http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ Videomaker Forums » Forum: VM Coffee House - Recent Posts en Mon, 23 Nov 2009 17:18:32 +0000 http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/stolen-ipod#post-52180 Thu, 12 Nov 2009 23:22:21 +0000 shippocaio 52180@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Hey guys! </p> <p>Thanks for all comments!</p> <p>Well, the i couldn't engrave my ipod because i bought it on a sale, but after i messed around with itunes, i finally found my serial number. =D</p> <p> </p> <p>Composite 1, i usually do take these preucations that you told me, but they are a bit difficult with the ipod touch. It is like impossible to write on it, and there is no way to open the battery compartment. Also, they are a bit too big, and it is kinda difficult to keep them out of sight of others. But i did have a password on my itouch, but i was kinda afraid that the guy who stole my ipod hacked it and somehow  reseted the ipod, deleting the password. But now, (hopefully) i am going to get my ipod back tomorrow, and with the serial nuymber, i can prove that it is actually mine. =D</p> <p> </p> <p>THANKS SOOOOO MUCH GUYS!!</p> <p>You are all awesome!</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/stolen-ipod#post-52176 Thu, 12 Nov 2009 22:43:38 +0000 Cville 52176@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> The serial number for the unit may also reside in your Itunes software.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/stolen-ipod#post-52170 Thu, 12 Nov 2009 21:05:08 +0000 XTR-91 52170@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>There's always still the change that the stealer didn't reset/format the internal memory. I'm not very familiar with iPod Touches, but there's probably a personalizing (color) scheme and certain types of apps you could use. Serial numbers, markings, and engravings are also handy to have.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/stolen-ipod#post-52165 Thu, 12 Nov 2009 19:34:16 +0000 composite1 52165@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Shippo,</p> <p>Definitely serial number, sales receipt would be the clincher and had you engraved your name inside the battery compartment (or written it in permanent ink) would have also been a clincher. Without any of that other stuff your last option is the suggestion Evan gave you.</p> <p>Without lecturing you, let this be a lesson to you (albeit an expensive one!) Particularly since you mentioned in another post that you're interested in getting into this business, keeping things like serial numbers, sales receipts and marking equipment with personal or company identification is something you'd better get used to doing. Not just in case of theft, but what if someone accused you of stealing the item or what if you need to return the item for repair, replacement or refund? Without any of that documentation you've got squat.</p> <p>Also, if you don't want your gear stolen (without the assistance of a firearm or government agency), you have to keep a 'positive lock' on it at all times (i.e. within reach, eyeshot or locked up securely.) If you don't start learning how to do this stuff now, you'll be 'singin' the blues' over lost gear for years to come.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/stolen-ipod#post-52152 Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:50:14 +0000 Evan 52152@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Three things come to mind. </p> <p>Do you know the serial number?</p> <p>Do you have an engraving on the back?</p> <p>Or the Wifi Address (MAC Address). You may be able to find it if you look at your wireless router at home. This is a number that cannot change, and likely would be recorded by your router when it was in use.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/stolen-ipod#post-52149 Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:00:53 +0000 shippocaio 52149@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> Hey guys...i know this question has absolutely nothing to do with video making, but since i am posting at the VM Coffee House, i think i am good... =D</p> <p>Anyways, Some guy in my High School stole my ipod touch, and i am going to tell the police officer guy in my school... But the problem is that even if they find my ipod, i have to have prove that it is mine. I was thinking i could tell them all the song and apps and images that i had, but the guy probably reseted and deleted everything in it. So, how can i prove that my ipod touch is actuelly mine? And no, i don't have a receipt (I bought it 2-3 years ago... =P)</p> <p>I will be forever in debt with whoever helps me... Thanks guys!</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/filming-play-what-do-i-need-please-reply#post-52091 Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:36:01 +0000 BZL Productions 52091@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> I am quite lucky because I am an actor and I have been in 7 productions with this theatre. This proticular one (Narina the Musical) I have been in 2 times. So I know the stage and area. I also was going to film a dress rehersal insted of the real show. Bruce, I have a panisonic dv with a zoom mic. so I could keep that one trained on the stage. Thanks so much!