Hyperchannel: A Star Trek News Podcast
Hyperchannel 47: Pop Another Quarter in the Holodeck

Ubisoft says video games will become more immersive than the Holodeck

For gamers in 1987, the Enterprise-D represented not so much an amazing achievement in starship engineering, but rather the ultimate console. Forget about staring at pixels on a television and tapping away at a control pad. On the Holodeck, you can dress up and actually live the adventure. It may seem far-fetched—even today—but Ubisoft Toronto managing director Jade Raymond believes this is the future of the gaming. In fact, she thinks it will be even more immersive.

Read the full article on Gamespot.

Direct download: hc-047.mp3
Category:News -- posted at: 8:59am MDT

Hyperchannel 46: Redshirt Tribute

Seth MacFarlane Pledges $1 million to Reading Rainbow

LeVar Burton's camaign to bring back Reading Rainbow has been nothing short of astonishing. While it might seem like a no-brainer to support something as important as children's literacy, the frantic pace at which donations have come in is still incredible. After blowing past the $1 million goal in half a day, Burton set a new goal of $5 million. With three days and roughly half a million dollars to go, Seth MacFarlane has stepped in and pledged to match all donations beyond the $4 million mark up to $1 million.

Support the Kickstarter to bring back Reading Rainbow for our children!

 

Like TrekNews.Net, Win a Red Shirt

No one wants to beam down wearing a red shirt. But when in the safe confines of your hometown, there's little risk in donning the bright color. In fact, you can even do so in honor of our fallen comrades from the future. Canadian illustrator Ian Wilding's new "Redshirt" design was available on TeeFury for just one day, June 27, but if you missed it there is still a way to get one. TrekNews.Net has received ten shirts from TeeFury and the Star Trek news site is giving these away to those who "like" the TrekNews.Net Facebook page. Winners will be drawn at random and all you need to do is click "like" and send you info to contest [at] trek news [dot] net.

See the shirt and find out more on TrekNews.Net.

Direct download: hc-046.mp3
Category:News -- posted at: 8:59am MDT

Hyperchannel 45: Star Trek Into Deep Space

Orci Teases Star Trek 2016 Characters and Story

If you're wondering what Roberto Orci has in store for the next Star Trek, we know a tad bit more today than we did a week ago. Orci appeared on the Nerdist podcast "Humans from Earth" and teased a few points about the possible direction of the film. In the interview he talks about embarking on the long-promised five-year mission, who the potential villain could be, how much secrecy will surround his set, and whether or not there will be a gay character in the story.

Listen to the full interview.

Direct download: hc-045.mp3
Category:News -- posted at: 8:59am MDT

Hyperchannel 44: The Film That Hated Gravity

Star Trek soars and plummets at the Saturn Awards

The 40th annual Saturn Awards have been handed out and Star Trek got mixed results. The Star Trek of the past five decades did very well, bringing in honors for the third, fourth, and fifth seasons of Star Trek: The Next Generation Blu-ray remastering as well as a special award given to Marc Cushman for the first two volumes of These Are The Voyages: TOS, massive books that chronicle the making of The Original Series in great detail. The world of Star Trek as imagined by J.J. Abrams, however, lost all five categories in which it was nominated.

See the full Saturn Award results.

Direct download: hc-044.mp3
Category:News -- posted at: 8:59am MDT

Hyperchannel 43: Mozart in the Original Klingon

Shatner and the TNG cast to reunite in Chicago

The cast of Star Trek: The Next Generation has been getting together quite often the past few years. If you've missed them in other appearances, another chance is coming up on August 24 as most of the cast reunites on stage at Wizard World's Chicago Comic-Con—and once again the discussion will be led by William Shatner.

Find out more and get an exclusive lithograph through StarTrek.com.

 

You've never heard Mozart until you've heard it in the original Klingon

We all know that you've never heard Shakespeare until you've heard it in the original Klingon. But what about Mozart? Apparently all of our great creatives originated on Qo'noS! At the Southern Illinois Music Festival, June 27 - 29, a cast of professional actors will be putting a Star Trek twist on Mozart's The Abduction from the Seraglio. The comic opera will be "enhanced" by the presence of Kirk, Spock, Uhura, Klingons, and even an Orion slave girl. 

