Review of Adobe Premiere Pro Bible (Paperback)

This book started out great. After some explanation, it guided me through a simple video editing project in the first chapter that worked and communicated some basic ideas. It got me excited about learning more and then it disappointed me bitterly.

The rest of the book does not teach the way the first chapter does. It does do a systematic and fairly thorough job of explaining things in the interface but the usable examples are few and far between. This works well for some people but not for me. I learn better by doing along with the reading. This guide is woefully inadequate for that. Still, it is a handy reference. It's too bad I will have to further my training elsewhere.


Product Description
* Totally revised and enhanced to cover the major new upgrade to the overall leading desktop digital video application
* Packed with tutorials, tips, and tricks, this is the authoritative and comprehensive guide to creating, editing, and outputting digital video to DVD, CD-ROM, the Web, or videotape
* Shows how to create special effects using Premiere and After Effects, Encore, and other software; how to integrate narration, music, and sound effects with moving images; and how to create digital video productions from movies shot on a camcorder
* Bonus CD-ROM is loaded with video-based tutorials, a library of usable video clips and sample effects, useful video filters and utilities, and software tryouts

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Review of Video Systems in an IT Environment, Second Edition: The Basics of Professional Networked Media and File-based Workflows (Hardcover)

As a professional who serves the broadcast, IT, and mobile content distribution business, I was already a fan of the first edition of this book, and purchased several copies for my staff and colleagues since its first printing. With the rapid changes in the IT business including storage and networking, this updated (2nd) edition has fresh content that's current with the state of the art in digital media networks.

This second edition is typeset a little tighter than the first edition, which cuts out some pages and weight without sacrificing content. In fact, there's even more content in this new edition -- just more efficiently placed for easier reading. Either way, this is a hefty volume packed with hundreds of detailed illustrations and lots of examples. When it comes to understanding principles of modern networked media for video and audio, this Focal Press work deserves a prominent place in any serious video or IT engineer's reference library.

Although this book is oriented towards the professional media or broadcast systems engineer (as opposed to a video consumer building a home media network), the author does a nice job of weaving together the essentials of networked media from "A to Z" including a handy glossary of terms for those of us who can't keep our acronyms straight. I've known the author, Al Kovalick, who's a well regarded figure in the broadcast community. His breadth of knowledge is evident throughout each chapter, yet he writes in a witty, practical style that's both educational and fun to read (including some pretty subtle humor that will make an engineer chuckle). Without sacrificing depth, this book takes a complex technical subject and brings it down to earth, making it suitable even for less technical (but motivated) readers.

Bottom line, this book is for you if you're seeking a solid overview of key engineering considerations when designing or recommending networked video architectures, including networking fundamentals, virus and firewall protection, video servers, NSPOF (no single point of failure) storage design including RAID and RAIN methods, as well as other innovative architectures. Several real-world case studies complement the teaching benefits including specific examples by leading-edge media companies and broadcasters.

Chapter Highlights:
Networked Media in an IT Environment
The Fundamentals of Professional Networked Media
Storage System Basics
Storage Access Methods
Software Technology for AV Systems
Reliability and Scalability Methods
Networking Basics for AV
Media Systems Integration
Security for Networked AV Systems
Systems Management and Monitoring
The Transition to IT: Issues and Case Studies
A Review of AV Basics




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Review of Naked Vegas 5 (Paperback)

I own "Vegas 5 Editing Workshop," have read through "Instant Vegas," and spend a lot of time on several Vegas and DV online forums, and this book is the best resource I have found for the Vegas newbie looking to edit video (if your main use of Vegas is for audio, you might prefer "Vegas Editing Workshop").

This book is like the Adobe "Classroom in a Book" series. Each chapter presents you with a new set of Vegas tools, an explanation of how they work and what you might do with them, then gives you a few "real world" hypothetical situations to work on with your new tools. The chapters end with an explanation of how you should have attacked the problem, step by step.

Well written and polished. The best Vegas book out there for the beginner.

