URGENT NOTICE TO OUR MEMBERS AND READERS WHO SIGNED UP ON LOFTCITY:
Just received this sad email notice from LoftCity, whose debut I'd written barely four months ago:
"Dear LoftCity user,
Due to the current situation in the financial markets, we face difficulties to continue finance and operate www.LoftCity.com.
As a result, we will be shutting down our site, www.LoftCity.com, as of September 29, 2008.
Thus, we recommend you download or print any material or documents from your Loft and Projects folder including all materials essential to your work by Sunday, September 28, 2008.
After this date, there will be no access to www.LoftCity.com including your Loft and projects.
LoftCity will not keep a backup of any material uploaded or created on our site.
We apologize for the inconvenience this may cause and we thank you for your understanding.
Best Regards,
LoftCity Team"
Please make sure you remove your content by tomorrow midnight the latest!
I certainly wish the best of luck to everyone there. May we see you soon in a new reincarnation!
September 28, 2008
September 25, 2008
Chad Vader : The Internet Empire Chimes Back on Chime.tv
There are plenty of aggregated video sites...don't even get me started.
This one, however, pulls from the best (Break.com, Dailymotion, Veoh, and others) to make their editors' created channels filled with stuff you'll love.
The channels feature the latest episodes of shows like Will It Blend? and Chad Vader, as well as channels for news, cute stuff, extreme sports, technology, and about 20 more -- including stuff from the network TV sites.
It might seem a little odd when you could just visit the sites, but think of Chime.TV as the site that provides the constant background video comfort we use TVs for. Actually I don't, but I know a lot of you do. Enjoy.
Cybercast credit: Veoh
This one, however, pulls from the best (Break.com, Dailymotion, Veoh, and others) to make their editors' created channels filled with stuff you'll love.
The channels feature the latest episodes of shows like Will It Blend? and Chad Vader, as well as channels for news, cute stuff, extreme sports, technology, and about 20 more -- including stuff from the network TV sites.
It might seem a little odd when you could just visit the sites, but think of Chime.TV as the site that provides the constant background video comfort we use TVs for. Actually I don't, but I know a lot of you do. Enjoy.
Cybercast credit: Veoh
September 22, 2008
YouTomb : Where Your Videos Finally Rest in Peace?
Maybe...maybe not.
There are millions of videos up on YouTube, but thousands have also been removed, and not always with the owner's permission. If any footage online can be accused of copyright violation YouTube will take it down, whether or not the accusation was justified. I did report on one of this kind of incident last September, when Viacom had Chris Knight's video removed, after claiming his footage as its own. Stealing anyone? If Viacom and company can, so can we, right?
YouTomb, a research project by the MIT Free Culture student group, tracks the top videos removed from the service for copyright violation, and retains the metadata about the videos so we, the public, can make our own decision about whether the removal was justified or not.
Free Culture -- what a great name and service! I appreciate it VERY MUCH!
There are millions of videos up on YouTube, but thousands have also been removed, and not always with the owner's permission. If any footage online can be accused of copyright violation YouTube will take it down, whether or not the accusation was justified. I did report on one of this kind of incident last September, when Viacom had Chris Knight's video removed, after claiming his footage as its own. Stealing anyone? If Viacom and company can, so can we, right?
YouTomb, a research project by the MIT Free Culture student group, tracks the top videos removed from the service for copyright violation, and retains the metadata about the videos so we, the public, can make our own decision about whether the removal was justified or not.
Free Culture -- what a great name and service! I appreciate it VERY MUCH!
September 19, 2008
Shoot Backlit Shots Like a Pro
A harshly backlit subject can be very frustrating. If you set your camera's iris to auto, your subject will appear silhouetted while the background appears normal. This is generally not a good thing -- unless you want your character in a mysterious shadow.
Here is how backlit lighting fits in with dramatic (and other) lighting, as explained in Metacafe's Production School:
Lighten up!To fix the situation, set your camera to manual iris and open it up full to brighten the entire picture. While this could wash out the background, you will be able to see your subject to some extent.