Find out more on The Southern.

Direct download: hc-043.mp3
Category:News -- posted at: 8:59am MDT

Hyperchannel 42: Is It Showtime for Star Trek?

Could Star Trek find a home on Showtime?

The rumors of a Netflix-CBS deal for a new Star Trek series simply won't die down, even as those with connections to the franchise and studio work to put them to bed. But don't worry, if the rumor does fade there is another set to take its place. What if Star Trek were headed not to Netflix, but to Showtime? It does make sense, since Showtime is owned by CBS, but is an antiquated and dying distribution model really the right choice for the next incarnation of a series about the future? A new article on 1701News makes a case for just such a move.

Read the full article on 1701News.

 

Nestle plans to create Star Trek's food replicator

Customization is big these days. You can make gadgets your own by choosing colors, textures, and features that fit you own unique tastes. Should nutrition be any different? Sure, you can put in the time to cook carefully planned meals, but few people have that kind of time. Global food giant Nestle wants to address this through the creation of a device that could resemble Star Trek's food replicator. The aim of the device is to tailor foods and nutrients to the individual, and to make this food available at the touch of a button. So if you like your raktajino with a (nutritious) jacarine peel, you could be sipping one within the decade.

Read more on the BBC website.

Direct download: hc-042.mp3
Category:News -- posted at: 7:51am MDT

Hyperchannel 41: From Iceland to Risa

Trekkies go on an away mission to Iceland

Few places on Earth have landscapes as diverse and breathtaking as Iceland. And with such variety of locales, a Trekkie naturally sees other worlds and adventures. When you multiply that by four you get a real away mission, which is what Andrew Jason Leung, Ken Lin, Jennifer Puno, and Mike Rousseau embarked upon during a recent visit to the country. While there the group shot an extensive set of amazing photos as they donned Star Trek threads, and to share them with the world they've set up a photo-centric website that will sweep you away to beautiful—and sometimes alien—landscapes.

View the photos.

 

Garrett Wang is waiting to meet you on Risa

Risa, the Star Trek social media site, is currently celebrating its one-year anniversary. To celebrate, the team over on Risa are running a special promotion and have hooked up with Garrett Wang, Voyager's Harry Kim, for an extra-special grand prize. The promotion is simple: include the hashtag #harrykim when you post a message on Risa between now and June 30, 2014. By doing so you'll be entered into a drawing for prizes, which include a video chat session with Garrett.

Visit Risa and enter the contest.

Direct download: hc-041.mp3
Category:News -- posted at: 4:00am MDT

Hyperchannel 40: Righting the Ship

Star Trek: The Compendium to combine both J.J. films plus bonus features

When Paramount released Star Trek Into Darkness on home video, the fanfare that the studio had hoped for was replaced by outrage. For those who enjoy bonus features—one of the key reasons to buy Blu-rays—there was no way to get all of the content that was produced. By splitting up the bonus content amongst various retail outlets, Paramount angered fans and shot themselves in the foot. Finally our voices have been heard and a new collection coming in September will bring both Abramsverse films and all existing special features into one box. A rebate offer is even in the works.

Find out more about what's included on the discs.

 

The Okudas talk Orci as director, Netflix, and the future of Star Trek

Few people have had more influence over the look and feel of Star Trek over the years than Mike and Denise Okuda. Dare we say no one knows more about Star Trek than they do. Having worked on every modern Star Trek series and the (non-Abramsverse) films, Mike and Denise have a unique perspective on where Star Trek has been and where it is going. In a new interview with TrekMovie.com, the Trek dream team share their thought on Robert Orci directing, the rumors of a Star Trek series on Netflix, and where they would take the franchise themselves.

 

Read the full interview on TrekMovie.com.

Direct download: hc-040.mp3
Category:News -- posted at: 8:59am MDT

Hyperchannel 39: New Threads for Voyager

Cross Cult brings a new look to Kirsten Beyer's Voyager

We're not sure what's in the water in Germany, but their Star Trek novel covers are always inspired. Now publisher Cross Cult is combining their inspired creativity with that of author Kirsten Beyer with new artwork for the German releases Full Circle and Unworthy. The matching pair feature Tom and B'Elanna (one on each) along with Cross Cult's interpretation of the USS Voyager refit and the USS Planck, which Mark Rademaker did for the 2012 Ships of the Line calendar.