Product Description
Naked - Unveiled, exposed, uncovered. That's exactly the approach taken with Naked Vegas 5. You won't be confused with extra fluff or useless information. Instead, this unique guide provides you with basic yet in-depth material that encourages you to explore all that Vegas 5 has to offer. As you complete the creative projects that are inside, you'll learn the skills behind Vegas, discovering how to apply smart production principles to your video projects. You won't simply gloss over ideas-you'll learn the "how" and "why" behind each skill, mastering them on both a technical and artistic level. The result is a one-of-a-kind guide that is designed to teach you how to use Vegas 5 to work more creatively and efficiently.

About the Author
Doug Sahlin is an author, graphic designer, and Web site designer living in Central Florida. He is the author of 12 books on graphic design, including "How To Do Everything with Adobe Acrobat 6.0" (0072229462), "Fireworks MX Complete Reference" (0072224568), and "Flash ActionScript for Designers" (0764536877). Sahlin's articles and product reviews have appeared in national publications such as Computer Graphics World, 3D Magazine, Video Systems, and Corel Magazine. His tutorials have been featured at numerous Web sites devoted to graphic design. Sahlin uses digital imaging and video equipment to create media for use in client Web sites and CD ROM presentations. Recently he co-authored "50 Fast Digital Video Techniques" (0764541803) with Bonnie Blake and is currently writing a book on DVD authoring. Sahlin uses digital photography and video to create Web sites and presentations for his clients.

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Review of Final Cut Pro 4 for Dummies (Paperback)

I found Final Cut Express 4 for Dummies to clarify a lot of technical information that I was trying to understand in Apple Pro Training Series: Final Cut Express 4. When reading for Dummies, I had no trouble understanding it and was able to compete a production easily on Final Cut Express 4. It talks plain, layman's language. I love it.

Product Description
* Covers rendering, compositing, transitions, adding titles, audio and video filters, and advanced effects, as well as basic digital video editing information.
* Includes instructions on outputting the final product to videotape, DVD, CD-ROM, or even onto the Web.
* Provides practical, real-world solutions to managing media and incorporating various special effects into unique video/film productions.
* Includes a DVD packed with first hand commentary and project examples from the personal files of author Helmut Kobler, an independent filmmaker.

From the Back Cover
Unravel the mysteries of rendering, compositing, and transitions

Go pro with nonlinear editing and new features like Compressor and Soundtrack

Whether you're focused on the back lot or the back yard, let filmmakers Helmut Kobler and Chad Fahs reveal the secrets of Final Cut Pro and video production! Discover how to manage your media, incorporate special effects, make music with the Soundtrack, use LiveType to make text pop and glow, and produce positively cool video from any source.

All this on the bonus CD-ROM

• Software plugins that add cool new video effects to Final Cut Pro 4
• Links to great online resources for digital video filmmakers
• Special bonus chapters

System Requirements: 350 MHz powerPC G4 or better. AGP Graphics card. Mac OS® X 0.2 or better. See the About the CD Appendix for details and complete system requirements.

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Review of 50 Fast Adobe Premiere Techniques (Paperback)

Unfortunatly I bought this book "blind" after just slightly
browsing the previewpages. Having spent a night with it now I am truly dissapointed. Apparently the authors are "recording artists" or something - they certainly are not Adobe-experts that have worked their way through version after version of AP and user feedback.

Several of the 50 techniques are just using filters like the distortionfilter or crazy overuse of colorfilters to get "a creative look" or adding fire-effects.

The worst is that most examples are uninspiring, or something that would make your production look really cheesy.

The video on the CD is 10fps lousy footage.

"Sams Teach Yourself Adobe Premiere 6.5 in 24 Hours" has so much more informative content, and professionalism, that its hard to believe. It's two chapters on tips and tricks has more info.

Please, please pick anything else - or even browse the web for better tutorials.

If you live in Oslo, Norway I will give this book away for free to the first interested - or basically throwing it away.

