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ProMax Cobra Crane Reviewed
by Stephen Schleicher
Any videographer worth his salt knows shooting on a tripod is the smart thing to do. Unfortunately, you can only do so much with a tripod. There are times when you want to do a dramatic shot from up high and move the camera down to inches above the floor. Or you need an overhead shot looking straight down on a car engine that is being repaired or table where a delicious meal is being prepared. For a few hundred dollars these shots are within reach with the Cobra Crane from ProMax systems.
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Automatic Composition Import FCP Suite
Importing entire FCP sequences into After Effects never been easier
by Stephen Schleicher
December 9, 2002In the last Final Cut Pro Quick Tip, I discussed how to import a single clip from the Final Cut Pro Timeline to After Effects for special effects work. The problem with that solution is it only brings in one track. If you have multiple layers, and need to make adjustments to all of them at the same time, you are going to run into issues. The solution? Get the duck... Automatic Duck that is.
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January 29, 2003
3rd Party Plug-ins: Keying
Going outside the After Effects box
by Stephen Schleicher
I really like and appreciate the keying plug-ins found in Adobe After Effects 5.5 Standard and Production Bundles. Nearly every single green screen or blue screen composite that I have done over the last two years, has been completed with the keying capabilities Adobe has included in the application. However, for some people, spending any length of time making adjustments to the built in plug-ins may be too much time taken from the post process. For those times, you may want to go outside the box and take a look at some 3rd party keying plug-ins.
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January 29, 2003
Steady Tracker Xtreme
Stabilizing shots without complex gear
by Stephen Schleicher
Remember when Rocky ran up those steps in Philadelphia the camera following him smoothly the entire time? This was the first major shot done with a new device we know now as the Steadicam. If you have ever been up close and personal to a Steadicam, you know they are big, bulky, extremely heavy, and very expensive for the everyday video professional. Enter the Steady Tracker Xtreme.
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February 2, 2003
Barger-Baglite GT-6
by Stephen Schleicher
With the success of the Lighting 101 series, I have gotten several e-mails from readers wanting to know what types of lights I use to shoot with. I have even received e-mails from companies wanting me to test out their light equipment. When I received an e-mail from Barger-Baglite offering me one of their new GT-6s to test out, I took them up on it.
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FEBRUARY 21, 2003
WarmCards
White Balance Reference System
by Stephen Schleicher
Let’s face it, we would all love to have video that delivers warm rich colors, but the problem is in the way that CCD cameras react to light. Yes, you can spend hours and hours tweaking the lighting, trying to get the desired results, but a simpler solution might be to adjust the way the camera perceives white. Enter WarmCards from warmcards.com.
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MARCH 11, 2003
Total Training: Adobe After Effects 5.5
DVD series reviewed
by Stephen Schleicher
I spent the last week and a half watching every minute of the new Total Training DVD series that covers Adobe After Effects 5.5. Why a week and a half? It is over 40 hours of material! What are my thoughts on this new offering? Well, it depends on who you are.
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March 21, 2003
DigitalFilm Tree Color Correction Training
DVD and Book Review
by Stephen Schleicher
This week I take a look at DigitalFilm Tree’s Color Correction for Final Cut Pro instructional DVD and their Final Cut Pro Color Correction 101 book. As a first edition for both of these, I like what I see, but also have mixed feelings.
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April 4, 2003
StreamZ
Streaming solution made easy
by Stephen Schleicher
What do I like more than something that works the way it should right out of the box? Something that is easy to use and understand. Such is the case with Digital Rapids StreamZ streaming encoder.
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April 18, 2003
Magic Bullet Suite 1.1
Film look process for video
by Stephen Schleicher
It is all the rage these days; with the huge numbers of independent movie makers out there, the falling cost of digital cameras (Canon’s XL-1S, Sony’s PD-150, and the Panasonic AG-DVX100), non-linear editing systems (Avid Xpress DV, Apple’s Final Cut Pro, and Adobe Premiere), and motion graphics applications (Commotion and Adobe After Effects), it is no wonder so many people are trying to make their video look like it was shot on film.
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April 30, 2003
Lighting for Digital Video and Television
Book a great read on many levels
By Stephen Schleicher
I don’t really get the chance to read as many books as I once did, but when I do, I usually pick a book that I think will be worthwhile. Lighting for Digital Video and Television by John Jackman was my latest read, and it was well worth it.
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May 19, 2003
Total Training For Adobe Photoshop 7
Latest offering full of great info
by Stephen Schleicher
With the release of new software, hopefully a slew of new features and functions have been added. New functions and features, means it is going to take time to learn them. To help you out there are usually a large number of companies ready to sell you educational materials to help you learn. Unfortunately, after a few of these “new feature” packages, new users may be lost as to what the basic program can do. Fortunately Total Training has taken the time to go back and teach you all the ins and outs from basic to advanced with their latest DVD series Total Training for Adobe Photoshop 7.
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May 20, 2003
Color Correction for Digital Video
by Stephen Schleicher
After reading the John Jackman lighting book from CMPBooks, I decided I would try another in their DV Expert Series and see how well it stood up. I spent last week reading through Color Correction for Digital Video by Steve Hullfish and Jaime Fowler, and once again, I’m not disappointed.
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May 28, 2003
Inside Final Cut Express
DVD Training
by Stephen Schleicher
I like training series. They usually offer an easy to follow explanation of an application, and often throw in some jewels of information you would be pressed to find anywhere else. Recently I’ve been flooded with books, DVDs, and videos of training materials for a variety of products. This time, I take a look at the Digital Media Training DVD Inside Final Cut Express.