</p> <p>Blake </p> <p>BZL Productions</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/filming-play-what-do-i-need-please-reply#post-52089 Wed, 11 Nov 2009 04:55:50 +0000 composite1 52089@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Bruce,</p> <p>Those were some good tips.</p> <p>BZL,</p> <p>As for suggestion #3 if you don't have a wireless setup, you're going to have to wire those mics from the stage to your board or camera. That will require some long audio cables. And no the mic on-camera mic alone will not be sufficient. See Bruce's suggestions #3 &amp; 4.</p> <p>I think your main difficulty is a $300 budget. With the cam taking $150 and the tripod at $50 that leaves $100. Since you're shooting on DV anyway, a couple of small DV cameras like a Canon elura 100 and so on may be your best bet to get additional coverage of the stage and get audio if you can't get extra mics. You'll have to set up the two small cams on either side of the stage in a manner that give full but overlapping coverage of the stage. The XL2 will be your main camera by which you'll track the talent as Bruce said in suggestion #2. Also, you'll need to white balance off the stage's white light and adjust your exposure to that. When the funky colored lights come on you should be fine.</p> <p>My best suggestion if there is enough time to go to their rehearsals and scope out the theater and plan out what it's going to take to cover the play both audio and visually. Take a notepad and draw yourself some diagrams based on Bruce's suggestions to help you get a better idea of what he's talking about. Oh and don't be afraid to ask questions about where you can put mics, cameras etc.</p> <p>Based on your budget alone, you're not going to get perfect sound or video coverage. However, with just a little planning you can get acceptable footage and sound.</p> <p> </p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/filming-play-what-do-i-need-please-reply#post-52080 Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:32:19 +0000 BruceMol 52080@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Well I've videotaped a number of plays and this is what I learned.It's all about capturing the dialogue and/or music/singing. People will accept you won't get great shots from the back of the room but if the audio is bad too then the recording has very little value.</p> <ol> <li>Go to the rehearsal and note when who is on stage and what side of the stage they enter on etc.</li> <li>Have two cameras, one to capture the whole stage (camera B) the other to track the lead talent(s) of the moment (camera A). Use the GL2 for camA and borrow some other camcorder for camB. </li> <li>Record of a sound board if you have one, not from the back of the room or it'll sound like crap.</li> <li>If the production isn't using mic's then use recorders near the front of the stage, in the middle for 1 recorder (i.e. Zoom H2) or on either side. I've used camcorders as strictly audio recorders too and they work fine. I've used wireless mic's beside the stage to the cameras at the back of the room and that works great.</li> <li>If the lighting design uses red lights prepare for some fuzzy footage!</li> </ol> <p> </p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/filming-play-what-do-i-need-please-reply#post-52077 Tue, 10 Nov 2009 22:58:39 +0000 BZL Productions 52077@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> I was asked to film a play by a theatre group. I don't have alot of money (about $300) and I was thinking of renting some good gear. I was thinling of getting a Cannon XL2. I was thinking about getting mics but then I thought the mic. on the XL2 would be sufficent. I also was thinking about renting a Bogen/Manfrotto 503HDV,351MVB2K tripod and fluid head kit. I found the XL2 fro $150 and the tripod for $50. Any sugestions on diferent equitment or if I need mics. </p> <p><strong>HELP!!!</strong></p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/graphics-card-help#post-51976 Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:04:18 +0000 XTR-91 51976@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>What type of graphics card are you currently using? The processor speed (even more so than the graphics card) determines nearly 90% of your computer's editing capability (how well it handles software). There's more to good editing capabilities than a good graphics card.</p> <p>Also, the vast majority of horse-power graphics cards are expensive. If your system is within five years old, you probably have a good, stable graphics card that's good enough for editing.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/graphics-card-help#post-51970 Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:20:03 +0000 BZL Productions 51970@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>About a year ago I got my first editing software, Pinnacle Studio Ultimate V.12. Now I was coming from movie maker so I didn.t care when it said magic bullet looks couldn't work on my computter. Now i'm on v.14 and it still has magic bullet. Once again it shows an error. After talking to some VFX people I know I decided I need to use this software. </p> <p><strong>So what type of graphics card do I need. I use a dell computter.