CasablancaExpert

Short Interview with the Casablanca Expert

Last August I created a tool-bar that folks could install and use with their chosen web browser - this tool-bar allows you to quickly access both Macrosystem AG and MSUS websites, get updates on the latest tutorials provided by the Casablanca Expert and access the Casablanca Webinar series. The Tool-bar remains available - read more about it and download on my Casablanca Expert website.

I created this tool-bar with software provided by a company called 'Conduit'. They contacted me a few  months back and said they liked what I did with it and wanted to interview me about it, my business, etc.  It sounded intriguing and we went forward - the producer and a videographer came to my home and interviewed me. It was interesting being on the 'other' side of the camera!       And it was actually fun as well.  I just received a copy of the edited version of my interview... complete with music and graphics.  It's fun to see.  Conduit will be using this video clip (along with other similar clips of other Tool-bar creators) on their website as well as at trade shows, conferences, and other venues where they promote their service to other entrepreneurs.

Here is the 3-minute video:

Chris Stone Shares Cool Reflection Video Effect

Just yesterday I shared a post from the Casablanca Forum by Volker Hill who demonstrated a cool titling effect with a mirror/reflection look.

Today, another Casablanca Colleague, Chris Stone of Etched In Stone Video Productions (Georgia, USA) shared another use of the mirror effect - this time with a full-motion video clip using PIP Studio. 

You can view the short (10-second) video on YouTube.

Here are Chris Stone's steps to create this eye-catching effect:

1. Used PIP studio to put video on "video black"
2. -used flip vertical to invert
3. -applied fog with black/diamond to give the gradient look
4. -applied a small amount of blur
5. -then used Split screen 2 with clip and video black again to distort/shorten image
6. -then used PIP studio on more time to place original clip on top of reflection

Very creative - thanks for sharing that with the community Chris!

Creating Mirror Text Effect on Casablanca - thanks Volker!

This past weekend on the Casablanca Forum a Forum member asked if and how it would be possible to create a title effect where the letters appear to have a mirror reflection.  This is common in many other software products.  Our colleague from Germany, Volker Hill played around and came up with the steps to enable this cool effect.  Here is the result:

You may know that Volker was an employee of Macrosystem AG for many years, and was the creative force behind many of the MS AG demo videos.  He has kindly posted his step by step tutorial to create this effect which you can read on the Casablanca Forum (scroll down to the 2nd post on this page)

Macrosystem AG Releases Bogart 3 Update (for PAL)

The German language website for Macrosystem AG has announced a release of the Bogart V3.2a software.  There have been initial posts in the Casablanca Forum from European colleagues who have loaded this software and indicate it is a very well received update!  You can find the original post here (in German language - you may wish to use an online translator):

http://www.macrosystem.de/d/archives_03353773535B475EABD6846D36DB55BA.html

For your convenience I have pasted an online translation:

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SE v3.2a - update
Bogart SE v3.2a update is usable on the Casablanca S2000, S4100, PE, S4000/Pro, as well as for the Renommee and Solitaire with the UltraCard Upgrade.

The following list shows the most important changes for the SE software 3.2a in relation to the version 3.1.  Beside the specified points many further smaller errors and issues were eliminated as well as inserted improvements, which are individually specified not all here.

Admission
· With the AVCHD import no more clay/tone dis-alignment arises.
· In the menu to the AVCHD reading in is recognized automatically a change of the medium and contents are updated.
· Similar photographs now correct aspect ratio is assigned, so that with later computations no more distortions arise.

Work on
· A cause for Ruckeln with some devices during playing, arising sometimes, was eliminated.
· Scenes are played when playing again up to the end.

Effects
· „The effect pile “does not fall, if one selects effect downward in an empty effect list „“.
· Some effects not computed if long-term effects with transition effects overlaid.

