FromtheWire

February 7, 2011 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced six PowerShot A-series digital cameras with improved operability that produce outstanding images and feature a high-quality, stylish re-design in a variety of fashionable colors. Canon’s PowerShot A-series models have been instrumental for entry-level users in learning the joys of photography and these new models continue this tradition with features such as 16-megapixel sensor, 720p HD video capture and a 28mm wide-angle lens to capture images of large groups at a family function or of a child on the playground.

PowerShot A-series models are known not only for producing high-image quality but also being easy to use as well. For the first time in a PowerShot A-series model, the A4000 IS, A3400 IS and A2400 IS models will feature Intelligent IS so the camera automatically selects the most effective image stabilization mode ensuring users always capture the best results. In addition, all of the models announced today will have the Smart AUTO feature with 32 shooting modes that selects the appropriate camera setting based on the users shooting environment. Additionally, for the first time in a PowerShot camera, each model will have a Help button to provide an explanation of various shooting modes to help the user along the way.

"The new additions to Canon’s new PowerShot A-series lineup will provide entry-level users with many options to unlock their creativity and capture high-quality images at a budget-friendly price," said Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Imaging Technologies & Communications Group, Canon U.S.A.Read more

February 7, 2012 — Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced two new versions of its coveted Wide Angle Lenses and a new version of its popular 24-70mm Standard Zoom Lens for professionals and photo enthusiasts. The new EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM, EF 24mm f/2.8 IS USM and EF 28mm f/2.8 IS USM lenses use a rear focusing system, high-speed CPU, and a powerful ring-type Ultra Sonic Motor (USM) with optimized AF algorithms for faster auto focusing and sharp images. With large apertures these new lenses deliver beautiful, soft backgrounds for superior image quality.

"Our heritage is our optics with over 70 years of expertise, we look to continually further our promise to our users and deliver the ultimate image quality," said Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Imaging Technologies & Communications Group, Canon U.S.A. "These new lenses are powerful tools for photographic and video enthusiasts to pair with Canon cameras to help enable and enhance their creative vision." Read more

Highlighted Features include Wi-Fi, Powerful Optical Zoom and Ruggedness

February 7, 2012 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced the addition of four PowerShot digital cameras: the ELPH 530 HS, ELPH 320 HS, SX260 HS, and D20.

Photographers no longer have to sacrifice image quality for the ability to instantly share images and videos with the use of the PowerShot ELPH 530 HS and ELPH 320 HS Wi-Fi enabled cameras. The PowerShot SX260 HS camera puts Canon’s amazing optical reach into a pocket sized camera, with a 20x optical zoom (25mm to 500mm) letting you pull subjects in close. Designed for the adventurous photographer looking to take spectacular photos, the rugged PowerShot D20 camera is ideally suited for the backpacker, snowboarder or tropical-traveler.

"Canon wants to help people capture the best images possible with the ability to quickly and easily share them with the world. With new PowerShot features such as Wi-Fi connectivity, people can quickly upload and share images on social networks," said Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Imaging Technologies & Communications Group, Canon U.S.A. "Whether it’s a powerful zoom, Wi-Fi or waterproof features, our new PowerShot lineup empowers people to be creative with their photography. There are good enough images and there are great images, we always aim to help people capture the best images."Read more

Entrants in Six Categories Compete for Production Gear Valued at $5,000+

February 7, 2012--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Panasonic today debuted its second annual "Shoot It. Share It" on-line video competition for users of its popular AG-AF100 large image HD cinema camera. From February 6th through March 7th, Panasonic is accepting video contest entries from users of the AF100--the industry's first professional micro 4/3-inch video camcorder optimized for high-definition video recording--for the opportunity to showcase their creative work and win valuable production equipment.

At www.ShootItShareIt.com, contestants* can submit up to five videos (each up to five minutes in length) in six categories -- nature, short film, commercial, music video, documentary or student -- demonstrating their creative work with the AF100. A grand prize, consisting of a Panasonic 42" TH-42BT300U Pro Plasma Reference Monitor plus a Vocas Micro Four Thirds to Prime Lens Adapter (valued at more than $5,000), will be awarded to the contest winner. A Vocas Matte Box and Rail system will be awarded to each of the category winners.

From March 12th through April 4th, the public can choose among 18 semi-finalists (three per category) and vote on-line at ShootItShareIt.com for the first-place winner in each category. A panel of judges will select the grand prize winner.

The category winners and the grand prize winner will be announced during the NAB 2012 show in Las Vegas, NV (April 16-19), as well as on the contest web site. Read more

February 7, 2012 – Canon today announced AirPrint support in the PIXMA MX512 and MX432 Wireless Office All-In-One inkjet printers.

AirPrint enables iPad, iPhone and iPod touch users to wirelessly print photos, email, web pages and documents without the need to install device drivers, saving time and enabling a seamless user experience.

AirPrint will be available with the majority of Canon PIXMA Wireless All-In-One inkjet printers launched from this point forward. AirPrint works with iPad, iPad 2, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S and iPod touch (3rd generation and later) running using iOS 4.2 or later.

For more information please visit www.usa.canon.com.

SOURCE Canon U.S.A., Inc.

