditional dedication to image quality that has been the base of all RICOH digital camera designs, the newly released RICOH PX is also a compact digital camera that promises fun, hassle-free photography. It is also dedicated to image quality that has been the foundation of all RICOH digital camera designs to date.

The Ricoh PX is available early July at SRP £179.99 inc

Main Features of the New RICOH PX Compact Digital Camera

1  Designed for peace of mind and hassle-free use, anywhere, anytime; fully dust-, water-, and shock-resistant

• The RICOH PX has a JIS/IEC protection rating equivalent to IP68. It can be used underwater for 60 minutes at a depth of 3 meters. Dirt can be washed off, allowing users to safely take pictures anywhere without worrying about rain, splashes from the kitchen, or dirt or soil from the garden. Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with being able to use your camera anytime, anywhere, including for shots of water sports, hiking, and other outdoor scenes.

• Thanks to its impact-resistant design, the camera can withstand being dropped from heights of 1.5 meters.

• The camera features a 2.7-inch, 230k-dot high-contrast LCD monitor with a wide viewing angle. It also boasts an anti-fingerprint protection coating that protects from scratches, and an anti-reflective coating which ensures that the monitor can still be viewed under bright outdoor lighting.

2  Never miss another shot—whip out the RICOH PX and snap a photo anytime, hassle-free

• Whether it’s a spur-of-the-moment snapshot or a carefully framed picture, the RICOH PX can automatically optimize settings to suit the subject, allowing even users who are unfamiliar with the camera to take photos quickly and easily.

• A fast startup time of about 1.4 seconds ensures you’ll never miss another shot.

• “Subject-tracking AF” is standard on all models for shots that are always in focus even if the subject is in motion.

• The fully-flat design eliminates projections to emphasize portability for a camera that can be slipped into a pocket and used almost anywhere. By placing the lens in the center of the camera body, RICOH has ensured that shots won’t be blocked by stray fingers even when the camera is held in both hands.

• The intuitive controls include a lever-style flash dial that allows user to determine whether the flash is on or off, and a movie button that starts movie recording directly with a single press.

3  A 16-million–pixel, high-resolution CCD sensor for high-resolution images

• The 16-million–pixel, high-resolution CCD sensor ensures high-quality results not only when pictures are enlarged, but also when they are cropped or resized for digital zoom.

• The Smooth Imaging Engine IV image processing engine produces noise-free images even in shots taken at high sensitivities under low light.

• Image-sensor–shift image stabilization reduces blur at high zoom ratios and in pictures taken at night or indoors under low light.

4  28–140 mm, 5× optical zoom with super resolution (SR) zoom equivalent to 10× optical zoom

• The RICOH PX offers 5× optical zoom for focal lengths of 28 mm (wide) to 140 mm (telephoto).

• With super resolution technology, the camera supports SR zoom equivalent to a focal length of 280 mm with almost no drop in image quality. Telephoto photography at zoom ratios equivalent to up to 1,344 mm (280 mm × 4.8) are available with digital zoom.

5  Premium shot modes enhance the photographic experience

• Settings can be optimized for even the most difficult subjects simply by choosing the scene with the premium button.

• A display with easy-to-understand explanations guides users to the scene they want.

• Premium shot modes and custom modes are available for up to 28 scenes (including custom modes).

• A wide selection of premium shot modes is available, including “Cooking” and “Sweets” for delicious looking shots of food, an “Auction” mode for shots of objects being sold at auction, “Beach” and “Snow” modes that utilize the camera’s water resistance, "Party", "Hand-held night scene", and “Miniaturize”, “Toy camera”, and “Soft focus” filter effects.

• Photographers can select up to five of their favorite premium modes for easy recall.

6  Playback options for easy viewing

• By using the camera’s “Favourites” feature users can rate picture with the camera’s choice of three rating levels.

• The “privacy” option can be used to hide selected pictures during playback.

• Use “calendar playback” to find pictures by date.

7  A full range of convenient options to enhance the user experience

•The RICOH PX comes with a slip-proof protective jacket(available in five colors to match the camera body ) to protect it from shocks and scratches.

• The “Two-way” straps that function as both hand- or neck-straps are also available in five colours.

8  Many other features add fun to your photos

• The RICOH PX supports X2-series Eye-Fi SD memory cards with a built-in wireless LAN feature that can be used to automatically upload photos to a computer or photo-sharing service.

•Users can shoot HD movies with a frame size of 1280 × 720 pixels. An HDMI cable (available separately) can be used to connect the camera to an HDTV for high-quality display of movies and photos.