View the covers at The Trek Collective.

 

Team Aegle brings youth to the tricorder technology race

If you're a Star Trek fan you've most certainly heard by now about the Qualcomm Tricorder XPRIZE. But while you may be expecting most of those working on the technology to be seasoned engineers, a group of undergraduates are throwing their passion and skills into the ring. Team Aegle, a spinoff of the Johns Hopkins-based Aezon, is led by Tatiana Rypinski and brings youth and enthusiasm together to work on some of the toughest problems facing the world. Their sights are currently set on making Star Trek technology real.

Find out more and watch the video with Tatiana Rypinski.

Direct download: hc-039.mp3
Category:News -- posted at: 8:06am MDT

Hyperchannel 38: To Be Takei

Star Wars VIII director Rian Johnson reviews J.J. Abrams Star Trek

While J.J. Abrams is behind the camera of Star Wars Episode VII, he will not be directing the eighth installment of the franchise. That honor goes to Rian Johnson, who will also be calling the shots on Episode IX. So it's looking like the new Star Wars trilogy might be more of a "Johnson Joint" than an Abrams one. Back in May 2009, Johnson guested on the /Filmcast to review J.J.'s first Star Trek outing. Slashfilm has brought the episode back to the surface now that the two directors will share a franchise, and it's an interesting look back at when Star Trek was first rebooted.

Listen to the podcast.

 

To Be Takei coming first to DirecTV

George Takei is best known for playing Hikaru Sulu on The Original Series, and in recent years he has become one of the most vocal members of the original cast. A champion for human rights and equality, Takei uses his Star Trek notoriety to make a difference in the world. With more than 7 million Facebook fans, Takei actively connects with us all daily. A new documentary titled To Be Takei will chronicle the life of the actor from his childhood in a World War II internment camp through his work on Star Trek and beyond. The documentary, which opens in theatres August 22, will premiere on DirecTV first and run from July 3 through the 5th to give fans an early peek.

Find out more about the documentary.

 

Direct download: hc-038.mp3
Category:News -- posted at: 8:00am MDT

Hyperchannel 37: Stealing Scotty's Jacket

Alternate Krenim temporal weapon ship designs discovered

In the Voyager episode "Year of Hell," scientist-gone-mad Annorax possessed one of the most dangerous weapons in Star Trek, a temporal weapon ship. This giant vessel with its unique shape and beam that could literally push its target out of the space-time continuum almost did in Janeway and her crew. We all know what this ship looked like in the episodes, but as it turns out it wasn't always quite what we saw. Just after finishing the magazine that accompanies the Official Starships Collection reproduction, Eaglemoss uncovered some lost designs by artist Rick Sternbach.

See Sternbach's designs at StarTrek.com.

 

Scotty's jacket goes under the gavel in Belfast

In The Search for Spock, Scotty helped Kirk steal the Enterprise. And now some lucky person in Belfast gets to steal Scotty's jacket. Well, not steal it… but get it at a potentially bargain-basement price. More than 1,000 pieces of rare sci-fi memorabilia seized from a criminal couple are going on auction in the Northern Ireland city and include not only six sets of costumes from Star Trek but also items from Star Wars and Doctor Who.

Find out more from the Belfast Telegraph.

Direct download: hc-037.mp3
Category:News -- posted at: 8:50am MDT

Hyperchannel 36: There. Is. One. Disc!

Paramount confirms 2016 release date for third J.J. Abrams Star Trek

It's been generally known for some time now that Paramount was targeting 2016, the 50th anniversary year of the Star Trek franchise, for the release of the third J.J. Abrams film. At the CineEurope conference in Barcelona today, Paramount confirmed that "Star Trek 3," as it is currently being called, is indeed slated for release in 2016. Roberto Orci will direct and also pen the story together with J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay. While the film seems to be moving along at a fairly steady pace, there is still no word on plot details nor casting rumors, although tweets by Orci appear the indicate filming in the spring.

Find out more.

