The Videoguys’ Outlet Store is a new feature on Videoguys.com and is yet another way for you to take advantage of some of the great opportunities we have available. The Outlet store includes manufacturer-reconditioned products that are as good as new. These products are sold at considerable discounts and are backed by a full 1 year manufacturer’s warranty as well as the same Videoguys’ 30-day money back guarantee as all products we sell. We also have Warehouse Clearance items, Closeouts on older products and overstock specials. The Outlet Store is a great place to get a bargain on a video storage solution or find a training DVD on an older version of editing software.

The folks over at Focus Enhancements have put together a FAQ page that answers many of the more technical questions about the new FS-5. What I like best though is the links to the products demo videos they’ve put together and posted on YouTube.

Do you have any Video Demo/Tutorials available for the FS-5? Yes, you may view the following at your convenience:

- Quick FS-5 Walkthrough

- New Features of the FS-5

- Metadata Template Setup

- Shooting and Logging Metadata

- Importing Content into the Editing System

What is the difference between the FS-5 and the FS-4 series of DTE recorders? Comparing the FS-4 Pro HD and the FS-5, the FS-5 has the following additional features:
NOTE: Keep in mind that the FS-4 HD and FS-4 Pro HD have different features.

Main NEW FEATURES:
> Network Enabled (support for Web Interface to add metadata tag and FTP support)
o Optional WiFi (USB to 802.11) dongle
o Optional Wired (USB to 802.3) dongle

> Live Logging of Custom Metadata durring recording - using the optional network adapter
o FS-5 has a built-in webserver and database
o By accessing FS-5’s webserver using a standard web browser, create pre-defined MetaData templates (FCP and ProxSys support only) based on the content you are shooting.
o Log clip and timecode based metadata while you shoot based on the predefined templates.

> MXF HDV 1080i50/60 & 720p/30 (AVID)

> UDF (file system format – no more 2GB file size limit) Single clips be up to 1.5 hours long

> Smaller and lighter in size

> Quiet, Fan-less operation

> Improved color LCD Menu driven with scroll wheel

Click here to read the rest of the FAQ - You will need to then click on the FS5 link on the page

Faster-than-real-time HD-to-HD encoding on a single server plus many more new features now available in FlipFactory 6.1

Nevada City, Calif., July 1, 2008 – Telestream today announced availability of version 6.1 software release for its flagship FlipFactory® transcoding workflow automation product line.
Significant codec optimization in FlipFactory now makes it possible for users to achieve high definition (HD) encoding speeds that were previously only attainable using multiple servers. FlipFactory 6.1 delivers HD-to-HD transcoding speeds up to 15 percent faster than real-time on a single server for edit-to-broadcast workflows, including popular DNxHD and DVCPRO HD formats. The ability to achieve these speeds on a single server means substantially lower costs for users.

In addition to lightning fast speeds and rock-solid reliability, FlipFactory 6.1 adds comprehensive support for all broadcast HD workflows, including VANC metadata associated with HD files. An extensive set of new features and enhancements are now available in version 6.1, keeping it at the forefront of industry needs.

“We appreciate that Telestream continues to lead the way in providing essential file exchange between the many professional video formats and devices in the marketplace today with FlipFactory 6.1,” said Kevin Froning, Executive Director of Engineering at GDMX. “Telestream has stepped up to the plate to resolve these issues in an elegant and sophisticated way.” (more…)

digitalfilms blog by Oliver Peters

Many experienced editors making the transition to Apple’s Final Cut Pro often struggle with some of FCP’s core operating features. This is especially true of many Avid editors who view working in Final Cut akin to learning a different language. Here are 10 quick tips on how to run and organize FCP edit sessions that will hopefully ease your frustration.

