By Brooke Saunders
Many people are put off by the thought of trying to edit videos, much less taking on the more complicated features in the programs. But if you keep it simple and just take it step by step, you can have a lot of fun and turn out something reasonably good.
Internet marketing, affiliate sales, and many other ventures can benefit from video content. It works two ways: one is the fact that Google loves video content, and it owns YouTube, so websites with good visual content of this sort typically rank higher. The other is that people often like to see and hear people convey a message through video, they are accustomed to the format.
Once you have a camera, and start taking footage, you'll be happy to know that Windows Movie Maker is included in all Microsoft operating systems bundles. iMovie is great also, but I don't know much about that program, but it is what you need if you have a Mac.
One way to solve a lot of video problems in advance is to download the freeware DVD Video Soft. This is a fantastic set of about 40 programs that is completely free, no spyware and no obligations, much less the obnoxious efforts to sign up for other stuff before you get to use the program. And there is no period you can use it before you have to buy it, no "watermarks" that are embedded in the images. Just remember when installing it to decline the toolbar it wants you to allow, and then install it.
The reason you need this set of programs is file conversion, a critical capability if you plan to edit different types of footage from different makes of camera. The 30 gig HDD Sony camera I use creates files that Windows Movie Maker can use immediately, but the my Cisco Flip camera footage needs to be converted. In addition, WMM does not work with the DVD format, that also must be converted. AVI is the gold standard format WMM and many other editing programs prefer to work with.
You hook your camera up to the computer, usually through a USB port, though some older Panasonics go through a 1394 firewire connection, which not all computers have, especially newer ones. If your camera does have the firewire requirement, only buy a computer with that type of jack, or be prepared to buy a box that converts firewire into USB, and more complexities.
Once the footage is in the computer, go to "import video" in the upper left panel. If it won't import, it tells you right away. Then you need to convert with DVD Video Soft, though you might not need to do that if you know how to add file formats with one of the options in WMM. But I found it a little cumbersome, and actually capable of crashing the program. I'm not sure what happened, could have been my computer or some other variable.
Once I found DVD Video Soft, I could just convert footage quickly, and not bother with the control panel in WMM. For example, if you have one of the flip cameras that saves footage in MP4, you just open up the FREE 3GP Video Converter. This is a mobile phone image format that is apparently designed for the many types of files that show up in that world, yet it works great in WMM.
Browse for your files you want to convert, and then highlight them all. Tip: If you click on the first file, and then look for the last file in the batch and click that one while holding the "shift" key, it will highlight all of the files between. Then import them to the program.
Go to the bottom and leave the setting on "High Quality," and look over to the left, where a tiny black triangle is in a window under the word "Formats." When you click on that, you get a menu with a number of options, you want AVI as the format to convert to, WMM can use that one best.
Once you have everything set, click on "Convert," and wait a few minutes, it's pretty quick, depending on the number of files you have. When it is done, click on the folder to the right, and you'll be in the 3GP output folder. I always copy those files I've just converted and put them in their own folder on the desktop, or other place you can easily find them. For some reason, WMM does not like to import directly from that folder, it's far easier from the desktop.
If you want to convert a DVD into AVI, use FREE DVD converter option in the control panel. Make sure the output format is AVI, and also, do not use "Perfect" quality; instead use the next option below it, "High" quality. I tried Perfect once, and it ran for hours and hours and still was not finished. In most cases, High quality is just fine, and it converts in a relatively short time.
I've actually error corrected files by running them through the 3GP format option, it can work magic on some files that won't play or import into WMM.
If you are looking for the ideal internet business that has a great reputation, check out my site http://www.greenlivingintheusa.com
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Windows Movie Maker Often Requires File Conversion Software
Windows Movie Maker Needs File Conversion Software
By Brooke Saunders
Many people are put off by the thought of trying to edit videos, much less taking on the more complicated features in the programs. But if you keep it simple and just take it step by step, you can have a lot of fun and turn out something reasonably good.