Product Description
* Covers the latest release of Adobe Premiere, the world's most popular digital video editing application
* Includes 50 easy, fast, and exciting effects that users can achieve immediately
* Enables both pros and hobbyists alike to create cool video effects quickly by following straightforward, step-by-step instructions
* In-depth discussions of features and techniques allow readers to make necessary adjustments to their own videos
* CD-ROM contains all the video clips from the book, tryouts, and valuable utilities
The 50 Fast series shows readers how to get amazing, cutting-edge results with today's leading graphics, Web design, and digital video software. Each lavishly illustrated book delivers 50 step-by-step tricks of the trade that are easy to learn and impressive to look at, along with a CD-ROM with before-and-after examples and tryout software.

From the Back Cover
"Both new and experienced Adobe Premiere users will almost certainly find something valuable in here."
-Bruce Bowman, Product Manager, Adobe Premiere

Includes 32 pages of color examples that show you how to create stunning digital video effects!

Discover 50 exciting, easy ways to pack punch into your videos using the newest version of Premiere. Two leading professionals show you new masking techniques, creative ways to use color, the secrets of creating professional titles and rolling credits, how-and why-to use film-grain simulations, and much more. You'll find the step-by-step instructions, lavish illustrations, and thorough explanations will help you use these tricks in your projects right away.

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Adobe Premiere 6.5 Tricks and Techniques

• Combine video clips, create snappy transitions, and apply professional fade-outs
• Use chroma keys to place subjects wherever you want them
• Manipulate shapes and lighting for powerful effects
• Speed up or slow down a clip and put static images in motion
• Distort an image, create moving composites, and animate interdependent clips
• Use Auto Pan, Bandpass, Flanger, and Reverb effects to customize sound
• Learn to make video look like film and create old-movie effects

CD-ROM includes tryout version of Adobe Premiere; tutorial files with video, audio, and still images; and Web links.

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Review of Digital Video for Dummies (Paperback)

Kudos to Martin Doucette! I've been waiting for a recognizable personality to write a good beginner's book for Digital Video.

I always try to use the "...for Dummies" books in my classes because I think thatthey talk in plain English and lay a basic foundation for learning to takeplace. It's easy for the beginner to start at the beginning of the book andfor the more advanced student to jump to what they need.

Digital Videofor Dummies is no different. I'm using the book for the included softwareand its explanation of non-linear editing, but it is also a good refresherfor my students on shooting and lighting.

Anyone that teaches digitalvideo production should give this book a second look as a text. People whowant to break into digital video production should use this as their bible.

Product Description
MovieWorks, Quick Editor, and more on CD-ROM

Now updated to cover Main Vision, iMovie, and Film Factory

Make your Hollywood dreams come true with this hands-on resource If you want to produce professional-quality home movies, wedding videos, sales presentations, or multimedia Web content, all you need is a digital camcorder, a souped-up PC … and the know-how contained in this savvy guide. So get the book, pick up some gear, grab your bullhorn, and start directing! all this on the bonus CD-ROM Ulead Cool 3D and MediaStudio Pro Adobe Premiere and Adobe Photoshop trial versions Epson Film Factory Plus instructional examples, video samples, ready-to-use multimedia clips, and more System requirements: PC running Windows 95 or later, Windows NT 4 or later; Power Macintosh running System 7.6 or later. See the About the CD Appendix for details and complete system requirements.

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Review of Make Your Own Music Videos with Adobe Premiere [ILLUSTRATED] (Paperback)

This book providesguidelines for producing a music video in a cost effective yet aesthetically pleasing way. It examines other videos from major artists, and provides the average mortal with information and techniques so that they can accomplish the many technical details needed to make an original music video. Chapters on preparing content for the web and for distribution make this book a very complete treatise on the many facets of adobe premiere. highly reccomended.

Product Description
Music videos are a necessity if you want to take your musical career to the next level. But how do you create one without breaking the bank? This book delivers the answers. Written by two acclaimed recording artists who've been producing their own award-winning music videos for several years, it shows you step-by-step how to get from an idea to an MTV-worthy result on a shoestring budget -- even if you've never worked with video before. Packed with easy-to-understand instructions, hands-on exercises and fascinating road diaries that illuminate the inspiration behind video concepts and special effects, it's all you need to become a music video star.