• The RICOH PX comes with rechargeable battery that uses a USB connection. The USB power adapter can be plugged into a household power outlet or the battery can be recharged when the camera is connected to a computer via the supplied USB cable.

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Edit Your Images Quickly and Easily with Vertus Fluid Mask 3.2 – the Number 1 Still-Image Masking Tool!

New Fluid Mask 3.2 Masks Images 3 x Faster than Alternative Methodologies!

Aylesbury, UK, June 8^th 2011, Binary Distribution has announced the release of Vertus Fluid Mask 3.2.

Fluid Mask 3.2 is a still-image masking tool that works as both a standalone application and a plug-in to Adobe’s Photoshop or Elements. The Visual Image Segmentation lets you see exactly how your image is made up of segments of similar properties, enabling you to create super-fine mask selections with ease. The Targeted Edge Detection and Blending lets you isolate difficult areas and apply alternative selections, whilst the intelligent blending gets the closest to extracting the true character of the image.

The onscreen help and guidance make Fluid Mask 3.2 quick and easy to use. The stored workspace setting allows you to tailor the default settings to your needs and process complete studio runs effortlessly. Fluid Mask 3.2 is ideal for photographers, image editors, graphic designers or for those who are interested in digital image editing. One of the fastest masking tools available today, Fluid Mask 3.2 is as easy as ‘see, click, cut’!

Features:

• Visual Image Segmentation
• Advanced Edge Blending
• Onscreen Help and Guidance
• Colour Based Selections
• Stored Workplace Settings
• Localized Edge Detection
• Masks hair beautifully
• Quick to pick up and use 

Availability:

Priced around £99, Vertus Fluid Mask 3.2 is available to download immediately from DownloadBuyer.com, and in boxed formats from Amazon.co.uk.

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Avanquest Lands Exclusive UK Publishing Rights for Alpha Software

London, UK, 1^st June 2011, Alpha Software, leading developer of the online database development tool Alpha Five, has signed a publishing agreement with Avanquest.

The news means that, Avanquest will have exclusive rights to promote Alpha’s Alpha Five solution to all channels in the UK and Ireland will be effective from the forthcoming launch of version of 11.

Alpha Five is a standards based rapid database development platform with the power to deliver information, to any location, on ANY web enabled device. From desktop to netbook, from tablet to smartphone, Alpha Five delivers. With upcoming calendar support, geo-mapping capabilities, charting, HTML reporting and gesture support for touch driven devices, it's a virtual Swiss army knife no developer should be without.

“Avanquest is one of the world’s foremost software developers and publishers”, stated Richard Rabins, co Chairman, Alpha Software.  We have been evaluating different partnerships in the UK for some time and have been very impressed with the expertise, presence, and knowledge, of Avanquest’s marketing and sales teams. This new, mutually beneficial, partnership will ensure that the company Alpha Software and its Alpha Five database development software will increase their presence and, therefore, revenue and market share, in the UK and Ireland. We are confident that Avanquest will deliver great results for us”.

Avanquest’s Managing Director, Dave Brass said “We’re delighted to be working in partnership with Alpha Software on the launch of Alpha Five v 11”.  As the exclusive UK publisher for the product, we will be backing the release of the new version with a high-profile PR and advertising campaign, as well as Alpha Developer networking events.  We’ve been hugely impressed by the flexibility and power of this product for creating web-based database solutions, and the new features in version 11 promise to deliver even greater results.  Considering the affordability of the software and the breadth of its capabilities, we believe Alpha Five  is unrivalled by any other product in its field.” 

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Focus Multimedia’s Award Winning Driving Test Software Now Available for Download from DownloadBuyer.com!

Aylesbury, UK, May 27th 2011, DownloadBuyer.com, the online software superstore, has announced the release of the downloadable versions of Driving Test Success Hazard Perception Test and Theory Test for Car Drivers from the UK’s bestselling Driving Test Software makers, Focus Multimedia.

The announcement marks an important  milestone for Downloadbuyer.com as this is the first time Focus Multimedia have made their flagship driving test software available from a 3^rd party download reseller. “We are extremely proud to have been appointed Focus Multimedia’s first, and currently, only download reseller.  Their high quality products and unbeatable value are a welcome addition to our ever expanding catalogue”  Said Jon Silvera, Managing Director of Downloadbuyer.com

 Focus’ Driving Test Success Hazard Perception Test provides you with vital practice and understanding of just what constitutes a developing hazard. The software accurately simulates the DSA’s Hazard Perception Test, giving you the preparation you need to help you pass first time. Packed with hundreds of test simulation video clips and exclusive, high quality video clips, you can sit mock tests under exam condition and gain experience in realistic test settings.

