Continue reading »]]> Are you in the market for quality Sony HD video and audio production software? SoftwareMedia.com has an exclusive rebate offer for the month of March! Starting today, receive ACID Music Studio (a $69.95 MSRP value) free with your purchase of Sony Movie Studio Pro Pack. Sony Movie Studio Pro Pack allows you to:

• edit standard and high definition video
• produce customized DVD menus and graphics
• use Cartoonr effects plug-in and 106 3D transitions from NewBlue, a leading manufacturer of audio and video plug-ins
• record almost anything with the provided Sound Forge Audio Studio
• pull from a collection of 1,001 high-quality professional sound clips

The Sony Vegas Movie Studio products are often blamed for only meeting the needs of high-end users, but that’s because it’s based on the same technology Sony sells to industry professionals. TechRadar.com says Sony Vegas Movie Studio Pro Pack 9 is “a real move towards meeting the needs of the more entry-level user.”

For instance, what we really like about this software is the way it eases the first-time user into the package, as this is something earlier editions didn’t allow for. It does this by using a 13-step walkthrough of the main editing features, and offers tips and tricks as you work through them.

Continue reading the full review at TechRadar.com.

To take advantage of this limited-time offer, click on over to SoftwareMedia.com. Act fast! This offer expires March 31, 2010.

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Continue reading »]]> It’s always the little things that count. Isn’t that what they say? Everything is more exciting when you can make it your own. The same rings true with your computer. It’s why we change the wallpaper on our desktop to reflect our personality or interests. It’s why Windows Media Player and Winamp have skins to customize the look of media player. It’s why Amazon shows a list of recommended products when you sign into your account.

So when I  curiously clicked the right bottom corner of the new tab I just opened, why didn’t I realize it was a way to make this Google Chrome browser my own? I saw the videos. I read the blogs, browsed the comic. I just never really put any thought into personalizing my web browser. Chrome makes it fairly easy though. Access themes from your settings menu or the site. There aren’t a heap of options to pick from but there are plenty of quality themes at the Google Theme site. My only gripe is the non-ability to toggle from theme to theme after downloading multiple options. At least, there doesn’t seem to be an easy way to do this…

From designers [Kate Spade, Marc Ecko, Kid Robot, Charlotte Ronson, Todd Oldham, etc.] to musicians, writers and artists [Mariah Carey, Gossip, Dale Chihuly, Wes Craven, etc.], the themes available for Chrome are top-notch. Each of them seemingly sleek and fairly easy on the eyes. Google also has a number of themes that are more low key. I settled on the Mariah theme (yes, I proudly admit that I’m a huge Mariah fan), but here are also a few other favorites…

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Continue reading »]]> I thought I would continue the theme of freeware (okay, maybe it’s not a theme with just one article on free/entry-level programs) with a list of other useful programs. Um, wasn’t the economy getting better? Or did I hear the rumors wrong? There seem to be layoffs happening left and right. I guess it gets worse before it gets better, as the saying goes, eh? Hopefully this list will start the path to better…

FREE WEB APPLICATIONS
Mozilla Firefox: Close on the heels of Internet Explorer, Firefox just celebrated it’s fifth birthday. Firefox is fast, more secure than Internet Explorer, available across multiple platforms (Windows, Macintosh and Linux) and also has advanced bookmarking capabilities. It remembers yours recently closed tabs (in case your mouse accidentally clicked the “x”) and also restores your sessions after a crash. If that’s not enough, Firefox also comes with exciting customizations and Easter eggs.
Find it for download here: http://www.mozilla.com/firefox.

Google Chrome: An up and coming browser, it just might be faster than Firefox. Developed from scratch, it was designed with the modern-day user in mind. It has a clean, simple interface and “lightens” your computer load. If you are switching to Chrome, it will automatically detect your previous  browser and prompt you to import those same settings and bookmarks. PCWorld gives a good write-up of the product. Eventually, there will also be Mac and Linux versions.
Find it for download here: http://www.google.com/chrome.

FREE GRAPHIC and IMAGE APPLICATIONS
Jing: Aside from being a cleverly disguised marketing tool for Screencast.com and Camstasia Studio, Jing is actually a nifty lil’ screen capture program. The program appears as a yellow sun that clings to the top of your monitor: super neat design. When activated, the sun spurs three flares, each accessing a certain function of the program: capture, history and settings. Jing also allows the ability to enhance your image captures. Simple things like text, frames and arrows can be added without having to use another graphic editing program. There are a few annoyances and limitations… like how it only captures video to a Flash file unless you buy the Pro version or have Camstasia Studio. It also adds a Jing ad at the end of your video file. And so far, I have found it difficult to find a program that will successfully convert the Jing-created Flash file to another video format. But as a free program, I can’t complain too much. CNET has a great video review for the program if you are itching for more insight.
Find it for download it here: http://www.jingproject.com/download.

