Software Editing Advice

I am very new to video editing. I started using Macs about a year ago. Right now, I am using and intel-based Mac book pro.
I would like to start creating videos from DVD and other assorted AVI files in order to post movies on YouTube. My question: Is Final Cut Express HD overkill? I have been playing with iMovie and GarageBand and iPhoto, but I have a feeling I will want to go beyond their limitations. Basically, I want to edit video and music to create movies.
Any suggestions would be appreciated!

Is Final Cut Express HD overkill?
I would think that FCE is the logical step forward.
Al

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FYI: NI Releases Guitar Rig 2 Software Edition

(No affiliation, don't use, etc)
GUITAR RIG 2 SOFTWARE EDITION now available!
The multi-award winning GUITAR RIG 2 SOFTWARE EDITION is now available at authorised dealers and in the NI Online Shop. Without the RIG KONTROL hardware but with the full function range, GUITAR RIG 2 SOFTWARE EDITION is perfect for producers and sound designers. Containing the GUITAR RIG 2.2 update, this version is also Intel Mac compatible as well as including new
features and improved graphics.
Creating authentic guitar and bass sounds in the studio has never been more affordable. GUITAR RIG 2 Software Edition supplies an enormous selection of perfectly emulated amps, cabinets, mics and effects in a single exceptional package. Honoured by the international industry press, GUITAR RIG has already received over 20 prestigious awards and is unmatched in its audio quality and versatility.
GUITAR RIG 2 Software Edition is identical to the original version in its range of functions, with the sole exception of the foot controller.
Guitar and bass sounds for the studio
GUITAR RIG 2 Software Edition will be available from the middle of November for the recommended retail price of €299 / $339 at your local reseller or from the NI Online Shop.
http://www.native-instruments.com/index.php?id=guitarrig2swe_us

They FINALLY came out with a Universal Binary version of Kontakt Player. Unfortunately, I still have to wait for them to process the Garritan Personal Orchestra samples for the new player, so no great orchestral instruments for me just yet.

Dell Audity HD Software edit

I have a new Dell laptop with Integrated SB Audity HD software edition. The computer does not have the option to record "what you hear" only the "CD" and "Line in" options are available. What can I do to start recording "what you hear"

asurania,Please tone it down, there is no need to get abusi've. Please read the red announcement that is at the top of every board, it details the purpose of this forum. It is for user interaction, not direct support.Support for onboard audio is normally done by the provider of the system, in this case Dell. It's possible the audio chip you have does not support that option.CatMessage Edited by Catherina-CL on -24-2006 0:30 AM

Audigy HD Software Edition quest

I've been shopping for a laptop, and noticed this option from Dell. I planned to get a 24-bit external Li've! card or a audigy NX from ebay before I saw it
I have a Audigy 2 ZS in my desktop (that I'm getting rid of) right now. Does the software edition sound as good? It's not a gaming laptop, so I don't care if it takes CPU cycles.

Your best bet for a laptop would be the PCMCIA Audigy 2 ZS. This features the same hardware processing features like the Audigy 2 ZS. If you have a newer laptop, then you may also want to see the X-Fi XtremeAudio ExpressCard. It isn't hardware, but it's software engine may sound better than the Audigy in games.

Timeline won't render in Premiere Elements 12 (and music video editing advice)

I have a section of video I'm editing that won't render. I've read some similar threads but still have a question about how I can edit the clips to 'force' a render.
I'm running PE 12 on a Core i3 laptop running Windows 8, so not a huge amount of processing power. I don't have an orange line above the timeline over these clips and I understand PE has decided that it's already giving me the best possible preview quality and doesn't need to render this section. However, it's four quick edits in time to some music and when I preview it back my computer clearly can't process the video and audio fast enough because I get very jerky video so I can't verify that the cuts are perfectly aligned to the drum beats.
I've been exporting the whole four minutes just to review about five seconds of video in the middle to make sure it's synched, and this is getting really frustrating as I'm having to make frame by frame adjustments to improve the sync.
Is there anything I can do to each clip, like adjust an image setting, to force PE to give me an orange line and want to render this section?
Just as an aside to anyone who edits music video type clips - if you're making, say, four quick cuts to four drum beats in a bar, do you find the audio/visual sync works best if the cut is on the frame the drum beat attack starts on, or does it seem more natural if it's one or two frames after the initial attack so it's 'mid drum beat'? I'm tending to find just after the initial attack looks/sounds better for me - but maybe that's something to do with the delay in my PC processing the frame!
Thanks for any advice,
Chris.

