Dramatica Pro 4
Average Customer Review:
CD-ROM (17 June, 2000)
list price: $269.99 -- our price: $179.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

Aspiring and seasoned writers take note: gone are the days of handwritten note cards, extensive plot revisions, and hand cramps. Dramatica Pro promises to be your writing coach, your secretary, your guide, and even your therapist as you develop sharp, focused storylines together.

Getting started in Dramatica Pro as a beginning user is intuitive and easy. In the StoryGuide segment, there are three levels of story forming, and we tried out the most advanced (which is estimated to take three to four days of work). Dramatica Pro comes with 32,768 potential "storyforms," all of which incorporate structural, thematic, and dynamic elements of your story. After answering about a dozen of the multiple-choice Dramatica Query System questions, we were able to decide on one storyform. For those that choose not to pursue the multiple-choice route, there is also the Story Engine, which allows for a more holistic and freeform method of sketching out your basic story.

One thing you'll notice right off is the unique language of Dramatica Pro. While many terms--motivation, pursuit, antagonist--will be familiar to most writers, there are a number of terms that are used in specific relation to Dramatica Pro's capabilities. Fortunately, at each stage of the story-creation process, there are a number of help buttons (such as Explain, Theory, Usage, and Context) that provide further definition of terms and their usage. And after a few sessions, we found ourselves thinking about "signposts," "journeys," the four "throughlines," and other features that bring a story into focus.

Dramatica Pro's main desktop is the portal for allstory-building activity. Its 12 tiles present users with options for developing just about every aspect, from character creation and polishing, to plot-progression charts and reports on your progress and story. Because Dramatica Pro does not try to be a word processing application, every nook and cranny is filled with developmental prowess to help hone your skills while discovering your story.

One aspect of the application that we appreciated was the opportunity for writer growth. After becoming familiar with the application's interface, we were able to use Dramatica Pro's Story Engine and Story Points to access our story's "master controls" without all the exposition and explanation. Also, Dramatica Pro offers a Brainstorming command that allows the program to intelligently tweak your storyform into something new should you experience writer's block.

Overall, Dramatica Pro is a great resource for writers. By enabling you to focus more on your stories and less on the mechanics of storytelling, you'll feel empowered to try new things and explore your creativity. --Emilie Dirks ... Read more

Reviews (27)

Creative writing partner
Well, that's what this is, according to the box it comes in.

What it is not:
... a guaranteed magic wand that will grant you good literature.
... simple for everyone to use.
... a solution to the creatively challenged.
... inexpensive
... a complete waste of your money.

What it is:
... A partner, a tool, that supplements the writer's existing skills.
... not impossible to learn within a reasonable period.
... one solution to the problem of poor organizational skills.
... another way to get the juices flowing.
... arguably the best in its field.
... worth the cost if you are serious about improving as a writer.

Don't be swayed by those who say this software is difficult to use, and don't be swayed by those who say it's not.I feel that, for those who are able to use most softwares intuitively, it isn't particularly difficult. Although it isn't perfect, there are very few - if any - softwares that are.It all depends upon you.And in Dramatica's case, once you get past that hurdle it very quickly becomes a breeze to use.

No, I don't feel that it supplants my creativity.But that's more likely because I don't allow it to.

As for writer's block, there are established ways of getting over that, and - for me - they do not include the use of a computer.
The main problem I have is lack of persistence of focus.And, as a cure for that, it's excellent.

What has it done for me?
It's given me a much greater focus on and control over the mechanics of ordering my thoughts.Sure, I could use index cards, but they're very unwieldy.As a replacement for them, Dramatica has been more of a boon than a relational database has ever been.All the benefits without the programming.

There are different ways of using Dramatica.I've already got a good idea about my characters and how the plot progresses before I begin.Most often, I use character building and the many different reports to complement.
The various input options, such as character building, are very helpful for noting down important elements and ensuring the continuity of them.
I rarely use the brainstorming option, but it's there if I am well and truly mired in a loop.

To sum up: horses for riders, not so much for courses.
Don't be swayed by negative or positive reviews.Use the trial version as long as you can, make sure you use it as a partner, a tool, and not the universal panacea, and you'll find out if it is right for you.

If you think it is, and decide to spend your hard earned money on it, then be prepared to work harder on your writing than you have, perhaps, before.If it only does that, I think you'll consider it money well spent.

Overpriced, Character Creation Clunky, Obscure Terminology
I've been a user of Dramatica since earlier versions. And while I find Dramatica has some good points, I find that there are some parts of this application that are just clunky. Number 1. The character creation screens and data is just terrible. For an application of this price I would expect a little more thorough approach. I would rally like an opportunity to compile a character's background, history and personal info within the application. I'd also like to be able to flag some of these traits so that they can be added to the story or become part of subplots used in the story. For instance if a character is insecure, I'd like to add that as an emotional goal to overcome during the length of the story. I'd also like to export characters easily for use in subsequent stories. This is not easily done.In my opinion, the entire Character generation screen is useless. (I won't even go there about the UGLY selection of character portraits). Come on, for this price get some nice looking professional icons rather than those ugly clip-art ones, OR make it easier to ad your own portraits.. Have you tried importing a portrait? Its not easy let me tell you!When trying to chose an icon to represent my protagonist I had a choice between X-Men and small cheap looking pictures of ugly cartoons. Come on now.

