Archive for October, 2007

Streaming Video Gets High Def

Published
by
Josh
on October 16, 2007
in Tech to watch
. Comments

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vimeo-high-def.jpg

Things are about to get amazing in this box. That crumby video you currently see streaming online at sites like Youtube will soon be capable of using high definition technology. Social video site Vimeo has introduce High Definition to its onsite video capabilities and Adobe is about to release Flash 9, already in beta, that contains the H.264 Codec that basically allows you to provide very good video and audio at a very low bitrate. Both of these mean you will be able to watch good quality full screen video… Just watch the HD example from Vimeo here.

This is huge
And has a lot of important implications. Not only can people put their own HD content online which will make annoying and lame amateur content not so annoying and less lame, but media companies that produce HD programming will be able to extend what has previously been limited, that being the type and quality of their broadcasts at substantially less cost (bandwidth) to you.

This will also come in handy for sites like Divshare that converts uploaded content to Flash and sites like HomeStarRunner that develop in Flash. Don’t forget advertisement. Yep, High Def advertisement in your face. Sweet. The site that are going to fall by the wayside are those that do not provide or support HD content.

From a CAD Perspective
What if you could convert 3D content to high def on the web? Convert an animation or fly-through to high-def video and upload it. What if you wanted to start hosting training classes, presentations or any type of recorded content online? This is going to make it that much more possible.

I’ve been watching content online since it’s been available. First through Azurus, then Joost, and the last two season of some NBC programs. I imagine you have too, what do you think?

Source: Kottke, Techcrunch

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42″ Flat Screen All-in-One Computer

Published
by
Josh
on October 16, 2007
in Tech to watch
. Comments

lumens-q42-flat-screen.jpg

I would absolutely love not having a mess of wires wrapped around my computer desk. All-in-one computers come in different shapes and sizes. This one from Lumenlab comes in a 42″ streamline aluminum case with a 1080p screen on the front. Other feature include fanless 0db operation, 1TB of HDD storage, 2GB of ultra-fast ram and Intel Core Duo processors. Oh, and it’s energystar approved. No word on price yet… or if it comes with a harness or back strap.

Via Engadget

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How to Load SolidWorks Files Faster with SyncBack

Published
by
Josh
on October 16, 2007
in SolidWorks Tips
. Comments

synced-skaters.jpg

I love sitting and waiting for a 50MB file to open, don’t you? Gives you plenty of time to take care of some bills and catch up on politics. File loading is one of the most inefficient times of the day because it invariably leads to 20 minute conversations about the best truck hitch to use. Not to mention the disturbing looks from management. That’s not a good feeling, so let’s boost that loading speed by adding a little sync to your system.
Continue reading ‘How to Load SolidWorks Files Faster with SyncBack’

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SolidWorks Teams with Google, Co-founds ‘The CAD Academy’

Published
by
Josh
on October 15, 2007
in Business
. Comments

google-loves-solidworks1.jpgWell, it’s happening, when you wonder what the future of CAD is going to be, who is pushing development and innovation, you can mark this day. First there was the eDrawings compatibility with Sketchup around this time last year. Now, SolidWorks has co-founded a program with Google, along with Graphisoft and the Discovery Channel, that recently acquired HowStuffWorks.com, to promote study and generate interest within the CAD related field of engineering and architecture.

The business
cad-academy-logo.jpgIt’s currently set up as a reseller model with groups ranging from SolidWorks Resellers to Technical Colleges. There’s plenty more space available, so this is another way for businesses and institutes to grow their offerings and bottom line. Currently there is a handful of curriculum overviews going on that are shown in the site’s event calendar.

The commentary
Compatibility with eDrawings is one thing. The other CAD companies have that. What this does is place those solutions in the same genre and marketplace and introduces technology savvy learners to the possibilities of future advancement in those areas. In other words, little Johnny engineer says, I use SolidWorks and Sketchup, why not mix it up? I do everything on the web except my blueprints and cost estimation, why not suck this into the Google API or vice versa?

