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COW Library : Reviews
Convergent Design
nano takes EX3 to new level nano takes EX3 to new level

In today's High Definition video production world, digital acquisition is now the mainstream workflow for a wide spectrum of production levels. In this article, CreativeCOW leader Michael Palmer takes a look at Convergent Design's new nanoFlash SDI/HDMI digital recorder.

Review, Editorial
Author: Michael Palmer
Autodesk 3ds Max
Three Books on 3ds Max Three Books on 3ds Max

Creative Cow Leader Michael Hurwicz looks at three books on 3ds Max (two new ones based on 3ds Max 2010, and one based on 3ds Max 2009) and finds each useful in its own way.

Review
Author: Michael Hurwicz
Matrox Video Systems
Matrox’s MXO2 MAXed out, with a little MXO in the mix Matrox’s MXO2 MAXed out, with a little MXO in the mix

CreativeCOW's leader, Jerry Hofmann depends on the Matrox MXO2 to save the day when tight turn around production dilemma presented itself.

Review
Author: Jerry Hofmann
Apple Color
Tangent Wave Control Panel Review Tangent Wave Control Panel Review

In this article Walter Biscardi, Jr. takes an indepth look at the new Tangent Wave Control Panel.

Review
Author: Walter Biscardi
Windows Hardware & Software
HP Skyroom: Power & Simplicity for Remote Workgroup Tasks HP Skyroom: Power & Simplicity for Remote Workgroup Tasks

In this article, Ron Lindeboom looks at the powerful HP Skyroom technology, which allows team members to interact in high definition video with one another, as they work on projects and approvals remotely. Highly powerful, yet priced within reach of many small to medium-sized companies -- nevertheless, the system is powerful enough for even major players like Dreamworks Animation, who used the system during the making of the blockbuster 'Monsters vs Aliens.' Powerful, elegant, simple to use.

Review, Feature
Author: Ron Lindeboom
Trapcode
Trapcode Suite Reviewed Trapcode Suite Reviewed

In this article, CreativeCOW's Jim Harvey takes a look at Trapcode Suite from Red Giant Software--nine plug-ins that will get a workout in any studio.

Review
Author: Jim Harvey
Broadcast Video
Bessie's New Tool Round-up Bessie's New Tool Round-up

There are a lot of new products designed with your heavy lifting needs in mind. Here are a few that have recently managed to catch our eyes.

Review
Author: Cowdog
HD High-End
HD Unleashed HD Unleashed

In this review from The Creative COW Magazine, Charles Papert, SOC, sets his Steadicam free with wireless, uncompressed HD using the IDX CAM~WAVE.

Review
Author: Charles Papert
Apple Final Cut Pro
Final Cut Studio 3 is here, and all is good! Final Cut Studio 3 is here, and all is good!

Our man in Nepal, Jiggy Gaton, likes to live for danger. He installed a major software upgrade mid-project, with virtually no preparation, just to see what would break. Lo and behold, it all worked! And the more Jiggy works with it, the better he's liking it. Join him in this Creative COW, Real-world, Real-time Report on Final Cut Studio 3.

Review
Author: Jiggy Gaton
Adobe After Effects
Crowd Control: Pre-Keyed Alpha Stock footage Crowd Control: Pre-Keyed Alpha Stock footage

In this article, CreativeCOW's Jim Harvey takes a look at royalty free stock footage... with a twist... pre-keyed alpha stock footage from All Bets Are Off Productions.

Review
Author: Jim Harvey
Matrox Video Systems
Matrox CompressHD races to the H.264 finish line Matrox CompressHD races to the H.264 finish line

In this article, CreativeCOW's Craig Seeman takes a look the new release of Matrox CompressHD with MAX technology.

Review
Author: Craig Seeman
Sony Vegas
Sony Vegas Pro 9 Sony Vegas Pro 9

In this article, CreativeCOW's Jim Harvey takes a look the new release of Vegas Pro 9 and determines ...This is one of the most comprehensive editing suites out there and certainly the most comprehensive version of VEGAS to be released.

Review
Author: Jim Harvey
CalDigit
New VR Mini from CalDigit New VR Mini from CalDigit

CreativeCOW leader Jerry Hofmann takes a look at CalDigit's new VR mini -- serious storage small enough for your pocket.

Review
Author: Jerry Hofmann
Business & Marketing
Free video and demo reel hosting comes to Creative COW Free video and demo reel hosting comes to Creative COW

CreativeCOW.net has added free hosting for demo reels, music videos, commercials, short films, trailers and other media files that our members want to use to promote their businesses or just show their work. We support up to 900 pixels wide, up to 100MB in size, with AAC audio encoding.

Review, Editorial, Feature, Business
Author: Ron Lindeboom
Cinematography
The Redrock Micro DSLR Cinema Bundle for the Canon 5D MKII The Redrock Micro DSLR Cinema Bundle for the Canon 5D MKII

If you are using the Canon 5D MKII or Nikon D90 for their gorgeous HD video, or even thinking about it, you need to read this. Creative COW Contributing Editor Jim Harvey shows how the Redrock Micro DSLR Bundle makes these cameras even more useful for video shooters, then shows how he and other pros are using it, in the field and in the studio. Jim is enthusiastic about the possiblities it opens up, and thinks you will be too.