Chris
Please excuse the questions, but I did not want to take anything for granted...are you sure that you are looking above the Timeline content for the render indicator line? Assuming that you are OK with that.....
Are the gray tabs of the Work Area Bar placed so that they span the entire content of the Timeline, including this five second content which you say cannot be rendered. Remember rendering does not fix problems, rather it is a preview that helps you to realize that a problem exists sooner than later. Consequently, please confirm if an orange line persists over that five second content even if you press the Render key above the Timeline.
Have you expanded the Timeline content to the maximum with the Zoom Out Zoom In Slider above the Timeline get the best look at the content on the Timeline in contrast to get the best possible preview in the Edit area monitor?
Have you gone to Edit Menu/Project Settings/General and set the Audio Display Format to Milliseconds if you are involved in audio edits?
Have you been nudging audio in sync with video using shortcuts, such as...
As you hold down the Alt key of the computer main keyboard, tap the left or right arrow key once (one tap = 1 frame nudge)
As you hold down the Shift+Alt keys of the computer main keyboard, tap the left or right arrow key once (one tap = 5 frames nudge)
I would suggest that exploration and experimentation are the best tools with which to work to achieve a specific effect for your specific
situation.
Please review and then let us know if any of the above targets your questions about your workflow.
Thank you.
ATR

Can't Boot Up After Software Update -- Advice Appreciated.

Hi all,
I've experienced what seems to be a relatively common problem -- after installing the latest Tiger software update, my machine can't boot up. If I try to log in, it just freezes on the blue background screen. Holding 'shift' to enter Safe Mode just makes the computer shut down. I've tried the advice from Apple listed here:
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1417
I just got a variety of messages, all of which say effectively the same thing: 'Macintosh HD cannot be repaired.'
What can I do from here, bearing in mind I don't have an install disk. Is there anything I can do without it?
If I were to borrow a friend's Install Disk (they have Leopard), could I delete everything on my computer and re-install Leopard, and have it work? Or will the problems with my iMac carry over to a new installation?
(I suspected something was wrong the morning before my iMac was able to boot -- I was getting 'page in/page out' errors when I tried to extract .rar files, or move large files to an external HD, so thankfully I took the chance to make back-ups of everything).
Any hints or ideas would be unbelievably appreciated -- I'd hate to have to buy a new iMac (for the expense, not because I don't want a new one).

You can erase everything and start over, but you should Zero the Disk first, but also you need an Install Disc, you can buy Sno/10.6 online, for Leo/10.5 you have to call Apple, who may also supply you with a replacement disk for the original if you have your Serial# handy.
For other sources of Tiger/10.4, See Tom's, (Texas Mac Man), great info on where/how to find/get Tiger...
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=9755670&#9755670
You might try this a few times to see if you can fix your Disk...
Tough without a Tiger Disk, but try fsck...
To use fsck, you must run it from the command line. Unlike using your mouse to open an application to do something, you'll need to type a text command at the prompt (#) to tell fsck what to do. The Terminal application (/Applications/Utilities) and single-user mode are two examples of command-line interfaces in which you can type such commands. To use fsck:
1. Start up your computer in single-user mode to reach the command line. Hold CMD+s keys down at bootup. Note: If necessary, perform a forced restart as described in the Emergency Troubleshooting Handbook that came with your computer. On desktop computers, you can do this by pressing the reset/interrupt button (if there is one) or holding down the power button for several seconds. On portable computers, simultaneously press the Command-Control-power keys. If your portable computer doesn't restart with this method, you may need to reset the Power Manager.
2. At the command-line prompt, type /sbin/fsck -fy
(space between fsck and -fy important)
3. Press Return. fsck will go through five "phases" and then return information about your disk's use and fragmentation. Once it finishes, it'll display this message if no issue is found: ** The volume (nameofvolume) appears to be OK  If fsck found issues and has altered, repaired, or fixed anything, it will display this message: *** FILE SYSTEM WAS MODIFIED ***   Important: If this message appears, repeat the fsck command you typed in step 2 until fsck tells you that your volume appears to be OK (first-pass repairs may uncover additional issues, so this is a normal thing to do).
4. When fsck reports that your volume is OK, type reboot at the prompt and then press Return.
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=106214

Software Update advice with wrong website address.

