I've never had experience with video editing programs, but I can tell you that Studio 8 does a pretty good job with creating "movies" (this is coming from an ameatur). What I don't like is that rendering takes a very long time, not too many fancy titles and I haven't (if its even capable of doing this) been able to play a video while there is text in front of it.Get more detail about Pinnacle Studio 8.0 Video Editing with CD/DVD Authoring.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Discount Pinnacle Studio 8.0 Video Editing with CD/DVD Authoring
I've never had experience with video editing programs, but I can tell you that Studio 8 does a pretty good job with creating "movies" (this is coming from an ameatur). What I don't like is that rendering takes a very long time, not too many fancy titles and I haven't (if its even capable of doing this) been able to play a video while there is text in front of it.Get more detail about Pinnacle Studio 8.0 Video Editing with CD/DVD Authoring.
Cheapest Windvd 4 By Intervideo
I have installed this product, didn't work, uninstalled and then installed it again. It works periodically but cannot depend on it to play DVD everytime.
This is with Windows Vista.Get more detail about Windvd 4 By Intervideo.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Buying Sibelius Student Edition V5
Purchasing a "student edition" one would expect to be able to do basic things simply. This does not seem to be the case with this product. Simple tasks such as inserting a note in the middle of a melody, changing a time signature or even changing the title of a composition are either not possible or are not easy. The help materials, most of which do not come with the product, spend as much time vaunting the product as in providing useful information. And, to top it off, technical support seems largely unavailable -- e-mails not answered, telephone not answered. My piano teacher suggested that I should have bought Finale.Get more detail about Sibelius Student Edition V5.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Buy Adobe Premiere 6.5
I'm not an expert in the field of editing, but I plan to be, and I did have the opportunity to use Adobe Premiere 6.5 (in conjunction with Adobe After Effects, version 5.5, I believe) in a video editing class at my college. I think it's a fantastic program with a lot of possibilities.
While I can't say that I knew what to do with the program when I first sat down with it, I did get a lot of time to experiment. By the end of semester, I was quite deeply in love with the program. I found the A/B editing mode to be very useful - not only for simplicity's sake, but also because of the use of transitions. All the projects I handed in had a simple "fade to the next video bloc" transition in it.
Another thing I really liked about Premiere was that it played my video in real time. In After Effects, the computer system got a bit bogged down and wouldn't play video at 29.97 fps. But in Premiere, if I wanted film to play a certain speed, by George it went.
Capturing the film from camera was also very simple. Hook up the Firewire, tell it to capture, and with one exception (being a college network failure), it captured every time.
If you plan to buy this product, please:
-Have a Firewire connection. (Quite key.)
-Have a large hard drive. I filled a thirty gigabyte hard drive in five months, with four projects' worth of film.
-Have a lot of RAM. "At least a gig!" all the geeks in class declared. I worked with 500-some megabytes of RAM, and was told that I was operating at the bottom threshold of memory. More is better.
-Have a good camera. (Oh really, d'ya think?!)
-Have a lot of fun with it. I wish to pete I'd had more than just a semester to work with this program. While not intended to do all the special effects of After Effects or other S.E. programs, it fulfills every expectation I had of it.
Highly recommended! Good Stuff!!Get more detail about Adobe Premiere 6.5.
Purchase Juilliard Music Adventure (PC / Mac)
Musical traditions of The Juilliard School are introduced in the game, where a mischievous gnome named Gnoise has stolen all the music from the Queen's castle. Exploring the castle, you have to solve the musical puzzles, free the Queen, and restore music to her realm.
Also you can compose your own music with Rhythm and Melody Tools.Get more detail about Juilliard Music Adventure (PC / Mac).
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Where To Buy Toontrack EZXpansion Nashville
Toontrack has done it again! Drums, controls, patterns, sounds - it gets better and better with each expansion pack!
I love this pack. Sticks with and without snare, fingers - I have used this pack with great success in a variety of projects, most of them NOT country-oriented!
Can't recommend this highly enough!Get more detail about Toontrack EZXpansion Nashville.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Shop For Adobe Creative Suite 4 Production Premium [Mac] [OLD VERSION]
Great price and a great product. I have been using Adobe for years and this was simply an upgrade to the newer version for my computer.Get more detail about Adobe Creative Suite 4 Production Premium [Mac] [OLD VERSION].