On to the software, I like the storyforming tools. But really the terminology at points is obscure. When it says my main character's "thematic opposite to the area of John's greatest sensitivity concerns willingness to reevaluate" it would be nice if I didn't have to refer to the manual to figure out what that means.I'm not a dummy, but I would like to be able to use the software without having to refer to the HELP.

Overall, I LIKE Dramatica Pro. But its by no means an easy App to work with. Some parts seem to be deliberately obscure, and its thin on character creation and rather heavy on your wallet.

Disappointing
If you expect to answer questions as to pigment type, oil drying time, the size of the canvas, and subject matter--don't expect a Rembrandt--or a novel either. You may find yourself disappointed as I was...

You see, I fully expected Dramatica Pro v.4 to be expert software. By definition, expert software gives some answers, much like a calculator. For example, if I enter 2+3 I should get an answer of 5. This software merely, merely, prints that I entered two values of "2" and "3" and that I must find the answer myself...Duh!

Where will it switch fore-story and back-story orders for effect? Where are does it alert me to character issues? Does it even insert all of your characters? Where can I change characters (in the same role) during the course of an epic?Does it boldly suggest a storyweaving? Does it calculate chapters, analyze development, critique or figure anything at all to help me write?No. I don't need expensive computer software to ask me how many chapters I wish for my novel and then just make me write them in. I can do that with pencil and paper.

... Read more

Asin: B00004TYCR
Subjects:  1. Computer software (programs)    2. Education (Educational)    3. Reference    4. Writing (Literature    5. Mac Macintosh Machintosh Apple    6. Secondary Education (High School)    7. Movies (Movie)    8. Scriptwriting screenwriting script screen writing creative    9. Screenplay play   

Movie Magic Screenwriter
Average Customer Review:
CD-ROM (08 January, 2002)
list price: $249.99 -- our price: $159.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

Writing scripts for film, television, and theater is usually a time-consuming task. There are many elements in a script (i.e. scene headings, character names, dialogue, scene breaks, etc.) that must be correctly placed in your script. Following these conventions is essential in making sure your script is receiving proper attention from agents, producers, and contest judges. Screenwriter works by your side, automatically formatting action, character name, dialogue, and other elements as you write your script. ... Read more

Features

Reviews (8)

The best screenwriting software available
Having used Final Draft 5 and 6 succesfully, I was horrified by the mess that is Final Draft 7.If you do use Final Draft, I would recommend sticking with those two previous versions.I switched to Movie Magic and found it to be much more stable, and full of great features.Writing just seems more intuitive as formatting is the program's job and not yours.The tech support was free and the gentleman who assisted me was very patient with a techno cavemen like myself.I believe that Movie Magic (along with Dramatica) will take my writing to the next level.

Sorry... Final Draft is better... NOT Buggy
I tried this and Final Draft side by side while evaluating what to buy.Final Draft is just less buggy and more professional.

Movie Magic pops the cursor around the screen after an operation. It also has these windows 3.1 looking interface windows.The speech system is too dependent on windows and not self contained like Final Draft.

True, there is more customization with Movie Magic... but I like Final Draft MUCH better.Run them next to each other and u will see.

Mike

Professional's tool
I am both a working screenwriter and script supervisor. I use Movie Magic Screenwriter for both those jobs. Its an excellent, straight-forward, and cleanly built program for formating and writing professionally styled scripts.

Compared to Final Draft Movie Magic's formatting simply looks cleaner - with more accurate and useful spacing, sluglines, and transitions - and is far easier to use. Now this doesn't mean it will teach you how to write or what to write, but it does mean what you do write will at least look good.

Minor problems I've had and things that could change for the better...Screenwriter is a tad unstable with Windows XP and occasionally crashes at start-up (although I have yet to lose a file because of that). Some of the production tools - like scene numbering and CONTINUEDs - are buried deep in the program and not the least bit easy to get to. Also they still have annoying and non-standard formatting in there sluglines and transitions. For instance you can select Continuous and Moments Later for a time portion of your slugline. Any oen that works in production knows that there is no Continuous or Moments Later. Simply either DAY or NIGHT. For transitions they still have CUT TO which is no longer used.

Aside from those minor things Movie Magic is an excellent script writing program. ... Read more

Asin: B00005V7FW
Subjects:  1. Computer software (programs)    2. Education (Educational)    3. Reference    4. Art (Arts)    5. Culture (Cultural)    6. Social Science (Studies)    7. Writing (Literature    8. Mac Macintosh Machintosh Apple    9. Movies (Movie)    10. Scriptwriting screenwriting script screen writing creative    11. Screenplay play   

Final Cut Pro 3.0
Average Customer Review:
CD-ROM (17 December, 2001)
list price: $999.99
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Editorial Review

Final Cut Pro 3.0 is professional, nonlinear editing software that lets you work in a range of professional editing formats--from digital video to Standard Definition and High Definition--within the same application. Final Cut Pro 3.0 also allows you to work in different modes, such as editing, effects, and trimming modes. With its G4 real-time effects, you won't need PCI hardware to preview transitions and effects in real time. And now it's available for Apple's most advanced operating system, Mac OS X.