Review
Author: Jim Harvey
Imagineer Systems
Mocha for After Effects v2 Mocha for After Effects v2

In this article, CreativeCOW leader Brendan Coots takes a look at Mocha for AE v2 and concludes that overall, Mocha for After Effects v2 is fast, friendly and cost effective, making it an excellent choice for freelancers and major studios alike.

Review
Author: Brendan Coots
Web Streaming - Audio|Video
New VDN network from Sorenson Media: Sorenson 360 New VDN network from Sorenson Media: Sorenson 360

Need high quality encoding with a more than reasonable way to serve the videos you need to put online? One of CreativeCOW's leaders, Jerry Hofmann takes a look at Sorenson Media’s new Video Delivery Network (VDN) called 'Sorenson 360'.

Review
Author: Jerry Hofmann
Adobe After Effects
broadcastGEMs' AE Pro Volume02 broadcastGEMs' AE Pro Volume02

Tim Johnson takes a thorough look at broadcastGEMs AE Pro Volume 2 and finds GEMs is well-suited for the corporate AE user or anyone that would like a quick and easy starting point for that next project.

Review
Author: Tim Johnson
Boris FX
Boris Continuum Complete 6 for Adobe After Effects Boris Continuum Complete 6 for Adobe After Effects

In this article, CreativeCOW leader Brendan Coots takes a look at Boris Continuum Complete 6--plug-ins for Adobe After Effects.

Review
Author: Brendan Coots
Apple DVD Studio Pro
Mac Subtitling Software Round-up: Mac Subtitling Software Round-up:

The COW's man in Nepal, Jiggy Gaton, gets asked all the time about subtitling DVDs -- and cringes every time: editing software suites just don't have that much to offer. However, Mac DVD authors have some standalone alternatives worth considering.

Review, Feature
Author: Jiggy Gaton
SmartSound - Sonicfire Pro
SmartSound SonicFire Pro 5: Low-cost Scores at The Speed of Sound SmartSound SonicFire Pro 5: Low-cost Scores at The Speed of Sound

The COW's man in Nepal, Jiggy Gaton, has found a balance between easy, automated music production, and high-quality results with SmartSound SonicFire Pro 5. He has also been impressed with how easy it is to create variations of his custom scores, and has come up with some unexpected workflow innovations.

Review
Author: Jiggy Gaton
Stereoscopic 3D - NEW !
Under the Hood & Behind the Scenes: Masters of Stereoscopic 3D Storytelling Under the Hood & Behind the Scenes: Masters of Stereoscopic 3D Storytelling

Writer and contributing editor, David Roth Weiss, takes us takes us Behind The Scenes in Hollywood to the DreamWorks Animation Studios, where the masterminds behind the new hit film, Monsters vs. Aliens, are reinventing the art of storytelling using new state of the art 3D stereoscopic filmmaking techniques and technologies.

Review, People / Interview
Author: David Roth Weiss
Broadcast Video
Broadcast Quality at Bargain Prices Broadcast Quality at Bargain Prices

Brand new to the market and loaded with high-end features, Flanders Scientific has introduced four high definition LCD panels specifically developed for the pro market. With the help of the COW's Walter Biscardi, Jr. and senior telecine colorist Ron Anderson, Nick Griffin offers a first look at these high definition broadcast monitors from FSI.

Review, Feature
Author: Nick Griffin
Apple Final Cut Pro
A Digibeta Quality Edit Suite in a bag - Could it be done using the MXO2? A Digibeta Quality Edit Suite in a bag - Could it be done using the MXO2?

When CreativeCOW's Peter Wiggins first started editing in facility houses in the eighties, an edit suite was a room full of large control panels next to a room with racks and racks of mainframes. Recently he decided to issue a challenge: Build a broadcast DigiBeta quality edit suite that will fit in a computer bag and will go through airport security. Read on to find out how he did it.

Review, Feature
Author: Peter Wiggins
Telestream Episode
Telestream Episode Pro Telestream Episode Pro

Recently, Creative COW leader and business owner Walter Biscardi needed a very flexible and fast compression tool that also provided extremely high quality end products for his clients. Oh, and it needed to be easy to use. Enter Telestream's Episode and Episode Pro. In this review, he's using Episode Pro 5.1.1 and he'll explain the differences between the two at the end of this article.

Review
Author: Walter Biscardi
Panasonic HVX - HPX (P2)
AVC-Intra and the Panasonic AJ-HPX2000 AVC-Intra and the Panasonic AJ-HPX2000

In this Creative COW Magazine article, Jeremy Garchow discusses his experience using the AVC-Intra codec and the Panasonic AJ-HPX2000 camera on an overseas production project.

Review, Feature
Author: Jeremy Garchow
Magic Bullet Suite
Magic Bullet Suite 2008 Magic Bullet Suite 2008

Tim Johnson takes a thorough look at Magic Bullet Suite 2008 from Red Giant Software. One project at the CBS affiliate he works at called for a variety of different needs and MBS 2008 was able to handle all within the one plugin set: film look, film motion, up-rezzing to HD, color correction, and motion removal.

