Adding Captions to Flash Video
Looking to make your web video more accessible? Then be sure to check out this
on adding open captions to Flash video. If you are doing video work for the government, then this is often an absolute must.
“The really great thing about this feature, from our perspective as designers and developers, is how simple it is to accomplish and manage. If the timing is out or a caption is wrong, you simply change a few words or numbers in the XML file.”
This tutorial makes it really easy and I suggest you check it out.
Comments (1)
Lighting Diagrams with Omnigraffle
Hoodman Makes Great Camera Accessories
Turning PowerPoint or Keynote into Podcasts
Two Great Tools for Blogs
Just a quick post.... there are two pieces of tech I’ve been using on my blogs (both are free).
adds a great search engine to your site. You can create your own search network including multiple blogs, facebook, youtube, linkedin, flickr, and more. This is really useful.
lets you turn your RSS feed into a blog widget that can be posted to numerous social sites. Very clean and will help extend your reach.
Be sure to try both out....
Be sure to try both out....
Publishing with mDialog
More Than One Billion Users Will View Online Video in 2013
Recently came across a new article about the growth in online video viewership. Be sure to check out what
has to say...
“Sparked by increasing broadband penetration and rising connection speeds available to a growing percentage of the world’s population, over-the-top video has seen phenomenal growth in very recent years. A new study from ABI Research forecasts the number of viewers who access video via the Web to nearly quadruple in the next few years, reaching at least one billion in 2013.
“The rapid expansion of broadband video creates opportunities across a number of market sectors,” comments senior analyst Cesar Bachelet. “A wide variety of actors aim to gain a share of this fast-growing market: not only content owners such as the BBC and NBC Universal, and Internet portals such as AOL and Yahoo!, but also a range of new entrants including user-generated content sites such as YouTube and Dailymotion, broadband video sites such as CinemaNow and Lovefilm, and Internet TV providers such as Apple and Zattoo.”
Microsoft Zune
Bill Mandates Closed Captioning for Podcasts
A new bill has been introduced into congress that would target accessibility of web video. The "21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2008" (
) covers about a dozen areas. The proposed law has Internet video captioning requirements.
Eighteen months after its enactment, the Federal Communications Commission must set up regulations and deadlines for "an appropriate schedule of deadlines for the provision of closed captioning of video programming distributed to the public over the Internet."
Three kinds of video would be affected:
- Material that has already been captioned for TV viewing
- Live programming
- Video that is "generally considered to be comparable to programming provided by multichannel programming distributors."
It is point three that is sticky. A whole lot of podcasts fall into this category. Closed captioning and transcriptions cost.... many podcasters see little if any profit from their shows. Always nice when congress sticks its nose in the Internet.
How about instead of sending money to worhless causes... they actualy fund this requirement.
How about instead of sending money to worhless causes... they actualy fund this requirement.
Comments (2)
New Media Expo Coming Soon
Just a reminder that I'll be speaking at this year's
in Las Vegas. The event runs August 14-16 and I hope you can come out. My class is called:
Want to cut down editing time and give your show more polish? Learn how to create video podcasts using multiple cameras. Join veteran podcaster Richard Harrington as he shows how to harness multiple angles to improve your show. From concerts and live events to demos and interviews, multiple cameras will help you tell your story. Learn how to setup and match your cameras as well as essential editing techniques. This workshop will make multi-camera productions a snap.
Shooting Progressive
Lighting With Cookies
Does the World Need Another Media Player?
The fine folks over at Layers Magazine have published the article:
This time its had the benefit of being scrubbed by an editor (not just spell-checker). You can read it here:
.
A few folks have commented on the length of the article... here’s the Spark Notes version:
- Flash Video is getting really popular
- The Adobe Media Player will be easier for corporations, schools, and government to use due to Adobe's greater acceptance over Apple (and especially iTunes).
- The media player supports several models that are attractive to content creators
- The media player supports very rich statistics on media consumption
- The application is going to move onto all sorts of devices and platforms in the near future.
- If you are a podcaster... I predict the Adobe Media Player will have as great of an impact as iTunes did on podcast consumption.
Interesting Video to Explain Podcasting
Adobe Demos Future Technology at NAB
School of Podcasting Interview about Video Podcasting
Thanks to the
for having us on the show. I had a chance to catch up and talk with the host about what folks need to think about when moving into the world of video podcasting. The interview also features my co-author (and business partner) Mark Weiser.
