Blog Archives

Disk Warrior is an essential Mac-based trouble-shooting, repair and optimization tool for any Mac system accessing spinning hard drives. I’ve used it for years and continue to highly recommend it.

Audio Design Desk is an amazing program. It creates sound environments quickly and easily. Its ability to replace sounds with similar sounds, without messing up timing or sync is unique. It’s a sound designers dream – once you figure out how it works.

Josh asked me to explain the pros and cons of using internal, direct-attached, and network-attached storage for media editing. Here’s an overview, along with recommendations on what you should consider for your own system.

Recently, NewBlueFX launched: NewBlue Stream, a new product designed for live streaming. In this interview with CEO Todor Fay, we learn more about the product, why they created it and who it is designed for. This is fascinating.

I’ve spent a lot of time this week thinking about how to improve the speed and responsiveness of my storage. Here’s a relatively inexpensive way to improve the responsiveness of a server, especially for smaller workgroups. When it comes to …

You exported your video file only to find that it is WAAAY too big! Here’s an explanation of file sizes, codecs and media workflow for beginners.

Apple continues to make it easier – though not intuitive – to bring an errant Mac under control. Here are the steps you need to take to get you Mac running right.

This morning, Frame.io announced a new version and several new features, along with updated support for Final Cut Pro X 10.4.9, also released today. Here are the details.

An illustrated tutorial on how to create a countdown video in Final Cut Pro X that displays remaining minutes and seconds. Then, I show how to embed it into Keynote for a presentation.

A product review of five powerful Mac-based audio plugins to repair common audio problems that are easy-to-use and deliver great results. They support Final Cut Pro X, Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve and are worth adding to your toolkit.

CommandPost is a free, flexible, customizable tool that allows editors to get far more out of Final Cut Pro X than they would ever expect. Here’s an illustrated tutorial to this powerful software.

In this short video tutorial, Larry Jordan answers a question about how to catalog and find media files, this also features demos of Image Chest and Kyno software.

Apple Silicon – new CPUs from Apple – were announced at WWDC 2020. Here’s Larry Jordan’s take on what this new hardware means to media creators.

Video walls for performances are very popular. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to create them, using Final Cut Pro X and the Griddy plugin from FXFactory.

I’m impressed with how Image Capture simplifies moving files between iPhone and Mac. It is easy to use, capable, fast and secure. And, best of all, it’s already installed on your system.

In this short video excerpt, Larry Jordan demonstrates a very fast technique to copy files from an iPhone to a Mac.

ChronoX is a very useful app for testing your system in a real-world setting to help you maximize its performance. Here’s a detailed look at what it is and how it works.

An in-depth look at the latest release of ArGest Backup 4.0 from TOLIS Group. This is specifically designed for archiving assets to LTO tape. This review uses the LTO-8 tape format.

In this short video demo, watch as Larry Jordan shows how and why to disable drive ownership in the macOS for all external storage. (Yes, you should do this.)

Simon Says On-Prem is a secure, fast, and easy-to-use transcription system that supports all major NLEs. It’s designed for editors needing a high volume of accurate transcripts with absolute security. Here are the details.

The DataColor SpyderX Elite calibrates computer monitors for accurate color. It is easy to use, but has limited tutorial, limited help, and was not able to match colors between two monitors attached to the same computer.

Live web streaming ranges from the very simple to the highly complex. The key factor is audio. Here’s a summary of options, plus a ton of links to help you do your own research.

This is a detailed look at Apple’s Afterburner card for the 2019 Mac Pro. This explains what it is, what it does and when to considering buying it.

This a very cool Mac utility that allows you identify any color on your screen, copy its values or color, and copy them into another app

Pro Color Monitor is an innovative way to enable editors to monitor and modify images with color problems without requiring a degree in video engineering, though it can use some work to make it easier to understand its display.

An introduction to Drylab, which makes tools to help scripted production teams make better film and TV, while reducing costs and overhead. Plus an interview with founder, John Christian Rosenlund.

Retrospect 16 – powerful, flexible and, handicapped by out-of-date tutorials and an unhelpful User Guide, very, very difficult for the new user to learn.

Larry Jordan reflects on the new 2019 Mac Pro, who it’s designed for, and how to configure it for media editing.

Post Haste can help you get organized right at the start of a project by creating folders and files automatically, and in a format you control. This free app is worth a look – here are the details.

A look at what QuickTime is, what’s changed over time and references to learn more.

A first-look at the new features and current status of Simon Says, automated speech-to-text transcription for media creators.

Survey of applications and web services providing automated speech-to-text transcription focused on media creators.

Axle.ai debuts ascribe.ai, fast speech-to-text transcription through an Extension panel in Adobe Premiere Pro.

Apple updated its Pro Video codecs. These are of value to all editors, but you can’t upgrade to them using the Mac App Store. Here’s how.

Software Update often displays extra update options – if you wait for it.

Lesspain Software update Kyno to version 1.7.1, which now supports Windows, as well as finding and converting older media that is not compatible with macOS Catalina. Here are more details.

Within just a few weeks, most likely this month, Apple will release the latest version of the MacOS – Catalina. First introduced at WWDC last June, this is the latest incarnation of OS X. There are three critical things you …

An interview with Rory McGregor, CEO of Cospective, developers of cineSync, about their media review and collaboration tool.

I discovered it is WAY too easy for your email address to get hijacked. Here’s what you need to know to protect your email and your reputation – based on my personal experience.

A detailed “first look” at FilmoraPro, from Wondershare. This software is a midlevel video editor for Windows or Mac, with an emphasis on ease of use and a wide variety of customizable effects.

A quick look at DVD Creator from Wondershare, and a conversation with Wondershare about the specific features in the software for filmmakers.

An illustrated “First Look” at Filmora9 – “Video Editing Simplified” – software designed for the amateur editor who needs simplicity, a wealth of effects and easy access to social media.

A detailed, illustrated look at MediaInfo, from MediaArea. This utility puts all the technical information about audio and video media at your fingertips.

This provides an overview of what High Dynamic Range (HDR) media is, where we are now, where we are going, how it works in video editing systems and links to learn more. Written for a video editor, not an engineer.

An illustrated tutorial on how to use AirDrop to move images and video from your iPhone to a Mac.

Tips and mostly-free software you can use to improve your computer security.

An explanation of how Massive.io can help filmmakers transfer files faster and cheaper than older services.

The Vuze+ VR Camera, developed and manufactured by HumanEyes, is an eight-camera, four-mic unit for recording stereoscopic (3D) or monoscopic (2D) 360/VR video images, accompanied by either stereo or surround audio. Here’s a review of my experience using it.

Every day 3 billion images are uploaded & shared in the internet – 80% are stolen. CopyTrack provides a way for photographers to recover lost royalties. This interview with CEO Marcus Schmitt explains how this free service works.

Reflector 3, from Squirrels, displays an iPhone screen live to your computer, which is great for streaming and webinars. Here’s a review.