123 Copy DVD 09
First, the software expires after a year. So, you are require to purchase the new edition or pay to download it. Recommendation: buy another dvd copier software! Second, copies are not of good quality. Quality of dvd should be the number one priority in creating a dvd copier. Third, software does not copy encrypted files. Lets be real, most dvds are encrypted. I downloaded a free copier that works better than this software.Get more detail about 123 Copy DVD 09.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
My Voice Review
You're better off finding a box, filling it with rocks, then take the money out of your wallet that you would have paid for this and light it on fire. At least when the money is gone you'll have a handy box of rocks. This is a Rip Off. Greed has produced an illusion of a product. I don't normally fall for this kind of Snake Oil, but it was in a reputable store and I wanted what it said it would do, and became blind to the fact that the company didn't advertise a location, telephone number, website, on the package, blah, blah, blah. All the reviews about blinking messages, not being able to read music on your computor, etc, I experienced with my first hour of trying to figure out if this pathetic box of junk could produce anything worth while. It did not. I wish I had the box of rocks. Zero Stars.Get more detail about My Voice.
Creator 2009 Ultimate Top Quality
Everything that I have wanted to do, I have been able to do, with the exception of copying all the discs that I own. Some have the copyright protection that doesn't allow me to make copies. Which is a bummer if you're a parent. As long as you're willing to invest some time into getting the job done, this program is for you.Get more detail about Creator 2009 Ultimate.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
123 Copy DVD Plus This instant
Don't waste your money on this (especially if your player is a Sony). Tried to backup one of my favorite DVDs to preserve the original, and it wouldn't play on the Sony (did play on the computer, however). Went to the site, read all the information in the FAQ section pertaining to my problem, couldn't resolve it, so I emailed them. After three emails, none of which I think they actually read (the first reply was a word for word copy of the FAQ section!), I was told my burner wasn't supported, and to either wait until it was, or return the product to the store.Get more detail about 123 Copy DVD Plus.
Write Brothers StoryView 2.0 Immediately
Write Brothers StoryView 2.0
I think that Write Brothers StoryView is a wonderful product! As you work on your dramatic writing process for either a script, play, or novel. Storyview 2.0 will allow you to view each scene in relation to the others. I developed my story on a dramatic writing software and then exported it over to StoryView. StoryView brought up the scenes beautifully and I was able to objectively view each screen in contrast to the other scenes - and also have a larger view of the story as a whole! Without this product most people would have to use index cards in order to perform this process. But with StoryView, the process is much easier. Plus, you are able to import dramatic writing ideas from other software and be able to arrange and critique the ideas in the StoryView software and then export the ideas to a script formatting software. I use all three in conjunction with each other. But the best benefit of these features is that you are able to view, piece together, and develop a story - all in one process with StoryView - and then the final step would be the technicality of formatting the story into a script! Also, I want to mention that you can also convert the scenes with StoryView into a Word document and be able to show your story to others who do not own the StoryView software. So, I am extremely happy with this product! It definitely is an aid to my writing as well as giving me an advantage as a writer over others who do not use these types of softwares. I would highly recommend this product!Get more detail about Write Brothers StoryView 2.0.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Movie Edit Pro 11 [OLD VERSION] Best Quality
I don't know what people are complaining about here. I got my copy at a pretty low price--about $30.00 which is a lot cheaper than the other editors out there. You can't expect top notch quality at a low price.
However, once you learn to use this product it is actually pretty good--except it doesn't convert Quicktime and some AVI files right. However, if you use one of the other various formats such Realplayer and Windows Media Player formats it is an excellent product. There are a lot of good things this product does if a person takes the time to go through it and figure out what it does.Get more detail about Movie Edit Pro 11 [OLD VERSION].
Tune Tools for iPod: Multi Media Edition Get it now!
This software was difficult to use, didn't do what it said, and I ended up having to buy another tool to do the same thing. There are others out there, keep looking.Get more detail about Tune Tools for iPod: Multi Media Edition.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Music Maker 11 Deluxe [OLD VERSION] Buy Now
I have two versions of music maker: 6 and 11 deluxe.
I'm just going to review the 11.
Pros:
-This programs has a lot of effects and "tweaking" capabilities such as: stereo, amp simulation, eq, reverb, etc.
-Its relatively intuitive.
-Tons of loops.
-Cheap. Got in on sale at 9.99.
Cons:
-The program somehow WILL CORRUPT ALL YOUR PROJECT FILES. You won't be able to open them.
That pretty much sums it all. Don't buy the program.
I'm an amateur recording artist, and spent lots of hours recording my songs and the program won't even recognize the project files. I thought it was my computer, but I have re-installed the program again and again. Its a faulty program.
Get more detail about Music Maker 11 Deluxe [OLD VERSION].