Main Features:

• Unlimited mock tests.

·         Hundreds of test simulation video clips.

·         Realistic test settings including main roads, town and city centres, dual carriageways, residential streets and country roads.

·         Built in anti-cheat detection

·         Exam hints and tips

·         Easy to use intuitive user interface

·         No time restrictions or subscriptions – one payment only

The Driving Test Success Theory Test for Car Drivers from Focus, is a comprehensive and easy to use software that contains all the latest Theory Test questions from the DSA. With interactive case studies, hints and explanations, unlimited mock tests and the latest edition of The Highway code, this will give you the confidence and help you need to pass your test first time!

Main Features:

• Unlimited mock tests.
• Contains the latest official DSA questions and answers.
• Interactive case studies.
• Hint and explanations.
• Contains the latest edition of The Highway Code.
• Easy to use intuitive user interface.
• No time restrictions or subscriptions – one payment only.

"Driving Test Success is the UK's best selling revision aid for learner drivers and bikers, and we're delighted that our customers can now choose to download our software instantly through Downloadbuyer.com. Research shows that many learners leave their revision until the last minute, so here is a quick, convenient and cost effective way for them to prepare for their Theory Test and Hazard Perception Test." Said Grant Hughes, Business Development Director, Focus Multimedia Ltd. He continued "The Downloadbuyer.com team have many years' of experience in selling high quality software, they have great customer service, and I can recommend them without hesitation."

Availability:

Both products are available now as a download from http://www.downloadbuyer.com/Focus_Multimedia/42/d for £8.99 inc as a special introductory offer.

About Download Buyer:
Downloadbuyer.com is an online software specialist presenting hundreds of well-known titles to consumers and small to medium businesses for PC and Apple Mac. Downloads are generally delivered to your desktop in just a few minutes and as such can be up-and-running in no time. This, along with Instant Live Chat, low prices, an easy-to-use website and a very responsive & comprehensive customer service ethic, Downloadbuyer.com is rapidly becoming a popular worldwide destination for software buyers.

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Draw. Paint. Animate.

Crazy Talk Animator Delivers A One Of  A Kind Animation Tool For Digital Artists Everywhere.

NORTHAMPTON, UK, May 25th, 2011  - Reallusion, Inc., an award-winning developer of video creation software for real-time 3D animation, introduces a powerful animation pipeline for CrazyTalk Animator, the revolutionary 2D Animation desktop studio designed for professional storytellers, aspiring animators and now; digital artists.

CrazyTalk Animator is an innovative animation engine that has been built from the ground up and designed specifically to avoid neck-breaking frame-by-frame editing. With its universal face and body templates and its real-time puppeteering capabilities, CrazyTalk Animator delivers unprecedented ease and speed in animation.

Now digital artists everywhere can exploit the powers of drag & drop content creation with real-time puppeteering, to animate any kind of image or artwork in a matter of minutes. Artists no longer need to worry about complicated pipelines and time-consuming tasks as CrazyTalk Animator’s highly automated design allows for quick and easy character creation, face & body fitting with customizable motion controls.

Artists can import their vector, draw, paint or photographic artwork by simply dropping their content directly into the main CrazyTalk window for further fitting. Props and characters can then be easily created and saved inside the content library for future projects. Additionally, users can use realistic facial morphs with body sprite segments to generate animations with preset mouth, eyes, and hand libraries. Another great feature allows the audio data to be turned into phonemes that trigger instant facial animations. This audio lip-sync allows for a streamlined animation process that can be further enhanced with preset emotions and detailed expression commands at any time.

Changing positions of any image or painting is now so easy thanks in part to FK and IK editing which provide authentic character posing. Characters can be freely puppeteering with mouse and slider controls that allow speed and style customization on the fly. Users may even take advantage of real Z-depth layering and camera manipulation to create their own unique scene perspectives.

Graphic Artists can also make good use of the CrazyTalk Animator community marketplace, which can expand their content library and speed up daily production, with unique character designs to enhance any project.

In such a short time, CrazyTalk Animator has already received wonderful reviews from power users, software magazines and general artists. By breaking the rules of traditional animation, CrazyTalk Animator has empowered people with the ability to visualize their ideas and storytelling with every day media.

Reallusion has created a specially designed landing page for draw and paint artist to visit, and learn all about great features and applications for graphic artists.

To learn more, just visit: http://www.reallusion.com/event/crazytalk_draw_animation/default.asp