Author - Jerry Paxton

Elgato Unveils Facecam Premium Webcam and More

2021/07/15

Geek News, News, Tech News, Trailers / Videos

Elgato, a leading provider of hardware and software for streamers and content creators, today announced the launch of Facecam, a cutting-edge entry into the world of professional-grade webcams. Facecam captures video in true Full HD 1080p60 through an all-glass studio-quality Elgato Prime lens. Equipped with a Sony® Starvis™ image sensor that excels in indoor lighting conditions, and an optimized fixed focus, Facecam keeps you looking sharp in live streams, conference calls, online classes, or anywhere demanding high-quality HD video capture. The result is a webcam tailor-made for creating today’s most professional content.

Alongside Facecam, today Elgato also launches a host of new gear to upgrade your production setup: Wave XLR, an XLR to USB Type-C microphone interface and digital audio mixer; Stream Deck, now with interchangeable faceplates, a detachable USB Type-C cable, and a beautiful new stand; and Wave Mic Arm plus Wave Mic Arm LP, two fully adjustable boom arms for optimal desktop microphone positioning.

Facecam features a studio-quality f/2.4 24-mm, all-glass Elgato Prime Lens. A state-of-the-art Sony Starvis CMOS sensor with back-illuminated pixel technology ensures extraordinary detail in a variety of lighting conditions, especially indoors. Optimized fixed focus enables you to move freely and stay in focus, while an adjustable field of view up to 82° allows you to set close-up or wide angle shots. Facecam outputs true Full HD at 1080p60fps without artifacts thanks to an advanced image engine that outputs uncompressed video.

Facecam makes configuring and installing an expert webcam setup simple and easy, seamlessly mounting to nearly any monitor or camera mount via a choice of an expandable monitor clamp or a 1/4″ thread. Connecting to your PC or Mac via a detachable USB Type-C cable, uncompressed image data is transferred with extremely low latency. The accompanying Camera Hub app gives you DSLR-like control of settings such as field of view, brightness, and exposure – and your settings are saved directly to Facecam for instant recall on all your computers. The Stream Deck plugin enables instant tactile control and integration with your entire setup.

“With Elgato’s history of innovation in every aspect of content creation, we knew that our first webcam had to set a new standard in the industry,” said Julian Fest, SVP and GM of Elgato. “Facecam is the culmination of thousands of hours of meticulous engineering, and it comes at a time when more people than ever are looking to build a highly professional setup that can help establish and grow their audiences. Facecam is a blend of premium hardware and advanced software that gives users an intuitive, powerful solution to achieve stunning video quality. Manually tuning a camera to capture the perfect shot has never been easier.”

Debuting alongside Facecam, Wave XLR connects your existing high-quality XLR microphone to your PC, upgrading its audio capabilities and enabling integration with the Elgato Wave Link app to mix your microphone audio with multiple other independent audio sources. Controlling your microphone with Wave XLR is easy thanks to its silent capacitive mute button and multifunctional control dial. Proprietary Clipguard technology prevents sound distortion when input levels peak, while up to 75dB of ultra-low-noise gain amplifies insensitive mics. Wave XLR also provides up to 48 volts of phantom power to drive condenser microphones for extra high audio detail and capacity. Like Facecam, Wave XLR integrates perfectly with Stream Deck for advanced audio control.

Next in the lineup is the all-new Stream Deck. The iconic interface with fifteen bright LCD keys that can be customized with icons and actions to control apps and tools, Stream Deck now sports detachable components that allow users to completely personalize their setup. A new fixed-angle desktop stand keeps Stream Deck firmly planted and can be removed to lay the unit flat or mount as desired. The USB Type-C cable can be disconnected and replaced by any USB Type-C cable. Plus, the faceplate easily snaps off so users can just as easily snap on a different design from a growing range of custom faceplates adorned in vibrant colors and graphics. With the recently updated Stream Deck 5.0 app and Store featuring plugins, royalty-free music tracks, sound effects and more, Stream Deck is an extremely versatile, fully customizable control interface for any computer-based workflow. It’s also the perfect companion for Elgato products, including Facecam and Wave XLR.

