CasablancaExpert

MSUS Announces 3 new Bogart software: OS Update, Akaba/HD and Galilelo

MacroSystem US today announced the release of three (actually four) new products.  All these products are for the Casablanca Next Generation series of editors (those running on the Bogart Operating System).

Bogart 4.1g

This is a free update for anyone using the Bogart V4 Operating System already.  Here are the items that MSUS indicates are addressed in this update:

-BlueBox World and Candy Factory will work with Bogart 4 again.
-Improvements to the quality on analog video recordings into the S3000 and S6000 models.
-Using the pause button in HDMI display will no longer show a paused frame in reduced color.
-Using the pause button in SCART and DVI display will no longer just show a gray screen.
-Improved operation of some effects (e.g.: Columbus Rectangle, Tunnel 2, Motion 3D XL 1 & 2, Magic Lights, Title Effect packs 2 and 3) on some Bogart SE Casablanca models.
-Fixes to the analog record mode to reduce crashes after multiple record-stop captures.
-In Media Manager, audio sample editing will no longer cause crashes.
-Other small fixes and patches

This OS Update is available now for you to download and install - visit the MSUS Download Page here.

 

Akaba New Concept/Akaba HD

There two new software products are also for Bogart OS only. The Akaba New Concept is for those customers who traded in their Smart Edit Casablanca and had Akaba on their older editor - you already have the software activation code for Akaba New Concept - now you have the software it goes with! 

Note: this Akaba New Concept (V1.4) will only operate in a Standard Definition project and if you attempt it in HD you will apparently see the word 'demo' across the scene where the effect is applied.

That's why the company has released the new Abaka HD - this is essentially Akaba that works with High Definition (HD) Projects.  AND this version of Akaba will work in a dual-monitor mode on your Bogart OS editor.

Pricing for NTSC customers of the new Akaba program:

• Bogart OS editor with the Akaba NC code from a trade-in - $0 (free)
• Upgrade for Akaba New Concept owners -  $99.00.
• New Akaba HD purchases - $249.00.

Galileo

Galileo is a backup software program for the Media Manager. It allows you to backup and restore your films, music, and photos to an external device. Galileo will now be included as part of the HD Backup Bogart software, it will come as a separate code but is part of that software - so if you own Bogart HD Backup software, you are entitled to this new Galileo software.

If you already own HD Backup Bogart, simply send an email to sales@macrosystem.us with your serial number, and we will send you the unlock code for Galileo.

You can download a manual for Galileo here.

 

Cool Tools at Digital Video Expo: Black Diamond Best-of-Show Award Winners

Digital Video Expo West was a video themed conference and expo that took place last month in Pasadena, California.

The editors of Digital Video Magazine scanned the exhibit floor and have released what they determine are the latest and greatest products and awarded them the Digital Video Black Diamond Award.

There are 11 products receiving the Award this year - you can check them out, along with a brief summary on this page: Cool Tools at Digital Video Expo

Performed a Recent Upgrade of your Bogart OS? Missing Something? Here's the Fix

I was helping a web site member yesterday who was puzzled. He attempting to export some longer video files from Media Manager to YouTube.  He had successfully de-interlaced and added the Black Border to his video (that I recommend for all video edited in Casablanca that's heading to the 'net).

But in the Film Archives Export Menu in Media Manager he was not seeing what he was used to seeing there under Device List.  There was no 'USB' option - so he could not select his USB Flash Drive to export it to... he even went out and bought a new Flash Drive, thinking that maybe he had a corrupt drive.

Right away I had a suspicion what was wrong here... I asked if he had performed an update recently "yes, why do you ask Chet?"

I led him to the Settings Menu in Media Manager and had him activate a hidden component. Once he went back to his Export Menu, the missing elements were there! 

I received an email hours later in bold, red print... it worked great - thank you so much!

If you're facing this dilemma as well, you simply need to activate the Premium Package in your Media Manager Settings - details here: Casablanca Expert Tutorial

Online Classroom Tomorrow: Video Sharing Websites

If you've tried or want to start sharing your videos on Facebook, YouTube or Vimeo - check out my on-line class tomorrow:  Video Sharing Websites - Getting Started

You'll learn the fundamentals of preparing your video for on-line success and I will highlight the tips for best quality & ease on my favorite six websites:

YouTube 

Facebook 

Vimeo

SmugMug

Exposure Room

iPlayer HD

And this on-line learning opportunity is compatible with your equipment no matter which video editing system you're using. Whether Casablanca Smart Edit or Bogart OS... the focus in tomorrow's lesson is how you share the video on-line _after_ it's edited.

If you're a member at Casablanca Expert.com - you'll find the free registration link on this page: Members Webinars.  If you're a member at YourVideoExpert.net - you'll find your free registration on this page: Members Webinar Registration

And if you're not yet a member of either web-site, the lesson is only $10 for convenient, expert instruction - register here: http://videoexpertoct26.eventbrite.com/

 

Casablanca Expert Webinars - Pay Per View Now Available

 

 For those who choose not to become a member at Casablanca Expert.com - what ever their reason - I wanted to make available the valuable learning that takes place in our monthly Casablanca Expert Webinars. 

These 'Members Only' webinars are included with the Gold or Silver membership and are now, for the first time, also available to others in the community on a Pay Per View basis.

Note - this is for single viewing of the program/lesson and, where included, also allows you to download (and print) the booklet that goes with that lesson.  If you're interested in purchasing a full quality DVD of the lesson - visit the Casablanca Expert Online Store here. 

To view the Casablanca Expert Webinars now available in Pay Per View access, please visit the on-line store here: Casablanca Expert Pay Per View Webinars 

These webinars are available now at $10 per lesson and provide for 2 days viewing.

