ASK Video Ships Pro Tools Level 2 DVD Tutorial

ASK Video Interactive Media, a leading creator of software tutorials on DVD, is now shipping Pro Tools Level 2, the second in a set of three DVD tutorials covering one of the recording industry’s most powerful Digital Audio Workstations.

Pro Tools expert Brian Hogue returns to expand on the foundation built in Level 1 with 29 new, extremely high-quality videos covering intermediate and advanced topics. Using Pro Tools 7, this DVD is a must for user of both HD and LE and features an easy to use interface for progressive learning as well as quick reference.

Picking up where Level 1 leaves off, this DVD begins with advanced set-up topics like Templates, Rulers, Digibase, and Tempo Track. Next, Brian will take the user through more advanced audio features of Pro Tools including Editing, Looping, Headphone Mixes, and Plug-ins. The DVD concludes with chapters on Advanced Mixing, Sends and Bussing, Beat Detective, Delay Compensation and ReWire.

Pro Tools Level 2 contains a Mac OS X & Windows compatible DVD-Rom, DVD (NTSC) and DVD (PAL) all in one package! Pro Tools Level 2 DVD Tutorial is available now for $55 USD. Pro Tools Level 1/Level 2 Bundle is available for $100 USD.
Video examples and ordering information are available at http://www.askvideo.com.

Adobe to Webcast Creative Suite 3 Launch Event

Adobe Systems Incorporated (NASDAQ: ADBE) today announced an exclusive event to celebrate the company’s highly-anticipated milestone launch of Adobe® Creative Suite® 3. The event will be webcast live from New York City on March 27, 2007 at 3:30 p.m. ET at http://www.adobe.com/go/cs3launch. Themed “Creative License,” the event will showcase how the new Creative Suite 3 empowers customers to expand creative expression. Adobe executives Bruce Chizen, chief executive officer, Shantanu Narayen, president and chief operating officer and Johnny Loiacono, senior vice president of Creative Suites will present the company’s vision for creative markets and offer event guests and online viewers firsthand looks at the new product offerings.

“This event is the perfect backdrop to reveal Creative Suite 3, the most significant launch in Adobe’s 25-year history,” said Mark Hilton, vice president of Creative Suites at Adobe. “We encourage our friends and colleagues from around the globe to sign onto the webcast and join us as we celebrate creative freedom and the beginning of a new era in engaging experiences.”

Schedule of Events:

3:30 p.m. ET
Welcome Address – Bruce Chizen, CEO, Adobe
Vision for the Creative Market – Shantanu Narayen, President and COO, Adobe

3:45 p.m. ET
Adobe Creative Suite 3 Product Demonstration – John Loiacono, Senior Vice President of Creative Solutions, Adobe

OmniOutliner Tutorial Videos Now Available

The Omni Group has announced the first in a series of video tutorials for their products, produced by
ScreenCastsOnline. The tutorials are currently available for OmniOutliner, and can be viewed from The Omni Group’s website. ScreenCastsOnline (http://www.screencastonline.com/) and The Omni Group have worked together to create seven short video tutorials for The Omni Group’s outlining and organizational product, OmniOutliner. The videos provide an overview of how OmniOutliner works, and offer
tips for new and advanced users alike.

The videos are available at http://www.omnigroup.com/applications/omnioutliner/tutorials/>.

A fully licensed copy of OmniOutliner is currently shipping on all new Mac hardware, and upgrade pricing is available for the Pro version. More information about OmniOutliner is available at http://www.omnigroup.com/applications/omnioutliner/>.

Adobe Brings Video Editing Tools Online

Adobe Systems Incorporated is pioneering a new way to deliver its industry leading creative software technologies online, with the launch of its web-based video remix and editing technology. Today, Adobe and Photobucket announced a partnership to integrate Adobe web-based video remix and editing technology directly into the Photobucket user experience, giving 35 million Photobucket users direct, free access to world-class digital video editing tools. The agreement marks a new stage in Adobe’s delivery of its renowned video software technologies that today underpin flagship products such as Adobe(r) Premiere(r) Elements and Adobe Premiere Pro.

The company expects to announce more partnerships with Internet companies and media properties over the coming months. These free services are expected to be driven by advertising revenue – and by offering customers simple upgrade paths to Adobe Premiere Elements and Adobe Photoshop(r) Elements software, both market leaders in the home
digital video and photo editing space.

Today’s agreement with Photobucket points the way to the kind of future partnerships and breakthrough user experiences Adobe anticipates. Adobe’s web-based video remix and editing technology is an easy-to-use video editor that allows consumers the creative freedom to infuse
personality and dramatic impact into their stories before releasing them to a broader online audience. Users can drag and drop music, effects, transitions and titles to videos, as well as reorder, trim and split clips.

