Archive for December, 2010

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Pink Panther Director Blake Edwards Dies At 88

Wednesday, December 29th, 2010

Iconic Hollywood Writer-Producer-Director Blake Edwards Dies

Husband Of Julie Andrews Was One Of Comedy’s All-Time Greats

Writer-producer-director Blake Edwards passed away last week at the age of 88. He died of complications of pneumonia at St. John’s Health Center in Santa Monica. The above photo, which was scanned to digital for preservation by the Los Angeles Times, shows Edwards with his wife, the talented Julie Andrews, in one of their rare public appearances. The photo was taken in 1970, less than a year after the couple married. Andrews and other members of the immediate family were present when Edwards passed.

In his personal life, Edwards battled chronic depression; to the public he was known as the modern master of slapstick comedy and sophisticated wit. Best known for his “Pink Panther” comedies, Edwards also directed classics like “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” and iconic pop-culture films like “10.” The multi-talented Hollywood man found release in making movies, all the while suffering from what he called “monstrous” depression. In 1989, Edwards told GQ that his work was “one of the great therapies of my life,” and stressed the importance of self expression and validation.  

Film historian Jeanine Basinger places Edwards at the “absolute top of comedy filmmaking,” where he is often ranked among legends from Charlie Chaplin to Billy Wilder. According to Basinger, Edwards’s unique talent was marrying two disparate American traditions, physical slapstick and witty, sophisticated dialogue. And while his comedies were “outwardly goofy,” his nuanced use of editing, camera movement, and framing lent an elegant sophistication that elevated his work. Though Edwards’s first box-office hit came with the 1959 Cary Grant/Tony Curtis comedy “Operation Petticoat” the 1961 adaptation of Truman Capote’s “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” was the film that marked the real turning point in Edwards’s career. But it was not until 1964 when he co-wrote and directed “The Pink Panther” and its sequel “A Shot in the Dark” that Edwards really carved out his place in film history by adeptly bringing slapstick and sight gags into the modern era. He went on to write and/or direct many notable films, such as “10,” starring Bo Derek, and “Victor Victoria,” starring Julie Andrews.

Edwards is survived by his wife, his four children, a stepdaughter, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. To see more photos of Edwards that have been scanned to digital, visit the Los Angeles Times photo gallery at http://tinyurl.com/blakeedwardsobit.

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Fun Office News: Positive Work Environment

Tuesday, December 28th, 2010

Fun Office News: Positive Work Environment

 We refer to ScanDigital as a family and well, it is. When someone is sick, we all pitch in to help out. We laugh, joke and sometimes tease each other. And if someone has an idea, they express it. As we’ve been growing however, it’s become harder to assure everyone feels heard, so our CEO, Anderson Schoenrock has introduced a new technique- a Suggestion Box!

Anderson has put a lot of effort toward creating a positive work environment and does not want us to lose sight of that as we continue to grow. “It’s always been important to me to maintain a positive work environment where our employees feel comfortable expressing their ideas.”

According to experts, our fun office environment may be the secret to our success. “Creating a positive culture within your business is vital. When employees feel heard, considered and validated, they will produce better quality work and be more willing to go above and beyond. Create real incentives for your people–not just perks such as casual dress days–and your team will be more efficient and effective as a result,“ says Scott Gerber, serial entrepreneur, founder of the Young Entrepreneur Council and author of Never Get a “Real” Job.

Sounds like our ScanDigi fam is on the right track here. We can’t wait to see how the first suggestions are implemented in the office. As always- we will keep you all posted!

Questions? Contact Us!

 Feel free to contact ScanDigital on Facebook, Twitter, by phone at 888.333.2808 or by email at info@scandigital.com anytime. Whether you have questions about our photo scanning and home movie transfer services or just want to share a fun photo or story, we would love to hear from you soon!

 Contact Pamela on Twitter at PamelaSD.

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Netflix Makes Deal With Disney To Stream ABC, Disney Channel Content

Monday, December 27th, 2010

Netflix Pays Disney $150 Million For Reruns

Streaming Becomes Bigger Part Of Netflix’s Business Model

Netflix offers up a lot more than just flicks these days. Since the company began offering its customers unlimited streaming of online content back in January of 2008, over two-thirds of the 17 million Netflix subscribers have taken advantage of the subscription service’s “watch instantly” feature. This feature was originally limited to PC users watching a small amount of available content on their computers, and was considered a somewhat gimmicky bonus to Netflix’s core offering of DVDs by mail. But Netflix’s streaming service has now become the company’s key to staying relevant in an increasingly discless world, where online content is king.

