Video Editing for Beginners

Video Editing: How to

Ours is a video generation. We grew up with parents shooting camcorder footage of every birthday and graduation, and most of us have hours of movie footage without any cohesive organization or engaging content. Any novice with a video camera can benefit from editing. If you’ve ever forced your friends and family to suffer through six minutes of boring for two seconds of awesome, I’m talking to you. Before you post that cell phone video to YouTube, a little polish with a free editing program can make your friends actually want to click on your Facebook links.

While Adobe Premier is widely held to be the most comprehensive video editing software available, I'm hesitant to suggest a pricey application to learn a new skill. Luckily, there are some great free or cheap programs available. All of my recommendations support clipping, drag-and-drop editing (to change the order of clips) and splicing several smaller videos or photos into a single cohesive video with the addition of transitions (like fading from one scene to another). You can use any of them to convert your camera’s output into a format accepted by YouTube, social media sites, or recognizable to your DVD player.

For novice videographers using Windows, download the free Windows Live Movie Maker (http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-live/movie-maker-get-started), a program packaged into Windows Live Essentials. Microsoft provides some basic tutorials and how-to videos to get you started. It’s a decent beginner product with a relatively easy to follow interface. Opt for one of the AutoMovie themes for an easy way to convert your clips or photos into a more professional looking video with intros, transitions and effects. There’s an integrated one-step upload option to post your masterpiece to YouTube, should you be so inclined.

Note: The link provided on Microsoft’s site installs the Windows Live Essentials suite of products. Select “Choose the programs you want to install” to avoid installing a bulk of software you may not use.

If you don't like the interface or find Windows Movie Maker too bulky or difficult to use, a great alternative option is VideoPad Video Editor Pro (http://www.nchsoftware.com/videopad/index.html). The catch is that VideoPad only offers a 14 day free trial, after which my understanding is that the software will continue to work but only allow you to created limited types of videos. However, the product is only $30 (according to current pricing on their website) so it's not too expensive if you try it and like it.

VideoPad is an easy-to-use solution that brings advanced features to the beginner’s reach. Record your own voiceover narration, or import recorded narrations, something Movie Maker lacks. Also, the full product lets you create BluRay DVDs, a feature that typically requires the purchase of additional software.

Mac users probably don’t need me to mention iMovie, Apple’s movie editing software. Packaged into iLife, the software suite is included on all new Macs. iMovie has more themes than Window’s Movie Maker, more advanced audio editing (like the ability to adjust volume of a single segment and integrated background music options), and “People Finder” that will scan your clips to find additional footage with your intended subject. Overall, it’s widely held to be one of the most easy to use video editing software applications around… provided you have a Mac.

One last note: video editing is time consuming and taxing to your system resources. If you are using a slow or under-performing PC, your system may not be able to handle the task of editing videos. Save your project often if you aren’t sure that your system is up to the task. If your system crashes frequently during the process, try a different editing program, but your system may not be powerful enough to handle the editing process.


Photo used by permission: YuvalH

Top Pinterest Pages For The Bride and Groom

Best Pinterest Boards For Weddings

They’re just three letters, but they’ll change your life forever: “Yes” to the proposal and soon, “I do.” But as any bride or groom can attest, the time between those two utterances can be overwhelming, stressful, and even crazy. Whether you’re planning an unforgettable affair for 400 or so of your nearest and dearest, or searching to instill your own unique style into your special day, Pinterest has boards to make your vows full of wows.

The Perfect Palette

http://pinterest.com/perfectpalette/
What started out as a wedding blog aimed at “exploring the color palette possibilities for your wedding,” has grown into more than 115 boards of beautiful, colorful images covering coordinating palettes, to be sure, but also shoes, accessories, paper straws (with 31 pins!)… you name it. There are boards dedicated to weddings by season and every detail imaginable from cupcakes (even a board of cupcake flags!) to burlap – I didn’t even know that was a theme. If you are looking to color coordinate your big day, join the ranks of over 261,000 followers and add this to your list of wedding resources. If you haven’t decided on a color, prepare to be overwhelmed and inspired. One caveat: not all the images contain links that facilitate purchasing the item you see, so while you’ll be given lots of colorful, beautiful ideas for every detail of your wedding, you may be on your own to recreate it.