Joining Elgato’s selection of Wave audio gear and accessories, Wave Mic Arm and Wave Mic Arm LP offer content creators, radio broadcasters, business professionals – anyone with a desktop audio setup – two premium-quality mounting options. Wave Mic Arm, a traditional suspension boom arm, stands tall at 750mm / 29.5in and comes with an extension riser that adds another 150mm / 5.9in of height to reach over bigger obstacles such as computer monitors. Wave Mic Arm LP, by contrast, is an all-metal, low-profile boom arm that sits below the shoulder line to ensure an unobstructed view while making a stunning impression on and off camera. Streamlined and elegantly designed, both mic arms feature hidden cable channels with removable covers for easy access, an adjustable clamp mount that fits popular desk designs, and a ball head with a 1/4″ screw plus 3/8″-5/8″ adapters for ultimate flexibility.

Whether you’re just getting started or looking to upgrade, Facecam and the newest wave of Elgato streaming gear and accessories have the power to turn your desktop into a professional content studio.

Availability, Warranty, and Pricing

Elgato Facecam, Stream Deck, Wave XLR, Wave Mic Arm, and Wave Mic Arm LP are available immediately from the Elgato and CORSAIR worldwide network of authorized retailers and distributors.

Elgato Facecam, Stream Deck, Wave XLR, Wave Mic Arm, and Wave Mic Arm LP are backed by a two-year warranty and the CORSAIR & Elgato worldwide customer service and technical support network.

For up-to-date pricing of Elgato Facecam, Stream Deck, Wave XLR, Wave Mic Arm, and Wave Mic Arm LP, please refer to the Elgato website or contact your local CORSAIR/Elgato sales or PR representative.

Web Pages

For more information on Elgato Facecam, please visit:

https://elgato.com/facecam

For more information on Elgato Stream Deck, please visit:

https://elgato.com/stream-deck-mk2

For more information on Elgato Wave XLR, please visit:

https://elgato.com/wave-xlr

For more information on Elgato Wave Mic Arm, please visit:

https://elgato.com/wave-mic-arm

For more information on Elgato Wave Mic Arm LP, please visit:

https://elgato.com/wave-mic-arm-lp

Valve introduces Steam Deck Handheld PC Gaming Device

2021/07/15

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

Valve announces Steam Deck, the first in a new category of handheld PC gaming devices starting at $399.

Steam Deck is a powerful all-in-one portable PC. With a custom processor developed in cooperation with AMD, Steam Deck is comparable to a gaming laptop with the ability to run the latest AAA games. Your Steam library will be on Deck to play games wherever and whenever you want. Steam Deck is also an open PC, adding the ability to install any software or connect with any hardware.

“We think Steam Deck gives people another way to play the games they love on a high-performance device at a great price,” says Valve founder Gabe Newell. “As a gamer, this is a product I’ve always wanted. And as a game developer, it’s the mobile device I’ve always wanted for our partners.”

Steam Deck starts at $399, with increased storage options available for $529 and $649. Reservations open July 16th at 10 AM PDT; shipping is slated to start in December 2021.

Steam Deck details:

Powerful, custom APU developed with AMD
Optimized for hand-held gaming
Full-sized controls
7″ touchscreen
WiFi and Bluetooth ready
USB-C port for accessories
microSD slot for storage expansion
3 different storage options available

Lost at Sea Launch Trailer

2021/07/15

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

Publisher Headup is happy to announce that their narrative adventure, Lost At Sea will open its beautiful, surreal islands today. Players can delve into an emotional journey about life, loss, love and reminisce about the past and future. Lost At Sea will be available for PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation®5 at a price of $ 14.99, € 14.99 and £ 11.99. Steam users will receive a 10% release discount.

The story is about Anna, a woman in her mid-50’s. Thirty years ago, she met her husband, Andrew and they wished for a child, but that took way longer than expected. They had almost given up hope when it happened after all, and Danny was born. Sadly, nine years later, Danny died in a terrible boating accident with a friend. Years later after the tragedy, Anna also loses Andrew to early dementia. After Andrew nearly dies too, she becomes aware that she cannot provide the help he really needs. So, Anna leaves the house and starts processing her feelings on an island she created in her mind, similar to the one that cost Danny his life.

With Lost At Sea, Studio Fizbin created a game about universal themes focusing on life and death, coming to terms with your past and family. Set on a beautiful island, this game will force you to face your fears and take stock of your life through imaginative minigames and a relatable story. What are the most important moments of your life, and how do you want to live it?

Studio Fizbin are the critically-acclaimed creators of the beloved The Inner World adventure franchise and the studio behind the 2020 IGF honorable mention Minute Of Islands.

