Learn the essential skills needed to work with Apple iBooks. Learn how to make iBooks and content-based "applications" for the iPad. This webinar is brought to you by the TAP!2013 conference (tap2013.com).
Apple
Thunderbolt and Lightning… Very, Very Frightening...
This morning I started to think about the little things as I packed my bag for work…. "Dang, I sure have a lot of cables and dongles in here."
Apple seems to be leading the way in "innovation" on this front. If you want a smaller, thinner device, then those old bulky cords must go. After all, the whole world is wireless… right?
- DVI + VGA — If I want to hook up to a projector, I'm carrying two adapters. One for DVI and one for VGA. While I'm happy HDMI is built-in… I still need to carry adapters to connect to 90% of the conference rooms and projectors out there. $29 + $29
- FireWire — Remember FireWire? That connector that Apple told us for years stomped USB. Well I need to carry an adapter for that too. Except when you plug it in to the Thunderbolt port on the Mac, it doesn't put out enough bus power for most of my FireWire drives… meaning I also have to carry a power supply (and find another outlet) for my G-Tech portable drives. $29
- Ethernet — Still relevant. Go to any hotel and the WiFi networks are often slower than a swamp in December. Want Ethernet… there's an adapter for that. $29
- MagSafe — If I want to use any of the numerous power supplies I have, there's a $10 adapter for that. $10
- iPod Cables – Why didn't I buy the iPhone 5? Well besides that fact that as a 4S owner it would cost me nearly full price (and the bump wasn't very big) I'd have to get all new cables. I'd need one for the car, work, laptop bag, and home. Add in the wife and suddenly that's 7 to 8 cables at $20 a pop. Want to adapt all those devices you have that use the old connector (from my heart rate monitor to a speaker dock)? Well those adapters cost $29 and $39. Yes the adapters cost twice as much as the new cables…. huh!?! Of course I still need to carry the old ones for the iPad since they won't make an adapter that goes the other direction. $19 + $19 + $19 + $19 + $29 + $39
- Thunderbolt — This has been total vaporware. Try to buy a dock or port extender... nope. The cables are $50. The drives cost $100 more for the chassis. All for a 10% speed boost over USB3 for standard hard drives. Sure there are some desktop solutions that rock on the high end… but as a "universal" adapter that's "perfect" for drives, adapters, and displays… it just sucks. $150
- Optical Drive – Need to get a DVD to install something (or burn a backup?) Nope. Gotta remember to pack the external drive and bring that too. $79
Oh… and what's really missing? The fact that I can't even connect a security cable to the laptop. There is no slot to attach a Kensington or other style lock to the device. So if you're on the road and need to walk away from the machine… don't.
Apple seems to be on a quest for thinner and lighter… but we're to the point where this means sacrificing core features. I'd like to be thinner and lighter too, but I can't think of any limbs or appendages I'd be willing to chop off so save some ounces and fit into a smaller space. Just like camera manufacturers are getting silly with the megapixel wars… Apple needs to slow down and actually look at what their customers need to do to get their jobs done.
Those cables and adapters I mentioned above add up to $500+. None come in the box… that's all extra cost. And if you do what I did, drop your adapter bag at home before you go on a business trip… prepared to be screwed. Even the Apple retail stores can't keep these things in stock. Apple you're missing the mark… start listening to what customers need and stop "saving us from ourselves."
Free Color Grading Class for Video
A free class that shows a lot of tips for color grading. Some of it is specific to Tiffen Dfx software, but a lot of the concepts work everywhere.
Learn to color grade with your video editing program and Tiffen® Dfx® version 3 film/video plug-in software for Avid Systems®; Adobe® CS4/5/6 including After Effects® and Premiere®; Apple® Final Cut Pro® 6/7/X.
