Small point of view cameras which can be fastened to a helmet have become quite a trend within the last few years. These helmet cameras, as they are also called, are utilized by all sports aficionados from snowboarders to mountain bikers, surfers to automotive riders.

But what is the definition of a pov cam?

Sometimes called a helmet cam, it is a tiny video camcorder meant particularly for videotaping typically outdoor sports action scenes and other videos. No wonder consumers are often confused as these cameras go by so many names. All these point of view cameras are attached to the helmets of outdoor sports enthusiasts and therefore are often called helmet cams. These point of view cameras use wide angle lenses which facilitate shooting “in your face” action footage. As these cameras are connected to the helmets, the viewer can see and sense everything from the point of view of the videographer. Point-of-view or POV camera technology has lately been embraced by a lot of action sports aficionados and they have also found their way into many job related uses for computer technicians, medical researchers, firemen and even a lot of police tactical forces.

These point of view cameras are specially designed so that they can be quickly mounted or detached from the helmets. This resulting one of a kind hands free methodology makes it especially advantageous to skiers, snowboarders, and motorbike enthusiasts as they would be able to easily begin recording magnificent videos without having to jeopardize their well-being by taking their hands off their sports equipment.

One might begin to think if these point of view cameras could survive all types of natural jagged locations. Since these cameras were designed with a “drop proof” idea in mind, they have been created to be water resistant, shock-absorbent, and tough so that they remain totally functional during the user’s expeditions. Spelunkers won’t need to fret about free debris hitting their point of view cameras, while considering the fact that they are water resistant there should be no need for worries about environmental damage for most sports.

Numerous brands of POV cams are completely waterproof. These point of view video cameras are customized for water based action such as kayaking, swimming and parasailing. There is even a brand of HD snorkeling goggle video cameras.

As for motocross aficionados, their previous “helmet cameras” included full sized camcorders stuck to their helmet which never allowed a whole viewing experience for the viewers. But, the most modernly designed point of view cameras are created to oppose not only the misuse of vibration but also any sort of dirt or wet marks that it is possible to come across.

These point of view cameras are typically attached either directly onto the front of the helmet or onto the side; depending on the user’s preference. Many of them come with goggle mounts. When a user switches on the camera, the lens activates and records the landscape with automatic contrast, white balance and other aspects. This data is then transmitted electronically to the recording unit which records the panorama. This footage recording will continue till the battery is drained or the removable memory card is completely filled.

Considering the issue that these types of helmet cameras are featherweight, fits in your palm and very strong, they certainly have competitive price labels. Prices range from approximately 0 for the low end whereas mid price units are about 0 and high end cameras like the Vio Pov 1.5 are sold for approximately 0. Thus all these cameras are accessible for everyone’s price target. It would not matter if you are a professional or non-professional sports enthusiast. A helmet camera is destined for you!

To discover additional knowledge regarding these helmet cams and how to get the best out of helmet cameras, visit www.pointofviewcameras.com and vholdr contourhd.

These types of POV setups have even been utilized in many games developed mainly for the computer games like Doom or Max Payne which permit the user to “feel” what exactly the main character is going through.

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It’s Not True What they Say About BMW

If you’re like me, and you probably are, you’ve heard people say about their BMW some of the following misconceptions. Oh, I bought my BMW because it’s a great color. Or, I bought my BMW because the price was right. And this is a good one. I bought it mostly because of the advanced engineering.

Do you believe it?

Over the years I’ve heard many false reasons myself. But there is one “reason” that I have heard many times. And the first time I heard it was when my friend Bobby Watson took me for a spin in his brand new, right off the lot, gorgeous BMW 325i. He parked his “Silver Goddess” in front of my house, not in the driveway, to make sure that all the neighbors would see it.

It was at this time that those seven words came out of Bobby’s mouth that let me know he was lying. He told me what he, at the time, honestly thought was the truth. He said that he bought his “Ultimate Driving Machine” and these are his words, “Because of the great way it looks”. I knew right away that this lame excuse was pure rubbish.

It was just a matter of time before Bobby would come to realize “the truth”.