I Copy Dvds 2 Professional Edition Order Now
ICOPYDVDS2 will make back-up copies of DVDs under XP, even copyright protected one, when installed and used as instructed. However, it WILL NOT even start up without errors under Vista. It's not too fast, it demands to be undisturbed while reading and burning or it'll make a coaster out of your media, and it will not operate at all under Windows Vista. For XP, its tolerable. For Vista, well, it just does not work.Get more detail about I Copy Dvds 2 Professional Edition.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Listener's Bible KJV CD Decide Now
I recently purchased two of the Listener's Bible on cd, read by Max Mclean. I bought one for myself, and one for my wife. I must say that the power, passion, and substance in which Mr. Mclean reads the bible is priceless. I enjoy the speed in which he reads, which allows you to absorb every word of the scriptures.I encourage anyone who wants to hear the word of God read with vivid reality and relevance, then pick up this gem !! No this is not a substitute for the reading,studying,and meditation on the word of God, but this is a great supplement. It gives you the flexibility to hear the word of God as you travel to and from work, around town, or in your home. I am very happy with this investement in my spiritual walk.Get more detail about Listener's Bible KJV CD.
Adobe Photoshop Elements 5.0 Premiere Elements 3.0 Bundle [OLDER VERSION] Right now
I always used this software until Google Picasa 3 came along. Adobe like Microsoft cost to much and always making updates no one wants. For desplaying photo get Picasa 3 it free.Get more detail about Adobe Photoshop Elements 5.0 Premiere Elements 3.0 Bundle [OLDER VERSION].
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Lowest Price DMTS Inside Editing With Final Cut Pro 4 Training DVD
Anyone using or wanting to use Final Cut Pro 4.0 should seriously consider investing in Magnet Media's tutorial series Inside Final Cut Pro. The DVD is packed with live video demonstrating step-by-step the basic operations, interface navigation and advanced techniques you'll want to use whether you are a hobbyist or professional videographer. I found the samples to be pertinent and the instruction straight forward.
The Video begins with an overview of the interface. Despite the fact that I've used FCP 1.25 through 3.0, I found new insights into how to better utilize FCP and its core features with this section. The lessons are taught by Evan Schectman, a professional editor and the founder of Outpost Digital, and I found him to be warm and without the arrogance and elitism of many editor/teachers. I understoood most lessons the first time through. Others, such as the concept of "nesting" and the Pro-audio features I have watched a few times through. Again, this is another benefit of this type of learning. You never have to reread anything. You simply replay the lesson as often as you need to. The learning feedback is simple and painless.
One tip-despite the fact that the DVD only runs on a Mac with a dvd drive-the files on the DVD are readable on a PC equipped with a DVD drive and quicktime (although trying to figure out which files are which can be a challenge) - I used this methed often to following along with Evan when things got complicated - worked like a charm.
Some other features covered are color-correction (fantastic overview with practical applications) compositing and animation, for those that wish to stay exclusively in FCP with out straying to the likes of After Effects or Combustion - Introductions to Soundtrack and Livetype, both new applications within the FCP 4.0 suite.
Overall I was impressed and thoughly pleased with my experience with Magent Media's Training. I believe this is the future of self-education in the video editing realm. Books can be cumbersome and time consuming. With Magnet medias Inside Final Cut Pro, you have an all-in-one instructor on a disc you can pull out for a refresher anytime you wish. And you never have to leave your house to get it!
-CraigGet more detail about DMTS Inside Editing With Final Cut Pro 4 Training DVD.
Low Price American Idol Extreme Music Creator
This package is what I would consider to be the "Photoshop" of music editing software. If all you want to do is strip the vocals off pieces of recorded .mp3's in order to dub over them with your own voice, this is NOT the tool for you. I could not figure out how to use it and the Help was not very helpful.
On the other hand, it does come with many different options and loads of separate guitar, drum, piano, etc. loops that you can use if you're savvy about synchronizing these things with other musical loops you already have. This is probably a good piece of software for composers and people who want to alter the beat, tone, pitch, etc. of self-recorded clips. I don't know why they advertise it as having anything to do with American Idol because it's fairly useless for singers.Get more detail about American Idol Extreme Music Creator.
Friday, August 20, 2010
Save Xilisoft DVD Movie to iPod Video and Audio Converter Suite (Windows Software)
I have had this product in my posession for a few hours and can't figure out how to register it. The registration process is asking for a username and a license code, which didn't come with the product(which btw looks cheap and homemade, nothing like the product that is displayed on the actual website). Customer service is through email and claims to respond within 24 hrs, so I'm waiting for a response. Seems like toooo much of a hassle for all the money I just paid for it. I gave it one star becuz i had to otherwise it would be 0. Don't bother.Get more detail about Xilisoft DVD Movie to iPod Video and Audio Converter Suite (Windows Software).