You can get the interview for free right here (
) and you should also check out their other shows which offer great perspective.
-Rich Harrington
-Rich Harrington
’Toon Your Video in Adobe CS3 Production Premium
Want to create a cartoon effect for your video? Be sure to check out this step-by-step tutorial I wrote for Layers Magazine.
“Sure, clients want it…that “cartoon look.” But let’s face it; good animation is hard to come by. Unless you have a gaggle of animators locked in your closet, you’ll need to get creative. Sure, you could break out the pencil and paper (or maybe even try shadow puppets), but we’re here to offer you a different solution. By harnessing the power of Adobe CS3 Production Premium, you can convert video frames into vector art into film-resolution movie files. Curious? It’s all possible with the power of the Production Premium.
.”
Two Updated Final Cut Pro DVDs
I just released two newly updated Final Cut Pro discs. We updated our Absolute Training for Final Cut Studios Disc 1 & 2. Both DVDs are full current for Final Cut Studio 2 and include hands-on training files as well as HD resolution training and iPod files.
Apple Final Cut Pro
Also, you may have missed that we recently released the following titles. These also include HD and iPod versions on the same disc.
Apple Color
Apple Motion
Animoto Creates Rocking Slideshows
Looking for something different? I discovered
at this year's SXSW conference... Load up your photos, pick a song, and within a few minutes you have a rocking music video. You can use their cleared music or load up your own. Thirty-second movies are free, full-length videos cost $3. You can get a full year's access for $30.
The whole process is a piece of cake. Be sure to check them out –
The whole process is a piece of cake. Be sure to check them out –
You can post the videos to a website, download them for an iPod, or even use YouTube to share. The videos you download
Here are a two more of mine that you can check out.
Here are a two more of mine that you can check out.
Three-Point Lighting
New Book on Video Podcasting is Out
Our new book called Producing Video Podcasts is shipping. We're really happy with how its turned out. It's a comprehensive title that explores all aspects of producing video podcasts (as well as web video).
If you are a budding podcaster or a multimedia professional I strongly encourage you to check out the book. Here are several links to give you a good idea of what its all about.
The Book:
–
–
–
–
Field Production Strategies for Video Podcasting
: The rules of the studio don’t apply the same in the field. In this session you will learn how to properly capture your video content outside of a controlled environment and unpredictable lighting and background noise. You also learn how to achieve the best results when encoding files for various output devices. See how the experts retain overall quality with an overview of the latest methods and technologies. This session will also share best practices for multi-camera productions.
Download mp3:
(1:00:46 min 27.9 MB)
Testing the Feed
F
E
E
D
Validator
There are lots of things that can break an RSS feed. A misplaced character, a misformed date, the list goes on. Fortunately testing a feed is easy. Once you have your feed and media available online, you’ll want to test it. The easiest way is to visit
where you can enter the adress for your feed. If there are errors in your feed, they are clearly identified. The website also offers suggestions and links to more information on how to fix common problems. This website is invaluable and shoot be a part of your testing process.
Analog to Digital
New Plugins for Broader DVCPRO HD and P2 Support
This is just awesome,
has a bunch of new plug-ins on tap that make it possible to work with MXF and DVCPRO HD codecs. This will streamline P2 workflow for both Mac and Windows users, as well as make it easier to move DVCPRO HD material to a PC. I promise a detailed review soon. The codecs cost $49 each. Here's the info.
QuickTime P2 MXF/DVCProHD Decode Components for Apple
For playing P2 MXF Files and QuickTime DVCProHD Files on Mac OSX (Intel) and importing native P2 MXF Files into Final Cut Pro Studio 2 Applications (see Read Me)
Please note: The P2 MXF plugin has NOT been tested in long form projects in FCP Studio 2 Applications and the DVCProHD Codec should NOT be installed if the Apple DVCProHD Codec is already installed.
Please note: The P2 MXF plugin has NOT been tested in long form projects in FCP Studio 2 Applications and the DVCProHD Codec should NOT be installed if the Apple DVCProHD Codec is already installed.