Internet marketing, affiliate sales, and many other ventures can benefit from video content. It works two ways: one is the fact that Google loves video content, and it owns YouTube, so websites with good visual content of this sort typically rank higher. The other is that people often like to see and hear people convey a message through video, they are accustomed to the format.
Once you have a camera, and start taking footage, you'll be happy to know that Windows Movie Maker is included in all Microsoft operating systems bundles. iMovie is great also, but I don't know much about that program, but it is what you need if you have a Mac.
One way to solve a lot of video problems in advance is to download the freeware DVD Video Soft. This is a fantastic set of about 40 programs that is completely free, no spyware and no obligations, much less the obnoxious efforts to sign up for other stuff before you get to use the program. And there is no period you can use it before you have to buy it, no "watermarks" that are embedded in the images. Just remember when installing it to decline the toolbar it wants you to allow, and then install it.
The reason you need this set of programs is file conversion, a critical capability if you plan to edit different types of footage from different makes of camera. The 30 gig HDD Sony camera I use creates files that Windows Movie Maker can use immediately, but the my Cisco Flip camera footage needs to be converted. In addition, WMM does not work with the DVD format, that also must be converted. AVI is the gold standard format WMM and many other editing programs prefer to work with.
You hook your camera up to the computer, usually through a USB port, though some older Panasonics go through a 1394 firewire connection, which not all computers have, especially newer ones. If your camera does have the firewire requirement, only buy a computer with that type of jack, or be prepared to buy a box that converts firewire into USB, and more complexities.
Once the footage is in the computer, go to "import video" in the upper left panel. If it won't import, it tells you right away. Then you need to convert with DVD Video Soft, though you might not need to do that if you know how to add file formats with one of the options in WMM. But I found it a little cumbersome, and actually capable of crashing the program. I'm not sure what happened, could have been my computer or some other variable.
Once I found DVD Video Soft, I could just convert footage quickly, and not bother with the control panel in WMM. For example, if you have one of the flip cameras that saves footage in MP4, you just open up the FREE 3GP Video Converter. This is a mobile phone image format that is apparently designed for the many types of files that show up in that world, yet it works great in WMM.
Browse for your files you want to convert, and then highlight them all. Tip: If you click on the first file, and then look for the last file in the batch and click that one while holding the "shift" key, it will highlight all of the files between. Then import them to the program.
Go to the bottom and leave the setting on "High Quality," and look over to the left, where a tiny black triangle is in a window under the word "Formats." When you click on that, you get a menu with a number of options, you want AVI as the format to convert to, WMM can use that one best.
Once you have everything set, click on "Convert," and wait a few minutes, it's pretty quick, depending on the number of files you have. When it is done, click on the folder to the right, and you'll be in the 3GP output folder. I always copy those files I've just converted and put them in their own folder on the desktop, or other place you can easily find them. For some reason, WMM does not like to import directly from that folder, it's far easier from the desktop.
If you want to convert a DVD into AVI, use FREE DVD converter option in the control panel. Make sure the output format is AVI, and also, do not use "Perfect" quality; instead use the next option below it, "High" quality. I tried Perfect once, and it ran for hours and hours and still was not finished. In most cases, High quality is just fine, and it converts in a relatively short time.
I've actually error corrected files by running them through the 3GP format option, it can work magic on some files that won't play or import into WMM.
If you are looking for the ideal internet business that has a great reputation, check out my site http://www.greenlivingintheusa.com
By Brooke Saunders
Many people are put off by the thought of trying to edit videos, much less taking on the more complicated features in the programs. But if you keep it simple and just take it step by step, you can have a lot of fun and turn out something reasonably good.
Internet marketing, affiliate sales, and many other ventures can benefit from video content. It works two ways: one is the fact that Google loves video content, and it owns YouTube, so websites with good visual content of this sort typically rank higher. The other is that people often like to see and hear people convey a message through video, they are accustomed to the format.
Once you have a camera, and start taking footage, you'll be happy to know that Windows Movie Maker is included in all Microsoft operating systems bundles. iMovie is great also, but I don't know much about that program, but it is what you need if you have a Mac.