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Cheapest Apple Final Cut Studio 2 Upgrade from Final Cut Pro (Mac)
This is the FC Studio to get if you need the software for a nonIntel processor. It's the last upgrade from Apple for the G5 Power PC. I upgraded from Studio with Final Cut 5.1 and can now use most of the newer plugins as Final Cut Studio is more graphics friendly.Get more detail about Apple Final Cut Studio 2 Upgrade from Final Cut Pro (Mac).
Cheap Sony Acid Music Studio
VERY GOOD PRODUCT, IT'S REALLY NOT EXPENSIVE AND IT GETS THE JOB DONE. YOU DON'T NEED HIGH DOLLAR PRO TOOLS TO MAKE GREAT MUSIC. MGGet more detail about Sony Acid Music Studio.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Buying Apple Logic Express 8 Upgrade [OLD VERSION]
I do only amateur MIDI-based music composition, no audio recording. Thus I can't comment on the latter. For the former, however, Logic Express offers all the tools I need to edit MIDI-events, and access to the tools will feel natural to anyone already comfortable with the Mac-way of doing things. Garageband's capabilities as a MIDI-event editor are rudimentary, where as Logic Express's capabilities are extensive. This was the main reason that I left Garageband and switched to Logic Express.
For amateurs with little knowledge of the concepts of a software instrument and the choosing of its parameters to create a sound, Logic Express can appear to be formidable even though thousands (especially if you buy the assorted Jam Packs) of parameter choices are built-in. Understanding the software instruments in order to create your own sounds will require study and experimentation if you are new to this.
The only editing that appears to be absent from Logic Express (I've only seen it in the application, Vision, that died many years ago after Mac OS 8 was retired) is scale transformations; that is, given something written in a major scale, being able to semi-automatically transform it into a minor scale, or even esoteric scales, such as Phrygian, Lydian or Mixolydian.
And lastly, perhaps an unnecessary note of caution: just as you can't write a novel with Microsoft Word unless you have a story to tell and understand how to tell it, you can't write music with Logic Express (or any other music creation program) unless you understand enough about music to do so.Get more detail about Apple Logic Express 8 Upgrade [OLD VERSION].
Buy Toontrack Vintage Rock Brushes and Sticks EZX Sample Library
At first listen, this might sound dry, almost dead. But that's what real drums sound like before they have the life processed into them (or out of them). In reality, this kit falls into most mixes brilliantly right out of the box. Most "kick-butt" sounding drum sounds in these programs can't fit into a mix no matter what you do. They have too much personality of their own and just won't blend. This Vintage EZX is exactly the opposite. You can do whatever you want to them, and make them as specific as you want. On the other hand, you can leave them alone and use them as is and they sound brilliant. Other programs like BFD which give you dry, unprocessed sounds sound horrible in a mix, and give you no choice but to work on them to make them usable. This Vintage EZX is somehow the perfect blend of everything you could want. I'd like to have seen more variety of kit pieces in this, but in some ways the simplicity of it makes it very easy to use, and a total pleasure.Get more detail about Toontrack Vintage Rock Brushes and Sticks EZX Sample Library.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Purchase Acoustica Mixcraft 4 Multitrack Audio MIDI Recording Software (Standard)
I just got this yesterday and I'm extremely pleased with it. I'm not a musician, just a computer guy that wanted to piece together some things for a flash project I'm working on. This software is everything I hoped for. It's extremely easy to use and has a nice large library of clips. Literally within minutes of opening the software for the first time you can loop together your first song (if you don't get distracted listening to the excellent example projects first)!
Previous to this I had been using the free Audacity software. Mixcraft 4 is 100 times more usable and useful! It took an arduous, pain in the ass task and turned into a pleasure.Get more detail about Acoustica Mixcraft 4 Multitrack Audio MIDI Recording Software (Standard).
Order 123 CDVD 2008
Bought this program last week. No instructions, no troubleshooting. I downloaded it on my brand new computer and I tried to burn a dvd. Goes through the entire buring process and the copy won't play in anything! Not even on my computer. Then I downloaded the newer version because apparently the '08 version has some problems, and the '09 version doesn't even work! Error messages left and right..... this whole process has been a complete waste of my time.Get more detail about 123 CDVD 2008.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Where To Buy FL Studio 8 XXL Bundle
I worked hard for a few weeks to learn the basics of this Studio. They have great online tutoring. I was mixing some great things up, very quickly and Im no musician. Fun to work with and intuitive.Get more detail about FL Studio 8 XXL Bundle.
Shop For Toontrack Latin Percussion EZX Sample Library
A nice kit for the basics, but the lack of a set of clave samples is a huge oversight. Also missing is a far more comprehensive set of loops. Example: there's no mambo.Get more detail about Toontrack Latin Percussion EZX Sample Library.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Nova Video Explosion Deluxe
I've had VED since 2002 and it's easy to save in many formats. I usually save in MPEG-2. I use this setting for creating a DVD compliant file. Audio: 384 Kbps, 48,000 Hz Video: 29.97 fps, 720x480, 8300 Kbps. If you can't use this software then something is wrong somewhere. It's that easy. ;>Get more detail about Nova Video Explosion Deluxe.
