TECHBYTEX 2009
August
FEATURED Read all about it on page 8
STAR WARS - EMPIRE AT WAR
LOOKING FOR A NEW PHONE OR CAMERA?
REVIEW ON PAGE3
Read our reviews on page 4 and page 5
[1]
LEARNING TO USE CINEMA 4D? Check out our extra! Cinema 4D tutorial on page 6
FROM the Editors’ Desktop: Ran$ngs from the A.Editor [Freak‐E ™] : Dear readers :
“ This is Freak‐E {A.Editor}, wri$ng the editor’s note for the
!
Speaking of songs, we remember the song “lekuasimi?” from Mr. Brown’s show [remix of What Do You See?]. An idea popped into our head – We therefore extend a challenge to all Xinmin Students to write their own lyrics for Na$onal Day. It can be a song, a rap, or a whole new
first $me. The editor’s note will be wriBen by both the Editor & A.Editor, on alternate issues. While I am typing, Mr. XXYY is supervising this note. The August genera$on of music, created by 2009 issue marks the passing of yourself. Feel free to send in your original ar$s$c entries to : the King of Pop – Michael techbytex_ezine@yahoo.com . Jackson. We pay tribute to his The entri(es) selected will be death, expressing our deepest condolences to his loved ones. We will always remember the song that came from his heart {God Bless his heart} – Heal the World. However, Mr. XXYY & the team believes that MJ must first
Editor & A. Editor
!
♥Freak-E ™ A. Editor
published in our next issue. Please give it your best shot!
☺Have a blessed month ahead, Ill we publish again. ;D ” God Bless, FREAK‐E;
heal himself; probably first of his drug addic$on.
A.Editor
[2]
!
♥MangaFreak© Editor
August 2009
TECHBYTEX
! August issue; 2nd publication
Star Wars – Empire at War
!
Review: Star Wars - Empire at War Written by Low Hao Jie,- 302’09
While the movie has capIvated over 400 million people worldwide, a game with the same concept as the Star Wars Trilogy has been released, bringing about the turmoil and hosIliIes within the GalacIc civil war. Star wars Empire at War by Petroglyph uIlizes an unprecedented manner of coordinaIng land, orbital and galacIc strategies to bring about the intensity and scale of a full‐blown galacIc war. This game possesses a complete and varied storyline where every baXle has a lasIng impact. Unlike other games, all surviving units in this game are brought over to subsequent baXles, not just hero units alone. In addiIon, this game enables peripheral baXles between missions which are rare in today’s RTS games. Like other games, Empire at War possesses a hidden map editor allowing
the creaIon of scenarios. Famous baXles like the clone trooper in Geonosis have been recreated in homage to innovaIve writers, actors and directors who brought digital media and filming into a modern age. Due to its many features and variaIons, there is no beXer way to shape the star wars history other than playing this game. A comment by Gamerfeed says “Empire at War has everything. The graphics, sound, and overall presentaIon are each near perfect. Gameplay is fast‐ ! paced and fun, with very liXle repeIIon, and fans of the seang will be amazed The produc:on values are with the aXenIon to details.” beyond reproach. The game is Gamer’s temple also highly recommends this game as “It is the first strategy game to really capture the feel fantas:c. of Star Wars.”
“
”
‐ Cheat Code Central
[3]
NIKON COOLPIX P6000
“
Review: Nikon Coolpix P6000 Written by Cai Wei Ming - 102’09
Compared to other Coolpix models, Coolpix P6000 does not resemble a true Nikon in my opinion. But with its seang possibiliIes and unique features such as GPS and LAN support, the Nikon P6000 is currently one of the most remarkable compact cameras. While tesIng, the Nikon Coolpix P6000 turns out to be a pleasant camera to work with. The operaIon is fast and intuiIve, and the shooIng speed is at a decent level if we sIck to the JPEG format but it falls short if it is in the RAW format. This RAW format offers opImal image quality; but sadly the limited buffer requires a waiIng Ime of at least 4 seconds. Despite the shortcomings, such as the ineffecIve opIcal viewfinder, the Nikon Coolpix P6000 offers many possibiliIes. The customizable FN and My‐menu buXons allow for quick switching between various essenIal seangs for fully concentraIon on taking pictures. You will soon noIce the camera funcIons as an extension of your own hand. Besides that, the image quality stands
strongly. The amount of pixels on the other hand is too much and it is beXer to stay away from high ISO values because of noIceable noise. Also, the lens of the Nikon P6000 delivers an outstanding performance. Nikon shows its true force with the excellent sharpness, over the enIre focal length, of this lens. Slight distorIon at wide angle, although acceptable, makes this an excellent element of the Nikkon ED VR 4x zoom lens. Nikon drops a notch in telephoto where chromaIc aberraIon occurs. But, generally speaking, the Nikon Coolpix P6000 features a first class lens. The Nikon Coolpix P6000 has two strong compeItors, the Canon PowerShot G10 and the Panasonic LUMIX LX3; both strong in their own field of experience. Naturally, the ulImate goal is to offer the perfect compact camera soluIon to serious photographers. Nikon is close, and the concept is there. The only hurdles that have to be taken care of are improving on the buffer and increasing the pixel amount. If you are paIent enough, you will find the Nikon Coolpix P6000 an all‐round digital camera that provides high quality pictures. But this choice is yours to make. It's all up to you.