Review
Author: Tim Johnson
Adobe Premiere Pro
Adobe Speech Search Adobe Speech Search

In this second installment in his series of articles on Adobes latest post-production powerhouse, CS4 Production Premium, veteran editor David Roth Weiss takes closer look at Adobe Speech Search, a new speech recognition and transcription feature in both Premiere Pro CS4 and Soundbooth CS4. Speech Search is one the most exciting and eagerly anticipated new features to hit the editing world in a long time. So, if youve been wondering about it, read on, as David tells us what Speech Search is all about, how it works, and if it truly makes the grade.

Review
Author: Roth Weiss
Nuke
Nuke - An Introduction for After Effects Users Nuke - An Introduction for After Effects Users

Nuke, the new compositing tool from The Foundry, is rapidly becoming a favorite in high-end film production. Its price also offers an easy entry for indie producers who want to create better work, faster and more powerfully. This guided tour of Nuke for AE users, along with tips for leveraging your AE experience in the brave Nuke world of VFX creation will help you discover Nuke.

Review, Tutorial
Author: Pete O'Connell
CalDigit
CalDigit HDOne CalDigit HDOne

Los Angeles Director and Editor David Roth Weiss finally takes the plunge and tests CalDigits new HDOne, an affordable turnkey RAID-5 protected video storage system.

Review
Author: David Roth Weiss
Video Copilot
Designer Sound FX Designer Sound FX

In need of high end, Hollywood sounding swishes, impacts and other great sounds? You know, the same sound effects traditionally found in high end movie trailers and promos? Let Creative COW Contributing Editor Stephen Smith point you towards a must have sound effects album, Designer Sound FX.

Review
Author: Stephen Smith
Adobe Photoshop
Creating Arctic Kiss: Photoshop Techniques for Illustrators Creating Arctic Kiss: Photoshop Techniques for Illustrators

CreativeCOW leader, Mike Gondek examines Creating Arctic Kiss: Photoshop Techniques for Illustrators, by Jerry Lofaro.

Review
Author: Mike Gondek
Apple Final Cut Pro
Digital Heaven Loader Digital Heaven Loader

In this article, CreativeCOW leader Brendan Coots takes a look at Loader from Digital Heaven. Brendan admits that he even tried to break the app or expose any problems and failed at his effort. Brendan concludes with ...Loader is a solid, simple and thoughtful little app that I will definitely be putting it to use on my own projects.

Review
Author: Brendan Coots
Music - Creation | Composition
Abaltat Muse 2.0 Reviewed Abaltat Muse 2.0 Reviewed

Would you love to have artificial intelligence compose the music for your next edit? Creative COW Contributing Editor Stephen Smiths review of Abaltat Muse 2.0 shows you how this program can compose and arrange a score for your next project.

Review
Author: Stephen Smith
Adobe Flash
Flash CS3 Professional Video Studio Techniques Flash CS3 Professional Video Studio Techniques

Author/Videographer/Animator/Musician Michael Hurwicz examines Flash CS3 Professional Video Studio Techniques by Robert Reinhardt, and recommends it to those looking to push their Flash sites to professional levels of reliability and user-friendliness.

Review
Author: Michael Hurwicz
DVD Authoring
ILY SpartanPro ILY SpartanPro

Recently, CreativeCOW leader, David Roth Weiss purchased his very first CD and DVD duplicator. After a lot of research he chose the ILY SpartanPro, and it did not take him long to realize that he should not have gone so long without one.

Review
Author: David Roth Weiss
Apple Final Cut Server
Apple Final Cut Server: A Creative Cow Real-time Report Apple Final Cut Server: A Creative Cow Real-time Report

Everybody wants to know, what is Final Cut Server? And if they know the answer (hint: a very, very big deal), they want to know if it actually works. Who better to ask than people actually using it? The answers provided will change as the situation does, but this is where you can find everything you need to know about Final Cut Server, in real time.

Review, Feature
Author: Tim Wilson
Autodesk 3ds Max
HP XW4600 Workstation HP XW4600 Workstation

Creative Cow Leader Michael Hurwicz looks at The HP XW4600 Workstation and finds it a good value in terms of price/performance and productivity.

Review
Author: Michael Hurwicz
Event Videographers
Stack Tracks: Layered Digital Music Stack Tracks: Layered Digital Music

In need of some high-end royalty free music that can fit any media professionals budget? Creative Cow Contributing Editor Stephen Smith explains why Digital Juices StackTraxx layered music library can be the perfect solution for your next project.

Review
Author: Stephen Smith
Sony CineAlta - XDCAM
The Sony PMW-EX1 XDCAM EX Camera: A Closer Look The Sony PMW-EX1 XDCAM EX Camera: A Closer Look

Creative Cow Contributing Editor Dylan Reeve says that the EX1 is another Sony breakthrough. A truly professional camera, the XDCAM EX1 offers format and workflow advantages previously unseen in other small cameras. Dylan will show you how the camera works, and how the footage works with your favorite NLE, while also looking ahead to the PMW-EX3.

Review
Author: Dylan Reeve
Adobe After Effects
On Set Keying On Set Keying

In this article Creative Cow Leader Andrew Shanks plans to go through some of the software options for checking greenscreens on set (Lensfeed, Veescope and Conduit Live).

Review, Feature
Author: Andrew Shanks
Adobe After Effects
Kurt Murphy looks at Zaxwerks Invigorator Training: Vol 1 Kurt Murphy looks at Zaxwerks Invigorator Training: Vol 1

Broadcast designer Kurt Murphy has been using After Effects since it went by the name of CoSA, but even then, Kurt found its one big drawback was the inability to create true 3D objects in 3D space. That is until Zaxwerks Invigorator came along. And now Zaxwerks Invigorator Training (Volume 1) by Serge Hamad is the perfect solution to get up to speed using this plug-in.

