GoPro Launches 3D HERO® System; World’s Smallest 1080p 3D Camera. Professional Quality at a Consumer Price

Innovative Modular Design Enables Consumers to Combine two 1080p HD HERO Cameras to Create Professional Quality 3D Camera System

GoPro, the world’s leading activity camera company, today announced the availability of the much anticipated 3D HERO® System, a waterproof 3D expansion kit for GoPro’s best selling 1080p HD HERO camera. The 3D HERO System is available immediately at GoPro.com and is shipping to GoPro retailers worldwide with an MSRP of $99.99.

The 3D HERO System has an industry-first modular design that enables consumers to combine two 1080p HD HERO cameras to form a single 1080p 3D camera, the world’s smallest and least expensive one at that. Waterproof to 180 feet, the 3D HERO System can be worn on the body, mounted on gear and vehicles, and used as a handheld camera. A dual-camera, polycarbonate, waterproof housing holds the two cameras together and a synchronization cable plugs into the back of each camera, enabling them to function as a single camera. A single shutter button controls both cameras.

“The 3D HERO System is exciting for a lot of reasons, one of them being that it’s not just a 3D camera. It’s really several cameras in one, depending on how the consumer wants to use it,” says Nicholas Woodman, GoPro’s founder and CEO. “That you can take two GoPro cameras that you would normally use independently and combined them to form a new type of camera, a 3D camera…that’s extremely cool. GoPro is excited to be the first company to build a camera this versatile.”

“In addition to being a top selling consumer camera, the HD HERO camera is used by more professional production crews in the broadcast and film industry than any other camera in its class,” adds Woodman. “We expect the 3D HERO System to further establish the HD HERO as one of the most versatile cameras in the world.”

The 3D HERO System housing is only 5 inches (130mm) in length and 2.5 inches high (62mm) and is compatible with existing GoPro mounting accessories.

The 3D HERO System includes:

* 3D HERO Waterproof Housing
* 3D HERO Synchronization Cable
* Skeleton Door (allows for optimal sound capture in dry environments)
* 3 Pairs of 3D Anaglyph (Red/Blue) Glasses
* Helmet Front Mount
* 2 Flat and 2 Curved Adhesive Mounts
* Free Download: GoPro CineForm Studio 3D editing software
* GoPro’s 1080p HD HERO cameras are not included with the 3D HERO System and are sold separately, starting at $259.99 per camera.

GoPro CineForm Studio™: 3D Content Creation Made Easy
Included as a free software download from gopro.com, GoPro’s CineForm Studio software makes it easy to create, watch and share your 3D photos and videos. Mac and PC compatible, CineForm Studio combines the 2D photos and videos captured with the 3D HERO System and converts them into 3D H.264 files that you can watch on your computer, online at YouTube, and on your 2D or 3D television at home.

Announced on March 30, GoPro acquired CineForm, a leading video compression software company famous in the film and broadcast industry for their high quality compression and editing applications. GoPro’s CineForm Studio software is a direct extension of CineForm’s award winning professional applications and puts the power of Hollywood-caliber 2D and 3D editing in the hands of consumers.

Professional Options for Professional Content Creators: GoPro CineForm Codec
GoPro’s professional customers will appreciate that in addition to being able to export YouTube friendly H.264 video files, CineForm Studio can also export video files using the GoPro CineForm codec. The GoPro CineForm codec is a professional quality video codec that allows for lossless 2D and 3D video editing in a variety of leading editing programs such as Adobe Premiere Pro, Apple Final Cut Pro, Avid Media Composer, and Sony Vegas, as well as Apple iMovie and Windows Movie Maker. Used by Hollywood pros to create films such as Oscar winner Slumdog Millionaire, the GoPro CineForm codec is included as a part of the free CineForm Studio download from gopro.com.

GoPro 3D Center: The How, What, and Rad of 3D Content Creation
To help consumers understand how much fun it is to capture and create 3D content, GoPro has developed an online information resource – GoPro 3D Center. This online resource features written and video tutorials about 3D in general, how to capture incredible content with the 3D HERO System as well as how to view your 3D content on your laptop, online at YouTube, and on 2D or 3D TVs. Complete product specifications, instructions and system requirements can also be found in the GoPro 3D Center at http://www.gopro.com/3d-overview

“The 3D HERO System democratizes professional quality 3D content capture, making it affordable and easy for anyone to create engaging 3D movies. We’re excited to watch our customers GoPro in 3D and we believe the 3D HERO System will help spur the proliferation of 3D content, helping the 3D movement as a whole,” concluded Woodman.