I've just received a Software Update notification, but the website given for obtaining further information appears to be wrong. After clicking it, I received the response "Document 307051 not found". The suggested search was also unsuccessful.
The updates offered were to Java for Mac OS X 10.4 Release 6 and Quick Time.
I'm hoping that somebody from Apple may see this and sort out the problem, but I can't rely on that. Has anyone got advice for me as to how else to draw the matter to Apple's attention?

You didn't perchance ever visit a site that insisted you need a QT Player update to view Video did you? It intercepts some DNS requests & redirects, don't install it...
http://www.f-secure.com/v-descs/trojanosxdnschanger.shtml
I think some IMs do this as well as Spammers/Scammers.
If you need updates, or think you might, either use Software Update, or better yet visit Apple>downloads.

Multicamera edit advice

I currently have a Sony PC350E camcorder, and recently tried a multicamera edit using two other borrowed cameras, to record a sermon at my church for possible broadcast. There was quite a different in quality across the cameras, especially with colour casts and brightness.
I am planning another session, but this time with only two cameras. As the PC350E is now discontinuted, would what make an ideal pair to this camera, so that my church can buy a second camera.
Alternatively, if I was to purchase a new one for myself and the church buying the same again, what would be ideal for around £1000 per camera. The new harddisk Sony AVCHD (HDR-SR1E) camcorder looks tempting, but I gather it will be wait before FCP supports it. Failing that, would a couple of HDR-HC3E be better. The specs of the HDR-HC3E are confusing, as they state no audio in, yet they show the bluetooth microphone as an option extra.
As the broadcasters only require 4:3 SD, would I better off avoiding a High Def camcorder. It seems a shame to buy technology, which is already out of date, if I take the SD route.
Any advice on what course of action, would be most welcome!

The short answer is that you should commit to your decision to keep the clips at 100% speed,
go back to the original clips, make a new multiclip,
and redo all your edits.
Of course, if you've been editing for days, that may be unthinkable.
In that case, you can make changes to the clips in a multiclip by
using command-F to select all instances of a clip (by name),
then doing the modification. Not sure if that will work with
speed changes.
FCP's multiclip option is very useful, but it is quite difficult to make changes
in the clips after you've begun editing. I think it's because the multiclip
references the clips +as they were when you made the multiclip.+ So changing the
clips in the browser doesn't affect the multiclip.
If you've only done a few edits, and want to get the project back on
rock-solid footing, start over. Check your sync points carefully--
checking the beginning, middle, and end--and make a new multiclip.
My guess is that you'll be happier in the long run.

Customer can't start software, need advice

I have customer running Win2K that can't seem to launch our app.
batch file loads Main.class
Main.class checks for dongle and exp date once both are confirmed valid the following code launches our app
try{
              rt = Runtime.getRuntime();
              p = rt.exec("javaw -XX:-CodeForP6 -cp C:/App/jar/Application.jar MainScreen ");
              InputStream stdin = p.getInputStream();
              InputStreamReader isr = new InputStreamReader(stdin);
              BufferedReader br = new BufferedReader(isr);
              String line = null;
              System.out.println("<OUTPUT>");
              while ( (line = br.readLine()) != null){
                System.out.println(line);
              System.out.println("</OUTPUT>");
              int exitVal = p.waitFor();
              System.out.println("Process exitValue: " + exitVal);
            catch( Throwable t ){
              System.out.println(t.getMessage());
            }In the batch file I inserted a bunch of pauses to try and catch the error, the user reported seeing the line
"<OUTPUT>
So I know we are getting to the software and it's trying launch the MainScreen.class but something is kicking it out.
Any ideas on how to catch the exact error?
Thanks

Thanks for the reply,
I just sent the user a batch file that bypassed the dongle check to see if we could get it to launch
I used
java -XX:-CodeForP6 -cp c:\App\jar\Application.jar; MainScreen
So I'll let you know what the results are.

Need script edit advice

Daring Fireball showed the script below that does a word count, in conjunction with ThisService. I want to edit it, so it counts characters. Can anyone tell me what to substitute for what? Thanks in advance!
on process(_str)
tell application "System Events"
set _appname to name of first process whose frontmost is true
end tell
tell application _appname
display alert "Word count: " & (count words of _str)
end tell
end process

Hello
Why not try to use
display alert "Character count: " & (count characters of _str)
Yvan KOENIG (from FRANCE samedi 3 février 2007 15:58:46)

Software Editing Issue

I am using CS4 and i am trying to continue editing a project and it keeps freezing up and not responding, causing me to havce to close the program, but when I reopen, and start to edit, it does the same thing.
Also, there is a gold bar that keeps generating in the lower right hand corner and it says, "Generating Peak File for 2009-05-21 13.20.26 Jim Ho...", which is piece of video footage I was going to use, but did not and did clear from the project.
Why is this happening, as I have done many projects and never had this happen until now?

