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 »]]> Ever have a frustrating conversation with a friend while trying to troubleshoot his/her computer issues? Where you’re trying the best you can without actually seeing the computer firsthand? Only to conclude that it’s going nowhere because you can’t see what’s going on? Ahh, the hardships of being the smarter, more computer-savvy friend…

Well, ShowMeWhatsWrong has a solution that may help in times like these. The process is quite simple; there are just three easy steps.

1. Create an unique URL to pass on to the friend you are helping, just log on to ShowMeWhatsWrong and enter your name and email
2. At that URL, your friend may “Start Recording,” up to five minutes, a video screen capture of what is happening on his/her computer. In addition, the capture will also automatically record voice narration through any connected microphone
3. When the video is done recording, ShowMeWhatsWrong uploads it and sends you an email notification when the video is online. You have a week to view the video before it expires.

For the more visual learner, there’s also a video demonstration:

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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 »]]> Seriously.  Who owns, personally owns, all the software they need?Nevermind want. No one does. No one I know at least.  Adobe, Microsoft, Corel all rock. Of course.  They’re great.  But they might as well be Pretty Pony  Design Software, as far as my home computer endeavors are concerned.

Thank god for freeware. There is some pretty damn impressive software out there of no charge, that can handle most of our domestic computer needs competently, if not sometimes a little awkwardly. Here’s a list of some of my favorites, plus some popular ones I’ve heard good things about. Check into when your 30-day Adobe Whatever CS4 trial is up.

1. GIMP [freeware graphics editor.] It is amazing this is free. If don’t have PhotoShop or an Adobe equivalent, and have been screwing around in Microsoft Paint (futile, isn’t it?) for 4 hours, then go Gimp. Gimp was originally developed by two students in 1995 at Berkeley as a semester-long project. Since then, it has steadily improved and expanded, spawning numerous variations, sister programs, derivatives, and is now, by far, the most powerful freeware graphics editing program around.

2. Audacity [free audio recorder and editor]. Audacity is a digital audio editor and recorder; the best freeware substitute I’ve found for recording and editing audio.  It was developed by a grad student at Carnegie Mellon University, and released in 2006. It supports multiple tracks, each individually editable, and imports and exports most kinds of sound formats.  It also includes noise removal tools, loads of effects, an unlimited undo, and the capacity to change speed without changing pitch.

3. Paint.net [freeware graphics editor]. If you’re looking for something a little simpler, this is a totally decent graphic-editing program,  I used to use all the time. Originally developed in 2004 at Washington State University as an alternative to Microsoft Paint, it has evolved to support many graphic design tools including layers, blending, transparency, and plugins.

4. Blender [free 3D graphics application]. Blender is a powerful 3D graphics application, and does loads of stuff; here’s the list. It can be used for modeling, UV unwrapping, texturing, rigging, water simulations, skinning, animating, rendering, non-linear editing, compositing, and creating interactive 3D applications. This one I’ve only heard very highly spoken of, having never used it. It was developed by an animation studio that went bankrupt, and released the code for $100,670.00US.

5. OpenOffice [free word process0r, spreadsheet application, presentation program, and others]. OpenOffice is a popular application suite that basically does all the same stuff as Microsoft Office, as well as a few other things. It supports all Microsoft Office formats, and as of March 2009, over 80 languages.  The source code was released in July 2000 in hopes of weakening Mircrosoft’s grip on the office application market. To Microsoft’s Word, Excel, Powerpoint, and Access, OpenOffice offers Writer, Calc, Impress, and Base, respectively. It also includes a vector graphics diagramming tool, and an equation/formula creator/editor.

7. CamStudio [free screen capture program]. CamStudio is a screencasting program. This program is about as simple as they come. It has no editing capabilities though, so don’t mess up. If all you need to do is capture screen activity and audio in AVI and AWF format, then go with this.

Anyway, that’s all I’ve got for now, but I am sure more will come to me; I’ll try to remember to come back and post them.

(We can tweet you posts like this)

Add your own freeware recommendations in a comment. Thanks.

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Continue reading »]]> For Windows users that do a lot of work in programs like Adobe Premiere Pro CS4 or After Effects CS4, now may be the time to upgrade your Vista system to 64-bit. Microsoft officially crossed over from 32-bit to 64-bit with Vista, and making the change has never been easier. Windows 7 will push 64-bit even more, and their down the road goal is to eliminate 32-bit operating systems all together.

What is the difference between a 32-bit OS and a 64-bit OS you may ask? I’ll tell you. A 64-bit OS essentially uses a data path that is 64-bits wide, allowing the system to transfer data around in packets that are twice as large. This speeds up your basic, underlying system performance. Perhaps the biggest advantage to a 64-bit OS, however, is the ability to utilize nearly unlimited memory. Windows XP and Vista 32-bit editions are limited to only 4GB of RAM, and those systems can only make use of about 2GB of that RAM. With Vista 64-bit, you can upgrade your RAM to 16GB or higher without any problems. That is where the new Adobe CS4 programs really shine.

All CS4 applications are designed to work with a 64-bit OS and harness extra memory beyond 4GB. Tests by Adobe have shown speed increases in Premiere Pro of up to 200% on 64-bit systems with 16GB of memory, over maxed-out 32-bit systems. With the price of memory upgrades at an all-time low, upgrading to 16GB or higher should run less than $500. For someone using HD workflows in CS4 Production Premium, the immediate leaps in productivity make this upgrade a no-brainer. Vista also makes upgrading to 64-bit as painless as it can be, but you will have to check to make sure all of your harware has 64-bit drivers. You will also have to upgrade your Adobe software to the latest versions and tweak the memory usage settings in the individual programs.

You Mac users have nothing to worry about because Mac OS Leopard is already 64-bit capable. So go ahead and throw another 32GB of memory into your system and watch your render speeds go through the roof.

Adobe recently released a white paper outlining the benefits seen in using CS4 Production Premium after upgrading to 64-bit Vista. This white paper should answer any additional questions you have and give you some guidance. Karl Soule also oulined some of the benefits of upgradaing in his blog as well.

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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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