Review of Premiere Elements 4 (4.5 out of 5)

Wednesday, May 07, 2008

AMAZINGLY CAPABLE VIDEO SOFTWARE FOR WINDOWS
“You might be thinking, “What’s consumer software doing in a pro magazine?” The short answer is that if you aren’t using the Adobe Master Collection or the Production Premium suite, you probably need Adobe Premiere Elements 4. Whether you work as an advertiser, designer, developer, or photographer, you most likely have an interest in making videos or DVDs.

Sure, Adobe offers the very capable video applications found in the Creative Suite product line but for many users, it’s hard to spring for the “whole enchilada.” When I sat down with Premiere Elements, I was immediately impressed. The product offers an easy-to-use toolset that addresses the needs of many users.

Here’s the lowdown: Premiere Elements only runs on Windows machines. If you’re a Mac user, you should be looking to iMovie and iDVD ’08 to fill the same needs. On the PC side, the market has been woefully underserved by offerings from Adaptec and Microsoft. With version 4 of Premiere Elements, Adobe clearly steps up to offer a dramatic redesign, combining power with ease of use (an Adobe trademark).”

You can read the rest of the review here...

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Adobe TV at NAB 2008 – Production Premium CS3 for Final Cut Pro Editors

Monday, May 05, 2008

Caught a great presentation from Steve Martin at NAB. It's all about using Production Premium with other NLEs like Final Cut Pro. Steve is a popular trainer (in fact one of Apple's main instructors). This one is helpful...

If you want more free classes... visit the Adobe TV site.

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Adobe Demos Future Technology at NAB

Thursday, April 24, 2008

Following up on my "Really Cool Adobe Announcements" post...

Adobe has actually posted their "secret" presentation from NAB. Hart Shafer talks about four cool things Adobe has up their sleeve.

You SO need to watch this... trust me. BTW (for those of you waiting... they did show OnLocation for Mac in this demo).

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Get the Adobe Media Player Now!

Sunday, April 20, 2008

This is an excerpt from an article to be released in full later this week:

Adobe released the Adobe Media Player software on April 9, which allows a customizable, cross-platform media player experience. Built using as an Adobe Air application, the media player harnessed the power of Flash to create a rich media experience. To complete the experience, Adobe adds support for both RSS feeds and H.264 video, two of the open standards used by the podcasting movement.

What does this all mean? I had a chance to sit down with Deeje Cooley, who serves as the evangelist for Adobe’s Dynamic Media Organization (and formerly as the product manager for the Adobe Media Player). Cooley was tasked with bringing the product to market and he shared insight into Adobe’s motivation for the product and goals for its role in the market. Unlike competing products, the Adobe Media Player has chosen to focus on being a video-only player.

“The growth of video online, the dramatic growth of flash as the video delivery mechanism of choice… there was a ripe opportunity to take advantage of all these events around the industry,” said Cooley. “We started to build an RSS aggregator and quickly recognized that video was going to be a significant media online and so it became a video RSS aggregator. And so that’s really the birth of the Adobe Media Player.”

The Adobe Media Player is immediately available as a free download for Windows and Macintosh platforms from http://www.adobe.com/go/mp.

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Scott Kelby Releases 2nd Annual Gonzo Holiday Gear Guide

Monday, November 12, 2007

Thanks to Scott Kelby for releasing his very cool guide to gift shopping (for geeks and photographers at least).
“It’s here: the long awaited, unabated, triangulated, amalgamated, 2nd annual edition of Scott’s Gonzo Holiday Gear Guide!

This year’s expanded in-depth guide includes nothing but the coolest, personally hand-picked gear for the photography and Photoshop freak on your holiday list.”

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An Amazing Website for the Land of Oz

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Sci-Fi Network has a very cool series that "re-imagines" the Land of Oz. The show is called Tin Man, and while the show looks fantastic, it is an amazing promo site that deserves mention. They have created a really unique sub-site called The Infinite Oz which offers a virtual reality experience. What I like is how immersive and creative the website is. It also features the work of several up and coming 3D artists. Go take a look... really!

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Holiday Shopping Guides for Gadget Loving Geeks

Sunday, November 19, 2006

There are two great gift guides for the holiday season (both published by friends). If you need to find something for the digital geek in your life (or even just want something to give others ideas) then check these two out.

First, you have Scott Kelby's “Gonzo Holiday Gadget Guide.” This free PDF features a ton of cool digital photography and photoshop related goodies. All the products have been tested by Scott himself, which is cool as he certainly knows his stuff. You can download it from http://www.planetphotoshop.com.

The other guide is from Terry White (who is a true road warrior who works for Adobe). The 2006 Holiday Gadget Gift Guide is an interactive PDF links to some of the coolest gizmos out there. Terry covers everything from digital video to frequent traveler to music lover. His choice are really very good.