Wisdom-soft ScreenHunter: Another screen capture program, ScreenHunter does not record any video. However, it’s fantastic for images. It’s a simple, quick and easy to use program. ScreenHunter captures in three different modes: a rectangular area, an active window or the full screen. A simple hotkey makes for easy on-the-fly capturing and it even has a timer to delay the capture, just like a regular camera. For more ease and convenience, it also automatically names your captured files.
Find it for download here: http://www.wisdom-soft.com/sh/sh_free.htm

Other applications: Mashable has great list of free graphics programs. It includes graphic editing programs like Paint.net and GIMP which top more lists created by others.

OFFICE APPLICATIONS
OpenOffice: Think… an open source Microsoft Office. You know, like how people respond better and love things created by other people who are similar to themselves? A package of programs similar to Microsoft Office, OpenOffice is developed, translated, supported and promoted by an international community of its own users. Although I haven’t personally used it myself, it’s topped a few best free app lists. OpenOffice describes why you should use their product here.
Find it for download here: http://www.openoffice.org.

Google Documents: Immerse yourself in a world that Google dominates. Complete the circle of Google products you use with the web-based program that replaces your word processor, spreadsheet program and presentation creator. It’s simple, mimics Microsoft Word and Excel (I have yet to test any presentation documents) and is integrated into your GMail. I sometimes find it a good solution to my laziness: just a couple of clicks and edit (or view) that attachment within your web browser. Why bother opening up another program when you just want to see something real quick? Take a Google Docs Tour to learn more.
Start using it here: http://docs.google.com.

AUDIO/VIDEO PLAYBACK APPLICATIONS
Windows Media Player: Honestly, I haven’t played much with audio/video playback programs. I’ve always used the pre-packaged Windows Media Player and lived by the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” motto when it came down to it. Laziness is to blame. But Windows Media Player automatically searches for proper codecs and plays everything I need it to. When it doesn’t, Quicktime usually does the trick. Windows Media Player also syncs to my mp3 player automatically. It basically comes down to the simplicity that I’m satisfied with the program and have no need for a change. Even after playing with iTunes, I think I still prefer Windows Media Player.
Find it for download here: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/player/default.aspx.

Winamp: Okay, there was another time where I succumbed to downloading another playback program. But, it was only because Winamp was all the rage and it’s hard not to conform to what everyone else around you is doing. It’s been more years than I want to admit, but I remember Winamp being a great program. It was quick to load, small (unlike the giant interface Windows Media Player opens up with), simple and customizable (skins are fun!). It still seems to be that way now, but with more features and abilities from the last time I’ve used it. And since it tops a few lists as well (see below for some links), I’d say Winamp is still raging. Check out a full list of current features.
Find it for download here: http://www.winamp.com/media-player.

Other applications: To be a bit more helpful, here are a few lists I scrounged up to assist you in making a more informed media player choice.

Do you have any free programs that  you use regularly? Favorites? Black lists? Share your experiences with us. Hit that comment button, we’re aching to hear more from our readers! Also check out a couple of similar articles: My Favorite Free and Open Source Software | Our Freeware Recommendations.

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Continue reading »]]> Adobe introduces the easiest way to upload, view, and share photos online with Adobe Photoshop.com Mobile. An application for any Windows Mobile handset, this beta application can be downloaded by any U.S. consumer for free. You just need to become a free member of Photoshop.com, which includes 2GB of free photo storage, and you’ll be uploading photos from the road and showing off your Mobile Shared album to family back home. Let your inner paparazzi out.

iPhone users: find your version from the iTunes store.

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Continue reading »]]> Adobe’s new Flash Platform Services, unveiled Monday, assists in making Flash applications easier to share, and specifically targets social networking sites and mobile devices.  The new program will allow users to share Flash apps and games, instead of having to point to a link.  Advertisers will benefit most from the new platform, which will greatly improve content publisher’s ability to distribute, track, and monetize flash content.

How good is this? A better way to for advertisers to penetrate and track the lives of internet denizens?

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Continue reading »]]> Adobe launched the latest version of Adobe TV today, its popular video channel offering its own official advice and training for Adobe products. The new face of Adobe TV includes the ability to customize your viewing experience and interact with the player during tutorials.

