Review: Final Cut Server 1.1

Final Cut Server is a client-server-based workflow tool that can potentially help you in three ways: in cataloging and searching assets, especially video-based assets; with version control through check-in and check-out capabilities and approval; and with automation capabilities to convert, copy, and execute scripts.

Excerpt: Learn GarageBand tips and tricks

It’s no secret that GarageBand is entry-level music editing software. But at the same time, GarageBand can perform feats that aren’t immediately obvious. In this excerpt from Take Control of Recording with GarageBand, Jeff Tolbert shares some tips and tricks for the music-creation software.

Possibly restore older iPhoto themes in iPhoto '08

Upon trying to create a book in iPhoto '08, I noticed a lot of the old themes were not available. Browsing around, I found the theme folder for iPhoto in the top-level Library folder, in Application Support » iPhoto » Themes. Inside that folder were many themes not available through iPhoto itself, but that were available in older versions. As one example, BabyBoy-Hardcover.IPBookTheme isn't available in the list of book themes pop-up menu, but it is in that folder. I can't guarantee how safe/legal the following process is, but I was able to enable the old themes by editing a parameter in that theme's Contents/Resources folder. I opened Contents » Resources » Implementation.plist in a text editor (or Property List Editor) and changed the Hidden parameter from yes to no. After saving my changes and restarting iPhoto, the old theme was available in iPhoto. [robg adds: I used BBEdit and ran a multi-file search to find the hidden th...

Easy iWeb Publisher 3.0

So what if you want to post an iWeb web site but don't want to pay $100 for MobileMe? This free utility does what its name says: it makes it easy to upload your iWeb site to any server.

What iDVD '08 Compression Options Really Mean

Every time I've used iDVD '08 and reached the point of checking the Project Info pane's Encoding options, they never make complete sense, even after searching the web for answers. I'm in the process of transferring my Laserdiscs to DVDs and have now built up enough experience that I think I've figured this all out. Here's what seems to be going on.The gist of the confusion about encoding is that the word "quality" is used in two different ways. There is the quality of the rendered video to be burned on the DVD, which is really what is important. But, unfortunately, the word quality also appears in the naming of the compression algorithms used, Best Quality and Professional Quality. This latter use is ill-advised, because the amount of compression applied to your video may or may not affect the quality of the video you end up with.We all understand the meaning of picture quality, and iDVD '08 usefully indicates final DVD video quality via a color grading scale, from g...

Apple updates Final Cut Express; improved stability and plugin support

Section: Apple News, Updates, Software + Apps, Video, Mac + Computers, SoftwareMac users who use Final Cut Express received an update to their movie editing software on Thursday. Apple has released Final Cut Express 4.0.1. Those used to seeing the brief support notes that usually accompany Apple releases will be surprised at the detailed notes that accompany this update. The three main fixes are:  Permission issues resolved Occasionally Final Cut Express wouldn’t open projects that included media that users did not have proper permission to access with this update Final Cut Express is now opening the projects correctly. AVCHD Easy Setups Final Cut Express Users will notice improvements within AVCHD. AVCHD now includes Easy Setups which support the ingesting AVCHD footage using Apple Intermediate Codec. The Easy Setups are: AVCHD-Apple Intermediate Codec 1440x1080i60 AVCHD-Apple Intermediate Codec 1920x1080i60 AVCHD-Apple Intermediate Codec 1440x1080i50 AVCHD-Apple Intermediate Codec 1920x1080i50 Improved plugin support and stability Final Cut Express is an excellent DV editing software package. It’s a great choice for users looking for advanced video editing capabilities that cannot be found in iMovie. I upgraded to Final Cut Express shortly after purchasing my MacBook Pro. Although I enjoyed iMovie, I found I wanted more options than were available. For users who are looking for additional features that aren’t available in Final Cut Express they can purchase Final Cut Pro. I’m a Final Cut Express user. Thanks to this valuable application I’m able to create professional quality videos at the fraction of the price of Final Cut Pro. The learning curve can be steep, especially if you’re new to video editing. I mainly use Final Cut Express to take videos of my daughter and family. My daughter started school this year, so I will definitely be working overtime considering all the activities that are planned at her school. The Final Cut Express 4.0.1 download file weighs in at 122 MB. Via [Apple.com] Full Story » | Written by Opal Tribble for Appletell. | Comment on this Article »