Customer Reviews:
Too much programmation in it.......2006-07-05
I thought this would be a book about how to compress things in different modes so you could make the final results nicer...Its too much about creating codecs which I dont wanna do at all !
I was bored at first chapter ;o(
CD-ROM has value.......2005-10-14
Only CD-ROM has value, don't like the text. Not very useful to build anything.
Good as a general introduction.......2005-06-03
I would reccommend this book if you want to learn how compression works, where the limitations come from, where future improvemens may come from and what the standards are all about.
You won't find implementation details and mathematical rigour in this book ; its goal is to explain the concepts.
Excellent book.......2005-01-10
I liked this book very much. I graduated at a technical university and I wish I had had such good books there! The basics, the chapters on JPEG, MPEG-1, -2 and DV are extremely good and the other chapters give a good overview on the corresponding subjects. I do recommend this book to anyone interested in general video compression, or, e.g. how DVD works...
If I lost this book somehow I would definitely buy it again!
Not an h.264 Book.......2004-08-17
Richardson book (H.264 and MPEG-4 Video Compression) is the best book on h.264 -- by virtue of being the only one.
The cover of Symes' book proclaims "Featuring: JVT/H.264/MPEG-4 Part 10". However, there's one chapter on JVT, and it is somewhat sketchy. The only level of real detail is on the transform. The rest of the AVC/h.264 standard receives brief and superficial coverage. The coverage of WMV-9, an analogous next gen codec, is even sketchier. It doesn't mention the SMPTE VC-9 standardization effort, based on WMV-9.
Next gen codecs aside, it's not a bad book as a general overview of compression. It has a breezy style that's easy to read. While some sections are quite thorough, it doesn't consistently dig past the surface.
Here's an example:
"Context-based adaptive binary arithmetic coding (CABAC) is a development of arithmetic coding mentioned in Chapter 3."
-- page 243, Chapter 12, JVT
"Explanation of the arithmetic coding process is beyond the scope of this book."
-- page 47, Chapter 3, Entropy Coding
In a nut shell, this book is a good addition to the video processing bookshelf, but it won't stand as a definitive reference to this new protocol. Maybe next edition.
Amazon.com
The title of The Digital Filmmaking Handbook is something of an oxymoron, because this thorough book covers everything you need to know about filmmaking production, from concept to screening. The only missing element is film itself.
Film and video production are in transition. Film and analog videotape rapidly are approaching the end of their technological lives, being replaced by digital videotape and digital cameras. You can buy computers that connect to DV cameras and edit DV tape almost anywhere, and they cost only slightly more than an entry-level computer. The Digital Filmmaking Handbook, then, is for anyone buying into the DV revolution who wants to do more than shoot home movies of the kids. It's for filmmakers young and old, professional and hobbyist, who want to learn to shoot, edit, and make great movies.
Unlike traditional filmmaking books, in which only the camera and some audio and editing equipment are addressed, part of this book approaches the medium from a computer hardware and software perspective. Numerous hardware issues like choosing the components for an editing workstation (chapter 5), the kind of digital video camera to use (chapter 6), selecting editing and audio software (chapter 7), and various output formats (chapter 18) are discussed. Also, there are chapters on effects, making video look like film (chapter 17), and digital titling (chapter 16).
The book never strays from speaking to moviemakers instead of moviemaking-gear buyers. Everything from preproduction tasks (such as scripting, storyboarding, and budgeting) to production tasks (like set preparation, lighting, filming (sans film), and sound recording) through final editing, color correction, titles, and output is explained. Filmmaking is heavily dependent on technology, and each of these subjects is well covered. Chapters on audio, for example, include selection of microphone types; differences between mic types; how to connect mics to a DV camera or synchronize audio in postproduction; how to control sound levels; and so on.
The chapter on editing reflects the experience of the authors. Films are understood through their own language, and how scenes are edited determines the dialect of that language. Such techniques as matching screen position, matching emotion and tone, matching action, when to use pauses and overlapping edits, and the effect of pauses and pull-ups (shortening a scene) are defined and justified.