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A Truly Amazing Comic (On Copyright)

Thursday, November 16, 2006

I’m still reading this comic, but it is absolutely amazing. Bound by Law is absolutely amazing, it analyzes the murky world of copyright law in a clear way. It is an excellent source on information for film and video pros as well as other creative professions. Published by the Duke University Center for the Study of the Public Domain, this comic covers the essential information in the most creative and entertaining way possible. It’s totally free and should not be missed.

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New Freebies for Video Pros

Saturday, October 28, 2006

I've posted some new items online to help spice up your projects and make your digital life a little easier.

• Background Textures from Digital Anarchy
• NTSC Test Image (For use with Photoshop's Video Actions)
• Power Window/Vignette to enhance Film Look
• Over The Shoulder Data Sets Template

I hope you enjoy. If you spot any problems, please let me know.

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New Film/Video Group in NYC

Thursday, October 26, 2006

While at NAB New York, I had the chance to catch up with some industry pros. I just found at that the New York Final Cut Pro User Group has evolved into a broader focus. The group is now called The Motion Pictures Collective.

"The Moving Pictures Collective fosters our professional filmmaking community to enhance their abilities and broaden their overall knowledge and skills to reach their career goals. With post-production as our core competency, we will share techniques, tools, and best practices in all competencies including editing, directing, writing, producing, and shooting. We will also promote member collaboration by sharing our work in a supportive environment and create opportunities for our members to flourish.”

If you live near New York City, be sure to check out one of their great events.

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New Rotoscoping Solution Previewed - Motor from Imagineer Systems

Wednesday, October 25, 2006

At NAB New York, I had a chance to take a look at a new rotoscoping product that is truly unique and fast! Imageneer Systems showed off motor, which looks to speed up the tedious process of rotoscoping by 3 times. The tools is designed for both video and film work. It is a standalone product, but it can export matted clips or mask data to other programs. The product works using 2.5D planar tracking technology where the user defines basic objects or planes (like body parts). The system then supports variable edge width and the ability to refine edges with far fewer keyframes. The product is currently in beta testing (but release looks to be soon).

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The Real Reason for Windows Vista Delay

Sunday, October 22, 2006

While clearing off my cell phone camera, I came across this gem from Photoshop World. I had intended to sit down and watch a demo on Windows Vista (writing a book on PowerPoint makes you do strange things).

So I went to hear (and see the latest). But it seems that the Microsoft rep couldn't get the system to boot up using Windows Vista. The audience was good natured, but still after multiple reboots and attempts, it just wouldn't work). So, the unaltered photos you see here are what the audience got (at least the demo guy had a sense of humor).

So, has Vegas started taking odds on Apple vs. Windows as to who will get their operating system out the door first? What are your plans about Windows Vista?

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5GB of Free Online Storage for PC Users (and Very Patient Mac Users)

Sunday, October 01, 2006

AOL has launched a free utility for online storage called Xdrive. They'll give you a whopping 5 GB (which is pretty good). The service is free (for now it appears) as it doesn't charge you or ask for any payment info. But the login screen does allude that they may ask to charge in the future (you won't be billed automatically).

“With your 5GB of secure online storage there's plenty of room to keep backup copies of digital photos, all your important documents, e-mail attachments, and other files — and still have space leftover for your music collection. It's the best way to keep computer crashes from becoming disasters. Think of it as hard drive insurance.”

In that vein, it gets even better. When I logged in, they upped it to 50 GB for free. They offer free software for Windows users that lets you mount the Xdrive as a volume on your desktop. But Mac users can still access the service through a slightly more clunky web interface.

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Classic TV Test Pattern Now as Desktop Wallpaper

Sunday, September 17, 2006

A few folks commented about my desktop pattern at a recent conference. It seems the old 'Indian head' pattern evokes some memories in many audience members.

Well the version I had comes from a Russian designer named Art. Lebedev. You'll find it and several other pieces of artwork on his posters page. For the test pattern, scroll down to the bottom and you'll find it in the right column. All are free to download.

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New Update for DVD Extraction Tool

Thursday, August 31, 2006

We often get DVDs from clients who own video files (we're talking about productions they paid for). When we ask for a beta or DVCAM master, they look confused and panicked. It's certainly best to go back to a master tape to rework video, but you may not have the time or means on every job.

My favorite app is Cinematize, a cross-platform tool designed to extract non-copy-protected material from a DVD. This can also come in handy if the deck just ate your dub master and you have to get a copy out. Although you'll be dealing with a compressed file, it's better than no file at all.

Miraizon has now released a free update that makes the application Universal, which means it will run natively on both PowerPC and Intel chips. The application is also available to Windows users. Be sure to give it a try.

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New P2 Utility Makes Field Production Easier

Sunday, August 13, 2006

We've been experimenting with the Panasonic HVX-200 on some of our recent shoots. This camera offers the ability to use P2 cards from Panasonic to store the video clips without ever going to tape. Sounds great, except you'll need to transfer those cards multiple times during an average shoot. This usually leads do a data assistant which is similar in function to a film-loader.

