Recently in Video Production and Hardware Category
Apple just released the new iMac's and they are incredible. For the first time you can get into a Quad core Final Cut system for under $3000. That's right the iMac line now has a quad core machine. If that's not enough the top end iMac now has a 27 inch screen with 2560 by 1440 resolution, and a 512MB ATI Radeon HD 4850 graphics card.
At GeniusDV we use iMac's in our classroom for our Final Cut Studio training. Aside from some limitations to what you can hook up to an iMac in terms of peripherals, the iMac's make for great Final Cut systems. I have personally edited numerous jobs on an iMac, and find them to be quite satisfactory.
I always tell students that unless you need to have MacPro for whatever reason, consider getting both a MacBook Pro, and an iMac. I find that you can get so much accomplished having two systems. Personally I can't imagine not having a MacBook Pro, because I travel so much, and do plenty of editing at 30,000 feet. With this new iMac I can now have a powerful desktop system as the primary Final Cut Studio editing system, and the MacBook Pro system too, for thousands less than a high end MacPro system.
One of our newest 2 day training classes, Google Sketchup, will be offered at our Orlando training facility November 5th & 6th, 2009. We are offering a special price for the November class!Google's Sketchup is an amazing 3D modeling program that has users from all walks of life from professionals to first timers. Whether you're an architect, civil engineer, or filmmaker, you will be astounded at what Sketchup can do for you. And the best part? It's one of the easiest programs out there to learn and use. With Sketchup, you can build everything from basic 3D models to entire scenes with a virtual walk-through, and it allows you to add your 3D elements into your video projects.
Other features of Sketchup is the ability to facilitate the placement of models in Google Earth, which is a great tool for video producers when trying to figure out where your shadows lie at a specific time of day during a video shoot. Another great feature is the ability to use the 3D Warehouse, which lets users search for models that are created by other users and lets users contribute their own models to the warehouse.There's no limit to what you can create with Google's Sketchup. There is a limit however to our class size, so call today to reserve your spot!
I ran into a situation the other day where a client needed a Windows Media file for playback in a PowerPoint presentation on a Windows machine. I edit on a Mac and I am the OS X does not come native with any type of Windows Media codec. You will need to download a plug-in for your Quicktime player that will allow you to export to this codec. The answer is Flip4Mac.
Flip4Mac is a great, free, plug-in provides Windows Media video and audio playback in the QuickTime Player for your Mac OS X. It not only allow you to playback media but it also provides you the abilty to export. It is simple to use and the only requirment you need for export in Quicktime Pro (Standard Quicktime will allow playback only). Simpy open your media in Quicktime and navigate to File>Export>Windos Media File. There are several settings to choose from so choose the one that fits your end user. Download Flip4Mac now so you will be ready when you need to export to the Windows Media Format.
Requirements for Flip4Mac:
-Intel or PowerPC G4 and G5
-Mac OS X version 10.4 or later
-QuickTime version 7.0 or later
-QuickTime Pro version 7.0 or later (for exporting movies in Player Pro, Studio, Studio Pro and Studio Pro HD)
How, you ask? Well first of all you would have to completely shut down your Mac. Hold down the T key when you restart your computer. It will eventually display a FireWire symbol on the screen, which means it is ready to be hooked up to another computer using a FireWire cable. The computer mounts just like any other computer's desktop. Then you can copy media between the two!
Also, be sure to check out this article about using Target Disk Mode to install Mac software.Which microphone should I be using?
Excellent question. There are so many microphones in the market today for so many different uses. Without boring you to tears on the aspects of each kind, let me just cut to the chase on which is best for you in the studio.
Every sound engineer would agree that you MUST have a large diaphragm mic to record with if you want to get every little sound. The difference? Night and Day. Large diaphragm mics are built to pick up the lightest sound and still be able to handle the harshest.
If you are going to do voice-over work, or recording vocalists and instruments, the large diaphragm is the way to go. I recommend a microphone with that has at large a once inch diaphragm.
My recommendation to have a fabulous microphone and not send you to the poor house is the Audio Technica AT-4040. For just $299.00, you get a great mic that will handle the highs and lows that need to be put into the sound environment. The AT-4040 has proven to be a workhorse for me in my studio for every aspect of the genre. I use this microphone for all my recording into Soundtrack Pro 2 and it works excellent. Any one working in music or video production that wants quality for their audio, this mic is for you.