As I opened the passenger door to settle into my comfortable contoured seat, I was immediately struck by that sensation we all know well. That intoxicating aroma of the “New Car Smell” rushed passed my nostrils at lightning speed. In an instant, my brain told me that my childhood friend Bobby Watson had really made “the big time”. But more importantly, I realized that Bobby’s “excuse” for buying his new BMW 325i Silver Goddess as he called it, was just that—an excuse.

As Bobby started the almost silent engine of his new BMW 325i and pulled away from the curb, the look on his face gave me the first impression of the “true reason” for him buying this magnificent Silver Goddess. It was obvious to me as we approached the on-ramp to I95 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida that Bobby’s heart wasn’t just beating.

Bobby’s heart was exploding from the pure excitement of his BMW 325i experience.

The fact is, his BMW 325i didn’t merge with the rest of the traffic. It seemed to totally take command of the road as it assumed its rightful position of “dominance and control” over the rest of the pack. A role that it was made for. The role that it was born to play.

Within the first hundred yards on I95, even Bobby understood that it’s not true what they say about BMW. People don’t own a BMW because of its style, color, engineering or price. Although all these things are important to drivers. So, here it is. The truth about why Bobby and maybe even you, bought a BMW.

The real reason people own a BMW is————-

To feel the “Exhilarating Rush” of power, excitement and control at their fingertips that they command. And it doesn’t matter if you’re a guy or a gal, you know that you want that feeling of being seen, “lookin’ good” in one of the world’s best luxury cars.

The bottom line is this.

Don’t believe all those foolish words of self-deception about buying a BMW only because of its style, color, price or engineering. The truth is much more fascinating. You and I both know that BMW ownership is all about “The Feeling”.

It’s like a man saying that he buys Playboy magazine because he wants to “read the articles”.

What do you think?

Chet Waters is the BMW Specialist. Learn How To Find Your BMW And At A Price You Can Afford. Go To:

http://www.bmwsauctions.com

Autism and Obsessions, or are they Passions?

           Could what we, as parents, witness in our autistic children as obsessions, really be the indicator of passions and innate talents?

          Could these passionate interests become an area of expertise for the autistic person who is now a child and soon to grow towards adulthood? 

          Should we discourage what appear to be obsessions by ‘training’ for reduced behaviours in these areas and hope to influence the child to become more generalized (normalized) in their daily behaviours?

          If we do aim to divert energies away from such passions, could we be halting or stifling that serious endeavor of intrigue and a natural gift towards nurturing a potential genius in a given ‘area’ or natural inclination of interests? If not genius in potential, perhaps a natural progressive and intensely personal interest which could open up a field of exploration (career wise?) in the future?

          Could that intrigue with lineated toys; the spinning top; curiosity with the shape of things; what sounds things make; the feel of an object; the rhythm ‘read’ in music; bugs in the garden; the weather patterns; the lure of the sea; the patterns, colours and feel of paint on a canvas; the beautiful pitch of a constantly practiced singing voice; relentlessly digging holes in the backyard after the discovery of an intriguing ‘object’ in the first hole dug; the repetitive plucking of the strings of a violin……..and so on…, be the beginning of an amazing future in design, physics, writing music scores, entomology, meteorology, art, opera, oceanography, archeology, concert violin and so on……?

          Just as we should assist our autistic children with daily living, educational, social, behavioural skills for example, to enable them to achieve a quality, healthy, happy and safe life experience (serving to enhance their important rightful place and acceptance in this world); which could mean temporarily and momentarily diverting their attention from those passionate interests to acquire or improve on such skills.

          Passions are not a sign of bad behaviours or necessarily responding anxiously and negatively to a stimulus. Though a retreat into a passionate area of interest may be in response to stresses or anxiety; a place of familiarity and comfort to escape unwanted, undesired or overwhelming stimulus.

          The intensity of this retreat can be detrimental to the individual’s wellbeing if, for example, the passion involves potentially risky physical activity. One example of this, which I can use to explain what I mean here is – an experience of a young autistic man, whose passion is building, repairing and riding motorbikes. One day he felt so sensorally overloaded with various stressors, that he jumped on his motorbike and went flat-out down the local freeway; endangering his life and that of others. Luckily he returned home safely. Fortunately too, he realized that such an action was not the best choice of response to his anxieties.