One way to solve a lot of video problems in advance is to download the freeware DVD Video Soft. This is a fantastic set of about 40 programs that is completely free, no spyware and no obligations, much less the obnoxious efforts to sign up for other stuff before you get to use the program. And there is no period you can use it before you have to buy it, no "watermarks" that are embedded in the images. Just remember when installing it to decline the toolbar it wants you to allow, and then install it.
The reason you need this set of programs is file conversion, a critical capability if you plan to edit different types of footage from different makes of camera. The 30 gig HDD Sony camera I use creates files that Windows Movie Maker can use immediately, but the my Cisco Flip camera footage needs to be converted. In addition, WMM does not work with the DVD format, that also must be converted. AVI is the gold standard format WMM and many other editing programs prefer to work with.
You hook your camera up to the computer, usually through a USB port, though some older Panasonics go through a 1394 firewire connection, which not all computers have, especially newer ones. If your camera does have the firewire requirement, only buy a computer with that type of jack, or be prepared to buy a box that converts firewire into USB, and more complexities.
Once the footage is in the computer, go to "import video" in the upper left panel. If it won't import, it tells you right away. Then you need to convert with DVD Video Soft, though you might not need to do that if you know how to add file formats with one of the options in WMM. But I found it a little cumbersome, and actually capable of crashing the program. I'm not sure what happened, could have been my computer or some other variable.
Once I found DVD Video Soft, I could just convert footage quickly, and not bother with the control panel in WMM. For example, if you have one of the flip cameras that saves footage in MP4, you just open up the FREE 3GP Video Converter. This is a mobile phone image format that is apparently designed for the many types of files that show up in that world, yet it works great in WMM.
Browse for your files you want to convert, and then highlight them all. Tip: If you click on the first file, and then look for the last file in the batch and click that one while holding the "shift" key, it will highlight all of the files between. Then import them to the program.
Go to the bottom and leave the setting on "High Quality," and look over to the left, where a tiny black triangle is in a window under the word "Formats." When you click on that, you get a menu with a number of options, you want AVI as the format to convert to, WMM can use that one best.
Once you have everything set, click on "Convert," and wait a few minutes, it's pretty quick, depending on the number of files you have. When it is done, click on the folder to the right, and you'll be in the 3GP output folder. I always copy those files I've just converted and put them in their own folder on the desktop, or other place you can easily find them. For some reason, WMM does not like to import directly from that folder, it's far easier from the desktop.
If you want to convert a DVD into AVI, use FREE DVD converter option in the control panel. Make sure the output format is AVI, and also, do not use "Perfect" quality; instead use the next option below it, "High" quality. I tried Perfect once, and it ran for hours and hours and still was not finished. In most cases, High quality is just fine, and it converts in a relatively short time.
I've actually error corrected files by running them through the 3GP format option, it can work magic on some files that won't play or import into WMM.
If you are looking for the ideal internet business that has a great reputation, check out my site http://www.greenlivingintheusa.com
Monday, September 26, 2011
The Doors- "Moonlight Ride" was the first song
The two film students knew each other from U.C.L.A. film school, and had had conversations about music and their favorite poets and authors. But they had never joined forces or made music before until that sunny day on the beach in Los Angeles that created The Doors..
Manzarek relates the story of the encounter in his excellent autobiography, Light My Fire: My Life With the Doors.
At the time, Morrison had sold virtually everything he had, except for a suitcase full of books, and then vanished east. There had been no discussions of starting a band, they’d just talked about all the music they loved and films such as the Seventh Seal, the beautiful and dark film by Ingmar Bergman, and many others.
Manzarek Was Killing Time On The Beach
“And there I was, just sitting in the sun, being a bum, smoking a joint and trusting in the energy. And who comes walking down, but James Douglas Morrison.” Manzarek describes how he was backlit by the setting sun, and sparkling diamonds came off his feet as he walked in the shallows, and came nearer.