</strong></p> <p><strong> </strong></p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/did-anyone-watch-paranormal-activity#post-51872 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 12:32:17 +0000 birdcat 51872@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Haven't seen it but my 20 year old son said it was one of the scariest movies he's ever seen.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/did-anyone-watch-paranormal-activity#post-51869 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 04:49:05 +0000 grinner 51869@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> I'll wait for it to come out on DVD to watch it but I tip my hat to any $11k flick that can hold it's own with the big boys. Ya gotta love this reality world we live in. </p> <p>I get almost as much of a rush shooting paranormal content as I do motorsports and it's infinatly more affordable to produce. Hard to go wrong with it, really.</p> <p>I'm looking forward to seeing the movie.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/did-anyone-watch-paranormal-activity#post-51868 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 04:41:21 +0000 SargeHero 51868@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Hello fellow Videomakers:</p> <p>I will like to make my most honest opinion of the movie "Paranormal Activity". I didn't like it at all. The story is so lame and boring that I was almost sleep in the theater chair, even when the monster/demon/ghost (or whatever it was) "attacks" the couple at approximately 3 am. The movie sucks, didn't scare me at all and the hand-held camera movement was over exaggerate. But there is one thing (only one thing) that I like about this movie and it was the composition of the bedroom scene. It was a perfect composition, almost all that happen was on the left side of the screen. I look back at the people and at my friends and they were all looking at the left side of the screen (excellent job director <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2305431/">Oren Peli</a>) The composition was so good that if you imagine the "tic tac toe" from the rule of third you could actually see that the camera position from the bedroom scene didn't change at all (only slightly). If it was me in that situation (knowing me) I would have change the camera angle to another place every night, but if they did that in this movie it will ruined the tension they already build on the audience (the audience expect something to happen at the left side of the screen) That about all I notice.  Nonetheless I applaud low budget productions that goes out of the ordinary movies and make huge budget.  </p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/copy-protection-idea#post-51370 Wed, 14 Oct 2009 06:25:58 +0000 composite1 51370@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Yeah this is a tough issue.</p> <p>As both content creator and entreprenuer the prospect of having my company's products pirated is unpleasant at best (woe betide the knucklehead I catch peddling my dvd's out his trunk....) I want to protect my product to the most reasonable extent, but when I'm shovelling over the same or more cash to protect my interests as it's bringing in, what's the point?</p> <p>Earl you called it loud 'n clear. There have always been theives. All the way from the kid that apple stuck to as he walked past the fruit stand all the way up to the studio execs that made a killing off something they stole from some poor slob. Back when cassette tapes were prevalent, I can't think of anyone who didn't record the radio, albums or other tapes. It was piracy back then too. Now, it's a control issue. But you're not going to get control. Yeah, you'll set up more stuff that will make it that much more of a hassle for potential customers to get your product and make it cost more. Yay....</p> <p>Though streaming has its major upside, again Earl called it on the money. I hated the change over from LP's to CD's. Yeah, CD sound was awesome but we used to hang those great album jackets on the walls. Anyone remember 'liner notes'? They were the LP's version of DVD 'special features'. Like everyone else, I got used to the smaller CD covers but when mp3's became the rage I let it pass. I can't get gassed up about downloading dollar songs off iTunes or any of those other outfits. There is 'something' about getting the 'package' in your hands. I see it in my customers eyes when I personally make the delivery of the 'bag' with the customized cases and whatever extras I throw in. They spend a lot of money so I think ensuring they have that feeling is a requirement.</p> <p>One thing for sure is the thought process behind it is changing. More and more people are willing to accept 'less' for their money. My thing is, once the power goes off what do you really have? Far as the pirates go, you're not going to fully discourage the average person from copying and unless you're prepared to invade a sovereign nation you're not going to stop the armies of well organized and financed pirates either. I'm too busy trying to keep from getting ripped off from my competitors, distributors and the studios to worry about pirates!