Features

• Edit with Final Cut Pro—The scalability, performance, and workflow of Final Cut Pro make it the first choice of professional editors everywhere.
• Create Audio with Soundtrack Pro—Soundtrack Pro revolutionizes the way audio and video professionals edit and design sound.
• Make motion graphics with Motion—Apple's real-time motion graphics software Motion is the easiest way for artists and editors to animate text, movies, and graphics.
• DVD Studio Pro—From DVD dailies to highly interactive commercial titles, DVD Studio Pro is the easiest and most popular way for professionals to author SD and HD DVDs.

Product Description

iLife '05 ... Read more

Features

• Easily perform, record, and create music with GarageBand
• Fun-to-use suite of tightly integrated creative tools
• Import, organize, edit, and share digital photos with iPhoto
• iMovie HD quickly turns home video into home cinema
• Create Hollywood-style DVDs with iDVD; iTunes digital jukebox

Reviews (13)

Need a Different Operating System
Amazon clearly says OS X.I have 10.2.8.I can't install ilife5.There should be a bold face warning that you need Panther or Tiger to install.

Working with iMovie HD
`Established' Shot and Location

In the Timeline, I set the order of my Clip Panes with the first being the important `Established' shot. Clips are pieces of movie footage that you rearrange into your movie for storytelling. Later, I add a movie title that answers the questions of  when and where the movie was filmed. You will find that location and date anchor the movie for your viewing audience.

Major Editing in Post Production

I change the Preference to Clip Panes shelf when I do the major editing of my movie. Next, I split my movie clips into several new clips and drag them to the Clip Panes shelf for later editing.

Most of my movie clips need slitting (Command `T') to remove poor movie footage such as shaky hand-held camcorder shooting. The Post Production editing is the most time- consuming. I find that a ratio of one minute of movie footage is equal to one hour of editing time. This includes selecting the proper music, editing the sound and enhancing the video.

Analog Signals into Digital Signals

An analog-to-digital converter, or ADC as it is more commonly called, is a device that converts analog signals into digital signals. Computers, which handle data in digital form, require analog-to-digital converters to turn signals from analog to digital before it can be read.

Could I convert my VCR cassette`s Analog Signals into Digital Signals?

According to the Canon ZR60 camcorder's manual, the answer was negative for traditional replacing of existing scenes for the AV insert. Taking my roundabout approach, I worked at importing film footage from my RIC master VCR tape from my Rhode Island College Video project from 1992 using iMovie HD. My Canon ZR60 camcorder manual hinted at the solution for importing the VCR's analog video and sound.

How did I connect the devices? I used my ST-250N Stereo Video cable supplied with my Canon ZR60 camcorder and connected it to the VCR's video and sound ports.

I experimented with iMovie HD to solve the problem. My Canon ZR60 captured the master VCR tape footage after I set the camera to AC-In mode. Next, I reverse the book instructions from David Pogue's "iMovie 4 & iDVD, the Missing Manual" to make it work.

I chose File to Share (Shift-Command-E) then I clicked on the "Videocamera" icon. The instructions said, `Record your movie to a tape in your videocamera. This operation may take several minutes to complete.' Next, I changed the wait time to a maximum of 59 seconds for camera to get ready. Finally, I changed the Add time to 59 seconds of black before and to end the movie.

By using this method, I could capture 59 seconds of my RIC public speaking instruction master VCR tape to my MiniDV digital video cassette in my Canon ZR60 camcorder. Importing the entire RIC master VCR tape was 10 minutes and I had to stop and start 10 times bringing in the VCR film footage.

Note: This will not work with Copy Protected videos for editing videos.

The quality from analog to digital tape was quite good. A commercial Analog Signals into Digital Signals converter sells for $500 to $900 retail. Therefore, the effort was worth it for this project.

Final Notes

I find the iMovie HD program one of the best iMovies program series. iMovie HD worked well with some of my old iMovies 4 footage and enhanced my previous low-light film footage when transported and burned in iDVD 5 program.

Great upgrade, but...
All I wanted to do was create a DVD for my brother.IMovie is decent.It has a few minor quirks to it.The amount of time for title slides has a max of 4 seconds.All of my slides are 4 seconds.Anything else seems too short and amateurish.It had a problem importing MGEP 1 movies.I had to go through a convoluted process to get the movie into place.Even then, the first .5 seconds of the audio was missing...due to the conversion process.This is not Apple fault, except they should be able to import those movies.all other formats works fine.

I found iDVD to have major quirks.First, the audio was 1 second behind the video on the DVD.Then the audio kept advancing forward, make it ouf of sync, more and more as the movie played on.Then the movie would stop the audio at the first sound effect i placed in a text slide.This was extremely frustrating.I thought it was supposed to be easy!?

iDVD just takes a movie, renders it, and burns it to a DVD with some selection screens.How hard is that?I ended up remaking one of my iMovie projects three time before it finally came out.The other project, well, I had to extract the audio so that it would be on the DVD (except the first and last video).Lastly, the final chapter (movie marker) pointed to the start of the movie.

I like Garageband, it's easy but not a powerful tool like Logic.
ITunes, well, it's iTunes!It is definitive.
iPhoto is awesome.It still feels like it is just feature creeping, for better or worse.

Sometimes it doesn't just work.
iLife '05is supposed to support RAW image processing (see product description above) for photos in iPhoto.The surprise is that although my Canon camera is supported, it's RAW image format is not, rendering iPhoto useless for most of my photographs.This was unexpected as third party companies have image conversion software that manages to do this with little problem.I know there are many RAW image formats, but it's the job of good technology to simplify a complex environment.