The right solution
You will get the best effect by shining more light on your subject from ALL angles - or at least as many as you can.
And don't forget about all other topics you can learn in the Metacafe Production School!
Cybercast credit: Metacafe
Here is how backlit lighting fits in with dramatic (and other) lighting, as explained in Metacafe's Production School:
Lighten up!To fix the situation, set your camera to manual iris and open it up full to brighten the entire picture. While this could wash out the background, you will be able to see your subject to some extent.
The right solution
You will get the best effect by shining more light on your subject from ALL angles - or at least as many as you can.
And don't forget about all other topics you can learn in the Metacafe Production School!
Cybercast credit: Metacafe
September 16, 2008
HD TV / Web TV Now Playing on a PC Next to You
Livestation's claim to fame is that it features:
• The highest quality live HDTV viewing experience over broadband.
• The world's leading broadcasters and publishers
• All your favorite channels from the Web
• Its own stand-alone player that is always on top, so you can email, network, watch, and chat at the same time.
I get it. I don't do enough now. Digital convergence to the rescue! Thank you (NOT!!!!) Livestation!
What else?
Well, it forces you to download another player, only available for Intel Macs and Windows XP/Vista at this time. Mac PPC and Linux (Ubuntu) versions are in the works, we are told. No rush boyz and girlz!
• The highest quality live HDTV viewing experience over broadband.
• The world's leading broadcasters and publishers
• All your favorite channels from the Web
• Its own stand-alone player that is always on top, so you can email, network, watch, and chat at the same time.
I get it. I don't do enough now. Digital convergence to the rescue! Thank you (NOT!!!!) Livestation!
What else?
Well, it forces you to download another player, only available for Intel Macs and Windows XP/Vista at this time. Mac PPC and Linux (Ubuntu) versions are in the works, we are told. No rush boyz and girlz!
September 13, 2008
Build Your Online Pro Studio - Here Is How.
With StudioNow, of course, as they are, according to them at least, the “#1 Way to create videos online.” So what’s the hubbub?
This is the first web-based, virtual community of freelance video/movie editors and directors available 24/7, to provide Madison Avenue filmmaking expertise and editing services. If you watch Mad Men, I’m not sure that’s a positive or negative…
All right, never mind that … they do promise that they can transform your digital photos and videos into high-quality, enjoyable content in an efficient and affordable manner. Their vision is to make life more entertaining, creative and enriching by empowering us, as individuals, artists and businesses with the ability to produce high-quality video content. They want to build an unrivaled service that connects creative individuals and businesses with a virtual community of expert editors so that they can participate, create, and share their content with those who matter most to them.
StudioNow was founded in January 2007 by David Mason and Adam Solesby after they found themselves spending way too much time attempting to use video editing applications to make enjoyable and entertaining movies of their families. After meeting a few local editors, who created higher-quality videos with the same content in a fraction of the time, David and Adam determined that there was a significant need to provide an efficient and affordable service which empowers anyone to create high production value video content.
So go ahead, try it for yourself...
Cybercast credit: YouTube
This is the first web-based, virtual community of freelance video/movie editors and directors available 24/7, to provide Madison Avenue filmmaking expertise and editing services. If you watch Mad Men, I’m not sure that’s a positive or negative…
All right, never mind that … they do promise that they can transform your digital photos and videos into high-quality, enjoyable content in an efficient and affordable manner. Their vision is to make life more entertaining, creative and enriching by empowering us, as individuals, artists and businesses with the ability to produce high-quality video content. They want to build an unrivaled service that connects creative individuals and businesses with a virtual community of expert editors so that they can participate, create, and share their content with those who matter most to them.
StudioNow was founded in January 2007 by David Mason and Adam Solesby after they found themselves spending way too much time attempting to use video editing applications to make enjoyable and entertaining movies of their families. After meeting a few local editors, who created higher-quality videos with the same content in a fraction of the time, David and Adam determined that there was a significant need to provide an efficient and affordable service which empowers anyone to create high production value video content.