• If you are a music lover and have always thought that you could make a music video if only you had the right tools, this book is for you.
• If you or someone you know is in a band, and you want to make a video for your website, a cable TV channel, or as a promotional tool, this book is all you need.
• If you have great stacks of pre-video vinyl, and you always wanted to make your own video for your favorite song, youve come to the right place.
• If you saw a video on TV and said, "I could make a much better video than that," heres your chance.
• If you want to become a professional music videographer, this book is a great place to start.

From the Back Cover
Music videos are a necessity if you want to take your musical career to the next level. But how do you create one without breaking the bank? This book delivers the answers. Written by two acclaimed recording artists who've been producing their own music videos for several years, it shows you step by step how to get from an idea to an MTV-worthy result on a shoestring budget-even if you've never worked with video before. Packed with easy-to-understand instructions, hands-on exercises, and fascinating Road Diaries that illuminate the inspiration behind video concepts and special effects, it's all you need to become a music video star.

• Have fun with camera angles and special lenses
• Discover the secrets of lip-synching
• Create special effects with video filters and keyframes

After you've created your video, submit it for worldwide viewing via JTL Networks' streaming video site, created exclusively for purchasers of Make Your Own Music Videos With Adobe Premiere! Posting availability is limited. See the back page of the book for details.

Bonus CD-ROM!

Everything you need to get started:

• Adobe Premiere, Photoshop and After Effects tryout versions
• Sample clips to use with the exercises in the book
• Three complete Kennedys music videos

System Requirements: PC running Windows 9x or later, Windows NT4 or later; Power Macintosh running System 9.04 or later.
See the "What's on the CD-ROM" appendix for details and complete system requirements.

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Review of 50 Fast Final Cut Express Techniques (Paperback)

I just love the techniques in Tim Meehan's book. Even though I've used FCP for about a year, I learned more than a few things from these pages. (Fire-breathing dogs, anyone?) And, I've got to say that the author's creativity (some wacky techniques in here) really added to the enjoyment of learning. I just hope the publisher will create a new edition for FCP4.

Product Description

• Presents 50 fast, easy, and powerful effects that creative professionals and amateurs alike can achieve almost instantly with Apple's hot new Final Cut Express video editing software
• Proven step-by-step format, lavishly illustrated with "before" and "after" scenes from professional clips
• Includes masking techniques, creative use of colors and special effects, professional titling and rolling credit techniques, size deceptions, film-grain simulations, and much more
• Features in-depth discussions of features and techniques that help readers make the necessary adjustments for their own videos
• Reasonably priced Final Cut Express software is sophisticated enough for the professional, yet basic enough for the editing beginner or hobbyist
• CD-ROM is packed with all video clips from the book and valuable utilities

From the Back Cover
"If you are looking to maximize Final Cut Express, you won't find

a better guide than Tim Meehan."
-Dan Jahn, President, The Raven Group

Whether creating dynamite digital videos is your profession or just your obsession, Final Cut Express can enhance your projects. In this richly illustrated volume, computer graphics pro Tim Meehan shows you step by step how to use 50 terrific techniques to add that extra dimension of style and pizzazz. You'll learn them quickly, apply them easily, and discover you're amazed-and delighted-by the results you can achieve.

Your guide to amazing results with Final Cut Express

• Save time and gain focus with storyboards and shot lists
• Capture viewers' attention with creative use of colors, special effects, and size deceptions
• Enhance your video pictures with film-grain simulations, contrast correction, and soft-focus effects
• Add polish with rolling credits and professional titling techniques
• Improve communication with time and speed effects, superimposition, and text tricks
• Create "wow" with whimsical people and animals, matte windows in objects, doorways to the unknown, and more

CD-ROM includes demonstrations of the techniques explained in the book, full resolution video clips from Artbeats, and more

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