Leave it to Anders Holck to come up with a great solution. We already profiled the useful utility called FCP Rescue on this blog. Now he's released P2 Genie which automates several of the media management aspects when working with the cards.

• You run it on a Mac Laptop with a CardBus slot (This means PowerBooks only)
• P2 genie can be used as an automatic P2 store, or you set manual options
• It can also be used offload a P2 store or HVX-200.
• You can also choose to datestamp all your ofloaded P2 cards for easier sorting

We'll be putting it to test on a week-long shoot next week. P2 Genie costs $33 (US) or €25.

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New EVDO ExpressCard Arrives (and is Perfect!)

Friday, August 11, 2006

So... you may have picked up on my love of all things EVDO. These great cards let the business traveler or mobile blogger kill off the expense of logging in at coffee shops, hotels, and convention centers (I've had months where access has run me $225). Unfortunately, the new Macs and Dells required an ExpressCard (which was not available until today). But I have mine, and thanks to the card... I am mobile and plugged in (in fact that is how this very entry was posted!)

Hats off to EVDO Info for shipping as promised and getting it to me overnight. Note, their website references a high demand... so if you need one... pre-order.

“The demand is huge for the ExpressCard. We sold out of our first shipment (which is being sent out to customers on 8/11/2006). Our next shipment is currently scheduled for 8/23/2006.”

Boy... do I love wireless internet.... *GRIN*

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T.W.O.M. - August 2006

Sunday, August 06, 2006

Welcome to our new series... Technology Word Of the Month. I encounter a lot of overly plugged-in folks each month and they often have their own language. In my efforts to keep you a member of the techno-elite, I bring you the word of the month for August.

MACDINKED – verb: When a designer (or client) continues to tweak a project beyond an appropriate level because they are technologically capable of doing so.

This word was brought to my attention by my Dad (and yes... I felt slightly aghast that he was more plugged in). Feel free to comment or add your own. Email submissions welcome and there will be a prize for the best word each month.

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Good DVD to Learn From

Sunday, July 09, 2006

So when I first saw Mr. & Mrs. Smith I thought it was a good action flick with a little romance thrown in and some pretty funny characters (in other words a perfect Hollywood formula flick). It was filled with well-orchestrated action scenes and neither my wife or I regretted the $18 it cost for the two of us to go to the movies. And that's where it ended. Except I picked up the DVD today (perhaps it was the well orchestrated Brangelina ploy - the stars of this film). But the Two disc Mr. & Mrs. Smith - Unrated contains a way above average amount of useful DVD extras. including some scene and storyboard deconstructions and the film maker sharing looks at alternative approaches and scenes. Sure you've seen that al befor, but it is very wel-done here and as a visual storyteller, I actually learned a few things. Consider picking it up, but be sure to get the two-disc edition.

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Cool Free Fonts

Saturday, July 08, 2006

Looking to expand your typographical toolbox? Then be sure to visit Dinc Type at the unique URL www.GirlsWhoWearGlasses.com. The site is sassy and filled with great fonts. The unique thing is that while fonts are free, the selection frequently changes and fonts appear then disappear. Its like an incredible import shop where everything’s free, but the inventory keeps changing. Bookmark and keep checking back as their fonts are absolutely fantastic.

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The Master of Trivia Comments on DVD Trivia

Saturday, July 08, 2006

For those of you who make DVDs, it’s always good to get a fresh opinion. What do people really think of all those ‘extra’ features? Who better to comment on DVD trivia then Ken Jennings?

In his blog, he recently weighed in on both DVD Extras and access to catalog titles. Ken’s blog is funny and insightful and surprisingly addictive (much like his Jeopardy run).

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It’s all About Covering Your Assets

Friday, July 07, 2006

Apple launched Aperture, then Adobe announced Lightroom. Leave it to Microsoft to get in on the fray. iView Multimedia is now part of Microsoft. Micrsoft has picked up three products: View MediaPro, iView Media, iView Catalog Reader. As people gather more and more photos, movies, and other digital files, keeping track of them all gets even harder. Yan Calotychos, has written a letter about the Microsoft deal which you can read here.

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Spot the Fake

Wednesday, July 05, 2006

How good are your eyes? Sure in the good old days you could spot the fake dinosaurs and Spiderman was a stunt man in a suit for every shot, These days we are inundated with photorealistic CGI on TV and in cinema. Just how good are your senses? Head over to Autodesk (makers of 3D Studio Max and Maya) to take this quiz. I got 8 out of 10 on my first try... take a look and stretch your brain for two minutes. Thanks to Scott Simmons for the story.

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NuLooq First Look

Tuesday, May 30, 2006

The fine folks at Logitech sent one of these over for me to play with. It's an alternative input device for Mac users (primarily for Adobe apps - for now). It allows for a customizable interface and is really comfortable to use. Essentially, you can program frequently used tools to be literally 'at hand' or via a custom floating palette on-screen. So far, it's a winner, and I'll update you as I go deeper.
To find out more.

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