I’ve actually been wondering when something like this was going to happen, although I thought it would more of an alliance, like back and forth compatibility between Google SketchUp and SolidWorks. That would just about kill the competition in my opinion. This is just the first move toward eliminating other 3D engineering programs. Why? Ask why Inventor, Pro/E, SolidEdge, or SpaceClaim were not selected. Maybe you start off with a strong foundation with some core products and add the rest. But with SolidWorks as the co-founder and Google as an allied and innovative progenitor of web technology I highly doubt that is going to happen.

It may seem like a minor business move, especially since it’s just education right? It all starts somewhere. I see this moving how we use CAD right along.

The site has the most information in the Solutions section of the site. There you can see videos and view PDF’s on the curriculum and what makes it unique.

the-cad-academy.jpg

Source: SolidWorks

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Hiring Someone With SolidWorks Experience. What Would You Do?

Published
by
Josh
on October 12, 2007
in Business
. Comments

plastic-chips-and-ham.jpgSo, I’m wondering what you would do. Is it better to hire someone with SolidWorks experience and teach them the industry, or someone with industry experience and teach them SolidWorks?

That is the question. Sometimes you don’t get both, so what do you think would work best?

image: TurboForce3D

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Friday Smackdown

Published
by
Josh
on October 12, 2007
in Smackdown
. Comments

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SMACK: Would You Design a Better Ladder?

Published
by
Josh
on October 12, 2007
in Product Design
. Comments

I’ve always disliked the ladder in this video. It’s like trying to set a mouse trap. You think he deserves what he gets?

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Need a Supplier, Here’s the Source

Published
by
Josh
on October 11, 2007
in Resources
. Comments

supplier-source-logo.jpgDassault Systemes in association with a stellar team of SolidWorks employees and community folk have launched SupplierSource Beta to give you access to a community of manufacturers.

SupplierSource is being developed to provide a simple yet powerful network for the custom service manufacturing industry. Our mission is to connect buyers with suppliers in a whole new way – through the reviews and recommendations of other users just like you.

The site already has a well populated set of manufacturers although the photos, which would add a little flare, lack. I need to find a thermoforming group for acrylics. I do a search and get 9 suppliers sorted by relevance with an overview of feedback, reviews and who’s saved their info for each.

The interface is slick, minimal and easy to use. In fact, it looks a lot like LinkedIn.com. No harm in that, it a great model. Anyone can create a profile on SupplierSource, but it’s definitely catered toward the production companies. Once you publish your company profile, you’ll be able to see quantity and type of views and reviews your profile has had.

There are no personal profiles, although that or a link to your LinkedIn profile would be nice if you’re someone just seeking manufacturers. That would give it more of a community appeal. Just like EBay doesn’t only have Sellers. Regardless, it’s off to a good start.

Devon Sowell broke the news at his site and also has some feedback from Don Swavely of SolidWorks Corporate who will gladly take your feedback on the site.

supplier-source.jpg

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Electro Funk Daddy Superstar Break

Published
by
Josh
on October 10, 2007
in Rockin' Cool
. Comments

If you’ve read my about page, you know I’m into drums, but few know I’m also a great appreciator of fine beat box break beats. Don’t know what that is? See below for the phenom Beardyman.

For some more electrifying beat mix scratchy flicky bits check out beardyman.co.uk or check out my Drum Scratch Station on Pandora.com

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A CEO, a Professor Emeritus, and Marine Explorer Walk Into a Bar…

Published
by
Josh
on October 10, 2007
in Noteworthy
. Comments

solidworks world 2008

What do these three have in common? They are all keynote speakers at SolidWorks World 2008.

  • Jeff Ray is the CEO of SolidWorks who went to Texas A&M.
  • Dr. Don Norman is the Professor who has a Lifetime achievement award.
  • Dr. Bob Ballard is the Marine Explorer who designed the submersible camera.

The keynote is usually a foundational element of a conference. Something you plan the rest of the conference around with the big announcements and special guests. I haven’t heard these guys speak… they sound interesting, but I have to agree with Matt Lombard in that I would like to see some speakers that sound more groundbreaking. Not they would not give addresses that are, I just find myself desiring to see a little more. Like Matt says, maybe the Tesla guys. Heck, even the Google team or Michael Arrington or David ten Have to talk on innovation.

Who knows who SolidWorks asked, but I’m sure these guys will have insightful things to say despite what their background is, how emotional they get about design, or what position they are in. I’m sure it will be an honor for them to speak to you all.

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