Is iMovie '08 the right option for me?

We're week or so out from purchasing a HD Camcorder.
I've read a few posts on video quality concerns regarding iMovie '08? Can this be true? Will I be disappointed with my video quality because of weaknesses in iMovie '08?
If this is true, does Apple provide some other software to remedied this issue?
I imagine our video editing needs are very simple. I don't need a pro's version of editing software but I don't want to spend $1000 on a HD camera to ultimately sacrifice quality when importing into our Mac.
Help me out. Did I read some misguided posts or should I be setting myself up for disappointment?
Thx,
Brent

I have had very good results with iMovie 08 using AVCHD, DV and Analog-->DV. I have not experienced the degraded video quality that others have reported.
iMovie08 generally stores files in the original format. This is true for DV, and any editable format. For highly compressed formats like AVCHD, iMovie stores in AIC, which is a very high quality codec. To get better than AIC, you would have to go to something like ProRes 422 in Final Cut Pro which handles 1080p, 4k, and everything else.
iMovie outputs to h.264 which is also known as mpeg4 part 10. This is a very good codec that produces good images at relatively low bitrates. h.264 is customizable to various quality levels, and Apple provides presets that span this range.
iMovie shines in editing. With iMovie, you can edit almost as fast as you think. With iMovie 6, you get an idea and it takes half an hour. You do get more bells and whistles, but I don't need them. I want to show my family enjoying a holiday together and having a good time. I don't gain anything by showing this in slow motion with lightning superimposed.
Some people have been disappointed with DVD quality, which for DVDs is natively 480i. I don't find it different than the DVDs I made with iMovie 6, but it is possible that converting DV directly to mpeg2 could be different than converting DV to h.264 and then to mpeg2, due to the extra step. A commercial DVD at 480i will look much better than anything you make through iDVD at 480i, but this is because the commercial DVD will have a much higher bitrate, and used pro-grade equipment throughout.
I no longer make DVD's, opting instead for the WebGallery of .mac. I find that friends and family are quite happy to watch a five minute movie that you share 2 days after the event (and that you edited down from 40 minutes of raw footage), but they don't have time to watch an hour-long DVD which is delivered several months or years later (because you feel the need to fill it up).
Your mileage may vary.

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Help - Final Cut the right option for making self-playing presentations

Hi There,
I'm been in a horrible place trying to export a presentation made in Keynote 2 into Quicktime. This presentation has audio embedded in the presentaion (not as an object on the slide) and also has quicktime movies on the slides. The movies have vector images building in and out that is supposed to follow along with the audio and video.
The long and the short of it is, it doesn't work for what I want it to do.
Keynote can't:
A) set any timings that are accurate in any way
(i need to have visualks sincing with an audio narration)
B) can't export either at all at times or with any accuracy to QT.
I need to be able to make QTs so they can be:
A) made into steaming files that would be available online
B) input into a DVD so they can viewed on a television.
I know I attempted a cheat by trying to go about this through Keynote and it has failed. Now I have to figure out what will work, learn the app and rebuild the keynote files in the right program.
Is final cut what I want? is express enough? Is there a presentation sofware out there that works? I was also told motion may be necessary? I know there is a strong possiblilty I was using the wrong piece of software for what I want to accomplish. I am will be willing to make the investment if I know it will be succesfull.
I'm really at a loss and need advice to assist in making the right decisions to move foward. Help! and Thank You.

All these applications will take some time learning to use effectively. I'd suggest you spend the time learning them before you tackle a project in earnest.
The full version is a bit more complex to learn because there are many more settings and options, which aren't available in FCE, and which may make it more daunting. The applications themselves behave very similarly, and anything you learn in FCE will apply to FCP.
I'm an Apple certified Final Cut and Motion trainer. Is Motion overkill? Can't answer that for you. It is very easy to use and to get going and be productive. It also comes with excellent templates. If you get Studio you get LiveType as well, and all the applications integrate easily, LiveType to Motion to FCP and any combination of that. I like LT a lot, but Motion is fun to use too, very dynamic in what you can create in real-time on the fly. It does require horsepower though, lots of RAM and a fast graphics card. You might find it a bit bogged down on a PowerBook as the project gets more complex. Motion is really designed for short pieces, motion graphics elements, opening titles, interstitials, not for doing whole programs.

