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Social Media

Mastodon I'm mainly on Mastodon these days, my account there is @simon@simonhardwick.com or click here to see my posts. I'd love for you to join Mastodon and follow me there, it's much like original twitter was!

How I learnt to manage anxiety

I suffer from anxiety. Today (10th October 2017) is World Mental Health Day. I’ve rarely discussed my anxiety, even with close friends or family. But I’ve learnt over the years that talking about it openly means you find shared experiences and learning from other people in the same situation.

Why your DSLR is not a broadcast camera

When DSLR camera manufacturers added video capability to their feature set it opened up an affordable way of creating video to a mass market. Unfortunately they are not suitable for broadcast applications for a variety of reasons.

Defeating Encryption Is Not The Way To Defeat Terrorism

This morning I sent some tweets regarding Encryption. I subsequently had to delete them because they were retweeted out of context by those who wished to use them for political point scoring. Let me start by saying I haven’t and never will use any of my social media to push a political view – in fact as I write and in the run up to a general election I am still unsure who I will be voting for as I have misgivings towards all parties.

Badly Drawn Badgers

Back in May 2016 I wanted to do something to raise a bit of awareness and money for the British Heart Foundation – a charity that has particular relevance and importance to my family.

Review: Read this before ordering a marquee or gazebo from Dancover.

Note: This review was published in 2017. As it's now 7 years old it's only fair to review the situation. Dancover have since reached out to me to sincerely apologise and explain that they take their customer service obligations very seriously. Everyone deserves a second chance, so before you make a decision based on the contents of this page please wait for an update very shortly. I’ve long wanted a gazebo/marquee. They are handy for outside broadcasts to protect you and the kit from the elements, but also for parties and events in the garden. They’re very expensive though, and I’ve always held back.

How To Use Your iPhone for TV Newsgathering

Article updated on 8th September 2017 to reflect that most broadcasters are now using HD, and to revise delivery methods to WeTransfer.

Controlling An ENG Broadcast Lens Without An Expensive Controller

I recently acquired a Panasonic AW-E800 camera and fully motorised Fujinon lens from the BBC World Service Auction. Fortunately as it was predominantly a radio auction a few tv related bits seemed to slip under the radar of most bidders and I managed to pick this up for mere £150. The quality is surprisingly good and when I went to Bush House to collect it I was pleased to discover it had the SDI output card intact.