If you can't get into NYU's film school--or even if you can--The Digital Filmmaking Handbook is a worthy reference to keep at your fingertips. --Mike Caputo
Book Description
New video technology makes it possible to produce Hollywood-quality features, documentaries, training films, and a variety of other productions at a fraction of the cost of traditional film production. To master these digital tools for production, producers need to understand how to integrate these technologies with the traditional filmmakers resources. If you are interested in, or are currently producing digital features, documentaries, training material, etc., everything you need to know about digital hardware, software, scripting, production, postproduction, and editing is included in this comprehensive resource. Unlike other books on this subject THE DIGITAL FILMMAKING HANDBOOK guides novice filmmakers through the entire production process, (covers both Windows and Macintosh platform issues), while helping experienced filmmakers discover how DV differs from what they already know. Its not just about video on your desktop, its about using your desktop to create productions that can be distributed on the web, home video, broadcast television, projection or video including NTSC, PAL or DTV.
Customer Reviews:
This is the book you'll need..........2007-04-19
If you're like me, just getting started as a hobbyist filmmaker, this is the book. I only received it yesterday and glancing through the contents, it covers most, if not all of the questions I've had about certain aspects of filmmaking. It is well written in everyday english, easy to understand.
Since yesterday when I first opened the cover, I haven't been able to set it down for very long. It's that good. I highly recommend this book to any and all levels of individuals who want to learn about filmmaking from the ground up. It covers it all.
From writing to production: everything you'll need..........2006-03-16
Ben Long and Sonja Schenk's DIGITAL FILMMAKING HANDBOOK THIRD EDITION pairs a fine DVD packed with project files, film clips and tutorials with an updated, revised edition of a best-selling guide to new digital video technologies. Chapters have all been revised to cover the latest hardware and software configurations and new exercises provide help with everything from writing to production. Black and white screen shots and examples throughout make DIGITAL FILMMAKING HANDBOOK a one-step resource.
Good Description of How to Get Started.......2006-03-13
An excellent one stop guide to getting started in digital filmmaking, realizing of course, that there is no film involved.
This book starts with selecting the things like the type of camera you need to make digital video. And for good work, a good camera is necessary, and expensive. IThe book is intended for the person who is just getting started. It explains the terms, the basic equipment you will need, and so on.
The concept of making a film, no, a video starts with a story. From here you need a script. Then you do a story board to plan your shoot. If this sounds a bit professional, it is. This book presumes that you are serious about making a video. This is a rough cut at what the pros do to make a film. ==From this book alone you probably won't get to the Academy Awards show, but reading and putting into practice what the book says might get you into a commercial or a local indistrial film production.
All in all a good summary of getting started in the digital AV business.
Great for begginners--NOT for advanced or anyone who has any brains.......2005-10-31
This book was written for people that have no clue what a computer, a video camera, or a movie is. It is written for the very inexperienced or novice--the people that should not be making movies to begin with.
But it is packed with information a 7 year old or 88 year old can understand, and it is 95% close to being accurate. I guess if one needs to start somewhere, here it is, but after reading it, please do not make your first movie to send to festivals, make as many as you can, practice, practice, practice, then get a real book. Digital Filmmaking 101, Digital Moviemaking, Independent Filmmakers Manual, and so forth before getting into the movie making world--please.
Great starting guide and more!!.......2003-05-20
This book covers all aspects of digital film making and as such doesn't really have the space needed to go into in depth detail on every subject. Regardless, it is a great place to start. It's a very easy read, unlike a lot of film making books that assume you've already got a Masters degree in film. I wont talk much about content descriptions as other reviewers have done a good job of that already - infact, it was on the strength of such user reviews that I bought the book in the first place. I will say this though, if you haven't already bought a camera, buy this book before you do. Lack of funds may make your choices limited anyway, but you wont regret having read this book first.
I have given the book 4 stars instead of five simply because I found the tutorial sections to be a little out of place. The tutorials seem to make the assumption that you have equipment at your desposal - such as expensive lighting kits - and as I imagine that many readers wont, the significance of these tutorials will be slightly lost by the time you do actually have these items in front of you. Unfortunately I couldn't rate the book at 4.5 stars, but that is what I'd like to give it.