Audio
· Reading in of an audio MP3 CD/DVD with file names with more than 84 indications is now possible.
 So far this could lead to various errors.
· After changing the envelope of a piece of clay/tone in the Storyboard its volume and the correction are not set on other clay-pure no more on 0dB.
· Audio CD support for LG burner is given.
· Support of the USB of microphone SAMSON CO1U

Various
· In the course of the changes of software and preparations for the HDMI expenditure with S-2000, S-4100 and the devices the personnel edition so far the screen modes designated in kind of Bogart SE with the attitudes as VGA are called now HDMI. The picture signal for menu picture and/or video picture can be spent either as before by the DVI connection underneath the radiator box over [DVI on VGA] an adapter on a VGA screen, or over the HDMI connection which is under it to a monitor with appropriate connection 

We recommend momentarily further the image output of the video picture over the attitude 1-Monitor DVI and the DVI connection on the similar connections laterally at the equipment. 

If you liked to make a connection over HDMI instead of the past VGA use over an adapter now, note please that them if necessary. with the MediaManager attitudes under “3 picture, clay/tone” the point “6 HDMI clay/tone” to change must.

· The expenditure of the menu and/or. the expenditure of video pictures over HDMI or VGA is at present general in 16:9. With older screens, which are attached over VGA, the picture can be thus distorted.
· The DVD Arabesk preview is now also possible with 2-Monitor set-up, 1-Monitor VGA or 1-Monitor HDMI, if the Media Manager is posed on HDMI.
· With the installation in the event of an error the reference text is red bordered, in order to clarify the reference.
· The installation supports special, new non removable disks by an adapted Partitioning.
· Twister is again supported.
· The DVD drive assembly DVR-115D is better recognized.
Media manager
· Also in the Media Manager is now either HDMI or VGA usable. The attitude is called also in the Media Manager with the attitudes HDMI.
· The export of scenes or Storyboard of a project in the Media manager does not exchange no more the clay/tone channels.
 

MSUS Releases New Software for NTSC Customers

The following software updates are now available for NTSC customers (the Caladan update was released for PAL customers in October 2009)

Caladan v1.8a. 

Now the popular printing program, Caladan, is also available for Bogart SE.  Print DVD covers and media from your projects.  Note: The Caladan will actual have two versions on the Add On Software CD.  The Caladan v1.6 will be what you use for SE (Smart Edit) machines, the Caladan v1.8a is what you use for Bogart machines.   Be aware that some older HP printers that don't support CD/DVD prints won't work if you try to print with that particular label setting in the program.  

Pro Club 2009 v1.0. 

The Pro Club 2009 software is a free program exclusively for Casablanca Club members.                It includes a new Countdown engine that allows you to add sound bumps, mix different types of backgrounds, and have more options to making creative countdowns .   It also includes a few free filter mixtures in the archives of the "Effect Stack" found in Image Processing.  The Pro Club software requires SE 8 or above to run on SE machines.  It requires version Bogart 2 or above on the Bogart systems.  

Click Here to download a current Add on Software CD (MSUS Website download ISO File) 

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This suggests to me that a release of the next major upgrades (Smart Edit 9 & Bogart 3) are on the cusp of release, as the Pro Club is historically released and provided to members of Club Casablanca when they are sent the software and activation code for the OS upgrade.

Join us for the Nor Cal Casablanca Hands-on Workshop!

I'll be in the San Francisco Bay Area in just two weeks for my popular Intermediate Casablanca Hands-on Workshop.  I am looking forward to seeing long-time friends & colleagues and making some new friends when we meet Wednesday-Thursday, May 5-6, 2010

This workshop will be in the city of San Pablo (just off Highway 80) -  a relatively central location to Northern Californians as well as a spot with reasonable air fares from much of the rest of the United States (fly into either SFO or OAK airports).

The Casablanca Northern California 2010 Hands-on Workshop host - Gary McNally of McNally's Plug and Play - will be available for software purchase and for those interested in hardware upgrades, etc. 