P6000 is in a class of its
Nikon Coolpix
own due to its built‐in GPS unit and ability to capture crisp and color‐rich photos with amazing clarity.” Says Backpacker Magazine, which awarded Nikon Coolpix P6000 with a 2009 Editors’
P6000
”
Choice Award.
[4]
Review: Sony Ericsson Handphone K610 Written by Cai Wei Ming - 102’09
Speaking of cameras, although maxing out at 2 Mega pixels and lacking auto focus, the camera of K610i delivers very impressive sIlls ‐ but poor video. Its easy‐to‐use interface and snappy handling are of parIcular note, while storage is plenIful and pictures are easily shared with friends and family through a variety of opIons. A burst mode for rapid‐fire successive shots is also present, although any aXempt to shoot acIon scenes might result in a blurry mess. As for calling, as with other Sony Ericsson handsets, the K610i excels at calling with only minor niggles such as slightly‐less‐than ideal signal recepIon and a slightly lacking video quality. Making and taking calls as well as managing a flurry of contact informaIon is handled with aplomb, although phone‐ to‐PC backups could have been handled beXer. Offering 4 hours of talk Ime and 5 to 6 days of standby, the K610i isn't exactly the longest‐lived handset we've seen but nonetheless sIll makes the cut.
Next, the messaging funcIons. Among the best alternaIves on the block as far as message handling is concerned, the K610i lets users quickly dispatch messages and see which ones have or have not been replied to, storing up to 200 of the sort although unfortunately not into folders for beXer overview. Otherwise first‐rate, its keypad stumbles slightly by dropping characters on occasion, and we're also disappointed that messages cannot be backed up to a PC. Last but not least, the music funcIons. It may not be Walkman branded, but the MP3 player of the K610i is in fact quite good – making its lack of earphones, the sparse amount of memory provided out‐of‐box and the lack of dedicated track skipping buXons all the more obvious. SIll, enterprising users could do far worse than bring this parIcular handset up to par by purchasing a spacious memory card and a stereo Bluetooth headset to go along with its 15‐hour play Ime.
K610
“
Most people like Sony
Ericsson mobile phones. This latest 3G version will appeal to a mass audience. A good
”
all round performer. ‐ 3g.co.uk
Coming in only red and silver.
[5]
Usage of Intermediate Func$ons in Cinema 4D Written by Low Hao Jie - 302’09
In Cinema 4D, especially for sIlls, the key to making an object realisIc is details. Although basic funcIons like polygons and extruding could be used, the usage of intermediate funcIons like emiXer deformers and lighIng can provide an increased visual depth towards the model. Subdivide is used to split a model into mulIple segments. To use this funcIon, select the object you are ediIng and press the subdivide buXon under the funcIons tab. This triggers a menu showing the opIons available. The subdivision opIon controls the number of segments divided, each causes symbolizing a division. If the effect of smoothing is required then the hyperNURBS subdivide funcIon should be checked. Note that the maximum angle controls the maximum degree of change of angle for each point so it should be used sparingly. The hyperNURBS subdivide funcIon is advised for early parts of a model when the object is less complicated as it could be deformed aner uIlizing this funcIon. Nevertheless, you could press the Ctrl+Z keys to undo the mistake.
right click on the small circle to the len of the funcIon desired and add a keyframe on that frame. Set mulIple keyframes on various frames to enable a change in the model Make during the animaIon. miracles with This funcIon is more Cinema 4D commonly used in areas like remaking disasters AXractor: lures parIcles towards where sudden changes in the center of the emiXer deformer models are required. Although Wind: creates a field of movement that deformers could also be used, this funcIon a viable alternaIve that enables change course of parIcles gradually. FricIon: slows down parIcles greater flexibility in animaIon control. Moreover, emiXer deformers could be used to alter the movement of parIcles of an emiXer. Note that this funcIon requires an emiXer object. To select an emiXer deformer, hold your len mouse buXon on the emiXer object, then drag onto the desired deformer and release the mouse len buXon to select an emiXer deformer. Do note that there is no need to place the object under another emiXer to take effect, and only parIcles inside the area of effect of the deformer could be altered.
Turbulence: split the parIcles into different courses. Also, custom animaIon of Nurbs could be used to change the shape or structure Gravity: cause parIcles to drop downwards of a spline object. Firstly, select the desired frame on the Imeline. Next, set Deflector: reflects parIcles to quickly change direcIon. FuncIons like a mirror. the desired values such as the amounts of extrusion for Extrude Nurbs. Then,
This was made in Cinema 4D using the Nurbs mentioned above.
