CasablancaExpert

Listen & Learn About Technology - Your Technology Tutor Podcast

This is not directly related to Casablanca video editor but indirectly in two ways:

1. some of the topics are related to video editing

2. The program is hosted by yours truly, Chet Davis - also known as 'The Casablanca Expert'

 

Our Technology Tutor is a podcast (internet radio program) where Chet Davis shares technology tips you can use, in plain language you can understand.
 
Learn to become more successful using your personal tech tools like the iPhone, Mac computers, video cameras & editing, and digital photography.
 
You can listen to these 30-minute programs on your computer in the iTunes store: Your Technology Tutor Program
 
Click on the ‘Subscribe’ button while in iTunes to have each new episode delivered to your computer or your MP3 Player (iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch or other mobile device with a podcast app).

Your Technology Tutor - Chet Davis shares technology tips you can use, in plain language you can understand.
 
You can subscribe to the Podcast or simply listen to select episodes on this web page: Your Technology Tutor program.

Your Technology Tutor - new website presence & Facebook page for technology lessons

I am pleased to announce that I have revamped and launched a new online home for my non-Casablanca, technology lessons, articles & tips.  You'll find this at the URL: http://yourtechnologytutor.com/

 

This is not a departure from my continually growing resources for Casablanca colleagues both on this blog and on my Casablanca Expert website.  Rather this is a virtual place where folks can go to learn all kinds of tips and operations that will compliment their work on their Casablanca video editor.

For those colleagues on Facebook - you will also find a new Facebook Page where I will also be sharing these new resources:  Chet Davis Tech Tutor on Facebook.

Each day will see a new, short video lesson and some additional tips, news items and some tech-humor.

Here's the daily schedule:
Monday - Tech 101
Tuesday - Photography Tips & Lessons
Wednesday - Tech Tools
Thursday - Video Tips & Lessons
Friday - iPhone Lessons
Saturday - Weekly Review

How Can I Guide Viewers Directly to a Video on my YouTube Channel, Without Showing Other Videos?

QUESTION: 

Seems to me that when I give someone a link to one of the videos on my 
YouTube account, they click on that and go directly to the video.  That's 
good.  But they also see and can easily access all of the products in "My
Videos."  I think I have about 60 other videos.

Is there a way to set it up so that when I send a YouTube link either 
privately or publicly in an email that person only sees the video link I sent 
them?  That is, without making it a private video? 

I just want them  to be  able to see only the video I sent to them.  Again, I don't want to  have to make it private putting only a few email addresses as the only one(s) who can view it.  I still want to keep everything public.

Is this even possible on YouTube?  Vimeo and some others don't work  for me  because of business and commercial content in most of my  productions.


ANSWER: I have two answers to your question - the first is within YouTube, which may not get you what you really want - the 2nd is using a different service/provider.


1.  Within YouTube:

A newer option in YouTube is set the video to 'unlisted',  this is a nice way to make it so other folks won't see if on your Channel - but they could if they search for the tags or content which is relevant in your title or description.

This is more accessible than Private as you don't have to specify an email address and they don't have to have a  YouTube or Google account to access an Unlisted video.

To access this setting - first select the video, then click on 'Edit Info', click on 'Settings', then under Private select 'Unlisted', Click Save and you're set

2.  While the use of a Private Video designation on YouTube allows you to direct viewers directly to this video - they will still see a listing of your other videos on the YouTube account, and video suggestions following the display of your video on-screen.

To eliminate this, you would need to either embed the video onto your own website or use a different video hosting service.

As you indicated because your videos are business related, and incorporate a website address you would have to step up to VIMEO PRO (not Vimeo Plus, but PRO).

You could also use Sprout Video or iPlayed HD which are the two services I use for my longer videos that give me full and complete control over what the player looks like, no other videos are referred, etc.

I recently presented an updated webinar (end of October 2011) on the
topic - Video Sharing Websites,  where I presented fundamentals of using such a provider and also reviewed my 5 favorite services (YouTube, Facebook, Vimeo, Exposure Room, and IPlayerHD)

Since you are a website member, you and other members will find the 79-minute video (with accompanying 15-page PDF booklet) here:  Video Sharing Webinars - An Introductory Webinar

If you're not a website member but would like to access this resource - you can do so with my new Pay Per View Webinars here:
Casablanca Expert Pay Per View Webinars

Can You Use Some Stock (video) Footage or Music? Cyber Monday 40% Discount

Today as part of 'Cyber Monday' FootageFirm is offering a 40% discount on their products including the complimentary DVDs (dropping their price to only $5 each for Shipping & Handling).

