While at NAB, I got to hang with Durin Gleaves, Product Manager at Adobe. We talked about Adobe Audition, and it’s features, then moved on to Permiere Pro to find out updates on this platform. I moved to Premiere last year due to the cross-platform work I do in editing videos. Being able to use the same program on Mac and PC is a definitely advantage.
Updates on Premiere Pro
Adobe has introduced many new features in color, sound, and monitoring your edits. For color, many creators are using different brand cameras, which have their own color pallette, and can look mis-matched when putting together. The new side-by-side view allows you to look at two different scenes for correction. Color match feature lets you take color and light values from the reference scene to try and match up color. The panel will allow you to make smaller adjustments for skin tones, white balance, and more.
The new Essential Graphics Panel gives you new text and graphics options for quick titles, lower 3rds, and more. You will be able to add titles to your movie, or info panels to your YouTube video.
Audio gets a Ducking Feature.
This is perfect for those of you who put emotional music behind your video. The new ducking feature allows vocals to be heard. It will have an intuitive feature, so if you move the voiceover, the music will duck to where it ends up.
Premiere and Audition Work Together
The Essential Sound panel will also work better with Audition, when you need to make some major edits to clean up your sound. A new panel will update video previews, so you can watch what you are editing while in Audition.
More in the Video
Check out my conversation with Durin at the Adobe booth during NAB.
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Podcast: EmbedSubscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | RSSYes, I use Wirecast for live-streaming and for recording video. I have used, and coached others on the software since 2010. It amazes me how we can create broadcast-style shows without paying thousands of dollars to do it. Yet, it keeps getting better, as Wirecast 9 will release shortly. With a new pricing model, new VP of Product Development, and support of new products, I can’t wait to use 9 in my workflow. New Wirecast Pricing Model, Update Schedule Some of you may think that Telestream is updating the software for another gauge in your pocket. Reality is, they have changed the model. Now, after you’ve purchased the Standard or Pro version, you only have to pay a $100/year upgrade fee. This will keep you current on the software without breaking the bank. It also makes the jump to Pro easier....
Podcast: EmbedSubscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | RSSThese days it’s all about VR, but VR is not just about creating a virtual environment for your eyes, it’s also about sound. Sound Devices has partnered with Sennheiser to offer direct recording and monitoring of 360° spatial audio for VR with its MixPre-6 and MixPre-10T portable recorders. These are the first portable recorders to deliver onboard Sennheiser AMBEO VR to binarual decoding. Check out Sound Devices at SXSW – Jeff Records a song! Sound Devices says that “this allows VR creators to assess and make creative decisions about spatial audio content at time of capture, without needing a post-production workstation.” In other words, it is going to save VR creators a lot of time and headaches during production of their content. Sound Devices is positioning themselves strongly in the emerging VR market. This partnership is a powerful one. You can expect...
Podcast: EmbedSubscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | RSSI got to sit with Paul from PTZOptics at NAB to learn what’s going on for 2018 with the company. PTZOptics is a HD Video conferencing camera line where content creators like myself use for recording and streaming. PTZOptics on NDI With a firmware update from a month ago, PTZOptics can now support NDI in certain camera models. The most popular being the 20x – a PTZ camera with HDMI, SDI, and Ethernet (PoE enabled) options. And Now a 30x-NDI model The PT30X-NDI-GY and PT30X-NDI-WH models are perfect for churches and larger halls. This camera has a 30x optical zoom, and 16x digital zoom. The camera supports resolutions to 1080p 60fps, and supports NTSC and PAL formats. Producer Kits PTZOptics has also put together a simple system for those starting out. With a Intel NUC Skull Canyon PC, 12x or 20x...
Podcast: EmbedSubscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | RSSI got to talk to Litra at NAB about the CES award winning itra Torch, which they gave me one to use during NAB. We also talked about the new LitraPro, a Bi-colur light coming real soon. Litra Torch Also called the “Action Light”, the Torch weighs 6 oz, and can put up to 800 lumens with the press of a button. The Torch is small, so you can put it almost anywhere for a cool light shot. It has 2 mount screws for cameras, and is even magnetic – using the stickable mounting discs. Since it’s single 5700K color, you can use filters to diffuse or change temperature. The caps simply snap on the front of the light. The Torch is also waterproof to 30 feet, which makes this a great light to have for your drone, when your fishing...
As Uber broadens its mission to champion mobility for smart cities, it has started to integrate wildly fun alternative modes of transportation including Bird scooters and JUMP Bikes, which it acquired on Monday for an impressive $200 million. Both electric and dockless, these toys are providing rides starting as low as $1 an hour for scooter and $4 an hour for bike which will revolutionize the way people think about their daily commute and their physical relationship with the world around them. Not only are these rides promoting clean air, they are accelerating the end of the era of car ownership era which will have a dramatic effect on land use. At SXSW, Waymo’s John Krafcik shared surprising statistics on the effect car ownership has on our society. “Right now the number of cars in our national fleet in the U.S. compared to the number of licensed drivers has never...