Delivered as a lightweight Adobe Flash(r) application and built using Adobe Flex(tm) software, Adobe web-based video remix and editing technology is accessible to the more than 700 million personal computers that today support Adobe Flash Player software. Adobe’s web-based video
remix and editing technology launches directly in the browser on Photobucket’s web site, with no time-consuming downloads or platform compatibility questions to deter users from uploading and editing their videos. The new video editing capabilities in Photobucket are initially available via limited public beta to Photobucket Pro users, and will be available for free to Photobucket’s entire user base of 35 million members by early March 2007.

CS Odessa reveals ConceptDraw Lab project

CS Odessa launches ConceptDraw Lab project which combines corporate blog, new products marketplace and discussion forum. In the context of ConceptDraw Lab there are planned periodic releases of freeware utilities developed by CS Odessa engineers, publishing of the latest news and articles on products, company and technology.

The first product developed for free download on the ConceptDraw Lab is a iCalGTD Dashboard widget that partially implements the popular “Getting Things Done” time management system. The free widget integrates with any GTD software via iCal.

The iCalGTD widget is the fastest way to put ideas, tasks and any other assorted pieces of information that we can think of into a selected iCal calendar that serves as inbox. At the same time widget has the ability to display a list of the tasks scheduled for today.

You can read more about widget and download it Free at:
http://labs.conceptdraw.com

Win Mix It Like A Record and DUY Global Bundle

Kagi Media, producers of Mix It Like A Record, the enormously successful interactive mixing course authored by Grammy-winning engineer, mixer and producer Charles Dye, together with DUY, a leading developer of a broad range of plug-ins for Pro Tools, are sponsoring a contest in which three winners will receive a copy of the Mix It Like A Record mixing course and DUY’s Global Bundle.

The widely praised interactive mixing course teaches the secrets of mixing with Pro Tools. Leading industry professionals, pro audio critics, top educators, bestselling authors and users all agree, Mix It Like A Record is the best and fastest way to learn the elusive skill of mixing, and now you can win a free copy.

DUY’s Global Bundle is a potent combination of six high-definition sound sculpting tools. ReDSPider – an entire plug-in bundle in a single plug; DaD Tape – physically models analog tape machines; DaD Valve – physically models classic tubes; DUY Shape – a 3-band spectral and dynamic enhancer; DUY Wide – widens stereo image by placing sounds outside the speakers; and Max DUY – maximizes level with zero harmonic distortion.

To enter the contest, go to www.harddisklife.com and click on “Contest”. Watch the two streaming movies about DUY’s plug-ins. They contain example chapters from Mix It Like A Record, and a tutorial on DUY’s Global Bundle taught by Xavi Sanchez-Roemmele of DUY. Then answer a couple simple questions and submit to win Mix It Like A Record and DUY’s Global Bundle.
The movies are worth the visit alone, but all entrants are also eligible to purchase Mix It Like A Record, which retails for $149, at a special contest discount price of only $99. The contest runs from January 18th until February 31st.
http://www.mtechmarketing.com/KAGI_011807_DUY_Contest.html

PinPoint 3 Contest Launched today

The MacChampion Team today is launching a new contest in preparation for the final release of PinPoint 3, the latest version of their
pointer enhancement program. PinPoint 3 is a huge upgrade to the popular program which displays various graphical effects around the mouse pointer.

In order to find the best creative ideas for new pointers to release
with the final version, the MacChampion Team has decided to create a
contest to find the most creative designers and programmers out there
to create custom pointers to be distributed with PinPoint 3 upon launch.

Any decent submission will be rewarded a free license to PinPoint and
be posted to the "Extra Pointers" section of our web site. The best pointers will be included in the release of PinPoint 3 and installed by default and credit will be displayed in the PinPoint Preference Pane and 5 free registration codes will be given to the selected winners.

Start by downloading PinPoint 3’s current beta on their site:
http://www.macchampion.com

MacAddict To Become MacLife Magazine

MacAddict, Future US Inc.’s leading independent magazine devoted to today’s passionate Mac users, will become Mac|Life beginning with the February 2007 issue on stands January 9th. The change is a result of the market’s evolution from a niche community of Mac “addicts” to one that includes all Apple technology users.

With the transition to Mac|Life, the magazine will be the sole publication to speak to larger audience of Apple users and whose mission, voice and aesthetics communicate and celebrate what Apple represents: breathtaking design and productivity in harmony with creativity. The redesigned Mac|Life offers more pages, larger size, and higher quality paper. Even the tag line — “Create. Share. Enjoy.” — has changed to make a direct statement of what the magazine’s content allows readers to do with their Mac products. In lieu of its traditional CD supplement, the disc’s applications and bonus content will be available online at http://www.maclife.com, going live in early January.

Written for both new and veteran users, Mac|Life will continue providing exclusive, authoritative information and advice for readers who want to get the most out of their Macs, iPods and third-party hardware, software and services. The magazine will also deliver informative feature articles showcasing the latest hardware and software, an expanded “how-to” section and candid reviews of the latest gear.

