VJ Heaven

Video to song No Pain by Brighter Death Now taken from the innerwar LP. www.caelicuspugna.com

Over the past decade, Google has become the dominant force on the web, processing over one billion search requests per day.  However, Google’s web dominance only extends to desktop PCs, which are slowly being replaced by mobile devices, with over 3 times more mobile devices than desktops being sold each year.  The Android is Google strategy to extend its reach into the rapidly expanding mobile market.

The open source property of Android is Google’s unique selling point. Google recognised that the mobile experience on the most part is inferior to the desktop experience due to the restrictions placed on mobile application developers.  Apple, the manufacturers of the iPhone have been known to refuse to approve third party programs because they replace integrated features of the iPhone. Android is a completely open platform that will allow developers to create applications that call upon the use of any of a handset’s core features.  Android also aims to give developers the tools to innovate by allowing applications to combine information from a variety of sources such as the internet or other mobile device users.

The Android operating system aims to bring the experience users enjoy on desktop PCs to the mobile world. Mobile devices operate on a closed system where only applications approved by the manufacturer can be installed on devices. Mobile applications developers are usually forced to obtain code-signing certificates, which cost both time and money. With Android, developers will be able to install any application they develop instantly. The reduction in development costs will open up the market to new developers. Since Android’s success hinges on how third party developers react to the open system, the more developers able to develop for the system, the better for Google.
Google has a 16 billion dollar advertising empire on the web and seeks to transfer this to mobile devices. Although smaller screens pose a challenge to advertising space, mobile devices also offer new opportunities, as due to their mobile nature location based adverting can be used to market nearby services to potential customers. All Android devices will be constantly connected to the web to take advantage of location-based services.

For all the promise of Android, there are several barriers to its success, some of which have already begun to affect its chances of success.  The biggest barrier to Android’s success is the sluggishness with which network providers are adopting Android devices.  In 2008 when Google launched its first mobile device on T-mobile, it was widely thought that they would quickly enter into partnership with larger mobile network carriers such as Verizon and AT&T. Their failure to do this has resulted in a slow uptake of Android devices by consumers, as T-Mobile is only the fourth largest carrier in the US.

Mobile network providers may also be reluctant to enter into partnership with Google because several applications developed for Android completely circumvent their services resulting in a loss of revenue. The biggest example of this is Google Voice, which allows users to send text messages through their phone’s data plan. This means that there is no need for a Google voice user to have a text-messaging plan with their network since Google Voice offers what is essentially free text messaging.

The Android operating system has also encountered resistance from manufacturers for a number of reasons. Some manufacturers feel that the an open source mobile operating system threatens their own pre-packaged applications as network operators and users will be able to completely re-customise an Android phone, rendering manufacturers’ own applications useless. To compete effectively manufacturers want to be able to differentiate their phones and have a unique identity.

Some manufacturers fear that the emergence of a mobile operating system without any licensing fees could result in an influx of new manufacturers into the market as license fees act as a barrier to entry to new firms. This will result in a loss of market share for the existing firms.

Google’s Android has fulfilled part of the promise it had when it was first unveiled. It has lead to new and innovative applications being developed and allowed more developers to enter the market. However, it is yet to live up to its potential. If it is to succeed Android needs the support of more manufacturers and mobile network providers. In November and December 2009 Verizon and Motorola launched a new phone using Android, which is a step in the right direction. Google has the influence and vision to completely revamp the mobile market and with the help of their hardware partners, they are likely to succeed.

Nashville is a special place for music, and just as any natural disaster in the world hits musical communities, so, too, has recent flooding taken its toll on this American city.

The NAMM summer convention, a top gathering for the musical instruments industry, will go ahead as planned in Nashville on the 18th through the 20th of this month. For their part, industry group NAMM says that they’ll pump some $13 million into the local economy. Other efforts:

The MusiCares flood relief fund, targeting aid to local musicians, will host a booth and silent instrument auction. If you want to donate your instrument, with 100% of proceeds going directly into aid benefits, you can do so either at the booth or contacting jefffl@namm.org. 100 percent of the proceeds generated from this auction will directly benefit local flood victims.

Musicians union AFM Local 257 will also host donations of products, instruments, and financial gifts at the show. If you’re elsewhere in the world, you can donate online at www.nashvillemusicians.org

Several sponsors are working on a “BIG Gear Giveback” program for the industry, culminating in a concert; see www.namm.org/wannaplaysunday

Finally, while I won’t be attending summer NAMM (I’ll be at home in New York), I know a number of things will be happening there that are relevant to CDM. If you’re attending or live in the Nashville area, get in touch.

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Over the years, the entertainment industry has grown in leaps and bounds. A few years ago, the role of a Disk Jockey was purely to spin records. Welcome to the twenty first century. Above and beyond scratching and mere beat matching, professionals now incorporate full-length videos into their setup. Disc Jockeys are now the life of the party. There importance is such that people will only attend a function depending on the Disk Jockey outfit in charge. This truth is very clear in places like Toronto. The DJ services as well as the prices are arguably the most competitive in the world.

The work of a video (VJ) begins with a clear vision of the work at hand. The relevant software, diverse music selections, video mixers and music screen are the VJ’s canvas, brushes and paint. This must no be confused with a fellow parading a video projector and the best DVD player in the market. A professional Disk Jockey must have the capacity to manipulate video data in real-time, a legal source of video and music and state of the art equipment. Most music stores around Toronto deal in this equipment, making it readily available to those who want to offer such DJ services. Experience, artistry and diversity are aspects such professionals must have to pull of any VJ gig.

Another important aspect of DJ services is Emceeing (Master of Ceremony). An MC is charged with the responsibility of constantly speaking to the audience as a way of keeping spirits high and determining the mood of the party. Professionals in Toronto have realized that creating such a rapport ensures that the audience plays its participatory role, keeping them in touch with the entertainment. Understanding the mood of the revelers gives the Disc Jockey an indication of the kind of music to play. This keeps everything in step.

Every DJ outfit for that matter has strengths and weaknesses. Prior to procuring any DJ services, understand these. If rock is the theme of the day, find out how good the DJ is. Ask about lights. The lighting set up is important for mood creation. Some outfits readily take care of specialized lighting while others do not. In addition to this, determine whether the Disc Jockeys equipment has recently undergone a Portable Appliance Test (PAT). It is the surest way of telling whether the equipment is properly maintained and whether it will give the best possible performance. Select Disk Jockeys that have valid public liability insurance. Most Toronto Disk Jockeys display their certificate of insurance on demand. This simple gesture has enhanced the credibility of the profession in the area. This immediately exonerates the host of any liability in the face of accidents involving DJ equipment.

DJ services are not confined to the traditional club culture. DJs have spread their wings and are involved in weddings, anniversaries birthdays, bar mitzvahs and baptisms. A visit to Toronto will make things clearer. All said and done, without a Disc Jockey taking care of entertainment, it is difficult to guarantee the success of any event.