 

DVD Talk breaks down "Chain of Command" Blu-ray release

When the Star Trek: The Next Generation remastered project reached the first (and greatest) cliffhanger in the series, "The Best of Both Worlds," the producers decided to pay proper tribute to the landmark story with a feature-length standalone release. The trend has continued with "Redemption," "Unification," and now "Chain of Command." The powerful sixth-season episodes in which Picard is captured and tortured by Cardassians, have been merged into one long story complete with special bonus features available on the standalone Blu-ray only. To help you dig into the special release, Randy Miller III of DVD Talk has released a comprehensive breakdown.

 

Read DVD Talk's review of the "Chain of Command" Blu-ray.

Direct download: hc-036.mp3
Category:News -- posted at: 8:59am MDT

Hyperchannel 35: The Comic On the Edge of Forever

3D printer head to the International Space Station

We've been hearing a lot about 3D printers recently. In fact, we know many people using them. And in August this seeming predecessor to the replicator will be taking to the stars as Made In Space sends the first additive manufacturing technology, or 3D printer, to the International Space Station. The purpose of sending the printer into space is to test the technology’s ability to function in zero-gravity. While aboard the ISS the printer will build 21 demonstration parts—test coupons, parts, and tools. If the printer meets expectations, the technology could potentially be used to produce spare parts on demand, making space travel safer during emergency situations, as well as making the station less dependent on resupply trips.

Find out more and see photos of the printer.

 

IDW releases The City On the Edge of Forever, Part 1

On April 6, 1967, "The City On the Edge of Forever" aired and became one of the most famous Star Trek episodes of all time. But while this tale of time travel and altered futures is amazing, it isn't quite the story that Harlan Ellison wrote. Now IDW brings us a graphic novel adaptation of Ellison's original script, and the first issue of the four-part miniseries was released today. Readers will notice the changes right off the bat as the unique and fitting art style pulls us into a city on the edge of forever that is quite different from the one we remember.

Get the first issue.

Direct download: hc-035.mp3
Category:News -- posted at: 8:50am MDT

Hyperchannel 34: Bring Out the Badmiral In You

ANOVOS wants to make you a Badmiral

One of the perks of reaching flag rank is the uniform. Anyone who has seen more than a handful of Star Trek episodes has noticed that admirals get to pimp their threads. And it seems that there is something in the shoulder pads, the gold lining, or the belt buckle that turns an otherwise understanding new admiral into a "badmiral." If you want to command the room at your next convention, ANOVOS can help you do it in style with their new painstakingly reproduced Starfleet admiral's tunic.

See the tunics and get more details.

 

Star Trek MMO coming to fluidic space near you

If you've been itching to take the fight back to Species 8472, NGames will soon give you the chance in a new MMO the company is developing. The story centers around "fluidic space," that mysterious realm first revealed in the Voyager episode "Scorpion" that is home to the mysterious tri-legged Species 8472. With a heavy emphasis on combat, the free-to-play game on Game321.com will give players the ability to create ships and fleets to use in battle as they make their way through this unusual part of the universe.

Find out more about the game.

Direct download: hc-034.mp3
Category:News -- posted at: 3:10am MDT

Hyperchannel 33: The Other Side of the Mirror

Star Trek Continues premieres "Fairest of Them All"

The long awaited third episode of Star Trek Continues has finally been unveiled on June 15 at Supanova in Syndey. Returing to the Mirror Universe, "Fairest of Them All," follows up immediately after the Original Series episode "Mirror, Mirror" and tells the story of what happened aboard the ISS Enterprise when the mirror landing party returned to the ship. The cast of STC gathered in Australia for the premiere, and the episode is now also available for viewing worldwide on YouTube and Vimeo.

Watch the episode!

 

Abandoned Abramsverse horses and fish come out to play

We only spent a short time on Nibiru at the beginning of Star Trek Into Darkness. And while the scenes were memorable, there was much more in the works that got nixed for time and budget. Alfonso De La Torre, a conceptual illustrator who worked on the film, has released images that he created for Into Darkness showing several creatures native to Nibiru, including a horse, insect, and some fish. 

View the images and find out more at ComicBookMovie.com.