Manzarek hadn’t seen Morrison in a couple of months, and he’d lost weight to good effect, and looked like an Indian deity. They talked a bit about what had been going on since they last met, and New York, where Morrison had been staying for awhile. Then Manzarek asked him if he’d been working on anything.
“Yeah, I’ve been writing some songs.” It was a bombshell to Manzarek, who was a skilled keyboardist already, but Morrison had sung very little, though he’d been creating poetry for some time.
He urged Morrison to sing it, and he was hesitant. But he started Moonlight Drive, singing “Let’s swim to the moon, let’s climb through the tide….” Manzarek began slapping his thighs and imagining accompaniment, and Morrison sang louder and stronger as they got into it.
Songs Begin To Flow But Morrison is Unsure His Voice is Good
Manzarek was amazed and then begged Morrison for any more songs he might have. He went into another one called My Eyes Have Seen You, and pounded out the rhythm on his knees, almost in a trance. Manzarek called out melodies for instrumental parts, and general encouragement. Then they tried a third one, a haunted song called Summer’s Almost Gone.
Morrison still was unsure about his voice, and asked Manzarek who was going to sing the music. But Manzarek says his voice was on pitch, and strong, he just needed practice.
Thrilled with the results of their session, the two promised each other they would go all the way with the band, it was the summer of the Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and they wanted to be part of it.
Morrison Moves in With Manzarek
Afterwards, they go back to Manzarek’s apartment, where they are greeted by Dorothy, his girlfriend. Manzarek announced to her who was back again, and the couple insisted Morrison stay with them. As he had nowhere to go, he agreed, and ended up living there for a few months.
The two were wondering where they would find two other musicians that were so in tune with each other, musically and personally. Morrison was very confident they would find them, and he was absolutely right. Drummer John Densmore and guitarist Robby Krieger turned up at a yoga class, as many Californians were experimenting with Indian religion and philosophy.
The book goes into great detail how the songs were created, such as Light My Fire, which was brought in by Robby Krieger, and became their first big hit.
With Morrison’s extraordinary voice and mystical lyrics, Krieger’s love songs, and Manzarek’s jazzy and explorative chording, the band developed a very unique sound.
Manzarek, Ray, Light My Fire (My Life With The Doors), G. P. Putnam’s Sons, 1998, ISBN 0-399-14399-8
For a great book with killer strategies to succeed in the music industry, check this out.
Click Here!
Manzarek relates the story of the encounter in his excellent autobiography, Light My Fire: My Life With the Doors.
At the time, Morrison had sold virtually everything he had, except for a suitcase full of books, and then vanished east. There had been no discussions of starting a band, they’d just talked about all the music they loved and films such as the Seventh Seal, the beautiful and dark film by Ingmar Bergman, and many others.
Manzarek Was Killing Time On The Beach
“And there I was, just sitting in the sun, being a bum, smoking a joint and trusting in the energy. And who comes walking down, but James Douglas Morrison.” Manzarek describes how he was backlit by the setting sun, and sparkling diamonds came off his feet as he walked in the shallows, and came nearer.
Manzarek hadn’t seen Morrison in a couple of months, and he’d lost weight to good effect, and looked like an Indian deity. They talked a bit about what had been going on since they last met, and New York, where Morrison had been staying for awhile. Then Manzarek asked him if he’d been working on anything.
“Yeah, I’ve been writing some songs.” It was a bombshell to Manzarek, who was a skilled keyboardist already, but Morrison had sung very little, though he’d been creating poetry for some time.
He urged Morrison to sing it, and he was hesitant. But he started Moonlight Drive, singing “Let’s swim to the moon, let’s climb through the tide….” Manzarek began slapping his thighs and imagining accompaniment, and Morrison sang louder and stronger as they got into it.
Songs Begin To Flow But Morrison is Unsure His Voice is Good
Manzarek was amazed and then begged Morrison for any more songs he might have. He went into another one called My Eyes Have Seen You, and pounded out the rhythm on his knees, almost in a trance. Manzarek called out melodies for instrumental parts, and general encouragement. Then they tried a third one, a haunted song called Summer’s Almost Gone.
