1. Bootcamp– a feature in OS X where you can run Windows natively. The only disadvantage is that you have to close all your mac programs in order to use it.
2. VM Fusion- a new player to the virtualization market, but they have gained a solid base.
3. Parallels- as of this post they are on version 5 and in my opinion are the best choice for virtualization, especially if you are using Windows 7.

View the video from the Wall Street Journal’s tech columnist, Walt Mossberg, I seem to agree with him on this software.

1. A pretty decent internet connection (Cable/FiOS/DSL will do)
2. Web cam or camera that can hook up to a Firewire port or USB port
3. If you want lowerthirds and effects I suggest purchasing Wirecast for PC or Boinx TV for Mac. (Read my review about both products )

The iPad is Apple’s latest announcement (since three years ago)and to many tech reviewers suggest that it isn’t the transformational device Apple enthusiasts were hoping for.

According to tech guru Walt Mosseberg from the Wall Street Journal he says:

It’s about the software, stupid. While all sorts of commentators were focusing on how much Apple’s new $499 iPad tablet computer looks like an oversized iPhone, the key to whether it can be the first multi-function tablet to win wide public acceptance probably lies in whether consumers perceive it as a suitable replacement for a laptop in key scenarios.

So here is my take on this new device:

The Pros:

1. Price-well sort of $499 is a good start
2. iBookstore
3. SDK-Software Developer Kit

The Cons:

1. No Camera
2. No Multitasking
3. Doesn’t support Flash-which could be a good thing  because of Macs crashing with flash.
4. Lack of physical keyboard except by attachment
5. No USB/SD Card Slot

After hearing the first few minutes of  hearing Steve Jobs keynote he still hadn’t mentioned anything I can’t already do with the iPhone in my pocket. From the audience’s muted response, I suspect many of them were thinking the same thing. Even Jobs’ Reality Distortion Field failed to hide the fact that we’re talking about an over-sized iPod touch.

So in my opinion, it’s like having a third or fourth car in a two driver house.  Do you need it? Probably not, but it’s nice to have options.  I opt to stick with my laptop and my iPhone.

Manny Rosado was the field service engineer who came out to tell us about their new products and offerings.  The one that impressed me the most was Ki Pro .  The information below  is pulled from the AJA web site

The AJA Ki Pro is a tapeless video recording device that records high-quality Apple ProRes 422 QuickTime files onto computer-friendly media. Because it features SD/HD-SDI, HDMI, and analog inputs, you can interface with virtually any type of camera you might own or rent. Enjoy monitoring flexibility through Ki Pro’s numerous simultaneous outputs, connecting to both professional and consumer monitors.

I have included the audio from the meeting as a podcast . Click on the player below to listen to the presentation.

Kiefer Sutherland aka Jack Bauer on "24."

10. When you talk to other fans you ask them what season are they on.

9. You think Jack Bauer should run TSA, FBI, CIA and any other three letter government agency.

8. You viewed an entire season over a weekend.

7. You actually looked online for a local branch of CTU.

6. Jack Bauer for President if Obama does not get re-elected.

5. You debate with your friends on why you think Jack would be good neighbor.

4. You wondered about President Obama’s safety so he doesn’t end up like President Palmer.

3. You get mad at the side love stories and want to get back to the action.

2. Every Monday when the show comes on you refuse to do anything but focus on the show.

1.You really think that Renee is going to take over for Bauer in Season 9…

Any others that I forgot? Add in the comments…

I just picked up the Kodak Zi8 and my first impressions are very good.  I shot this in low light on 720p at a Starbucks so it’s not that great, but a start.
I will share my workflow with Final Cut Express/Pro/iMovie soon.

I am a unabashedly fanboy of the Flip Cameras, plus it rhymes with my name, but Kodak has really done well with this. Here are some key features that impress me:

1. 1080 p video and a complimentary HDMI cable included to view on your TV.
2. Different frame rates
3. Power cord included (Flip doesn’t have one included)
4. External mic jack (my favorite)
5. Weight (110 g (3.9 oz) without batteries)

This camera may not have the “cool” name like the Flip and the marketing prowess of Cisco behind it, but Kodak has done a wonderful job with this camera.

Give it to me for free!

A week ago I was emailed on this site about a specific problem, and I usually receive a good majority a day asking for assistance. This emailed happened to be the day after Christmas when most folks are winding down and not paying attention to emails, especially ones that come for help.

To make a long story short, I met a nice gentleman (virtually) named Ted who ended up sending me a thank you card in the mail and a starkbucks gift card.  I thought it was extremely generous because all I did was answer his question and it wasn’t a big deal to me.

So that begs the question, will I continue to offer free help and the short answer is, yes, but with reservations.  If I can get to a question in a short amount of time and I have a window of opportunity to do it I will.  I am in the development stage of a web site that will help video editors and professionals with answers and tutorials and it will be on a subscription model basis.

It is your job to define where your lines are and make this fact clear to those who read your blog, fan you on Facebook and follow you on Twitter. And when someone crosses the line, you should call them on it without hesitation.-Aliza Sherman

Even Scripture says, “Do not muzzle the ox while it is treading out the grain,” and “The worker deserves his wages. 1 Timothy 5:18 NIV Even if you don’t believe in the Bible, this is a life truth and for anyone who works they deserve to get paid a fair wage.