Blog Archives

In this short video demo, watch as Larry Jordan show how to setup and configure dual computer monitors, video range checking and HDR tone-mapping.

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.)

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.

An intriguing new feature in macOS Catalina (10.15) is Sidecar. This allows you to either extend or mirror your Mac desktop on a recent-model iPad. Here’s what you need to know to make it work.

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

In spite of their documentation, LaCie hard drives, when formatted as RAIDs, are not hot-swappable. Here’s a write-up from Loren Miller that explains the problem.

A look at how much RAM you need for video editing, how to measure usage of the RAM you have, along with thoughts on how best to optimize your system.

Due to an extreme shortage of LTO-8 tape, the growth of LTO stalled during 2019. The tape situation is now resolved, which means we can look forward to being able to archive our assets, as this article explains.

A look at the impact changing video frame rates has on storage requirements.

Promise Pegasus RAIDs are causing problems when trying to run Windows 10 under macOS Catalina. Read here for the details.

A new GPU selection feature in Final Cut Pro X positions it to take full advantage of the horsepower in the new, 2019 Mac Pro. Plus, if you are running a MacBook Pro with an eGPU, you need to read this.

The brave new world of 8K media requires a beefy computer, like the new 2019 Mac Pro. But, the hidden cost – and major surprise – is what 8K media requires in your storage. Here’s an overview of what to expect.

An explanation of why iPhones don’t shoot 25 or 50 frames per second video.

A user-writeup of a custom shooting rig for the Blackmagic Design 6K Pocket Cinema Camera.

Sometimes, all you need is a printer – and the Brother HL-L2370dw laser printer precisely meets that need with great speed and quality.

An explanation of things to consider when purchasing your next computer for media editing. Written for the non-technical person who is deeply confused about what all these tech talk means.

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

A detailed, illustrated, review of the LG 27″ UHD 4K Display from the perspective of video editing and still images.

This is a fascinating, illustrated look at how different media affects performance of RAM, CPU, and Libraries in Final Cut Pro X, along with recommendations on upgrades and computer systems.

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

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.

Before I start, let me clearly state that I have no inside information. I have not been “briefed.” These are NOT rumors. And I don’t know anything that you don’t know. Still, I was just thinking….

An explanation of how the speed of light limits how fast a computer CPU can go. This is VERY cool, even if you don’t understand tech!

An illustrated tutorial explaining how much of your CPU is needed to playback or render 4K media using Apple Final Cut Pro X and Adobe Premiere Pro CC.

A product review of the new OWC Aura Pro X2 SSD, designed as a replacement SSD for MacBook laptops. This illustrated review looks at the results of installing it into an older 2013 MacBook Pro with Retina display.

An illustrated and detailed tour of how the Digital Production Buzz will produce and webcast 27 live shows in 3.5 days direct from the 2019 NAB trade show floor.

In this short video excerpt, Larry Jordan share his thoughts on how to pick the “Best” computer for video editing, what specs are important, and how to spend your money wisely.

Michael Powles writes about problems using SDXC camera cards with Apple Final Cut Pro X. Larry Jordan provides additional answers.

A detailed, illustrated look at the different media formats and shooting options with the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K, along with recommendations for best editing in different NLEs.

An in-depth, illustrated product review of mTAPE LTO-8, from mLogic. Also features an interview with CEO Roger Mabon about LTO, LTFS and mLogic.

An illustrated review by Larry Jordan of the Samsung T5 Portable SSD, with an emphasis on video editing.

The most popular articles published on LarryJordan.com for 2018, along with a few other key links you need to know.

Apple Compressor is essential to media compression. But what makes it faster? In this series of tests, discover how RAM, storage, and preference settings can make a difference – or slow things down.

A step-by-step guide on how to set up a media compression network using Apple Compressor and one or more Macs. (This is an ideal way to speed compression using Mac minis.)

Apple Final Cut Pro X has special features that are only enabled when you connect a second computer monitor. Here’s what they are and how to enable them.

An easy way to connect an Atomos Ninja monitor/recorder to a Mac and use it as a second screen, or screen-recording system.

Convergent Design’s Apollo multicamera recorder has a special feature that allows easy transfer of multicam files from the Apollo to Apple Final Cut Pro X.

A detailed comparison of compression speed and resulting file sizes for a variety of media compressed using Apple Compressor, Adobe Media Encoder and ffWorks/ffMPEG

A detailed series of tests comparing video compression speed using a high-end iMac vs. a new Mac mini running a variety of software. The results are surprising.

A detailed look at the new, 2018, Mac mini with an emphasis on video editing. We look at speeds, but, more importantly, we look at real-world results.

Drobo launched their fastest storage system this morning – the 8D. Here are the details.

Audio not recording? It’s a new preference in Mojave that you need to change. Here’s how.

A detailed look at the new Mac mini (2018) and how to best configure it for video editing.

A detailed, illustrated guide to the technical hardware and workflow of producing the Digital Production Buzz, a weekly audio podcast directed at the independent filmmaker, hosted by Larry Jordan.

An in-depth look at the new Blackmagic Design eGPU for MacBook Pro 13″ and 15″ laptops, including a conversation with Blackmagic Design.

A step-by-step tutorial on how to import, edit and export a project in Apple Final Cut Pro X using vertical video shot on an iPhone.

Answers on how QuickTime and Apple Final Cut Pro X display and process HDR video.

An in-depth Q&A answering questions about how to pick the right storage for video editing.