Amidst an intimate gathering of industry luminaries, tucked away in a tiny breakout session at GamesBeat Summit earlier this week, CryptoKitties Founder and Fortune Cat, Benny Giang, hinted at the coming ICO of the hyperpopular Ethereum game and discussed gaming on the blockchain and the value proposition of owning cats as digital assets for all eternity. He explained, “Last year there were three big headlines: bitcoin price, hacks, and scams in ICOs. The answer to that was to put cats onto the blockchain, make it accessible, make it fun and don’t do an ICO. That was our strategy for it, haha. We still think ICOs are a great funding mechanism but we wanted to prove it’s possible to build a game with an interesting mechanic that can be profitable.” “There are five layers to implementing blockchain to a game and the further you go the more you need to discuss scalability....
Podcast: EmbedSubscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | RSSAt NAB 2018, I talked with Durin Gleaves about Audition and Premiere Pro – new features and a lot more. One topic that is close to me is podcasting. He offered a lot of great information on developing a podcast using Audition. What’s New in Adobe Audition CC 2018 If you’re using Multi-track, you can now hide all those tracks that you’re not focusing on. The best part is unless you lock the track, it will cut and snap on the timeline so you don’t lose any sync of tracks. This is perfect so you can focus on a specific track in taking out any umms and ahs, or hide any music or sfx tracks. Adobe has added a ducking feature to channels. You can duck music, or the secondary voices in a panel discussion. If you move the primary voice...
Podcast: EmbedSubscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | RSSChecking out Google VR area at NAB, and learning more on the Google Daydream VR system. Two new VR 180 cameras from Lenovo and Yi to make video and photo capture easier. I take a look at both. What is VR 180? Otherwise known as Stereoscopic Video, or even 3D, These half-spherical cameras are spaced such like your eyes to take in information. The video is then matched together so it can be seen on a 3D device, such as the Daydream VR glasses. Half-spherical gives you 180 degrees of view – allowing you to turn your head and see more of the event. Panels can be covered where you can choose what to look at and see it just like if you were there. Lenovo Mirage The Lenovo Mirage camera is expected by May. The camera is 4K VR180, with...
Podcast: EmbedSubscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | RSSAt NAB 2018, I got to go live with the folks at Epiphan to learn more about their line of streaming products. We use the Webcaster x2 at vBrownBag, and we also streamed live using the X2. Epiphan Avio Capture Cards HDMI, SDI, and DVI Avio USB capture devices are available for single stream capture – up to 4K 30fps or 1080p 60fps. Other resolutions in 4:3 TV, 16:9 Widescreen, 16:10 and 5:4 monitor. Pearl and Pearl Mini These are smaller switchers for 2 HD source video. You can connect any type of camera to stream, and even configure it for overlays, text, and more. Webcaster x2 A simple way to connect your HDMI source to YouTube, Facebook Live, and Vimeo (just announced). Program the box to your settings, link up your accounts, then simply hit a button to start streaming. You...
Podcast: EmbedSubscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | RSSThe ZBook is more powerful than ever for anyone needing to run higher-end graphics programs. A whole line of new convertibles with Wacom Pen, and a new detachable keyboard tablet give you versatility in your creations. The new line of ZBook include convertible and detachable PCs. With 8th gen Intel 6 cores, AMD Radeon graphics, and Dreamcolor 4K display with 600 NITS RGB. A Wacom AES pen is available for artists and other creators. Higher end ZBook models come with a removable back side to upgrade memory, change the battery, and more. The ZBook x2 detachable comes with the same features, Quad core processor, along with the same features as the other ZBook notebooks, the detachable keyboard turns on the Bluetooth so you can continue to use the keyboard. Macro buttons on the side allow for quick switches when the keyboard...
Podcast: EmbedSubscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | RSSYou might think this is going to be a highly technical post, but if you end up doing any live streaming or video content creation, you’ll most likely be using the NDI protocol in the near future. I have been for the last year, and it’s been amazing – allowing me to leave some of my expensive hardware at home. A more comprehensive interview will be conducted later. For now, the following video talked about what happened at the live event.
Podcast: EmbedSubscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | RSS Last month I installed a Tronical Tuner on my guitar. If you’ve seen them on Gibson guitars, it’s labeled “Min-E Tune”. It takes about an hour to do, and fairly straightforward. So let’s get into it. What is Tronical Tuner This is a device that will self-tune the guitar. Similar to those clip-on tuners, the device will take it one step further and tell each tuning peg whether to fix a flat or sharp string. To do this, it needs to replace the tuning pegs on the guitar. The new pegs have a small motor inside that will turn when you run the tuner. Simply press a button, then strum the guitar. The device will get you ready within seconds. Installing the Tronical Tuner You can get this done when it’s time to change your strings. You’ll need a wrench...