Line 6 Riff Tracker Review
I'm a Mac user, and this thing works great. As other have stated, the installation process is not exactly clear - in my setup, I run the speakers from the guitarport rather than the computer itself. You then have to tell the computer to use the guitarport instead of the default speaker outs (it's in the system prefs, under SOUND).
That said - the thing is pretty great, and gives you a lot to play with right out of the box. For a small subscription fee ($6 a month at last check), you get access to a large library of lessons and sounds - really a great thing for studious guitar player. If you choose not to subscribe (first month is free), it still has a good set of sounds, with adjustable settings - it's very versatile.
Note: Good headphones or nice speakers (audio monitors are even better) are required to get the most out of it.
If you're a hobbyist, and don't play on stage, get this instead of an amp. It's a great little gizmo.Get more detail about Line 6 Riff Tracker.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Interactive Guitar Top Quality
The software would be about okay as Guitar tutor software but it does not include any well known songs to learn (unlike some other packages like eMedia's Rock Guitar which I prefer). Also, the Comp-U-Pare feature - the main reason I bought the software - does not work and actually crashes the software. There is a support website but it is terrible with lots of broken links on the website (that are supposed to go to pages on the website that are no longer at the given URL rather than linking to missing external pages). In particular, there is a dead link that is supposed to download an upgrade.Get more detail about Interactive Guitar.
Cakewalk USB Music Pack This instant
Works as described. Cables a little short , having to juggle the keyboard and the PC - be prepared to be surrounded by equipment . Using the MIDI interface successfully with Band in a Box.
Check the release of Cakewalk - it is not the latest available.Get more detail about Cakewalk USB Music Pack.
Friday, August 13, 2010
PC CAKEWALK GUITAR TRACKS PRO 3 Immediately
This is very difficult to use - not ready out of the box - need to probably get other cords, etc. to connect to computer/speakers - more complicated than I was lead to believeGet more detail about PC CAKEWALK GUITAR TRACKS PRO 3.
WinDVD 9 Plus Best Quality
Corel WinDVD 9 is a step back from earlier versions - actually, it's pretty bad on its own.
I have no idea why they decided to mess up the controls, even hitting Play (with the Space bar) can be an adventure. Sometimes when you hit Pause the frame will run and you'll have to wait a few seconds until Pause takes effect. Same with Fast Forward and Rewind, you can't properly do either without the frames running longer/shorter than you want them to.
The Screen Capture function is seriously hindered by the Pause/FF/Rewind control mess. You will need to try several times before landing the frame you want and more than often, you'll have to settle for the frame you CAN get, not the one you actually want/need.
Unlike with earlier versions, all your captures will save instantly whether you save them or not. There's no "Save" button, once you hit the screencap button it's saved to folder and you can't choose the format. It's automatic (huge) BMP.
The only function that's improved is the QuickClip one, but that's not enough to make this WinDVD 9 version any less trash.
The picture quality is crisp and clean, but so were other versions.
If you don't need the HD/Blu-ray function, WinDVD 7 is *still* the best version out there. Pity InterVideo is no longer around to keep making great video software.Get more detail about WinDVD 9 Plus.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Studio MX 2004 with Flash Get it now!
Macromedia Dreamweaver is the first obvious starting point of this package. Dreamweaver is an excellent package that can be used to build full-featured websites. I would suggest anyone starting to use Dreamweaver to attend a course as the package can be overwhelming if you have no background in WSWG (what you see is what you get) software to build websites.
The next thing to learn would be Fireworks, which is a fairly web-centric graphics program. Fireworks can do many of the things that a full-blown graphics program like Adobe Photoshop can do, however it is more targeted at the web developer.
For those who are more daring, try the Flash product which can be used for animations among other functionality.
I really like Coldfusion. Coldfusion has many interesting "tags" that allow you to read and write databases, perform programming logic like "if's", "else's" and a myriad of other functionality like scripting, using Java, XML etc. There's no end to what you can do and keep discovering in Coldfusion. A great book is Sams Teach Yourself Coldfusion MX in 21 Days, which has all you need to know to build fairly significant Coldfusion applications.
The only drawback of Coldfusion, which is really the "endgame" of these products, is that it is not extensively used commercially by web developers. Time and time again I get chastised for not creating my web applications in more commercially acceptable PHP or Microsoft products that would make my products more universally hostable, supportable and acceptable.
We can only hope that a new version of Coldfusion is soon coming, with even more extensive and fun features to learn.