Several folks in the Casablanca community have used and enjoyed both the stock backgrounds, video footage and royalty free music from Footage Firm - note the video files are not compatible with Disk Transfer, so for those editing on the Smart Edit OS you would need to convert the files...but if you're editing on the Bogart OS you will find you can load these directly into your editing project.

Check out their offerings on their webiste: FootageFirm.com

And to get the 40% savings, you must enter the Discount Code: CYBERMONDAY11 (Enter this code at checkout)

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

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.

It's an on-line coll ection 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.
     
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)
 

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
 
* Twice monthly 'Your Video Expert' webinars on a variety of interesting topics for video producers - amateurs & pros.
* Webinar lesson archives (split into separate videos by subject)
* Print-able tutorials - tips and instruction focused on the art and science of video production & digital storytelling
* Streaming video mini-lessons - short videos (2:00 to 10:00)
* The weekly 'Take 15 Live lesson' - a 15-minute webinar lesson on short topics to improve our videos
* The 'Take 15 Archives' - archived streaming videos of each week's lesson
* POTM video contest - Project of the Month videos created and shared by members, with royalty free download-able music and help/guidelines from Chet
* Featured website - other great resources of interest to videographers; with video/TV history to resources like music and stock footage.
* Sample and critiqued videos - a collection of short videos shot by pros, other members or Chet, with critique & commentary so we can all advance our video art and skill.


Website Membership
It's totally free to come over and check out the web site today -- to access the full articles and videos that are posted today and all the coming resources - you are invited to become a member at Your Video Expert.
 
But you still don't have to spend a dime to check it out!  Chet is offering a free Trial Membership - now through November 8, 2011.  This way you can join him in the live webinars, the live lessons, check out the streaming videos and the print-able tutorials.
 
At the end of your trial - you can register for the Golden Ticket or the Silver Ticket membership plans - those details are listed here
 
Again, you can register for your free trial membership - with NO obligation (doesn't even require a credit card).  Register for free right now - click here.

Members at Casablanca Expert.com receive an added bonus -- I wanted to honor and acknowledge those folks who are already supporting my business, here at Casablanca Expert.com.  For any member who chooses to subscribe to my new website as well - YourVideoExpert.net - you will receive complimentary tickets to all Your Technology Tutor webinars.  This is applicable to both Silver Ticket and Golden Ticket plans. 

Here is a list of upcoming webinars with Your Technology Tutor that you will also benefit from:

• iTunes Intensive: for Music & More - October 19, 2011
• iPhone 5: Mastering All That's New - November 2, 2011
• Photo Greetings Cards Using On-line Tools - November 16, 2011
• Skype = Free Video Calls To Family & Friends - December 7, 2011
• Digital Photo Sharing Websites - December 21, 2011
• Set Up Your Home Computer Network - January 4, 2012
• Setting Up and Using Your eBook Reader - January 18, 2012
• Using a Scanner for Photos, Documents & OCR - February 1, 2012
• Getting Organized : Web Calendars, To-do Lists & Apps - February 15, 2012

Click here to download a 2-page PDF introduction to Your Video Expert resources

YouTube Adds New Functionality to Edit Your Uploaded Videos

YouTube - the video hosting website - has just added some new options that allow us to edit our uploaded videos 'in the cloud'. A few months ago YouTube added the very cool ability to stabilize your videos (after the bought a company that provided this service as a stand-alone technology).

You'll find these options by selecting any of the Videos on your YouTube Channel and then clicking on 'Edit Video'.

And as early as two weeks ago I used the simply Trim function in the YouTube editor - which is a great, easy to use option to trim your intro or outro.  But now YouTube has added the ability to color correct your video and to add several pre-set filters.

Once in the Edit Video mode for any of the videos you had already loaded to your YouTube Channel you can now adjust Fill Light, Contrast, Saturation and Color Temperature.  If you wish to allow the software to do it for you - simply click on the I'm Feeling Lucky button.

Also added is a set of 14 pre-set effects filters. Everything from Sepia to Thermal and Neon Green. These filters actually do a good job and are pretty quick - my favorites are  Lomoish, Old-Fashioned, and Cartoon.

Now in our Casablanca editors we have a great deal more control in either Image Processing or using the effects options under 'Special' in the Edit menu but this is a great, quick easy fix for videos you may shoot out of the studio and upload directly.

And similar to our Casablanca editors effects work-flow, you can add these changes/mofidications to your YouTube videos without altering or losing the original posted video. This changed version essentially becomes a remix or copy of your original. 

I will be producing a thorough tutorial on the options available to us on our YouTube Channels later this month.

Chet Davis Offers New Webinars - Focus on Personal Technology

I am excited to announce the launch of a brand new learning opportunity - the Tech Tutor Classroom. 