Man, I used to love building PCs from scratch. In fact, the best PCs are the ones that you build yourself. Being able to choose your own components and installing them, gives you a PC that is right for you. Forget the specs that PC makers want to give you, build it how you want. It’s been way too long since I built a computer from the ground up. I just don’t have the extra time. You know what? I kind of miss it. Some of you know what I’m talking about. And for those people, check out this cool PC Building Simulator Game. It lets you build and assemble PCs virtually. This is also handy for folks who want to build PCs, but lack the knowledge because it will teach you some valuable skills. It’s all here: screwing and unscrewing various nuts and bolts, inserting power supply...
Remember the phenomenon that was Pokemon Go? Pokemon Go was a location-based augmented reality mobile game that had players trying to catch them all in the real world. Everyone was getting out and getting some exercise while catching monsters. Then the craze died down and I haven’t seen crowded streets since then. Well, it could be that the streets are about to get crowded again, but this time they won’t be hunting Pokemon. Instead they will be protecting the world from zombies. The Walking Dead: Our World is a new game that is similar to Pokemon Go, but with an undead twist. Sure, there are plenty of zombie-hunting games that you can play, but zombies in Augmented Reality should be extra terrifying since it offers a new level of realism. Players will encounter zombies in real-world locations after all. It’s the next best thing to VR. The app...
Podcast: EmbedSubscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | RSSAt CES, I got to talk with Netgear about the popular Orbi satellite system. Since then, Netgear has sent an Orbi AC3000 for review, which I’ve been checking out for the last few weeks. I have been using similar “Bridge” networking options by Netgear so my Wifi signal covers my whole house. What is Orbi AC3000 Satellite System? This is also called “Mesh Networking”, the initial RBS50 device is the router, with 4 – 1GB LAN ports, and a USB 2.0 port for external storage. The router itself has 6 antennas, and an Internet speed of over 150 Mbps (if available by your service provider). Add the Satellite Router (RBRS50) While the router can give you 2,500 square feet of coverage, adding a single repeater can double that coverage. The satellite also has 4 – 1GB LAN ports, and 1 USB...
Podcast: EmbedSubscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | RSSModmic is an accessory for your favorite headphones that don’t have a microphone attached. While at SXSW, I talked with Antlion – the company behind the ModMic 4 and ModMic 5. What is ModMic? This is a microphone that can be affixed to many headphone combos to turn into a headset. Using a neodymium magnet and an adhesive attachment for the headphones, you simply let the two click together. ModMic 5 is switchable between a uni-directional microphone, and a Omni-directional. With a single flip of the switch, you can go from high-quality voice recordings, to noise-cancelling goodness if the surrounding environment is a bit noisy. The microphone is modular, with an extension cord, and a mute switch adapter. With the additional adapter, you can plug your ModMic 5 and headphones into your smartphone to take a call. A USB converter is...
Looking to upgrade your sound? Maybe a new home theater soundbar, or some studio speakers to help mix down your podcasts or music sessions. The Magnolia Audio Fest is remarkable deals on premium audio gear. From speakers, to receivers, along with wireless gear, including headphones, and more. Upgrade all your speakers around the house or studio. Weekly savings on some amazing offers, this AudioFest will give you products at incredible prices. Such as a new Samsung 3.1 Channel Soundbar system, or a Sony Core Series 10″ 115W Active Subwoofer for your Core series speakers. And while it’s also a good time to upgrade your video devices, audio is the heart of Magnolia. It brings emotion in what you watch, play, and envision. This premium selection of audio brands will help you fill your walls with great sounds, and powerful speakers. Sony Shelf Systems, LG Shelf Systems, turntables for...
Podcast: EmbedSubscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | RSSWhen you think of AR/VR, you might first think of video. Bose AR wants to change that with a new idea of Audo AR. The Bose AR system is a prototype that we got to see this year at SXSW. The idea is to give you a full experience without blocking your ears from important sounds. How Bose AR Works We got to experience two forms of it – in a pair of sunglasses, and with in-ear headset. The device would get information on something you are looking at – whether a product, or landmark – and bring back important information. If you get to work, it can change playlists for you, and even turn on noise cancelling features (for headset units). You can go on Virtual tours, where the device will direct you by using Binaural audio. If you need...
