CasablancaExpert

Casablanca Expert eNewsletter for November 2011

Today I sent out my free monthly email Newsletter for the Casablanca (video editing) community -- if you did not receive your copy, please check in the Junk Mail folder of your email program and if not there still, let me know so I can check the email distribution list. If you've not yet signed up for this free email newsletter, here's your opportunity:

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And you can read today's Casablanca Expert eNewsletter via the link below...it's chock full of information, news, and even several useful tips! 

Casablanca Expert eNewsletter for November 2011

 

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 [email protected] 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

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.

My First Animated Short - Created With On-line Tools

Just used this cool new software 'in the cloud' has to create animated videos. This is the first in a series I have created to share info about my new on-line resources for folks producing videos.

I'll have the next video posted Wednesday September 28th - come back and see how James enjoyed the webinar.

Incidentally - I will present a short video tutorial on my new website www.YourVideoExpert.net to show friends & colleagues how they can use this new animation tool for their own work. This video will be available on the new website this Saturday, October 1st, 2011.

New Casablanca SL-1000 Makes Showing at IFA 2011

Recently I posted here news about the introduction of the new Casablanca SL-1000 video editor, which is making it's premiere at the IFA 2011 Technology Show in Berlin, German. 

Today I have some photos of this forthcoming new model (click on the image for a larger view)

Front & top of SL-1000 (hands of Macrosystem CEO Jörg Sprave introducing the new model on the exhibit floor of IFA 2011)

Close-up or front connector panel - showing 4-pin firewire & USB ports

Close-up of part of the rear connector panel - showing analog audio and video inputs.

 

Here is a video clip showing Macrosystem CEO Jörg Sprave in an interview with CC Video School's Josef Veith as Jorg introduces the new Casablanca video editor (dialog is in the German language)

 

Casablanca SL-1000 to Premiere at IFA Technology Show in Berlin, Germany

As I shared previously here on the Casablanca Expert Blog - Macrosystem AG is exhibiting at the IFA 2011 Technology Show in Berlin, German (September 2-7, 2011). On the MSAG website is it mentioned that the company will show a brand new model - the Casablanca SL-1000.  Here is some additional information about this new product - thanks to Google translation of this German language website: http://www.pr-video.de/aktuell/index.php

The New Casablanca SL-1000. HD Video Editing for Professionals
The Casablanca SL-1000 is the specialist for high-definition video editing, only equipped with hardware and software components you need for cutting HD footage really. Import and cut AVCHD material as quickly and efficiently as you did not know before. Export your movies on a USB drive for use on TV viewing or on Facebook, YouTube or your web page.

Extend the functionality of the Casablanca SL-1000 as required by peripheral devices such as a Blu-ray burner - and software products like the Bogart Silver, Gold Edition, or additional effects.

The highlights of the new Casablanca SL-1000 at a glance:

• Processing of AVCHD footage
• Direct display of HD material during processing (cutting, trimming, splitting, ...)
• Export the finished video in AVCHD (MTS), or individual scenes in AVI format
• Expandable with peripherals such as Blu-ray burner or external hard drive
• TV connection via HDMI
• Compact housing dimensions with a unit height of only 7 cm
• Software Features: Bogart SE with Arabesk 4 5 Basic Edition

Soon to be available in 1299, - EUR *

Casablanca Coffee Klatsch 8/22/11... Slingshots, Cameras, IFA and more

Had a good time on-line this morning with the Casablanca Coffee Klatsch.

We chatted about the Sony HX9 camera /camcorder, Hewlett Packard news, and a whole bunch of Casablanca/Macrosystem news & stuff.

I was even able to show folks on-line the photo with the article featuring Macrosystem AG President Jorg Sprave and his super slingshot from Wired magazine!

You can catch the audio recording of today's session along with the links presented here:
http://cassieexpert.live.subhub.com/articles/coffeeklatsch

Macrosystem AG to exhibit at the 2011 IFA show

The IFA show is the world's largest trade show for consumer electronics  and home appliances. It takes place from September 2nd to 7th in Berlin, Germany.

Macrosystem AG h as had an exhibit at this important consumer electronics show f or as many years as I can recall and this year is no exception. 

Macrosystem AG has a nnounced on their News page that they will be at the show again this year (the following news translated via Google Translate)

MacroSystem at IFA 2011

Be there live and experience from September 2nd the all new MacroSysem products at IFA in Berlin.

We present at our booth in Hall 9, Booth 328 product innovations from the world of video editing and home entertainment. Experience our highlights such as:

• The new SL-1000 Casablanca
• New software products like Casablanca Akaba HD, etc. Moving TitleBaX,
• Current DVC and Streamcorder systems in a network with NAS drives
• Camera surveillance systems with DVC
• And much more ...

The item that fills me with the greatest curiosity and excitement in this post is mention of the "new SL-1000 Casablanca".  Could this be a new portable Casablanca editor --- or is it a slimmer, more PC like Casablanca.  I expect we'll learn more during or just after the IFA show in a few weeks.

Regarding the other items in the announcement - it was announced already that Akaba HD has entered testing in NTSC. And the Moving TitleBax will be a welcome addition for those wishing to embellish their titles with (apparent) animated title masks.

For more info on this Technology show - you can visit the IFA Show home page: About IFA Show web page.