Dec 27

Continuing on an article in the last Pro Video Coalition newsletter, The Basics of Avid Media Composer for a Final Cut Pro Editor, this article will look at a number of other functions and how they differ from Final Cut Pro to Media Composer. One of the main reasons why I’m writing these articles is that Avid offers a free, full-featured demo of Avid Media Composer 4 available for download. When I wrote the first piece that demo was only for 14 days. They have since upped the time for this trial to 30 days. That’s great as it brings this demo in line with most free demos and even affords enough time to try to learn the in’s and out’s of the application a little bit better any maybe even use it on a real job. Continue reading »
Tagged with: Avid • FCP • FCS3 • Final Cut Pro • MC4 • Media Composer
Dec 27

The sheer mix and volume of formats to deal with today can be mind-boggling. Videotape player/recorders – formerly a common denominator – are a vanishing breed. Post facilities still own and use VTRs, but operations at the local market level, especially in broadcast, are becoming increasingly tapeless. Clearly, once the current crop of installed VTRs become a maintenance headache or are no longer an important cog in the operation, they won’t be replaced with another shiny new mechanical videotape transport from Sony or Panasonic. Continue reading »
Tagged with: AVC Intra • DNxHD • H.264 • HD • ProRes • Red
Dec 22

It’s time to look at Microsoft Windows 7, which I’m doing in two phases. First, I’ll upgrade an existing Windows XP installation and detail the experience and my first impression of Windows 7. Then, using a multiboot computer, I’ll test the performance of Windows Vista against Windows 7, and if the stars align, perhaps even Windows XP. Continue reading »
Tagged with: 64-Bit • DIY • Win 7 • Windows
Dec 22

Viagra for video cameras? This wonder I/O device-meets-tapeless deck records raw files from any camera for better editing, no transcoding required. Continue reading »
Tagged with: AJA • FCS3 • Ki Pro • ProRes