I'm new to Apple products and very pleased overall since we purchased the imac G5.It seems like in most cases "it just works" describes their system well, but in this case, I guess we needed to read the "fine print".

I also noticed that it is still not possible to record anything on GarageBand with the iSight's (Apples webcam/microphone).Apparently there is some type of software/hardware incompatibility.Expected in Windows machines, (fortunately) unusual in Apple products.Not a major issue for most, but the incompatibility of Apple hardware and software is still an unwelcome surprise.

The iPhoto alone is worth the price
All of the improvements are great. I was editing a video for a presentation when my order arrived. There was a transition that I simply could not get the old iMovie to do. I installed the new iLife and told it to make the same transition in the film and it worked perfectly. I don't know why or how but I was sold five minutes after the box arrived.
I still think iPhoto is the best improvement however. I really like the scrollable photo index when looking at a picture in edit mode. I also like the ability to eject the camera from within iPhoto(I sometimes forgot to do this before.)And the one-touch red-eye correction is nice too.
Also I like the new themes for iDVD. The movie I was editing ended up getting one of the new themes instead of the old theme I had originally picked and I was very pleased with the end result. The presentation was a big success. ... Read more

Features

• Photo enhancing tools plus intuitive organizing and sharing capabilities
• Make quick fixes or use advanced editing; quickly find any photo
• Correct color and lighting; remove imperfections; compare images
• Create compelling slide shows; send themed photo e-mail
• Use industry-leading technology; archive photos for safekeeping

Features

• Edit with Final Cut Pro—The scalability, performance, and workflow of Final Cut Pro make it the first choice of professional editors everywhere.
• Create Audio with Soundtrack Pro—Soundtrack Pro revolutionizes the way audio and video professionals edit and design sound.
• Make motion graphics with Motion—Apple's real-time motion graphics software Motion is the easiest way for artists and editors to animate text, movies, and graphics.
• DVD Studio Pro—From DVD dailies to highly interactive commercial titles, DVD Studio Pro is the easiest and most popular way for professionals to author SD and HD DVDs.

Features

• Word processing combined with professional script formatting
• Designed for writing movie scripts, television episodics, and stage plays
• Automatically paginates and formats script to industry standards
• 100-percent cross-platform compatibility; easily import/export files
• 50+ templates; text to speech, have your script read back to you

Reviews (16)

Great formatter with poor font rendering.
As a screenplay formatter Final Draft 7.0 works as well as its predecessors, but still has a rotten font rendering quality. I would have thought that this would the number one priority to attend to at this stage in Final Draft's development cycle.

That gripe aside - and it's a really significant one - everything else works very smoothly.

Because of this issue, I would recommend Screenwriter 2000, which does everything that Final Draft can do, and doesn't have any issue with its ability to render fonts cleanly. In addition, screenwriter 2000 has a more useful suite of associated products, notably: Dramatica 4 pro and Storyview 2. The tech backup is superior, too.

If you're a new user, DON'T BUY IT!
I've used Final Draft since version 5 through version 6, and although it was antiquated and clunky compared to contemporary word processing software, it was at least useable and relatively stable.

HOWEVER - I recently upgraded to FD7, and it's a mess. It implemented new features in such a way as make them impractical in daily, minute by minute by use, while simultaneously dumping several genuinely useful features from previous versions. It's been through two patches since it was released already, and it's still clunky, bug ridden, crash prone, and less usable in practice than the previous version.

If you are a first time buyer, I'd recommend delaying your purchase for at least six months till they sort out the bugs (assuming that's possible), or consider buying another of the many products available, e.g. Screenwriter or Sophocles.

ADDENDUM:

I'd also recommend you read some of the reviews on this site with a pinch of salt - there are a couple that I would consider suspiciously glowing. There's nothing to stop someone from the manufacturer adding a review, is there...?

Just add words?
I have to work every day with FD 7 (Mac OSX) as the production company I write for asked me to do so. To cut it short: I have never ever seen a programme with so many bugs and crashes! Unfortunately recent updates have not changed anything. :-(

Weird (on a PC anyway)
I have a friend who uses the Mac version and swears by it. I purchased the PC version and it's certainly interesting. It behaves like no other text editor I've ever seen. Simple operations like cut and paste become strange exasperating games to see what text Final Draft will actually decide to let you cut and paste. I guess it's trying to keep script elements contiguous--but there are times when you just...want...to move...the damn...WORDS. Final Draft makes the mistake of assuming too much.

Edit: I hereby redact the rest of my review. I still think the program could use some polish on a PC...but my previous ire was more from ignorance than the program itself. It ain't so bad.

Finished Another First Draft With Final Draft
I have written or re-written over 30 scripts, both hits and flops, both TV and Feature, with Final Draft. Like most people who have made the mistake of buying Movie Magic Screenwriter, I switched when the program didn't work and they made me angry on the phone. I have never had a problem with my fonts, or tech support, or upgrading or updating. Ever. They even make their own font to make the switch from Mac to Win seamless and it is. The other programs are okay, but not as 'finished', maybe because just about every TV show and Film is made with Final Draft. It really is combat tested. I just bought another copy from amazon.com for my office and both companies are great! ... Read more

Product Description

Photoshop CS2 ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Strong technology, lousy support
Considering how much talent Adobe puts into product development, it amazes me how user-hostile their service is.I bought CS2 last week and cannot get Adobe Bridge to start.This is a critical problem since Canon RAW files (.CR2) from my 20D are not visible in the File/Open box.My fiancee spent three hours on the phone to Seattle today to try to get help, and when she finally got through, they wouldn't deal with her since she was not the registered user, even though she had the licence information.There is no information on Adobe's site regarding Bridge bugs.I don't know if this is also a problem on the Mac, but if you are an XP user, HOLD OFF ON CS2 until Adobe fixes the production bugs in its Bridge software, and gets a better handle on both its arrogance and quality control.

