| Page (2) of 2 |
 email article |
 print page |
 rec'dstory |
 view rec'd |
 related stories |
 Mostviewed |
As it has done for a while, but now does even better, Vegas 5's real time playback, even when there are multiple layers to preview, muscles its way through. Even Vegas's draft mode looks good enough to keep the workflow going. This, by the way, is one of the most powerful features of Vegas – the program will dutifully give you some kind of real time playback, no matter what. All the while, the interactivity of the software lets you continue adjusting whichever parameter you want, while it plays back a loop for you to see what you're doing over time. Vegas feels springier and faster than ever, especially since computers are getting faster and faster. Even so, the Wizards of Vegas keep on optimizing this excellent code, seemingly speeding up everything each time a new release is unveiled – with Vegas 5 being no exception.
One much-anticipated feature of Vegas that unfortunately isn't shipping in the initial version of Vegas 5 is support for Blackmagic Design's Decklink series of SDI boards. We saw uncompressed footage playing right off the Vegas 5 timeline over SD-SDI at Sony's Madison, Wisconsin offices the week before NAB. It seemed to be working fine, and uses a new Sony 4:2:2 YUV codec developed specifically for this purpose. Company officials told us, though, that as of the initial release of Vegas 5 the Decklink hardware and necessary Vegas components weren't working together as well as they would have liked, and until they iron out the final kinks, this particular feature won't be released. It is being shown as a technology demonstration at NAB this week, however, and the company tells us this SDI board support will be released "in the coming months," but not before it's working perfectly. That, to me, is an admirable way of doing business, rather than releasing a product before it's ready and treating paying customers as beta testers. Another interesting feature that is in the shipping version is the ability capture downconverted HDCAM-native 24p footage from the new Sony JH-3 HDCAM deck using a standard 1394 connection -- just plug right in to capture as you would with any DV deck. Vegas can remove the pulldown from the downconverted DV footage without re-rendering, so you can cut this 24p DV footage in a 24p Vegas timeline and then create a 24p DVD, or even export an frame accurate 24p EDL or XML file for use in high-end finishing systems for HD conform. This too will be demonstrated at NAB, in conjunction with Sony XPRI.
Also
included in the Vegas package are Boris Graffiti, a sophisticated text
creation application that works seamlessly with Vegas 5, and Magic
Bullet Movie Looks, consisting of ten pre-packaged, non-customizable
color correction settings and film simulations, giving your projects a
look inspired by major motion pictures. For example, there's a setting
coyly called "Neo," which is obviously inspired by The Matrix. The deal
is, you get these 10 "looks" and then you can click through for five
more for free, but if you want the customizable version of Movie Looks
you'll have to pony up some cash. Even so, this kind of plug-in is fun,
and hopefully portends even more plug-in support for Vegas in the
not-too-distant future.
| Advertisement | ||||
Then there's DVD Architect 2, one of my favorite DVD authoring packages. It's been made even easier to use, and is more compatible with Vegas 5, too. Added to the program are a new hierarchical project view, and a clever new way to get an expanded look at your properties, all on one page with drop-down menus where you can easily change and modify your settings. DVD Architect 2 also adds end actions, improved masking, elementary stream import, as well as the ability to add multiple audio tracks and subtitles to the media timeline, which you can create in Vegas while you're editing the DVD project. I like the enhanced asset management in this update, as well as the support inside the program for 24p encoding. Also along for the ride are the dockable windows, just like Vegas 5's new UI, which allows you to set up the way you like it. DVD Architect 2 has 1394 output, so you can get wysiwyg previews on an external monitor at all times. This is very handy for checking layout, colors, and safe areas prior to burning to a physical DVD. From what I've seen so far, it's an even-better DVD authoring package than its predecessor, with features that cost a lot more in other DVD-making software.
Also to be released at NAB are Sony Pictures Sound Effects Series Volumes 1-5, a huge collection of sound effects for $495. Here's a benefit of the new marriage between the former Sonic Foundry and Sony. Working on the Sony Pictures Studio lot over the past several months, members of the Sony Media Software team rooted through the extensive sounds effects library of Sony Pictures, and extracted five CD's worth of the best noises ever created. Overflowing with exclusive content that has never been released outside of Sony Motion Pictures, these sounds were all designed by some of the premier sound designers working in television and big-time motion pictures. Expect a review of these, and all the Vegas product line, coming soon on Digital Media Net.
Until then, if you'd like to get you own hands on these new Vegas products and will be at NAB this week, Sony is offering its "Sony Media Software Classroom" with 20 workstations set up with its latest software. In these instructor-led hands-on seminars, you'll be able to get a good look and feel for not only Vegas, but the rest of these Sony software apps, and see how they integrate together. The 45-minute sessions will include both introductory and advanced classes in editing, DVD authoring, and even audio mastering for video and film.
If you liked this article
click here to recommend it.
Page: Prev Page
1
2
Digital Media Net Executive Producer Charlie White
has been writing about new media and digital video since it was the
laughingstock of the television industry. A technology journalist and
columnist since 1994, White is also an Emmy-winning television
producer, video editor, broadcast industry consultant and shot-calling
television director who has worked in broadcasting since 1974. Talk
back -- Send Chazz a note at cwhite@digitalmedianet.com.
Read Charlie White's editorials by clicking here.