Help with choosing the right specifications for a Macbook Pro Retina?

Opinions needed....
So I'm new to Macs, but I know what I want to achieve and I feel this is the right route to choose. I'm looking at delving into the world of music production, using Logic pro 9 and garageband, but I also enjoy watching High definition Movies and televison so I know that the Retina display is definatley the right choice for me. However, I'm unsure on the amount of RAM & Which processer I should choose. I have read a fair bit on forums and online about the new retina macbooks being 'locked' from upgrading, so the 16GB of RAM is an immediate choice for logetivity.
The choice of processor is when I start to become clouded in my choice. As forementioned, I'm looking at running logic pro, as well as high def movies. There is also a possibilty at looking into photo and video editing, Whether that be in final cut pro or photoshop... But I want to leave my options open.
I think the choice of 16GB of RAM, 2.6Ghz processor, with a 256GB hard drive ( as i have 1.5TB external space) would be a good choice. Once I've added on applecare that comes out at around £2350, Which is a significant investment, but one that I think will help me immensely for the future. I am interested in other peoples opinions on my possible choice because, as I said before, I'm new to the world of Macs and making the right choice is essential. As a side note, the choice of upgrades also ensures a reasonable resale value, which is a bonus.
Regards

Both power adapter I have are different (at the magnet end) from the one in link.
Earlier adapters have T shaped connectors, which Apple later changed to the L shape, presumably to make them more abuse-proof. Either one is fine and the one you are using will not damage your Mac.
Retina MBPs and new MBAs use a completely different MagSafe 2 connector which will not fit (without an adapter).

Why Can't VZ do the Right Thing For Once and Permit Network Extender Owners to Close their Networks?

Given the fact that the Network Extender can be set for managed access or open access, clearly it can technologically be configured so that a closed network could be set up so that ONLY those users that are included in the "priority list" could access the Network Extender.
If I had to guess, Verizon, prefers to benefit from your internet connection and your investment in a network extender by bolstering their network in poor reception areas for all of their customers in the vicinity on us Network Extender owners' backs rather than to do the right thing and permit a customer who has paid for the device as well as their internet access to close the network.
I find this sleazy and hope VZW will rethink its approach to this. We who subscribe to VZW for our cellular service pay the highest rates, on average, in the country for cell service. We have also paid hundreds of dollars for the Network Extender, and pay for the internet that is used to facilitate the phone calls made through the network extender.
Once it a while it would be nice if VZW did the right thing for its customers and not blatantly, at least, put their corporate greed about the needs of their customers.

I called Verizon tech support, and was informed that there is an option to close the Network Extender. This would allow only numbers on the white list to connect to the extender. Is the information I received incorrect? I spoke to them just the other day. Have you tried to configure the extender recently?
My post asking for clarification is here: https://community.verizonwireless.com/message/1002928#1002928
Thanks for any information you can provide.

Is this the right product for me?

Hi All
Just considering Contribute and was wondering if this is the right product for my needs.
I've built a web site and need to add a retrofit CMS type function to some pages.
There's news, products and general page editing.
I can see News being straightforwards in Ct but not sure about the rest. It appears that an editor requires Ct whether they want to edit in a browser or not. Is this the case? Sort of defeats the purpose for browser editing doesn't it?
Any comments are much appreciated.
Thanks

ARD will not allow you print from your home system to your printers at work either. You could transfer the documents from your home system to your work system and then print, but you don't need ARD for that. File sharing, for transferring the documents, and the Screen Sharing built into Mac OS X 10.5 and 10.6 to take control of the work computer, would be all you need and wouldn't cost you anything additional.
If, however, you need the ability to "curtain" the screen at work, then you would need ARD. Another, somewhat less expensive, option would be Timbuktu.
Regards.

Hi all! What is the best way to create the correct space for baseball jersey names and numbers? along with making sure they are the right size for large printing.

What is the best way to create the correct space for baseball jersey names and numbers? along with making sure they are the right size for large printing.

Buying more hard drive space is a very valid option, here. Editing takes up lots of room, you should never discount the idea of adding more when you need it.
Another possibility is exporting to MXF OP1a using the AVC-I codec. It's not lossless, but it is Master quality. Plus the file size is a LOT smaller, so it may suit your needs.