Direct download: hc-033.mp3
Category:News -- posted at: 8:50am MDT

Hyperchannel 32: Mysteries That Make Your Head Bobble

Star Trek set to invade Boston

As Chicago recovers from a Trek invasion, the next city bracing itself for impact is Boston. On Saturday and Sunday, June 21 and 22, Star Trek actors from across all series will land at the John B. Hynes Convention Center, headlined by Captain Sisko himself, Avery Brooks. Joining Brooks will be Walter Koenig, Robert Picardo, Terry Farrell, Robert Beltran, Tim Russ, Connor Trinneer, Dominic Keating, Anthony Montgomery, Roberty O' Reilly, J.G. Hertzler, Max Grodenchik, Aron Eisenberg, John Billingsley, and Garrett Wang. The event will also feature a costume parade and a first look at the new strategy roleplaying game, Star Trek Timelines.

Get more info and tickets.

 

Data and Geordi get big heads

There's no doubt that Data and Geordi are smart. No one can pull off an engineering plan or a technological ploy and then give a PowerPoint about it like these bosom buddies. But sometimes all that smarts goes to your head. This seems to be the case with the latest offering from BifBangPow! Those attending San Diego Comic-Con in July can pick up bobble heads of Data as Sherlock Holmes and La Forge as Watson.

See the bobble heads. The game's afoot!

Direct download: hc-032.mp3
Category:News -- posted at: 8:59am MDT

Hyperchannel 31: Your Holographic Abode

Is Lowe's Developing Holodeck Technology?

Having trouble visualizing that next home improvement project? Wish you could just tell the computer what you'd like it to create? Lowe's, the hardware and home furnishing chain, thinks this is exactly how you should go about decking out your abode. And to make this a reality, Lower's is boldly going "into new shopping experiences, launching a holograph-based virtual reality showroom dubbed the Holoroom."

Find out more at SingularityHub.

 

Elachi Alert Weekend Comes to Star Trek Online

If you're looking to slam the door on subspace and earn extra rewards at the same time, you'll want to make sure you log into STO for Elachi Alert Weekend from now until Monday, July 16, at 10 p.m. Pacific. Help protect the scientific fleet that is working to close the gateways and earn 50% bonuses on mark rewards.

Find out more on the Star Trek Online website.

Direct download: hc-031.mp3
Category:News -- posted at: 8:59am MDT

Hyperchannel 30: Passing the Bechdel Test

Trek comic righting social wrongs of Trek canon

Star Trek is all about diveristy and inclusiveness, but what exactly those words means changes over time. Comic writer Mark Farinas aims to correcting many of what he sees as massive social oversights in Trek canon through his artwork and stories on trekcomic.com. The first serial, entitled "No Good Deed," is set at the end of the Earth-Romulan War and features an openly gay captain. However, the captain’s homosexuality is not a plot point; it’s only a piece of characterization. The  second serial, "Weapons of Mass Destruction," began last week and features a group of outlaws on the planet Tellar that is led by a woman.

Find out more and read the comics.

 

Star Trek actors join Reading Rainbow Live

Unless you are completely disconnected from the Internet—and perhaps reality—you know that LeVar Burton's Kickstarter campaign shattered its $1 million goal in 12 hours. Now the one-month campaign has passed $3.6 million with three weeks to go. The new stretch goal is now $5 million and today Burton announced a series of events called Reading Rainbow Live! that will feature fellow Star Trek cast members. The shows will be available as premiums for those who contribute to the Kickstarter and guests will include Jonathan Frakes, Brent Spiner, Michael Dorn, Robert Picardo, Kate Mulgrew, Marina Sirtis, Gates McFadden, Jeri Ryan, and... wait for it... William Shatner and Patrick Stewart.

Find out more and donate on the Reading Rainbow Kickstarter page.

Direct download: hc-030.mp3
Category:News -- posted at: 5:46am MDT

Hyperchannel 29: Three Minutes of Glory

NASA engineers unveil warp ship design concept—IXS Enterprise

In 2012, NASA engineer and physicist Harold White announced he was working on a solution to the energy problem in Miguel Alcubierre’s 1994 theory for faster-than-light space travel. His goal? To reduce the requirements from the mass-energy of Jupiter to something the size of NASA’s Voyager 1 probe. Now, as part of the project, White has collaborated with Mark Rademaker to create a CGI design concept of a warp-capable ship, which they have named it the IXS Enterprise.

