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Turn Off Automatic Updates for macOS

Yes, we want the latest-and-greatest immediately. But staring at a disabled system is no fun. For this reason – especially given the current problems with the 13.3 update to macOS – turn off automatic system upgrades for Macs. Here’s how.

The Duration of a Video Project Does Not Affect RAM Requirements

It seems counterintutive, but you don’t need massive amounts of RAM for video editing. This explains why the duration of your video project does not determine the hardware you need. It also explains what DOES require faster hardware.

macOS 13.3 Is a Mess – Either Stay Put or Upgrade to 13.3.1 [u]

macOS 13.3 has bugs both big and small that directly affect video editors. If you haven’t upgraded yet – hold off. Apple just released 13.3.1 – but we don’t yet know if this fixes what’s broken.

Review: Topaz Video AI – A Wonder at Deinterlacing and Up-scaling Video

Topaz Video AI delivers dramatic results, with a great deal of promise for the future. It’s not cheap and not all features work well. But, for the most part, this is an outstanding tool to improve image quality. Here’s my detailed review.

Review: The Apple Studio Display

The Apple Studio Monitor is an amazing display. But, as a monitor, it has too much — and too little. This could be the perfect monitor for you – or it could be far more than you need. It’s complex. Here are my thoughts.

Final Thoughts and Configurations for the 2023 Mac mini for Video Editing

If you want power to burn in a space small enough to fit on your desk and still have a desk left, the 2023 Mac mini with the M2 Pro SoC is impossible to ignore. Here are my thoughts on strengths, weaknesses and configuration.

UPDATE: How to Accurately Measure the Speed of Mac Storage

While accurate storage speed measurements are still elusive, here are settings you can use to improve the accuracy of AJA Speed Test Lite to check the speed of your storage.

Review: Topaz Labs Topaz Photo AI – Excellent Image Enhancement

Topaz Photo AI almost works magic enhancing still images. Here’s a detailed review of what it does and how it works. It isn’t cheap, but the results are worth it.

How to Tell If a Mac App Needs to Run Rosetta

How do you know if a Mac application needs Rosetta? And, if it does, what do you do? Here are the details.

Compare Effects Processing Speeds Using the M2 Pro Mac mini with Final Cut Pro & Premiere Pro

This articles details the performance of the M2 Pro Mac mini, specifically the speed of rendering visual effects and exporting projects in Apple Final Cut Pro and Adobe Premiere Pro. 77 tests were performed and some of the answers are surprising!

How to Output the Highest Quality Still Images from Apple Final Cut Pro

This tutorial looks at how to get the best image quality out of still images that don’t move (i.e. animate) in Final Cut Pro. You’ll find these results surprising – there’s only one key parameter that affects image quality.

Compare Render, Export and Multicam Editing Performance Between Final Cut Pro and Premiere Pro

I am often asked which NLE is “better.” That question can’t be answered, except to say “It depends…” However, we CAN test render and export speeds, along with multicam streaming support using the new 2023 M2 Pro Mac mini. I did – and here are the results.

M2 Pro Mac mini Performance Testing Results for Adobe Premiere Pro

This review specifically looks at video editing performance using Adobe Premiere Pro with the new 2023 Mac mini with an M2 Pro SoC. This concentrates on render and export speeds, along with multicam editing.

How to Animate Still Images in Adobe Premiere Pro [v]

Still photographs, slides and digital images are a common component in many video projects. In this short video Larry Jordan shows how to animate their movement, including moving on curves, in Adobe Premiere Pro.

How to Use Topaz Photo AI to Improve Still Image Quality [v]

Still photographs, slides and digital images are a common component in many video projects. In this short video Larry Jordan shows how to use Topaz Photo AI to improve the look – and resolution – of still images.

M2 Pro Mac mini Performance Testing Results for Apple Final Cut Pro

The new 2023 Mac mini is a powerhouse – especially when equipped with an M2 Pro SoC. In this detailed analysis, Larry Jordan looks at the performance of the M2 Mac mini specifically for use editing media in Apple Final Cut Pro.

Use Keyframes to Animate Still Images in Apple Final Cut Pro [v]

Still photos, slides and digital images are a common component in many video projects. In this short video tutorial, Larry Jordan shows how to use keyframes inside Final Cut Pro to animate still images using straight lines and curves.

Three AI-based Photoshop Tools to Repair Still Images [v]

Still photographs, slides and digital images are common in many video projects where editors often need to bring them to life. In this short video tutorial, Larry Jordan shows three simple, AI-based, Photoshop tools to repair still images for video projects.

Animate Still Images and Objects in Apple Motion [v]

Still photographs, slides and digital images are a common component in many video projects. From digital photos to maps to old photos, editors often need to bring still images to life. In this short video tutorial, Larry Jordan shows how.

Larry Jordan’s Rules for Guest Posts

Since I’m now adding periodic guest posts to my website, I want to share with you the criteria I consider before I post them. Sponsored posts or links are not permitted and posts must be relevant.