CasablancaExpert

Turnkey Video Editing System: Casablanca Review in School Video News

The June 2011 issue of School Video News is available and has a review of the Casablanca line of digital video editors. SVN is an on-line eMagazine for educators involved in video, television, and film production.  I have had conversations with the published of this on-line resource for teachers and know of a couple of the authors of some of the articles in SVN (most from my previous work in educational video and through my work as Director of Education Sales at MacroSystem US).

It is nice to see an objective - if not positive - article highlighting the strengths of the contemporary Casablanca video editor:

"An editing appliance focused on real time HD and SD editing - targeting any editor than needs to put out very high quality content frequently or in tight time tables. Workflows, Stability, Green-Screening, HD rendering, Format compatibility, real time editing while viewing the content on monitors or TV’s, and speed are the big advantages here."

 

There is even a chart in the article that breaks down the rough costs of editing with a Casablanca compared with some of the other competing computer software programs, pointing out that when all is said and done, what appears to be cheaper (to edit on computer) is not necessarily the case (though I am compelled to point out this chart does focus on two Casablanca models that are now longer available - having been replaceed by the Casablanca S-3000 and the S-6000)

It was also a nice surprise for me to read a nod to my services as the Casablanca Expert:  "MacroSystem also has a series of Education Content Providers. Chet Davis is known as the Casablanca Expert and is the official education provider of MacroSystem Education Content.  His services are available through all MacroSys-tem Dealers, MacroSystem directly, and www.casablancaexpert.com"

You can read the article on-line here: Turnkey Video Editing System: MacroSystem Casablanca Appliance

Sneak Peek at new Casablanca Arabesk 5 for DVD & Blu-ray Authoring

 

Today on Holgers Videotreffx we can see a short video with a first look at the new DVD Arabesk 5 software for Casablanca video editors.You can view the entire video below from his YouTube channel - I have also grabbed a couple of screen shots to highlight the new features of this software that allows authoring of DVD chapter and main menus with HD projects onto Blu-ray media.

Holger Hendricks, a citizen of Düsseldorf, Germany has a blog with short videos that highlight Casablanca video editors and allied video production tips and information.  The limitation for many colleagues is that his great work is in the German language.  

Here are three screen captures that show some of the new functions in this software (Arabesk 5 was released in PAL earlier this month and remains in NTSC testing)

50GB Blu-ray media is supported (along with 25BG Blu-ray and the standard disk media from previous versions of DVD Arabesk software. 

 

 

 

 

With DVD Arabesk 5 there are 50 new HD quality backgrounds
to use in Chapter and Main menus.

 

Also in Arabesk 5 there are 67 buttons to use in Chapter and Main menus.

 

Here is the complete video 'Arabesk 5 - First Look' from Holger Hendricks YouTube Channel (again - narration is in the German language)

MacroSystem US Closed Friday-Monday for Memorial Day Holiday 2011

The offices of MacroSystem US in Boulder, Colorado will be closed Friday May 27th and Monday May 30th in observance of the Memorial Day weekend.

They will resume normal business hours again on Tuesday May 31st.That day will also be the last chance to get the 25% of software sale for May 2011:

"Through the end of May we're offering all software at 25% off.  This offer excludes the new Moving BorderX, and Bogart 4 should it be ready for release in May. This offer isn't to be combined with other discounts, such as Club Cassie and/or multi-unit sales."

Contact your Macrosystem US reseller to take advantage of this May 2011 software sale.

Free Webinar in June 2011 - Pathway to 4K: New Tools for the Next Frontier

With all the conversation about the new '4K' cameras like the Red cameras (from Digital Cinema Camera Company) I thought it important to share the following free webinar invitation. I registered this morning and plan on attending this June 9th informational event that will be available live via the internet:

 

"DigitalContentProducer.com's "Pathway to 4K" Webinar will explore how you can manage the 4K material generated by the new generation of large-sensor cameras. We'll examine each stage of 4K production -- from the moment data is captured by the camera to the moment your completed project file is displayed on a screen or monitor.

This event will discuss why 4K is considered the "next frontier" in production and post; who benefits from working in 4K; and what 4K technologies exist currently for each stage of production and post.

Finally, we will address what production and post-production professionals need to know about upcoming additions to the 4K product universe. The Webinar will conclude with an interactive Q&A session with technical experts from DigitalContentProducer.com's editorial team."