Interesting Features but Still a Flawed License Manager
My experience with Photoshop CS2 has been limited thus far, but it does appear to offer some nice new features, particularly to the enhancement in Adobe Camera Raw, the Spot Healing Tool, and possibly Adobe Bridge as I explore it more. A major drawback to me personally, is that changes have been made in the user interface that conflict with the old Extensis PhotoTools plug-in, namely in that the PhotoBars component which provides a customizable toolbar ehancement will no longer work.Although Extensis no longer supports PhotoTools and deleted the PhotoTools component when Photoshop 6 was issued, I have been involved in maintaining PhotoBars so that it would work on the PC platform in Photoshop versions 6, 7, and CS.The customizable toolbars added a wonderful extension of usability to the Photoshop interface, and the loss of that capability due to changes made in Photoshop CS2 is very unfortunate.

Of great interest to me was to see how Adobe has changed License Management, i.e., product activation in Photoshop CS2.While the license manager does appear greatly improved in terms of not being as likely to have errant reactivations arise due to use of the System Restore utility in Windows XP, hardware changes, etc., it still manifests the same critical flaw as existed in Photoshop CS.Namely, Adobe has not provided any grace period at all for the instances when reactivation is prompted.So, if you are someone perhaps travelling with a laptop computer and are ever at a remote location where telephone or internet access is not readily available, you are at risk of fully losing use of Photoshop CS2 in the event of an errant reactivation prompt arising.The odds of this occurring do appear greatly reduced due to changes made in the triggers affecting a reactivation, but the risk is there nonetheless.Adobe should have implemented a short-term grace period of continued use following a prompt for reactivation, so that a user would not unexpectedly be faced with denied access at a critical time.The only alternative in this situation is to have a backup copy of an earlier version of Photoshop installed for use until Photoshop CS2 can be reactivated or, to employ the use of software hacks that defeat the license manager.The preferred solution would be for Adobe to provide an update that incorporates a reactivation grace period, but they seem to be ignoring the problem.I had hoped that the new Transfer Activation process in Photoshop CS2 might allow a user to export activation state data to removable media which, if an errant reactivation prompt arose, could be used to re-establish the valid activation state on the PC.Unfortunately, the Tranfer Activation process requires an internet connection and thus is again useless if one is at a remote location.

With regard to the 1st review posted here, installation of Photoshop CS2 is permitted to two computers under the normal single-user license.The only restriction defined in the license is that these 2 installations cannot be used concurrently.The license specifically reads as follows:

"2.4 Portable or Home Computer Use. The primary user of the Computer on which the Software is installed may install a second copy of the Software for his or her exclusive use on either a portable Computer or a Computer located at his or her home, provided the Software on the portable or home Computer is not used at the same time as the Software on the primary Computer."

support leaves a great deal to be desired
Unfortunately Adobe with its Photoshop product has made it increasingly difficult to install or to use on more than one computer. Like many people I have a desktop PC and a laptop. With CS1 I could install on both. Now I have to buy 2 copies at $1400 to have the program on both PCs. Even worse trying to install CS2 on a machine that already has Photoshop CS 1 installed, the install program can't find the version already installed in the default directory and so it fails. After 40 minutes with level one tech support I still was unable to install theCS2 upgrade. Calling back to talk to level 2 tech support I was told I would have to pay $39 for a support call.
This is the last time I purchase Photoshop. Adobe has gotten too big and too arrogant for me. ... Read more

Features

• Photo enhancing tools with industry-leading technology
• Make quick fixes or use advanced editing options
• Get high-quality with camera raw and 16-bit support
• Enjoy flexible print options; process batches of photos at once
• Easily adjust shadows and highlights; view before and after

Product Description

Today, all creative professionals understand that the cornerstone of the digital darkroom is a calibrated monitor. Professional photographers, graphic designers, ad agencies, publishers, and advanced amateurs now realize that a color managed workflow begins with accurate, on-screen color. Wherever color is critical, so too is a calibrated monitor. The ColorVision Spyder2PRO Studio, the next-generation of the award-winning Spyder product line, was specifically designed to meet the needs of the new digital creative professional.ColorVision Spyder2PRO Studio sets a new standard for professional monitor calibration. Combining the all new Spyder2 colorimeter and Spyder2PRO software, this innovative and advanced product delivers unrivalled calibration results forthe demanding digital imaging professional.The sleek, dual-phase Spyder2 hardware features precise calibration and highly accurate ICC profiles for CRT, LCD and laptop displays. The new software and graphical user interface provides ease-of-use previously unavailable in professional-level monitor calibration products. FREE bonus software is also provided in the package including nik Color Efex Pro 2.0 Standard Edition, PANTONE colorist, and ColorVision DoctorPRO to enhance, edit, correct, and specify colors on your images, screens, and printers. The Spyder2PRO Studio allows you to easily calibrate all of your monitors at a truly affordable price.Spyder2's state-of-the-art optical science and new ... Read more

Features

• Innovative, Next Generation Spyder2 Colorimeter: The new standard for on-screen color accuracy. Precisely calibrate your display and produce accurate ICC profiles for your CRT, LCD and laptop.
• State-of-the-Art Optical Science: Advanced photo sensors and color filter system provide a 5-fold increase in color sensitivity and consistent color readings. The new precision-molded filterpack and patent-protected light baffle produces accurate LCD display characterization.
• Sleek, Dual-Phase Hardware Design: Cutting-edge industrial design offers effortless LCD, CRT and notebook calibration.
• Multiple Monitor Calibration and Matching: Allows you to calibrate and profile multiple monitors on a single system or across an entire studio. (Mac and Windows).
• Exceptional Ease-of-Use with Wizard Software: Spyder2PRO software walks you through the entire calibration process with its intuitive interface. Comprehensive help screens guide you through each step to achieve your desired color setting.

