March 31, 2004
EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY: TRANSFORMATION OF THE ACADEMY COLLOQUY
FlashMX 2004 has some great improvements (and some problems). ITC is hosting a talk with Dr. Guidry on some the new features of the latest release of Flash. Click here to browse the library catalog for flash resources.
Thursday, 1 April, 3:30-4:30 pm, 221 University Center
Topic: "New Tools for Educational Technology: Object-Oriented
Components and Streaming Video in Flash MX 2004 Pro"
Facilitator: Dr. Mike Guidry
Department of Physics and Astronomy
Center for Advanced Educational Technology
Mike will provide an overview of "the rather remarkable advances"
associated with the newest version of Macromedia Flash: MX2004
Professional. These include:
1. New streaming media capabilities that allow video (with audio) to
be streamed to the SWF file while it is playing and controlled
(independent of the main Flash timeline) just like any other Flash
resource. This has almost unlimited potential application and finally
puts video on an equal footing with everything else that Flash can do.
2. New data-binding classes that allow one to connect data fields of
components so that if a value changes in one it is automatically
updated in the other. These can be implemented with almost no
actionscript, and can bind components within an application as well as
bind components in a Flash application to variables across a network
in a database. We have done these kinds of things before using
relatively advanced actionscript. They can now be done better and
with very little actionscript (mostly just clicking selections in the
Flash interface).
3. The old Flash 5 Smartclips, which matured as Components in Flash
MX, have really matured in MX 2004 Pro. There are now 30 very well
developed and documented Components that ship with Pro (and many
others available from 3rd parties). They do everything from screen
widgetry to data binding to streaming video, and they do it really
well. A Flash novice can now implement with a few clicks things that
required days of advanced Actionscript programming under Flash MX.
To demonstrate the power of MX2004 Pro, he wrote a single Flash
program that uses all 30 Components (!) in a non-trivial way at least
once, with heavy commenting in the Actionscript so that the Flash file
provides a documented example of how to use each Component. You can
view the SWF of this file to get an overview of what the MX2004 Pro
components are capable of, and get the .fla source file with example
code for programming all these components, at
http://csep10.phys.utk.edu/guidry/MX2004Demo/
Posted by admin at 10:03 AM
New Virtual Reality Website
Kaidon, Canon. Panoramas.dk, and VRMAG (to name a few) have partnered to launch a website (fullscreenqtvr.com) that features the QuickTime VR Technology.
The Studio currently has available all the requisite gear to capture, author and distribute high-quality Quicktime Virtual Reality content. For more information, go here.
For more information on QTVR, visit Apple's QuickTimeVR website. To browse the library catalog for QuickTime resources, click here.
From the Kaidan Press Release:
"Kaidan Incorporated, a leading provider of Photographic VR solutions for the Internet, is pleased to announce their support of a new virtual reality website, FULLSCREENQTVR.COM, which
launched last week. This QuickTime VR (QTVR) website will serve as a directory of high-quality, full-screen QTVRs on the Internet. QuickTime VR is an award-winning photorealistic cross-platform virtual reality technology from Apple Computer, Inc., that makes it possible to explore places as if you were really there. Locations are numerous and varied, including amazing interior views of the Vatican, inaccessible Egyptian tombs, detailed interior and exterior views of the new Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren and the latest breathtaking panoramic images from NASA's Mars rovers. Kaidan has offered their support in the effort to launch this month."
Posted by admin at 07:52 AM
March 30, 2004
Free Adobe online courses for Educators
The Adobe education web site has a growing list of FREE online courses for educators (registration required). From this site, you can go through some self-paced tutorials, download pdf version of the famous "classroom in a book" series, and more.