I would say, especially if you are a web programming hobbyist, and have access to some inexpensive courses to get you started, you won't be disappointed by joining the Macromedia way.
Get more detail about Studio MX 2004 with Flash.
Pinnacle Studio MovieBox Plus Buy Now
I can't say how disappointed I am in Pinnacle products. Ever since I "upgraded" my old Studio to the current version, I've had nothing but problems getting the program to work correctly. The so-called support at Pinnacle is worse than non-existent. I've gotten conflicting answers, not had my emails answered, and, after at least 10 hours on the phone, email and live chat, the program still does not work. I doubt I'll ever buy anything from these folks again.Get more detail about Pinnacle Studio MovieBox Plus.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Magix Music Studio 10 Deluxe [OLD VERSION] Order Now
My only motivation for writing this review is to save you time and money. Fortunately, the price for this item has dropped dramatically since I paid $80.00 for it when it first came out, but that doesn't change the fact that it isn't worth a dime.
The primary problem with this software is how difficult it is to use. I've been an electronics technician for thirty-four (34) years, and an analog and digital audio engineer and technician for twenty-six (26) years, and hold degrees in math, physics, and astronomy, so it's not like I just fell off the banana boat.
Do yourself a favor and steer clear of this useless waste of money (at any price). I can't speak for those that don't have decades of studio experience, but for me Cubase 3 SX is definitely the way to go. It's feature set completely eclipses that of Music Studio; it actually works, and it has exceptionally well-written documentation.
Perhaps on the down-side, there is an extraordinary amount of documentation which might be a problem for those that are intimidated by thousands of pages of manuals (the Getting Started manual is 262 pages and the Operations manual is 808 pages). But, as I stated initially, the manuals are extremely well-written -- I was up and running after reading less than 200 pages of the Getting Started manual over a period of two days. Conversely, I dorked around with Music Studio for months and was unable to get any positive results.
Summary:
Music Studio -- BOOOOOO
Cubase 3 SX -- YAAAAAAAAAAY
Vincent Williamson
Davison, MichiganGet more detail about Magix Music Studio 10 Deluxe [OLD VERSION].
Apple Final Cut Express HD 3.5 (Mac) Decide Now
Apple Final Cut Express HD 3.5 (Mac)
I am a newbie to both Apple computers and Apple software. With FCE 3.5 I have a real love/hate relationship going on here. This is probably the most frustrating software that I have ever tried to learn, but when the results come out, they are fantastic. If you want to quickly piece together a fun little video with just a few transitions, then use iDVD. If you enjoy working your tail off and feeling a REAL sense of accomplishment at making a small step, then this is the software for you.
By the way, many of you will have noticed that you can get the newest FCE 4 at nearly the same price as FCE HD 3.5.
You should be aware that FCE 4 does NOT have Soundtrack included nor does it have all of the features of LiveType 2. (Nearly 9 gigs is missing!) For the price difference I chose 3.5.
I am still learning this, but I have no doubts that I will become proficient in its use. Besides, I have an ace in the hole. Tom Wolsky has many books out on Final Cut. He is also a regular on the Apple Support forums. There is not any question that he cannot answer about Final Cut.
Also you should purchase a mini/dv camera with firewire output. USB ain't gonna cut it with Final Cut Express.
Hope this helps.
PeteGet more detail about Apple Final Cut Express HD 3.5 (Mac).
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Holy Bible: English Standard Version, Black Zippered Case Right now
The reading is somewhat monotonous, but for my purposes that is all right.
However, the packaging was somewhat disappointing,in that the sleeves were not bound well to the case and had come detached.Get more detail about Holy Bible: English Standard Version, Black Zippered Case.
Lowest Price PROPELLERHEAD Reason 2.0 Audio Software
This software is great. I wanted to start making music, so I decided to buy a copy of Reason and a USB keyboard. I was immediately making music, Reason automatically recognized my keyboard as well. I'm not much of a music buff, but this software is simply great. At first the user interface seemed daunting, but after following the tutorials, and by just using the application I became comfortable using the application.
I enjoyed importing MIDI files and changing their instruments around. This software is wonderful.Get more detail about PROPELLERHEAD Reason 2.0 Audio Software.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Low Price Magix Music Maker 10 Deluxe
Did not have full funtion of controls....Magix did not help, said product too old. this is a 2000 version. save your money.Get more detail about Magix Music Maker 10 Deluxe.
Save Propellerhead Reason Premium Edition
The pianos are amazing!! I have no need for the bass or drums, but they also sound great. I have been writing music with Reason 2.0 to 3.0 for years and love its intuitive layout and functionality. This premium edition is a GREAT deal for those of you who want some very real sounding piano, bass, and drums. The already included samples with the Reason program itself are also pretty amazing for the price.