Final Cut Pro 3.0 features a new voice-over tool that works with the microphone built into your PowerBook G4, so you can capture audio directly to the timeline for quick scratch tracks and voice-over work right in the field. You also get a new set of color-correction tools--including primary and secondary color correctors, range checking, zebra-stripe overlays, and waveform and vectorscope monitors--as well as precise controls to ensure broadcast-legal video levels.

Final Cut Pro 3.0 includes the new Autosave Vault, which saves and time-stamps projects at intervals you specify--allowing you to easily return to previous stages of your project. Plus, Final Cut Pro 3.0 features productive editing tools in a mode-free interface that provides three-point editing, JKL keyboard navigation, match frame, extend and split edit functions, multiple and nested timeline project support, and timecode overlays. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

If you aren't Copalla, you may be in over your head
Although this program has an astounding number of features, it also has an astoundingly high learning curve. Unless you are planning on shooting an actuall short or full length film, it is too much software. It is definitely not for the amature weekend videographer, and is best left for the pros. I use it only because my job requires it (courtroom tech support). Final Cut Express is somewhere between iMovie and FCP, and one fourth of the cost. Check out the reviews for that product. It is far less hassle and has almost as many features and capabilities.

If you aren't Copalla, you may be in over your head
Although this program has an astounding number of features, it also has an astoundingly high learning curve. Unless you are planning on shooting an actuall short or full length film, it is too much software. It is definitely not for the amature weekend videographer, and is best left for the pros. I use it only because my job requires it (courtroom tech support). Final Cut Express is somewhere between iMovie and FCP, and one fourth of the cost. Check out the reviews for that product. It is far less hassle and has almost as many features and capabilities.

Good for people with unlimited budgets who like Macs
Widely recognized as one of the best professional video editing programs currently available, but at [$$$] for the software and several thousand for the Mac-only hardware required to run it to full potential it's not even an option for most computer users. Meanwhile, there is an increasingly dizzying array of powerful and affordable editing solutions available for Windows-based PCs, so unless you already have a Mac it would make sense to investigate those options before considering FCP. For example, check out the latest offerings from Ulead, Vegas Video, Pinnacle, Matrox, Avid and Canopus before concluding that FCP is the only game in town. Personally I use the Canopus DVStorm2 and have found it to be an amazing tool; I had a chance to play with FCP and didn't see a compelling reason to switch. ... Read more

Asin: B00005TRYQ
Subjects:  1. Mac Macintosh Machintosh Apple    2. Computer software (programs)    3. Video    4. Composting    5. Effects    6. Editing    7. Apple    8. (Mac)    9. (Macintosh)   

Kinyo KV-885 Mini DV Cassette Rewinder
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $24.95
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Features

• AC adapter included
• Save wear and tear on MDV camera
• One touch button
• Soft eject for easy loading/unloading
• Prolongs MDV camera battery life

Reviews (5)

I loved it
It makes life easy and I protect my camcorder. It was worth every penny.

At Risk For Tape Damage
If you think this item will be usefull to avoid wearing out camcorder for rewind, then please reconsider.

I tried my Kenyo KV-885 for the first time this morning.It continued to run in rewind mode after reaching the end of tape.You've heard a small electric motor bogg down I'm sure.That was the sound. The motor kept running.

I hit the stop button and then eject button to get the tape out.About 1 inch of tape segment was outside of the cassett.Yep it damaged the tape. Guess I am lucky it did't completely destroy the tape.

As a service to customers Amazon.com should remove this item from the catalog.

Incredibly useless for what it is...
You'd think they couldn't mess up something this simple. When I plugged it in, I got no power light. After fiddling with the power button for about 2 minutes,the light did come on, but the start button stayed pushed-in.This made it impossible to open the lid. The eject and stop buttons did absolutely nothing. I had to try my best to pry it open since I had a tape in there. I have no idea why it behaved like that but I have heard from others afterwards that it is a common problem.The company must have saved a bundle in engineering this product. ... Read more

Asin: B00007B3UO
Sales Rank: 30111
Subjects:  1. Camcorder (Camcorders)    2. Accessories (Accessory)    3. Video Cassette Recorder (Recorders, VCR, VCRs)    4. Rewinder (Rewinders)   

Sony DCRVX2000 MiniDV Digital Camcorder with 2.5" LCD, Memory Stick & BuiltIn Digital Still Mode
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $3,199.99
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

The near professional-level Sony DCR-VX2000 digital video camcorder uses three progressive scan CCDs (one for each primary color) to capture quality images and can record in the 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio common to movies. A 12x optical zoom and 48x digital zoom bring images closer, while the Sony SteadyShot optical image stabilization smoothes out hand-induced shakiness.

Like most digital camcorders, the DCR-VX2000 is equipped with an IEEE 1394 connection (also known as i.Link and Fire Wire) for digital image transfer, allowing video editing on a properly equipped home computer. Also included is an S-Video input, encouraging the conversion of already existing footage into the DV format.