You can find Lost At Sea on Steam, the Microsoft Store, and the PlayStation®Store. Also, feel free to check out Studio Fizbin’s Twitter page.

Spirit Halloween Unveils The Graveyard Shift 2021 Animatronic Lineup

2021/07/15

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, Halloween, News, Trailers / Videos

Horror movies are a Halloween staple, and this year Spirit Halloween, the world’s largest specialty Halloween retailer, is bringing its celebrated Halloween personalities to life like never before.

Today, the leading authority on all things Halloween and Sneak Peak Productions debuted “The Graveyard Shift”, an unnerving feature presentation for horror fans showing now on spirithalloween.com/thegraveyardshift for the bravest souls to view.

Featuring some of horror’s most legendary characters including Pennywise, Ghostface, Grim, Shorty and Wacky Mole, “The Graveyard Shift” brings terror to the screen and is approved only for the eyes of the living. The spine-chilling cast will also have a towering presence at Spirit Halloween locations across the country for fans to engage with like never before.

Halloween lovers looking to join the scary fun team for the highly-anticipated 2021 season can visit Work4Spirit.com for additional information on seasonal positions available through November.

Universal Monsters: The Bride of Frankenstein Lives Announced for Halloween Horror Nights

2021/07/15

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, Halloween, News, Trailers / Videos

This fall, Universal Studios’ “Halloween Horror Nights” returns to Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood, unleashing some of the most nefarious names in horror to prey upon guests. Classic films that have influenced the horror genre will come to life in two of the event’s disturbingly-real haunted mazes – prepare for the return of the legendary Leatherface in “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” and the resurrection of one of Universal Pictures’ most iconic monsters – the Bride of Frankenstein – in “Universal Monsters: The Bride of Frankenstein Lives.”

Universal Monsters: The Bride of Frankenstein Lives

At its core, Halloween Horror Nights is an extension of the horror film legacy originated by Universal Pictures, and the event continues to honor its blockbuster history with a haunted maze highlighting one of the studio’s most sinister creatures – The Bride of Frankenstein. “Universal Monsters: The Bride of Frankenstein Lives” picks up where the 1935 classic film “The Bride of Frankenstein” left off, thrusting guests into chaos as the Bride becomes an unstoppable scientist and begins her mission to revive Frankenstein’s Monster. Her unwavering quest to find eternal life will come at a cost, and guests will soon find themselves entwined in a frenzied battle in their daring attempt to escape. Click here for an electrifying preview of “Universal Monsters: The Bride of Frankenstein Lives.”

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre

Inspired by the 1974 iconic slasher film “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre,” the “Halloween Horror Nights” mazes will depict a harrowing and intense experience as guests try to outrun the maniacal Leatherface and his unrelenting chainsaw. Guests will embark on a killer journey through a series of familiar scenes from the film and eventually fall victim to a family of cannibals. From a dilapidated gas station to an eerie, old farmhouse, they will witness unimaginable horrors around every corner, soon discovering that nowhere is safe from the demented Leatherface. Click here for a sneak peek at “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.”

Plus, guests at Universal Orlando’s “Halloween Horror Nights” will face another pop culture and horror legend as they brave this year’s event. The destination previously revealed the first haunted house of the season featuring the ‘ghost with the most,’ “Beetlejuice,” based on Warner Bros. Pictures and Tim Burton’s Academy Award-winning horror-fantasy film.

Stay tuned as additional details about “Halloween Horror Nights” at both Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood will be revealed soon.

The “Halloween Horror Nights” events begin on Friday, September 3 in Orlando and Thursday, September 9 in Hollywood – and both events run select nights through Sunday, October 31. Select tickets and vacation packages are now on sale for “Halloween Horror Nights” at Universal Orlando Resort; tickets for the event at Universal Studios Hollywood will be available soon. Due to popular demand, event nights are expected to sell out. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.HalloweenHorrorNights.com.

Midsummer Scream’s Awaken the Spirits! Tickets On Sale

2021/07/15

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, Halloween, News

The producers of Midsummer Scream are thrilled to announce a surprise event kicking off the Halloween season to take place the weekend of August 14-15, 2021 at the Pasadena Convention Center. Awaken the Spirits! will feature over 200 spooky vendors, live entertainment, and a presentation stage where fans will learn what’s in store for Halloween 2021 from the likes of LA Haunted Hayride, Delusion, Six Flags Magic Mountain, Winchester Mystery House, and others.