There are online courses for InDesign, Illustrator, Acrobat, Photoshop, Photoshop Elements, GoLive.
http://www.adobe.com/education/training/main.html
Posted by admin at 08:48 AM
Garage Band Tutorial: Built-In Audio Unit Effects
MacJams.com has a tutorial on some of the "deeper functionality" of Garage Band. An in-depth look into changing the sounds of recordings using Audio Unit filters.
http://www.macjams.com/article.php?story=20040329063101758
Posted by admin at 06:28 AM
March 29, 2004
Upcoming Apple Seminars & Events Tennessee
There are some local introductions to Apple software at CompUSA here in Knoxville. I've actually been to one and it is a good time to talk to an apple rep and to see some of the software "in action.'
Upcoming Apple Seminars & Events for the Tennessee Listserve
Sorted by City, Date & Time
Knoxville Mar 31, 2004 12:00 PM - 01:00 PM
Introduction to Final Cut Express
For General Audiences
Create professional-quality video with Final Cut Express. It comes with all the high-quality compositing, titling and effects capabilities you need.
For more details:
http://seminars.apple.com/goToEvent.html?id=26481&s=300
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Knoxville Apr 2, 2004 12:00 PM - 01:00 PM
Final Cut Friday
For Business Audiences
Final Cut Pro 4 is the creative, professional and extensible video tool for editing and finishing in SD and HD formats.
For more details:
http://seminars.apple.com/goToEvent.html?id=26475&s=300
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Knoxville Apr 5, 2004 12:00 PM - 01:00 PM
.Mac for your Mac
For General Audiences
Got .Mac? Find out more about Apple's premier Internet resource package: .Mac
For more details:
http://seminars.apple.com/goToEvent.html?id=26476&s=300
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Knoxville Apr 9, 2004 12:00 PM - 01:00 PM
Final Cut Friday
For Business Audiences
Final Cut Pro 4 is the creative, professional and extensible video tool for editing and finishing in SD and HD formats.
For more details:
http://seminars.apple.com/goToEvent.html?id=26477&s=300
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Knoxville Apr 19, 2004 12:00 PM - 01:00 PM
.Mac for your Mac
For General Audiences
Got .Mac? Find out more about Apple's premier Internet resource package: .Mac
For more details:
http://seminars.apple.com/goToEvent.html?id=26479&s=300
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Knoxville Apr 23, 2004 12:00 PM - 01:00 PM
Introduction to Final Cut Express
For General Audiences
Create professional-quality video with Final Cut Express. It comes with all the high-quality compositing, titling and effects capabilities you need.
For more details:
http://seminars.apple.com/goToEvent.html?id=26478&s=300
Posted by admin at 08:54 AM
March 26, 2004
Eureka! Plugins for Final Cut Pro (Free)
Eureka! has released some free plugin's for Final Cut Pro. These are effect-oriented plugins: Abstract, InfraRed Sim, Night Vision, Silver Print, Slow-Mo
Trackable Garbage Matte, Vapor Accross.
Available from the Apple site:
http://www.apple.com/downloads/macosx/video/eurekafreeplugins.html
Posted by admin at 10:07 AM
March 24, 2004
Creative Mac Reviews Live Stage Pro
Live Stage Pro, a QuickTime authoring environment, is available for use in The Studio on a single workstation. It allows you to create interactive QuickTime videos and expand the capability of this widely popular format.
In their January 2004 review, Creative Mac shows us the world of Live Stage Pro - explaining the basics of the interface, the potential that the software provides, and even demonstrates how flash files can be incorporated into your QuickTime project.
Check out the review here.
Posted by Michelle at 04:36 PM
"My Appalachia"
MFA Thesis Exhibition for Trisha Brady
March 26 - April 2, 2004
University of TN School of Art
Ewing Gallery in the Art & Architecture Building
This show features image and video work from Trisha Brady, a graduate student in the Media Arts Program.
Video showings of "Little Pigeon", a short film, will be March 27 at 7pm and 8pm.