The DCR-VX2000 also doubles as a digital still camera, recording photos onto an included Memory Stick at a resolution of 640 x 480. This resolution is fine for images you're e-mailing or viewing on a monitor, but most dedicated digital cameras today offer far more detail. The package includes PictureGear Lite 4.1 software for Windows, which lets you transfer stills to your computer and manipulate and catalog them once they're there.

The camera includes a number of manually adjustable settings for ultimate flexibility, including manual zoom, focus, shutter speed, and exposure. Microphone record level can also be adjusted for optimum sound quality. The Memory Mix feature works by superimposing a digital still stored on a Memory Stick over the video being recorded. A color-bar generator produces standard NTSC color bars to calibrate monitors, and four different white-balance settings help optimize color. The DCR-VX2000 includes a mic input, as well as an intelligent shoe for select Sony accessories, and has several digital effects built-in. Also included are a 4 MB Memory stick and reader, AC adapter, lithium ion battery, AV cable, remote, and lens cap. ... Read more

Features

• MiniDV
• 12x optical, 48x digital, zoom with Super SteadyShot image stabilization
• 2.5 inch color LCD and color EVF
• 3 CCD camcorder
• Analog-to-digital conversion with pass-through port
• MiniDV camcorder

Reviews (15)

Gorgeous video
I was an absolute novice when I was introduced to this camcorder at my job as Tech Teacher in a K-8 school. The last time I had filmed anything was with a super 8mm recorder back in the 70's!

You know what I hear from my colleagues and parents? "Wow, those are great videos!" ""The quality is amazing." "I wish I could have my videos turn out like yours."

Trust me, folks. It's not me. It's this camcorder. The quality of the image, the steadycam compensation for the less than steady hand, the prompts to turn on a light filter in glaring outdoor lighting environments, and the richness and depth of color, even (and especially) under low light conditions is nothing short of beautiful.

I imagine that I haven't even begun to scratch the surface of what this camcorder can do. With my use of digital editing software, I probably won't use many of the camcorders built-in editing features like titling and fades/dissolves. I am resolved to try out it's time-lapse feature soon, however.

The transfer to/from a computer via firewire is effortless with common video editing programs like Pinnacle Studio or Adobe Premiere. Having a second hard disk devoted solely to video editing and storage is recommended.

The built-in mic is more than adequate for most situations, and the Intelligent Accessory Shoe allows other mics to be used. Be aware, though, that because this unit is "old" by the blurred time standard of modern technology, some newer Sony mics aren't compatible with this cams Intelligent Accessory Shoe.

This camcorder is not mini or lightweight. It may not be for you if you want to travel lightly. I learned the hard way when I filmed about 40 mins of a basketball game without a tripod. I could barely use my arm the following day! Buy a tripod already!

With that in mind, if you really want rich memories preserved during that 3 candle birthday party, or just about any ligting situation, you must have this camcorder.

I like other Cameras Better
I know this camera is a favorite of most people out there, but I have used this camera and was not super impressed. It is a pretty damn good camera, don't get me wrong, and for the price, it is very competitive. Price aside, I would recommend either the Canon XL1 or the Panasonic DVX-100 over this camera. I have been on set with all three cameras many times and have found that the DVX has produced the most pleasing results and has the most amount of useful features for true cinematography.

On the up side, this is the camera that has been used for some movies released that are a little lower budget. This camera has been around long enough now that it is beginning to become noticeably outdated, so unless the price is right, try something else.

it is my favern camra
i am a producer/camera operater and this is one of my favern cameras in the studio i would love to have one for my home. i felm sports, in studio tack shows movies and other things for tv brodcast it has great pixlization and i love it. ... Read more

Asin: B00004WZON
Subjects:  1. Camcorder (Camcorders)   

Canon ZR60 MiniDV Digital Camcorder with 2.5" LCD, 18x Optical Zoom and Image Stabilization
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $449.99
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Looking for an easy way to break into the world of digital video? Look no further than the Canon ZR60, which makes capturing valuable family memories as simple as pressing a button. Connect your camcorder to a computer running Windows or Mac operating systems, and experience the digital world like it was meant to be: quick, seamless, and fun.

Lens
The ZR60 features a high-performance 1/6-inch 680,000-pixel CCD to capture high-quality video and digital photos. The zoom technology found in the ZR60 lens is the same as Canon uses in its broadcast TV lenses. The ZR60 is fitted with a high-performance 18x optical zoom lens, which can easily handle all your shooting needs--from wide-angle shots of all the family at the reunion to close-up sports action at full telephoto. The ZR60's 360x digital zoom significantly expands the telephoto magnification of the subject.

Image Stabilization
Canon's image-stabilization system corrects camera shake caused by, for example, an unsteady hand. This image-stabilization system makes for smoother and steadier video even with hand-held shots, at full telephoto, and with shots taken from a moving car.

Digital Stills
For added flexibility, you can take up to 700 still images on a MiniDV single tape. The camcorder records the photos for approximately 6 seconds, as well as recording the sound for your verbal notes or narration. You can search through the recorded tape for your photos using the supplied remote control.

This photo-search feature allows you to search for images recorded in photo mode. Search forward or backward through the images one at a time, or plus or minus 10 images from the current position.