For the amount of diversity in sound and effects this program is the easiest programs to learn how to use.
I love it and use it everyday.
Get more detail about Propellerhead Reason Premium Edition.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Discount Pinnacle Studio 7 Professional
Too old.. too many glitches, no wonder why avid bought pinnacle, but this product its not a good editing program, too limited even for home users.Get more detail about Pinnacle Studio 7 Professional.
Cheapest Arturia Jupiter-8V Virtual Analog Synthesizer Software
Years ago I played the old Jupiter 8 in a music store...at the time they wanted close to 5,000.00 for it...needless to say I passed but always dreamed of owning one...Arturia has made this happen and with the new alt rock of today with bands such as Passion Pit, and Phoenix, these sounds are coming back in vogue...the Arturia Jupiter 8V is truly a great plug in for my studio...
Get more detail about Arturia Jupiter-8V Virtual Analog Synthesizer Software.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Cheap Tsuki Possession Adult PC Game
this is not much of a game there is very very little interaction and lots of reading could have bought a book insteadGet more detail about Tsuki Possession Adult PC Game.
Buying Mixman Studio Pro 4.0
I was very disappointed with this product. It work once and I tried it on different computers and nothing. It only cost $20.00 but I still feel I got ripped off. But what can I do?
Derrick
Los Alamos, NMGet more detail about Mixman Studio Pro 4.0.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Buy EastWest Ministry of Rock Virtual Instruments Collection (Standard)
I got this pack because I was looking for a good guitar VST, specifically distorted sounds. After checking the demos out, i was impressed, and the inclusion of drums and basses was the icing on the cake.
After finally using the product, I'm extremely happy with the quality of the sounds, but disappointed that the sounds are more limited then the product makes them seem. The sounds are hot and heavy, and really only work in the heavier rock and heavy metal applications. If you want to use the guitars in tamer stuff, prepare to do lots of tweaking... the drums themself are extremely heavy and limited in their musical use. The 5 basses almost all sound the same (though they sound great), and theres only 2 clean guitar sounds as well, an acoustic and a clean electric. i was expecting quite a few more clean electrics but they are all distorted.
Still, they sound fantastic, and the keyswitching is awesome. the interface is powerful for editting, as well as easy to use. Just beware that this is truly a pack for rockers only. and I mean heavy rockers. you'll have a hard time getting these sounds to work in any other genre other then hard rock or metal.Get more detail about EastWest Ministry of Rock Virtual Instruments Collection (Standard).
Purchase Movie Edit Pro 15
Sorry about the formatting, Amazon is removing all my spaces when I publish even though it looks fine in the editor.
Computer Specs:
Intel Core2 Duo @ 1.86 GHz
2 GB RAM
256 MB Video
32 bit
Windows Vista
My test:
Added 2 videos.
Added image stabilization to one
3D transition between them.
Rendered the project.
AVCHD in and MPG2 out (both in full HD, 1920*1440, Dolby 5.1 if available)
Video length 4 minutes and 20 seconds.
Overall Review:
***** Corel Video Studio Pro X3
***** Cyberlink PowerDirector 8
*** Sony Vegas Movie Studio Pro Plus 9
**1/2 Adobe Premiere Elements 8
** Magix Edit Pro 15
* Roxio Creator 2010
* Pinnacle Studio Ultimate 14
Package Options:
My reviews are against the top versions of each product line. You will find that most of the differences between the top versions and the base are Blu-ray export options, and some add some extra sound options. See for yourself the option that suits you at the manufacturer's website in their respective product comparison guides.
Windows 7:
All seemed to work for me in windows 7, 64 bit with 4 GB RAM. I didn't do any tests with it b/c I wanted to use an older machine that would come closer to representing the average computer. This includes Roxio 2009, but not 2010 for reasons stated below.
Final Opinion:
If you want something super easy to use, then I would go with Cyberlink PowerDirector 8. If you want something with a bit more power that you can grow into, I would go with Corel Video Studio Pro X3. Sony Vegas Movie Studio Pro plus 9 may very well be good, but I see no reason to purchase it with the power of the Corel package.
If you are a masochist, go with Adobe, Magix, Roxio, or Pinnacle.