See the ship design.

 

First trailer for Prelude to Axanar revelead

Fans can now get their first look at Prelude to Axanar with the release of the first trailer—and it is incredible! Presented as a History Channel-style look back at the battle, this powerful sneak peak packs so much Star Trek glory into less than three minutes that you will be counting the days until the full release if you aren't already. See J.G. Hertzler as a Starfleet captain, Richard Hatch as a Klingon, and Tony Todd delivering a rousing speech that will get your blood pumping. And the visuals are like nothing you've ever seen in Star Trek.

Watch the full trailer on the Star Trek Axanar website.

Direct download: hc-029.mp3
Category:News -- posted at: 8:55am MDT

Hyperchannel 28: A Spock a Day Keeps the Doctor Away

Spock Days are Coming to Vulcan… Alberta

If you've always wanted to visit Vulcan, there's never been a better time to go that the weekend of June 13-15. The weather is beautiful and you won't even need an extra set of eyelids to protect you. While you're there in the town of Vulcan, Alberta, Canada you'll meet Nana Visitor, Rene Aberjonois, and Chase Masterson, as well as take in stargazing hosted by the Royal Astronomical Society of Calgary. There lots of Star Trek fun in store for you during the Spock days of summer.

Find out more at VulcanTourism.com

 

Has Netflix Teamed Up with CBS for a New Star Trek Series?

Uhm... no. They have not. But the rumor is swirling after someone misinterpreted comments from Phoenix Comicon. The story making the rounds is that Larry Nemecek broke the news to those at the convention; but this is not what happened. Larry pops in for a few minutes in this episode of Hyperchannel to clear the air and tell us what really was said.

Read more from Larry about this story on his website.

Direct download: hc-028-B.mp3
Category:News -- posted at: 8:54am MDT

Hyperchannel 27: Row, Row, Row Your Boat

Star Trek V celebrates its 25th Anniversary

It's the film fans love to hate. Star Trek V: The Final Frontier turns 25 today and, unlike a fine wine, the public perception of it has not improved much over the years. But is the hate for Shatner's lone Star Trek directorial outing justified? While there is no arguing that the film could have been executed better, there are a number of positive elements in Star Trek V that deserve the attention of fans. On the anniversary of the film's release, we reflect on both the positive and the negative and why blue horses and magic Vulcans aren't as bad as you think.

Direct download: hc-027.mp3
Category:News -- posted at: 8:59am MDT

Hyperchannel 26: A Shatner Stampede

Shatner to Serve as Calgary Stampede Parade Grand Marshal

It's a well-known fact that William Shatner loves horses. It's also a well-known fact that he's Canadian. Sometimes those two things come together in the perfect storm, which is exactly what is happening beginning July 4 when Shatner kicks off the Calgary Stampede Parade as Grand Marshal. Captain Kirk will be joined by speed skaters Gilmore Junio and Denny Morrison as honorary marshals at the event that supports the non-profit organization. Shatner admits that, despite his love of horses, he's never been to the Calgary Stampede. We're just wondering if he might run into Captain Picard there so they can ride off into the Nexus.

Find out more about the Stampede at StarTrek.com.

 

Star Trek Exhibition Beams Down to Jakarta

When it comes to big Star Trek events, no one gets the goodies like the United States. England and Germany get to play in the stars from time to time, but Asia often feels like the land that Trek forgot. Fans in Indonesia, therefore, are rejoicing as Star Trek: The Exhibition has touched down in Jakarta for a six-week stay. The museum-like traveling exhibition, which include costumes, props, and even recreated sets from the television series, is currently calling Gandaria City Ground External home. 

 

Find out more and see photos at StarTrek.com.

Direct download: hc-026.mp3
Category:News -- posted at: 8:49am MDT

Hyperchannel 25: Printing Your Way Into Troi's Heart

Klingons Exert Influence on the International Space Station

Apparently there has been a Klingon invasion of the International Space Station—though it could have been much worse. Astronaut Steve Swanson, currently commander of the ISS (not a Mirror Universe facility), created a mission patch for Expedition 40 that paid tribute to his Star Trek fandom and the franchise's influence on society. Interestingly he did this through Klingon imagery, not Starfleet. The final patch shed the Klingon motif, but the emblem still found its way aboard the orbitting outpost.