Review
Author: Kurt Murphy
Sony Vegas
Excalibur 6.0 Custom Command for Sony Vegas Pro 8 Excalibur 6.0 Custom Command for Sony Vegas Pro 8

If you read the review of Excalibur 4.5 from Jim Harvey in 2005, you know that he liked the plug in very much. So much so that he gave it the full 5 cows. So it will come as no surprise that Jim likes the newest edition as well. In this review, Jim points out that there are some very nice and useful additions to the toolset that will interface seamlessly with the new Vegas Pro 8 editing package.

Review
Author: Jim Harvey
Sony Vegas
Vegas Pro 8 Collection Vegas Pro 8 Collection

In this review, CreativeCOWs Jim Harvey takes a look at The Vegas Pro collection which combines Vegas Pro 8, DVD Architect Pro 4.5, and Dolby(R) Digital AC-3 encoding software to offer an integrated environment for all phases of professional video, audio, DVD, and broadcast production.

Review
Author: Jim Harvey
Noise Industries
Luke Price reviews Noise Industries FxFactory Pro 2 Luke Price reviews Noise Industries FxFactory Pro 2

FxFactory Pro includes 130 filters, generators and transitions for Final Cut Pro, Motion and Final Cut Express and in this review, CreativeCOW contributing editor, Luke Price writes a comprehensive review from an editors perspective.

Review
Author: Luke Price
Adobe Photoshop
Photoshop CS3: Photo Effects Cookbook Photoshop CS3: Photo Effects Cookbook

CreativeCOW leader, Mike Gondek examines Photoshop CS3: Photo Effects Cookbook by Tim Shelbourne and published by O'Reilly Media, Inc. Find out why Mike says, ''...after seeing this book, it has me interested in checking out the rest of the cookbook series from O'Reilly. You'll want to also.''

Review
Author: Mike Gondek
Sony CineAlta - XDCAM
Mastering the Sony PMW-EX1 Mastering the Sony PMW-EX1

In this review, CreativeCOW's Jim Harvey takes a hard look at Mastering the Sony PMW-EX1 from Vortex Media. See why he says: ...''if you are planning on purchasing a SONY PVM-EX1, or want to learn more about tapeless workflow and acquisition, this Workshop course will be an invaluable addition to your knowledge base.''

Review
Author: Jim Harvey
Apple Final Cut Pro
Bob Zelin Looks at Dulce Systems Pro EX PCI-Express expander Bob Zelin Looks at Dulce Systems Pro EX PCI-Express expander

WELL, it happened again. Today, I installed the new Dulce Systems Pro EX PCI-Express expander. This product is amazing, and this review will be very short, as it's such a simple product, that has been LONG OVERDUE.

Review
Author: Bob Zelin
RED Camera
RED: Early Workflow Findings RED: Early Workflow Findings

In this real world video production RED Camera review from The Creative COW Magazine, Assron Zander discusses how The Brooks Institute students put RED ONE through the paces of a student production. Here are their findings.

Review
Author: Aaron Zander
Panasonic HVX - HPX (P2)
P2 Digital Workflows with the Panasonic HPX500 P2 Digital Workflows with the Panasonic HPX500

Don't be afraid of digital workflows, says Mark. And don't be afraid to spend money on the right camera. In this Creative COW Magazine article, Mark Wagoner discusses workflow when working with the Panasonic HPX500 in comparison to the HVX200 and other cameras.

Review
Author: Mark Wagoner
Sony Vegas
Vegas 8 Pro, Raylight and Windows Vista Vegas 8 Pro, Raylight and Windows Vista

Creative Cow Leader Michael Hurwicz looks at DVFilm's Raylight plug-in, which provides transparent support for Panasonic MXF files in Sony Vegas. Testing Vegas Pro 8 running under Microsoft Vista, Michael finds Raylight to be an elegant and reliable solution.

Review
Author: Michael Hurwicz
Boris FX
Boris Continuum Complete AVX 5: Unleash Your Avid! Boris Continuum Complete AVX 5: Unleash Your Avid!

Emmy Award-winning editor Vivek Narayan takes a closer look at the latest version of Boris Continuum Complete, a comprehensive set of filters and effects for leading NLEs as well as After Effects. Although it works largely the same in all hosts, Vik digs deepest into BCC operating inside Avid. He finds that the 180 filters here more than give others a run for their money: it beats out some of the industry's favorites. See why he calls buying BCC AVX 5 a no-brainer.

Review
Author: Vivek Narayan
RED Camera
Seeing RED in Montreal: A Creative COW Real Time Report Seeing RED in Montreal: A Creative COW Real Time Report

None of the RED cameras have yet made their way into an owner's hands in Montreal, so Mathieu Marano helped arrange an introduction for the Final Cut Montreal user group. In this Creative COW Real Time Report, he shares the details of that meeting, as well as his first experiences with RED post-production workflow. Since this is a real time report, stay tuned for updates as Mathieu and the producers of Montreal learn more.

