Faster Smarter Digital Video [Archive]

Jason Dunn

08-01-2002, 05:00 PM

<a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0735618739/jasonsego">http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0735618739/jasonsego</a> You may or may not have noticed this (since my team is doing a great job of picking up my slack), but I haven't been posting as much in the past two weeks as I normally do. The reason? I'm working on a new book, my first 100% solo project, called "Faster Smarter Digital Video". It's being published by Microsoft Press, and I've never been so excited to write a book! I've also never had quite so much <a href="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/digitalvideostuff.jpg">digital video gear to evaluate</a> (and the nine cameras from Sony, Canon, and Panasonic haven't even shown up yet). It's funny to see <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0735618739/jasonsego">a listing in Amazon</a> for a book that I'm only on the second chapter for, but I guess that's the way the system works. If I may be so bold, this book is going to be great! <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif" /> The target audience is anyone who wants to tackle digital video without any prior knowledge. I'm covering everything from buying the right DV cam to the right computer hardware for capturing and manipulating video, from editing the video (basic and advanced methods) to burning the video as a SVCD or DVD. If you're already a digital video expert, this book isn't for you. But if you're someone who has always wanted to get into digital video, this is your book. Something like 5% of home videos actually get watched - why is that? Because traditional editing methods are so tedious and slow! The goal I have is to teach people, in the space of a few chapters, how to work with digital video in an easy and fun way. I got bitten by the digital video bug earlier this year after taking a three year break from it. Now I'm having a blast! So there you have it - my major project for the next two months (one chapter a week - gulp!). If I seem distracted, I am. And I've got a virtual army of PHP Samurai working on scripts and enhancements to the site, which takes a lot of coordinating. I hope that the end result is a better site for you.

hshortt

08-01-2002, 05:13 PM

Hullo Jason!

Yes indeed, this is a personal hobby of mine too. I've recently purchase my first digital camera (an upgrade from the old Hi8), and I've also gotten into make home DVD's with my computer. I've all the bits and pieces, firewire, DVD-R (Pioneer), Vegas Video, Sonic DVDit, etc etc. Oh, I finally settled for a Sony Digital8 as it would allow a bigger range of tapes that I could convert to DVD.
So good has been my testing and refining that I have my own process and I am hosting a site offering tape to dvd transfer, you know the usual - Wedding tapes etc etc etc.

Anyway, if there is anything I could help you with, I'd be more than happy.

I never thought that anyone would be as quirky as me with gadgets, but you sound like me!

Cheerio

karen

08-01-2002, 05:46 PM

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0735618739/jasonsego

It's funny to see a listing in Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0735618739/jasonsego) for a book that I'm only on the second chapter for, but I guess that's the way the system works.

Good job, Jason.

I review books on Amazon, and right now I'm ranked 362 in the list of reviewers. It doesn't sound like much, but thats out of more than 40,000 reviewers. I was in the top 200, but I haven't had as much time to review as I've wanted.

If MS Press would like to send me a review copy, I'd love to do a review, both for Amazon and my own website.

Karen

BTW, reviewer rank is based on Amazon registered user voting. So if any of you out there are registered, please vote. I'm not asking for positive votes, just that you get out and vote. Higher ranking reviewers get their reviews posted higher in the list of reviews for items.

My About me page is listed at http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/cm/member-reviews/-/A10UA219PG4Q74/

Mike Temporale

08-01-2002, 05:49 PM

I just got into the DV area. I purchased a G1 a couple years ago, and that did everything I could imagine, until my daughter came along. Now there's so many things that I want to capture, I had to go out and buy a DV. Yes, I know the G1 does DV, but it's only 30 seconds max - regardless of the free space on your CF card.

So, I purchased a Panasonic 402. (can be found here: http://www.panasonic.ca/english/audiovideo/video/palmcorder/PVDV402K.htm ) I love it.

Can anyone suggest a good Firewire card? And good video software for making DVD's, VCD's, or mpegs with? The store I bought it from recommends Pinnicale Studio Express.

