LightSpeed binoculars transmit video and audio via Infrared

It's not often that tremendous advancements are made in the realm of binoculars, but these LightSpeed specs are something special. Aimed primarily at military / surveillance uses, this device is able to transmit video and audio via Infrared, theoretically enabling rooftop spies on opposite buildings to communicate. Furthermore, this method of communication is undetectable and untraceable. No mention of just how expensive these are, but suffice it to say, you aren't apt to see these on shelves of Toys R Us and the like.
[Via: Engadget ] [Tag: binoculars, Infrared, Infrared LED, InfraredLed, LED, LightSpeed, military, spies, spy, Volfson ]

Carl Zeiss combines spotting scope, digital camera with the PhotoScope 85 T* FL

Esteemed lens manufacturer Carl Zeiss is breaking new ground by releasing the PhotoScope 85 T* FL, a spotting scope that also serves as a seven megapixel digital camera -- just in case "super-zoom" wasn't enough for you. With 15 - 45x magnification, a focal length of 600 - 1800 mm, a flip-out OLED display, and an IR remote for vibration-free release, it's great for birdwatchers but perhaps even better for the paparazzi. Look for it in Spring or Summer 2009 if you're planning to profit off the next Amy Winehouse meltdown.
[Via: PhotographyBLOG ] [Tag: birdwatching, camera, carl zeiss, carlzeiss, digital camera, hunting, oled, paparazzi, photo, photography, photoscope, photoscope 85, photoscope 85 t fl, spotting scope ]

DARPA's Super-Resolution Vision System uses heatwaves to magnify targets

DARPA's Super-Resolution Vision System (SRVS) may not be as cool as the threat-sensing binoculars we saw a while back, but it may prove a little more practical. The prototype scope takes advantage of something called "atmospheric turbulence-generated micro-lensing" to provide three times the resolution of current diffraction-based scopes. In other words, if soldiers can see you more clearly, they can make an informed decision on whether or not to shoot you.
[Via: The Future of Things ] [Tag: binoculars, darpa, defense, military, scope, srvs, Super-Resolution Vision System, Super-resolutionVisionSystem ]

Line 6's BackTrack is here to record all your moments of brilliant greatness

You play guitar, and we know you're very gifted. You haven't been to Juilliard, but it doesn't matter because you're inspired. What you need now is something to capture inspiration, so you can then drag it -- in the form of a WAV -- onto your desktop via USB 2.0. You need BackTrack by Line 6. Just plug your guitar into BackTrack, plug BackTrack into your amp, and start playing. The device begins recording when it detects a signal and it never stops as long as the battery has a charge (up to eight hours). When you let out a truly boss riff -- or a tasty lick -- you don't have to worry about losing that gem. The basic package retails for $139.99, can capture up to 12 hours of audio and comes equipped with 1GB flash memory. BackTrack + Mic comes equipped with 2GB flash memory and an internal microphone, records for up to 24 hours and retails for $209.99. Both models are rechargeable via USB and have the standard 1/4-inch in / out and headphone jacks.
[Via: CNET ] [Tag: audio, backtrack, guitar, guitars, line 6, Line6, record, recording ]

Lexmark X7675 wireless printer giveaway reminder

Don't forget kids, you could still win yourself a succulent Lexmark X7675 wireless printer and two cartridges by simply submitting a comment in the giveaway post here. What are you waiting for? C'mon, you have until 11:59PM tonight! The thing is free! Get!
[Via: Engadget ] [Tag: contest,giveaway,lexmark x7675,LexmarkX7675,reminder ]

Modder adds CCD eyepiece to binoculars, Bill Belichick seems interested

Oh sure, you've been able to buy digital camera-equipped binoculars for years now, but finding one that does video (particularly with the camcorder you already own) has been a continual struggle. Thanks to one engineering soul, you can forge ahead with your plans to video all sorts of sights by adding a CCD eyepiece to any 'ole set of binoculars. Once installed, you simply hook up your camcorder (hope it has video in), mash record and get to gazing. Be careful what you look for, though.

[Via: Engadget ]
[Tag: Binoculars,CCD,diy,eyepiece,hack,mod,recording,video recording,VideoRecording ]

First-person RC car to revolutionize sibling rivalries

This certainly isn't the first time anyone has mounted a video camera to an RC car and taken it for a spin, but the new system from Fat Shark to do so is certainly the most comprehensive yet. A set of wireless VR goggles provide the display, and there's a built-in accelerometer in the goggles to control the tilt and pan of the camera installed on the car. You can buy the system with the car, or purchase the components separately to hook onto a plane or for some other nefarious purpose. No word on price, but we would've traded our NES and two good tubs of Legos for a shot at this growing up. Somebody has to keep that up-to-no-good sister of ours and her dastardly playmates in check. Video is after the break.


[Via: Autoblog ]
[Tag: first person rc car,FirstPersonRcCar,fpv rc,FpvRc,rc,rc car,RcCar ]

Digital Photo Urn is just too creepy to be useful

If you're somehow able to gaze upon the Digital Photo Urn without emotion, you'll find a fairly useful product. Still, we can't help but be a little creeped out by the notion. Nevertheless, those with differing views can certainly procure one of their own, which was meant specifically to hold the remains (or at least some of them) of your lost pet and continually show pictures of its life on the built-in 7-inch display. In case you're still not freaked out, the unit even supports audio, so you can "hear the precious barks, whines and purrs anytime." At this point, we highly doubt you care about the 256MB of integrated storage space, USB connectivity or Oak / Walnut motifs, but those not shaken can secure one now for around $250.

[Via: picturesnob ]
[Tag: animal,death,digiframe,digital photo frame,DigitalPhotoFrame,pet,pet urn,PetUrn,urn,weird ]

English towns equipping crossing guards with cameras

England is already drowning in CCTV cameras, so it looks like Big Brother is starting to get creative in finding ways to deploy more: local councils are now outfitting crossing guards with camera-equipped stop signs. Yeah, crossing guards. With cameras in their stop signs. The cameras in the £890 ($1765) poles are fairly conspicuous, and the hope is that it'll curb aggressive driving around crossing zones, which resulted in 1,400 incidents last year. There's no word on how anyone plans to measure the effectiveness of the program, but we're certain the crossing guards who get passed over for the poles and end up with the hat-mounted cameras also being deployed will have a few choice words about things.
[Via: Engadget ]
[Tag: cctv, crossing guard, CrossingGuard, england, lollipop, lollipop crossing, LollipopCrossing, surveillance, uk ]