          Another example, is where a young autistic boy, who had a fascination with all things to do with planes and helicopters, felt upset with those around him at school one day. So upon hearing and seeing a large plane fly above him, he decided to follow it – completely absorbed with its’ sound and movement. He crossed roads without looking for traffic and ended up in the next town. Fortunately he stopped in his tracks, not moving, when it had gone out of sight and sound. Also, and most fortunate of all, a kind passer-by recognized his school uniform; phoned the school and the police, and this young lad was returned to the safety of his school and relieved mother.

          Most passionate interests are usually safe in nature and an incredibly important and intrinsic element in an autistic person’s life.

          We should not confuse them (passions) with ‘poor’ behaviours which need ‘rectifying’ or dulling for what may be considered ‘normalization’. Behaviours which may be deemed injurious, unsafe or unhealthy, for example, need to be addressed with the autistic person/child. Discovering the cause of the anxieties or concerns which produce such responses/behaviours must be ascertained and the appropriate assistance provided to the autistic person to reduce or eliminate them, for the quality of life.

          Healthy passions can be nurtured along with providing a balanced life skill set of conditions and experiences to assist our autistic children grow and prosper in this sometimes busy, confusing, unforgiving and overwhelming world.

Louise Page M.A.I.P.C., Q.M.A.C.A., A.A.T.A. (Australia)

The “BMW HP Kunst” is an hydrogen motorbike concept which represents the ecological vision of the future motorbikes. It really acts as a technological showcase with all the apparent hydrogen technologies. This is an exclusive model which is positioned in the HP range of BMW Motorrad, it combines the player temperament of the supermotard and the sportivity of a roadster. In terms of style, the whole spirit of BMW Motorrad is transcribed with dynamic and sculpted lines, an apparent technicality and a work of asymmetry on the entire motorbike. Technic : – Aluminium frame, tubular parts in steel and carbon parts – Brushless engine 100kw – Fuel cell – Cryogenic hydrogen tank (capacity 20L) – Battery Li-Po – Electronical brakes and controls – Electromagnetic suspensions This concept is realized by 4 designers students at the ISD of Valenciennes (France) : – Arik Schwarz (Designer, 4th year) – Benoît Czyz (Designer, 4th year) – Charles Edouard Berche (Designer, 3rd year) – Vincent Montreuil (Designer, 3rd year) vincdesign.deviantart.com

There is an interesting ongoing debate regarding the differences between the sexes and their cars.

According to the results of J.D. Power & Associates’ Power Information Network’s (PIN) most recent survey of the cars with the highest percentage of female ownership is the Volvo S40. The luxury car with the highest male ownership is the high-performance Audi RS4. It does not take a psychologist to conclude that men are more likely to buy cars with their heart and women with their head.

The RS4 has a starting price of over ,000 and can zoom from 0 to 62 mph in 4.8 seconds. The S40 has a sticker price of around ,000. Apparently it doesn’t matter how fast the S40 can go from 0 to 60. What does matter is that it aced the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s frontal crash test.

Interestingly enough, there wasn’t a sports car to be found in the top 10. Instead, there were sensible, entry-level cars and small SUV’s that emphasized safety, quality, reliability, and value.

Of course, that is not to say there aren’t thousands of women who don’t enjoy driving fast or wouldn’t choose a Ferrari over a minivan given the choice, but these women would seem to be the exception. To arrive at its conclusions, PIN surveyed hundreds of dealerships around the U.S. through the end of August, 2007. The nationwide sample includes about 24% of U.S. retail automotive sales, including both loans and leases, luxury and non-luxury brands, but excluding fleet sales.

So, What Do Women Want? Volvo

Not only did the S40 nail the top spot; the Volvo brand dominated the top 10 with three winners, which, along with the S40, included the V50 wagon at No. 7 and the S60 sedan at No. 9. Volvo was also the No. 1 luxury brand for female ownership overall, at 42.5%, vs. a luxury-brand average of 35.8%.

So how does this popularity translate to sales? Year-to-date through August, women bought or leased more than half (53%) of the Volvo S40 sedans retailed in the PIN sample, which is fairly representative of the total market. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean good news for the struggling Swedish automaker, which is a division of Ford Motor because sales as a whole for the model are weak. As of August 2007, North American sales of the S40 were 13,513, which was down about 17% year-to-date. Overall, Volvo’s North American sales were off 9.4% to 72,476, according to Automotive News.