They look pretty darn good and judging by the smoke effects have some solid air flow not to mention a sweet 160 degree field of vision. Available in Winter 2011/2012, but check out the teaser now:

Hubble goggle from nicolas dazet on Vimeo.

DAKINE Deluxe Tune Tuning Kit – $44.95



This little sucker has everything you need to keep your ride in top shape. It comes with edging tools, scrapers and so contained within a sweet zip up case. Never get caught out again and don’t bother paying others to keep your ride sweet, with this kit you’ll be covered.

Skullcandy Agent Headphones – $44.95

What better way to chill out on the hill then with your favorite beats banging out of your brand new Skullcandy head phones? These are a hot item all year round but come winter they become more than a sound device, they become a statement! And there is no better way to make that statement than with Skullcandy.

DAKINE Alpine Backpack – $44.95

Give the gift of convenience with this Dakine backpack. They don’t want to lug everything around but when storage looks this good, who doesnt. It doesn’t go overboard but has just enough to keep you moving while shredding the day away. Most importantly it’s a slim design which has been made with riding specifically in mind so you’ll barely notice it’s there.

Neff Rover Glove – $34.95

Now who wouldn’t get stoked on this gift?! Neff create some of the most unique looks in headwear today and they have taken that same approach to the spring glove. Perfect for those sunny spring days these gloves fit so good you’ll be texting your bro’s without even taking them off. Yep they are that comfortable!

DAKINE Goggle Case – $19.95

Finally, for the snowboarder who literally does have everything why not give them a goggle case! They are one of those items that once you use them, you’ll wonder how you ever went without. Keeping your goggles safe during travel is super important, you spend enough on them, why not spend a little more to keep them safe?

So there you have it, 5 simple gifts for a snowboarder all under $50. Buying a gift for a snowboarder is easy but you definitely can get stuck. You don’t need to fork out a couple hundred to get them some fresh gear and I’ve been stoked to show you kind folk 5 ways today. So Merry Christmas to all and happy holiday shopping!

Reality now sets in. Unless that money tree I planted when I was five, has started bearing real fruit, I may have to put this ‘”all new gear” pipe dream on hold for another few seasons. Ski and snowboard equipment prices in Australia are expensive. The retail price we see ourselves faced with in Australia, is often more than double, even triple what US consumers pay for an equivalent product.

Skiing and snowboarding is increasingly becoming the sport of choice for the financially well off, and lets face the truth, small minority of us! By being resourceful, clever and careful, there are ways and places you can get your top of the line ski and snowboard gear for a fraction of the prices we are used to paying. Buy it on line.

Doing Your Research

There is nothing that annoys me more than some one paying more than retail for an item online. It boils my blood when I see an ebay auction go for more than an item is worth down the shops. Just as bad is the on line retailer charging full retail prices, when they have no overheads, labor costs and minimal advertising costs – it just does not make sense! My advice to you is to know your product and your prices. Before you buy something on line, try and go see one at a physical store. Try them/it out, check out the different colors, see which size is right for you, and most importantly, ask the advice of the professional who works there about the product.

Read a heap of online reviews! People love posting about their great finds, their massive failures, and anything else you can think of to do with a particular product in the online forum. Simply do a search for “<Insert product name here> + review” into Google, and you will be presented with a wealth of information.

Know What You Want

You know when you go grocery shopping just for a loaf of bread and some milk, and you come home with 4 blocks of chocolate, some rolls, and a packet of muesli bars? Yes, we’ve all been there, but don’t let that happen with your ski or snowboard gear. This is one item which should never be bought on impulse or a whim.

As per the previous topic, research and know your product, know what the expected Australian RRP of the product is, and most importantly, stick to your budget. Having a budget for your entire setup is usually the best idea, as savings and prices will vary between different product groups. A great saving on your boots, may give you that little bit extra to get your preferred snowboard. Don’t go overboard though, stick to your enforced limit, and rejoice at the savings!

Shop Around

When you are buying a new car, do you only go to one dealership? Buying on line is exactly the same scenario. Different on line stores will have different prices. Don’t fall for the trap of going for the first good deal you find. It may end up being the deal you go back to, but make that purchase decision based on thorough research, not just a hunch.

Buy When the Time is Right!

When buying a Snowboard in the real world, if you want to save some money, when would you buy? The answer is obvious to those of us who have been around the traps a while, either before are after a season is the best time to pick up a bargain.