So go ahead, try it for yourself...
Cybercast credit: YouTube
September 10, 2008
Video Moguls Are Born on IndyMogul
IndyMogul bills itself as the first network for the YouTube generation. ????
They put it that way: “Who are we? Well maybe we can answer that by saying who you are. You’re someone who wants to do more with their camera than just shoot home movies. You're an Indy Mogul.”
Their premiere show “Backyard FX” runs every Monday and is hosted by zero-budget wizard Erik Beck. (Now that IS the kind of budget we appreciate!) Erik shows you how to create special effects the fun and cheap way, and then subjects you, his siblings, roommates, puppets, and who knows what else to his creations. Each week he takes challenges and suggestions from his viewers to get those latent creative juices flowing without making your wallet sweat.
No matter what level you're at, you can become a part of Indy Mogul. Send them your footage, an original special effect, or simply record your thoughts on a webcam. Whatever it is, they want to see it, hear it, and put it on the site! They even have a monthly episode dedicated to content your fellow creators have submitted.
They put it that way: “Who are we? Well maybe we can answer that by saying who you are. You’re someone who wants to do more with their camera than just shoot home movies. You're an Indy Mogul.”
Their premiere show “Backyard FX” runs every Monday and is hosted by zero-budget wizard Erik Beck. (Now that IS the kind of budget we appreciate!) Erik shows you how to create special effects the fun and cheap way, and then subjects you, his siblings, roommates, puppets, and who knows what else to his creations. Each week he takes challenges and suggestions from his viewers to get those latent creative juices flowing without making your wallet sweat.
No matter what level you're at, you can become a part of Indy Mogul. Send them your footage, an original special effect, or simply record your thoughts on a webcam. Whatever it is, they want to see it, hear it, and put it on the site! They even have a monthly episode dedicated to content your fellow creators have submitted.
September 7, 2008
Making the News : Make Internet TV
Hmmm...cool! MakeInternetTV (MITV) has almost the same name we do…! I do take that as a compliment!
From the Participatory Culture Foundation, makers of Miro, comes this guide / web site / wiki, with step-by-step instructions for shooting, editing, and publishing online videos that can be watched and subscribed to by millions of people.
Very soon, they promise, this site will also feature short videos from experienced internet video publishers. If you're interested in sharing your expertise, visit the MITV wiki here and contribute to the following sections:
• Choose Your Equipment
• Shoot
• Edit
• License
• Publish
• Promote
Don't forget to check out their advice as to why video feeds are often superior to single videos. An worthwhile subject on its own!
Cybercast credit: Make Internet TV
From the Participatory Culture Foundation, makers of Miro, comes this guide / web site / wiki, with step-by-step instructions for shooting, editing, and publishing online videos that can be watched and subscribed to by millions of people.
Very soon, they promise, this site will also feature short videos from experienced internet video publishers. If you're interested in sharing your expertise, visit the MITV wiki here and contribute to the following sections:
• Choose Your Equipment
• Shoot
• Edit
• License
• Publish
• Promote
Don't forget to check out their advice as to why video feeds are often superior to single videos. An worthwhile subject on its own!
Cybercast credit: Make Internet TV
September 4, 2008
Is the Cinematic Web Finally a Reality?
Ever since the Internet permeated society, the idea of using your TV to surf the Web, download video and even buy products has been around.
But efforts over the years, from Web TV to the media-center PCs, have failed to catch on with consumers.
The industry is betting it's time for the Internet to be built into the TV. (Will be the other way around, in my humble opinion.)
"This is the first time it feels like everything is coming together that needs to be there" to make so-called Cinematic Web a reality, says Patrick Barry, vice president of digital home and desktop products at Yahoo's Connected TV division.
Some say that as early as January, consumers will be able to buy TVs, set-top boxes, DVD players, and even remote controls that can surf the Web, access related content, and even buy products seen on television shows -- all with one or two clicks of the remote control.