Click here for free registration for this webinar

 

MSAG Releses PAL Update to Bogart 4 OS - Version 4.1a

Macrosystem AG announced today that the free update to Bogart V4 for Casablanca video editors has been released in PAL. The software is currently available on their website: Bogart V4.1a PAL software download NTSC customers should not use this software on your Casablanca 

This new version of the Bogart V4 Operating System provides a few new features, addresses some apparent issues (bugs) and is required for the brand new Arabesk V5 DVD & Blu-ray authoring software.

Here is a listing of the release notes for this update (translated via Google Translate from the MSAG German language website)

 

The following list shows the main changes in the Bogart SE software 4.1a (differences from the Bogart Version 4.0a).  In addition to the items listed were many other minor errors and imperfections removed as well as supply improvements incorporated, not all individually listed here.

Record / Import
The export / import of storyboard backups from the project settings with files of 2GB and more is now possible.
The import of AVCHD 720p scenes has been improved.

Audio
The Kommentarton (Commentary/Voice-over?) in the dubbing can be recorded, played back during the storyboard is.
In the dubbing now, the entire volume of the original sound track with the audio speaker switch be changed in the menu on the left.

Settings
The switch "ad for HDV recording" also affects the representation during the DV recording If SE is used with an HDMI monitor from Bogart.

Miscellaneous

This OS version is a pre-requisite for the use of Arabesk 5
The currently used screen output after the start of Bogart briefly in the sub-display displayed.
A firmware update for the Blu-ray drive Pioneer BDR-203 (v. 1.13) is included in the update.
Review of installation of new monitors, so the installation menu, possibly in a different Size shown

Videomaker Magazine's Silver Anniversary

Videomaker magazine celebrates it's Silver Anniversary next month, 25 years since it's first issue. Whether or not you are a subscriber or visit the robust Videomaker website for all their on-line content - there is a 'fun' article that looks back at the topics the magazine covered at 25 years, 15, 10 and 5 years ago. 

It seems like a _long_ time ago when I was carting around a large, full sized VHS camcorder but the first year of Videomaker magazine was debating the format wars between the primary formats back in 1987:

"The format war - Beta vs. 8mm vs. VHS-C, etc., was big our first few years. In fact, we had three bi-monthly issues in a row dedicated to camcorder buyer's guides - each issue featuring a different format: VHS-C in June, 8mm (Video8) in August, and VHS with two Beta cams in October 1987. We featured 58 camcorders in all, with an average price of $1646"

You can read the 3 page article on the Videomaker website here: Videomaker's Silver Anniversary

 

Arabesk 5 DVD Casablanca Authoring Software Released in PAL

Macrosystem AG has announced the release of the new Arabesk 5  software in PAL (this software remains in testing in NTSC, along with the Bogart OS V4 - which is required to operate this new version of Arabesk)

 

Here is the translated information from the Macrosystem AG website (courtesy of Google Translate)

Arabesk 5 now available 
Arabesk 5 is the new standard for the creation of Blu-ray and DVD discs with your Casablanca system.
 

Create menus for Blu-ray discs, individually and in full HD resolution.

With 50 new background images (1920x1080 pixels / 16:9) and many new high-resolution graphics for switches, related to all subjects the right motive.

Please note: for 5 Arabesk Casablanca requires a Casablanca device with 1GB of RAM and Bogart OS Version 4.1a

 

---

Here is the translated text (from German into English language) compliments of Google Translate of the Macrosystem AG announced New Features in Arabesk 5 -- you'll note some of the translated sentences are confusing, we'll have to wait for the company's official English language release to ensure accuracy. 

The following list shows the main changes from "DVD Arabesk 4" to "Arabesk 5".

In addition to the contains five items listed below Arabesk many fixes and improvements that the stability and increase user friendliness. 

* Create menus for Blu-ray discs in full HD resolution (1920 × 1080). The possibilities are similar to those of DVD menus. 

* Burning HD movies can be in SD resolution on a Blu-ray movies are also burned. 

* Increased compatibility of the burned discs using Blu-ray players. 

* Improve the overall image quality of Blu-ray production. 

* At the Blu-ray production, different data rates are selected, higher for better Image quality and lower for longer maturities. 