QuickTime P2 MXF/DVCProHD Decode Components for Windows
For playing P2 MXF Files and QuickTime DVCProHD Files on Windows (see Read Me)
Using Levelator
For those of you who may be new to podcasting, I wanted to tell you about
Levelator
– created by the effervescently charming Bruce Sharpe! which is a free tool you can download to even out the volume of your recording.You can find Levelator at
.
After you have downloaded Levelator, drag a .wav file (recorded audio file)into the Levelator window on your desktop. Like magic, within the duration of a few seconds, it creates another .wav file with smoother levels of volume in the recording (less peaks and valleys of volume).
This is especially useful for recorded conversations in which one speaker has a soft voice (like mine) and the other has a more powerful voice (like my friend’s voice). The Levelator brings those volumes closer together, and the result is a recording that is more pleasing to listen to.
You may still have to do some additional sound editing to make your podcast sound its best, but Levelator is fun and easy to try.
After you have downloaded Levelator, drag a .wav file (recorded audio file)into the Levelator window on your desktop. Like magic, within the duration of a few seconds, it creates another .wav file with smoother levels of volume in the recording (less peaks and valleys of volume).
This is especially useful for recorded conversations in which one speaker has a soft voice (like mine) and the other has a more powerful voice (like my friend’s voice). The Levelator brings those volumes closer together, and the result is a recording that is more pleasing to listen to.
You may still have to do some additional sound editing to make your podcast sound its best, but Levelator is fun and easy to try.
Podcasting & New Media Conferences at NAB
Looking for some great training on post production, podcasting, or new media? I'll be speaking at several conferences located at this year's NAB conference.
Choose the training you need at NAB Show 2008 in Las Vegas, Nevada:
April 11 - 13
This is a can’t miss conference for podcasting professionals and anyone interested in diving into this evolving content delivery method.
This is a can’t miss conference for podcasting professionals and anyone interested in diving into this evolving content delivery method.
April 14 - 15
This new conference is designed for content creators looking to harness the power of the Internet for increased distribution and new audiences.
This new conference is designed for content creators looking to harness the power of the Internet for increased distribution and new audiences.
April 11 - 16
The largest event of its kind anywhere, this conference delivers high-level training on the latest production and post-production techniques and software.
The largest event of its kind anywhere, this conference delivers high-level training on the latest production and post-production techniques and software.
April 11 - 13
This new conference is designed for those content creators who are charged with managing and developing content. Learn new techniques for planning and managing successful video and new media projects.
This new conference is designed for those content creators who are charged with managing and developing content. Learn new techniques for planning and managing successful video and new media projects.
Your Podcast "To-Do" List
Planning A Podcast
Producing a podcast can be fun and rewarding, but it is also a lot of work. You can avoid "pod-fading" (losing interest in producing episodes) by letting your passion for your topic fuel your motivation, and taking these preliminary steps to get organized.
After you have identified the objectives, audience, format, and content for your content, put these items on your podcast planning "to-do list."
- Brainstorm podcast topics and alternative format ideas.
- Write podcast outlines or scripts and show notes.
- Research and purchase equipment (microphones, computer, editing software, etc.)
- Select pod-safe music.
- Create graphics and collect images and assets, such as your podcast logo/album art, down-loadable handouts, web links, and photographs.
- Schedule your episodes; plan for production and editing time.
- Select a host for your podcast.
- Promote your show on podcast directories, web sites, blogs, and advertisements.
Podcast Planning: Target Audiences
Planning A Podcast: Identifying Your Podcast's Target Audience
With a little advance planning, you can create an outstanding podcast that is meaningful for your subscribers. But first, you have to know who they are!
Think about your podcast's audience in terms of real people. Which magazines do they read? Which websites do they visit? What kinds of music do they listen to? Where do they shop for clothes? Examine those magazines and websites for podcast episode ideas and inspiration for graphics. Visit the places where they shop to see what appeals to them, marketing-wise. You might even develop a profile of whom you imagine your typical listener to be.
Who is the
target
audience for this podcast? This can be as detailed as you like. You may elect to research and identify their age, gender, occupation, location, buying behavior, preferences and podcast experience level.
Keep in mind that downloading a podcast is a deliberate and decisive act; much more difficult than just passively watching a television program. For this reason, your podcast's content has to be especially compelling. Think about the reasons why your target audience would want to take the time to tune into the podcast. What's in it for them? What needs does the target audience have that the podcast would help meet? What would they expect when they tune in? What do they want to hear? How can you make it easy for them to find and subscribe to your podcast?