The Tech Tutor Classroom is a series of technology lessons & presentations delivered live over the internet -- from my computer to yours.  I will be using the Webinar technology that I have employed with the Casablanca community to teach folks in the comfort of their home or office.

I will be presenting these Tech Tutor Classroom sessions every other Wednesday at 9:30AM Pacific Time (10:30AM Central/12:30PM Eastern).

A logical question from folks in the Casablanca community - whether or not you are a member of my website - www.CasablancaExpert.com - is what will happen to that community, to the resources I have developed there?

The short answer is that my endeavors with Casablanca Expert will continue - I plan to fully address the training & instructional needs of the Casablanca community... but to also utilize my background, technology expertise and teaching skills to also assist others in their personal technology success.

Click to below playback a short video highlighting the new
Tech Tutor Classroom on-line learning opportunity.

For a quick glimpse of the upcoming Your Tech Tutor Classroom topics & dates - visit this page: Your Tech Tutor Classroom Schedule & Registration.

 

Members of the Casablanca Expert community are welcome and encourage to send any question they may have directly to me via email -  [email protected] -- perhaps you have a suggestion for an upcoming Tech Tutor Classroom topic?

Vimeo PRO - a new account for businesses to host online videos

Today VIMEO announced the release of a new service, Vimeo PRO.

In the company's own words: "Vimeo PRO is a simple and extremely affordable video solution for businesses. We've been hearing from companies for years about how they would love to use Vimeo for commercial purposes (something our current platform prohibits) so we've built a service and added some tools that we think small businesses and organizations will find very useful."

Here's a 1:30 video that highlights the new features in VIMEO PRO

Introducing, Vimeo PRO from Bill Bergen on Vimeo.

What's new with VIMEO PRO?

Here is a summary of their new features:

• Portfolios allow PRO members to create unique, stand alone, fully customizable websites, without any Vimeo branding, to promote and showcase their videos and service. Need a website? With Portfolios you can create one in minutes without having to type a line of code. We're launching with several themes to get you started, and there will be many more to come. We even have custom domain support and built-in video SEO!
• Video Review Pages give PRO members a way to share unbranded and unlisted video pages with clients or for internal use. We are also allowing anonymous commenting as well as added password protection privacy.
• Brand-able video player options gives PRO accounts the ability to add their own logo to the player! All embedded videos will show your logo, no matter where they are embedded or shared.
• Third-party video player support if you don't like ours ;) We think our player is pretty awesome, but we know you might need something we don't offer. Now you have even more options!
• All the best features of Plus are included as well, including Advanced Stats, Unlimited HD uploading, HD embedding (up to 1080p), priority uploading, and great mobile, tablet and TV support.

VIMEO PRO accounts get 50GB of upload space, per year, all at once, as well as 250k embedded video plays at the price of $199 per year.

You can read more about the new VIMEO PRO services on the Vimeo Staff Blog: Announcing Vimeo PRO, a new account for businesses

 

SproutVideo - Video Hosting Website Announces New Entry Level Plan

I was recently asked about where and how I host all my videos that I display and teach with... most all of my videos are hosted in my own account at Sprout Video. 

It costs me $25 per month, I upload the videos and they host them on their server for me.  There is no other videos on the display pages but mine there. I am sharing this news with the community not only due to the question from our colleague, but also because Sprout Video just today announced a new pricing structure.  And good news for many of my colleagues is that they have a new entry level which should meet the demands and needs of many.  This level, called 'Seed' starts at just $10 per month, and includes 10 GB bandwidth and 10 GB of storage per month.

You can learn more about Sprout video here: http://www.sproutvideo.com/referrals/8kp3d   (IF you do decide to sign-up with Sprout Video, this is a referral link which means my account will receive a one-time credit for referring or sharing info about the service with my colleagues)

 

Here's a look at the top of my 'Videos' page on Sprout Video - to load a new video, I simply click on 'Upload a new video' and a menu appears - I browse my computer and select the file to upload, click 'upload' and that's it.  You can rename the video, present the video to your client/audience on a 'private' page, and embed the video on your (or client's) website... which is what I typically do with the majority of my videos.

 

Here are the new Sprout Video levels or plans:

 

Seed

$10.00 /month
10 GB bandwidth/month ($2.00/GB bandwidth overages)
10 GB storage/month ($2.00/GB storage overages)

Sprout

$25.00 /month
25 GB bandwidth/month ($1.00/GB bandwidth overages)
25 GB storage/month ($1.00/GB storage overages)

Tree
$50.00 /mo
100 GB bandwidth/month ($0.75/GB bandwidth overages)
100 GB storage/month ($0.75/GB storage overages)

There is also a new Grove and Forest level, which are for companies that host and display a LOT of video each month.  You will find more info on the services, features & pricing for Sprout Video here: Sprout Video - webiste video hosting.