Deluxe Appoints Neil Davidson CFO

January 28, 2015 Chris Huppertz
Former Bally Technologies Executive Joins Global Leader in Media & Entertainment Services Neil Davidson, a finance executive with extensive planning, analytical and transactional experience in the digital entertainment sector, has joined Deluxe Entertainment...

Next Generation ADDERLink Products to Launch at ISE

January 26, 2015 Chris Huppertz
Adder Technology will be exhibiting at ISE 2015 where it will be unveiling two new products in the AdderLink Infinity range, as well as showcasing a number of other innovations. The AdderLink Infinity 2020 is a new solution that fits neatly into the IP-based high performance KVM (keyboard, video and mouse) portfolio. The 2020 features a transmitter and receiver and provides a dual head, single link solution that delivers IP-based, high performance KVM capabilities. This new model is based on the existing AdderLink Infinity Dual and was developed based on customer feedback, to complement the range of AdderLink Infinity products. “This new cost-effective solution is ideal for customers that don’t require the full functionality of the AdderLink Infinity Dual and is an excellent complement to the range,” says John Halksworth, senior product manager, Adder Technology. “We will also be unveiling version 4 of our A.I.M. (AdderLink Infinity Manager) that builds on the success of this server.” Version 4 of A.I.M. provides an easy and powerful centralized management solution for a digital matrix. It features a new hardware platform that is more powerful than previous versions and includes configurable user access rights with full audit trail.  The new design is also sleeker, ensuring that it can be efficiently rack mounted with up to two fitting back to back in 1U of 19 inch rack space. In addition, the CCS-PRO4 will be showcased at the event. Providing seamless switching between computers with Adder Free-Flow technology, again, built upon the success of its predecessor. This professional KM (keyboard, mouse) switch delivers a new set of features for mission critical environments, including redundant power and an ergonomic low profile design. CCS-PRO4 also has an integrated web server allowing administrators to view and monitor CCS-PRO4 devices around their installation, as well as upgrade all devices over the network. The AdderLink XD150 will also be demonstrated on stand. This easy to use, plug and play point to point extender delivers 150 meter DVI and USB2.0 extension. Crucially, the XD150 has been designed to work in environments traditional DVI extenders cannot. Immune to external interference, the XD150 allows the user to connect both ends using any standard structured cable (CATx), whilst delivering mission critical reliability.      

6 Killer Tools to Boost Your Social Media Performance

January 23, 2015 Chris Huppertz
By Christopher D. Huppertz Whether you’re the designated Facebook pundit of your office or a laggard who’s just sent their first tweet, it’s inevitable as a PR professional that you’ll need to know your way around the wonderful world of social media.  Of course the act of sending a single post is simple – you create your content and click the button which says “post” – but once you begin to juggle numerous accounts across the myriad of different social networks, even those who consider themselves “wizards” of social media find themselves lost from time to time. Fortunately for both you and I, there are a plethora of tools across the web designed specifically for the job. Before you start your next social media campaign, or even if you’re midway through one now, take a look at these six social media tools; you may be surprised by how much easier your job has become. 1. Hootsuite Hootsuite is our go-to tool for managing social media on a large scale. If you’re not already familiar, Hootsuite allows users – free of charge – to manage several accounts across varying social networks, all in one place. Need to schedule a post to go out later today, tomorrow, next week or next month? Hootsuite has you covered. The platform also provides analytical reports, among other nice benefits, to its paying users. 2. Bit.ly Bit.ly is a great tool for anyone sharing links online. This free instrument goes beyond allowing users to create their own custom short links – it also provides in depth analytics, allowing you to track and analyze how and when your audience is engaging with your posts. 3. LikeAlyzer If you’re in need of advice on how to improve your company Facebook page then look no further. LikeAlyzer is a simple to use tool from Meltwater, which generates free reports identifying the strongest and weakest points of your Facebook page. It even offers suggestions on the next steps to take for further improvement. 4. Tweriod Similar to LikeAlyzer, Tweriod is another free tool offering analytics for twitter. The tool measures the level of engagement from your audience, determining the best time and day for you to post. 5. Giphy One of my personal favorites – Giphy is a must-have for anyone who wants to share GIF images. Not only does Giphy offer a near endless archive of GIF images ready for use, it also offers you the ability to transform any video file into a custom made GIF. 6. PicMonkey PicMonkey is a great, easy to-use photo manipulation tool which just about anyone can use, without the skill or money required for similar programs such as Photoshop. The essential tools are all free to use, and can turn an “OK” image into something amazing.  Try out these tools and let us know what you think. If there’s anything you think we missed, let us know on Facebook or Twitter!