Reviews (1)

Pretty Good When It Works
My Gripes with the Spyder2PRO (applies mostly to Windows platform):

1. You won't know if the unit itself is miscalibrated.
2. Although the basic documentation is good, it lacks details. Such as, "How does the ColorVision Profile Chooser program affect Window's Color Management Settings and how do the two interact?"
3. Sometimes, the Profile Chooser fails to load your profile when coming out of Windows' hibernation/standby state.
4. The other "value-add" software that comes with it is not that great. Just buy the regular Spyder2 package.

I work primarily with photoshop and web graphics and do not do any print color matching. I wanted to merely calibrate all my CRT, LCD and laptop monitors just enough so that there would be some tonal consistency. I wasn't going for professional pre-press accuracy.

The first Spyder unit I received wasn't properly calibrated at the factory so all my monitors turned out to be too red! Even after several attempts to recalibrate and profile... So after a few email exchanges with Tech support, I returned it for a new unit. (Thanks Amazon)

The second unit seemed to work fine. Except, now, I have this nagging feeling that if it wasn't, I wouldn't really know since I don't have a reference monitor.

In any case, it did a fairly good job of matching my two different LCDs as well as my CRT. (NEC 1760NX, Sony SDM-M51 and ViewSonic G90f) However, on my laptop, the Profile Chooser fails to reload the profile when coming-out of its hibernation state. When I asked tech support about this, they shot me a canned email that didn't really resolve the issue. Now, I have to reselect the profile each time I resume.

(Tech support was prompt in their response. But, it seemed like that they really didn't read my email thoroughly.)

Overall, I'm satisfied with the product and I would recommend the unit. (You really can't beat the price.) I think it could be better if it had the following:

1. Better documentation on how the ColorVision's color management software affects and interacts with the platforms (windows) exisiting color management software.
2. Some reference prints of some sort where I can compare my calibrated monitor with; so that I can know that I've come close to reference material. (I don't know if this is possible or not.)
3. Get rid of the software bugs! ... Read more

Product Description

Roxio Easy Media Creator 7 empowers you to live your digital lifestyle to its fullest potential. Go beyond just CD burning and now organize, edit, preserve and share your digital photos, music, video and data â all within one integrated product that seamlessly combines the complete versions of the latest, award-winning Easy CD & DVD Creator, PhotoSuite, VideoWave, and Napster brands. ... Read more

Features

• Produce professional-looking VCDs, SVCDs, or DVDs
• Includes PhotoSuite 7, VideoWave 7, Napster 2.0, and Easy CD & DVD Creator
• Organize with Media Manager; password-protect and encrypt private data
• Transform still photos with stunning pan and zoom effects
• Take complete control of video with advanced timeline editing tools

Reviews (9)

Doesn't work
This is my first experiance with any Roxio product.I bought it without doing research but on the recommendation of the store manager.He said that Roxio makes wonderful products.

Are you kidding me!The menus are combersome and confusing.The whole program disappears after clicking on a menu option only to reappear a full minute later.

I did like the pan and animated menu features and was able to create one movie.I then started on a second movie using some of the more advanced features but this will not run smoothly.The preview window doesn't synchronize with the timeline indicator.The video preview occasionally is not shown and the audio is choppy and locks into a loop.

This is unusable.A total waste of money.

Stay away - not worth half price.
I have owned and updated this product since before it was bought by Roxio. Now it has been bought out by Sonic. The newest version 7.5 of the product has become bloated and useless, with a built in Napster client as the core feature. Prior version user upgrade prices are handled unethically - The first email they sent me said offered upgrade for $99.99 no exceptions for prior customers (less than a week after I upgraded to version 7.0 which also sent me through the roof - an upgrade that recent should be free), then eventually they sent email offering a lower price but with a 48 hour window, and after about a month I got an email with a half-wise decent upgrade price offer of $29.99, which I took. They have over-hyped version 7.5, which I have found to be mostly useless and frustrating. I spent all weekend trying to burn some DVD movies, only to have half of them ruined because the some features of the product don't work they way they say they do. Very disappointed - I won't buy their next product and I'm looking for something better instead. They're marketing this peice of junk like it's the best product around, and I feel like I've been taken...

cant get it to burn a DVD
I'm sorry but the software seems to have a lot of nice features but I cant get it to do something as simple as burn a DVD.I have tried multiple other programs and never come across this problem before.After a week with the help desk it was...no help.

What a piece of trash.Waste of money & time - BEWARE!
I'm tired of waiting for software that actually works!OK, if Icould rate this a negative number I would.Make sure and back up your configuration and drivers before installing this piece of trash.It has destroyed the drivers on both of my computers (laptop and home).Neither computer will create a CD.It doesn't convert music types (and there is downloadable shareware that does this).Lots of fancy screens, lots of fancy words in their product description.Roxio has joined the ranks of so many other PC software creators (marketing, marketing, marketing).DO NOT BUY THIS SOFTWARE.Matter of fact, send me the $100, you'll be better off!!!!!