</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/copy-protection-idea#post-51363 Wed, 14 Oct 2009 01:44:11 +0000 EarlC 51363@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>As you both have said, copy protection of copyright work is at best a slight deterrent, at worst an ulcer-producing, headache-causing, frustration-inducing problem of nightmare proportions. Well, I DID say "at worst" :-)</p> <p>IMHO, if I am producing thousands-to-millions of copies of a commercial work, while a 1-to-5 percent shrinkage of product income due to piracy can be significant, I can price my product to compensate me for that loss. I can also go with any number of copy protection schemes, a bank of lawyers and the courts in an attempt to recoup or mitigate the abuse and my losses - not an exceptionally effective way of doing business, protecting my copyright, or eliminating the problem.</p> <p>Because, again, as both of you indicate, it appears that there is and will be NO guaranteed way to prevent those who know how and want to from doing so - and that, Charles, even extends to electronic delivery.</p> <p>To one degree or another those who WANT to can and will devise a way. Like locked doors and windows - they keep the honest people honest. For everyone else there's a break-in tool. Again, it will be the same with electronic delivery regardless of assigned passwords, special clearance, watermarking or deep-dish encryption involving keys and codes beyond my humble comprehension.</p> <p>Friendly, curious or evil hackers and pirates will devise a way to get over, under, through or around our copyright protection efforts.</p> <p>That being said...</p> <p>Since I do NOT anticipate production and distribution of thousands or millions of a commercially viable copyrighted production: since my productions are likely to not exceed hundreds I have come to accept that a few Grad Night seniors in my videos (for example, there are others as well, but ie: Grad Night) will copy on a branded disk, mark it with a DVD approved marking pen (or not) and pass a few around for his/her friends.</p> <p>My answers/solutions? Since it's gonna happen anyway, fuggidaboudit. Do what I can to keep the honest people honest by watermarking, implementing whatever copy protection schemes I can afford or access, and...</p> <p>...last, but not least. package and deliver my product in professional-looking cases with quality printed inserts and DVDs - often customized or personalized. Since I have maintained the quality packaging delivery philosophy with ALL my deliveries my orders/sales have increased more than 50 percent, compared to when I delivered some products packaged less creatively.</p> <p>Another thing I do is advanced sales with minimums, hoping to gain a sufficient level of sales that I can mentally write off the ones I know I will lose due to pirating/copying. I also handle point-of-event sales, and delay delivery long enough to pick up a few more stragglers, get the word out about the "awesome" packaging, assuring myself I've probably milked that cow for about as much as she's gonna give.</p> <p>My 85-cents.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/copy-protection-idea#post-51358 Tue, 13 Oct 2009 22:11:53 +0000 cfulton 51358@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I'm starting to understand the wisdom of my friend D. Eric Franks, a former technical editor here at Videomaker. He told me that physical distribution will die soon; and now it makes sense as to why it <em>needs</em> to die.</p> <p>You're absolutely right--we, as producers, should be compensated fairly for our work. Physical media makes it challenging to do this because it can be copied easily. (And if a technique is found that makes a disc hard to copy with one program, odds are someone will figure out a way around it. All you can do is slow down someone trying to copy a disc, you'll never thwart them completely--guaranteed.)</p> <p>Streaming media, or at least requiring a password to download your work, could work in theory. DRM helps to that, but is extremely annoying for everyone involved. I for one certainly don't care for DRM.</p> <p>One problem about streaming: what about getting that video to Grandma? She probably doesn't have broadband. (Mine doesn't even have an internet connection.) It's not as much of a concern for the younger generations who can afford an internet connection, though.</p> <p>So this is a question that deserves more pondering and deep thought--a formidable challenge to solve in an equitable and non-annoying way. Let's hear some more thoughts about this one.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/copy-protection-idea#post-51357 Tue, 13 Oct 2009 21:30:37 +0000 halfpipe 51357@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Don't we just seethe at the thought of them making copies of our DVDs and passing them around.</p> <p>There are at least two programs designed to erase DVDs by overwriting or scrambling the Lead-In area of a DVD. Asus's E-Hammer and Liteon's SmartErase are the two I know of.</p> <p>Wouldn't it be nice if the program scrambled or over wrote the Lead-Out section of a DVD instead.</p> <p>The result would be a player playable but computer uncopyable DVD.