Free DME & DFIR Resources

There have been a lot of updates and upgrades to the Media-Geek.com community over the last two months, but I just haven't had time to pat myself on the back after each one. :)  During some of these upgrades/updates I inevitably created a few conflicts and issues that I'll continue troubleshooting this week.  More importantly I wanted to make members aware that I'll be replacing our entire downloads area over the next week or so, which will be a lengthy process as I intend to verify each file, check versions on documents, and update links in our Wiki.  During this time, I've disabled user uploads to the Download area.  Users can still upload files to other areas of this site, to include the forums, Wiki, etc...  I'll restore the upload capability to our downloads library as soon as time permits.

I've been doing geeky stuff for some time, you see.  Mostly in rooms with no windows, very few other people and that sweet hum of high-performance workstations.  I digress.  Your business = Your Website.  It should be a logical, intuitive user experience that is Secure, Responsive (Good performance & adapts to all screen sizes, etc.), and of course Cross-Platform. 

I may be able to help with that. 

I'm considering taking on one or two more non-profit/not-for-profit web development projects.  In other words, I only have so much time, and I prefer helping non-profits.  I can't do it for free, but pricing is reasonable and I can provide reputable references.  If interested, let's chat. 😎

Progressive Web Applications (PWA)

There's a lot to like about PWAs.  Some of my favorite things are performance, security, caching, integration with host OS, and of course a standardized user experience across Win10, macOS, Android, and iOS.  Oh, there's also no need to compile apps for multiple platforms, nor rely on Apple or Googles app stores for distribution (or anything else).  Yeah, I like that too.

In any case, I may be able to help you with that too, of course.  We'll see.  Thanks for your time & consideration.  Have an awesome day, my friends!

Adobe yesterday patched 29 vulnerabilities in Reader, its PDF viewer, and 13 more in Flash, the popular Web media browser plug-in, as part of an even larger quarterly security update.

It was the first time that Adobe patched Reader X, the upgrade it issued last November that includes a "sandbox" anti-exploit technology in the Windows version.

Nearly all the Reader bugs were rated "critical," meaning that they could be exploited by attackers to plant malware on an unpatched system, although for several, Adobe wasn't certain that remote code execution was possible. Two of the 29 could lead to cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks, a common tactic by identity thieves who target browsers.

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I'm excited to announce that on July 1, 2013 I officially launched my own consulting business, and I will be transitioning to work full-time for the new business effective January 1, 2014. I will remain full-time with FVS throughout 2013, and I'm honored to say FVS has offered to keep me on board through a consulting and/or retainer arrangement thereafter.

For more information on my new endeavor please visit my LinkedIn profile.

I'd like to personally thank everybody here for your participation and support over the years. I'm excited about so many different possibilities of getting to assist you and/or you organization in the future! Stay tuned over the coming weeks for more. All the best! - LC

The Scientific Working Group for Imaging Technology (SWGIT) has released a DRAFT of "Best Practices for the Retrieval of Digital Video" for public comment. The comment period ends April 19, 2013.

Visit SWGIT

The new Media-Geek.com members area is officially open!  If you've already resgistered, take a moment to check out the brief Getting Started tutorial.  Additional, in-depth tutorials and other documentation will be developed over the next few weeks.  In the meantime, if you have a question about any of the features provided in the members area you can post it to the Media-Geek.com "Help!  How do I..." forum, send me a PM, or submit your question via our contact form.

The concept is simple - a team effort, a community resource.  The more people who contribute, the more we all benefit.  If you're a forensic multi-media professional and haven't registered yet, sign-up today!

The Hamilton Police Service (HPS) is currently looking to fill the position of Forensic Identification Video Technician, which will be located in downtown Hamilton at their Central Police Station.

Click here for details (PDF)

Upcoming training events from Ocean Systems. Hope to see you in class!

Forensic Video Analysis – FVA 101 (4-Day)
June 9 @ 9:00 am - June 12 @ 5:00 pm
Ocean Systems, 4016 Blackburn Lane, Burtonsville, MD 20866 United States
+ Google Map
Introduction to Forensic Video Analysis is 4 day course that provides a comprehensive approach to your casework for both digital and analog video evidence with a primary focus on our stream-lined workflows and digital media processing. It is intended for anyone who is new to the field of FVA or persons who have not been formally trained using these tools.
Generate a proposal – Training Auto Quote »

DVR Assessment & Video Recovery (3-Day)
June 16 @ 9:00 am - June 18 @ 5:00 pm
Brighton Fire Department – Station 1,
3100 East Avenue, Rochester, NY 14618 United States
+ Google Map
This 3 day class will provide students with an overview of the multiple challenges and issues that may arise or should be considered when acquiring digital video evidence using multiple techniques. This course is recommended for anyone who will be responsible for the recovery of digital video evidence from CCTV systems, from Patrol Officers and Technicians to Forensic Video Analysts.
Generate a proposal – Training Auto Quote »

Locating forensic DME resources just became a bit easier with the introduction of the Media-Geek Forensic DME Resources Map. Several DME related geo-tagging resources are currently being developed, to include a Media-Geek membership geo-tagging feature. Members are encouraged to log-in and update the contact information in their profile, which now includes an option for permitting inclusion in the membership maps.

By Casey Johnston

A group of researchers have developed a way to identify pirated movies by reducing the original to a signature genetic code. The system can match even videos that have been altered or had their colors changed to the source, an area where many video piracy mechanisms fall short.

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"Blender is the free and open source 3D creation suite. It supports the entirety of the 3D pipeline—modeling, rigging, animation, simulation, rendering, compositing and motion tracking, video editing and 2D animation pipeline." - https://blender.org

This is a project I've known about for some time, but hadn't looked at in quite awhile.  Wow.  VFX & compositing geeks are going to love Blender 2.92.

Let's make it another great week my friends, be safe out there! 😎

When Windows 8 launches later this year you'll be able to upgrade to the pro version of Microsoft's newest desktop OS for just $40 for a limited time. The deal will apply to a broad base of current Windows users including those running Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7. Microsoft had a similar offer during the launch of Windows 7 but this one is cheaper than its predecessor. (Windows 7 upgrades ranged from $50-$100 at launch.)

Read full story >

Tomorrow's the official launch of Media-Geek.com and we've added another great feature to the new members area, a categorized events calendar.  The new calendar will be viewable by all visitors; however, only registered members will be able to add and manage events listed in the calendar.

The concept behind the calendar is simple - to provide a consolidated calendar listing the multitude of forensic related training events, conferences, and meetings.  The initial categories implemented include Photography Training, Image Processing & Analysis Training, Forensic Video Training, and Forensic Conferences & Meetings.