Men clearly still buy the majority of cars. For example, the racier and more expensive BMW 3 Series is the perennial sales leader in the entry-luxury sedan segment, and is increasing its domination. Through August 2007, 3 Series sales were up about 25%, to 97,039, according to Automotive News. But it didn’t even make it on to PIN’s top 10 list of women’s favorite luxury cars.

Across the industry, including non-luxury brands, women bought 37.3% of new vehicles in 2007 through August, based on the PIN sample data. Looking beyond luxury cars to include all price categories, the S40 was the fifth-most-popular model for female buyers. The most popular, according to J.D. Power, with 58.3% of all female buyers, was the Volkswagen new Beetle. Including non-luxury brands, Suzuki was the No. 1 brand purchased by women through August 2007, the data said.

Reinforcing the PIN data, a separate customer survey by another market research and consulting company, San Diego’s Strategic Vision, showed many of the same Volvos at the top of a similar list for the previous model year (the most recent one available), including the S40 at No. 1.

Known Quantities

“We’re known for one thing. We ‘own’ safety,” said John Maloney, vice-president for marketing communications at Volvo Cars of North America in Irvine, Calif. “Safety is sort of a foundational value for everyone. But on a relative basis, it is more important to women,” says Maloney.

Nevertheless, Volvo is trying to expand beyond its “safe” image. The company’s new brand message continues to emphasize safety while still aiming to convince consumers that its cars are also rugged and fun to drive (Business Week, 9/14/07).

Some Like a Lexus

If Volvo is synonymous with safety, Toyota’s Lexus Div. is synonymous with quality and reliability. (It has won the J.D. Power dependability survey 13 years in a row. Lexus had fewer Top 10 female-owned models than Volvo, but the Lexus was the No. 2 luxury brand overall, in terms of female ownership, at 41.2%, according to PIN data.

In liking Lexus, women are little different from men, since Lexus has been the No. 1-selling luxury brand in the U.S. since 2000. The biggest reason for the brand’s high overall female ownership is the Lexus RX model, a car-based SUV typically purchased for family use. The RX is the single biggest-selling Lexus at 67,686 unit’s year to date and ranks sixth on the list of the 10 most popular female-owned luxury vehicles.

Primary Decision Maker

Tom Libby, senior director of industry analysis for PIN, noted that most of the models in the most popular luxury list purchased by women are at the entry level for their respective brands, all of which have MSRPs of under ,000.

“You’re not going to get that many single women buying an ,000 vehicle. To some extent, the lower the price, the higher percent female,” he said. According to Libby, to determine the percentage of ownership, PIN looked at the finance contract to see if a woman was the sole owner or the top signer. The data do not include marital status.

Colleen O’Dea, sales manager for Kundert Volvo of Hasbrouck Heights, N.J., said it is not at all uncommon for women shopping alone to come in and buy or lease a Volvo. She believes most of them are married. “It’s probably a household decision, but it happens all the time that women are picking the car, picking colors and the equipment. Maybe 10 or more years ago, women would do that, and then the men would come in and negotiate, but today it’s just the opposite. The woman is definitely the primary decision-maker,” she said. O’Dea said that according to Volvo statistics for the Northern New Jersey sales region, 63% of the S40 buyers for the last 60 days were female.

No Condescending Salesmen Allowed Another sign of the changing times is that women are increasingly knowledgeable about cars. As a result, men and women indicate that they are equally satisfied with the automotive sales experience, at least according to the most recent J.D. Power Sales Satisfaction Index. Both sexes gave the dealership where they bought or leased their new car an identical satisfaction rating of 847 on a 1,000-point scale a record high for the 20-year study.

Of course, there are some dealerships where salesmen treat less well-informed women condescendingly, or suggest that they “come back with their husbands,” assuming that the man is the real decision-maker.

“Women want a vehicle and an experience with the dealership that says she is respected for the smart choice she made, that she is an expert at knowing what she wants,” said Shedroff of Strategic Vision.

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