In closing, this shouldn't be, and if you're anything like me it wont be, the only book on digital film making that you buy, but it is definately the perfect place to start.
Product Description
iMovie HD 6 + iDVD 6 Essential Training provides a comprehensive overview of Apple's powerful video editing software. Instructor Max Smith teaches everything from essential editing to duplication and distribution of finished projects. No matter what the final goal--editing home videos or producing cinematic music videos for podcasting--
iMovie HD 6 + iDVD 6 Essential Training covers how to reach that goal. Max discusses not only the essentials of how to use iMovie 6 and iDVD 6, but also how to conceptualize a project with storyboards. He demonstrates how to import video and audio from multiple sources, how to choose effective transitions and effects, how to edit for best flow, and how to burn discs or save for Web broadcast. The iDVD 6 tutorials included in this training show users how to choose a suitable theme, how to select photos and videos, and how to create professional DVD menus.
Product Description
D.I.V.E., which stands for Digital Interactive Video Education, is a revolutionary product which utilizes recently developed software and hardware technology to create math and science lectures on a computer whiteboard that looks and sounds as though you are doing a lecture in a real classroom.
Product Description
DVD Studio Pro 3 Essential Training is a movie-based tutorial workshop intended for the beginning or intermediate DVD Studio Pro user who wants to not only gain a clearer understanding of how to create custom DVD content and delivery but also take advantage of some of the softwares more advanced features. In addition to complete exercise files, the workshop also includes hours of tips and techniques designed to help users master video compression using Compressor, improve audio using A.Pack, create a simple DVD using existing DVD SP templates, and create a more complex DVD with overlay and motion menus, stories, subtitles, and scripts.
Product Description
Tutorial DVD about 2 hours long. Play in any DVD player or CD-ROM.
Take great pictures with your Nikon D80! All you need is this training DVD and about 2 hours, and you'll have the knowledge and the confidence to create the images you want. The topics are arranged in chapters, so you can move at your own pace, and return later to individual subjects.
Topics include:
Be prepared (to get the shot)
- Shutter priority
- Aperture Priority/Depth of field
- Focus alternatives
- Metering and bracketing
- White balance/color temperature
- ISO
- Playback and image review
- Creating your own menus
- Understanding histograms
- Exposure compensation
- Flash overview
- Custom settings
- Programmable buttons
- RAW (NEF) files
- Composition
- Self-timer and shutter delay
- and much more!
Book Description
Pat McKeague's passion and dedication to teaching mathematics and his ongoing participation in mathematical organizations provides the most current and reliable textbook series for both instructors and students. When writing a textbook, Pat McKeague's main goal is to write a textbook that is user-friendly. Students develop a thorough understanding of the concepts essential to their success in mathematics with his attention to detail, exceptional writing style, and organization of mathematical concepts. Intermediate Algebra: A Text/Workbook, Seventh Edition offers a unique and effortless way to teach your course, whether it is a traditional lecture course or a self-paced course. In a lecture-course format, each section can be taught in 45- to 50-minute class sessions, affording instructors a straightforward way to prepare and teach their course. In a self-paced format, Pat's proven EPAS approach (Example, Practice Problem, Answer and Solution) moves students through each new concept with ease and assists students in breaking up their problem-solving into manageable steps. The Seventh Edition of INTERMEDIATE ALGEBRA: A TEXT/WORKBOOK has new features that will further enhance your students' learning, including boxed features entitled Improving Your Quantitative Literacy, Getting Ready for Chapter Problems, Section Objectives and Enhanced and Expanded Review Problems. These features are designed so your students can practice and reinforce conceptual learning. Furthermore, iLrn/MathematicsNow™, a new Brooks/Cole technology product, is an assignable assessment and homework system that consists of pre-tests, Personalized Learning Plans, and post-tests to gauge concept mastery.