Review
Author: Mathieu Marano
Audio Professionals
Real-world Mixing with the PSC DV ProMix 6 Real-world Mixing with the PSC DV ProMix 6

PSCs DV ProMix 6 has everything you need for multi-channel audio mixing, even on a DV-sized budget. Brandt Sleeper takes you through its ins and outs, and shows how it stands up to the rigors of real-world production.

Review
Author: Brandt Sleeper
Sony EX Series XDCAM
A Creative Cow Real-time Report: EX1 vs. PD170 A Creative Cow Real-time Report: EX1 vs. PD170

In this Creative COW Real Time Report, Don Greening puts the Sony DSR-PD170, long-acknowledged to be a low-light champ, against the newcomer, the PMW EX-1 head to head in a low-light test. Will the upstart unseat the champ? Read on....

Review, Feature
Author: Don Greening
Audio Professionals
Audio Mixing for DV and HDV: PSC DV Promix 3 Audio Mixing for DV and HDV: PSC DV Promix 3

Brandt Sleeper shows how PSCs DV ProMix 3 will help your DV and HDV recordings sound better than ever -- bars and tone, calibration, for one or several cameras. Could this be the field mixer youve been waiting for?

Review
Author: Brandt Sleeper
Sony EX Series XDCAM
On Location with the Sony PMW-EX1 XDCAM EX On Location with the Sony PMW-EX1 XDCAM EX

In this Creative COW Real Time Report, Don Greening takes us along on his very first shoot with his brand new Sony XDCAM EX camera on location in British Columbia. Upon return to his nice warm studio, Don also takes us through his very first look at the footage on his plasma TV, and his first edit in Final Cut Pro.

Review, Feature
Author: Don Greening
Adobe Flash
Flash Videos for the Web Using Adobe CS3 Flash Videos for the Web Using Adobe CS3

Overview of the different ways to create Flash Videos in Adobe CS3. In this tutorial you will learn the various methods of FLV and SWF Video creation in Adobe After Effects, Dreamweaver and Flash and learn the strengths and weaknesses of each method.

Review, Tutorial
Author: Abraham Chaffin
Audio Professionals
Field Mixing with the PSC AlphaMix Field Mixing with the PSC AlphaMix

In this review from producer and professor Brandt Sleeper, he takes you on trip through this field mixers exceptional feature set, including support for multiple cameras and NP-1 power. He also puts it through its paces on a segment for Good Morning America.

Review
Author: Brandt Sleeper
Apple Final Cut Pro
Matrox MXO: Broadcast Monitoring on a Desktop Monitor Matrox MXO: Broadcast Monitoring on a Desktop Monitor

Creative Cow Leader Shane Ross wasnt convinced that the Matrox MXO could really provide the CRT-accurate monitoring through an Apple Cinema Display he demands for his HD broadcast workflows. After working with it for nearly a year, through multiple upgrades and in a variety of configurations, he tells you here why hes convinced now.

Review
Author: Shane Ross
AJA io
The long-awaited AJA Io HD! The long-awaited AJA Io HD!

Creative COW Community leader Gary Adcock has also worked closely with a number of industry manufacturers over the years, including AJA. Gary offers a guided tour through the features of the much-anticipated Io HD, and its promise of portable, hardware-supported ProRes editing in virtually every frame size and frame rate.

Review
Author: Gary Adcock
Canon camcorders
Film-Style Shooting with the Canon XL H1 Film-Style Shooting with the Canon XL H1

Interchangeable lenses and powerful, accessible controls make the Canon XL H1 the choice at Fantastic Plastic. In this Creative COW Magazine prosumer hd digital video camera review, Todd Terry discusses the real world pros and cons of the Canon XL H1.

Review, Feature
Author: Todd Terry
Windows Hardware & Software
Directory Opus 9 Directory Opus 9

This bruiser app is so powerful it should be a requirement for any power user (and every digital content creation user). It offers outstanding tools and an enhanced workflow at a great price. Its features are so deep I felt a written review wasn't strong enough to illustrate why Directory Opus 9 should be standard on every windows computer.

Review
Author: John David Hutton
Art of the Edit
The Sonnet D800 RAID: Speed and Safety The Sonnet D800 RAID: Speed and Safety

Jeremy Garchow's business is growing. So was his storage, and the potential for disaster. SATA array are less expensive, but were they safe, even with redundancy? With the Sonnet D800 he's got a terabyte of uncompressed HD, with full protection, for a great price. Read on to see the details of his set-up, and see if SATA and the Sonnet D800 will work as well for you as it has for Jeremy.

Review, Feature
Author: Jeremy Garchow
Compression techniques
Jim Harvey reviews Creating Web Video Jim Harvey reviews "Creating Web Video"

A DVD about compression gets an enthusiastic 5 Cow rating? Really? Really! CreativeCOW.net Contributing Editor Jim Harvey takes you inside the new Creative Cow Master Series DVD by Aharon Rabinowitz, "Creating Web Video: Internet Killed the Video Star." See why Jim thinks this is one of the most essential --- and enjoyable -- training DVDs you can buy.

Review
Author: Jim Harvey
MAYA
Mastering Maya 8.5 Mastering Maya 8.5

In this article, CreativeCOW contributing editor, Chris Lupetti takes a look at Mastering Maya 8.5 published by Sybex and authored by John Kundert-Gibbs, Mick Larkins, Dariush Derakshani and Eric Kunzendorf.