[6]
Under each emiXer deformer there is a strength funcIon that controls the intensity of the deformers, from 0 to infinite. These values could be changed during an animaIon in the same way as the custom animaIon of Nurbs funcIon. While basic tools does enable simpler use and the tools are less confusing, these intermediate funcIons could be used to enhance the mood of an animaIon which is lacked in basic funcIons, such as adding new points and lines using subdivide and including emiXer deformers to improve the realism of the movement of parIcles to add an increased visual depth towards the models.
SPEEDING UP UTORRENT
*Note: Leave the rest of the op:ons untouched – Especially the “Randomize port each start” op:on. 3. Go to poruorward.com and Written by Lau Zheng Fong - 302’09 forward the port that you took down in Disclaimer: Unlike the misconcepIon, Step 2 Utorrent is a peer‐to‐peer sharing sonware which is created for file sharing, 4. Now back to Utorrent’s preferences menu – Select “Bandwidth” not for downloading illegal and from the len menu. copyrighted materials. 5. Under “Global upload rate limiIng”, Advice: Install a fresh copy of Utorrent enter 65 for “Maximum upload rate”. before following the guide to prevent 6. Under “Number of connecIons”, seVngs uncovered in this guide from enter 1890 for “Global maximum messing up your speeds. number of connecIons”, 2329 for “Maximum number of connected peers 1. Open up Utorrent, go to per torrent” and 14 for “Number of OpIons>Preferences (or Ctrl+P) upload slots per torrent”. 2. Click “ConnecIon” from the len navigaIon menu, and uncheck your “Port 7. Now, click “BitTorrent” from the len menu. used for incoming connecIons” opIon.
Note about Utorrent Rumors on the net says that “UTorrent has been sold out! You will get caught using it!” and several comments by users have also confirmed this rumor. So, use this so]ware at your own risk!
Next Pa!
8. Basically, leave everything untouched except “Outgoing”, under “Protocol EncrypIon”, which should be set to Enabled. 9. Now go to “Queuing” from the len menu, and set “Maximum number of acIve torrents (upload or download)” and “Maximum number of acIve downloads” to 60 and 63 respecIvely. 10. Under “Seed while [Default values]”, enter 100 for “RaIo is <=” which is 150 at default.
SHOWBIZ EDITOR’S TAKE
IGN.com
HARRY POTTER & THE HALF‐BLOOD PRINCE Is it as good as it claims to be? The movie, Harry PoXer and the Half‐Blood Prince was a much‐awaited movie, Harry PoXer fans from all around the world are looking forward to watching the movie. In a website poll, 85% of the people who watched the movie voted that they enjoyed the movie. I shall not be a spoiler and tell you everything in the movie, in case you haven’t watched it. In this movie, Harry begins his 6th year at Hogwarts, he discovered a book in poIons class, the book was marked “This book is the property of the Half‐Blood Prince”. Harry starts learning more about Lord Voldemort's dark past as Tom Riddle. Harry and headmaster Dumbledore shared a close relaIonship: he accompanied the headmaster in the search of a horcrux to destroy Voldermort completely. The movie showed precious friendship and the raging hormones in the teenagers. PoXer fans, young and old, queued up in long queues, Ickets sold out fast. Fans rushed in to watch the 2h 33mins movie, only to find themselves disappointed. If you have not read the book, I advise that you do not watch the movie, you will find it confusing, and the book is definitely beXer. SIll the movie managed to top the box office. Personally, I watched the movie twice, trying to find out what make PoXer fans Ick. And I made a guess that PoXer fans value the friendship portrayed in the show. I agree with their views,
Written by Eunice Foo aka
Freak‐E ™ - 307’09
that the injecIon of precious friendship, indeed made the movie’s selling point. Quoted from Daniel Radcliffe: “What Half Blood Prince bombards us with next is a blaze and whirl of parodies and comedic happenings which make me find it hard to take seriously. Dumbledore taking a magazine out of a toilet, which isn't pornographic but some kniang mag is almost a shot in the face. Then we have awkward romances all around for our main characters, we have huge gaps missed out from the book!” What we have with Half Blood Prince is a rushed version of a story with much of the material that made the book so special completely absent. Events such as Harry and Dumbledore's quest for Voldemort's Horcruxes are barely touched on, while the majority of the film focuses on the sillier parts of the novel such as the growing hormones between the 6th year Hogwarts students. It seems that the producers of Harry PoXer were aware of the growing popularity of the Twilight phenomenon and wanted to make their own teenage romanIc love story as part of the series. That doesn't feel right in the Harry Po_er Series for a blooming start. What has
.
happened to the Great Harry PoXer Series?
[8]
Our take: 2.5 out of 5 stars
TECHBYTEX 2009 - the new look -
Hi all TechByteX Readers!
TechbyteX is undergoing a brand‐new facelin, and we would like you to be a part of it! Send us your comments and suggesIons for improvement of the TechbyteX magazine to: itakeko@me.com Your comments and suggesIons will be taken into consideraIon by the new TechbyteX team, so that we can conInue to provide you with even greater arIcles! CreaIve Manager, Media Club Ang Wei Li ‐ 303’09
AUGUST
Copyright © Xinmin Media Club 2009