Welcome to the forum.
Unfortunately, you have posted a CS 4 question to the CS 5 - CS 6 Forum, and maybe a MOD can Move this for you.
For Conforming (CFA files), and PEK file generation, see this article: http://forums.adobe.com/message/4330843#4330843
Good luck,
Hunt

Looking for some High Def to Standard Editing Advice

Shot a Video in HD whats the best way to downgrade to SD for editing?
Running HD video on my computer off my Hard Drive runs really slow, what is the best way to Convert to SD and edit then open up the HD files and recreate the timeline?
or is there another more effiecient way of editing in HD?
Thanks

Ah, yes, you are correct about your first query in this post, but the storage question is key.
Look in your manual for Offline RT. In fact, the manual is a good read anyway, when you're not having problems, but Offline RT is a way to use a lower resolution video to create your edit. When you're done with the edit, you reconnect to the original media. The procedure is all in the manual.
But, you are using USB and that is not, as has been said before, a data transfer protocol that you can safely use to edit video. Others have already told you to use, in your case with an iMac, firewire enclosures for your media storage. With firewire, you should have no problem editing one stream of DVCPRO HD.
Good luck.

Software Setup advice!!!

Hi, I'm in the middle of a production and I have some problems with system overload... I have a lot of tracks and plugs and UAD plugs too... I haven't in a while checked into the setup such as... in the hardware and drivers menu, how everything should be... and also if there's any computer system adjustments I can do!?

I'm presuming you've set the i/o buffer size to a larger value and are using the freeze function or bouncing tracks for plug-ins that don't support freeze.

Big transition from PC and Cubase, any advice welcomed to avoid Apple Shock

Hello everyone,
I've been waiting until the new Mac Pros were released before jumping out of the PC plane and into the Mac world, I just want to have as good a parachute as possible so any advice and help is appreciated. My apologies if I'm putting in too many questions, I just didn't want to create a bunch of threads in different areas and some of these questions may have a simple answer.
With that said, here's where I'm at:
I've used Cubase since version 3 and am currently using SE3 through an Echo Layla 24 (PCI card to 1U rack interface) with XP.
Would it be better to tread lightly by purchasing Logic Express and then Studio or just go straight for the Studio version? I have no problems learning a new system and am excited at the prospect of using Logic for everything as I continually read how great it is on the Mac platform. I just want to make sure Logic is able to do everything Cubase (recording audio/midi) and Wavelab (mastering) have done for me for years now.
Also, I'm not sure my Layla 24 will work in these new Mac Pros so if I have to upgrade my interface as well I've been looking at the following options:
MOTU 828mkii (possibly getting a Black Lion Audio mod at some point)
Apogee Duet and then getting a simple USB/MIDI breakout box for the MIDI.
On my current interface, I'm able to keep a drum machine, keyboard, POD Pro, condenser mic, and a MIDI device plugged in simultaneously to 1/4" inputs and MIDI connectors respectively. That's really convenient and the reason I've had my eye on the 828mkii. The only reason I'm considering the Duet is that I've read nothing but the most positive of reviews for this device over anything in the sub $1000 range. Made for Apple, integrates well with Logic, and the sound is beyond unbelievable. If the sound is really that much worth it over the 828mkii even with a BLA mod then I can always get a USB to MIDI cable/box and deal with the constant plugging/unplugging of my 1/4" devices.
In addition, I've recently acquired a Line 6 Toneport UX2 USB interface. Is there any major hiccups using this device with Logic Studio/Express? I like some of the sounds I can get out this little box and simply changing the output channel in the Gearbox software allows me to record a dry signal while monitoring wet.
Lastly, I've seen on the new Mac Pros the option to get the single Quad version for $500 less. That $500 would be handy towards Logic Studio/Express and a new interface device if I had to get one. Would it be possible to get the single Quad Mac Pro and then buy a single processor chip down the road to bring it to the same speed as the Mac Pro default configuration in the Apple store? Would I be voiding any warranties by traveling down that road?
Thank you in advance for your patience and time,
TR