Jason, I'm sure this goes without saying, but keep us posted on the book. I look forward to checking it out.

palmsolo

08-01-2002, 05:56 PM

My VHC-C camcorder that I had for 9 years just decided to quit, with only 2 of my daughters' baseball games left to try to capture some video. I did a day's research online and performed a price match at Sears (I just learned they price match internet prices) to buy my Canon ZR45MC. This seemed like the best DV camera in my price range and I have been very happy with the quality and functions in the 3 days I have had it. I just installed my firewire PCI card last night and am waiting for my cable to arrive in a couple days. Canon is offering free editing software, ShowBiz, that I will hopefully get in less than 8 weeks :cry:

Is there anything on Windows XP that I can use in the meantime to view, edit, burn my videos? What software do you recommend for these functions? I am a super Pocket PC geek, but am a novice with this new digital video stuff and am excited about the prospects. Thanks for any tips folks.

Mobile Bob

08-01-2002, 06:16 PM

Sounds like your book will be perfect for me, but you can take your time writing it (as far as I am concerned), as I have way too many projects stacked up that take precedence right now (... and for at least another twelve months). I am capturing the video now, but don't have the time to edit or produce. I'll be eager to get started when the time is right, and I'll beging by reading your book.

Can I assume you'll include information in your book for optimizing home video for playback on Pocket PCs with PocketTV or PocketDivx? I'll be interested in doing that as well as producing DVDs of my home video.

Not that you need to have another project added to your list, but having a companion web site like pt has for Flash Enabled would be great. :wink:

Charles Pickrell

08-01-2002, 06:33 PM

Jeff Rutledge

08-01-2002, 06:37 PM

Jason,

I sure hope you include Mac in your book. Apple has a GREAT solution with iDVD and iMovie for beginners and DVD Studio Pro and FinalCut Pro for professionals. I'm only saying this because I know you are a real big Windows fan.

Charles

Good point Charles. Jason: Will we see any Apple coverage in this book? Not sure how that would go over with MS Press though.

nishka

08-01-2002, 06:44 PM

Can anyone suggest a good Firewire card? And good video software for making DVD's, VCD's, or mpegs with? The store I bought it from recommends Pinnicale Studio Express.

If you're really serious about getting into this realm, take a look at some of the realtime hardware on the market. The prices are declining rapidly for this stuff and it makes editing MUCH easier.

I use the Matrox RT2500, which is probably not the best, but was the best bang for my buck. Since it's in its end of life cycle (Matrox has a new RT product now) you can probably get it for $700 or less.

Jason Dunn

08-01-2002, 07:03 PM

If MS Press would like to send me a review copy, I'd love to do a review, both for Amazon and my own website.

I'll announce the book when it's shipping, so ping me when that happens and I'll see what I can do.

Jason Dunn

08-01-2002, 07:08 PM

So, I purchased a Panasonic 402....Can anyone suggest a good Firewire card? And good video software for making DVD's, VCD's, or mpegs with? The store I bought it from recommends Pinnicale Studio Express.

I could blab for pages here, but that blabbing needs to go into my book, not here. ;-)

1) Just got a box with three DV cams from Panasonic for the book
2) Firewire: I'm really impressed with the Adaptec Duo Connect (http://www.getadaptec.com/duoconnect_ov.html) - it gives you two Firewire ports and three USB 2.0 ports. Very slick
3) Pinnacle Studio Express is just for burning VCD/SVCD/DVDs - no real editing features. Check out Ulead VideoStudio 6 or Pinnacle Studio 8. I will of course talk about all this in the book :-)

Jason Dunn

08-01-2002, 07:10 PM

Jason Dunn

08-01-2002, 07:11 PM

Is there anything on Windows XP that I can use in the meantime to view, edit, burn my videos? What software do you recommend for these functions? I am a super Pocket PC geek, but am a novice with this new digital video stuff and am excited about the prospects. Thanks for any tips folks.

No time for details here, but look for Pinnacle Studio 8 - they rolled the Express package for burning into that bundle.

Jason Dunn

08-01-2002, 07:14 PM

Can I assume you'll include information in your book for optimizing home video for playback on Pocket PCs with PocketTV or PocketDivx? I'll be interested in doing that as well as producing DVDs of my home video.