1. Edit with sequence content. Many editors like to cut one sequence into another. This forces FCP to nest the source sequence – a feature that I consider evil. Nesting causes a number of operational problems and should be used sparingly and only when intended. To avoid this automatic behavior, remap your Overwrite (F10) and Insert (F9) keyboard commands to become Overwrite/Insert with Sequence Content. The behavior won’t change with master clips, but when you cut one sequence into another, the original source clips show up on the new timeline, instead of a single nest. read more…

DMN by By Kevin McAuliffe

Now available for both the Mac on the Leopard OS, and on the PC< running Windows Vista

Nothing gets me more excited than sitting down in front of a new editing application, or one that has recently been updated. As I have said in previous articles, no one makes a better editing application than Avid, and it is back with its new line of post production products, and leading the way is Media Composer version 3.0. Why should everyone care about this? Keep reading, and you’ll find out!

Installation
For editors who are purchasing Media Composer for the first time, installation is a breeze. Simply install from your installation disc, make sure your USB dongle is attached, and you are all set to go! For current users with a valid log-in to Avid’s download center, you can download version 3.0 of Media Composer, as well as the dongle updater. Once downloaded, you will need to install the Media Composer application first, then run Dongle Updater to update you dongle to version 3. Once that is done, you are all set to go.

One thing that I do want to point out that is extremely important is that editors on a Mac, who have a previous version of Media Composer (pre version 3.0) should NOT attempt to install on a system running Leopard OS. You will do major damage to your system, and will have to wipe the system clean and re-install from scratch. read more…

By Ken Stone

When Apple introduced High Definition abilities to Final Cut Pro, it also created a bit of a conundrum for users. ‘How do you view your HD video output at full broadcast quality?’ This is a critical issue because it is necessary to monitor your HD video at full broadcast quality in order to do frame accurate color correcting, keying and effects work. There seemed to be only one option, the use of a dedicated capture card, which output to a very expensive professional HD CRT monitor, but the price was very high and out of the reach of a good number of FCP users. A less expensive solution was needed.

The Matrox MXO box works in two modes. In Presentation mode, it is a scan converter. In Mastering Mode, the video signal is sent down DVI to the MXO, where it is sent out as a broadcast quality signal to a monitor. Mastering Mode offers various output options. The MXO provides frame-accurate, broadcast-quality HD/SD output, with Genlock, to a 23″ Apple Cinema Display or other monitor. While the output from the Matrox MXO box may not achieve the 100% quality of a capture card and Pro HD CRT monitor, it can get very close, good enough for many and at a an affordable price. It will work with any Mac that has DVI and USB2, running either Tiger or Leopard. It is portable and ‘hot swappable’. The MXO box can be used in lieu of a capture card, but it is an output device only and has no input (capture) abilities.

Conclusion
The Matrox MXO box is amazing and it truly works as advertised. It’s easy to set up, handles all formats and pushes a Broadcast signal out to your ACD or other types of monitors. When the monitor is properly calibrated, you will see true Broadcast output, accurate enough for color timing, keying work and viewing of effects. read more…

Matrox®Video Products Group today announced that Matrox RT.X2 release 3.6 is now available. Highlights include support for Microsoft Windows Vista Business or Ultimate (32-bit) and realtime playback of Sony XDCAM EX .mp4 clips.

“This latest software release lets users take full advantage of Sony’s popular new XDCAM EX camcorders,” said Pierre-Martin Dion, Matrox product manager. “The Matrox RT.X2 platforms provide a huge productivity boost with realtime native editing of all HQ- and SP-mode resolutions and frame rates. Users can even mix their XDCAM EX footage in real time with HDV, P2 MXF, and SD material on Adobe Premiere Pro CS3 timelines.”

Additional features of Matrox RT.X2 v3.6 include realtime capture of SD material directly to .m2v files via analog and 1394 input for immediate DVD authoring with Adobe Encore, as well as new realtime garbage matte effects with adjustable edge softness and opacity controls.

Key features of Matrox RT.X2
The Matrox RT.X2 platforms extend the capabilities of the Adobe CS3 software with many important benefits. (more…)

TriCaster to be used to produce and web stream 2008 All-Star Game radio shows

NewTek Inc., manufacturer of industry-leading video and 3D animation products, today announced that Knockout Digital Media has chosen TriCaster™ portable live production system to produce and web stream the ESPN Radio All-Star Game radio shows in New York City to ESPNRadio.com. The July 14 and 15 web streams will give the world’s sports fans live access to Mike & Mike in the Morning from Grand Central Station from 6-10am and to Tirico and Van Pelt from Mickey Mantle’s restaurant from 1-4pm.