Pay $100 to downgrade your music mixing program?!
I have been using the EZCD, now Roxio line of media software to make music mixes for years, since version 2.0.With heavy competition from numerous new music players, I stuck with Roxio and updated from version 6.0 to 7.5, eager to check out and use the promised benefits.Instead I found that 7.5 is actually a major DOWNGRADE of music mixing features and functionality.It's hard to believe, but true.Here are some of the downgrades:
1. 7.5 doesn't list and sort songs by artist or title at all!You have to go by the Windows file name!
2. 7.5 worsens the crossfading control feature, the major benefit of this program over other music mixing programs.7.5 can only apply crossfade or gap settings by whole seconds, rather than fractions as in 6.0, so you can't be as precise with the segues.Also, 7.5 doesn't allow control over the portion of the track you listen to when composing the crossfade, as 6.0 did.
3. 7.5 eliminates the "Audio Central" component of the 6.0 version and uses the old Creator Classic view, with less features.
4. 7.5 won't recognize your mixes (playlists) from 6.0.
5. 7.5 won't recognize and list your song titles and artist names from 6.0.
6. 7.5 has a terrible volume normalizing program that creates big quick blasts of higher or lower volume before finding the normalized level.This feature is applied only when burning, not when mixing, so you can't audition it until it's too late.Volume normalizing is just useless.
7. With 6.0, you could place as many tracks as you wanted into a playlist, then edit down from that to create a mix that would fit on a CD.With 7.5 you are limited to about 100 minutes of material to draw from.

Roxio actually lies about these features in their online "comparison" charts, stating that features which are not functional on 6.0 are present on 7.5, when in fact the opposite is true.This is deceptive advertising.

I have written to Roxio to get help on any or all of this, and I have received no response whatsoever.

If you've been using Roxio to make music mixes, it's time to look elsewhere.If you haven't been, don't start now.
... Read more

Features

• Improved file management, new design possibilities, and a more intuitive way to create for the Web
• Support for 16-bit images, digital camera raw data, and non-square pixels
• Create or modify photos using painting, drawing, and retouching tools
• Customized workspace; save personalized workspace and tool settings; create customized shortcuts
• Unparalleled efficiency--automate production tasks with built-in or customized scripts

Reviews (14)

Another Homerun for Adobe!
Adobe continues its tradition with an industry-leading product in Photoshop CS. Photoshop has long been the industry standard in graphics and photo editing. With the introduction of Photoshop CS, the product has gotten even better. What's more, Adobe listens and is uniquely in tune with the needs and requests of Photoshop users. They have listened and added the most requested enhancements to this product.

Many new enhancements are added. For example, the color replacement tool. This wonderful tool allows you to choose a color on a photograph that you would like replaced, pick the color you would like to replace it with (even between images and layers!), then easily highlight and replace the offending color. This saves so much time and effort when editing and correcting photographs.

Photoshop CS has also picked up new things from it's cousin Illustrator. You can now to text on a line with ease. This has been a standard feature of Illustrator for a long time. However, it did not come in Photoshop. Now, rather than hassling with drawing the curve and using warp or some other technique to "wrap" the text onto the line, Photoshop CS can do it in one easy step.

As a Web Designer, I cannot say enough about all of the features available in this program. ImageReady has been enhanced to include improvements in the user interface. You can now create and modify web designs faster with multiple object selection, object grouping, and smart guides. There are also great improvements in image slicing, which is very important. You can now slice complex, layered images and apply appropriate format and compression settings to each area before exporting as an HTML table.

Another enhancement for Web Designers is that Photoshop CS can export as a Macromedia FlashÓ (SWF) file. Now you can use ImageReady CS to create FlashÓ animations that include the vector artwork and variable text. This enhancement really helps when compressing images and vector art for inclusion on a webpage or into a FlashÓ presentation.

Since I also occasionally work with video in Adobe Premiere, I can also really appreciate the enhancements that they have included in Photoshop CS for 16-bit and video production. The square to non-square pixel issue has always been a problem when taking images to video. Adobe has once again listened to the users and improved the non-square pixel support. Now we can create and work with non-square pixels with different aspect and not have to worry about distortion.

In summary, this is another homerun for Adobe with a product that far exceeds its competitors-bar none. The new enhancements, plus the ability to extend Photoshop CS exponentially with third-party plug-ins makes this program a must-have for any serious photographer, graphics designer or web designer.

Way to go Adobe!

Bloatware at its best
Adobe is a big company and has tons of money, so why are they charging us an arm and a leg for bloatware that runs very slow? Launching the program takes half a minute on my 6-month-old PC with 512 mb RAM. A lot of things are hard to understand, which means you'll need to shell out more cash for a learning book, and Adobe wants you to buy their expensive books! Get jasc or other better products from independent software publishers. There's even a decent open-source (and free) image editing program.

One of the most influential inventions in history.
Everybody talks of Photoshop simply as software. But it's implications in the modern day digital world are huge. Photoshop as an invention has been as influential as the light bulb, because it has changed our perception of reality. Today, every time we look at an image, say it's on a website, a magazine, television or any printed media, we wonder or contemplate the posibility of how much "Photoshopped" the image is. In the popular realm Photoshop can create crazy aberrations that are at times fun, and to the trained eye you can detect just where the editing took place. But in the hands of experts, we can just wonder how much media images have been manipulated without us ever noticing. What Photoshop has done over the years is to democratize digital image editing, something that was one time limited to high end image labs and pros. Photoshop has no real learning curve, because it's progressive. The thing is that if you're intrested, go for it, there are hundreds of learning resources available (tutorials included with the software are complete and comprehensive). Photoshop is a must have tool.