Yes, I'll be talking about Pocket PCs, but only for part of a chapter on "sharing video". I'll go into as much detail as I can. :-) Already talked to the DivX people.

Not that you need to have another project added to your list, but having a companion web site...

I've been pondering that. I was thinking of a Blog-ish site for mini-reviews and "Things I've learned". But, jeese, like I need another site to run. ;-)

Mike Temporale

08-01-2002, 07:30 PM

I could blab for pages here, but that blabbing needs to go into my book, not here. ;-)

1) Just got a box with three DV cams from Panasonic for the book
2) Firewire: I'm really impressed with the Adaptec Duo Connect (http://www.getadaptec.com/duoconnect_ov.html) - it gives you two Firewire ports and three USB 2.0 ports. Very slick
3) Pinnacle Studio Express is just for burning VCD/SVCD/DVDs - no real editing features. Check out Ulead VideoStudio 6 or Pinnacle Studio 8. I will of course talk about all this in the book :-)

Thanks Jason! That card looks perfect, and thanks for the tip about P. Studio Express. I would have bought that and been really pissed off when I learned I couldn't do any editing. :evil:

looking forward to the book.

wiredguy

08-01-2002, 07:48 PM

I sure hope you include Mac in your book. Apple has a GREAT solution with iDVD and iMovie for beginners and DVD Studio Pro and FinalCut Pro for professionals. I'm only saying this because I know you are a real big Windows fan.

Zip, zero, ziltch. No offense to anyone here, but I have no interest in the Mac platform in any way, and in fact I hope to use this book to debunk the myth that you "need" a Mac to do video editing. I grow tiresome of that hype... :roll:

Hmm... sounds like somebody hasn't tried Final Cut Pro 3 :). Sure you don't need a mac, but they are taking leaps ahead of anything available on Windows. Just last week two new video solutions were launched:

Adobe Premier for OS X (http://www.adobe.com/products/premiere/main.html)
Apple Shake for OS X (http://www.apple.com/shake/)

I'm not trying to talk you into including Mac stuff in your book... as cross platform books have always been on the bottom of my list to purchase (half the information in not applicable to your OS :)). Instead, just trying to support Charles point... that MAC is doing some amazing things with digital video. Somebody should make a MAC translation of your book (i.e. - no windows content, and talk only about Mac apps).

BTW, I use both Windows and Mac regularily. I prefer Windows for everyday tasks (perhaps just because I've been using it for so long), but I get a kick out of the Mac OS too. Sleek and cool, and just as productive. It's a shame more apps aren't available.

Joe Bogner

08-01-2002, 07:55 PM

I'm impressed with Microsoft's ability to predict page count for a book that only has 2 chapters written.
<pre>
Product Details

Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Microsoft Press; ISBN: 0735618739; 1 edition (October 30, 2002)
</pre>

possmann

08-01-2002, 08:01 PM

I have often started to sit down to begin writing but can never work myself past the process. Perhpas your next book can be how to write a book!

I envy you and wish you lots of luck. I have to admit that I'm not in the market for something of this topic now - more on digital stills yet. Still I have a digital cam corder and tons of tape - just "no time" to sit down and get to it.

Is life different up there in Canada?
:wink:

peterawest

08-01-2002, 08:44 PM

I must say I'm amazed that Amazon was able to write such a positive Editorial Review on a book that has only two chapters written. I can't wait to see what they say once it's finished. :D

"FASTER SMARTER DIGITAL VIDEO shows you how to produce high-quality digital video-faster, smarter, and easier! You get practical, concise guidance for choosing a digital camcorder; capturing better video; editing footage and audio; adding professional effects; using the digital media capabilities in the Microsoft Windows XP operating system; and delivering your final production live, canned, or over the Web. FASTER SMARTER DIGITAL VIDEO delivers accurate, how-to information that's easy to absorb and apply. The language is friendly and down-to-earth, with no jargon or silly chatter. Use the concise explanations, easy numbered steps, and visual examples that help you swing into action-and get the job done!"

Jason Dunn

08-01-2002, 08:49 PM

I'm impressed with Microsoft's ability to predict page count for a book that only has 2 chapters written.