Customer Reviews:
Best Intermediate Algebra textbook I've ever seen!.......1999-10-29
I've taught Intermediate Algebra for the past 5 years, and this is the best Intermediate Algebra text I've ever seen. The sections are clearly organized with many more worked examples than in most textbooks. The problems sets are excellent also. You won't find anything better in Intermediate Algebra: I've seen the rest, GO WITH McKEAGUE CAUSE HE'S THE BEST!
An easy to follow guide for mastering Algebra........1999-07-02
This text book starts at the beginning, with each lesson progressing a step further. The language and examples are clear. Particularly noteworthy are the study guides. Follow them faithfully, keep plugging away, and you WILL master Algebra!
Book Description
Compression for Great Digital Video is an essential reference for encoding digital video and audio for the Web, CDROM, DVD, and other media. Digital video professionals achieve better and faster results by learning everything that happens before compression (shooting, editing, and capturing) and after compression (getting files on the server, getting reliable bandwidth, and end-user configuration). This book provides a solid foundation in the fundamentals of light, vision, and compression technology applicable to any compression software. It also teaches how to use the most popular applications to optimize files for maximum quality, efficiency, and manageability.
Compression for Great Digital Videoshows readers how to achieve better results quicker when encoding digital video and audio for the Web, CD-ROM, DVD, and other media.
Customer Reviews:
Balance of breadth and depth.......2004-10-21
This book is not meant for beginners. The reviewer who gave the book one star is simply clueless, who obviously chose to ignore the preface, which clearly says that "this book is for compressionists ..." (i.e., not for total beginners, who should see Digital Video for Dummies).
The author of this book manages to do exactly what he promises, which is to detail the use of a vast number of tools, to generate digital video in countless formats, on innumerable types of media. The possible permutations when all tools, formats, and media are taken together is simply mind-numbing, which is why such a book is necessary in the first place. Any dedicated amateur (or even professional) compressionist needs to know whether there is a better way to do what he or she stumbled across by accident on the vast Internet. This book very clearly describes many of the best combination of tools and strategies to produce the best content possible. The writing style is very fluid and friendly, although I would stop short of calling the book an easy read, because the amount of information is too overwhelming for a straight read; instead, I would use it almost like a reference and jump to a particular chapter to refresh my memory and skills just before undertaking a new compression task.
With so much information to write about, I am sure the book was an organizational nightmare for the author, and although he did an overall great job in organizing it, there are still numerous spots where he could have done a better job of introducing a topic before using it to explain other topics. Examples that come to mind: referring to DirectShow without describing it, or creating examples based on video editing tools like Cleaner without first introducing the tool (there are others).
All in all, this is a book that I will continue to use often.
Interesting in some Ways.......2003-05-23
The rest of the reviewers wrote glowing responses to this book. From our perspective, it could include more background and easily to understand steps on how to utilize some of the tools, techniques, and methods of compression. Are there any other books out there for digital compression in more detail that take into consideration the latest technology issues that might have a bearing such as DTV, HDTV, World Wide Uses on legacy systems as well as state of the art systems.
MUST HAVE for anyone working in DV Production.......2002-11-08
Compression for Great Digital Video
Ben Waggoner
Full Disclosure: I am not a compressionist nor have I ever met Ben. Although, he has answered more than one of my questions in the COW Cleaner Forum.
This book is for compressionists, people who want to be compressionists, and people who on occasion need to pretend they're compressionists (pg. 3). With this clear objective stated up front, Ben opens up and let's his brain pour out over each and every page, all 447 of them.
Right from the beginning I was more than a little intimidated and excited at the same time, just from reviewing the Table of Contents. Ben organizes his knowledge into 25 chapters, a glossary, index and a CD-ROM. I will not list all 25 chapters but trust me, if you can think of it Ben covers it.
The first section (Chapters 1-11) is about general principles of vision, compression, and how compressed video operates (pg. 3). No matter what compressionist category you think you fall into, you will learn something in these first chapters, even if it turns how to be how much you forgot since grade school.
The next section (Chapters 12-24) covers specific video tools and technologies (pg. 3). Ben covers them all and yes, I read them all even the ones that I do not use. Most of the information here I was already formula because when I first started working with Cleaner I studied (yes, studied) the manual. However, now that I have my feet wet the information covered here makes more sense.