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May 29, 2003
Zoom-In
Magazine on a DVD?
by Stephen Schleicher
I was at the magazine rack the other day and happened across a magazine that instead of traditional print was instead being sold on DVD. I didn’t buy the DVD-mag because I wasn’t sure if my money would be well spent. Just so happens I received an e-mail from Magnet Media Inc. who is producing their own line of magazines on DVD and asked if I wanted to check out Zoom-In.
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JUNE 05, 2003
Squeeze It
Sorenson Squeeze 3 a wonder for compression
by Stephen Schleicher
The Sorenson Video 3 Pro Codec is probably by far the best compression codec out there. It has the ability to produce some amazing results. In the past, however, the only way to get the codec was to purchase it and then install it with your other compression software. But what if Sorenson decided to create their own compression software based around their great codec? Would the results be worth it? You bet! I recently took a look at Sorenson Squeeze 3 Compression Suite for the Mac and PC platforms and was quite impressed.
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June 17, 2003
Photoflex FlexDrop2
Portable chromakey makes life easier
by Stephen Schleicher
Lately I have become a chromakey nut. It probably started last year when I wrote the Hologram tutorial and wrote extensively about how to properly light and set up a green or blue screen shoot. Not one who likes to be confined to the studio for my green screen work, I have been looking for portable convenient greenscreens to aid in my many shoots.
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June 19, 2003
Stream500
Stand alone encoding card from Digital Rapids
by Stephen Schleicher
Recently I reviewed the Digital Rapids StreamZ system for streaming video and audio over the web. If the turnkey system was a bit out of your price and needs range, then maybe you should consider the PCI Card versions instead.
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July 7, 2003
Cleaner XL
Not your father's Cleaner
by Stephen Schleicher
If you were surprised when discreet released Cleaner 6 some months ago and noticed that there wasn’t a Cleaner 6 for the PC, have no fears as a revamped cleaner was released for the PC shortly after. This isn’t your father’s Cleaner this is cleaner XL.
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JULY 16, 2003
Adobe After Effects 6.0
Major upgrade worth the wait
by Stephen Schleicher
When Adobe released After Effects 5.0 some two years ago, it was a major breakthrough in compositing technology – 3D layers, vector painting, speed and workflow improvements were all major advantages to this application. With the near-release of After Effects 6.0, Adobe has done it again by adding and improving upon an already-great animation and compositing package.
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August 26, 2003
Come Together
iPod unites PC and Mac worlds
by Stephen Schleicher
Ever since Steve Jobs first unveiled the iPod, I thought that I had found the MP3 player I had been searching for. Unfortunately at the time, it was only a Mac compatible product, and at the time, I didn’t own a Mac. Recently Apple released the next generation of iPods, which now work on either platform. Praise Jobs!
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September 03, 2003
Useful Things
A workflow overview
by Stephen Schleicher
Profound Effects Useful Things is a wonderful addition to Adobe After Effects. With it you have the ability to create over 300 effects – many come with the app, while others are created by a huge user base. For some users, the way you create an effect can be a bit daunting. In this overview, I’ll walk you through the process of creating one of my favorite Useful Things effects.
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September 09, 2003
Useful Assistants
Helpful assistants a click away
by Stephen Schleicher
Remember the story of the shoe cobbler who had little fellows come into his shop to cobble shoes at night? These assistants helped the cobbler when he was pressed for time. Having elves help with our After Effects work would be cool, if only we could lure them into our electronic sweatshops. If you were impressed with Profound Effects Useful Things, you are going to find their latest product Useful Assistants a blessing, and you don’t have to worry about elf uprisings.
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SEPTEMBER 09, 2003
Total Training: Adobe After Effects 6.0
DVD series reviewed
by Stephen Schleicher
When Adobe released the update to their popular compositing and animation program, users scrambled to find resource material to learn the latest and greatest features. First out of the block was Total Training and their Total Training for Adobe After Effects 6.0 DVD series.
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September 15, 2002
Post House in a Box
Collection from Adobe gives power to masses
by Stephen Schleicher
Sitting on my doorstep last week was a rather unassuming box. Small in size, but heavy in weight, this box contained the Adobe Video Collection Professional. While this collection may seem like something that will end up sitting on the shelf, Adobe has actually created the most powerful postproduction software collection you can buy in one go.
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October 20, 2003
Time Will Tell
Updates on products reviewed
by Stephen Schleicher
Over the last three years, I’ve reviewed a lot of products for this site. Some have been good, some have been bad. But what happens to those products after the review is over? Which ones have had a long life, which ones were tossed aside, and which ones failed on me? Here’s an update.
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October 27, 2003
Particleillusion 3.0
Particle animation software a treat
by Stephen Schleicher
For many 2D compositors, highly detailed particle systems are hard to come by. For the 3D animator doing detailed particles and rendering them out inside the application can take a great deal of time to calculate. Combining the speed of a 2D particle system with the details found in 3D particle renderers would be the perfect solution. Wondertouch has answered the call with Particleillusion 3.0.
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DECEMBER 23, 2003
First Look: Trapcode Lux
Volumetric lighting comes to After Effects
by Stephen Schleicher
Turn on the television, and you are sure to see a commercial, television show, or trailer that is using a Trapcode After Effects plug-in in some shape or form; Starglow, Sound Keys, and the ever popular 3D Stroke, and Shine. Get ready to see more Trapcode magic in the near future, this time in the form of volumetric lights.