Ah, the joys of the publishing industry. :-) Every book in a series has a spec that they aim for - if I'm really insistent that the book NEEDS to be 360 pages, it might happen, but in most cases they'll edit it to fit in the allotted page count.

Jason Dunn

08-01-2002, 08:51 PM

Somebody should make a MAC translation of your book (i.e. - no windows content, and talk only about Mac apps).

No slam intended here, but a very real issue is the installed base. They're the ones that buy your book. How many digital video books will the Mac crowd purchase every year? I'm sure there's a higher ratio of Mac digital video users vs. Windows, but with 5% (+/-) of the overall computer landscape, that's not a big market to work from.

Mobile Bob

08-01-2002, 09:28 PM

Not that you need to have another project added to your list, but having a companion web site...

I've been pondering that. I was thinking of a Blog-ish site for mini-reviews and "Things I've learned". But, jeese, like I need another site to run. ;-)

I understand. As nice as that would be, I'd be the last one to whine if you choose not to. Maybe PocketMatrix or one of the DivX sites could host some ongoing threads related to your book that you could just visit occasionally (kind of like a board monitor). Just a thought.

nishka

08-01-2002, 09:54 PM

Hmm... sounds like somebody hasn't tried Final Cut Pro 3 :). Sure you don't need a mac, but they are taking leaps ahead of anything available on Windows. Just last week two new video solutions were launched:

I used to think that way. Final Cut Pro 3 is great stuff, agreed. But for the average prosumer, you can get much more bang for the buck choosing a low-end realtime solution combined with a Windows system.

I initially used a Mac G4 exclusively for video editing about two or three years ago. I purchased a 400 mhz middle of the road machine, which was adequate for basic stuff. I had bought it with the intent of upgrading to the Matrox RTMac product which had been announced but delayed for long periods of time. When the product was finally available, I come to find out that it won't even work with the G4 I had! Absurd! With no ugprade path (where can you buy a Mac motherboard?), my only option was to either buy a new G4, or switch back to Windows.

So that's what I did. I switched back and went with a Matrox RT2500 realtime board for 800 bucks. With great freeware like Tmpgenc, I couldn't be happier!!

Having said that, I think the iMac (with iMovie and iDVD) makes a lot of sense for kids and families looking to easily edit video and make DVD's. PC software is getting easier (Ulead's DVD Factory/Workshop are good examples) but the Mac has really nailed down ease of use.

The other thing Macs have going for them is a relatively consistent hardware platform. PC's sometimes require a ton of tweaking at times to edit video effectively and consistently (especially for RT hardware).

Jason Dunn

08-01-2002, 09:55 PM

Ok, I've gone out and registered fastersmarterdigitalvideo.com. I have some ideas of what I want to do with it, but we'll see if I have time. ;-)

Mike Temporale

08-01-2002, 10:33 PM

Ok, I've gone out and registered fastersmarterdigitalvideo.com. I have some ideas of what I want to do with it, but we'll see if I have time. ;-)

Sounds like something I would do. I'm up to 10 domains now. :oops: I don't even use most of them. Just don't want other people to grab them. Of course, the plan was/is to build a cool site / community on each one. Alas, I need a job where I can work less and get paid more. :(

karen

08-01-2002, 10:34 PM

I have often started to sit down to begin writing but can never work myself past the process. Perhpas your next book can be how to write a book!

Pick up Stephen King's _On Writing_. It's a mixture of his straight dope on writing with bits of biography worked in. Better yet, listen ot the Audible or CD version. There are a couple of parts that I made a fool of myself listening to. Once on a plane where I couldn't stop laughing and another time at the gym. Nothing looks weirder than some chick laughing with tears running down her face on a treadmill. Trust me. :oops:

splintercell

08-01-2002, 11:21 PM

I'm up to 10 domains now. :oops: I don't even use most of them. Just don't want other people to grab them. Of course, the plan was/is to build a cool site / community on each one. Alas, I need a job where I can work less and get paid more.

