October 16, 2023

When I write a review, I have two core goals: 1. Provide you with clear guidance on what the software/hardware does so you can make an informed decision on whether it will help you. 2. Provide clear suggestions back to the developers on what they can do to improve the product. I view myself as a voice for the user. 

Which is why I got so annoyed at a recent MacWorld review detailing the "Best Mac for Video Editing." MacWorld is an excellent publication, not some fly-by-night click-bait. But this review was vague, misleading and, ultimately, meaningless. We deserve better.

Link: MacWorld Misses. Why Some Reviews Are So Unhelpful

Thinking about that, I updated an article from 2019 about the move into 8K video. This update includes updated bandwidth data, possible uses of 8K and a look at what this MUCH larger frame size means to our computer systems.

Link: Expanding Into the World of 8K Video

In the news:

NAB New York is coming up and I expect a few new product announcements, But, right now it's pretty quiet out there. Here's what's crossed my desk.

DPA Microphones has launched its new 2017 Shotgun Microphone. Designed to endure extreme weather and mechanical impact, the 2017 will hold up to travel and repeated use in harsh environments. The microphone persists in humid conditions and direct rain showers, as well as dry, arid environments.

Link: DPA Releases New 2017 Shotgun Mic

FXFactory released LED Display Screens for Final Cut Pro. LED Display Screens is a set of 15 new templates for Final Cut Pro (12 effects and 3 titles) that enable users to recreate the unique look and feel of enticing LED panels in 3D space.

Link: https://fxfactory.com/info/leddisplayscreens/

Micromat launched Techtool Pro 18.1.1 which now supports macOS Sonoma.

Link: Micromat Releases Techtool Pro 18.1.1

I've done a lot of writing about Apple Compressor over the years; more than 200 articles and counting. However, the latest version optimized for Apple silicon is faster and better than most of the versions that have gone before. So, I decided to write an article that explains how to get started with Compressor.

Link: The Basics of Using Apple Compressor

Thinking about the Macworld review, here's one that I wrote that provides the kind of useful detail that I expected from their review.

Link: M2 Mac Mini, Mac Studio or Mac Pro? Which to Pick and Configure It for Media Editing

Yesterday, I joined a group driving into the middle of Maine to deliver bags of donated clothing to a resale/food bank operation run by the Methodist church. While the drive was spectacular as the leaves changed colors, what I found most striking was how needed these donations were. That part of Maine has very limited industry and poverty is wide-spread. Men and children's clothing is most in demand and in shortest supply; not just in Maine, but across the country. As editors, we have the opportunity to work with very expensive gear to create stories that can affect tens of thousands of people. Not everyone is that fortunate. Take a look around your area and see where you can help. Food banks especially need our support.

Until next Monday, stay healthy, stay hopeful and edit well.

TUTORIALS & REVIEWS

» MacWorld Misses. Why Some Reviews Are So Unhelpful (Commentary)

  » Vacuous, uninformed and useless. We deserver better.

» The Basics of Using Apple Compressor (Tutorial)

  » Compressor is much better. Here's how to get started.

» Expanding Into the World of 8K (Tutorial)

  » 8K is already here. Learn how it will affect your computer system.

» M2 Macs. Which to Pick and How to Configure it for Editing (Tutorial)

  » How to make an informed decision on which is the right gear for you.

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