An Advice for Beginners
I totally agree that Photoshop is an excellent software to use in editing images and making original art from scratch. This version of Photoshop, CS, brought with it many new improvements and enhancements that have already been taken up by previous reviewers. What I don't agree with is that most people say it is difficult to learn when in fact, it isn't! Those of you who wanted to own Photoshop and not afraid of experimenting, this is the perfect time to buy Photoshop and be counted as one image editing savvy person!

For newcomers and prospective buyers, don't let the "steep learning curve" routine preached by other folks discourage you. Photoshop is no more difficult to learn than any other software like Paintshop or PhotoImpact. I have tried all three and settled on Photoshop as THE EASIEST! All you need to have to learn it is a desire to improve your digital images, the knack to experiment, and a good book to guide you along (if you're learning on your own, like myself.)

Open Photoshop and you will see an almost unremarkable, unassuming interface which belies its true power. But this is a good thing because Photoshop functions can be simple or sophisticated as you like. It has a much neater interface compared to the above other softwares which means you can open functions only when you need them.

Get a good book that starts with simple concepts and go one step at a time. The beauty of going from simple tasks first (like how adjustment layers work) to more complicated ones (like layer mask compositing) is that you gradually develop your confidence. Pretty soon you will begin to discover on your own! Practice with you own photos and see the results immediately! Who said you have to be a professional to use a professional caliber software?

I agree on the saying that Photoshop is difficult to learn BUT only on the concept of making art. Not everybody have that eye. If you want to create works of art, then it only follows that you invest time in learning how, steep learning curve or otherwise. But this applies not only to Photoshop but to other softwares you might be using!

Now if most of your editing consists of uploading your digital images from camera to PC, enhancing exposure, cropping, framing, optimizing for email, boosting resolution to uncover detail for printing, how difficult can Photoshop be? It's easy! It's specifically designed for these tasks! Of course, other software can do this too at a much lesser price but I am assuming you want the top gun. With Photoshop, you can totally, CLEARLY do loads of other things. Because when you're ready to do more elaborate compositions, Photoshop will be there with even more specialized tools at your disposal.

If you like all the good things that you've heard about Photoshop, if you want a totally flexible, CLEAR tool to use in editing your images where all the non-destructive adjustments are right there at your fingertips CLEARLY laid out for you to turn on or off or adjust so you can instantly see how they affect your image, then do yourself a favor and buy a copy.

Just about the only reason I would recommend Paintshop or PhotoImpact (respectfully capable softwares, too) over Photoshop is the high price of Photoshop. On the other hand I understand you can take Photoshop classes and get BIG student discounts on Photoshop saving you hundreds of dollars. Read the reviews on beginning books on Photoshop and select one you believe will suit your taste. I strongly suggest one with practice images on CD and color pictures in the book itself.

Good luck and have fun!

Phenomenal, but not for everyone
This is more than a mere software application; Photoshop is a multifaceted platform for creative expression. You can of course use this program to perform routine tasks such as cropping and touching up photos. However, you can also use it to design complex works of digital art. The top Photoshop gurus can create original photorealistic artwork that is virtually indistinguishable from the real thing.

Photoshop is used to create print ads and logos, and the program even has its place in the creation of special effects for film. If you want to do professional-grade graphic design work, then you will want to buy this program. It simply has no competition at the higher end of the design spectrum.

Nonetheless, there are a few caveats to consider. Photoshop has a hefty price tag. It is priced for professionals, not for hobbyists. Before you spend the money, ask yourself if you really need all the features that Photoshop has to offer. If you simply want a program that will allow you to retouch and crop personal photographs, then either Photoshop Elements or PaintShop Pro will be more than adequate, and much cheaper.

Photoshop also has a steep learning curve. Casual users will likely be overwhelmed by the interface, with its multitude of tools, commands, and palettes. Don't expect to produce great results the first time you use PS. However, if you decide to commit yourself to learning Photoshop, there are plenty of tools on the market that can help you. An entire cottage industry is devoted to teaching neophytes and advanced users alike about the intricacies of alpha channels, layers, clipping masks, etc.

Finally, Photoshop requires a powerful computer in order to run efficiently. Before you buy it, make sure that your machine exceeds the minimum hardware requirements specified by Adobe. If you are using the same computer that you bought three or four years ago, then you will likely be looking at an additional hardware investment before you can take advantage of Photoshop.

In summary, this is a phenomenal program, but look before you leap. The investments of time and money needed to purchase and learn to use Photoshop are substantial. However, the results that a dedicated user can achieve with this program are truly amazing. If you are serious about graphic arts and/or photography, then Photoshop is a must-have piece of software. ... Read more

Product Description

The sleek, dual-phase Spyder2 hardware features precise calibration and highly accurate ICC profiles for CRT, LCD and laptop displays. The new software and graphical user interface provides ease-of-use previously unavailable in professional-level monitor calibration products.Spyder2's state-of-the-art optical science and new light detectors deliver a five-fold increase in sensitivity. A new filter pack system and patent-protected light baffle further increase the accuracy of on-screen color. Improvements to the calibration software utilize sophisticated gray balance and tonal response algorithms to produce superior color images, including exceptionally smooth gradient steps, life-like flesh tones and neutral grays ... Read more

Features

• Spyder2 - Next Generation Spyder Technology Sets the Standard for Affordable Monitor Calibration.
• The ColorVision Spyder2 features the all new Spyder2 colorimeter and monitor calibration for advanced amateurs and prosumers to create precise ICC display profiles for your CRT, LCD or notebook display.
• FREE bonus software includes PANTONE® colorist software.
• Improved Gray Balance and Tonal Response Provides demanding users with exceptionally smooth gradient steps and neutral grays.
• Unique Before and After Viewing Feature Allows you to compare your display with and without calibration.