Videos featured instruct on topics ranging from beginning tutorials, such as creating simple animations in Flash CS4, to in depth explorations of Adobe product features, such as  Photoshop CS4’s powerful tone-mapping capabilities, to advice on the best ways to integrate CS4 Creative Suite programs.

The new version of Adobe TV was designed in response to feedback from users, and offers a resizable pop-out window that will allow viewers to watch while working within the Adobe programs they are learning about. A free Adobe Media Player associated with Adobe TV is also available, allowing fans to save and watch content offline.  The free media player also allows users to stream podcasts and internet shows, collect flash videos, and  personalize via filters and playlists.

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Continue reading »]]> Licensed, paid for software is great for large applications and complex tasks. But what about all the lightweight, small programs you use for simple, specific jobs? The amount of free and open source software available for download grows larger every day, and here is a list of some of my favorites.

1. Firefox

Hands down the most popular browser among the tech-savvy, Firefox combines speed, security, and unique features that you won’t find in other browsers. Add-ons are available for free from 3rd parties to help you customize your browsing experience. If you do any kind of web development, you know just how much better Firefox is than Internet Explorer. Firefox is a must download for anyone on any computer system.

2. WinSCP

This is hands down my favorite ftp client. It’s free, simple to use, and contains some great features. You gotta love open source software that does its job better than paid versions.

3. VLC Media Player

This lightweight media player can handle almost anything you can throw at it. It will play pretty much every type of media or streaming file. Want to rip CD’s or DVD’s? It can handle that. You can also convert your videos to iPod formats. VLC can do it all, without any bulky back end software.

4. Fences

Stardock Fences is a cool little program that organizes your desktop. Hide your desktop icons with a single click when you don’t need them so your amazing background shows it’s full potential. Organize all of your files and icons into labeled, shaded groups so you always know where to find your programs for quick access.

5. Trillian

Trillian is the ultimate instant messaging tool. It’s what we use for inter-office chats here at SoftwareMedia. It supports AIM, ICQ, MSN, Yahoo Messenger, and IRC, all in one convenient location. Chat with all your friends and colleagues, no matter what service they use. There are tons of extra features as well, like file transfers and group chats that actually come in handy.

I know there are tons of great, free software programs out there, but these are the ones I seem to use most often. What are your favorite open-source apps?

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Continue reading »]]> The on-going battle between RealDVD and Hollywood is almost over. Last Thursday, federal judge Marilyn Patel heard the closing arguments from RealDVD, as well as lawyers from the MPAA and the 7 major movie studios that brought the case against RealNetworks. She is expected to give her ruling at any time.

Back in September, the sale of RealDVD software was halted when this case was filed against RealNetworks. RealDVD is a $30 program that allows users to play DVD’s and copy them to their hard drives for a digital backup of the physical DVD. Major movie studios feel that this software could be misused to make illegal copies of DVD’s, so they blocked the sale of the software.

The funny thing about this whole case is the fact that RealDVD is similar to dozens of other software programs on the market right now that let you copy and save DVD’s for personal use. I guess the movie industry had to pick 0n somebody to get the ball rolling in the area of blocking personal freedoms and fair use of copyrighted content. The movie studios would benefit enormously if a consumer is forced to spend another $20 on a fresh copy of a DVD because they scratched their original copy.

I thought this argument was already settled. The music industry gave up this fight a long time ago, and as a result consumers are free to copy CD’s to their iPods and make back up copies on their hard drives. This may be the only reason people still buy CD’s; to have a physical backup of their digital music. The movie studios should learn from this and realize that consumers will still buy their movies, even though they will not be tied to a piece of physical media.

It’s unfortunate that this lawsuit only singles out RealDVD. This case has been a major blow to the sales of their new software. However, even if RealNetworks loses this case, the movie industry will have done nothing to prevent the copying of DVD’s.

A quick Google search for “dvd ripper” or “copy dvd” results in links to a large variety of free software programs that will help you rip any DVD, no matter how good the security encryption is. I doubt any serious DVD pirate would fork out $30 for a ripper like RealDVD when he could get the same functionality in a free, open source program. RealDVD is marketed at legitimate users that want to play their purchased DVD’s on their personal computer, without the need to carry around a bunch of movies on discs.

Open source software developers and hackers love the challenge of breaking the latest security measures aimed at stopping illegal disc copying. For this very reason, no DVD security system will ever work. The movie studios are always on the defensive in this battle, which cannot possibly result in a victory for them. If a software developer is smart enough to come up with a new security system, you can bet someone out there is smart enough to break it.

