Larry Jordan's Newsletter

Dec. 5, 2022

NOTE: Due to my travel schedule, I'm writing this newsletter on Thursday last week. So, if there is breaking news, I'll cover it next week.

MacOS 13.1 is likely to release next week. My goal is to upgrade a week after it's released. And, yes, I'll write up what I learn. Until then, I'm still waiting.

My lead story is a guest post that looks at collaboration tools for video editors.

Link: These Online Tools Enable Better Collaboration for Media Editing

In the news it's the week after Thanksgiving, there isn't a lot happening:

postPerspective is an information resource you need to know about. Founded by industry veteran Randi Altman, postPerspective encourages sharing, understanding and analysis of the techniques, technologies, products and companies that shape our industry and support the work of its artists. I've worked with Randi a lot in the past and consider her a major asset to our community.

Link: https://postperspective.com/

Studio Technologies, manufacturer of high-quality audio, video, and fiber-optic solutions, announces the new Model 203 Announcer’s Console. The unit offers simple deployment and support of the Dante Audio-over-Ethernet technology. It provides main and talkback output channels, talent cue (IFB) inputs, and sidetone capability. Compatible with both Dante and AES67, the Model 203 integrates seamlessly into modern broadcast workflows.

Link: https://studio-tech.com/product-type/announcers-and-producers-consoles/

Sound Devices just launched the A20-Nexus, a portable 8-channel (expandable up to 16) true diversity digital wireless receiver designed to be the flagship of their new Astral series wireless range. A20-Nexus is designed to be the ideal compact wireless hub for any production setup.

Link: https://www.sounddevices.com

Alteon released LaunchPad which, in combination with Opera Crypto Browser, allows users who have little to no experience in Web3 or NFTs to drag and drop any media file into the browser, which automatically writes a simple smart contract and uploads the file to a blockchain—transforming NFTs into an accessible media type.

I'm a deep sceptic of crypto in general and NFTs in specific. Still, for those interested in NFTs, this new product may be worth learning more about.

Link: https://alteon.io

My article last week discussing the differences in measuring storage speed between Activity Monitor, Blackmagic Disk Speed Test and AJA System Test Lite created a lot of discussion. Even better, though, BMD and AJA got directly involved in figuring out what's going on. This is a developing story and I continue to learn more. I hope to have more to report next week.

Link: Significant Test Result Differences Between AJA System Test Lite and Blackmagic Disk Speed Test

To that end, Lee suggested that I also look at AmorphousDiskMark, from Katsura Software. This is software that also measures storage speeds, but in different ways. I was impressed and wrote a product review of it.

Link: Review: AmorphousDiskMark 4.0 from Katsura Software

My next review looks at MagicMenu, from iBoysoft. This expands what we can do when we right-click a file or the Finder itself. If you are looking for shortcuts and faster ways of working, you need to read this.

Link: Review: MagicMenu, from iBoysoft

Finally, I'm continuing my journey in getting a media asset management system up and running. The challenge, I'm discovering, isn't the software, but getting assets imported, cataloged, then made accessible to the team. To this end, I set up a reverse proxy server that handles the connections part. Here are the details.

Link: A Reverse Proxy Server Turns a Media Asset Database Into A Private Cloud

I was in Los Angeles last week, presenting to the LACPUG User Group. If I have a home user group, this would be it. It was fun sharing ideas on how we can edit faster and more effectively and providing copies of my Final Cut Pro Power Tips book for the "world-famous raffle." Thanks to Mike Horton for the invitation!

Because of my traveling last week, my normal schedule is all messed up. But things are stabilizing and webinars will return a week from this Wednesday (Dec. 14)! Yay!! But I'm stuck for an idea. If you have a suggestion on what we should talk about, drop me an email. I'll set registration up later this week.

It's December. The days grow shorter, the air gets colder and we all look forward to celebrating the upcoming holidays. Still, allow yourself time as the year wraps up to think ahead to next year and what we each can to do to make it better.

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