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January 28, 2004
Killer Titles
Intelligent Assistance reviewed
by Stephen Schleicher
If you are like me, you often find yourself scratching your head at three in the morning while browsing through manuals looking for the solution to a seemingly simple problem. This very apparent with Apple’s LiveType application for Final Cut Pro 4. While the program is robust and versatile, the documentation and tutorials are really lacking. That’s where Killer Titles: Intelligent Assistance for LiveType and Calligraphy comes in.
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February 09, 2004
Review: Total Training for Adobe Premiere Pro
DVD training gets better
Stephen Schleicher
I’ve been reviewing Total Training series for quite a while now, and after viewing hundreds of hours of their work, one would expect that the videos would become rather stale. That is not the case in one of their latest offerings covering Adobe Premiere Pro.
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February 11, 2004
Total Training Essentials
DVD training done right
by Stephen Schleicher
Earlier in the week, I made mention of the Total Training Essentials series for Adobe Encore and Adobe Audition. Today I’ve gotten around to reviewing them. Why so fast? These aren’t those monster training series from years past, but rather an essentials series to get you up and running fast.
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February 16, 2004
R-Studio
Data recovery that saves your bacon
by Stephen Schleicher
I’ve had it with Maxtor Firewire drives. Having a long term (18 month) failure rate of 75% (3 of 4 drives dead over the last four years), doesn’t make me like the company or their products too much. While I may not be purchasing any more Maxtor drives ever again, there is a bright light for the lost data. R-Studio from R-Tools Technology is a cheap and effective program for recovering trashed drives and deleted folders.
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March 4, 2004
Combustion 3
From the After Effects user’s POV
by Stephen Schleicher
Most of you know me from my After Effects writing I have done on these pages. I have been using the application for about 10 years now, and consider it one of my favorite and most often used programs. By being fully entrenched with this product for so long, you can imagine my hesitancy when I was asked to begin using discreet’s Combustion 3. While other reviewers have done a stand-alone review of the product, I thought it would be better to look at Combustion 3 from an After Effects perspective.
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March 12, 2004
Practical Color Correction
One of the most often discussed, and often confusing aspect of working in any Non-Linear Edit system is that of color correction. What does it do? How do you do it? Why is it important in my project? While there have been a rather large number of books, training DVDs and other sources for answers, they usually require you to flip through page after page in a book, or shuttling through chapters on a DVD. When you can’t spend the time looking through these conflicting sources, and you need the information explained to you in a relatively short amount of time, you need Intelligent Assistance’s new offering: Practical Color Correction.
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March 23, 2004
Final Cut Express 2
I’ve been using Final Cut Pro for over five years now. If you have read my previous reviews of this software or have used my Final Cut Pro Quick Tips, you know I love this application. So when Apple released Final Cut Express 2, you can probably guess I was pretty hyped up about it. After all, not everyone can afford (or needs) a $1000 Pro system – right? After using it for a couple of projects am I still sold on Final Cut Express 2 as a viable option for DV editors? You’re just going to have to
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APRIL 07, 2004
Stitcher 4.0
Upgrade adds needed features
Stephen Schleicher
When I first reviewed Stitcher 3.0 several years ago, I was blown away by the impact this application has on the web creation, animation, and digital content fields. Recently I received the latest upgrade (4.0) and gave it a whirl.
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April 27 2004
First Look: Adobe After Effects 6.5 Pro
Update to popular compositing app much needed
By Stephen Schleicher
Adobe unveiled After Effects 6.5 at the NAB 2004 convention in Las Vegas. I know I get excited each time a new update is released to any product, because I know that new features, updates, and tweaks under the hood means more productivity for me. Even though the release is still a while a way, here is DMN’s first look at Adobe After Effects 6.5.
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April 30, 2004
DV Enlightenment
DVD Training from DVCreators.net
by Stephen Schleicher
Off the top of my head I can only think of about three training video series that cover basic lighting for video. At NAB 2004 the list got both longer and shorter. Longer in the sense that there are now more videos available, and shorter in the sense that there is now one video I recommend for those wanting to know the basics of lighting for video.
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May 05, 2004
Total Training for Beginners
New offering perfect for the new and uncertain
By Stephen Schleicher
Since many of the most popular content creation application have been around for years, many training seminars, tutorials, and videos are aimed at demonstrating the latest updates to get the season professional up to speed. But what about those that are just getting into the biz? What about those hobbyists, part-timers, or even those brand new to this technology? What kind of training is available to them? Total Training’s Digital Photography and Adobe Photoshop Workflow Guide is the answer.
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May 24, 2004
Magic Bullet for Editors
The look of film without the cost
by Stephen Schleicher
Just over a year ago I reviewed the Magic Bullet Suite 1.1 plug-in for Adobe After Effects. This quickly became the must have plug-in for anyone wanting to make their video look like it was shot on high quality film. With a steep price tag, it did keep many from jumping at the tool, yet everyone still wanted a way to get that magical look on their next production. The Orphanage and Red Giant Software have answered that plea with Magic Bullet for Editors 1.0.
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June 4, 2004
The Animation Show
Independent animation finds audience in new DVD
By Stephen Schleicher
We’re all familiar with PIXAR, Disney, DreamWorks, and Warner Bros. animation. Big feature films, Saturday morning fare, and fodder for the Cartoon Network. But what about the independent animator? Where do they go to get their work seen? The Animation Show of course.