More Features

• 2.5-inch fold-out color LCD screen and 0.33-inch color viewfinder
• The My Camera function is designed to let you customize a number of features, including start-up image and sound, shutter sound, start-stop sound, and the self-timer sound
• The full-function wireless remote control works at distances up to 16 feet

Inputs and Outputs
The ZR60 comes with the standard IEEE 1394 port (also referred to as FireWire), which provides a lossless connection to a PC or other DV machines. Additionally, the ZR60 features two types of analog audio and video inputs and outputs: composite and S-video. The analog audio inputs of the ZR60 let you perform dub or insert editing from CDs, cassettes, microphones, or the soundtracks of other videocassettes.

MiniDV Format
MiniDV is the new preferred format for personal and broadcast-quality video, highly regarded for its high audio and image quality. With up to 540 lines of horizontal resolution and minimum color noise, MiniDV delivers a 20 percent clearer picture than analog camcorder formats. This is all delivered on a cassette that's 1/12th the size of a standard VHS tape. A MiniDV tape offers digital recording time of 2 full hours--20 times the capacity of a CD.

Power, Size, and Contents
The ZR60 comes with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack, which has an approximate battery life of 75 minutes when using the LCD screen. The camera itself measures 4.1 by 2.3 by 5.8 inches and weighs 18 ounces. This package includes the ZR60 camcorder, battery pack BP-508, power adapter CA-570, wireless controller WL-D80, shoulder strap, stereo video cable, and the DV Network Solutions CD-ROM. ... Read more

Features

• NTSC
• Takes digital still photos and stores them on tape
• Connects to PCs and Macs via Firewire (IEEE1394)
• MiniDV camcorder with 18x optical zoom, 360x digital zoom
• Image stabilization for smoother and steadier video
• 2.5-inch fold-out color LCD screen and color viewfinder

Reviews (38)

Good Camera
This camera worked great for the price that it sells for. I was able to creat DVDs that the family loves. I would say that the image quality during low light conditions is not the best, but with regular light it is fine. The MIC is omnidirectional which means it picks up anything from any direction, and it is not of the best quality. An external MIC would be a good idea. Overall I would recommend this camera to anyone on a budget.

Worked fine - died just out of warranty
I had a Sony Hi-8 that was great. I love my Canon digital cameras so I thought I'd get a Canon MiniDV. Well, it works fine and has good features. The video is great, the audio and low light is probably not up to the Sony camcorders. Still, for the money I liked it and was happy. Just out of warranty it goes black and won't record. The shutter or CCD is dead. Reading online this seems to be a common problem with Canon camcorders. So, my new Sony MiniDV is rocking. If you are looking at a Camera, get a Canon, if you are looking at camcorders, get a Sony.

I have used it ~10 times, it now won't work
This has got to be the (...) product I have ever bought.Purchased July 2003, I have seldom used it as it was a gift for my mom.I used it last week and now suddenly it won't display anything in Camera mode!(...)

Please don't even think about buying this, chances are that it will die on you as well.It is a shame as I have always used Canon digital cameras, but it seems they suck at making camcorders. ... Read more

Asin: B000088USR
Subjects:  1. zr-50    2. Digital Camera (Cameras)    3. Photograph (Photography)    4. Camcorder (Camcorders)   

Sennheiser HD-280 Dynamic Collapsible Headphones
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $199.95 -- our price: Too Low To Display
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

The HD-280 Pro is a closed-back, circumaural headphone designed for professional-quality monitoring. Its exceptional attenuation of environmental noise (up to 32 dB) makes it particularly useful for use in high-noise environments, in outside broadcasts, and for DJs. Featuring rugged design and optimum sensitivity, the HD-280 Pro will deliver detailed and natural reproduction of music and speech with a wide frequency response of 8 to 25,000 Hz (-10 dB).

Owing to its collapsible ear-pieces, the HD-280 Pro is highly compact when it comes to transportation. And all parts that are subject to wear and tear--such as earpads, headband padding, and the audio cord--are easily replaceable, ensuring long life. The headphone's 9-foot cord is detachable, so if it wears out you have only to replace the cord, not the headphone itself. The cord is made of oxygen-free copper for pure, long-lasting audio transmission. ... Read more

Features

• Collapsible ear-pieces for compact transport
• Earpads, headband padding, and audio cord are easily replaceable, ensuring long life
• Dynamic, closed-ear headphones with up to 32 dB attenuation of outside sound
• Lightweight and comfortable, ergonomic design
• Extended frequency response and warm, natural sound reproduction

Reviews (89)

Excellent sound for a low price!
I bought these a year ago, and wanted to give them some long term use before I wrote a review.

Everything others have written about the high quality sound is right on.I have noticed bits in songs that I couldn't hear before I got these.The sound is just fantastic, everything comes through nice and clear.I use these headphones for 2 things: playing games and listening to music on my computer, and listening to my portable cd player, and they work very well for both.One thing that I've noticed is that I can actually tell the difference between sound quality on winamp vs my cd player, and I didn't really notice it that much with my old 'phones.