Penthera Earns 3 New Patents

January 20, 2015 Chris Huppertz
Penthera, a provider of intelligent mobile video software solutions for TV networks and content distributors, has received three new patents from the U.S. Patent Office. Two of the issued patents, US Patents 8929717 and 8923683, describe how to manage commercials in TV shows downloaded to tablets and smartphones. A third patent, US Patent 8937543, describes a process notifying a consumer when a video has completely downloaded, in the background, on the user’s mobile device.  The patent application was filed in 2008. Downloading TV shows and movies to iPads, iPhones, Android and other mobile devices is a popular new feature in “TV Everywhere” apps available from broadcasters, cable networks and TV distributors. Penthera’s Cache&Carry™ software enables smartphone and tablet users to download TV shows, movies and other content for later viewing. The company’s Cache&Carry™ licensed by tier-1 U.S. and international pay-TV distributors and cable networks, has won awards as a top TV Everywhere solution and has powered millions of video downloads. It is embedded in top-ranking consumer apps on the App Store and the Android Market. Penthera has received six new United States patents in the last nine months, all in the area of mobile video and advertisements. “We’re proud that the United States Patent and Trademark Office has recognized our commitment to innovation,” said Michael Willner, CEO of Penthera.  “We’ll continue to push the envelope at the intersection of TV, mobile, and advertising.”

A Cure for C.W.A.P.: Sling Media Showcases Award-Winning Family of 100% No Compromise “TV Anywhere” Solutions at 2015 Consumer Electronics Show

January 6, 2015 Chris Huppertz
Slingplayer App Now Supports Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Stick For Viewing All of Consumers’ Live TV and DVR Content on Large Television Screens Sling Media Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of EchoStar Corp., will demonstrate its popular line-up of “TV Anywhere” solutions at the 2015 International Consumer Electronics Show. The Slingbox® M1 and Slingbox 500 are the best solutions for  delivering a customer’s live or recorded pay-TV channels and programs to the most popular mobile devices in HD quality and with no restrictions on content. Offered at a suggested retail price (MSRP) of $149.99, the Slingbox M1 is the most affordable Slingbox that Sling Media has ever produced for core access to all of consumers’ live TV and DVR content; the Slingbox 500, with an MSRP of $299.99, delivers the power of a Slingbox combined with new “Smarter TV” features designed to enhance the TV viewing experience in the living room. Sling Media also recently announced Slingplayer® app support for Amazon’s popular Fire TV and Fire TV Stick streaming media devices. Similar to the manner that Slingbox products currently support media streamers, Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV stick owners can now download the Slingplayer app and enjoy all of their live TV and DVR content on any large television screen that their Amazon product is connected to. Avoid C.W.A.P.: Don’t Be Fooled By Big Cable on “TV Anywhere” Sling Media recently launched a new online media campaign, which is designed to aid consumers in understanding the limitations they face when utilizing the “TV Everywhere” solutions promoted by leading cable companies. Sling Media has detailed these limitations on their website (www.slingbox.com/BigCable.aspx) in a fact-based manner that leads consumers to the conclusion that only Slingbox solutions offer genuine “TV Anywhere” capability, without restrictions. This online media campaign is augmented by an irreverent website (www.dontgetcwap.com) that allows consumers to upload 6-second video clips of their frustration trying to watch all of their live TV and DVR content outside of their homes without a Slingbox and avoid the dreaded C.W.A.P. (“Can’t Watch Anywhere Pain”) syndrome. Sling Media will be demonstrating its entire lineup of “TV Anywhere” solutions at Booth 8143 in the Las Vegas Convention Center’s Central Hall throughout CES.  Consumers can follow and stay abreast of the sights and daily happenings in the show booth by following Slingbox on Twitter at @Slingbox and #SlingboxCES. Visitors to the Slingbox booth also will be eligible to win a Slingbox M1 during a daily raffle throughout the show. Both the Slingbox M1 and Slingbox 500 are available at leading U.S. retailers including Best Buy, Amazon, TigerDirect.com, Walmart and select Target locations. Slingbox products can also be purchased directly from Sling Media at www.slingbox.com.
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