I type in the right password for my ipad but it says its wrong what do i do?

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Locked Out, Forgot Lock or Restrictions Passcode, or Need to Restore Your Device: Several Alternative Solutions
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Forgotten Restrictions Passcode Help
iPad,iPod,iPod Touch Recovery Mode
You will need to restore your device as New to remove a Restrictions passcode. Go through the normal process to restore your device, but when you see the options to restore as New or from a backup, be sure to choose New.
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Setting up a File Back up system. Is time machine the right option?

Hi
I own a mac pro. I currently have a 2TB drive that uses time machine. If my computer was to break down then how can i take advantage of time machine. Can i simply plug the time machine drive into a different machine and get the files i need?
Or maybe it would be better to simply set up two drives that contain carbon copies of each other. I'm currently looking on the app store for the best option for this unless anyone has a recomendation.
I run my business from my home so it's very important that I keep safe back ups.
Thanks
Jason

How to clone your system:
http://macperformanceguide.com/Mac-HowToClone-backup.html
http://macperformanceguide.com/Mac-HowToClone.html
http://www.macupdate.com/app/mac/7032/carbon-copy-cloner
http://www.macperformanceguide.com/blog/2012/20120711_2-MacPro-internal-clone-ba ckup.html
Then why aren't you using bootable backups?
In a pinch you can use your OS X DVD to use Restore in Disk Utility, but really having a business and not having multiple system drives - and updating those backups before you applied say 10.6.8, should be "must."
System drive
Data drive (don't keep the data also on the system drive please)
Backup drive (can hold a small boot partition also, for emergency)
Clone of your system drive; another partition with data.
TimeMachine is fine as a 2nd backup, it has improved.
Mirrors are not backups and done right CCC whether daily for data, as needed or weekly for system, but have redundant multiple backup sets/strategies.

Is JavaFX the right solution for this scenario...

Hi,
Is JavaFX the right choice for the following implementation choice I have to make? (see below for the requirement)
Requirements:
1. Provide a way to visualise within a web application an entity relationship type diagram (i.e. nodes with relationships between them). The backend database will hold the topology relationship. So to visualise this on a web application will need the ability to draw rectangles/lines/text etc.
2. Provide a way to allow the use to trigger "add a new node", or "edit info in this node". For example a right hand context sensitive menu for example.
3. Ideally will scale as the user resizes the browser window
4. Would like the main functionality of the application to remain web based (is a Ruby on Rails application in fact), but have the visualization of the diagram render within the web application as transparently as possible.
Options / Issues:
* Issues I've struck with some investigation I've done is that whilst the <canvas> tag looks good for Mozilla/Firefox etc, it does not seem to have support on InternetExplorer. Hence cross-browser compatibility seems to be a real issue for the JavaScript type solutions from what I can see. This is why I thought JavaFX may be good?
* Options therefore seem to me to be:
- javascript (e.g. <canvas> tag) => cross-platform issue
- JavaFX / Applet => (this is what I'm asking about)
- Microsoft => costs $$ for development environment etc
- AIR / Flex / Flex => ??? costs $$ again I think
Regards
Greg