Morrison still was unsure about his voice, and asked Manzarek who was going to sing the music. But Manzarek says his voice was on pitch, and strong, he just needed practice.
Thrilled with the results of their session, the two promised each other they would go all the way with the band, it was the summer of the Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and they wanted to be part of it.
Morrison Moves in With Manzarek
Afterwards, they go back to Manzarek’s apartment, where they are greeted by Dorothy, his girlfriend. Manzarek announced to her who was back again, and the couple insisted Morrison stay with them. As he had nowhere to go, he agreed, and ended up living there for a few months.
The two were wondering where they would find two other musicians that were so in tune with each other, musically and personally. Morrison was very confident they would find them, and he was absolutely right. Drummer John Densmore and guitarist Robby Krieger turned up at a yoga class, as many Californians were experimenting with Indian religion and philosophy.
The book goes into great detail how the songs were created, such as Light My Fire, which was brought in by Robby Krieger, and became their first big hit.
With Morrison’s extraordinary voice and mystical lyrics, Krieger’s love songs, and Manzarek’s jazzy and explorative chording, the band developed a very unique sound.
Manzarek, Ray, Light My Fire (My Life With The Doors), G. P. Putnam’s Sons, 1998, ISBN 0-399-14399-8
For a great book with killer strategies to succeed in the music industry, check this out.
Click Here!
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Skanky Songs
I know I feel like I'm an old fogie when I hear the lyrics of some current pop songs and cringe, because I'm being no better than Ed Sullivan hiding Elvis's hips or telling the Doors to change their lyrics, really. Truly I'm glad I live in a country where you are not jailed for criticizing the president or simply playing a certain kind of music. These artists have every right to sing about anything they want.
"Last Friday Night" by Katy Perry is a great example, it's an extremely catchy and well-produced tune that is heard night and day on tons of radio stations night and day. Only problem is the lyrics; they extoll binge drinking, casual sex with multiple strangers, unspecified illegal activity, and on and on. Then at the end Katy says she's going to "do it all again, THIS Friday night." And the listener is sure she will, because "Last Friday Night" "ruled."
No doubt the song is merely reflecting what is actually going on, and has for many years, but it just makes you wonder how many impressionable teenagers will decide to follow the blueprint, even subconsciously. But crashing into someone drunk does not "rule," nor all the things that can go drastically wrong. I guess they'll figure that out on their own.
The other song out there that is cringe-worthy is also a very good one, it's "S & M" by Rhianna, who is a piece of work by all definitions. She's bellowing "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but whips and chains excite me." Then she chants "S, S, S, S M, M, M, M." That's a long ways from "I Want To Hold Your Hand."
I'm sure the youth of today will survive just fine, it's just the notion that this stuff is programming them that is unsettling.
For local bands from Richmond, check out www.rockitz.net
"Last Friday Night" by Katy Perry is a great example, it's an extremely catchy and well-produced tune that is heard night and day on tons of radio stations night and day. Only problem is the lyrics; they extoll binge drinking, casual sex with multiple strangers, unspecified illegal activity, and on and on. Then at the end Katy says she's going to "do it all again, THIS Friday night." And the listener is sure she will, because "Last Friday Night" "ruled."
No doubt the song is merely reflecting what is actually going on, and has for many years, but it just makes you wonder how many impressionable teenagers will decide to follow the blueprint, even subconsciously. But crashing into someone drunk does not "rule," nor all the things that can go drastically wrong. I guess they'll figure that out on their own.
The other song out there that is cringe-worthy is also a very good one, it's "S & M" by Rhianna, who is a piece of work by all definitions. She's bellowing "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but whips and chains excite me." Then she chants "S, S, S, S M, M, M, M." That's a long ways from "I Want To Hold Your Hand."
I'm sure the youth of today will survive just fine, it's just the notion that this stuff is programming them that is unsettling.
For local bands from Richmond, check out www.rockitz.net
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