Tickets and more info available at: midsummerscream.org/awaken

“The entire team is excited to be able to create live events once again,” says David Markland, Executive Director of Midsummer Scream. “Awaken the Spirits! will allow us an opportunity to bring together fans and professionals from the Halloween and haunt community to celebrate and prepare for what will be a great ‘spooky season’.”

After the pandemic caused Midsummer Scream to cancel their flagship event for the past two years, the team has ramped up production on several related projects for a strong end to 2021. Midsummer Scream’s Screaming Room Film Festival presented by HorrorBuzz will be held at the Frida Cinema in Santa Ana July 10-11. Season’s Screamings, Midsummer Scream’s dark holiday convention, takes place December 17-19, also at the Pasadena Convention Center. Next summer, Midsummer Scream returns to Long Beach for its highly anticipated 5th Anniversary show July 29-31, 2022.

“Once we were certain Southern California was allowing live events again, we felt it was extremely important to do something for our longtime supporters, and create a showcase for the theme parks and attractions to inform the public what each of them will be doing for Halloween,” says Gary Baker, Executive Producer of Midsummer Scream.

“Since there are so many questions concerning haunted attractions and events this year, we really wanted to create a solid platform for that information to be relayed directly by our partners.”

Midsummer Scream and the Pasadena Convention Center are working in accordance with all CDC, state, and local guidelines governing requirements for events and gatherings of this type.

For breaking information about Awaken the Spirits! and other upcoming Midsummer Scream events, follow them on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter @midsummerscream and sign up for the newsletter at MidsummerScream.org.

Monsters at Work Deleted Scene Revealed

2021/07/14

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, Movie News, News, Trailers / Videos

“Monsters at Work” takes place the day after the Monsters, Incorporated power plant started harvesting the laughter of children to fuel the city of Monstropolis, thanks to Mike and Sulley’s discovery that laughter generates ten times more energy than screams. It follows the story of Tylor Tuskmon, an eager young monster who graduated top of his class at MonstersUniversity and always dreamed of becoming a Scarer until he lands a job at Monsters, Incorporated, and discovers that scaring is out and laughter is in. After Tylor is temporarily reassigned to the Monsters, Inc. Facilities Team (MIFT), he must work alongside a misfit bunch of mechanics while setting his sights on becoming a Jokester.

Produced by Disney Television Animation and inspired by the world of Disney and Pixar’s Academy Award-winning “Monsters, Inc.,”the series introduces new monster characters alongside returning favorites. Billy Crystal and John Goodman reprise their beloved roles as Mike Wazowski and James P. “Sulley” Sullivan. Ben Feldman stars as the voice of Tylor Tuskmon, alongside other new cast members including Mindy Kaling as Val Little, Henry Winkler as Fritz, Lucas Neff as Duncan and Alanna Ubach as Cutter.

NBC Sports Grill & Brew Opens at Universal CityWalk

2021/07/14

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News

Universal CityWalk Hollywood, located adjacent to Universal Studios Hollywood, scores with today’s opening of its newest dining establishment, NBC Sports Grill & Brew, leveling up the concept of sports-themed dining with state-of-the-art HDTV screens at the iconic destination.

A sleekly designed addition to Universal CityWalk, NBC Sports Grill & Brew is reflective of NBC Sports’ award-winning coverage and unparalleled collection of media partnerships that include the International Olympic Committee and United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee, the NFL, NASCAR, INDYCAR, PGA TOUR, The R&A, PGA of America, USGA, Churchill Downs, Premier League, Tour de France, Roland Garros, and many more.

With an array of HDTV screens broadcasting continuous, in-depth sports coverage, NBC Sports Grill & Brew is prepared to offer guests the MVP treatment. Visitors can enjoy dining upon converted shuffleboard and foosball tables amid sports-inspired décor, including specially commissioned art pieces and a custom neon NBC peacock logo.

Universal CityWalk spectators and al fresco diners alike will also be awed by the giant media wall located at the restaurant’s front exterior. Measuring a whopping 23 feet by 13 feet, the HDTV monitor will put guests at the front row of the latest sports action.

A look at the restaurant’s expansive menu, curated by Universal Studios Hollywood’s Executive Chef Marie Grimm, NBC Sports Grill & Brew covers all the bases by providing a fresh take on traditional pub fare, including tasty appetizers, flavorful sandwiches and burgers, fresh salads, hearty grain bowls and indulgent desserts.

