TOKYODV Video Log

Scenes from a robot expo in Yokohama, Japan. Celebrating Astro Boy’s 50th anniversary, this expo focused on cute, entertaining robots. Featuring Honda Asimo, Sony Qrio, and the cyclops Neon.
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Five small robots dance on stage, do the hula, and shuffle their feet. I think the best shots are of the assistants placing them on stage and turning them on..
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I’ve had my issues with YouTube in the past, but they’ve definitely bumped-up their quality of encoding recently. Not quite Vimeo, but pretty damn good.

I started re-encoding some of TokyDV’s ‘classics’ in 16×9, high definition (well, online HD). But with original 4×3 aspect ratio content, I’m always left with two ‘black bars’ on both sides of the video. This annoys me. I’ve squeezed 4×3 clips into 16×9 before, but it stretches and distorts the content.

To omit of the black bars, I shifted the video content to one side and used the remaining area for something I call an ‘add panel’, or ‘advidisement’. But this space doesn’t only have to be for adds (although, that’s probably what it’ll become); see what I’ve done with the World Trade Center Tribute, or collaboration videos with Tokyo Reporter. There are a number of uses. Although, depending on what’s in the space, it could be just annoying.

TokyoDV Tube! – Check out channel TokyoDV on Vimeo and DailyMotion!

Some close-ups of Asimo’s ankle joints, tinted face shield, and knees.

The lighting was strange/futuristic and the fluid/freaky motions of Asimo made this an intriguing clip; still one of my personal favorites. Shot at one of the Robodex Expos in Yokohama, Japan.
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Originally released in 2002.

My first video of the Sony SDR-4X, now called Qrio.. And discontinued by Sony. In slow-mo to accentuate the movement.

One of the most popular clips, through the ages; created in 2000.. I’ve dubbed it Robo Chi, because it looks like the Sony is doing Tai Chi..
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A little artsy flick showing my interpretation of how robots would’ve ‘evolved’; reptilian, seated and upright, then bipedal. Although I find it a tad cheesy now, the video has been popular over time. There are some good shots of the serpant robot, with it’s small spinning drive train and ability to roll over and climb obstacles.

TokyoDV Tube! – Check out channel TokyoDV on Vimeo and DailyMotion!

Filmed at one of the robot expos in Yokohama; Robodex Robot Expo. These little robots from Epson are supposedly able to navigate themselves, are sensitive to light, and can be programmed to dance in a group. This video demonstrates their abilities and starts with a cute little choreographed dancing stage show..

TokyoDV Tube! – Check out channel TokyoDV on Vimeo and DailyMotion!