For complete workshop details, agenda, and on-line registration - please see the event website: Northern California Casablanca Workshop

 

April 2010 Casablanca Expert Newsletter Available Now

I have just sent out the April 2010 Casablanca Expert Newsletter.  If you did not receive your free copy of this monthly e-newsletter, perhaps you are not yet a subscriber? It's free and it's easy -- simply fill out the form on my website (which is also posted below for your convenience)  You can also read the April 2010 Casablanca Expert Newsletter by clicking here

Sign-up for my free Casablanca Newsletter in the boxes below

(your info will be kept private)

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How to Easily Remove the Scenes From Your Storyboard

This is yet another of those 'Ask The Expert' articles I have uploaded and made available on my website at www.CasablancaExpert.com.  I post this one here for you to get a sense of breadth and value of the tips and tutorials that are available to my subscribers 7 days a week, 24 hours a day:

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QUESTION: Chet can you tell me how I can remove some or all off of the storyboard.  Once I finish a project and have made a master copy instead of removing one at a time is their a way to remove all or some.

ANSWER: There are two answers to this question -- depending on the version of the Operating System you have. 

If you are using Smart Edit 7 (or lower): in that project you wish to change:

1. Click on the 'Project Settings' menu,
2. Click on the Delete button - - this should open a sub-menu
3. Click to place a check-mark next to 'Storyboard'.  Make certain you do NOT have a check mark next to 'Delete scenes' and Delete samples' as that will also delete the scenes in your scene bin and all your audio samples (audio clips). 
4. Then click OK and your storyboard should clear off.

If you are using Smart Edit 8 or any version of the Bogart SE Operating System, you could do the above but you have another option... In the Edit menu of the project you wish to affect:

1. Click on the 'Action' button at the bottom left corner of the menu
2. Left click on 'mark storyboard' - this will mark all the scenes in the storyboard (tiny filled rectangle above them indicates they are marked)
3. Left click on the 'Remove' button beneath the Storyboard (the one that has been there forever)
4. Left click on 'all marked' - this will remove all the scenes that were marked in the storyboard (if you have wanted to only remove the one scene you had selected in the work-box, you would click on 'active only').

Yesterday's Webinar Receives Some Great Reviews!

Here is some feedback from two of the folks who attended the 4/15 Casablanca Expert Webinar -- the streaming video recording of the session along with print-able notes from the session will be available in the Members Webinar Archives within the week.

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Chet's webinar today was an extremely important webinar for anyone, in any business.

The QUICK REFERENCES TO INSIDE INFORMATION was most valuable to learn and view! He quickly explained SO MANY INTERNET steps we all should be taking as the Internet grows and we must learn this now!

We learned 'shortcuts' and 'definations' and 'how we are rated' and 'the steps to take to close the sale' on any product. 'Ways to track hits' on our website. 'Free programs' that beg us to just use them and it will promote us, did I mention FREE?

If anyone thinks they do not need this information, you DO KNOW SOMEONE THAT DOES: our children.

What an advantage to know this information to help our children, to know the Internet language when talking with them, to help them grow themselves.

The webinar today was PACKED with many promoting ideas, great VISUAL LEARNING techniques, the NAMES OF PROMOTING BUSINESSES that Chet has already seen work for him

and information on ones that may not be what you need, good information to know before you invest in them.

I personally took 4 pages of notes, I plan to use the information for myself and FOR OTHERS, I love 'being in the KNOW'.........Thanks Chet!

If you missed this webinar, you can see it on his MEMBERS ONLY WEBINAR archive, that will be online in a couple of days.  If you are not a member, Join NOW!
I will use part of ONE OF THE LESSONS TODAY: 'It is time YOU learned how to HIT THE TENNIS BALL back to your customers!'Great job Chet!
Bobbie Evoy~CEGM
Memories On Tape

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I agree - this webinar went far beyond anything I was expecting. I didn't take notes yesterday because there was so much in it that I know I'll be watching it again (at my own stop, rewind and play pace) - more than once. Chet went beyond just listing facts and social media sites. He gave an overview that included explanations on the how and why of figuring out your specialty or niche and how to market yourself using the internet with websites, Facebook, twitter, etc.

Even if you are not in business, it will help you understand how the different parts of the internet are evolving as a marketing tool.

The list of reasons to join http://www.casablancaexpert.com keeps getting longer!