</p> <p>I don't know squat about how to accomplish this and the two programs don't have apparent authors. Anyone wishing to persue this idea with the view to making our DVDs harder to steal? </p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/interviewing-homelessmentally-ill#post-51356 Tue, 13 Oct 2009 20:47:30 +0000 TheWildlifeStudio 51356@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> I have two autistic spectrum affected grandsons and, at the behest of their mother, am doing a doc regarding them. A number of officials in the local education departments are extremely interested in the outcome!</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/gas#post-51339 Tue, 13 Oct 2009 01:16:51 +0000 oc6088 51339@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Hey Wildlife,</p> <p>You know what the difference between Europeans and Americans are?</p> <p>  Americans think 100 years is a long time.  Europeans think 100 miles is a long ways.  </p> <p>It may be more expensive, but you don't  travel 300 miles to visit Grandma on Christmas :)</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/coffee-house-commentary#post-51338 Tue, 13 Oct 2009 01:13:40 +0000 oc6088 51338@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I use facebook and Linked in.  Most of my business is transferring old movie reels to DVD so I will put a link to my website with something along the line of, "Hey ran across this great clip of President Ford visiting our hometown, La Crosse, WI in 1976..click here to view it"  Not really sure if it is working or not :)</p> <p>It kind of seems that this sites are turning into spam sessions.  Mostly just ads for businesses.  They say it's the way to go..I don't know. </p> <p> </p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/interviewing-homelessmentally-ill#post-51337 Tue, 13 Oct 2009 01:02:08 +0000 oc6088 51337@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>My son is autistic and my husband and I are his legal guardians.  This is meant to protect him.  Keep in mind, even if he gave his consent for you to film him, his consent is null and void without the consent of his guardians.  The problem is, our son doesn't even understand that he can't make the decision.</p> <p>Most mentally ill people have guardians.  Talk to his caretakers and they should be able to point you in the correct direction.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/gas#post-51232 Wed, 07 Oct 2009 16:03:17 +0000 Eventvideoguy 51232@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Gas is between $2.15 and $2.09.  Depending on where you go.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/gas#post-51215 Tue, 06 Oct 2009 12:49:23 +0000 Cville 51215@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> Gas is down to $2.25 here.  Maybe I should buy a big SUV.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/gas#post-51214 Tue, 06 Oct 2009 09:31:10 +0000 TheWildlifeStudio 51214@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> You guys don't know how lucky you are!</p> <p>Here in the UK the current price (allowing for conversion to gallons and dollars) is around the $7.80 mark.... and it was over $8 not so long ago! :(</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/gas#post-51210 Mon, 05 Oct 2009 19:10:39 +0000 EarlC 51210@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Uh-oh, Jay, do I sense another documentary coming our way - something to do with gas :-) well, uh, gas prices?</p> <p>I am old enough to remember gas lines around the block and service stations on every corner ("service" stations, where they checked tire pressure and wiped off windows all around, even head and tail light covers.) Oh, and gas was going at 19 cents a gallon.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/gas#post-51208 Mon, 05 Oct 2009 19:05:58 +0000 EarlC 51208@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Chevron &amp; Shell are doing it at $3.07 currently in Orange County, Calif. Unless the difference is GREATER than jedichick's 25 cents, I see no savings in driving beyond the corner station to fill up.</p> <p>I walk where and when I do not absolutely HAVE to drive - hauling equipment, long-distance gigs, etc. and plan trips with stops on the way to the farthest destination, as well as stops in returning, whenever I can. That helps. Tire pressure does make a difference. So does gunning off the light to get ahead, not to mention avoiding somebody who doesn't want to stop as the light goes from yellow to red.</p> <p>In California yellow is NOT a caution, prepare to slow down or stop light, it is a signal to punch the pedal and make it through - something akin to Russian Roulette, only with more bullets in the gun.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/a-must-watch-movie#post-51207 Mon, 05 Oct 2009 19:03:59 +0000 jedichickhas1 51207@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>The Ghosts of Girlfriends Past! Actually turned out to be hilarious :)  </p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/gas#post-51206 Mon, 05 Oct 2009 18:54:14 +0000 jedichickhas1 51206@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> Regardless the price I'm just tired of it being a difference of .25 from mile to mile - you waste 5 gallons just trying to save every quarter you can!</p>