* The addition of HD movie takes place - as with SD movies - without delay, the calculation take place until later. 4 chapters can now be Blu-ray later worked at it.

* The menu editor adapts better to the various screen resolutions. 

* The wizard was the Blu-ray production expanded.

* Expansion of the image pool by 50 new backgrounds in full HD resolution (1920 x 1080, 16:9) and many New high resolution graphics for switches. 

* switches in the menu "switch" and deleted are added. 

* During the Blu-ray computation is about 30 seconds to estimate the expected Computational time spent.

* During the calculation and burning a Blu-ray editions will be extended to the color displays recent Casablanca / DVC models displayed. 

* The end of a Blu-ray burning process, a message confirmed. 

* The reference medium can Blu-ray 50GB (BD-DL) are the settings selected in, if a Blu-ray Drive with BD-DL burning capability is integrated. 4

Arabesk created with Blu-ray discs can be read to create additional copies.

Blu-ray discs can burn after the checks are.

The calculation of "intensive" is now on devices with 1 GB of memory can be selected as well. 

The Add Movie trim range can now also the target format "DVD Video" later be changed. Prerequisite for Arabesk 5: Casablanca device with 1GB of RAM, Bogart 4.1a, or the installation software Bogart 4.1a updated older version (3.6 / 2.11 / 1.14) of Bogart.

MSUS Announces New Current Casablanca Software Guide

Macrosystem US has published an up to date guide to current software (info accurate only for NTSC customers.  This guide is well received and can be very useful, particularly when figuring out which version of software will work on your Casablanca Operating System.  This is similar to a guide that used to be available from Macrosystem AG (Germany) but was/is no longer available -- thanks MSUS for this useful info!

"We've put together a really helpful and updated guide on all software versions on the website. In this Forum, click on the "Current Software versions" topic. There's a link to our guide. You'll want to download and print this one!"

Get your copy here: http://www.macrosystem.us/index.php?pr=Current_Software_Versions

Ask The Expert: How Can I Save Title Characteristics for Quick Use?

QUESTION: Do you have a basic video or photo title tutorial which will help me archive a font, style,  line justification ? How do I archive this
font and style so that it shows up first all the time...Archive - load? save?) 

ANSWER:  You are definitely on the right path -- in fact you can simply archive the title screen if you like and then re-load it each time you wish to use that font, style, etc. 

But remember when you first receive/d your new Casablanca video editor - the titler had this cool looking title each time you added it to the storyboard.  The Casablanca Generation displayed a 'Macrosystem Casablanca' and the newer S-series editors have a default title that reads 'Bogart' (with the Macrosystem logo below). 

You can actually change this default title screen and make it your own, so that any time you add a title to the Storyboard, it will display your custom title.  This may be impressive to clients (family/friends) and also allows you to pull your favorite/most commonly used font/s into the title for quick titling. To do this simply follow this short set of instructions How to Change the Default Title to Your Own Title Screen

 

Ask The Expert: Learning the Audio Envelope functions

 QUESTION: I know there is no shortage of subjects to be covered in the process of teaching Casablanca stuff, but I was wondering if you would cover a lesson on ''Rubber banding''? I'm sure there are written instructions on how to master rubber banding, but it is ALWAYS much easier to grasp when there is somebody onscreen actually SHOWING the process involved. I have wanted to use rubber banding several times in my very own productions, but I have found that doing the rubber banding parts of my Projects (and failing miserably) becomes a major ''Project'' in itself.

 

ANSWER: Yes, in fact I do have a streaming video tutorial on the use of the Audio Envelope. You can view that on my website here: Using the Envelope (Rubber Banding) in your Audio Mix menu

This 9-minute clip is taken from the Casablanca Foolproof Volume 1 Tutorial DVD.  If you have that, check disk 3, film 2 for this and more instruction in the Audio Mix Menu...

and I have a 55-minute streaming video (from webinar) where I highlighted the newer audio functions in Smart Edit 9/Bogart V3 - including the new changes/improvements in the audio menus: New Audio Functions & Features in Bogart 3 and Smart Edit 9 OS  and for those colleagues who appreciate (or need) a print-able introductory tutorial on the use of the Audio Envelope - here you go: Audio Envelope Basics (Audio Rubber Banding).