Take 30% off with this unique code: RHEDDFX13
It can be redeemed here: http://tiffensoftware.com/promos
PluralEyes 3 is Out
in Adobe, Apple, DSLR Video, Video
One of my favorite video tools has been updated and is now shipping. PluralEyes is a HUGE timesaver that makes syncing multi camera video shoots and Dual System Sound projects (like DSLR and RED) a piece of cake. I have spent A LOT of time with the new version and it just rocks. To start… it's 20X faster… yes TWENTY.
I also love how it can create new media files from my merged clips for DSLR shoots.
The product is shipping and supports several formats and workflows. Several updated are in the works including support for more file types and an Avid version.
Check out the detailed product walk-throughs I did here – http://www.redgiantsoftware.com/videos/
Here's the FAQ – http://www.redgiantsoftware.com/news/featured/pluraleyes-3-faq/
Here's the Premiere Pro CS6 workflow
The Return of the Save As Command
in Apple
Recent versions of the Mac OS have decided that you weren't really smart enough when it came to saving your files. When you went to save a new version of a file, you'd be presented with options like Duplicate, Revert, and Move To. I (and many others) found them terribly confusing.
Now with Mac OS 10.8.2 you can get the old commands back… the return of the Save As command:
"- Adds an option to discard the changes in the original document when choosing - Save As"
This is useful in the following scenario.
- You can choose to open an existing document.
- Modify it and make changes.
- Choose File > Save As (hold down the option key to access it).
- Save the file under a new name. The original file is closed without any changes being made to it.
Come to DV Expo in LA this Week
I'll be speaking at DV Expo 2012 in Los Angeles this week – http://www.dvexpo.com
Use code ASMP for free exhibit pass and 15% off classes (enter at Step 3 of registration) http://www.dvexpo.com/content/dvexpo/packages_and_pricing.php. There's some great deals for students too.
I'll be teaching:
- More than an Editor: Learning to be a Preditor
- 10 Great New Reasons to use Adobe Production Premium
- Building Budgets for Video Projects
- Time Floats By: Creative use of Time-Lapse and Stop Motion
- Innovation in Motion: What's new in After Effects CS6
- Motion Control 3D: Bringing Your Photos to Life in Three-Dimensions
- Hypersyndication: How to Publish Your Content on the Maximum Number of Screens and Devices
Cool iOS App – FreezePaint
I recently came across a cool app called FreezePaint. It allows you to create image collages right on the iPhone using the built-in camera.
Here are some diverse examples of how the app can be used – http://freezepaint.tumblr.com
Apple iWork.com Shutdown Reminder
| Dear iWork.com user, |
Creating a Film Look on a Video Budget
in Adobe, Apple, DSLR Video, Video
Here's the recording from my "Creating a Film Look on a Video Budget" webinar (sponsored by Tiffen).
These days, a "film look" is more popular than ever. This workshop will give you practical shooting advice to achieve a shallow depth of field and more filmic look in camera. You'll also learn how to enhance even the toughest footage for a better look using a comprehensive suite of tools. Learn how to create realistic textures and curves using the DFT Film Stocks plugin. You can also create dynamic color mapping with PhotoCopy and enhance the light in your scene with Rays.
Take 30% off with this unique code: RHEDDFX13
It can be redeemed here: http://tiffensoftware.com/promos
Free Webinar on Getting a Film Look
in Adobe, Apple, Motion Graphics, Video
Creating a Film Look on a Video Budget
July 18, 2012 (limited to 100 signups!)
Sign Up Here – https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/508525966
These days, a "film look" is more popular than ever. This workshop will give you practical shooting advice to achieve a shallow depth of field and more filmic look in camera. You'll also learn how to enhance even the toughest footage for a better look using a comprehensive suite of tools. Learn how to create realistic textures and curves using the Tiffen Film Stocks plugin. You can also create dynamic color mapping with PhotoCopy and enhance the light in your scene with Rays.
- Each attendee will receive a 15 day trial as well as a special discount on the software.
- One attendee with receive a full license of the software – random drawing, but must be present to win.