Reviews (1)

Works quite well
I've used my Spyder2 on a Mac iBook and a Dell 2350 running Windows XP on a 17in Dell LCD flatscreen.The monitor calibrator and software in both cases did a much better job than I could do on my own with Adobe Gamma or other judgement-based calibrators.After calibration, pictures on my monitors appear much more like the prints I get from Kodak Gallery (formerly Ofoto), both in color and tone (to the extent that a projected-light RGB image can look like a reflected light CMYK image.)I haven't tested the system on a CRT monitor.

One gripe: I bought my system new from Amazon, and it came packaged as new, but the Spyder was scuffed and clearly had been used previously.It wasn't worth my time and energy to return it since it functions fine, but I don't think this was an honest business practice on the part of ColorVision. ... Read more

Features

• Turn your DV camcorder footage into a Video CD, Super Video CD, or DVD
• Share disc burners across a network or the Internet with other Toast 6 Titanium users
• Turn still photos into Motion Pictures using pan and zoom, dissolves, and soundtracks
• Schedule regular, automatic back ups for peace of mind
• Burn files and folders directly from the desktop with a single-click, pop-up menu

Reviews (15)

Don't switch doctors.
If you're happy using Toast 5 and are a heavy user of the bundled Spin Doctor, stick with it--unless you have OSX. Toast is the fastest and handiest CD-burning software I've tried, and I was content with my old version until the application for converting analog to digital (Spin Doctor) refused to open up in OSX, even with the update downloaded from Roxio. Toast 6 solves that problem while providing more colorful graphics and increased automation. The defining of a track is "streamlined," which takes some getting used to, and I haven't figured out yet how to edit wave forms, which are proving useless in this version. In order to recognize and remove "dead space" in a radio broadcast, I'm forced either to use the version of Spin Doctor in Toast 5 or go to the PC application, "Cool Edit." I can't speak to the other new features of Toast, as I don't use them much. I do notice, though, that Roxio has cut back a bit on the packaging (no case for the installation CD) and the instruction manual (it's now mostly under the Help menu).

Since writing the above, I've discovered that Apple's bundled "Sound Studio" is the best way to edit wave forms, after which you can burn them to CD in Toast. Moreover, I've discovered that the distortion I was hearing while recording FM in Spin Doctor (only in the monitoring) is not a problem in Sound Studio. For recording LP's, I still plan to use Spin Doctor, but those colorful wave forms are little more than consumer cosmetics.

mmmm... Toasty
Been a Toast user for years. Loved 5... didn't think it could get any better... but they figured out how to improve on something that was already near perfect.

The interface - already super simple in 5 - is better in 6. They got rid of the "Other" menu (thank you) and added in a Video area. Plus you can now do multiple copies like printing multiple pages, and there's burning right from the desktop with a handy Toast It menu.

Now I'm able to burn DVDs when I want and SVCDs when I want - no matter that my burner is external. It's a bit slow on my G4... but the quality is fantastic... and so it's worth the wait. VCD seems faster than in Toast 5.

Motion Pictures is pretty cool. Sure you can do the same thing in iMovie... but it takes about 20 hours longer to get the same thing done.

Spin Doctor is MUCH improved. I don't have many records to import... but it's done the job great on the first one I tried.

The networked recorder thing is really amazing. My Powerbook doesn't have a burner, but I'm able to record to the burner in my desktop machine with no hassle.

It comes with a detailed printed manual... which is pretty sweet (even though I've barely had to open it)... I can't remember the last piece of software I bought that came with a manual... oh wait.. now I can... it was Toast 5.

This software is great... and definitely worth the price.

Discus 3.0.4 upgrade Label/Jewel Case Software is Tops
I own Toast 6 with two upgrades. (6.0.5) Using OS X 3.4 I needed a software update for my LaCie Burner.
The Technical Help is quick and fast at Toast/Roxio. They told me to download it and gave me the link.
Last night I Toasted some CD-ROM's for training Case Managers. I burned Six CD and Printed Labels and Jewel Case Inserts and Tray liner in a half hour.

The extra $20 to upgrade to Discus 3.0.4 is well worth the Time and Money. (Newer Software and Full artwork) Real Pro looking Artwork and Label from a great Library. You can use any brand of Paper (Avery, Neato, Memorex etc.) and even nudge 0.5 mm adjustment if necessary. Memorex tray liners got an adjustment and it work for all futures use of that paper. This software lets you import for iTunes and Toast what you are Toasting for a list of software or Song Lists etc. Software so easy, I did NOT read the directions. Just do what you want to do the MAC way. I Like the Neato Jewel case booklets for Training instructions (Music Album Notes) and Memorex tray liners. I have one software and Four brand of paper
You can even print business cards on which I ton of good comments. "What a Beautiful Card."
Spin Doctor takes out the starches on old LP's for converting to CD's.
I was so happy with the Toast 6 package I did not take the rebate offer. I also used Toast 5 Lite that came with my LaCie.
A New feature lets you Toast to a burner over the internet which are great for Training DVD's to people 15 miles away.

Give the Package Bundle five stars

A must for any Mac owner!
When I bought my eMac, this was the first software I HAD to buy. I make a lot of CDs, so I decided that this was a must, and I've owned Easy CD Creator for the PC, so I knew that it would be easy to use and feature most of the functions I would need.

It's true that it meets most of my needs and with a simple, clean interface. I can make a music CD and store files in no time and it can even create Video CDs and DVDs with menus.