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Consider joining as a member and receive unlimited viewing of all webinars, as well as access to the more than 500 articles, tips and tutorials to help you get the most from your Casablanca Video Editor.

At just $12.99 monthly or $62.35 per six months you get a lot for your membership dollars!

 

Macrosystem AG Accepts Orders for the new SL-1000

Macrosystem AG announced today they are accepting orders for the newest Casablanca video editor, the SL-1000.  This slimmer Bogart OS editor made it's preview at the IFA Show in Berlin, Germany back in September 2011 (see previous post: New Casablanca SL-1000 Makes Showing at IFA 2011)

And it looks like those who order the SL-1000 by November 30th (2011) will benefit from a special limited of 1169 EU.  After this introductory offer the SL-1000 will have a list price of 1,299 EU.

 For further details - consult your PAL distributor or review the MSAG website here (German > English translation via Google Translate)

NOTE: Customers in North America - this product is presently only available (or in order phase) in PAL. No word on when we can expect it in NTSC.

Macrosystem AG Releases new Bogart V4 Update & Akaba HD

There's news this morning on the Macrosystem AG web site that a new version of the Smart Edit V4 Operating System (OS) has been released - that would be Bogart V4.1G.

Here is a translation from the German language web site into the English language, compliments of Google Translate:

Also released by Macrosystem AG today was the new version of Akaba, actually two versions... Akaba 1.4 and Akaba HD (again, translation below is from the German language web site into the English language, compliments of Google Translate).

As far as I can tell (from a possibly garbled translation) Akaba 1.4 is free to customers who already purchased Akaba New Concept version on/for their Smart Edit or Bogart OS editor - whereas the new Akaba HD is a new product that not only supports dual-monitor operation but also functions in HD resolutions. There is apparently an upgrade (reduced) price to go to Akaba HD from the regular Akaba New Concept if you need/desire those new features.  You can also apparently purchase the new Akaba HD ouright (for a higher price).

 

NOTE: Both these software releases are only for PAL Color Standard at this time -- readers in North America (NTSC Color Standard) will have to wait for the release of these products.

Videographer or Video Producer or What or Who?

To keep up with video and technology I subscribe to a whole lot of feeds and services... and sometimes it's an article that intrigues that leads me to a blog or other website that features yet another articles on a different site.  

Today I came across a blog post that totally fit into a conversation we had on the Casablanca Coffee Klatsch recently. We were discussing the names we used to call or describe what we do to clients or to friends, family and community.  

And for a LONG time I have been using the term videographer. 

It is an accepted word in Webster's dictionary and basically means one who records images with a video camera.  Now that fits a good part of what I do and what a lot of colleagues do - but really, it's just one part.

As folks who create videos whether for passion, for fun and/or for profit - we have to take that video recording and fashion it into a completed video presentation. That involves editing, titling, audio, DVD authoring, etc.

So the term videographer really is only a fraction of what we do, or who we are.  Back to what I started with today -- here is a post by a colleague I have read his stuff before... Ron Dawson of Dare Dreamer Magazine.  His article that got me started today: Are the Myriad of Names in Filmmaking Helping or Hurting the Industry?

If you're at all intrigued by this conversation you'll enjoy his thoughts as well.  And I should point out that one of the folks who left a comment on Ron's blog shared what is the most important thing... if you're doing this for profit, the most important consideration is by what name or title is your prospective clients looking for you?

A new on-line resource for video producers has launched!

I am thrilled to announce there is a new on-line resource for video producers at my new web site: YourVideoExpert.net.
     
NOTE: This new web site will not take the place of CasablancaExpert.com - this community and the web resources here will continue to grow. This other new web site allows me to share even more of my knowledge that is not related to Casablanca video editors, more in the realm of what you do prior to editing (though I will also be providing instruction on other video editing tools)

Your Video Expert. net an on-line collection of print-able video tutorials, short streaming videos and twice monthly webinars focused on helping folks produce even better videos.

Many friends and colleagues suggested I use my 17 years in the classroom (teaching video production), coupled with professional media experience (immersed in communication technologies for 30+ years), and my passion for teaching to provide a growing set of resources to help folks produce even better videos.  Click here to download a 2-page PDF introduction to Your Video Expert resources

Members at CasablancaExpert.com receive a special bonus for those who choose to also subscribe to this new resource - review the specifics below

Website Resources
Here's a listing of the resources for you at YourVideoExpert.net

Webinar Tomorrow (Friday) Audio Fundamentals for Video

Studies actually confirm that audiences are more forgiving of poor video than they are of poor audio, and yet audio is a part of the video production process that can be over-looked or an after-thought.

We are more aurally dominant than we may realize and yet there are some fundamentals of sound and audio science that many of us are not familiar with. To understand these concepts will be a great way to build on your correct application of many of the audio tools available, from selection and use of microphones to the audio functions and settings in your editing software.

Join Your Video Expert Chet Davis for this 1-hour on-line learning session as you will learn the fundamentals of audio and how they relate to success in video production, in an engaging and clear manner.

• Here’s what you will learn
• Fundamentals of sound theory: frequency/pitch, volume/amplitude
• Tools for measuring audio & how to properly use them (meters & monitors)
• Frequency response, dynamic range, and Signal to Noise Ratio
• Audio signals, files and connectors
• Perception of audio - introduction to Psycho-acoustics

 

If you're a member at YourVideoExpert.net you can participate in this on-line classroom for free!  If you're not - you can either pick-up your free website membership here, or you can register for $10. 

For further details and on-line registration click here: http://videoexpertoct12.eventbrite.com/