First off,
Thanks for all the great replies. Where to begin, where to begin...
I've spent several hours reading as much as possible on the interfaces I previously listed, adding the RME Fireface 400, Audiofire 12, and MOTU Ultralite to the fray. I would imagine each of these devices along with the ones I formerly mentioned probably sound better than the Echo Layla 24. The Layla line (still own a 20, and now the 24) has been good for me in the past and I would like to up the ante, although I do have to keep the total cost in mind as this is a no holds barred full crossover. New Mac Pro, new interface, and new software. As Tom mentioned from having a similar experience, it's years worth of hardware and software invested. In addition to just this change, I'd like to also move my other non-audio programs over as well, namely Photoshop CS2, CorelDraw, Premiere, Quickbooks, and a slew of other work related software. It's a little daunting to say the least. I do think Adobe offers some sort of crossover deal but I have to check further into that. Hopefully other companies offer something like that as well.
Glad to hear there are other Cubase users who've moved over to Logic without much trouble. Depending on how much the new hardware interface is going to cost will most likely be the deciding factor between me getting the Studio version or Express version of Logic. I do like that if you get Express you can simply spend another $300 for the Studio upgrade. That's how it should be. I won't start a Cubase vs Logic thread, as this is just a comment regarding company policy, however I have the Cubase Producer Pack, VST, VST/32, SE3 and other Cubase related boxes sitting on my shelf and with all the money invested there wasn't a decent cost effective upgrade solution for me. I'd be forced to buy Cubase 4 at full price in order for Mac compatibility and that just leaves a bad taste for me. One of the reasons I've been ready to try Logic.
Is there any difference between the Express 8 engine and the Studio engine? I've read that Garageband (included with the operating system) has a similar or same engine. Would it be possible for me to lay down some quick 'idea' or 'spur of the moment' tracks in that Garageband software and then move them into Logic to flesh them all out possibly retaining a track or two from Garageband? Just curious on that one.
One other question regarding the Logic software editing. Most of the tracks I lay down require multiple takes which I simply punch in and out onto multiple tracks. I snip the audio segments accordingly then shift them all onto the same track. I then hop into Wavelab (open at the same time) to process the .WAV files used on said track (usually adding Noise Reduction, other plugins), then hop back over to Cubase which updates the track accordingly. It saves me CPU processing power (although I probably won't have to worry about that with an 8 core system), however, will I be able to easily punch in and out as well as shift the varying pieces of track together from multiple tracks?
Thanks for the UX2 experience, I know on the box it says Mac compatible, I was worried that I'd have to possibly buy a newer piece of gear to run it, ala the Cubase software. (It apparently is compatible with an older version of the Mac OS)
So here's where I'm at as of today:
I've decided to go with the 8 core system so I won't have to worry about any future issues at least for quite a while.
Purchasing Logic Express or Studio is dependent on the cost of the new interface.
The interface options are (in alphabetical order of course):
Apogee Duet and USB MIDI breakout box
Echo Audiofire 12
MOTU 828mk2 (used from eBay, then get a BLA analog mod)
MOTU Ultralite
RME Fireface 400
I can tell you one thing for certain, if I can ever get that money tree out back to grow I'll rarely have any questions at all. HA!
Thanks again for all the responses and helpful advice,
TR

I purchased a creative cloud membership but it still asks me for a serial number when I try to open software

I had Photoshop CC, Dreamweaver CC, and Illustrator CC installed as a trial. The trial has now run out and I purchased an account for a full subscription to all adobe software, but in the creative cloud app it keeps prompting me as "your trial has expired" and when I click "license this software" it prompts me with a serial number screen. All uninstalled apps have a "try" or "buy" button next to them when I assume it should say "install" since I've paid for them.
Some things I've read on forums and have tried with no success:
uninstalling and reinstalling all apps including creative cloud desktop manager
used the adobe cleaner utility to clean all leftover adobe files, then tried reinstalling software
edited the hosts file to remove any additional lines.
changed my language settings to International english.
tried signing in and out
I was told this computer had pirated adobe software installed on it at one time. Not sure if this is responsible for why this has been so problematic. Please help, Ive spent hours trying to figure this out. ps i'm on a mac.

Jodie84,
I have just checked your account and found that you indeed have bought a Creative Cloud for Teams subscription but you have assigned the single seat to another user hence you ( If you are using your own Adobe ID ) are getting the trial error message.
Two options : Either reassign the seat to your self or add an additional seat and invite your self in the same Team.
Cheers,
Kartikay Sharma

Software Editing Advice

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