Mobile eSports dominated SXSW Gaming this year with a number of tournaments sponsored by Razer Phone, including Arena of Valor Collegiate Showdown and Clash Royale Super Magical Cup Kings of the Hill. On a panel on the state of the industry that I moderated with Razer’s GM of Mobile, Tom Moss, and Skillz’s Director of Developer Relationships, David Mok, Razer made a surprise announcement that it had just signed Team Queso to Team Razer, its first mobile esports team. “2018 is the year that mobile esports will explode. Cannot stem the tide, there is already such a massive base playing. By far the biggest gaming platform in the world with 2 billion phones, mobile makes up 80% of industry revenue. When PUBG launched in China, there were more players on mobile than PC.” said Moss, “Expect to see multimillion dollar prize pools, dedicated mobile event spaces, even documentaries...
Podcast: EmbedSubscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | RSSSound Devices is a good ole Wisconsin company that works in sound. These are high-end audio devices that are used in pro recording of music, video projects, and more. If you know what a Dead Cat is, you probably have heard about Sound Devices. But they decided to travel to SXSW and show everyone else what their new MixPre multi-track recorders do. What is MixPre-3 6 and 10? Small, lightweight, and can record up to 10 audio tracks. That is the MixPre-10T in a nutshell. Weighing in at under 2 lbs, the 10T can be placed under a DSLR camera, or attached to a mixing board to record interviews, panels, live concerts, and more. Sound Devices will be bringing out the 10M if you need to sync time code with video. Each MixPre comes with Kashmir microphone preamps inside. This gives...
Meet Chappet, the talking yellow button with a voice babies must love. It can be affixed to any object and allows you to communicate remotely, or it can communicate for you. When sensing a baby is crying, Chappet will start playing lullabies to soothe it, and parents can talk to the baby through the iOS and Android app. Black Mirror applications include spooking friends at a party or bugging a meeting in states where wiretapping is legal. Battery life is 1.2 hours and the app is compatible with iOS 9.0 and Android 55.0+. Available on Amazon for $54.99. I have yet to try the one the company gave me but was able to get this demo at the booth: Japan-based comfortbot, Qoobo, the pillow with a tail, was also on the show floor, featured here playing with Sony’s robot dog, Aibo. Qoobo with Sony’s Aibo, photo credit: Qoobo Geekazine...
Podcast: EmbedSubscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | RSSOnce again, Sony Wow pop-up shop at SXSW gave us a look into the future of entertainment, functionality, and AI with some inventive products. I also got a chance to spend some time with Aibo – the robot dog – to see how it interacts. Sony Xperia Hello Robot Coming into the WoW Experience, I saw a fun little group of robots dancing to song. This is the Xperia Hello. It’s a smart speaker that can respond to your voice, gesture, and facial expressions. It’s more than just a speaker, as it can take photos or video, play photos or video, check weather and traffic, news, and many other functions through the add-on apps. The Hello is a little pricey at $1,300, and isn’t out in the U.S. right now. Virtual Air Hockey I am pretty good at air hockey. This...
At SXSW last week, optimism abounded for the rise of autonomous vehicles. Tesla’s Elon Musk announced self-driving will encompass all modes of driving by the end of next year, saying it will make it 100-200% safer than a person driving. Waymo CEO John Krafcik added, “It’s here now. It’s on public roads now” and announced that eventhough we can’t yet buy true self-driving cars where the driver doesn’t have to pay attention, “we are deploying it as a ridesharing service.” Waymo was founded in 2009 as the Google Self-Driving Car Project and is currently a subsidiary of Google’s parent company, Alphabet. Krafcik defined Waymo as a technology company working on building the world’s most experienced driver, and installing that driver into cars and trucks to make the roads safer and save lives. “1.25 million people die every year in car accidents around the world. It’s like 140 people...
Podcast: EmbedSubscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | RSSCabot is making a MIDI device you can attach to your Cajon drum. The result – a robotic drummer for your solo gigs. A device that is fun to watch, along with fun to play with. I know – I played along with it at SXSW. How Cabot Works The Robot drummer is controlled via app on your iOS device or via PC using your favorite MIDI software. You can create the rhythms through the app, then send to the device to play. A pedalboard is available to start, stop, and transition the drummer for your need. Cabot is Crowdfunding Soon The prototypes are now set, Cabot will be launching their crowdfund very soon. To get on the list, simply Go to Cajon-Robot.com and choose “News” and “Subscribe”.
Podcast: EmbedSubscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | RSSWhen I’m at a major conference, I try not to take on anything that consumes 4-5 hours of my time. Of course, I make exceptions – which you have to do from time to time at SXSW. Long lines for movie premieres or major events are a common thing. When I found that Westworld was going to have an experience at SXSW, I knew I couldn’t pass this up – no matter how long it took. The end result was an event I will never forget. How HBO Built Westworld at SXSW About 30 miles northwest of Austin sits the J. Lorraine TX Ghost Town. A theme park open year round and host to many different events. Therefore, it would make sense that HBO and Westworld would use this to set up the town of Sweetwater – the main town in...