“TriCaster is allowing us to give live access to the events surrounding the last All Star Game to ever be played at Yankee Stadium, with a savings in cost, space and time,” said Gil Chavez, President of Knockout Digital Media. “The online presence of this day in baseball brings the ESPN Radio fans another opportunity to be part of the excitement.”

“Space is a premium when you are broadcasting live from venues like Grand Central Station or Mickey Mantle’s restaurant,” said Philip nelson, NewTek SVP of Strategic Development. “The portability of TriCaster is allowing Knockout Digital Media to web stream from both venues without expanding their radio broadcasting footprint.”

Pricing and Availability

The TriCaster™ family of products is available right here from Videoguys.com or give us a call at 1-800-323-2325.

Avid Media Composer v3.0.1 is an updated version of v3.0 that runs on OS X 10.4.11 (Tiger) for Media Composer Adrenaline™ and Media Composer with Avid Mojo® (classic) orAvid Mojo SDI customers. Avid Media Composer Adrenaline, Avid Mojo and Avid Mojo SDI are not qualified with Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard) due to an issue between the Apple firewire driver in Apple OS X 10.5 and the Avid Adrenaline and Avid Mojo drivers. This issue is not present with Apple OS X 10.4 Tiger and therefore Avid has released v3.0.1 for OS X 10.4 so that Avid Adrenaline and Avid Mojo customers can upgrade to v3.

This release is ONLY for Media Composer Adrenaline/Avid Mojo/Avid Mojo SDI customers on the Mac. All other customers and customers using the new systems should continue to use v3.0. The following table summarizes compatibility and will assist you in understanding if this release applies to you. (more…)

If you’re using the Adobe CS3 Production Premium you’ll want to take a moment to register now for these great (and FREE) online training seminars. These eSeminars are designed for videographers, independent filmmakers, post production staff, video editors, web/video designers and developers, and video enthusiasts.

Expand your Final Cut Studio using Adobe After Effects
Tuesday, July 15, 2008 10:00 A.M. PDT
Transform your Photoshop graphics into compelling After Effects animations using hundreds of animation presets. Get a sense of how versatile After Effects is as a post-production problem solver, whether you need to stylize footage, create natural-looking composites, or solve tricky file format issues. Finally, learn how to convert graphic assets into custom templates in Apple Motion.

Create and burn Blu-ray Discs using Adobe Encore
Tuesday, July 22, 2008 10:00 A.M. PDT
Createa Blu-ray project from scratch using Production Premium CS3 components. You’ll discover how easy it is to assemble an interactive project once and export to DVD, Blu-ray Disc and as an interactive web content that can be viewed with Flash Player. (more…)

Andrew Balis has posted a great article on Ken Stone’s Final Cut Pro Web Site discussing the workflow of using different sources in Apple Color - the professional color grading application that’s part of Apple Final Cut Studio 2.

One of the most confusing issues that comes up frequently with new users of Color is how to get in and out of Color with different types of video formats. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to clear up the confusion by presenting the four main workflows Color can utilize, as well as how each format can be handled by Color. This article relates to users of Color version 1.0.2 or later. We’ll look at how to handle video formats captured via capture card, as well as how to work with “native” formats captured via FireWire such as DV, DVCPRO 50, DVCPRO HD and HDV.

Click here to read the complete article

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Capture the fun and sun of summer with Barbeque, a free DVD menu and packaging design template set from Eye Scream Factory. The template set includes main and chapter DVD menus in HD, NTSC, PAL, and DV - along with matching disc labels, case inserts, and background images. Easily create new looks and styles by adjusting colors, changing text, and moving layers.