If the movie industry wins this case, it will be a major blow to your personal rights regarding the use of purchased digital media. Other companies that make similar software, like Nero, will also have to fear a lawsuit. This will only further push the DVD copying industry underground, and it will not stop a single DVD from being copied by users that wish to do so. It is just too easy to get around copy protections on DVD’s.

The time is coming, in the very near future, when most people will not buy physical media to watch movies. iTunes already revolutionized the music industry, and similar movie download and streaming services will do the same for the movie industry. They need to embrace this change, and give consumers the freedom to enjoy movies in whatever form they choose. There should be no law stating that I cannot copy a movie that I purchased from a DVD to my iPhone.

To stay current with the latest news surrounding this case, bookmark the RealDVD litigation page. I am definitely looking forward to the verdict in this case and discussing its future ramifications.

Via Yahoo! Tech.

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Continue reading »]]> Today, Adobe announced it is extending its Flash platform to digital devices in your living room like internet-ready televisions, Blu-ray players, game consoles, and more. This means services like Hulu and Netflix will soon be available for streaming straight to your TV.

Simulated Flash television content, courtesy Adobe

Flash support for televisions will mean interactive viewing experiences and the ability to switch between web content and standard television programming. So, if there is nothing on TV at the moment, just switch over to Hulu or Netflix and stream whatever you feel like. This could be a major change in the way home entertainment is presented to the consumer.

Flash for your TV is just the latest development in what will be the proliferation of Flash technology into your everyday life. Flash is already installed on 98% of all internet enabled computers, and as I reported last month, Flash will soon be invading your mobile phone. This is great for content providers and consumers alike. It give consumers more freedom and customization in their television experience, and allows content providers to interact and retain their viewers with greater ease. I just hope this doesn’t devolve into pop up ads on your television, but I’m sure that will be one eventual side-effect.

Adobe also announced partnerships with content providers like Disney, Netflix, Comcast, and Atlantic Records, as well as partnerships with chipmakerse like Intel and Sigma Designs. Partnerships with TV manufacturers are expected soon.

New devices with support for Flash will be available starting in the second half of 2009, so you will have to be patient for a little while longer before Hulu is integrated into your new HD flatscreen.

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Continue reading »]]> Today I had the opportunity to try out a piece of video editing software called Adobe Premiere Elements 7. This version of the popular Premiere line of video editors is aimed at the novice to intermediate editor that likes to make relatively basic video with simple cuts, effects, and transitions. I have used Premiere Pro extensively in the past, so I was curious to see how the simplified version stacked up.

The first thing that stuck in my mind when I started the software was the web integration. Immediately upon start up the program asked me to create an online storage account at Photoshop.com, which is free for the basic 2BG of storage. After the quick sign up, I realized that my new Photoshop.com account also includes tons of ever-changing tutorials and project ideas. This “inspiration gallery” is definitely a cool bonus feature, and the tutorials are a great way to get on your feet quickly. Now on to the editing window.

Since I am at work and don’t have any videos on me, I decided to create a simple slide show from some Flickr photos from the web. I also grabbed an mp3 file for some background music. In Premiere Elements 7 there are ready made video templates that let you create a polished movie in a matter of minutes. The software goes through your video clips, analyzes them for the best quality ones, and splices them together in a random order with tons of graphics, visual effects, and music. These templates are more of an amusement to see what the software will come up with, than a way to create meaningful videos. But having fun is what this software is all about, right?

The editing timeline and timeline controls in Premiere Elements are very similar to those found in Premiere Pro, just slightly simpler. Even a novice could pick up the timeline process quickly; the process of trimming and arranging video clips and images is straightforward and pretty simple. Premiere Elements 7 also has a good size library of digital effects and transitions to add some style to your editing. The title creation feature is also straightforward and allows you to create everything from a simple text overlay to long, rolling final credits. There are tons of pre-set font styles and colors to choose from as well.

Once you finish your editing, exporting your movie couldn’t be easier. This is where Premiere Elements 7 really shines. There are no complicating formatting menus and export options to deal with. Quick links from the main menu allow you to send your video straight to your You Tube account or personal website, or you can format your movie for your iPhone or other mobile device. Of course you can also easily burn a DVD or Blu-ray disc.

I am definitely impressed by the capabilities of Premiere Elements 7. The timeline is just as versatile as that found in Premiere Pro for most tasks, and cool features like Videomearge (using a green screen) make special effects a breeze. Once you spend about an hour with the program to learn how to get around  and where all the features are located, you will be able to create great You Tube video edits in a matter of minutes. For less than $100, Adobe Premiere Elements 7 is truly an excellent deal.

Check out my first use of Premiere Elements 7 to see how easy it is to create a photo slideshow:

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