Craig Newman

Sound+Vision

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Macrosystem Previews new Title Studio software at NAB Show

At the NAB Show 2010 (National Association of Broadcasters) held in Las Vegas, Nevada this week, Macrosystem AG CEO Jorg Sprave is joined by MSUS President Eric Kloor and MSUS VP Sales & Marketing Phillip Bice.  They are greeting resellers and customers in their hospitality suite at the Hilton Gardens Hotel (near the LV Convention Center) and showing the newest Casablanca Operating Systems: Smart Edit 9 and Bogart SE 3.

They are also sharing a new software program called Title Studio - this is a forthcoming product that will be available for the Generation 3 Casablanca editors (S2000, S4000/PRO, and S4100) running Bogart V3 and higher.  I had the opportunity to play with a beta version of the software recently and really enjoyed the new creative capabilities.  Here is a translation of the PDF announcement from the MS AG website (translated from German -- the syntax is rough in some passages due to grammar translation)

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TITLE STUDIO ANNOUNCEMENT

Title studio is a new formation program that replaces the standard titler program.  Title studio is obviously HD capable and offers many creative possibilities to form text up to the single letter and calculate together with a title effect. 

Title studio will be published briefly and is available at the the price of 149. EURO. 

We offer in April 2010 all customers, who have licenses one of the following packages for its system:  Title effect package 1, 2, or 3, Deluxe Titler 3D the new title studio with a discount of 20% on.  (NOTE: this offer is made in the German language website to PAL Customers - NTSC customers may have a different offer when the product is closer to NTSC release)


With title studio, you have next to the previous possibilities in addition many further helpful and functions that are based to a large degree on.  They individually can format any letters of a line.  A large selection at predefined styles already is included.  Moreover you can form self also the letters far the accustomed possibilities out.  So your text can get a surface structure and tilted edges.  The selection of structures to the formation of the text as well as that stands you an extensive library to that.  That individually formed can be stored and are styles by an example picture in the style archive to find easily again.  The title studio indicates you in its exactly that, what you see later also after the calculation, (that names one WYSIWYG, exception upon inputting of a course writing).  At the same time also all current text formats are available. 

General
To generate generally over 100 predefined writing styles and almost endlessly many possibilities own styles over 300 included, different materials and pattern of writing style own to the design all titles now also in perfect abundance HD quality project independent:  An once generated title can be used in all any video formats. 

WYSIWYG editor
Every letter can its own writing style have is every letter the sign distance, the sign width and the writing size individually adjustable the line distance is each separated line adjustable, block sentence becomes the text alignment (to the left, centers, to the right, looked) is each line individually adjustable it can as desired many lines per text chalkboard written become.  Any area in your title, marked with Shift, Ctrl, mouse and double click and Dreifachklick two different users layouts solutions small and large.

Sides (3D Textures)
 it can be generated as desired many sides, can become can become can archive become that sides after retroactively in your sequence sorted sides copied sides in order to use it
in any other projects again

Text chalkboards
It can be generated as desired many chalkboards per side, can receive are can there each chalkboard an any background the edges freely adjustable the text above, met with and aligned become below at the chalkboard, the position and size of the chalkboards are can freely adjustably chalkboards retroactively forwards and/or behind pushed become.  A chalkboard can be archived in order to use it in any other projects again.  The shadow the text can narrow places become per chalkboard as desired

Writing style
Every writing style is individually change-able through:  Type / size, surface (color, pattern, etc.), imprint (punch), frame, facet, 3D and outline

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Here are two screen shots of the new Title Studio pulled from the announcement PDF document:

This screen shows how you can use multiple/ varying font attributes even on a single line.  I also found the box options in the new Title Studio more flexible, with the ability to move the boxes back and forth (exchange the order of boxes after you add/create them).

This 2nd screen shot shows the pre-set style/ attributes available to you in the new Title Studio software.  You can easily access and use these font styles (by highlighting text and then selecting the style in the menu below).  You can also create your own variations or brand new styles with the font style editor, then your own custom font styles become available as well for future titling projects.