Yahoo and Intel have been working for two years to build a platform for Internet TV that won't seem intrusive to the viewer. They will rely on content providers to create applications for Internet TV, but consumers could see things like the ability to download movies, buy goods, track stocks or sports teams, and get news updates.
Eric Kim, senior vice president and general manager of Intel's Digital Home Center, said the semiconductor is being priced to hit the "sweet spot" of consumer electronic products.
This isn't the first time technology pundits have hyped Internet TV.
Microsoft and even Intel have touted media-center PCs, which are basically servers that act as a hub to send all your digital media to your TV. What's different this time around, said executives and industry watchers, is widespread adoption of broadband Internet access, coupled with content on the Internet that people actually want to watch.
It doesn't hurt that U.S. households by February will have to have TVs capable of handling the digital signal, not to mention the fact that consumers are multitasking when watching their favorite shows and sporting events.
"The Consumer Electronics Association has research that almost half of Americans watched Internet while the Super Bowl was on" according to Richard Doherty, research director at market research company Envisioneering. He thinks this time around the technology companies will be successful to turn iTV into a mass market.
I couldn't agree more!!!
But efforts over the years, from Web TV to the media-center PCs, have failed to catch on with consumers.
The industry is betting it's time for the Internet to be built into the TV. (Will be the other way around, in my humble opinion.)
"This is the first time it feels like everything is coming together that needs to be there" to make so-called Cinematic Web a reality, says Patrick Barry, vice president of digital home and desktop products at Yahoo's Connected TV division.
Some say that as early as January, consumers will be able to buy TVs, set-top boxes, DVD players, and even remote controls that can surf the Web, access related content, and even buy products seen on television shows -- all with one or two clicks of the remote control.
Yahoo and Intel have been working for two years to build a platform for Internet TV that won't seem intrusive to the viewer. They will rely on content providers to create applications for Internet TV, but consumers could see things like the ability to download movies, buy goods, track stocks or sports teams, and get news updates.
Eric Kim, senior vice president and general manager of Intel's Digital Home Center, said the semiconductor is being priced to hit the "sweet spot" of consumer electronic products.
This isn't the first time technology pundits have hyped Internet TV.
Microsoft and even Intel have touted media-center PCs, which are basically servers that act as a hub to send all your digital media to your TV. What's different this time around, said executives and industry watchers, is widespread adoption of broadband Internet access, coupled with content on the Internet that people actually want to watch.
It doesn't hurt that U.S. households by February will have to have TVs capable of handling the digital signal, not to mention the fact that consumers are multitasking when watching their favorite shows and sporting events.
"The Consumer Electronics Association has research that almost half of Americans watched Internet while the Super Bowl was on" according to Richard Doherty, research director at market research company Envisioneering. He thinks this time around the technology companies will be successful to turn iTV into a mass market.
I couldn't agree more!!!
September 1, 2008
Does CERN's Rap Video Herald the End-Of-Life-As-We-Know-It?
Worried that the Large Hadron Collider will create a Möbius strip (a rip in the fabric of space time where time becomes a loop, so you can come back to haunt me)? You should be. Watch this CERN-sponsored rap video at the END of your break to see your universe totally destroyed. Err, but not for real. This time. Only. They promise....
A small band of physicists even computer geeks consider nerdy decided to cut loose and create this "demo" music video. It's certainly enough to "rock you in the head", and maybe even enough to send you to one? some? all? of the parallel universe(s). Between the “Peppers Ghost” 3D holo-display technology and the smart video equipped robot that defeats every human opponent, I think my blog here just got another illustrious and crazy new entry all in one.
Cybercast credit: YouTube
A small band of physicists even computer geeks consider nerdy decided to cut loose and create this "demo" music video. It's certainly enough to "rock you in the head", and maybe even enough to send you to one? some? all? of the parallel universe(s). Between the “Peppers Ghost” 3D holo-display technology and the smart video equipped robot that defeats every human opponent, I think my blog here just got another illustrious and crazy new entry all in one.
Cybercast credit: YouTube
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