Review
Author: Chris Lupetti
Sony Vegas
Sony Vegas 8: What's New, What's Required & More Sony Vegas 8: What's New, What's Required & More

Edward started the Vegas + DVD Tips, Tricks, and Scripts newsletter to cover all topics from the beginning basics to the more advanced features. The goal is to provide extended information on individual topics beyond what a quick forum answer could cover and to provide a repository of information for quick access. The September issue introduces the new features in the much-anticipated Sony Vegas 8.

Review, Feature
Author: Edward Troxel
CalDigit
CalDigit HDPro: RAID 5 and Beyond! CalDigit HDPro: RAID 5 and Beyond!

Creative Cow Leader Shane Ross shares the great news: both performance and protection with CalDigits new HDPro RAID! Supporting RAID 0, 1, 5, and 6, the HDPro even works with your laptop. Its the answer to Shanes prayers. He thinks it might be the answer to yours too.

Review
Author: Shane Ross
AJA Kona
Bob Zelin Looks at The AJA GEN10 Bob Zelin Looks at The AJA GEN10

The AJA GEN10 is a cost effective and flexible Blackburst and Tri-level Sync Generator. While reminding you of why blackburst and sync are very, very good ideas, Creative Cow leader Bob Zelin takes you through the GEN10's ins and 7 outs.

Review
Author: Bob Zelin
Windows Hardware & Software
Evoluent Vertical Mouse Evoluent Vertical Mouse

It starts as a slight twinge in the shoulder, or a prickle in the wrist, a dime-sized knot in the forearm or a tingling somewhere up and down the arm. Whatever the symptoms, the cause is usually the same - RSI or repetitive strain injury or its widely publicized brother, carpal tunnel syndrome. In this article, John David Hutton takes a look at the new Evoluent Vertical Mouse. It could be the answer to protecting yourself from carpal tunnel and other strains.

Review
Author: John David Hutton
Digital Photography
Dean Collins On Lighting Dean Collins On Lighting

CreativeCOW leader, Mike Gondek examines Dean Collins On Lighting: Live at Brooks Institute of Photography 1991 and published by Software Cinema. Although, this was presented in 1991, Mike believes the content is timeless material.

Review
Author: Mike Gondek
Adobe After Effects
Andrew Kramer's Riot Gear Andrew Kramer's Riot Gear

In this article, CreativeCOW.net contributing editor Jim Harvey takes a look at Andrew Kramer's latest offering: Riot Gear. Riot Gear is a collection of 150+ visual elements including paint, ink, grunge , tv noise, and much more.

Review
Author: Jim Harvey
particle Illusion
Professional Emitter Libraries: Pyro and Hearts Professional Emitter Libraries: Pyro and Hearts

In this article, CreativeCOW's Bill O'Neil takes a look at the new wondertouch Professional Emitter Libraries. In this set are two Pyro libraries and one Heart set which is a collection of beautiful heart themed designs and backgrounds.

Review
Author: Bill O'Neil
Apple Final Cut Pro
Wayne Carey Reviews Getting Organized in Final Cut Pro Wayne Carey Reviews Getting Organized in Final Cut Pro

Frequent COW contributor and Final Cut Studio editor Wayne Carey takes a look at Getting Organized in Final Cut Pro by Shane Ross, the first FCP title in The Creative COW Master Series. Shane shares the secrets to media management that he's developed in his film broadcast editing career. Wayne takes a close look at what Shane has to say -- and a close look at Shane's iPod -- to discover workflow advice that works for every project, large or small.

Review
Author: Wayne Carey
Apple iPhone
First Week with an iPhone First Week with an iPhone

Creative COW Community leader Gary Adcock provides a thorough overview of what you'll find in a new iPhone, plus what he'd like you to see in a future release. This is among the most thorough looks at iPhone you'll see anywhere, from one of the industry's most popular pundits, and a proven Mac maniac.

Review
Author: Gary Adcock
Apple Final Cut Pro
SAS RAID from Dulce Systems SAS RAID from Dulce Systems

Creative COW Contributing Editor Bob Zelin talks about the latest step in the Serial Attached Storage revolution: full RAID 5 protection with read speeds over 350 mb/sec. from Dulce Systems. At least that's what Dulce claimed. When he heard the rest of what Dulce had to say, Bob simply didn't believe them. When he put those claims to the test, he got a lot more than he bargained for. Will you?

Review
Author: Bob Zelin
Compression techniques
Cross-Platform Workflows using SheerVideo compression Cross-Platform Workflows using SheerVideo compression

In this Creative COW Magazine article, David Battistella takes a look at cross-platform workflows using the SheerVido Codec. SheerVideo is a family of lossless codecs developed by BitJazz for professional-quality uncompressed video. David does a great job in this article explaining the how, why, and if you should utilize this codec into your workflow.

Review, Feature
Author: David Battistella
Cinematography
The Easy Slate System The Easy Slate System

In this article, CreativeCOW.net contributing editor Jim Harvey takes a look at the Easy Slate Professional Slating System. Jim likes the way it looks, and thinks that it makes him more attentive to the small details that he used to let slip past. It's a simple idea with a clever implementation.

Review
Author: Jim Harvey
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Illustrator for Video and Film Adobe Illustrator for Video and Film

In this Adobe Illustrator review from The Creative COW Magazine, Tim Wilson looks at the ways that Adobe's Illustrator CS3 is designed with video and film artists in mind.