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June 9, 2004
CGI Filmmaking
The making of Kaze, Ghost Warrior reviewed
by Stephen Schleicher
For many aspiring animation filmmakers, there are hundreds of books on how to get the most out of your 3D application. But not too many on creating a CGI film from start to finish, and even fewer that show you how to do it all by yourself, in the middle of no-where, with only the money you have saved.
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June 30, 2004
Darkling Interactive Noise
Fractal noise plug-in for After Effects
by Stephen Schleicher
Over the years, I have been a huge supporter of the Fractal Noise effect in After Effects. Fractal Noise can do so much, that it seems there isn’t anything this effect can’t do. Then I received Darkling Interactive Noise (DIN) from Darkling Simulations, and discovered a plug-in that is a very nice complement to Fractal Noise.
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July 7, 2004
Reelhouse Royalty Free Footage and FX
The film collection
by Stephen Schleicher
When it comes to creating a film look on video projects, there are a number of ways to accomplish the look with your post and post effect system. Sometimes it is easier to do it with a stock footage library. The Reelhouse footage library has a five volume collection, which might be the answer for many of you.
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August 09, 2004
StoryBoard Quick
Storyboarding software for the artistically challenged
By Stephen Schleicher
If you only had five minutes to do a production from start to finish (pre-pro, production, post), three of those minutes would be spent in pre-production. It is here that you can anticipate and solve many problems that would have made an appearance during the shoot. One of the best ways to anticipate your needs is to storyboard your script. However, not all of us are artistically inclined and a stick figure storyboard will do nothing to communicate your vision to the rest of the crew. For the director on a budget, StoryBoard Quick is the answer.
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September 02, 2004
Book Review: Discreet Combustion 3
Long awaited training material now available
by Stephen Schleicher
Until recently the only documentation available for the ins and outs of combustion 3 has been the discreet manual, online articles (like my Combustion Eye series), and the occasional training tape. Thanks to Gary Davis and Focal Press, there is now a thorough and complete guide to using the application that puts everything into perspective.
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September 8, 2004
Squeeze It (Again)
Sorenson compression redux
By Stephen Schleicher
Just over a year ago, Sorenson released Squeeze 3 for the Mac and PC. Now with the release of 4.0, what changes have been made, how are the compression schemes that have been added, and is the upgrade worth it?
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September 20, 2004
broadcastGEMs
New motion background collection for editors
by Stephen Schleicher
As more producers seek ways to decrease their budgets, there has been an increase in the number of stock footage and graphic collection libraries. broadcastGEMs enters the race with their first offering for the DV professional. Have I found a hidden diamond?
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September 17, 2004
Combustion Underground
Runaway Training DVD series
by Stephen Schleicher
A few months ago I suggested it would be a great to have training products available for users of discreet’s combustion 3 application. It seems my requests have been answered with many companies putting out training material. The first offering was in book form, and now Runaway Training has come out with their series in DVD form – Combustion Underground.
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October 20, 2004
RealViz ImageModeler 4.0
3D models from 2D photos
by Stephen Schleicher
Creating realistic 3D models for any level of production can be a challenge. Building a high quality model takes time. Using reference photos to build your object and place the model in a photorealistic space can take a lot of pre-planning as well. Wouldn’t it be easier to take those reference photos and have an application generate the model for you in as few steps as possible? Enter the latest update to RealViz’s ImageModeler.
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October 27, 2004
The Gripper v. The Sticky Pod
The low cost camera car mount smack down
by Stephen Schleicher
Ladies and Gentlemen! Boys and Girls! Videographers and Filmmakers of all ages! Mounting a camera on a car is the desire of anyone wanting to do a traveling shot, but cost and quality are always issues. Now entering the competition, two low cost solutions: The Gripper and The Sticky Pod. We put them in the arena and let them battle it out. Who’s gonna win? Step right up and you'll find out.
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October 28, 2004
Digital Matte Painting the Dusso Way
Gnomon DVD workshop reviewed
by Stephen Schleicher
Training workshops can run you thousands of dollars for a few days of sitting in a classroom with 14 other people. The more prominent the instructor the harder it is to get into the class. Factor in travel and lodging costs, and you have easily spent the same money to buy a new camera or 3D application. Fortunately there are numerous DVD training series taught by true masters. The Gnomon Workshop has just released their new Digital Matte Painting series, which saves you both time and money, while learning from an expert.
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November 5, 2004
Cycore Effects HD
16-bit effects for Adobe After Effects
by Stephen Schleicher
Cycore plug-ins have always been very popular for those working in the Adobe After Effects world. Different ways of warping, bending, and changing layers in the Timeline was made possible with Final Effects, one of the early AE plug-ins. When After Effects 6.5 shipped it included Cycore FX which included many of the same effects found in Final Effects but for free. Now Cycore has released Cycore Effects HD 1.0, the 16-bit version of these popular effects.
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November 24, 2004
Vindigo 2.0
Travel companion for your PDA
by Stephen Schleicher
In a society where everything is moving to electronic devices, who would want to be caught dead walking down the streets of a major metropolis flipping through Fodor’s Travel Guide? Even without your black socks, sandals, and camera around your neck, the travel guide screams “tourist”. It does, however, look very natural for someone to be examining the contents of their PDA. Vindigo Studios comes to the rescue with Vindigo 2.0, one of the best applications for those on the go.
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December 1, 2004
Hollywood Camera Work
DVD master course on blocking and staging reviewed
by Stephen Schleicher
Very rarely have I gone Ga-Ga over a DVD training series. Hollywood Camera Work by Per Holmes is a definite got to have DVD series for anyone wanting to master the craft camera blocking and staging.