A few other things:
Comfort: The headphones are a little snug when you first get them.A tiny bit tight even, I thought.But once I got used to them (about a week or so, I think), I had no problem at all wearing them for extended periods - 6+ hours at a stretch.They are not the least bit uncomfortable to me.The padding on the ear cups and headband is very soft and comfortable.I do have a hearing aid, and I was a little concerned when I saw the padding on the ear cups.The space your ear fits into looks a bit small.But I've had no problems there, they fit great and don't interfere with my hearing aid in any way.

Durability: I've had absolutely no problems with the plastic band cracking as a few others have reported.Granted, I try not to abuse them, but I do put them in a bag and take them to work, so they get bumped about a little bit.And after a year, they still look and sound like new.

Burning in: I noticed that they started to sound a lot better after they were "burned in" for a couple days.I've no idea what the principle behind this is, but there you go.They sounded ok when I first got them, but after about a week I started getting this amazingly clear and crisp sound from them.So burning them in definitely helps.

Noise blocking: I've listened to these at work where there's a huge amount of noise from the machinery, and I can still hear the music really well. They don't completely block out all sound, but I have no trouble hearing the music standing next to loud machinery (so loud that we're normally required to wear ear plugs).
One minor little quibble: I wish there was a volume control on the cord like I had on the last pair of headphones I owned.Then again, that was the first thing that went bad on the last pair so maybe those cord volume controls are susceptible to problems or something.

Summary:I listen to a wide variety of music: folk, pop, metal,
classical, etc, and everything I've listened to sounds really nice.These Sennheiser headphones are a great high quality product, especially for the price and I'd recommend them to anyone.I paid $80 for mine (new) on some online auction site, and you just can't get better sound for under $100.Even if they were $200, they'd still be worth it in my opinion.

Bzzzzzzzzzzzz
The good first: nice sound, good lows, ok highs, nice isolation, if you're in a noisy environment.
The bads:
1. Hard to wear for more than an hour or so at a stretch (your mileage may vary, everybody has their own tolerance for this sort of thing)
2. VERY poor cable shielding (or something that behaves like that); any time I move the mouse on my computer, I can hear it: bzzzzz. I can hear moving graphics on the screen. OK, I guess, with an mp3 player, not so good with a computer (my use case).

My last senn's (490's) failed because of cable/plug problems; these seem to be less-than-ideal because of other cable problems. Sennheiser cables: not so good.

Best Value forMoney for my Mini Home Theater
I bought these after lots or research after my Koss headphone broke (it served a good 10 yrs, and I thought the sound of the koss was great)

Once I burned in these headphones for 24 hrs, they just sound great. I actually hear new background sounds in Cd's and DVD's (which I have listened to over and over again) with these headphones (like most other people with these headphones)

Most of what I use it now is to watch movies from DVD's on my 17" apple powerbook in bed, and use a turtle beach USB sound card with that. The 5.1 sorround effect the sound card generates, along with this headphone and the video quality generated by 128 mb radeon 9700 graphics card is just astounding. (This combination have moved my movie watching to bed from the living room, where I have a samsung 50" DLP TV, progressive scan DVD player, and a bose lifestyle 3500 sound system.) The best thing with this headphone is, now me and my wife can watch movies with loud sound in bed, without our 1 yr old hearing anything about it. We both use headphones using a splitter.

After seeing my setup, 2 of my friends bought this headphone and both of them are quite happy about it.

... Read more

Asin: B000065BPB
Subjects:  1. Headphones    2. Accessories (Accesssory)    3. Headphones (Headphone, Head Phones, Phone)   

LaCie d2 External FireWire 7200 RPM 120 GB Hard Drive
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $249.99
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Editorial Review

LaCie hard drives are ideal for professionals and home users, and for various applications such as databases, desktop publishing, digital content creation, and digital audio/video. Other applications include prepress, archiving, local backup, data exchange, and additional storage.

The new d2 design features a sturdy aluminum case designed to enhance portability, durability, and appearance. Arrange them vertically on the desktop, horizontally stacked in a desk rack, or mounted in standard 19-inch racks with other devices.

LaCie hard drives are hot-pluggable, allowing for connecting and disconnecting while the computer is running. Compatible with Mac OS and Windows, these drives enable simple cross-platform data sharing and exchange among workstations.

Transfer rates of up to 400 Mbits/sec provide throughput necessary for demanding applications like audio, video, and digital imaging.

This drive is compatible with Windows 98 SE, 2000, Me, and XP, as well as Mac OS 8.6, 9.x, 10.1.x, and later. A FireWire port is required to use this drive. ... Read more

Features

• 120 GB storage capacity
• 7,200 RPM
• FireWire interface
• 2 MB buffer
• Compatible with Windows and Macintosh operating systems

Reviews (30)

Great drive - just dont use it to store data
This was my fourth and possibly last LaCie drive.
Loved the spec, size, footprint, speed and yes its fairly quiet.
Unfortunatley however, and mine is not the first story, the drive is rather inept at actually storing data.

The drive was partitioned into two drives and worked well untill it started not opening folders. Instead it returned error 'unformatted drive' messages. This then spread to the whole of one drive before the next.
From reading other reviews the problem is the power down which wrecks the drive. Nice.