Subscribers can still watch on-demand digital video transfers of movies and TV episodes right on their computers, but they can also choose to stream that content to their televisions using any number of internet-connected media devices such as Blu-ray players and set-top boxes. All three of the current-generation video game consoles (Microsoft’s Xbox 360, Sony’s PlayStation 3, and Nintendo’s Wii) now offer Netflix streaming, as do set-top boxes such as the Apple TV and several offerings from Roku. Internet-enabled HDTV’s, which have become increasingly popular in the last couple of years, can now stream Netflix content directly, without any additional hardware needed. And if you can’t be tied down to your living room? No problem – you can now stream Netflix content on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.

As the accessibility to Netflix’s online library grows, so does the amount of content available there. Most recently, Netflix made a deal with Walt Disney Co.’s ABC network and cable channels Disney Channel and ABC Family to stream reruns from those channels via the “Watch Instantly” feature. This deal is valued at over $150 million, and will allow Netflix subscribers to watch digital video transfers of episodes from previous seasons of hit shows like “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Lost,” “Ugly Betty,” and “Brothers & Sisters.” Some programming from ABC Family and Disney Channel will appear on “Watch Instantly” just 15 days after their initial run on the air.       

This deal is set to last just one year before renegotiations, but you can bet that Netflix will continue to add to its online offering. The company recently added a “streaming only” subscription plan for $7.99 per month, for customers who are ready to go discless and save a few dollars. For $9.99 per month, subscribers get streaming plus unlimited DVDs (one at a time) mailed to their doors. Check out www.netflix.com for more information.

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Customer Testimonials: “My photos were well taken care of”

Thursday, December 23rd, 2010

We follow up with every customer because we care. We truly want to hear about as many customer experiences as possible to assure we’re doing our job right. If there’s ever any issue, we address it immediately. Most of the time however, we hear from customers overjoyed to have their memories preserved and thankful the process was so easy. On behalf of the ScanDigital team, I’d like to say “Thank You” to our amazing customers. We’re truly flattered to know you are happy and honored to have been trusted with your family’s precious memories.

If you’d like to hear more from our customers, you are welcome to visit our Testimonial page. If you have any questions or would just like to chat, you can always find us here on Twitter and Facebook, by email at info@scandigital.com or by phone at 888.333.2808. Hope to hear from you soon!

 “Thanks for following up.  As with the first order I placed ScanDigital, I am completely satisfied with my second order.” Dana – Henderson, CA

“I am very pleased with the quality of the digital pictures from my old slides. Thank you! I did purchase your latest groupon offering as a gift for my parents, and they are looking forward to getting their slides on a DVD. I can’t wait to get more photos converted.” Wendy – Hillsboro, OR

“Thank you for your follow up. Let me say that I love your service and company and have indeed recommended it to my friends and family as well as to my web membership. I found the UPS option worked well and your diligent follow up was reassuring. My video was turned around quickly, cost effectively and wonderfully. I would love to help you grow as much as possible – you offer an incredible service. I will indeed post something on Facebook and again on my website.” Eleanor – Pacific Palisades, CA

“I was very satisfied with your service. There was a glitch with the first DVD sent and the problem was taken care of pronto with no difficulties. I would recommend your service and I liked your prices as well. My photos were well taken care of and returned without issue.” Shelli – Vancouver, WA
“I was very pleased with your service. And I would be ready to recommend your company to friends.” Robert – New Hyde Park, NY

“I would recommend your services. I love how you put the pictures on the cover so you know what’s on the DVD.  Thanks again.” Helen – Quincy, MA

“I can appreciate emails like these and I too value any and all feedback. I first used the service because I had a coupon. I was pleased with how easy it was to send in my photos with the UPS label, etc. I was also pleased that one of your technicians or PMs called me to clarify instructions I put on my photos.  That was welcome and showed attention to detail. The final product I received was nicely packaged and well organized. I wish your company all the best.” Brandon – San Francisco, CA

“I enjoyed the movies very much. And I would recommend you to others.” Annie – Bellevue, WA

“I was very impressed with the communication you provided.  You let me know that my order was received, when it likely would be completed, and when it was completed you sent me delivery tracking. My order was delayed, but you let me know immediately what your new production time would be and updated me when to expect it.  I haven’t had time to view all of my order, but enjoyed what I have seen so far.  I especially liked seeing the music tracks you provided.  I was also pleasantly surprised to see how easy it was to send in my order.  I am letting others know about my satisfaction with your service.” Diane – Bettendorf, IA

“I have had a very positive experience with your company.  The website is easy to navigate and understand.  The phone customer support folks have always been friendly and knowledgeable to help me with my questions. The emails I receive letting me know my order is complete and on the way to me along with the tracking number is also helpful.  This is when I look forward to their arrival and watch for a package on my porch. I will remain a loyal customer and I have at least 20-30 tapes yet to send.” Rose – Houston, TX