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December 15, 2004
Seagate USB 2.0 Pocket Hard Drive
5GB portable storage in the palm of your hand
by Stephen Schleicher
It looks like a hockey puck, has a four inch tail, and is able to store 13 hours of digital video. It isn’t the latest portable media player, but rather the latest pocket hard drive from Seagate with an impressive 5GB of storage.
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December 18, 2004
Help Editing Your Digital Video
Total Training Presents: Digital Video and Adobe Premiere Elements Reviewed
by Stephen Schleicher
Did you get a new DV camera for the holidays? Looking to edit your video with the new Adobe Premiere Elements? Don’t know your Firewire from your USB? DV Editing scare you? Need to put your video on the web or DVD? All of your questions will be answered with Total Training Presents: Digital Video and Adobe Premiere Elements.
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December 22, 2004
Viva la Dance Pad Revolution!
Two dance pads reviewed
by Stephen Schleicher
Have you joined the revolution? The Dance Dance Revolution that is. Have you been to the arcade and seen the gamers doing their moves and secretly wished you could the same thing at home? In order to get the full DDR arcade experience, you really need to get a dance pad controller for your system. I recently had the chance to look at two offerings and have come to the conclusion that expensive is better.
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December 29, 2004
Au Naturel
Plug-in for After Effects, Final Cut Pro and Combustion reviewed
by Stephen Schleicher
While there are built in filters for Gaussian blur, Levels, and various compositing modes, often they leave something lacking. With Au Naturel from Buena Software you get effects that look like they might have been done in camera.
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January 6, 2005
Weather in the Palm of Your Hand
AccuWeather.com Premium for cell phones
by Stephen Schleicher
Being able to check up to the minute weather can be vital when traveling, or when you don’t have access to media outlets. With AccuWeather.com’s Premium weather service for cell phones, you can have all the weather information you need in the palm of your hand.
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January 25, 2005
Alpine iPod Adapter
Take your iPod on the road with the KCA-420i
by Stephen Schleicher
Take a look at any good electronics store and you are bound to find a number of different ways to listen to your iPod while driving in your car. I’ve tried several methods, but none have been better than the Alpine KCA-420i iPod adapter.
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February 4, 2005
LightWave[8] Reviewed
NewTek’s latest more fun than a barrel of monkeys
by Stephen Schleicher
If you have followed my writings over the last several years, you know I am a huge fan of NewTek’s LightWave 3D. Version 7.5 delivered many needed features, but still lacked some of bang animators desired. With the release of LightWave[8] have these issues been addressed?
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February 22, 2005
Broadcast GEMs: AE Pro Series
Customizable Animated Backgrounds
by Stephen Schleicher
For editors and animators who must deliver a project in a short amount of time, with very little money, and it must be spectacular, stock animated backgrounds are a blessing. However, these motion backs can become easily identifiable when everyone uses them to impress their client. What we really need is a stock animated background collection that we can customize. Broadcast GEMs have such an offering with their AE Pro Series.
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February 28, 2005
Spherical Panoramic Photography
Latest DVD from the Gnomon Workshop reviewed
by Stephen Schleicher
I’m a big fan of RealViz’s Stitcher application that aids you in creating panoramic photos for the web, 3D environment, or just as a nice show piece for your wall. While the Stitcher application is powerful and has many options for creating stunning work, the end result will be less than stellar if you don’t know how to take a decent image to begin with. In Spherical Panoramic Photography with Greg Downing, the Gnomon Workshop DVD walks you through everything you need to know.
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April 5, 2005
PSP Reviewed
Sony’s handheld good and bad
by Stephen Schleicher
The heavily anticipated portable gaming system from Sony has arrived! With a beautiful image, very few games, a few bugs, and a hefty price tag. With all of the excitement, is the Sony PSP really worth it?
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April 6, 2005
Lumines
Tetris like puzzle game very addictive for PSP users
by Stephen Schleicher
Every system needs a killer app. For the portable gaming industry, that killer app was Tetris; the Russian game of falling blocks. Today, if you mention Tetris, most people would yawn and say, “Been there done that.” But have you tried Lumines? It’s not your father’s Tetris.
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May 10, 2005
FireStore FS-4
Tapeless Acquisition in the Palm of Your Hand
by Stephen Schleicher
My biggest gripe when taping a long format production is the tape always wants to run out at a dramatic moment. The second biggest gripe is waiting an eternity while the tape is digitized into my NLE system. Imagine how happy I was when my complaints disappeared thanks to the FireStore FS-4 DTE recorder from Focus Enhancements.
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June 08, 2005
Final Cut Express HD
Powerful DV and HDV editing for everyone
by Stephen Schleicher
Not a powerhouse post production company? Editing wedding videos, high school video yearbooks, or content for your local access channel? Got a FX1 for capturing HDV footage and need to get it edited? Don’t have the funding for the Final Cut Pro Suite, but you want nearly the same editing experience? Then my friend, you need to get yourself the latest version of Final Cut Express.
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June 09, 2005
Light it Right
Victor Milt Lighting DVD Reviewed
by Stephen Schleicher
In the today’s market where crews, equipment, and time are ever shrinking, yet production values are expected to grow, it is difficult to be a master of all aspects of production. One area that is constantly shorted and ends up affecting the quality of the video is lighting. Light it Right from VASST is the latest training DVD to hit the market to offer help to those wanting to improve their skills.