Absolutely the Best
I purchased the 160 GB version of this drive (Iomega mechanism), plugged it in and went to work. The drive spins down on sleep with my iMac, comes back up immediately on hitting any key or moving the mouse, and is quieter than the iMac itself. I read one review by someone who also took a stab at Mac users in general in which it was noted that the Lacie operated hot (it does - the aluminum shell dissipates heat, as intended), and overheated overnight because it wouldn't sleep with the computer. Obviously, this is a Windows problem, not a Lacie problem. Consider the source. Another review mentioned noise - no such problem here (with the Iomega mechanism, anyway). It's also wicked fast, much faster than the Que 80 gig it replaced.

All in all, couldn't be happier.

Excellent drive, great customer service
I have been using this drive for more than a year now. It's actually a replacement for the same model, since the first one died on me as a result of OS X's sleep mode feature. In fact, I have had other LaCie drives in the past that never failed. Although I'm aware of the fact that hard drives can fail at any given point in time, a LaCie drive has never failed on me as a result of the company's own manufacturing quality. Having said this, I recommend that while you have any firewire drive (any brand whatsoever) connected to your computer, don't put the CPU to sleep (just the drive and the screen, not the entire system). A short spike in current shoots through the FireWire connection on wakeup, which eventually will damage your external hard drive.

I am very pleased with LaCie. The drive works beautifully for backup and videoediting alike. Also, the company's customer service quickly sent me a replacement drive as the original was still under warranty. Since I don't put my CPU to sleep anymore, no problems with the drive whatsoever. A solid drive at a good price for anyone who needs to rely on their backup data. ... Read more

Asin: B00006L7TT
Subjects:  1. Hard Drives (Drive)    2. External    3. Firewire    4. Macintosh (Machintosh, Mac)   

Setting Up Your Shots: Great Camera Moves Every Filmmaker Should Know
by Jeremy Vineyard
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (February, 2000)
list price: $19.95 -- our price: $13.57
(price subject to change: see help)
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Reviews (17)

A very brief look at common camera shots from a novice
What this boils down to is an 'avid student' of film-making has produced a listing of shots he's seen from watching movies. The shots are represented by a single story board illustration and a very brief explanation of the shot.

My first reaction was to return this book for a refund. However, I've felt that my shooting style was falling into a rut lately, and I found a couple of examples in the book that I had been neglecting. So, I grudgingly admit I got something out of it, despite the fact the author has little, if any, experience actually producing movies.

I think this book would have been more useful if it had been assembled as a pocket-sized, spiral-bound reference guide that could be used in the field. But, to be really useful, the author would need to learn more of the professional terminology and include good diagrams.

My biggest gripe about this, and a few other "how-to" books, is that it lacks any evidence that the author has ever tried to do what he is telling us how to do. I don't think people who haven't tried out their own advice should be charging for it.

Great book for quick reference!!
this book is a dictionary for shots and has strong focus on illustration for the purposes of being something you look at the get ideas. Those that bashed this book have purchased it with the idea that it will teach them the details of film making. Make no mistake, it is a reference book and a good one at that. This is not something that you are going to need a highlighter and a week to read. What actually might be more valuable than the shot refernces is the listing of movies that the shot has been used in. Now you can rent or buy the movie and study the actual shot as performed.

A very basic book
If you aldready know the basiscs like what pan, tilt, dolly, crane and tracking shots are you know as much as this book will tell you.

I am a film student and currently working on a tv show. I bought this book to augment my school studies in film but found it to be way too basic for me. It can be an excellent starter book for someone interesting in learning what the different camera angles are called. If you are someone you has never even though or analyzed the various angles before this book MIGHT be helpful.But a warning it does not always use the common terms as in the case of the dutch tilt, it barely mention that this angle is sometimes called that when it reality is most commonly refered to as such. ... Read more

Isbn: 0941188736
Sales Rank: 6820
Subjects:  1. Cinematography    2. Cinematography & Videography    3. Film & Video - Amateur Production    4. Film & Video - Cinematography    5. General    6. Photo Techniques    7. Photography    8. Cinematography, television camerawork    9. Photography / General   

Making Documentary Films and Reality Videos : A Practical Guide to Planning, Filming, and Editing Documentaries of Real Events
by Barry Hampe
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (15 January, 1997)
list price: $17.95 -- our price: $12.21
(price subject to change: see help)
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Reviews (19)

Confidence
This is a very useful and also a very practical book. It goes into all details you would like to know more about. And it is very easy to read and understand (for someone from the continent). We never did any documentary work (we always did animation) but our first documentary is one of more than an hour. That doesn't say much of the quality of the documentary but this book gave us atleast the confidence to undertake such a task.

Practical and Inspiring
I'm a filmmaker from the Middle East. I've come across Barry Hampe's book while in New York and I couldn't think of a better time to have read it since I was developing my first documentary. After reading it, not only did the documentary come together visually in my head but I found myself very clear on what I should eliminate to help tell the story better and put down everything on paper. Since then my request for a grant to shoot the documentary has been accepted. The book demystified the whole process and gave lessons that are easily applicable for the beginning documentarian.