February 7, 2012 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced the addition of three PIXMA Office printers to the lineup: the MX512 Wireless1 All-In-One (AIO), MX432 Wireless AIO and the MX372 AIO. These new print, copy, scan and fax models help continue this tradition and are designed to provide users with the confidence that the final output will match the original concept.

Available for both new wireless models is the Canon Easy-PhotoPrint mobile app, for use with compatible Apple and Android smart phones and tablets, allowing documents to be scanned on the printer and sent directly to a compatible device. Users can print PDFs of documents that were created with the app directly from compatible devices, whereas in the past only photos could be printed.

With 802.11n Wi-Fi capability, the PIXMA MX512 and MX432 Wireless Office AIO Printer models are capable of a high-speed network transfer rate. Setting up a wireless network can be easily accomplished with the press of one button when using Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS). Canon U.S.A. offers its award-winning service and support online for all of its consumers looking to set up any of its wireless products at www.usa.canon.com/wirelesshelp. Here, customers have access to video tutorials and manuals to assist in setting up a wireless printer.Read more

PT-LZ370U 3,000 lumen projector ideal for applications requiring high quality images

February 7, 2012 --(BUSINESS WIRE)--Panasonic, a provider of professional projector solutions, today announced the PT-LZ370U, a full HD, 3,000 lumen LCD projector that delivers excellent image quality for applications such as lectures and presentations. With 1920 x 1080 resolution, the PT-LZ370U provides high definition projection for presentations with detailed images or when showing Blu-ray or HD content. In addition to presentation environments, the projector is ideal for applications that demand high color fidelity and fine detail reproduction, including engineering, R&D, and art history and film classes.

The PT-LZ370U has a 10,000:1 contrast ratio with a Dynamic Iris Pro system that is capable of analyzing the brightness level of each image and adjusting the lamp power, iris and gamma curve accordingly. The clarity of the full HD resolution is further boosted by Panasonic’s proprietary Detail Clarity Processor 3 technology and the Daylight View Premium feature, which measures the ambient light in the room and adjusts the brightness. For medical school and hospital applications, the projector is equipped with the DICOM Simulation mode to view X-ray images. Read more

Best Western Rewards Offer Marks Brand's 66 Years, 100-plus Countries

Feb. 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- THE WORLD'S BIGGEST HOTEL FAMILY invites members of its free global loyalty program Best Western Rewards to earn a free night. Marking the brand's 66th birthday and presence in over 100 countries and territories, the promotion will reward members who stay three separate times between February 6 and April 8, 2012 with a free night voucher, good at any BEST WESTERN, BEST WESTERN PLUS or BEST WESTERN PREMIER in the world until June 30, 2012. Register and view Terms and Conditions at www.bestwestern.com/spring.

"We continue to work hard to make Best Western Rewards the most valuable loyalty card in our guests' wallets," said Dorothy Dowling, senior vice president of marketing and sales. "This free night is to thank guests for their repeat business, and to help them experience one of our three hotel types in the more than 100 countries where we serve travelers."

The Best Western Rewards spring promotion and related sweepstakes will feature heavily in the brand's social media channels this season (www.facebook.com/bestwestern and @TheBestWestern), as well as at the property level. Read more

Total Redesign Delivers More of Rdio's Discovery Features and Instant Music Accessibility into One Streamlined Application

Feb. 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Rdio (www.rdio.com), the digital music service started by the creators of Skype, today announced the availability of a completely redesigned Rdio for Android app, now available as a free download from Android Market or as an update for existing users.

The new app offers intuitive navigation with one-click access to features previously available on Rdio for Android, along with several new enhancements and key features including collection, playlists, new releases, top charts, recommendations, and support for Android Ice Cream Sandwich's new remote control client. Now Android users not only have easy access to Rdio's catalog of more than 12 million songs, they can also take advantage of Rdio's rich social features and extensive music discovery options.

"With the Rdio for Android redesign, we were focused on bringing Android users the best mobile music discovery application possible," said Malthe Sigurdsson, VP of Product, Rdio. "We believe this launch further reinforces our commitment to creating the most visual, social and interactive experience of music across every platform."Read more

Joint Venture Will Offer the Best of Both Worlds - Physical and Digital - to All Consumers Nationwide

Feb. 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Verizon and Coinstar, Inc. today announced the formation of a joint venture that will create a new choice for quality- and value-conscious consumers seeking a simple and affordable way to access the video entertainment they crave. The venture's services will offer all of the convenience, simplicity and value of Redbox new release DVD and Blu-ray Disc rentals combined with a new content-rich video on-demand streaming and download service from Verizon.

The joint venture plans to introduce the product portfolio in the second half of 2012. It will offer subscription services and more in an easy-to-use, flexible and affordable service that will allow all consumers across the U.S. to enjoy the new and popular entertainment they want, whenever they choose, using the media and devices they prefer. Additional brand and product information will be revealed in the coming months.

"When you consider the core elements the parties bring to this venture – our powerful brands; our national rental kiosk footprint; our anytime, anywhere network presence; and our mutual commitment to customer-focused innovation – it's clear that Verizon and Redbox are a powerful entertainment team," said Bob Mudge, president of Verizon consumer and mass business markets. Read more