When buying online, the same theory applies, although the timing is significantly different. Knowing the world snow clock can help you know the best time to buy your new Snowboard, Snowboard jacket or even a Snowboard helmet.
To help you guys out I will list some of the world wide snow season dates:

• USA: From early November to mid April [Best time to buy May-June]
• Canada: Late November to end of April [Best time to buy May-June or September-October]
• Europe: Early November to June [Best time to buy July-August]
• Asia: Early December to March [Bets time to buy April-May]

Shipping is Your Enemy

So you’ve checked the latest conversion rates, found some really great bargains on line from the US, added everything to your shopping cart, enter your address, and BOOM, crazy shipping costs are added to your order. What the hell?

Shipping items from the USA is not a cheap exercise. After you stop and consider the weight and size of the average Snowboard gear, its hardly surprising the poor postman charges you an arm and a leg to get your goodies to you.
When buying gear from overseas, make sure you ship your items over in the most economical way:

• Buy all your Snowboard gear in one bulk lot. Shipping one snowboard on its own is sometimes the same as shipping it with boots and bindings. You do the math.
• Share the shipping cost with a friend
• When you have made your purchase online and have a thought about a another item you might purchase? Don’t place another order, contact the company, explain the situation, and quite often they will add the product to the order for no additional shipping!

Tips and Tricks

• Buy all your Snowboard gear at once
• Try everything on for size in a retail store before buying
• Split the shipping costs with a buddy
• Buy just after the season ends, or just before it starts
• If your not too vain, buy last seasons stock, its heaps cheaper than the latest design (And lets be honest, all thats different is just the paint job!)

Enjoy choosing your new Snowboards and Happy shopping!

For 12 years now, Transworld Snowboarding have been putting together the very best of the best in boards in the annual Good Wood Tests. This year, 18 riders took 450 boards across both park and all-mountain, split across 2 price categories and for both guys and girls. The result is the top 40 boards of the 2011 batch, designed to help you find that perfect board.

Check out this short clip on how it went down:

Here at Snowlife we want to pay homage to these elite boards as decided by Transworld by providing you with a review of essentially, the review! In the hope that we can give you a bit more insight into these boards, and which boards we think rock here at Snowlife.

First up is the category of mens park boards under $400 (note that is US! and not Aussie pricing) cause I know you park rats love to get the latest shred. 8 boards made the final 40 in this category, that is the same amount as in the above $400 category so park decks seem well split in the price range. The final 8 were:

Nitro T1
Burton Nug
Forum Youngblood Chillydog
GNU Carbon Credit BTX
K2 Darkstar
K2 www
Ride Crush
Rossignol Taipan Amptek

Being park boards you expect them to be all reverse camber right? Well you are almost right, 7 out of the 8 decks are listed as ‘Alternative’ camber, aka the alternative to regular camber. Most of you will know this style of board as a ‘rocker’ or ‘banana’. Unsure what reverse camber is? To put it simply it bends like a banana and can rock from front to back.

If you ride park and don’t yet ride a reverse, you might want to check one out because it seems the snowboard co’s are telling you you should be!

The only board to be listed as a regular camber is the Nitro T1, which in actual fact is a zero camber! Nitro gave this board a thinner core between your feet and claim it to be one of the most fun twin shape decks around thanks to it’s forgiving flex but gnarly pop. On top of this they gave it some rad graphics ensuring you’ll stand out in the lift line. This is one board that is definitely worthy of the Good Wood award, so much so it has won 4 years in a row now!

The Burton contender is a little board by the name of Nug. What makes this reverse camber twin deck different is it’s size. These babies come at a much shorter length than you are used to but word from the Good Wood testers is you would never know it thanks to its elongated contact points and wider surface area. Coming in a 142, 146 and 150 these boards will definitely make an impression on you.

Next up, the Forum Youngblood Chillydog. Crazy name but then again this is a crazy board. It has chillydog tech in it which is Forum’s reverse camber style which makes it “playful, precise and poppy”. It’s a twin deck again available in a heap of sizes including some wides and comes with some insane graphic. Common theme coming from the testers is this board will hold up just as good on the rails as it will on the kickers. All round ripping park board.

What’s a park category without GNU? They basically pioneered reverse camber tech and bring all their learnings along the way to each and every board they make. Featuring classic banana camber and magne-traction side walls this board is light and easy to ride but holds it’s stability and durability. What really sets this board aside though is in it’s construction – the eco-farmed Aspen core means the Carbon Credit is putting it’s positive stamp on the environment.