The last Chapter (Chapter 25) consists of three extensive tutorials that highlight many of the concepts, formats, and tools discussed throughout the book (pg. 3). They cover; Streaming, Progressive Downloading, and Animation for Video Games. So, if your work covers any of these your in luck, if not (such as me) than you may need to read certain Chapters again to pick up what you missed the first time. The CD only contains short snippets of each projects source files. If you'd like the full-length content you will have to order a DVD-ROM from Ben's website. I have to cry foul here, sure you don't need the full-length content to `get the point' but no where on the outside of the book does it tell you that you will only get snippets. I mention this for those of you that get angry over `thin slim' CD's.
Compression for Great Digital Video is an easy and delightful read. It's not very often that you come across a book that covers this much technical information and yet still manages to be clearly understood. Ben fully explains everything that he mentions and often he even provides additional references should you require more information. This book is a MUST HAVE for anyone who find themselves compressing digital video.
A must have............2002-10-23
As somebody who compressed video - and 2D & 3D animations, a couple of years before Ben, I still found this to be a great book, a good read and well laid out. I'm sure I'll be refering to this book every now and then for a good time to come.
A must have............2002-10-23
As somebody who started compressing video - and 2D & 3D animations, a couple of years before Ben, I still found this to be a great book, a good read and well laid out. I'm sure I'll be refering to this book every now and then for a good time to come.
Product Description
Premiere Pro 2 Essential Training with Jeff Schell covers all the vital details of the latest version of Adobes feature-packed video editing application. You'll start out learning interface and workspace tips and will quickly move on to managing files, assembling sequences, adding graphics, titles, effects and transitions, working with video and audio effects, and authoring DVDs and export movies. Jeff even includes tips on multi-camera editing, tackling project management from start to finish, and working with DV and HDV footage. Exercise files accompany the training videos, allowing you to follow along and learn at your own pace. If you are brand new to working with digital video, we recommend you watch
Digital Video Principles first.
Customer Reviews:
Great jumpstart for using Premiere!.......2007-04-05
I had a big video-slideshow project that I needed to get done in a short amount of time, and I didn't want to hire someone. I decided to take on Premiere myself. Although I'm very good at learning from books, I knew the learning curve would be steep. Jeff's video was the perfect shortcut. It was well worth the investment. His instruction was clear, fun, and easy to follow. He is very good at picking the things you really need to know and taking you right to the heart of each topic. He also throws in useful practical tips that it might otherwise take you a long time to figure out. I am very glad that I made the decision to purchase and use this video; I can't imagine how many hours I saved!
Product Description
Blue Crane Digital 2006, Tutorial DVD about 2 hours long. Play in any DVD player or CD-Rom Drive.
Take great pictures with your Canon Digital Rebel XTi, in some countries called EOS 400D. All you need is this training DVD and about two hours and you'll have the knowledge and the confidence to create the images you want. The topics are arranged in chapters, so you can move at your own pace, and return later to individual subjects.
Topics include:
be prepared (to get the shot)
- Time value
- Aperture value/Depth of field
- Depth of field preview
- Picture styles
- AF modes
- Metering and bracketing
- White balance/Color temperature
- ISO
- Using playback to get great images
- Understanding histograms
- Exposure compensation
- Flash overview
- Focus points
- Lens selection
- Custom functions
- Programmable buttons
- RAW (NEF) files
- Composition
- Data Photo Professional software
- And much more!
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Books Index
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Direction & Production
| Movies
| Entertainment
| Subjects
| Books
H.264 and MPEG-4 Video Compression: Video Coding for Next Generation Multimedia
Video Demystified, Fifth Edition: A Handbook for the Digital Engineer (Learning Made Simple) (Learning Made Simple)
Digital Video and HDTV Algorithms and Interfaces (The Morgan Kaufmann Series in Computer Graphics)
RTP: Audio and Video for the Internet
Video Over IP: A Practical Guide to Technology and Applications (Focal Press Media Technology Professional Series)