“I have shared all of my coupons with interested friends….so I really like your concept! I have wanted to transfer my vidoes for YEARS….it was the groupon that motivated me to finally DO it!” Lisa – North Royalton, OH

“I am quite pleased with the video that you redid and would use ScanDigital again and/or recommend you to others should the occasion arise.” James – Providence, RI

“This order was my third order with ScanDigital.  I have had both VHS tapes and photographs scanned and have been very pleased with everything.  This order was several groups of old photos both black and white and color.  Some dating back to the 1920’s and others into the 1960’s and a few more recent.  I am very pleased with the results and am eager to gather more family photographs and send to be scanned.  I am very likely to use ScanDigital again.  However my use will be sporadic as many of our family photographs are at my Mother’s in Kansas and I have to excavate them from the family home of 100 years so it takes time. I do recommend your services to my friends and family.  I keep talking about how pleased I am with my orders and showing them my photos so I suspect they will get around to it someday. I think your pricing options are clear and easy to understand. I am thrilled with the services you provide.  You are helping me with the huge task of trying to get my life in order!!!” Merla – Colorado Springs, CO

“I was informed during the process which was very nice. I have no complaints about the quality and would use your service again.” Judy – Maquoketa, IA

“EVERYTHING WAS GREAT AND I HAVE ALREADY TOLD FRIENDS AND FAMILY ABOUT THE SERVICE YOU PROVIDE. I AM SENDING ANOTHER 15 TO 20 VHS TAPES TOP BE FORMATTED TO VHS TAPES AS WELL AS PHOTOS. I MUST ALSO SAY THE YOUNG LADY THAT ANSWERED THE PHONE WAS BETTER THAN GOOD, I BELIEVE HER NAME WAS KELLY. I WOULD HOPE YOUR PROFITS ARE A THOUSAND FOLD AS GOOD COMPANIES SHOULD NEVER GO OUT OF BUSINESS. AGAIN THANKS TO YOUR COMPANY AND TO KELLY.” Walter – San Bernardino, CA

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Killer Holiday Gift: The Roku XDS

Wednesday, December 22nd, 2010

Roku’s Newest Media Streamer Does It All For $99

It May Be Time To Ditch That Cable Box

Here’s another killer holiday gift for 2010: the Roku XDS streaming media box. If you aren’t familiar with Roku, you’ll be surprised at how entertainment you can get from this tiny $99 box. Measuring just 1.1 inches high by 4.9 inches wide by 4.9 inches deep, this tiny box connects delivers online media directly to your TV. In order to really take advantage of what this little guy can do, you need to have a broadband Internet connection and an HDTV (though it works with older standard def TVs as well). And if you have a Netflix account, the Roku XDS is a no-brainer. Here’s how it works.

The box itself connects to your TV via an HDMI cable, and to your Internet connection either by a hardwired Ethernet connection, or wirelessly via Wi-Fi, depending on the setup of your home network. You then choose among the dozens of “channels” on the Roku’s menu and start enjoying the entertainment. These channels are not like regular TV channels, but outlets for various online media services. The most popular service provider is Netflix.

If you have a Netflix account (starting at $9.99 per month), you not only get movies in the mail, you also get access to Netflix’s enormous library of on-demand movies and TV shows – thousands of them – available to watch for free any time on your computer. For $7.99 per month, you can skip the classic Netflix offering of DVDs through the mail, and just watch the digital video transfers from the online library. The problem is, most of us don’t want to watch movies on our computers; we want to watch on the big TV in the living room. In steps the Roku player. In the spring of 2008, an older iteration of the Roku player became the first device to allow users to stream Netflix content to their TVs. Nowadays many internet-connected devices from Blu-ray players to video game consoles can stream Netflix content, but Roku’s continually advancing interface remains one of the best out there. It is also incredibly easy to use; you could buy one of these things for your grandmother.

When the first Roku player was released back in 2008, it was a one-trick pony – it only did Netflix. The newer versions however have brought many more content providers into the mix. Some of the other popular providers are Pandora, the free internet radio service, and Hulu Plus, a subscription-based service that brings current television programming into your living room for a fraction of the price of cable or satellite service (just $7.99 per month). If you prefer your content on a pay-per-view basis instead of a subscription basis, you can take advantage of the Amazon On Demand service, which allows users to buy digital video transfers of movies and TV episodes one at a time.

If you don’t want to take our word for it, head over to CNET.com to read a detailed review of the Roku XDS. CNET calls this little player the “he best sub-$100 streaming media box you can buy,” and editor Molly Wood recently dubbed it the “Gadget of the Year.”

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