DETAILS:
Adobe Premiere Elements 8
65 min render time
Pros:
You can search effects
Layout was good but not great
Interface was pretty straightforward
Cons:
Virtually locked my system
Slow and temporarily froze frequently
Output menu was cumbersome
Corel Video Studio Pro X3
19 min render time
Pros:
Great Output menu
Very fast
Easy to use user interface
Proxy editing*
Autofit for timeline
Cons:
No search function for effects
Cyberlink PowerDirector 8
30 min render time
Pros:
Output menu was nice
Very nice and easy to use layout
Cons:
No Blu-ray output
Magix Edit Pro 15
41 min Render time
Pros:
Simple
Cons:
Poor user interface
Oversimplified (Too simple I think for most people)
Very Cumbersome to use and add effects
Output options were confusing and cumbersome
Extremely limited options for PC output (which is what many will be doing)
A couple of lock ups
Pinnacle Studio Ultimate 14
Pros:
Nice little finished project to see what can be done
Nice interface for editing
Cons:
ONLY SOFTWARE that I was not able to import a video
Locked up my system many times and left errant process running at 80% CPU
Took 50 seconds just to load the import video TAB
When I selected videos to import and hit start import, absolutely nothing happened
Tried one of their movies and went to help to find stabilization and it crashed on me b/c I didn't have enough memory
No Blu-ray output
Cons on install on windows 7 computer:
Failure on export of file on all formats
I actually tried Pinnacle about 10 years ago and had absolutely nothing but problems. Spent many days downloading patches just to get it to work. Then, like a moron, I did an entire project and when I went to burn it, the burn failed every time. I see a decade later, I still can't export a file.
Roxio Creator 2010
Pros:
-----
Cons:
They don't allow a trial download. I contacted them asking them if I could download a trial and even noted that I was a current customer. I personally like the 2009 Roxio. It was a nice "all-purpose" program. They told me that I had to buy it. I was offered a money back guarantee, but to do so, I had to send in a letter of destruction. This is way too much effort on my end to see if your software works for me.
I find it ridiculous in this day and age that you can't have a trial version of something, especially when EVERY ONE of your competitors does. In addition, this is how they were treating an existing customer!
You throw in all the compatibility issues that can occur in software in general and video software in particular, and that leaves me to think they have nothing to hide.
As icing on the cake, the following sentence was in their reply.
"Creator 2010 does support AVCHD software and hasn't been know to have any issues thus far!"
I replied to them about this OUTRIGHT LIE! First, you can read the compatibility issues on Amazon. Second, as a person that writes programs, there is no such thing as bug free software, especially video editing software.
Sony Vegas Movie Studio Pro Plus 9
14 minute render time (NO ANTI-SHAKE IN RENDER, see below)
Pros:
Computer stayed pretty responsive during render
Savable packages of effects
How to guide is nice
Cons:
Couldn't search effects
Very, very cumbersome to use
Couldn't find stabilization
The render time approximation stayed at around 1 minute or 2 left the entire time
Here is my issue with Sony Vegas. I have compared its features with many of the other programs and they are all very similar. Now, when compared with Corel Video Studio Pro X3 and Cyberlink PowerDirector, they are virtually identical. I personally think Sony leaves their software cumbersome so that it "looks/seems" more powerful.
I was definitely most disappointed in this product because it was the one that I was looking the most forward to using. When I say that it is cumbersome to use, it doesn't mean that it can't be used. Let me give an example. I am a programmer, and in something like excel, I like the ability to write my own code to create functions and tools that it doesn't offer or to tweak ones that it does. HOWEVER, when I want to enter numbers in boxes, I just want to enter numbers in boxes. I don't want to click in a box, go to a menu or right click, select some gadget and then enter a number. It is ok for complicated things to be complicated, but simple things should not only be simple, but also INTUITIVE.
The main thing that I saw that you could do in Sony Vegas that you couldn't do in the others is change your transitions (both audio and video) ramp as far as how quickly they come in and go out. I am not talking about changing the time, but how your out video accelerates out and how you in video accelerates in during that time. It is a cool feature, but something that 99% of people will only not use, but won't care about either.
Another thing, the image stabilizer should be easy to do, and it may be. However, I did a search in help for stabilize, stabilizer, sta, shake, anti, etc. and could not find out how to do this very simple thing. This worries me greatly that if this isn't readily available in the help docs, then much of the other stuff probably isn't either.
*A note on proxy editing.
Proxy editing is basically you working on a very low def version of your file, but when it comes time to actually render your output, the original file is used. Some view this as a crutch because they say you should be able to optimize the software to work with the high def video. My opinion is that if I can work faster, then I will work faster. Who cares what my resolution is while I am editing. If you have the fastest software out there for HD, and you can do your edits in very low def and it is even faster still, then why would you not want that?Get more detail about Movie Edit Pro 15.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Order Samplitude Music Studio Version 15
If you have Windows 7, do not order from J&R. What they will send you is Music Studio 14 with a free upgrade to version 15. However, the MS14 software provided in the box will not load onto Windows 7 at all. You need the Version 15 stand alone... which J&R doesn't sell.Get more detail about Samplitude Music Studio Version 15.