Free Downloads for Designers

Hi guys,
As a design student I am constantly looking for high quality images on the internet to incorporate into my work. Recently I came across a great resource that we could all utilize for our SMDC projects. You The Designer is a blog for graphic designers and includes a tab for FREEBIES that are all high resolution downloads. Lots of cool backgrounds, textures, PSDs, and brushes for Photoshop are available. These downloads can really boost your work to the next level, and save you the time of scouring through low quality pixelated google images.

Here is the link to the freebies page:

http://www.youthedesigner.com/freebies/


Enjoy! Happy designing :)

Media Encoder

Hi everyone!

Today, there was a person who has trying to convert an m4a audio file to an mp3 file. Marcy helped me figure out what to do in this situation so I thought I would share just in case someone else came across the same problem. To convert the audio file, you simply need to open Adobe Media Encoder and export the file in (or just drag the audio file into the encoder from the desktop). After it is opened in Media Encoder, you need to select what file you want it to be converted to under the first column called F4V (I think that’s what it is called); in my case, I selected mp3. After you have selected mp3, under the file menu, select Start Queue. The audio file will then be converted to an mp3 file. The file will open onto the desktop and then the student can use it however they need to.

Hope this helps!

Have a great week everyone!

Shannon

iMovie vs. Final Cut- Which to Use?

    Professors frequently assign video projects to students in a variety of classes. When it comes down to editing the video, it can be tricky to figure out what software to use. iMovie is the usual go-to editing software and can create a great basic video fit with transitions and simple editing. However, in some cases this is not enough, and a more thorough editing software is needed. This can be found in Apple’s Final Cut Pro X.

    iMovie is an excellent beginner’s introduction to video editing. Some features of interest, particularly to students, are the ability to create video titles and credits, making easy transitions between clips, and the ability to export the video into a few different types of video formats. The drag-and-drop format is easy to use, and themes are available. However, there are some limitations to iMovie that those wishing to create a more professional film may not like. For example, only one video effect per clip can be added, which cannot be adjusted to fit the user’s needs. Editing can be slow if you must drag-and-drop an effect to every single clip, as opposed to working all the clips together.

    Final Cut Pro X is another type of Apple video editing software focused more on professional editing and projects. A particularly helpful aspect of Final Cut is the ability to edit multiple videos simultaneously to get the job done faster. Also helpful is the ability for Final Cut Pro software to be used with formats that are not typically supported by Apple. iMovie projects can be uploaded into Final Cut and the user can then take advantage of the more advanced editing shortcuts. One interesting feature of Final Cut of the Color Board, where the user has complete control over the video’s color, saturation, and exposure, much like Adobe Photoshop.

    Ultimately, both iMovie and Final Cut are two excellent video editing programs. They are similar in a variety of ways and are capable of creating great final products. Ultimately, it is up to the user to decide what kind of professionalism is necessary for their film. If the purpose of the project is simply on the information presented, iMovie might be the way to go. However, a film class that emphasizes the video quality and manipulation might prefer Final Cut Pro X being used.  

Convert video from MTS to MOV

This month I ran into a few instances where a student had recorded video under the file extension MTS, which is a HD file extension used by Sony and Panasonic cameras. When the student tried to import this into iMovie for editing, the program would not accept the video. I had never seen this extension before but after I did a quick search I learned that it could be easily converted to MOV or any other video format. A few converter websites ask the user to download software in order to convert the video. I found a website called zamzar.com which allows the user to convert video without having to download any software. You can easily upload the file to the website, and they email you the converted video file.This website worked great and converted the files pretty fast.  But of course there is a catch, you can only upload up to 10 files to be converted for free.

Metronome in Garageband

Hey Everyone,

So today at the center a student was in studio 4 and was trying to record audio in Garageband and ran into some issues with the sound. We restarted the computer and the settings defaulted back to original preference settings for audio output. Once we connected the microphone and got the sound to come through we realized that the metronome was clicking and counting during the students audio file. Whenever the computer is restarted it will automatically select the metronome. It is necessary to click the metronome symbol in order to have it turned off during recording. A student who is utilizing this software in the studio will have to perform this task each time the computer is restarted.

Have a good weekend!

When video cameras are scarce

This time of year we are often out or nearly out of our commonly used memory-based video cameras. Here are some other options:

• Cameras reserved for classes that have had multimedia instruction sessions here with Hannah. These are stored in the black cabinets in the back. I've found that students in these classes do not always say they were in a class and eligible to take one out. You can ask "Are you in a class that has had sessions in multimedia here?" If so look up the professor's name on the spreadsheet Hannah has linked, it's under "Guides and Information" and then "Class-Use Camera Information."  Ask a supervisor for help if needed.

• Advanced cameras may be in, just remind people they would need to take time to familiarize themselves with the cameras as they are more complex, and cost a lot more to replace if broken. 

•  Tape based cameras. A few years ago this is all we had! You can  people the tapes are digital as some may think they are like old camcorders. The regular Mini DV tapes are $5.00 and HD $10.00. (The ZR930 camera only records in standard mode.) 

•  Digital still cameras/DSLRs can record video.  I don't recommend the oldest Canon Power Shots unless they don't need good quality footage. Also they only have a 1 GB memory card.

• Go Pro cameras.  

Of course if someone does not need it for today, you can show them how to check availability of equipment from our web site.

Bringing iTunes Library Songs into Audacity

Today, a user came to the desk with questions about mixing songs in audacity.  She said that when she imported from her iTunes library files, the audacity track was just loud white noise.

The fix is simple: convert the iTunes file (it could be m4a, AAC, mp3) to a file format that Audacity will be compatible with.  The file format that worked was AIFF.

In iTunes:
1. click Preferences
2. click General
3. click Import Settings, and choose AIFF
4. Select song you wish to convert, right click and choose create AIFF conversion

After conversion, go to Audacity and choose File>Import>Audio and choose from your iTunes library songs.  Make sure to choose the newly-made AIFF version instead of the original!

Thanks and have a great week!