Reception will be March 27, 6-9PM
Posted by Michelle at 11:16 AM
Update: DVD Studio Pro 2.05
Update includes critical fixes for placement of the dual layer break point on DVD-9 titles.
http://www.apple.com/dvdstudiopro/download/
Posted by admin at 06:54 AM
March 23, 2004
Update: Macromedia Fireworks MX Update
7.02 update for Macromedia Fireworks
More info on the apple site http://www.apple.com/downloads/macosx/imaging_3d/macromediafireworksmxupdate.html
Posted by admin at 01:58 PM
Exposure: The Internet Resource For Low-Budget Filmmakers
Exposure is a sight for the low-budget filmmaker. With resources (including a Robert Rodriguez 10 minute film school), recommended readings and more.
http://www.exposure.co.uk/index.html
Posted by admin at 01:46 PM
March 22, 2004
New Scanner in Studio
A new scanner has arrived in The Studio. The professional level large format (12" X 17") scanner can capture 48 bit color and a 3200 X 1600 dpi optical resolution.
For more informaiton visit:
http://www.microtekusa.com/sm9800xltma.html
Posted by admin at 01:42 PM
Apple Developer Reference Library
Apple has launched a reference library of developer resources. From the official blurb:
"The ADC Reference Library is a powerful new information tool that
integrates and organizes Apple's collections of developer
documentation, sample code, technical notes, technical Q&As, and
release notes, and makes them easier to find and use. Key features
include:
- Powerful sorting and filtering features that allow you to
customize your information search by topic, subtopic, date, and
content type
- Navigational features that allow you to move vertically from
topic to subtopic, or horizontally from collection to collection
- "Getting Started" documents that guide learning on key
technologies
- Consistent, logical organization of content that supports
multiple browse paths "
http://developer.apple.com/referencelibrary/
Posted by admin at 08:45 AM
March 05, 2004
Apple RSS Feeds
Apple has a growing list of RSS feeds relating to software and and news.
Not familiar with RSS? Check out this primer.
Posted by admin at 08:39 AM
Apple iDVD 4.01 Update
3/2/04 - Apple has released an update to iDVD to 4.01
To see what it fixes/improves go here
http://www.apple.com/support/downloads/idvdupdate.html
Posted by admin at 07:50 AM
Brian Eno, Peter Gabriel - Manifesto
MUDDA - The Magnificent Union of Digitally Downloading Artists.
"We are determined that we should try and take advantage of this situation and help transform the music business in such a way that artists are on level terms with record companies, receive fair payments and have new opportunities to be their own retailer when they choose. "
http://www.mudda.org/index.lasso?page=home
Posted by admin at 07:38 AM
March 04, 2004
iLife MiniManual Available
Prior to the spring release of the iLife "missing manual" books, O'Reilly has a 56 page pdf available on the features of iLife (iMovie, iPhoto, Garage Band, iDVD, iTunes)
http://www.oreillynet.com/mac/excerpt/iLife04_MiniManual.pdf
Posted by admin at 07:53 PM
March 02, 2004
Basics of Digital Recording
http://arts.ucsc.edu/ems/music/tech_background/TE-16/teces_16.html
A basic primer on sample rate, word size and error correction.
Posted by admin at 04:33 PM
MediaCollege.Com
http://www.mediacollege.com/
"MediaCollege.com is a free, not-for-profit resource website providing educational and reference material in the field of electronic media. Topics covered include video & television production, audio work, still imagery & graphics, website design and more."
Posted by admin at 04:26 PM
Internet Archive: Free and Useful
http://www.archive.org/movies/movies.php
The Moving Image Archive of the Internet Archive has a wealth of video footage with nearly unrestricted access. Need inspiration on how one might use this type of footage, check out Justin Cone's movie.
Posted by admin at 02:32 PM
Macromedia offers Freehand MX Update
This updater fixes several outstanding issues discovered since the release of FreeHand MX v.11.0.1 and improves support for Macintosh OS X 10.3.
http://www.macromedia.com/support/freehand/updaters.html
Posted by admin at 10:15 AM
DRM and MP3
It looks like there is a DRM component on the way for the MP3 format. From C|Net...
"Thomson and Fraunhofer, the companies that license and own the patents behind the MP3 digital music technology, are in the midst of creating a new digital rights management add-on for the popular format..."
Read more at http://news.com.com/2100-1027_3-5167841.html
Posted by admin at 10:04 AM