Get more details and view the patch designs at collectSPACE.

 

3D Printed Food Brings Replicator One Step Closer to Reality

When you want something to eat in Star Trek, you just walk over to the wall, tell the computer what you want, and wait for it to appear. Such hands-off preparation of dinner could be closer to reality than we think. 3D printing technology is quickly moving from the realm of plastic objects to the world of cuisine. A number of companies have commercial 3D food printers coming to market, and their applications range from the creative to the practical. Culinary artisans can use them to create seemingly impossible shapes, while health-care professionals can use them to provide the elderly with more satisfying meals. The technology is even being touted at the gateway to a sustainable, eco-friendly food supply as the world's population grows.

Find out more about 3D food printing and view amazing pictures on Motherboard.

Direct download: hc-025.mp3
Category:News -- posted at: 8:59am MDT

Hyperchannel 24: There's Something Swimming on Enceladus

Robert Blackman to Judge Star Trek Las Vegas Costume Competition

It takes many talented people to put together a television show like Star Trek, and each of these creatives plays a unique role in the final product. When it comes to costume design, no one has exerted more influence over how we think about Star Trek than Robert Blackman. For nearly two decades, Blackman has directed the look and feel of Trek's threads—beginning with TNG's third season all the way through Enterprise. He will be appearing at Star Trek Las Vegas this summer—his first since the early days of modern Star Trek—where he will conduct a Q&A and judge the costume contest. As a lead up to the event, StarTrek.com has published a fascinating two-part interview with the costume genius.

 

Read the full interview on StarTrek.com. Part 1 and Part 2

 

A New Hope for Life In Space

As a Star Trek fan, chances are you would love to wake up one morning to the news that we've discovered other life somewhere out there in the cosmos. Despite our technological advancement, it feels like a long shot. But there could be hope. Dr. Seth Shostak, Senior Astronomer at the SETI Institite and co-host of Big Picture Science, recently testified before Congress on this very question. Besides helping the scientifically-challenged individuals who run our country and world, Shostak also predicts that we will find extraterrestrial life (not necessarily intelligent life) within a few decades.

 

Listen to the episode of Big Picture Science, "A New Hope for Life In Space."

Direct download: hc-024.mp3
Category:News -- posted at: 8:50am MDT

Hyperchannel 23: Lookback Intruder

Bio Looks at the Genius of Gene Roddenberry's "Star Trek"

On June 3, 1969, the final episode of Star Trek aired. But while it was the end of the original series television series, it was just the beginning of the franchise. Since that day 45 years ago, fans have continued to watch the adventures of Kirk, Spock, Bones, and the original Enterprise 1701. From those adventures we've learned about life, how to understand and respect others, and how to build technology that has changed our world. To mark this anniversary, Laurie Ulster has written a piece on the BIO website that highlights some of the genius of Gene Roddenberry's creation, and always what she has gained from watching the series over the years.

Read the full retrospective on the BIO website.

 

Creation Beams Into the Windy City for Star Trek Chicago

Star Trek fans in Chicago can meet some of their favorite actors in person this weekend as Creation Entertainment's official convention comes to the Windy City. The event is headlined by none other than Captain Kirk himself, William Shatner, and also features heavyweights Kate Mulgrew, Jeri Ryan, and Nichelle Nichols. The convention runs from Friday, June 6 through Sunday, June 8, and includes a music video contest, costume parade, and a makeup session in which artist John Paladin will transform Suzie Plakson into K'Ehleyr.

Find out more and get your tickets.

Direct download: hc-023.mp3
Category:News -- posted at: 5:14am MDT

Hyperchannel 22: Not All Clowns Are Funny

Top 10 Least Threatening Villains

Star Trek has given us a lot of incredible villains. Khan, the Borg, and Gul Dukat comes immediately to mind. But the franchise has also given us a lot of less-than-threatening villains as well—and I'm not talking about Neelix's leola root stew. Charlie Jane Anders on io9 has compiled a list of the 10 Least Threatening Star Trek Villains, and we share out thoughts on the choices in today's Hyperchannel.