thanks - I'm still a little confused re their products and which would fit best so I've sent them some questions (below if you're interested)
Hello,
Could you please assist me in understanding which of your products would satisfy my needs. In fact (a) whether JGraph itself would and if not, or if it's not ideal, (b) which other product would.
REQUIREMENTS:
1. Provide a way to visualise within a web application a connectivity type diagram (i.e. nodes with relationships between them, a network connectively type of diagram).
2. The server side (i.e. web application with database) will hold the topology relationship. HTTP type interfaces off the web application can be developed to provide the client side visualizing component with the topology data in the required format (assume this is XML)
3. As well as just visualizing in the browser there would need to be a way for user to trigger a context sensitive "add a new node", or "edit info in this node". For example a right hand context sensitive menu for example.
4. Ideally the diagram will scale as the user resizes the browser window
5. Would like the main functionality of the application to remain web based , but have the visualization of the diagram render within the web application as transparently as possible. The the visualizing component would just take topology data and intelligently display this.
6. DESIRABLE: Basic automated layout would be nice, or as a desirable (depending on cost) more sophisticated auto-mated layout.
QUESTIONS:
As well as your recommendation re which product would suite I had some specific questions which I would appreciate clarification on:
Q1 - I assume if I have a web backend that can deliver topology inforrmation in an appropriate XML format via a HTTP REST type GET call that this could be used as a the source of data for a jGraph visualisation running within an Applet?
Q2 - If running within an Applet, can jGraph cater for a right hand menu option off the nodes/links on the graph, that I could use to trigger other calls back to the backend? (e.g. to trigger an Add New Node call)
Q3 - Following on from Q2 scenario, if I trigger an add new node scenario, if I wanted to visualise the form to type in the attributes for the new node, could this be handled within the applet by jGraph, or would this be a case of just adding your own Swing based dialogs to handle this?
Q4 - Do the basic JGraph do any basic layout without having to go up to the layout Pro package (which I think costs if using it commercially).
Q5 - If the answer to Q4 is No, how difficult would it be using the base JGraph library to do a basic layout? Is this doable/recommended? i.e. how would one "layout" the diagram if using only the base JGraph component? (noting from my requirements I'm really after a component I could send my topology information to in XML form and have it just visualise it for me)
Q6 - Running the visualiation in an Applet in a browser, is the typical usage one where all changes to topology are made as calls to backend? i.e. or is there an approach where one would allow users to make changes to the topology within the applet and build up all the changes here on the client, and then at some point synch these back to the backend? (I'm assuming the keep it simple approach would be not to do this)
Q7 - Is there a sample application/project with source code that implements a JGraph in applet/browser talking to web backend for data?
Q8 - How does JGraphPro & mXGraph fit into the picture re solving my requirements in the most cost effective manner

Is Keynote the right application for the job?

I have a job that requires integrating an audio soundtrack with some slides. The difference between this presentation and a normal slide presentation is that most of the information is in the soundtrack (it's a lecture, with some slides as visual aids). The amount of time in which the slides need to appear is relatively brief; in fact it's a fraction of the soundtrack's run-time.
I have time index information that specifies where the slides should appear in the presentation. For example, there will be two minutes of soundtrack with a blue background, and then a slide will appear for 5 minutes while the soundtrack discusses its content. Then the slide should disappear into blue background for 10 minutes, then another slide for 3 minutes, then background for 20 minutes, then another slide...and so on.
In other words, the soundtrack must play continuously, interspersed with occasional slides at specific times for specific durations, with blue background in between. I want to export the entire presentation as an integrated audio+video file and burn it to DVD. I already have the soundtrack as an .aiff file in Logic Pro 7.2, and I will have the slides as high-quality JPEG files. I don't own a Keynote license. I do have a QuickTime Pro license. I've played with this in Microsoft PowerPoint enough to determine that it's not the right tool for the job.
I've looked at Keynote's Help documentation, and it's not immediately apparent how to start with an audio soundtrack and simply insert slides at specific times, for specific durations. Can I accomplish that in Keynote, or is there another application that would be better suited to the task?
Thanks in advance for any help anyone can offer.

Brian:
If I correctly understand the effect you've described, I imagine that would be VERY annoying. However, in the test presentation I made in iMovie, that's not exactly what I experienced. I added the soundtrack first, and then I placed the slide images where I wanted them. Initially, I did notice that I couldn't just jump ahead and place an image all the way at the end of the soundtrack file without iMovie adjoining it to the last image's segment on the timeline, but that was easy to fix. Once the image was in the timeline, I just dragged it all the way to the end of the soundtrack. After that, I could place images anywhere I wanted.

Is CF the right one for me?

I am trying to decide if CF is the right language for a side
project I am beginning. I am not a beginner to web design but am
far from advanced. I have made stuff in the past and have a
knowledge of html. I also use to write software in VB6 (nothing to
crazy just small side stuff). I am embarking on a project to write
some intranet workbench software for my company. I want it to serve
as a salesmen ordering/tracking system as well as a project
management system. Obviously it is a big task and I am going to
break it into small pieces to work on over time and continue to
expand and use it.
I have seen CF before and know people who swear by it. I have
used it briefly so I have some understanding.
My question would be as to the correct way to move forward on
this project.
First, is a web project vs. a standalone installed product
the way to go?
Second, what is the right technology (CF, ASP?) I have no
knowledge of ASP so that would be a learning curve.
It is not expected to be hit by a tremendous amount of
employees. Currently we have 29 and I was going to use an access
database so any server technology should be less of a bottleneck
than my database.
I guess before I start in the wrong direction I wanted to get
some feedback on what direction you all would recommend?