Exactly! I have a bunch too, and it's like Jason said - you go out, register one, so that you have it, have a generally neat idea what to do, if you had the time, and half the time it ends there and then, or maybe one or two rudimentary pages later. If anybody comes across a good source of low-work/high-pay flexible jobs, don't keep it a secret! :wink:

Jason Dunn

08-01-2002, 11:51 PM

Sounds like something I would do. I'm up to 10 domains now. :oops: I don't even use most of them.

At one point last year, I had 40+. Many have since expired, so I think I'm down to about 15 or so...I was a domain name junkie! :lol:

Mike Temporale

08-02-2002, 01:59 AM

Steven Cedrone

08-02-2002, 02:10 AM

Is there going to be an ebook version of "Faster Smarter Digital Video" released? :wink:

Just curious....

Steve

st63z

08-02-2002, 03:45 AM

I like the Adaptec DuoConnect, used to be expensive but now at 75 bucks it's right at home among the cheap brands. Their proprietary USBControl utility is nice for realtime view/debugging. I don't know whether I should keep using their proprietary USB2 driver or use the standard MS one, though.

What's more important, this Adaptec is one of a class that has a separate FDD power input for higher 1394 bus power (up to 18W each, IIRC). The others as I recall include OrangeLink, Addonics, etc.

Anyways, Jason, are you allowed to list here all the camcorders that you are toying with?? I would be very interested in reading that list ;) Are you including the ultra compact palmcorders (from JVC, Canon, Sony, and Panasonic)?

Jason Dunn

08-02-2002, 05:07 AM

I hope you used a discount broker for all those domains ($$$)

Uh...nope. :oops: Most discount brokers require you to register many at once - I was only doing one at a time for the most part. :-)

Jason Dunn

08-02-2002, 05:08 AM

Is there going to be an ebook version of "Faster Smarter Digital Video" released?

I doubt it, but I'll see what I can do. I might be able to get a few chapters released in a "mini" version. The biggest roadblock is the screen shots - it's a LOT of work to scale them down, and even then they'll look like garbage.

Jason Dunn

08-02-2002, 05:09 AM

Anyways, Jason, are you allowed to list here all the camcorders that you are toying with?? I would be very interested in reading that list ;) Are you including the ultra compact palmcorders (from JVC, Canon, Sony, and Panasonic)?

I can list them (just got the Panasonic ones today), but I won't have time to give any details for a while...so much writing to do! Besides, you'll have to buy the book anyway... ;-)

Mike Temporale

08-02-2002, 01:54 PM

I hope you used a discount broker for all those domains ($$$)

Uh...nope. :oops: Most discount brokers require you to register many at once - I was only doing one at a time for the most part. :-)

I use http://www.domainsatcost.ca You can do one, or many. And it's cheap. Just a little tip for next time.

Mike Temporale

08-02-2002, 02:00 PM

I like the Adaptec DuoConnect, used to be expensive but now at 75 bucks it's right at home among the cheap brands. Their proprietary USBControl utility is nice for realtime view/debugging. I don't know whether I should keep using their proprietary USB2 driver or use the standard MS one, though.

What's more important, this Adaptec is one of a class that has a separate FDD power input for higher 1394 bus power (up to 18W each, IIRC). The others as I recall include OrangeLink, Addonics, etc.

The only firewire cards I have found in my local computer stores are no-name cards which I'm not to going to pay $70 (cdn) for. The only other card I have seen is the one that came with the Pinnicale software (from the camera store).

I like Adaptec cards, I have never had a problem with the Adaptec SCSI card I have, so I think I'll stay with them. Plus this will give me a chance to play with USB2.0 (not like I have any devices that support it, but you never know what the future holds.)

PocketPCThoughter

08-18-2002, 12:19 PM

Jason,

Congratulations on running this wonderful site! :o

It is great to hear that you are working on this DV book targeted towards the general consumers. I am also working on a DV project that will take my team and I to more than two dozen cities in Asia this coming Fall.

Starting the journey from Vancouver, BC, we want to use this project to prove that engaging video documentaries doesn't have to cost millions of dollars to make while still maintaining a high level of quality with meaningful content. 8O

The most important aspect is, everything will be done with consumer to prosumer type cameras and consumer PC-softwares! :lol:

I just thought you might want to know that a project like this is coming up. Maybe we can put a link on our site to promote your book too! :D