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Hardware Review: Telestream Pipeline

Telestream Pipeline is a capture and output device that is unique in the features it provides Final Cut editors — specifically, its ability to share decks over a network and allowing an editor to start editing a clip before the capture is complete. In this detailed review, we show you how it works, and examine its strengths and weaknesses.

Normalizing Audio Levels in Soundtrack Pro

Audio distortion means disaster for your project. This article shows you a new technique in Soundtrack Pro that can guarantee to increase audio gain without distortion.

Changing the Length of a Still Image

Unlike video, which has a fixed duration, still images are assigned a duration when they are imported into Final Cut.

Sizing Graphics for DVD

Nothing causes more confusion for video editors than trying to figure out how to size still images for video. I’ve written extensively about this in the past — which is referenced in this article — this is an additional follow-up.

FCP 7: Understanding Scratch Disks

Scratch Disks are critical to Final Cut. If they are set improperly, Final Cut won’t edit. This article describes what they are, how to set them and how to trouble-shoot problems.

Using the Power of Save As

Save As does more than just give your file a a new name. It can also prevent problems, as this short article describes.

Hardware Review – Zoom H2 Handy Recorder

The Samson Zoom H2 recorder has a lot of good things going for it – price, size, and portability. However, when I was using it at NAB, the one thing that disappointed me was the audio quality. Read the review here.

FCP 7: Resizing 16:9 Video to Fit a 4:3 Frame

If you’ve ever had to convert a 16:9 sequence into a 4:3 letterbox video, this explains how to do it.

The World-Famous Unknown Thingy

Larry finally gets the chance to answer the question he’s been waiting for : What is the “Color Thingy”?

Understanding Handles

Handles are critical for transitions and trimming. In this article, discover what handles are and why they are necessary.

Understanding More About Blu-ray

The best way to display HD video is using a Blu-ray Disc. However, the Mac OS does not support Blu-ray Disc playback, and to create a Blu-ray Disc takes an external burner. This article describes what you need to know to create a Blu-ray Disc. (Keep in mind that this technology is changing constantly – after this article was published, FCP 7 was released which provides limited support for Blu-ray Discs.)

Shooting 4:3 to look like 16:9

Here’s a great technique you can use if your camera only shoots 4:3, but you want it to look like 16:9. This works for any standard-def video format; you don’t need it when shooting HD, because HD is already 16:9.

Trouble-Shooting Your Final Cut Pro 7 System

Having problems with Apple Final Cut Pro 7? This article provides dozens and dozens of techniques you can use to optimize your Final Cut 5, 6, or 7 system; plus trouble-shooting tips to prevent problems.

Trimming Your Edits with Ripple and Roll

You can trim everything using the Arrow tool. But you can trim faster and more accurately using the Roll and Ripple tools. This article shows you how.

Using Traveling Mattes to Reveal Portions of an Image

This is a great technique when you have a large image, but only want to display portions of it moving around the frame.

Travel Mattes: Blurring a Face to Protect the Innocent

Travel mattes are a fascinating multi-layer effect with countless uses. Here, we use a travel matte to blur portions of an image to prevent identification, or to draw attention to the portions that are in-focus.

The Case of the Trapped Data

It’s frustrating! You buy a hard disk only to discover you can’t move your data from one drive to the next. Here’s a personal case story, along with options on how to fix this problem.

Transition from Analog to Digital Television

The National Association of Broadcasters sent me the following memo, which I am posting as it has relevance for all of us involved in media production.

Questions on Transcoding Video

In this answer to a newsletter reader’s question, we look at the process of transcoding (converting) video from one format to another. We specifically talk about what is the right format to transcode into.

Creating Trail Effects

With the release of Final Cut Pro v5.1.2, Apple added 53 new filters. Here’s an article that shows you how to create interesting “trail” effects.