Thinking about your podcast's target audiences will help you set an appropriate tone for the podcast; select images, music, and other assets that they will like; and plan episode topics that will be meaningful for those audiences.
Keep in mind that downloading a podcast is a deliberate and decisive act; much more difficult than just passively watching a television program. For this reason, your podcast's content has to be especially compelling. Think about the reasons why your target audience would want to take the time to tune into the podcast. What's in it for them? What needs does the target audience have that the podcast would help meet? What would they expect when they tune in? What do they want to hear? How can you make it easy for them to find and subscribe to your podcast?
Thinking about your podcast's target audiences will help you set an appropriate tone for the podcast; select images, music, and other assets that they will like; and plan episode topics that will be meaningful for those audiences.
Planning Your Podcast: First Steps
Planning for Podcasting: First StepsLike relationships, the best podcasts start with passion. If you are planning to podcast about something that is important to you, and you have a burning desire to share that knowledge or viewpoint with the world, then you are on the right track for creating a dynamic podcast.
But, just as with relationships, podcasts can't endure on passion alone. Before you hit "record," take the time to identify the objectives, target audience, and desired characteristics of your podcast.
First Step: Answer "What is the Big Idea?"
The first step is to define the podcast’s key message for your audience. The key message is the whole reason-for-being for your podcast. It should describe how you think the podcast will benefit the people who may tune in. The key message may be stated in your show's description and it will be the foundation for all the episodes of your podcast. For example, I produce a podcast for parents of children with autism. My key message is that parents of children with autism have the ability to improve the quality of life for themselves and their children by taking the time to learn free (or low-cost), fun, and easy strategies.
Next Step: Identify Objectives for the Podcast
This step takes your big idea a little further. Why do you want to produce this podcast? Who are you trying to help, inform, or entertain, and why? What results should the podcast accomplish? Identify the specific personal, business, or organizational objectives associated with this podcast. Think about what the podcast will persuade the audience to believe or do.
Stay tuned for more ideas on planning your podcast.
New Resource Site Launches – Final Cut Help
RHED Pixel launched a new resource site called Final Cut Help to offer you more news on Final Cut Studio as well as centralize all of their Final Cut resources and training products. Here are a few things you may like.
- –Thanks to Focal Press
- –and
- –In partnership with Creative Cow
- –New Events andfrom previous classes
- –For all the latest news
As always... comments and requests are very welcome.
Prediction: 40% of Video Online by 2012
The Silicon Valley Insider has an interesting post about video distribution online. Many in Hollywood predict that within four years 40% of all video consumption would occur outside of the television set. That's according to a poll of nearly 300 media execs by Jack Myers and video tracking firm Teletrax. The short article has some interesting insight into how the "big guys" see things.
Read the full article
.
Podcasting Forum at Creative Cow
If you are looking for an online forum about podcasting, then be sure to check out
. The Creative COW forums (Communities of the World) offer support for lots of different technical tools for video professionals. You can search past posts for answers or ask your own questions. Their
is new... but has a lot of useful forum hosts who will try and help.
If you want a local answer... be sure to also use the
New Apple Books Touch on Podcasting
DCPA member Rich Harrington has recently finished two new books for Apple iLife and iWork. Each books has a chapter on podcasting (as well as lots of other information on iWork and iLife). You can find the books at Apple stores as well as many other online and traditional retailers.
Apple Training Series: iWork 08
The second generation of Apple's iWork productivity suite is poised to allow Mac users to create, present and publish their work with style! iWork '08 features three powerful applications for creating everything from newsletters to business presentations. With Pages you can quickly create a wide variety of stunning documents, with Numbers you can make great-looking spreadsheets with ease and with Keynote you can produce quality presentations and more.
To Order
Apple Training Series: iLife 08
In the only Apple-certified guide to iLife '08, the authors have you working miracles with iLife within the first few pages. Featuring footage and images from around the world, this book/DVD combo uses real-life material and practical lessons that you can apply immediately to your own projects. Focused lessons take you step by step through all aspects of iLife '08--everything from organizing and sharing your photo library to creating polished video and soundtracks. Along the way, you’ll produce podcasts, websites, blogs, video blogs, and custom DVDs.
To Order