Download link: http://www.eyescreamfactory.com/download.html
Image: http://www.eyescreamfactory.com/images/Other/barbeque-main-450.jpg

Want to create eye-catching, professional DVD menus and packaging in minutes? Check out Eye Scream Factory’s DVD Art Professional which includes 20 themes and 340 templates for DVD menus, disc labels, and packaging designs for your Mac or PC. Easily create new looks and styles by adjusting colors, changing text, or moving layers. Volume I features templates for Children, Holidays, Vacation, Weddings, Locations, and more. Volume II is wedding-themed.

Click here for more Eyescreamfactory info and to purchase  

The FS-5 is the new, lighter, and more portable disk recorder with a color screen featuring the next generation of Direct to Edit technology (DTE). DTE lets you bring your captured files directly from the FS-5 into your computer and begin editing. No messy file conversions or re-compressing is required. With FS-5, Focus takes DTE beyond simple file transfers into workflow productivity improvements using metadata that will allow you to edit faster and better.

IN STOCK! VIDEOGUYS’ INTRO SPECIAL!
Focus FS-5 100GB with FREE Camera Mount & USB2 Wireless Adapter
$2,195.00

Here are just a few of the workflow improvements the FS-5 provides:

* Capture your entire video as one continuous clip with UDF file support which eliminates any possibility of audio sync or re-linking errors caused by other file systems.
* Provides Native Quicktime HDV support for Final Cut Pro users and HDV MXF support for Avid users.
* Add metadata information to your clips while you are shooting using templates which have been pre-designed for the kind of footage you shoot.
* Fast and flexible metadata generation and custom logging capabilities allow you to organize your clips in the field - editing becomes much faster and more efficient.
* Use a wireless device (i.e. iPod touch or laptop) to export your native metadata files (XML) to the FS-5 while you are shooting (requires USB 2.0 Wireless Adapter).

The FS-5 also includes these great new features:

* USB 2.0 connectivity allows quick, easy attachment and mounting to just about any Laptop or NLE workstation.
* Smaller size and longer recording times combined with our new Silent Operation design (no fan) insures that the FS-5 will work in even the trickiest of shooting environments.
* Scroll wheel and 4 programmable function keys makes operating and using the FS-5 simple.
* Wired and Wireless (with optional adapter) Network capabilities allow you to share your FS-5 files with multiple users on your network for enhanced editing collaboration.

Click here for more info and to order!

Now you can author high-definition movies on Blu-ray Disc as easily as authoring DVDs, with new Sony. DVD Architect Pro 5 software. Just like previous versions of DVD Architect Pro software, version 5 has powerful features for creating customized backgrounds, motion menus, buttons, text, effects, and more. The workflow for authoring a Blu-ray Disc is the same as authoring a DVD. In fact, you can author a project once and burn it to Blu-ray Disc or to a standard-definition DVD.

Free to registered DVD Architect 4.5 users!*
Download DVD Architect Pro 5 with Blu-ray Disc authoring.
*DVD Architect 5.0 requires the DVD Architect serial number included with your Vegas Pro collection. Offer does not apply to users of the stand-alone version of Vegas software.

Sony Vegas Pro 8 now with Professional Blu-ray Disc Authoring

Author high-definition movies on Blu-ray Disc™ as easily as authoring DVDs, with DVD Architect Pro 5 software. DVD Architect Pro 5 software enables independent producers and videographers to author both a standard-definition DVD and a high-definition Blu-ray disc, complete with full motion buttons, motion menus, scene selection menus, subtitles, and alternate video and audio tracks. With DVD Architect Pro 5 software you can author a project once and either burn it to Blu-ray Disc or to a standard-definition DVD. DVD Architect Pro 5 software with Blu-ray Disc authoring is a free update to registered DVD Architect 4.5 users. Download DVD Architect Pro 5.

New FS-5 Direct To Edit Recorder introduces groundbreaking wireless metadata technology

Campbell, Calif. – July 1, 2008 — Focus Enhancements Inc (NASDAQ: FCSE), a worldwide leader in media management and ultra wideband (UWB) wireless technology, today announced the general availability of the FS-5 Direct To Edit (DTE) recorder, the fifth generation in the company’s award-winning line of DTE recorders.

