Woz steps in to help video startup

27 July 2007 23:46 by vurbal

Steve Wozniak, the man who invented Apple's first two microcomputers, is working as an advisor for a company called Hotswap.com, which reportedly has developed Compression technology that could revolutionize internet video. "I like what they're doing. It's definitely a step forward," said Wozniak, adding that he signed on as an adviser to the company to "give them ideas that come into my mind.".

Hotswap.com emerged from graduate computer science research into digital "compression" technology that its founders say can make common digital camera movie clips mimic high-definition television on Web sites.

Luke Thomas, a 21-year-old former UC Berkeley grad student and Hotswap chairman, said the often-fuzzy videos uploaded by amateurs onto YouTube.com and similar Web sites can be transformed by Hotswap's technology.

The company has already won contracts with AutoNation Inc. and with Red McCombs Enterprises' chain of auto dealerships.

Rad Weaver, McCombs' vice president of business development, said the company has begun using video clips with Hotswap technology for its used car listings on the Internet.

The San Antonio, Texas company sells about 40,000 new and used cars a year and is part of the business empire of Red McCombs, 79, an oil-and-gas magnate who started a car dealership chain in Texas and expanded into home building, oil and other businesses before co-founding Clear Channel, the media company, in 1972.
Source: Information Week

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