Read the full list and justifications for not being threatening on io9.

Direct download: hc-022.mp3
Category:News -- posted at: 8:50am MDT

Hyperchannel 21: Leonard McCoy's Magic Pills

Phase II: Concept Art from Mike Minor's Drawing Board

In 1977, Paramount Pictures envisioned a new five year mission for the Enterprise. Although illustrator Mike Minor (who also worked on TOS, The Motion Picture and The Wrath of Khan—and who was the uncredited creator of "The Tholian Web"—created concept art for the project, titled Phase II, the show was never realized. However, several pieces of Minor's concept art for the show have recently been released, showing designs for engineering, the captain’s quarters, a cargo hold, and a recreation room.

View Minor's Phase II artwork on ScienceFiction.com.

 

Making Dr. McCoy's Magic Pills Real

When the crew of the Enterprise traveled back to 1986 San Francisco, the most shocking thing to Bones wasn't chaotic traffic or computer input via mouse, it was the primitive state of medicine. Taking inspiration from Star Trek, doctors today are working to make things like Dr. McCoy's magic pills—which apparently grow new kidneys. A breakthrough by Gladstone Institutes allows scientists to transform skin cells into heart muscle cells, which could eventually lead to the development of Star Trek-like treatments for a wide range of ailments. 

 

Read the full Treknosis column on StarTrek.com

Direct download: hc-021.mp3
Category:News -- posted at: 7:46am MDT

Hyperchannel 20: DIY Enterprise

DIY Enterprise: The Next Generation of 3-D Printing

What do you do when you want to depict the destruction of the USS Enterprise from The Search for Spock, but all you have on hand is the Millennium Falcon—and you only have 15 minutes to remedy the situation? You 3D print the Enterprise, of course! This is 2014 after all. But even this solution could normally take five hours. What you need is a miracle. But don't call Scotty! Instead, call Yong Chen of the University of Southern California Viterbi School of Engineering. In a new video produced by the school, the venerable 1701 is resurrected in just 15 minutes.

 

Watch the video on StarTrek.com.

http://www.startrek.com/article/watch-enterprise-created-in-15-minutes

 

George Takei Tweet Boosts Solar Roadways

When Sulu speaks, people listen—and jump into action for a good cause. When George Takei heard about a project to revolutionize streets and sidewalks, turning them into energy generators that can power cities, he tweeted the info out to his 8 million Twitter followers. The next day, the Indiegogo campaign to fund the project, which is the brainchild of North Idaho couple Scott and Julie Brusaw, passed it's $1 million goal—and it hasn't looked back since.

 

View the Indiegogo campaign and find out more about the project.

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/solar-roadways#home

Direct download: hc-020.mp3
Category:News -- posted at: 8:50am MDT

Hyperchannel 19: Happy Planet Forbidden Day

Celebrating 30 Years of Star Trek III: The Search for Spock

After Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan breathed new life and excitement in to Star Trek in 1982, fans were eager for the next adventure of the USS Enterprise. There was just one problem: the ship would be setting sail without a key member of her crew—Spock. Fortunately we only had to live without our favorite Vulcan for two years before Harve Bennett gave him back to us in 1984. As hard as it is to believe, it's now been 30 years since Kirk violated orders and returned to Genesis. June 1 isn't known as Planet Forbidden Day; but it should be. It was on June 1, 1984, that Star Trek III premiered, and to commemorate the occassion StarTrek.com provides a trivia-filled look back.

Read the StarTrek.com's look back at the film.

 

Teleportation Could Become Reality… Eventually

Do you hate to travel? Not the part where you visit new and exciting places—or family and friends who live far away—but the part where you sit on an airplane for five hours. Ever wish you could simply beam to Hawai'i for an afternoon on the beach or to Las Vegas for the Star Trek convention? If so, it seems there is nothing in the laws of physics stopping you from doing it. All you need is some technological and scientific advancement, along with a lot of patience—because it isn't happening anytime soon. But scientists at Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands are proving that it is possible, and say that it could become a reality in the far future.

Read the full piece—including an explanation of the experiment—from The Telegraph.

Direct download: hc-019.mp3
Category:News -- posted at: 7:41am MDT

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