K2 definitely made an impact with 2 of it’s boards making the finals of this category with the Darkstar and WWW. The Darkstar is a shredder in it’s own right, a Good Wood finalists 4 years running now speaks for itself. What is different this year? It now features K2′s highly awarded ‘Flatline’ base.

The WWW is another one of those boards that is ridden shorter, K2 claims up to 5cm shorter than normal much like the Burton Nug, meaning this board is quick to spin. It’s also got a 3 degree bevel edge straight out of the box. If your like me and hate the thought of getting hung up on rails, this board will keep you right.

Ride made it into this category with it’s Crush board. This board is a low rising rocker with a fairly flat profile giving you a virtually catch free ride. The graphics definitely stand out too, not only do they make an impact in the car park, but get it cold and watch it transform before your very own eyes, heavy!

Last up, Rossignol round up the 8 with it’s Taipan Amptek. Although a twin shape, it’s designed to be ridden with a set-back stance making it directional but you can easily adjust to center stance. Designed as an all-mountain shredder, the testers thought this board held up well enough in the park alone to make this category so you know it must be good.

So there you have it folks, the 8 best park board in the cheaper category for 2011 boards. Looking back over them it’s easy to see the trend of reverse camber is here to stay, spawning newer type and further experimentation into camber combinations such as the flat base and lower rise cambers.

A new trend I found coming out in more recent years which features on two of the finalists above are the shorter board. Without having rid one myself it is hard to say but the testers at Transworld certainly found them a joy to ride.

So whether your choosing your next board or simply making yourself jealous, we hope this summary has been of benefit to you in one way or another. Stay tuned for further run-downs in the other Good Wood categories! Until then, enjoy.

However, in order to ensure that you get a good quality snowboard, there are some things you should pay particular attention to, there is no point paying good money for a 2nd hand snowboard that will fall apart or pose a safety risk in a couple of weeks time after purchase. This is a false economy, so be wary when purchasing a 2nd hand snowboard, sometimes paying a little extra is well worth in the long run.

One of the most crucial aspects you should check  is the flex, in order to properly check the flex, place the board directly onto a level, even surface and see how buoyant and spring the board feels. If there is no bounce, then the board is not safe and should be given a wide berth.

Not many people are aware of this, but snowboards are built and designed differently for men and women, and this is not just an aesthetic issue, boards for men and women are specifically designed to factor in the differences in height and weight, as well as feet size between them.  Therefore, ensure that you buy the right board for you.

Whilst buying 2nd hand snowboarding gear online is a great way to save time, take this approach with a degree of caution.  Nothing can possible match the luxury of being able to physically hold the gear in your hands, and inspect it for yourself, whereas when items are sold online, sellers will be keen to make a sale, and so will be less willing to disclose any flaws/faults with the gear.

What do you look for in a good pair of snow pants? Is it bright fluro pink colors? Latest designs? Lots of pockets? Snow pants come in all shapes and sizes and the right pants for you is entirely dependent on how you ride, when you ride and what feels good on you.

The following are some important features you should look for when are buying snow pants:

Fabrics

• When buying a pair of snow pants for skiing or snowboarding, ensure they are made of fabric which will protect you from all the elements on a snow trip – rain, snow and wind.

Waterproof/Breathable

• Ensure your outerwear is insulated, breathable and waterproof to ensure protection from the elements. Spending time on or near the ground makes it impossible to stay completely dry, therefore some waterproofing is vital.

Look and Style

• Buying a pair of snow pants isn’t all about the practicality, it’s also about the look and style of the pants. Like them low slung, like the bib style or like a certain colour? The right pair of pants should suit the rest of your outfit as well as matching your riding style. I love a pair of pants with a heap of pockets to keep all your gear in. Do some research and find out the best pair of pants for you

Buying a pair of snow pants is easy as long as you don’t over complicate it. Buy a pair of snow pants which are comfortable, warm and suit the rest of your gear.

We’ve compiled this simple guide to help you start your riding off on the right foot!

The Basics

Firstly, before you hit the stores, research which type of boot you want. There are three different types of boot in the marketplace today; hard, hybrid and soft. These varieties refer to the exterior of the shoe, the soft inner bladder will generally remain the same. For the most part, casual to intermediate boarders will be best suited to Soft boots. Hybrid boots are used mostly for step-in bindings. The Hard boot is generally reserved for advanced downhill riders.

However, remember you must choose the right boot for your bindings. The two most common types of bindings are strap, and step-in.