Of course, to many, Toast may seem redundant, as Mac OS X can handle most of your burning needs natively, but I prefer to use 3rd party software for those things, as it was created specifically for that purpose. However, the two things that Toast can do that Panther cannot are create Video CDs and burn DVDs directly from MPEG and Quicktime files without the need to demux audio.

I get some Japanese TV shows from friends in Japan in MPEG format and I like to watch them on my TV, so it's nice to be able to burn them into VCD or DVD format for viewing and backup. If you do a lot of video downloading, this really can come in handy. Also, it works GREAT with EyeTV (sold separately) for the Mac, so you can record your favorite TV shows and put them on CD!

My only complaint is that the DVD/VCD menu option stinks. There is only one menu interface and you cannot choose layout, music, background photo or anything. It's just a plain blue screen with a thumbnail of the video and text titles. And the thing is, it's not very nice--it's borderline gaudy and not what I'd choose for a standard menu layout.

But, with that aside, this is a product I can wholeheartedly recommend for any Mac user with above-average burning needs.

Burn Baby Burn!
Macs come with quite a robust burner in the Finder and the new iLife '04 goes even further than before in giving users more options to customize their discs. So what exactly does Toast do that the Mac OS can't do on it's own?

- Multi Session Burning
- Encrypt data discs with a password
- Burn exact copies of a disc
- Choose which OS the disc will be compatible with
- You can save a burn project so you can burn it again at a later date

These features alone make Toast a very tempting purchase. Thankfully though, it can do much more and it pulls it all off with ease. Drag and drop is about as complicated as the interface gets, but the results are that you have discs burned the way you want that work the way you want. Toast is a powerful, well-rounded, fully featured burning software that just about every user will find useful.

As a bonus you get Discus (for making labels for all those discs you've burnt) and Spin Doctor 2 (for taking out pops and hiss from imported music from records and tapes). ... Read more

Product Description

iLife '05 Family Pack ... Read more

Features

• Easily perform, record, and create music with GarageBand
• Fun-to-use suite of tightly integrated creative tools
• Import, organize, edit, and share digital photos with iPhoto
• iMovie HD quickly turns home video into home cinema
• Create Hollywood-style DVDs with iDVD; iTunes digital jukebox

Reviews (1)

Great update
iPhoto 5 is a great update. It does lots more, and on a dual processor G5 really flies! It does have a bit of a funky response if you tweak the saturation of a photo in extreme highlights (window in a backlit situation) where the whole area of complete white goes a funky color. But just undo what you by reverting to the original and start over. iMove and iDVD are good updates too with the new 16:9 ratio and some really nice themes. Better performance, and more functionality. Garageband with recording up to 8 lines in at once is a major improvment, especially being albe to see notes appear as you write your music! It may not be Logic Express (also owned by Apple) but it really works well. Garageband alone is worth the upgrade.

And if you're an education professional, there is a great price break! ... Read more

Features

• Easily create amazing slideshows with digital photos
• Personalize PC with 8 screen savers and 4 themes
• Take a break with fun and exciting games
• Easily create music CD/DVD labels and inserts
• 50 video effects and transitions for Windows Movie Maker 2

Features

• Edit with Final Cut Pro—The scalability, performance, and workflow of Final Cut Pro make it the first choice of professional editors everywhere.
• Create Audio with Soundtrack Pro—Soundtrack Pro revolutionizes the way audio and video professionals edit and design sound.
• Make motion graphics with Motion—Apple's real-time motion graphics software Motion is the easiest way for artists and editors to animate text, movies, and graphics.
• DVD Studio Pro—From DVD dailies to highly interactive commercial titles, DVD Studio Pro is the easiest and most popular way for professionals to author SD and HD DVDs.

Features

• Essential tool for research, writing, and publishing
• Create instant bibliographies; organize references and images
• Build libraries of any size; new reference types and fields
• Add, edit, and display references in any language
• Search online bibliographic databases

Product Description

Adobe Photoshop CS 2 ... Read more

Features

• Word processing combined with professional script formatting
• Designed for writing movie scripts, television episodics, and stage plays
• Automatically paginates and formats script to industry standards
• 50+ templates; text to speech, have your script read back to you
• Syd Field's Screenwriting Workshop DVD for all skill levels included

Reviews (1)

What They Write With & How To Do IT!!
Okay, so I found out that Final Draft is the Industry Standard in Tinsel Town. Great. I'll buy one. Check out who uses it on their website. Wow! But the software alone doesn't tell us, say, what goes where and why in a screenplay. It just lays there, blank, with blinking cursor... waiting for some brilliance to be entered by me. Enter Syd Field. I have his books on screenwriting and, although the DVD is a little 'talking head'-like, it did make me understand more about the craft of screenwriting, like plot, story structure, action points and character arcs - the things that make up a really great movie. Take notes while watching the DVD! It made me better and less insecure about taking the movie idea out of my head and Final Draft is a cool tool that formats for you and types things you type alot for you. An excellent combination!! Highly recommend. ... Read more

Features

• Fast and reliable CD- and DVD-burning software for the Mac
• Easily make high-quality copies of DVD movies; versatile copier
• Powerful video compression; flexible extraction; informative copy summary
• Full DVD support; personalize with custom disc labels and DVD case inserts
• Share DVD burners with Toast users across the network via ToastAnywhere

Features

• Combines creative control and reliability for home video editing
• Automates tedious editing tasks; context-sensitive How-Tos
• Easily transfer footage from DV camcorder directly to the timeline
• Quickly edit footage, add fun effects, and create custom DVDs
• Share videos on VHS, the Web, mobile phones, or Pocket PCs