O’Reilly’s Digital Media Holiday Gift Guide

Want to give a book or two to the digital lifestyler on your holiday list, but don’t know where to start? Here’s a handy guide for you (or a broad hint or two to your loved ones). For iPodders and dedicated digital photographers–these seven books from O’Reilly Media answer questions, explore new techniques, demystify digital gear, and inspire creativity.

A Holiday Must-Have Book from a Master Digital Photographer “Stephen Johnson on Digital Photography”
by Stephen Johnson O’Reilly, $39.99
Inspire your favorite digital shooters with a beautiful new book illuminating the pioneering techniques, ideas, and artistic inspirations of an acclaimed landscape photographer. An early adopter of digital technology, Johnson has challenged the new medium throughout his career to help him translate his creative visions into art. With this book, Johnson shares for the first time his stimulating ideas about balancing composition, science, craft, and artistry. Equally important, he encourages readers to trust their personal artistic sensibilities.

Turn Every iPodder into a Power User
“iPod: The Missing Manual,” Fifth Edition by J.D. Biersdorfer O’Reilly, $19.99 With 68 million iPods out there, no doubt they’re one of the most popular and defining devices of a generation. Yet many folks don’t know that iPods can do so much more than play music. Fortunately, New York Times tech columnist J.D. Biersdorfer helps iPodders of all ages and skill levels squeeze more enjoyment from their Shuffles, Nanos, and video iPods. Concise explanations paired with color graphics make this inviting book an excellent choice for every iPodder, young and old.

The Ultimate Reference for Scrapbookers
“Photoshop Elements 5: The Missing Manual” by Barbara Brundage O’Reilly, $39.99 For the Photoshop Elements 5 users on your gift list, here’s a book to help unleash their inner scrapbookers. Engaging insider tips for all the cool scrapbooking tools make creating multi-page documents, fancy photo arrangements with real-world-looking frames, and personalized layouts a snap. In addition, the book covers the tools the pros use to make their photos shine.

Walk the Talk
“Practical Color Management: Eddie Tapp on Digital Photography”
by Eddie Tapp O’Reilly, $29.99
Color management is a subject every digital photographer needs to know more about, not just pros–yet the topic has become needlessly mysterious. In this handy, 150-page compact guide, one of the nation’s most popular photography teachers explains how color management can be integrated into the overall workflow. “Practical Color Management” is the second in a five-book series, following “Photoshop Workflow Setups” (O’Reilly, US $29.99).

Insider Tips and Tricks
“Digital Photography Expert Techniques,” Second Edition by Ken Milburn O’Reilly, $44.99 Who doesn’t crave more megapixels, interchangeable lenses, and larger, noise-free sensors? With huge price drops in digital single-lens reflex (SLR) cameras, folks in record numbers are buying these tricked-out devices. Yet many owners of pro-quality digital SLRs find it daunting to acquire the technical know-how necessary to get the most out of their new gear and software. This master photographer shows how anyone can shoot and display compelling images–from family and vacation albums to artistic collages.

For Frequent Flyers
“Window Seat: The Art of Digital Photography and Creative Thinking”
Julieanne Kost O’Reilly, $39.99
Here’s a thought-provoking book from a creative thinking guru and Photoshop expert. Julieanne takes her own experiences of shooting images some 35,000 feet above the planet and produced a unique portfolio of lush and graceful photographs. The photos are accompanied with commentaries describing her experiences and thought processes. A technical appendix includes details of the images were shot, manipulated, and prepared for printing.

Some Like it Raw
“Photoshop CS2 RAW Using Adobe Camera Raw, Bridge, and Photoshop to Get the Most out of Your Digital Camera” by Mikkel Aaland O’Reilly, $34.99 If you know what you’re doing, working with a file format of the uncompressed data file captured by a digital camera’s electronic sensor brings greater flexibility and control to the editing process. In this guide, Mikkel Aaland, author of eight books, explores the entire RAW process, focusing extensively on Photoshop editing techniques targeted to professionals and photo hobbyists alike.

MacHeist Now Open to Public with Prize-Laden Mission

After weeks of activity as an invite-only event, MacHeist is now opened to the public with a new mission for everyone.

MacHeist is a Mac software event involving weekly “heists” for its visitors with free Mac applications as rewards. MacHeist will also be hosting a final week of sales of a software bundle containing some of the hottest apps for OS X, with 25% of proceeds given to customer selected charities.

This week, visitors will be undergoing a heist centering around an infamous unsolved puzzle. Those who participate will be rewarded with free copies of newly released personal finance manager, Cha-Ching, and 1Passwd, the powerful password manager with popular browser integration.

So far, MacHeist members have each had an opportunity to download over a hundred dollars worth of free software, and the event and developers involved have given out over $500,000 in software to the heist community, which after two weeks, numbers over 24,000 members.
The window of opportunity for the second heist will close on Sunday, November 26th.