Review
Author: Tim Wilson
Adobe Flash
How to Wow - Mastering Flash How to Wow - Mastering Flash

CreativeCOW leader, Mike Gondek examines How to Wow - Mastering Flash by Colin Smith and published by Software Cinema. Mike strongly recommends Mastering Flash which will show you how to wow your audience with Flash and the amazing content you will generate after completing this training.

Review
Author: Mike Gondek
Media 100 | Media 100 HD
Media 100 breaks out of its shell at last Media 100 breaks out of its shell at last

Have a bunch of Media 100 projects archived that you'd like to have access to, again? Media 100 breaks out of its shell at long last, releasing new versions of their editing system that are software-only, or that can run on cards like the AJA Kona.

Review, Editorial
Author: Cowdog
Cinematography
The Harbortronics DigiSnap 2000 Series Intervalometer The Harbortronics DigiSnap 2000 Series Intervalometer

In this article, CreativeCOW.net contributing editor Jim Harvey takes a look at the The Harbortronics DigiSnap 2000 Series Intervalometer to create some time lapse photography, and concludes that adding a DigiSnap 2000 series intervalometer to his equipment kit is just good business sense.

Review
Author: Jim Harvey
Convergent Design
Convergent Design HD-Connect MI Converts Firewire to HDMI..RS-422 Convergent Design HD-Connect MI Converts Firewire to HDMI..RS-422

RSystems installer Bob Zelin torture tests every device that comes into his orbit. If he says it works in the real world, it does. If he says that it doesn't, it doesn't. He tests the Firewire to HDMI conversion feature at two Orlando facilities, as well as the Firewire to RS-422 conversion. Does the HD-Connect MI make the cut?

Review
Author: Bob Zelin
Adobe Audition
Adobe takes COW members inside Adobe Creative Suite 3 Adobe takes COW members inside Adobe Creative Suite 3

Steve Kilisky, Giles Baker, Hart Shafer and Mark Randall sat down with Tim Wilson and Ron Lindeboom to talk about the launch of CS3. They discuss what it means to them, and what it will mean to you. This is a brief overview of what you'll find in each of the 4 parts.

Review, Editorial, People / Interview
Author: Tim Wilson
Adobe Audition
Adobe Opens Public Beta for Its Upcoming CS3 Tools Adobe Opens Public Beta for Its Upcoming CS3 Tools

Adobe has opened a public beta for its upcoming CS3 tools. Kudos, says Boomer. Here's why...

Review, Editorial
Author: Ron Lindeboom
particle Illusion
wondertouch particleIllusion Professional Emitter Libraries wondertouch particleIllusion Professional Emitter Libraries

In this article, CreativeCOW's Bill O'Neil takes a look at the new wondertouch Professional Emitter Libraries. Bill says he's never been a fan of of 'presets' because he feels like he's stealing someone else's work, but in this case, he finds that ''...Tom's work is inspiring. Dive into the settings of his emitters and learn. It is obvious that he has spent a lot of time in creating these deep, complex images. If nothing else, this collection can replace a few stock background libraries you might have. They are that good.''

Review
Author: Bill O'Neil
Windows Hardware & Software
Microsoft Expression Studio: Microsoft's Designs on Designers Microsoft Expression Studio: Microsoft's Designs on Designers

In this software review of Microsoft Expression Studio, Tim Wilson takes a look at what sort of leverage Microsoft could put behind its new software package, Microsoft Expression Studio... Adobe is the 800 pound graphics gorilla, with massive market share among designers. Meet Microsoft, the 8 thousand pound gorilla. They're coming - and they're going to keep on coming. Microsoft's Expression Studio includes Expression Media, Expression Web, Expression Design and Expression Blend. Microsoft says the suite is targeted at creative pros, not business.

Review
Author: Tim Wilson
Panasonic HVX - HPX (P2)
P2 Tapeless Workflow Helps Rewrite History P2 Tapeless Workflow Helps Rewrite History

In this real world camcorder review from The Creative COW Magazine, editor Shane Ross uses his work for The History Channel to illustrate end-to-end workflow using P2 media and the Panasonic HVX-200.

Review, Feature
Author: Shane Ross
AJA Kona
Cal Digit S2VRHD Cal Digit S2VRHD

CreativeCOW's Bob Zelin tests a Cal Digit S2VRHD with a host card for a PCI-X computer, and a PCI-E computer. He used the incredible AJA Kona System Test, to evaluate the drive speeds. He was determined to 'break it.' Did he? No. He determined that...''If you want to do uncompressed HD, for a fraction of the price of an Apple Xserve RAID, or other hi end SCSI or Fibre Channel drive arrays, THIS IS YOUR BOX.'' Read the rest to find out why.

Review
Author: Bob Zelin
Corporate Video
Media 100 Producer: Media 100's software-only editor Media 100 Producer: Media 100's software-only editor

Creative Cow's Nick Griffin, a longtime Media 100 user, switched to Final Cut Pro a few years ago. Here, he explores Media 100 Producer, a new software-only editor from Media 100. Media 100 Producer offers a mobile and scalable editing environment as well as FireWire I/O and Panasonic P2 acquisition capabilities. Ideal for in-the-field or mobile editing, editors using Media 100 Producer can shoot using their Panasonic P2 camera and immediately begin editing. In addition, Media 100 Producer can use media captured by Apple Final Cut Pro and Media 100 and output via FireWire or export to DVD or web. Nick explores this latest offering from Media 100 and gives it 4-1/2 Cows out of five. Why? read on...