The book leaves you with very little need to pick up another book on making documentaries. I would love to see a revision with a section on pre- (preproduction) whereby the documentaian can learn about what to include in his/her proposal in order to strengthen his/her pitch to production houses or while seeking grants. For instance, sample letter of intention, tips on what to include in query letters, visual aids(?), script of master scenes vs. shooting script. If there is just one thing that could help the reader of this book get out there and start preparing his/her documentary, it would be a section that demystifies the getting started before the actual getting started on shooting.

How to prepare when you don't know what will happen?
In narrative film the writer, producer and director pay the actors and crew to do what the writer has planned. But in documentary, not only do the subjects not always act as planned or expected, author Hampe instructs that we shouldn't want or expect them to. Hampe's discussions of preparation are extremely well thought and reasoned and the issue of ethics is well-treated. I was intruiged by his historical explaination of how filmmaking came to be such a mercilessly perfectionist craft. Film school instructors should learn well from this book and pass this knowledge on to their students. I will read and refer to it again in the future. ... Read more

Isbn: 0805044515
Sales Rank: 5843
Subjects:  1. Cinema/Film: Book    2. Documentary films    3. Educational And Documentary Films    4. Film & Video - Amateur Production    5. Film & Video - Direction & Production    6. Film & Video - General    7. Motion pictures    8. Performing Arts    9. Pop Arts / Pop Culture    10. Production and direction    11. Video Performance And Production    12. Video recordings    13. Videotapes    14. Performing Arts / Film / Direction & Production   

How Not to Write a Screenplay: 101 Common Mistakes Most Screenwriters Make
by Denny Martin Flinn
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (25 August, 1999)
list price: $16.95 -- our price: $11.53
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

How Not to Write a Screenplay is an invaluable addition to any aspiring screenwriter's shelf--and you'd best make the shelf within arm's reach of the computer. Author Dean Martin Flinn, an experienced script reader, details the common rookie mistakes that drive script readers crazy. Flinn makes no pretense of being able to teach anyone how to write the next Great American Film--or for that matter the next Stupid Summer Blockbuster. Instead he offers information that will help keep the novice screenwriter's opus from being immediately tossed on the trash pile (arguably a more valuable service). As Flinn says in his introduction, if you follow the advice in this book, "you may not write a particularly good screenplay, but you won't write a bad one." Flinn offers practical advice on formatting, such as the proper form for a slugline and where to set your margins, and more general rules of thumb on giving the actors room to interpret their roles and avoiding dictating camera angles to the director (who will ignore them anyway). The second half of the book deals with content, also in a remarkably pragmatic way--structure, pacing, plot resolution, and dialogue that really stink are all handily dealt with. Flinn illustrates almost all his points with excerpts from screenplays both good and bad (names have been changed to protect the guilty), giving the reader concrete examples of the difference between poorly and well-structured scenes. Not sucking is an unusual goal for a screenwriting manual, but any script reader will agree it is a noble one. --Ali Davis ... Read more

Reviews (42)

Valuable Advice, Fun to Read- An Essential Guide
I believe that a person with natural ability can become a power player if armed with just two books- Flinn's "How Not to Write a Screenplay" and Rodriguez' "Rebel Without a Crew."If you are interested in becoming a filmmaker, I highly recommend these guides to get you started.In addition to the valuable information they provide about the art and industry, they are also great fun to read.

From creative techniques to technical jargon, Flinn leads us through the world of filmmaking, saving us the time and resources that most filmmakers will spend making costly mistakes.His book covers everything from how to avoid film cliches to how to format a screenplay like a pro.

A vital element of this book is the presentation of examples from films that rocked the Box Office and from those that dropped in the script reader's wastebasket.The book's list format also makes it an easy reference guide, since particular advise can be relocated quickly.I highly recommend this book for business and for pleasure.

Easy to grasp
I read the first 70 pages of this book Christmas morning, on the couch, surrounded by piles of gift wrap, with my whole family running around and being loud. And another 30 pages in Math class (where the boys are like zoo animals).

The point? It's fairly easy to read. Plus when you see bad examples, it's cool to be able to spot right off the bat why they are bad. This book makes you feel good because you actually get what's being said.

Nextly, it's pretty funny, and I laughed aloud quite a few times. For someone like myself, who'd never written a screenplay, but had a lot of ideas, the book gave me a nice heads up into the world and writing and made me aware of basic things that might ruin a screenplay.

Read this: first impressions count
Flinn is not a screenwriter. But he read screenplays professionally (writing coverage) for a number of years to pay the rent. This book won't teach you to write a good screenplay. It will teach you how not to write one which is awful.

Look on it as a first-class consultation with some excellent advice on things you will have to learn one way or another. Spend the money and learn them cheap. What more can I say? ... Read more

Isbn: 1580650155
Subjects:  1. Composition & Creative Writing - Play/Scriptwriting    2. Film & Video - Screenwriting    3. General    4. Motion picture authorship    5. Motion picture plays    6. Performing Arts    7. Performing Arts/Dance    8. Pop Arts / Pop Culture    9. Screenwriting    10. Technique    11. Television authorship    12. Television plays    13. Performing Arts / General