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June 15, 2005
Final Cut Pro 5
Upgrade worth the price
by Stephen Schleicher
Users of Final Cut Pro can rejoice with the release of Final Cut Pro Studio. It not only includes an eagerly awaited update to Final Cut Pro, but updates three other applications as well; Soundtrack Pro, Motion 2, and DVD Studio Pro 4. The improvements made to Final Cut Pro 5 alone are worth the price of the upgrade, as Digital Media Net’s Stephen Schleicher points out.
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June 15, 2005
And So It Begins
Thank you WB for a very good Bat-flick
By Stephen Schleicher
Batman Begins opens in theatres this week. What does Consumer Electronics Net's Stephen Schleicher think of it all? Read his Thank You letter to find out.
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June 16, 2005
Sony HVR-Z1U Reviewed
Great Picture, Great Price
By Stephen Schleicher
Sony has recently released the HVR-Z1U HDV camera. The big brother of the HDR-FX1, this camera has all the features the FX1 was missing. From the XLR connectors, to precision optics this camera is the one you’ve been waiting for. Digital Media Net’s Stephen Schleicher, take a look at this camera and claims it is the real deal.
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July 06, 2005
Automatic Duck Pro Import AE 3.0
Final Cut Pro to After Effects in a snap
by Stephen Schleicher
Those companies that have multiple apps allow you to easily migrate from one to another, but what if you need to go from Apple’s Final Cut Pro to Adobe’s After Effects? Or any of the Avid NLEs to After Effects? Until Automatic Duck came along there wasn’t much you could do short of sticking red hot pokers in your eyes. Pro Import AE makes working between these applications a joy.
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July 23, 2005
ComicBase 10
Upgrade answers requests
by Stephen Schleicher
Last week at the International San Diego Comic-Con Human Computing unveiled the latest update to their popular comic book catalogue software. Is the new version worth the price? Consumer Electronics Net, Stephen Schleicher thinks it is.
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July 23, 2005
Pixel Hoe
Match moving made simple
by Stephen Schleicher
There are many pixel/motion tracking packages on the market today. Most have a very high price tag. This puts those who have very little experience or who want to explore matching CGI elements with video footage at a disadvantage. Now, thanks to The Pixel Farm, there’s a simple solution at a reasonable price.
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July 24, 2005
NewTek’s TriCaster
Capture, broadcast, edit in one box
by Stephen Schleicher
The worst thing about doing a multi-camera live switched remote program is the enormous amount of gear that you have to take along. TriCaster, the latest technology tool from NewTek, takes all the gear and squeezes it into a little tiny box. Capture, edit, and broadcast live, TriCaster promises to fulfill the needs of a live truck.
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August 12, 2005
Strongbad_email.exe disc four
The next 30 emails
By Stephen Schleicher
Holy Cow The Cheat! Another DVD full of the ever funny Strong Bad emails? You bet! Wait…why am I talking to myself?
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September 03, 2005
Marantz PMD670
Digital recorder scores for podcasters
by Stephen Schleicher
I recently had the opportunity to test out the PMD670 Portable Digital Recorder from Marantz. With the look of the traditional analog Marantz recorder, but with the benefit of solid state technology, this recorder does a great job of capturing field audio of interviews, sporting events, or, it you need to, capture audio for video and film.
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September 05, 2005
Destroy All Humans
Alien mayhem for PS2
by Stephen Schleicher
Ah the 1950’s where the only thing we had to worry about was the bomb, commies, and aliens coming down and destroying us all. In Destroy All Humans, you get to play the trigger happy alien bent on causing mayhem and blowing things up.
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September 04, 2005
Vampires, zombies, and cowboys – oh my!
Darkwatch for the PS2
by Stephen Schleicher
Set in the old west, you play Jericho Cross, a dead eye outlaw who will rob anyone. On his last mission, Jericho sets his sights on the Darkwatch train and ends up releasing a Vampire Lord of the Undead. This is only in the opening act of the latest first person shooter from High Moon Studios.
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September 15, 2005
Combustion 4 Fundamentals Courseware
Book succeeds in getting users into program
by Stephen Schleicher
Combustion 4 Fundamentals Courseware by Autodesk and published by Focal Press is one of the few training manuals available for Autodesk Combustion.Â
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October 1, 2005
Fullmetal Alchemist
Anime collection on DVD
by Stephen Schleicher
There are many really great anime series currently running in US television markets. Many are bad, an equal number are fun and entertaining, and a small few rank among the best story arcs in television history (animated or live action). Fullmetal Alchemist fits into this last category.
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October 7, 2005
iFM
Turn your iPod into a FM receiver, and record too
by Stephen Schleicher
Griffin Technology is well known for coming up with clever add-ons for Apple’s iPod. The iFM allows you to listen to FM radio and even record the signal directly to your portable music player. Digital Media Net’s Stephen Schleicher had a chance to test this unit out and reports his findings here.
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October 9, 2005
X-Men Legends II: Rise of Apocalypse
This game rocks
by Stephen Schleicher
X-Men Legends II follows the continuing adventures of the X-Men, but this time they must join with their enemy to fight a great foe. Rise of Apocalypse is a great sequel to the hit X-Men Legends. Digital Media Net’s Stephen Schleicher sat down with the game on the PlayStation 2, and says, “It’s great!â€
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October 14, 2005
The Call of Cthulhu
H.P. Lovecraft tale comes to life on DVD
By Stephen Schleicher
H.P. Lovecraft’s tales are some of the best gothic horror around. His works have inspired authors, artists, and actors around the world. Now his best known work “The Call of Cthulhu†comes to DVD thanks to the H.P. Lovecraft Historical Society.