Review
Author: Nick Griffin
Adobe Audition
Adobe talks about the new Adobe Production Studio for Macintosh Adobe talks about the new Adobe Production Studio for Macintosh

In this article, CreativeCOWs Tim Wilson interviews Adobes Simon Hayhurst, Director of Product Management for Dynamic Media who takes us inside the Production Studios journey across platforms.

Review, Editorial, People / Interview
Author: Tim Wilson
HDV Format
VisionLab Studio/CompositeLab/Effects Lab from Fxhome VisionLab Studio/CompositeLab/Effects Lab from Fxhome

In this article, CreativeCOW.net contributing editor Jim Harvey takes a look at Vision Lab Studio, Composite Lab and Effects Lab from Fxhome. Read on to find out why Jim calls it 'professional compositing on a budget.'

Review
Author: Jim Harvey
AJA Kona
AJA HD10AVA Converter AJA HD10AVA Converter

CreativeCOW's Bob Zelin discusses how to turn your HDV VTR into a professional product using the amazing AJA HD10AVA converter. It takes the analog component HD signal from your Sony or JVC HDV VTR, and converts it to an HD-SDI signal that can go right into the HD-SDI input of your capture card.

Review
Author: Bob Zelin
HDV Format
Sony Vegas 7 Sony Vegas 7

In this article, CreativeCOW.net contributing editor Jim Harvey reviews Sony Vegas 7 and concludes, ''...It Just Keeps Getting Better. For the money, you 'd be hard pressed to find a better editing program.''

Review
Author: Jim Harvey
Adobe After Effects
Adobe Production Studio Adobe Production Studio

Total Training has long been known for their excellent and in-depth training for Adobe After Effects. With the release of the Adobe Production Studio, they too have released training bundles, aimed at the production studio user. In this article, Creative Cow Leader Aanarav Sareen takes a look at the new Total Training Premium Bundle for the Adobe Production Studio.

Review
Author: Aanarav Sareen
Autodesk 3ds Max
Max Monster Pak Max Monster Pak

Michael Hurwicz looks at Max Monster Pak, a giant collection of 3D models, textures, motion capture files, and bonus software for 3d max from Digimation.

Review
Author: Michael Hurwicz
Broadcast Video
syncVUE Review syncVUE Review

Synchronizing Client/Editor/Team Remote Video File Viewing. Created by an editor for editors, syncVUE is a workflow support tool to assist reviewing video files via the internet, synchronizing Quicktime movie playback and viewing across multiple locations. In this Creative COW Magazine article, Walter Biscardi reviews syncVUE and how it might help your workflow in a real world video production environment.

Review
Author: Walter Biscardi
Adobe Audition
Adobe Soundbooth: A First Glimpse Adobe Soundbooth: A First Glimpse

Tim Wilson previews the new Adobe Soundbooth audio sweetening and soundtrack creation tool planned for 2007 release. In this article, Tim talks with Adobe's Hart Schafer, Senior Product Manager of Adobe Audio Products, and explores many of the features and functions in the newly announced Soundbooth.

Review, Tutorial, People / Interview
Author: Tim Wilson
AVID Editing
Workflow: Why it is the Next Big Thing Workflow: Why it is the Next Big Thing

In this Creative COW magazine article we will look at the future of workflow and what some of the players in the media industry are doing along with the changes they are bringing to the production landscape. Featured in this article are the structures and modules of Avid Interplay.

Review, Feature
Author: Ron Lindeboom
Adobe After Effects
GridIron Nucleo Pro GridIron Nucleo Pro

In this video review, Creative Cow Leader Aharon Rabinowitz explores GridIron Softwares Nucleo Pro, a new plug-in that speeds up AE renders and previews and helps users improve their workflow.

Review
Author: Aharon Rabinowitz
Authors

Gary Adcock (2)
David Battistella (1)
Walter Biscardi (3)
Wayne Carey (1)
Abraham Chaffin (1)
Brendan Coots (3)
Cowdog (3)
Jeremy Garchow (2)
Jiggy Gaton (3)
Mike Gondek (4)
Don Greening (2)
Nick Griffin (2)
Jim Harvey (13)
Jerry Hofmann (3)
Michael Hurwicz (5)
John David Hutton (2)
Tim Johnson (2)
Ron Lindeboom (4)
Chris Lupetti (1)
Mathieu Marano (1)
Kurt Murphy (1)
Vivek Narayan (1)
Pete O'Connell (1)
Bill O'Neil (2)
Michael Palmer (1)
Charles Papert (1)
Luke Price (1)
Aharon Rabinowitz (1)
Dylan Reeve (1)
Shane Ross (3)
Aanarav Sareen (1)
Craig Seeman (1)
Andrew Shanks (1)
Brandt Sleeper (3)
Stephen Smith (3)
Todd Terry (1)
Edward Troxel (1)
David Roth Weiss (4)
Peter Wiggins (1)
Tim Wilson (6)
Aaron Zander (1)
Bob Zelin (6)


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