Apple has been known for being very ‘i’ centric with it’s devices – often only allowing Mac-able applications to run on many of the products Apple sells. So we were all taken aback with the big news coming from Avid’s corner that Avid Studio editing software will now run on Apple’s iPad.

Avid is known for Big Processing and Blockbuster Movie editing, but a few years ago they acquired Pinnacle Studio, which was an entry level editing software. Avid changed its name to Avid Studio and re-wrote its code to be more like mainstream entry level systems and more stable than it was in the past. Now Avid Studio is being released to edit on an iPad and we think the user abilities have many possibilities. Read the rest of this entry »

As we’ve already mentioned in a previous post, Apple has been under heavy fire for missing many components of Final Cut Pro 7 in their new software. In fact, as it currently stands, Apple has more 1 star reviews of Final Cut Pro X than the total of all their other reviews combined. That’s not to say the new software has gotten all bad press. There are actually quite a few 5 star reviews as well as many pro editors who have been touting how much easier and faster the new program can be. Looking at Apple’s App Store, it would seem that the features that most editors loved the most was the style of the new interface, the quick rendering times, and the simplicity of the magnetic timeline. However, with a lack key features such as multi-cam, XML support (both of which Apple has since stated they will be including in their next major release), and the ability to import old Final Cut Pro projects, it seemed only a matter of time before other software companies would start to come out with deals of their own.

Just this last week, Adobe decided to take advantage of the dissatisfaction with Final Cut Pro by announcing an upgrade program for anyone who has bought any version of Apple Final Cut Pro or Avid Media Composer. Basically, those who make the switch will get a 50 percent discount on either Adobe Premiere CS5.5 or Adobe CS5.5 Production Premium. In their press release, Adobe was also touting the ability to remap keyboard shortcuts to match Avid or Final Cut Pro presets. They also lauded their close integration of Premiere with their other popular applications, After Effects and Photoshop. Of course it’s interesting to note that just days before Apple announced the new Final Cut Pro, Avid announced its own switch program in which owners of Final Cut Pro could buy Avid Media Composer for only $950, a significant savings on their usual price.

With all of this activity in the pro editing software marketplace, it will be very interesting to see how each company responds. Of course, don’t forget that Videomaker will have a review of Final Cut Pro X online in the next few weeks so keep your eyes posted to see what our reviewer thought of Apple’s latest product.

Las Vegas here we come! The Videomaker staff is gearing up for the annual trek to the mecca of broadcast tools and toys: The National Association of Broadcasters, better known as NAB. We will hit the ground running at this year’s NAB 2011, (literally – wearing the most comfy running shoes we can!) as we check out the coolest video production gear possible including cameras and camcorders, mics and lights, computers, drives, software and a myriad of other goodies.

Throughout the event we will be blogging about our finds, as well as Tweeting and sending updates to Facebook – be sure to “like” us and watch for updates – so you can see gear that we hope to have in our headquarters for review as soon as the manufacturers release them to us.

Some of companies we’re meeting with include Sony, Dell, Panasonic, Artbeats, BlackMagic, Boris, nvidia, JVC, Adobe, Grass Valley, Azden (WHEW!) Lowel, Glidecam, HP, Canon, Videssence, KinoFlo, Photoflex, RedRock, Apple, Avid, … well, the list goes on and on and on… like the Energizer Bunny, we’ll keep working the show until we have no more juice in our batteries!

NAB 2011 is jam-packed with video production gear for the Lone Wolf producer all the way to the mega Hollywood productions – If you could see our appointment calendar, you might be amazed that we can cover the NABshow floor so well.  Trying to sift through it all every year is a quest, but we love a challenge and we always look forward to not just finding out about the gear, but getting a hands-on chance to see it, hold it, test it out – we’re like kids in a candy store!

After attending more than 12 of these tradeshows, from CES to NAB, I decided to pack a pedometer at last January’s CES 2011. I clocked in an average of 6 miles a day – what an experience! I hope you enjoy the show – virtually – through our eyes. Be sure to stay tuned here, to the Videomaker blog for daily updates throughout the week – and let us know what you’d like to see.

Avid teams with ABC to give journalism students the opportunity to practice production, editing and distribution aspects of broadcast journalism in their ABC News to Campus program. Read on for more details.

Student teams from leading journalism schools across United States get hands-on experience; create and report news in real-world newsroom environment

Avid® has joined forces with ABC News to participate in ABC News On Campus – an innovative program designed to give tomorrow’s most promising news professionals an opportunity to practice real-world news gathering, production and broadcasting.  ABC News On Campus students capture, produce, edit and distribute news stories in their local area, which are often featured across ABC News programs. This year, students from six universities, including Arizona State University, Syracuse University, University of Florida, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, University of North Carolina (at Chapel Hill), and University of Texas (at Austin) will learn the inner workings of a newsroom, while using industry-leading solutions like Media Composer® video editing software to create news stories.  The program is in its second year.
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Reprinted from an Avid press release:

Avid® today announced a trio of new Pro Tools® Essential bundles, hardware/software solutions that enable enthusiasts to easily create music with the same tools used by today’s most popular musicians. The three affordable bundles, Pro Tools Vocal Studio, Pro Tools Recording Studio and Pro Tools KeyStudio™, aim at creative hobbyists with an interest in musical composition, editing, and production as well as consumers who are looking to create and share music, podcasts, narrations and other forms of audio with their peers. Read the rest of this entry »

Our August workshop is off and out the door and what a workshop it was! 31 attendees spread out over 4 classes.

For those of you who have never attended a Videomaker Workshop the idea is to hunker down and drill as much knowledge into the brains of our readers that we can! Read the rest of this entry »