| iMovie '08 Library Compressor 1.2
Like it or not, iMovie '08 is the future of iMovie. And, truth be told, I actually like it. Not in comparison to iMovie HD, but as an easy-to-use movie-making program, iMovie '08 is actually pretty good. One useful feature of iMovie '08 is that, like iPhoto, it keeps a library of all your DV clips handy and available, regardless of which project you're currently editing, so you have to import each clip only once to make it available to any project. The downside of this approach is that your iMovie Events folder, which contains all your imported DV footage, can quickly grow to ginormous proportions—DV files are big . One solution to this dilemma is Nik Friedman's iMovie '08 Library Compressor 1.2 ( ; free). This AppleScript-based utility uses the H.264 codec to compress the DV files in your iMovie Events folder; since iMovie '08 supports H.264 video, you can still use these smaller files in your projects.
Soundtrack 1.0
Apple's Soundtrack made its debut last June, as part of the massive video-editing bundle Final Cut Pro 4. But now the same Soundtrack software is available as a stand-alone product. This puts Soundtrack within reach of video editors, Web designers, and content providers who don't need the rest of the Final Cut Pro 4 package. Soundtrack 1.0.1 is a fun program based on sound loops. It lets you quickly create original, royalty-free music for video and multimedia projects. It requires at least a 500MHz Power Mac, Mac OS X 10.2.5, and 5GB of available hard-drive space. Apple's official specs say that you can install the program with a CD and that the sound loops, called Apple Loops, on the included DVD are optional, but this isn't really the case. Soundtrack's entire appeal lies in the fact that it lets you mix and match the 4GB of material it provides.
Gateway Plugs Phenom Into Two New Media-Friendly Desktops
With a Phenom 9600 processor, the GM5664 is oriented toward users interested in extreme gaming, digital photo and video editing, watching TV or movies and storing a massive media library. In addition to the hybrid optical drive, the machine features an integrated analog/digital TV tuner with remote control that lets consumers watch, pause and record their favorite live programming. Free WiFi Hotspot Locator from TechNewsWorldWondering where to find the nearest publicly available WiFi Internet access? Our global directory of more than 100,000 locations in 26 countries is a terrific tool for mobile computer users. .
The Year in Rewind
DVD Reissue of the Year: Warner Home Video's incredible release of Blade Runner was a triumph for archivist-documentarian Charles de Lauzirika, who oversaw the reconstruction of Ridley Scott's influential 1982 sci-fi detective story into a stunning new package built around a definitive new director's cut and a comprehensive documentary running over three and a half hours. And that's just the basic two-disc set; you could also opt for four- or five-disc sets that included as many as four different cuts of the movie, including the legendary Workprint version. Whether or not you buy into the theory of Deckard as a replicant, this is an essential title for your library ... particularly if you own a high-definition player. .
ResNet moves to Burge Union
Think of it as the trek of the tech: student technology services move into the Burge Union. ResNet, which provides Internet service for student housing, moved to the Burge from McCollum Hall over winter break. Last Monday, an information technology desk opened. The technology services moved to the Burge Union this semester in hopes that the Burge's location near the Anschutz sports complex will make the services more accessible for students. Next fall, students will see a Pulse coffee shop, new furniture and 10 to 15 high-end-computer workstations, in addition to the help desk. The workstations will feature software for photo and video editing. A large screen plasma or LCD TV will be added to a conference room. Students also will be able to check out laptops, digital cameras and digital camcorders.
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