Coldfusion is a kids language, a dying language, an out of
date
language, ect, ect.
No seriously, the main problem with CF is adoption. Some folk
complain about
cost, but the issue is adoption (though I am sure there is a
connection).
If CF not being as popular as other soultions is not a
problem (popularity
isn't everything), then go for it if you can afford it.
Personally I would
be considering better priced options that offer more RAD
features (Ruby On
Rails, for example, is free) - but that wuold be mostly
becasue I am not
sure what the future holds for CF and I happen to know that
the Ruby option
is much faster to code.
If CF is something you are comfortable with, then there is no
reason to not
use it - it WILL get the job done.
"ivanjay" <[email protected]> wrote in
message
news:[email protected]...
> I am trying to decide if CF is the right language for a
side project I am
> beginning. I am not a beginner to web design but am far
from advanced. I
have
> made stuff in the past and have a knowledge of html. I
also use to write
> software in VB6 (nothing to crazy just small side
stuff). I am embarking
on a
> project to write some intranet workbench software for my
company. I want
it to
> serve as a salesmen ordering/tracking system as well as
a project
management
> system. Obviously it is a big task and I am going to
break it into small
> pieces to work on over time and continue to expand and
use it.
>
> I have seen CF before and know people who swear by it. I
have used it
briefly
> so I have some understanding.
>
> My question would be as to the correct way to move
forward on this
project.
>
> First, is a web project vs. a standalone installed
product the way to go?
> Second, what is the right technology (CF, ASP?) I have
no knowledge of
ASP so
> that would be a learning curve.
>
> It is not expected to be hit by a tremendous amount of
employees.
Currently
> we have 29 and I was going to use an access database so
any server
technology
> should be less of a bottleneck than my database.
>
> I guess before I start in the wrong direction I wanted
to get some
feedback on
> what direction you all would recommend?
>

What is the right charger for a MacBook Pro 13" mid 2009 model?

What is the right charger for a MacBook Pro 13" mid 2009 model? I have two chargers for two different Mac and don't know which is thankswhich. I'm really looking for specific details such as voltage/watts and all the rest to idenify my charger. A link to where to web page where I could purchase the correct charger would also be very useful. Many thanks.
All help much appreciated. THANK YOU

Both power adapter I have are different (at the magnet end) from the one in link.
Earlier adapters have T shaped connectors, which Apple later changed to the L shape, presumably to make them more abuse-proof. Either one is fine and the one you are using will not damage your Mac.
Retina MBPs and new MBAs use a completely different MagSafe 2 connector which will not fit (without an adapter).

How can i find out which Macbook is the right one for me?

I am looking into buying anew laptop and I'm currently considering a macbook as oppose to a windows laptop. which one is the right one for me?
1. I will be using it for my work at college and university so it will need to have a reasonable amount of storage and have the correct programs.
2. I use the internet alot.
3. I have an ipod touch so i will need storage for my music.
4. It will need it to be quite quick.
5. It will need to support some software that i use on windows.
Also, do you think a macbook is what i need as oppose to windows. what are the pros and cons of the macbook

Prongs wrote:
1. I will be using it for my work at college and university so it will need to have a reasonable amount of storage and have the correct programs.
This is the most important question. I would check with your school. They may have a recommendation for what you need and the software you will need to use. They also may have a discount program for you to purchase your computer. If not Apple does have an education discount plan to give you a break.
5. it will need to support some software that I use on windows.
Hard to give an answer for this as we have no idea what your going to be using or what your school requires you to use. My sons college had specific programs he had to have.

How to use the print option for photos?

How to use the print option for photos. I have a wireless printer but how do I set it up?

http://www.apple.com/support/iphone/assistant/airprint/

How do I share a new project on imovie if the export option is greyed out and not an option?

how do I share a new project on imovie if the export option is greyed out and not an option?

nicoleking wrote:
... I heard that if you bring in your old iPhone, they will give you a new one with some kind of fee, but I don't know how that works.
https://discussions.apple.com/message/22920500

Is iMovie '08 the right option for me?

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