The inspired menu includes vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options as well as traditional fare with an array of cleverly themed courses.

These include:

The Starting Lineup features mouthwatering appetizers from Wings and Fish Tacos to Loaded Nachos and an Artisan Pretzel. Home Run Handheld takes burgers to new heights with such tempting fare as Roadside Chili Burger, Gruyere Burger, Beyond Burger, Nashville Hot Fried Chicken Sandwich and the Brat Pretzel Press. The Chili Bowl and The Grain Bowl add tasty twists to The Bowl Games menu section.
In the mood for a crunchy salad, On The Green pleases with Classic Chicken Caesar Salad, Grilled Steak Wedge and Nashville Hot Chopped Chicken Salad. Game Time is serious with Smoked BBQ Pork Ribs, Farmhouse Fried Chicken, Broccoli & Cheddar Mac ‘n’ Cheese, NY Strip Steak and Grilled Cedar Plank Salmon.
Final Play rounds out the meal for the home stretch, including Warm Apple Strudel, Warm Chocolate Chip Cookie with Stout Ice Cream and a variety of Floats. A la carte Side Lines add even more options to the extensive menu with extras including Tater Tots, Crinkle Cut Fries, Grilled Vegetables, Creamy Mashed Potatoes and Cornbread.

A refreshing complement to the menu, the restaurant also features a full bar and an extensive selection of over 40 beers, including the 862 as an IPA or seasonal draft custom-made to the Universal CityWalk Hollywood location.

Looking to customize their beverages, diners can create their own beer flight, build their own mule cocktail or select from a list of craft cocktails and wines.

Guests can also enjoy the NBC Sports Grill & Brew at Universal Orlando Resort’s CityWalk destination.

For more information including restaurant hours and reservations, guests can visit Universal CityWalk Hollywood. Additional information is available at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com. Regular updates can be found on Universal Studios Hollywood’s Twitter @UniStudios, Facebook-Universal Studios Hollywood and Instagram @UniStudios.

World of Warships Dutch Cruisers Part 1 Trailer

2021/07/14

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

World of Warships, the widely popular free to play naval combat game from developer and publisher, Wargaming, has released Update 0.10.6 making available Dutch Cruisers in early access, two seasons of Brawls, and more visual and technical improvements.

The main event for Update 0.10.6 is the addition of Dutch Tier IV-IX cruisers in Early Access. These mighty ships have high caliber firepower, rock solid armor at high tiers and great maneuverability, but a short firing range.

Starting from Tier VI, they will come equipped with a brand-new type of armament – Airstrike. Based on real world examples of the low altitude bombing principle, it will allow players to call in aircraft and have it bombard the specified area with HE bombs. These explosives are equipped with drogue parachutes to slow their descent, and prevent planes being hit by the shrapnel.

The AI controlled aircraft will have a maximum operating distance of 10–13 km and it won’t be able to spot enemies. It will however be highly effective against low-mobility targets such as battleships and large cruisers. This ability gives players a fresh way to strike enemy ships hiding behind the cover of islands.
To access new Dutch cruisers for free, players will need to complete combat mission groups and earn a new temporary resource – Dutch Tokens. The same resource will be available in free daily bundles, random bundles for doubloons, and in bundles for community tokens.

Besides the ships, players are able to obtain the Kinderdijk Windmill patch, a commemorative flag and themed camouflages.

Finally, to celebrate the event the historical Rotterdam port has been added, which authentically recreates the look of the famous harbor city from the 1950s.

Update 0.10.6 will also feature two seasons of Brawls. All players will be able to participate in 3 vs 3 battles on Tier VI and Tier VII ships.

A number of visual and other enhancements have also been made, including the updated AI that will result in more realistic behavior of bots. In addition, a Hall of Fame tab has been added to Clan Battles, showcasing the winners of previous seasons.

All the details, developer notes can be found HERE.

FEAR STREET Part 3: 1666 Official Trailer

2021/07/14

Jerry Paxton

Geek News, Halloween, Movie News, News, Trailers / Videos

In 1994, a group of teenagers discover the terrifying events that have haunted their town for generations may all be connected — and they may be the next targets. Based on R.L. Stine’s best-selling horror series, FEAR STREET follows Shadyside’s sinister history through a nightmare 300 years in the making. FEAR STREET Part 3: 1666, the final chapter of Netflix’s epic summer movie event, premieres this Friday, July 16, only on Netflix.