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October 20, 2005
Cinemascape
Soundtrack construction loops and samples from Sony
by Stephen Schleicher
Loop libraries are the blessing to those of us who can’t compose a tune or play an instrument. With the Cinemascape collection from Sony, not only will you be able to crank out a tune, you’ll be creating something that is truly worthy of the big screen.
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October 21, 2005
Video Vault for the Sony PSP
Convert and transfer your movies to the PlayStation Portable
by Stephen Schleicher
With all the hype surrounding the video iPod, many people may have forgotten the PlayStation Portable also does movies and does them quite well. But what if your favorite flick doesn’t come on a UMD? If you need to convert it yourself, and do it easily, you really need Video Vault for the Sony PSP.
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November 3, 2005
iPod: The next generation
iPod does video
by Stephen Schleicher
With Apple controlling 75% of the portable MP3 player market, and considering just over a month ago they released the new iPod Nano, it makes perfect sense to update the tried and true iPod. Two colors, larger screen, and oh yes, it does video. Digital Media Net’s Stephen Schleicher received his in the mail and shares his thoughts on the next generation.
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November 7, 2005
RealViz Stitcher 5
Panoramic and VR application still a winner
by Stephen Schleicher
If you have ever wanted to take those large dramatic panoramic landscape shots, but have had nothing but problems aligning the images in other applications, then Stitcher 5 is the program for you. If you have ever needed to quickly create a QuickTime VR movie for your real estate or tour website, then Stitcher 5 is the program for you. Here’s why.
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November 12, 2005
DLO HomeDock
Video from your iPod now on your TV
By Stephen Schleicher
With the explosion of video content available for the latest version of Apple’s iPod, some users may want to enjoy the programming on their television. There are even those wanting to quickly and easily connect their iPod to their stereo system. In both of these cases the HomeDock from DLO is the solution.
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November 15, 2005
Hip Hop 6
Virtual Music Studio from eJay scores
by Stephen Schleicher
Your mind is burning with music, you have the talent inside you, and it is scratching its way out. Only one problem; you don’t have a musical bone in your body. Luckily with Hip Hop 6 from eJay, you’ll be cranking out the tunes in no time.
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November 22, 2005
Ratchet Deadlocked
Gladiator style fighting in space
by Stephen Schleicher
If you have been playing the PlayStation 2 system for a while, chances are you have played one of the many Ratchet and Clank games. In the latest installment, entitled Ratchet: Deadlocked ($39.99) for the PS2, it’s an all-out gladiator battle for survival.
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December 04, 2005
Genji: Dawn of the Samurai
Epic quest available for PS2
by Stephen Schleicher
Inspired by 11th Century literary story, Genji: Dawn of the Samurai attempts to mix the epic tale with Japanese mythology to create a grand game of two samurai attempting to win back their lands. Does it live up to the tale, or does it fall on its sword? Consumer Electronics Net’s Stephen Schleicher has this review.
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December 9, 2005
The Greatest Show Ever on DVD
The Rockford Files Season One
by Stephen Schleicher
The Rockford Files is one of the greatest television shows of all time. With a touch of humor, a few fisticuffs, and a likeable supporting cast all rolled into a well told story, one would think this show would have been out on DVD eons ago. Now, twenty five years after its last regular episode, The Rockford Files comes to DVD and I couldn’t be happier.
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December 13, 2005
Total Training for Final Cut Pro 5
Time to tackle another A company
by Stephen Schleicher
Total Training is very well known for their training videos covering Adobe’s line of products. Now Total Training is branching out and is offering training on other products. What better way than to tackle Apple’s Final Cut Pro 5, with Total Training for Final Cut Pro 5: The Essentials.
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December 14, 2005
Total Training for Dreamweaver 8
New offering for web development training
by Stephen Schleicher
Total training is expanding its horizons – sort of – by offering training on other professional products. In their latest offering, Total Training tackles Dreamweaver 8.
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December 18, 2005
Batman: The Animated Season Volume 4
All good things must come to an end
The Batman Animated Series ran for six years (1992 – 1998), and in that time became the definitive Batman television show of all time. When the show made the move to the Fox Kids Network (previously on WB) changes were made – some for the good, some for the bad. The final 24 episodes have been collected in the recently released Batman: The Animated Season Volume 4, making for a great DVD collection.
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January 17, 2006
First Look: After Effects 7.0 Pro
Latest update gets new look
What better way to kick off the New Year than with an update to your favorite compositing and application software? Adobe After Effects 7 delivers with the same power you’ve come to expect, and does it all with a new look and new features.
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February 07, 2006
Photoflex Pro Duty Backdrop Support Kit
New support kit for video and still image backdrops
The Photoflex Pro Duty Backdrop Support Kit allows still photographers and video production professionals to quickly set up a professional background for interviews, product shots, or green screen work. Does it "hold up" under pressure? Digital Media Net's Stephen Schleicher tested the unit out and has this report.
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February 08, 2006
Adobe Production Studio Workflow
Taking the new package out for test spin
A 40 pound package arrived at the front steps of the Digital Media Net Central Division offices the other day. Inside was the latest release of the Adobe Production Studio, which contains everything you need to create a wicked cool multimedia presentation, music video, independent film, Web video -- the list goes on and on. When I was asked to create a new news open for a local channel, I decided to take this new bundle out for spin.