First announced at NAB 2008, the ultra-portable FS-5 introduces the groundbreaking ability to wirelessly log custom metadata in the field while shooting – enabling a new real-time metadata-based workflow for broadcast and video professionals and ensuring the seamless continuity of metadata through all phases of production and post-production for easier identification and management of media.

With a wireless (or wired) mobile device or laptop, users can access the FS-5 via a web browser, define metadata, and assign it to the video while recording. As a result, clips are labeled, categorized, and organized as soon as the shoot is over – eliminating the need to tag footage at a later time. Additionally, Focus Enhancements’ Universal Metadata Engine™ (UME) ensures that metadata is compatible with Final Cut Pro and the ProxSysÆ Media Asset Management product line.

“Since its launch at NAB, the FS-5 and our new metadata-based workflow have generated tremendous interest among video and media professionals,” said Matt McEwen, Director of Product Alliances for Focus Enhancements. “Our Direct To Edit technology helped spark the tapeless revolution in broadcast and other video production markets. And now, the ability to wirelessly log metadata brings a new level of efficiency to the tapeless end-to-end workflow.” (more…)

Maintain the pristine quality of your HD video all the way to distribution.

As high definition (HD) has become the new standard for video, and Blu-ray Disc has won the high-definition format war for storing HD content, it’s more important than ever to be able to author professional-quality Blu-ray discs. Included with Adobe Premiere® Pro CS3 and Adobe Creative Suite® 3 Production Premium software, Adobe Encore® CS3 software makes output to a wide range of industry-standard media formats, including Blu-ray Disc, easy and efficient.

Use the same Encore interface and features to author and deliver commercial-quality titles on both standard-definition DVD and high-definition Blu-ray Disc. Or author a high-definition Blu-ray Disc project and, with one click, create a finished standard-definition DVD project. read more…

Video editors no longer have to wrestle with unwieldy AVCHD files thanks to AVCHD UpShift, software to assist video editors in AVCHD editing and process the latest generation of high definition video. A joint product from NewBlue, Inc., makers of NewBlueFX and VASST (Video, Audio, Software, Support, Training), AVCHD UpShift speeds workflow by converting AVCHD format files into HDV format files and allows for significant performance gains when editing AVCHD media on today’s PC-based video editing platforms.

“This application will make a tremendous difference in the AVCHD editing workflow of every editor. Compared to working with native AVCHD files, the workflow from AVCHD UpShift transcoded files is much faster and smoother.” commented Douglas Spotted Eagle, Managing Producer of VASST. (more…)

Eye Scream Factory, the Boston-based creative team providing automation design templates for media hobbyists and professionals, today announced the availability of Eye Scream Factory DVD Art Professional Volume II. Eye Scream Factory products automate the design and creation of professional DVD menus, disc labels, and case inserts. The new DVD Art Professional Volume II product offers a wide range of high-quality wedding-themed DVD menu and packaging templates. The professionally designed Eye Scream Factory templates can be easily modified using Adobe Photoshop for a signature look and used with any DVD authoring software application that imports Adobe Photoshop files, such as Adobe Encore and Apple DVD Studio Pro. read more…

ikan, tools for the visual professionals.
ikan corporation specializes in the design and development of tools for video professionals, such as our HD/SD monitors, studio/location lighting, grip gear and accessories. We work closely with our dealers and end users to create quality products that will enhance film and video productions without breaking their budgets.

ikan started with one principle: to provide quality, affordable production equipment to the film, video and broadcast industries. We work closely with our dealers and end users to design and develop tools that enhance film and video productions. Our HD monitor is one of the hottest on the market. Our studio and location lighting are some of the most affordable in the industry. We are constantly developing new products to meet industry needs, including our new line of rack mounts, our new Camera Cradle™ and our doorway dolly that can fit into the front seat of a compact vehicle. With ikan, you get the professional edge with products that are both innovative and affordable. Our warranty program ensures your new ikan product will perform efficiently every time.

Check out the ikan LCD monitors, Monitor Racks and teleprompters available from Videoguys!