Strap bindings secure your feet, funnily enough, with two straps, and a high backplate giving support to the heel. For strap bindings you’ll need a soft boot; which will give you great control, are easy to adjust, and most comfortable. These bindings are the most popular, for beginners and advanced alike. Your stock standard soft boot will suit any strap bindings.

Step-in bindings are more suited to a newbie to the sport, and use a step-in plate on the board to lock in the boot. While these bindings are much easier to get in and out of (perfect if you plan on stacking a ton!), they do not offer the same range of control and flexibility a strap binding will bring. You’re more likely to injure your ankle when you bail on that landing. Step-in boots are bought the same time as your bindings, as the plate mechanism of the step-in bindings must fit the boot.

Trying Them On

Now unfortunately most snow retail stores won’t let you take your boots for a test spin on the slopes, so your next best option is to try them on. Take your time, as each boot is tailored for a certain type of foot, just like cross-trainers. Try on as many pairs as possible, and not just for appearances. Ensure you give each boot a full workout. Bring the socks you’ll ride in, lace the boot up fully, and stand on your toes. In a soft boot, you should feel a small amount of give in the toes, but never should the heel of the boot lift off the ground. Bend forward, and either side to check the flex. Intermediate to advanced boarders will want more flex in the boot to allow for more agile movements in the boot. An oversized boot however, will make for a painful experience, transferring strain onto the leg muscles to help your feet balance. For beginners, you’ll be much better off in a very tight boot, as generally after a few days wear they will compress to a better fit.

Ask Advice

The staff in your local snow store will most likely know a hell of a lot more than you do about which boot will suit. So don’t be afraid to ask the trained staff for their advice. Check our store guide for details of some great board shops. Don’t Believe the Hype Never judge a boot by its looks; on mountain, the brand, looks or spouted ‘special features’ will matter nought, what will matter is the comfort and fit of your boot.

So remember, try a large range of brands and styles til you find the boot made for you!

They must be comfortable, adsorb moisture, protect against tears, support your natural posture, keep your feet at a good temperature, distribute pressure, promote circulation, absorb shock, and be tough. With all those requirements, this is no small task!

Almost as important as your ski or snowboard boots, the following are some important factors when selecting the right pair of socks:

• Moisture: With exertion one foot can sweat 1-2 glasses of fluid per day. This is the reason why moisture absorbing technology in socks is so important.
• Padding and cushioning: Padding is especially important around bony areas like the heal and ball of the foot. Socks with extra padding in these areas, which are put under the highest pressure, is vital.
• Temperature: Good snow socks need to be appropriate for their intended use, from a warm sunny day  to a cold and wet day on the mountain. Once in their appropriate environment they should maintain a consistent comfortable temperature.
• Right material: Although regular 100% wool is a good choice if your feet are usually cold, it can wear quickly, be scratchy, take awhile to dry, and sometimes smell funky when used by itself. But when you combine it (along with its ability to retain heat even when wet) with other materials Merino wool (a finer grade of wool they make nice men’s suits out of) can be a great ingredient for a snow sock. Since the right complementary materials help to soften, reinforce, and wick.

The best socks for a day at the snow keeps the sweat at bay, cushion impacts you may experience and are resilient to tearing. Which sock you choose depends on your own personal preference, just ensure you remember how important a good pair of socks really are.

Snowboarding helmets  will not only safeguard against the risk of head injury, but will also protect you against the elements as well. Do not underestimate the dehabiliating effects of gale force winds when you are sliding full throttle down a steep hill, the wind chill factor alone can be enough to seriously distract you.

There a number of different helmets, each of which are specifically suited for use in a particular weather condition, level of skills or perhaps to protect against a particular type of injury. Regardless of the type of helmet you choose to wear, make sure that it fits snugly on your head and is neither too tight, nor too loose.  You may want to consider purchasing snowboard safety helmets which make use of removable earflaps and padding because they can help you regulate your temperature on cold or hot days. The weather is and can be a rather fickle mistress, and so there is no telling when the weather will take a sudden change for the better, or indeed worse.

Helmets will also differ in the level of insulation they contain, if a helmet has very little insulation then this means that you will feel the cold much more severely so you may want to wear a hat underneath your helmet to keep warm.
Different styles of helmets will offer greater degrees of usefulness and protection to different users. The beginner snowboarder will benefit from a snowboard helmet because it will protect the back of their head when catching an edge, a common injury sustained by novice snowboarders.

More advanced riders wear a snowboard helmet to protect against things like trees or impact when landing wrong off a jump and thus reduce the trauma to their head.