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March 20, 2006
Spiderbrace Shoulder Support
Solid support for prosumer cameras
While cameras like the Sony PD-170, Canon XL2, and the most recent Sony Z1U, >Canon H1, and Panasonic HVX200 produce a great picture for an affordable price, the small size of these units make shooting off a tripod almost impossible. Without a shoulder support, even the steadiest shooter, will eventually end up with a shaky shot or a very tired arm. Even though there are shoulder braces available for your particular camera, they tend to be pricey. The Spiderbrace shoulder support system fits most prosumer cameras, and has a price point that makes it a must have.
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March 21, 2006
Total Training: Advanced Adobe After Effects 7.0 Pro Broadcast Design Secrets Reviewed
Dean Velez training reveals strategies
Total Training has released many new training DVD for Adobe After Effects 7.0. In the Broadcast Design Secrets title, you not only learn methods for creating fantastic looking titles and logo treatments, you learn them from Dean Velez.
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April 4, 2006
Jam Packs
Pumping up your music creation with more loops
If you have GarageBand 3, Soundtrack or even Logic, chances are you have experimented with the royalty free loops provided by Apple. But as with anything “free”, you will discover the loops are few, limiting, and will quickly be snatched up by everyone else. The solution? More loops of course, and with the Apple Jam Packs, your addiction to music creation is quelled for the time being.
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April 09, 2006
Keynote 3.0
Fantastic presentations made easy
By Stephen Schleicher
If you haven’t checked out Keynote 3.0, then you are missing out on one of the best presentation applications out there.
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May 06, 2006
Taking the Show on the Road
Slingbox Rox, Yo!
It looks like a jumbo candy bar, but the sweetness it provides won’t rot your teeth. The Slingbox from Sling Media allows you to watch your favorite show from thousands of miles away. All you need is a computer and an Internet connection.
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May 20, 2006
Adobe Leather Messenger Bag
Leather good looks for your gear
While messenger bags are all the rage even for people who aren’t bike messengers, Adobe has gone a step further by offering a limited edition all leather bag that is simply wonderful.
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June 01, 2006
Going Green Lawn Care
By Chada Schleicher
Now that summer has officially kicked off, many will be toiling for hours on their lawns trying to out do their neighbor. But loud mowers that belch smoke and eat gas are not fun. I recently purchased the Neuton lawnmower that runs off a rechargeable battery, and it makes mowing a breeze.
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June 21, 2006
Final Cut Express HD 3.5
New release supports HDV
For small business and schools who want to use Apple’s Final Cut Pro, but don’t have the budget, they should check out Final Cut Express HD 3.5. With this latest release Final Cut Express, users not only get greater real-time support, they can compete with other editors by now offering HDV editing capabilities.
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July 17, 2006
CitiDISK HDV
Record to hard drive and skip the digitizing process
While non-linear editing has been a boon to the post production process, digitizing video from tape is still one of the biggest time killers out there. One method that has emerged in the last couple of years is digitizing footage directly to a hard drive. This eliminates the digitizing process altogether. A new kid on the block, Shining Technology’s CitiDISK for HDV is small, compact, and gets the job done. Digital Media Net’s Stephen Schleicher takes a look at the latest in hard disk drive recorders.
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July 22, 2006
Kimono Cases
Ancient tradition meets high tech
By Stephen Schleicher
In Japan, the kimono has been a traditional garb worn by men, women, and children. The finely woven fabric looks fantastic and great care is taken in its creation. The word kimono translates to “something worn”, and that is exactly the case with the iPod Kimono Case.
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July 28, 2006
Cooler Master NotePal
Save your money
After reading David Nagel’s positive review of the Targus Chill Hub, I knew I had to buy one for my MacBook Pro laptop. But at the same time, I also decided to check out the Cooler Master NotePal. The design of this laptop cooler is radically different than the Chill Hub and even costs less. But does it work? You might want to save your money.
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July 31st, 2006
ComicBase Express
Inexpensive way to organize your collection
by Stephen Schleicher
If you have a large number of comics you need to keep track of, but don’t have a lot of money to spend, check out ComicBase Express. This entry level program gives you access to titles and helps you organize your comic book collection.
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August 2, 2006
Laplink PCmover
Pack up your old PC and move to a new one
by Stephen Schleicher
The biggest hassle when buying a new PC is reinstalling all of your old software, reregistering, entering serial numbers, and hoping you got everything you needed. With Laplink’s PCmover, having this done automatically for you is as simple as 1, 2, 3.
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August 25 , 2006
Coolness Round Up
Episode 54 - Road Trip
by Charlie White and Stephen Schleicher
Hit the road with the Gurus of Cool as they talk travel tech for your road trip. Find out about the latest GPS devices, portable WiFi, hybrid vehicles that save gas and much more.
Listen to the show here, or subscribe to it through iTunes.
October 25, 2006
Sima Hitch
Don’t pick up hitchhikers
by Stephen Schleicher
When Sima’s Hitch arrived at my door, I was interested in the claims made on the package; transfer music and files from iPod to iPod, camera to camera, camera to iPod, or iPod to USB device. The advantage of the Hitch being one does not need a computer to move files from one device to another.
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October 25, 2006
Knoll Light Factory Pro 2.5
Solid upgrade for motion graphic artists
By Stephen Schleicher
Ah the every famous CG Lens Flare. Back in its heyday, 3D animation and motion graphics were full of the stock effect that became the staple of cheese. Need to hype up a logo? Add a lens flare! Does it take place in outer space? Add a lens flare! The effect became so over hyped it quickly became a joke, and if you used them, you were sure to get a lashing from your boss.
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