Offbeat Bride

http://pinterest.com/offbeatbride/
If the idea of a white princess dress, bow tie tuxedos, chiffon bridesmaids and roses makes you yawn, check out Offbeat Bride. The images explore unique, wild, and, well, offbeat weddings to help you create a special day all your own. They promise to “provide positive encouragement to couples who are trying to retain their identities,” and suggest you “altar your thinking.” Just to give you a sample of the creative ideas filling every board: the invitations page includes a ransom note invitation, Dr. Who themed invites, vintage templates, and a walk through of how to create a Harry Potter howler card. Many of the pins link to how-to instructions so you can create a celebration that’s distinctly yours without breaking the bank.

intimatewedding

http://pinterest.com/intimatewedding/
For many, the prospect of hosting a wedding for hundreds of people you barely know is less than appealing. If you want your special day to be more personal than grandiose, the 50 or so boards that make up “intimatewedding” are full of ideas and DIY tips to help you create a perfect party for your closest loved ones to celebrate your matrimony, on any budget. Many of the boards are full of ideas to incorporate nature, creating beautiful décor, accessories and gifts from pine, moss, even pumpkins. More sweet than stuffy, those planning a small gathering will find plenty of inspiration.

Brides

http://pinterest.com/brides/
Created with the images that adorn the pages of Brides Magazine, I have to admit that my first perusal left me feeling overwhelmed and over budget just looking at the couture-laden photos. Yet it’s impossible to deny the classic beauty artfully displayed throughout the 74 boards. I actually love the “DIY Wedding Details” board with over 100 pins of creative ideas for favors, décor and details. The how-to tips offer anyone with some time the tools to add personal flair to their dream wedding. Exploring past the “fashion-week” pages reveals that Brides offers ideas to bring beauty and grace to any affair, whether it be rustic or romantic, classic or colorful. Turns out decades of creating one of the most iconic wedding magazines around lends itself to an impressive collection of stunning images, awww-inspiring stories, and ideas to help any bride achieve her perfect day.


Photo used by permission: http://www.victoriajohnson.co.uk

Top Pinterest Pages for Cooks and Foodies

Best Pinterest Boards For Cooks

The world of cooking and food is a perfect match to the visual scrapbook nature of Pinterest. From gorgeous images of food art to helpful tutorials for the novice chef, finding inspiration isn’t hard; narrowing it down to a few great boards to follow so you don’t get overwhelmed… well that’s a bigger challenge. Here are my favorites:

Two Peas and Their Pod

http://pinterest.com/twopeasandpod/
Brought to you by Salt Lake City food blogger and recipe developer Maria Lichty, she promises her over 13,000 followers “simple, fresh and family-friendly” fare. There are 107 boards filled with sweet treats, dishes for every season, and boards dedicated to some of her favorite foods (from French toast to asparagus). More than just a food-centric page, it’s also a collection of Maria’s life and style loves. You’ll find ways to create tasty gifts, entice your kids to the table, and prepare a unique presentation.

The Kitchn

http://pinterest.com/thekitchn/
Dedicated to “real home cooks,” The Kitchn boards contain recipes, to be sure, but also tutorials and DIY projects aimed to inspire you to try new techniques and get more comfortable in your kitchen. The Kitchn’s blog boasts a following of over 3 million readers who come for the food and return for daily articles that keep their menus fresh and innovative. The Kitchn shares their favorites with their 9,000 Pinterest followers.

Cooking Light

http://pinterest.com/cookinglight/
For those of us that try to balance their love of food with a desire to keep fitting in their jeans, my favorite healthy eating platform, Cooking Light, has a Pinterest board dedicated to just that. With 45 boards full of categorized recipes, cooking tips and guides to help you eat healthy, you won’t have to cut out taste to cut calories.

Paula Deen

http://pinterest.com/pauladeen/
At the other end of the cooking spectrum, if you’re a fan of the queen of Southern Home-style cooking, you’re not alone. With over 76,000 followers, Paula Deen’s page hosts 46 boards of finger lickin’ goodness. Beautiful images of comfort food galore, Paula’s signature down home fare abounds. Those who fear butter need not follow.

Windows 8 Upgrade Questions

Reader Questions about Window 8 Upgrade

As we near the brink of massive Operating System overhaul (i.e., the release of Windows 8), readers want to know what to do to prepare and if they should upgrade. Here are some tips to save time, money and headaches.

My family PC is on its last leg. Should I wait to replace it until Windows 8 is released?

Maybe, but probably not for the reason you think. If you are planning to replace your dying PC with a laptop, it’s a good idea to see what the release of Windows 8 brings to the hardware arena.

Windows 8 is designed to work best on a touchscreen device like a tablet. Manufacturers are working to take advantage of this by integrating touchscreen capability into laptop-tablet hybrids that will offer the traditional laptop benefits of keyboards and ports for USB, HDMI and the like, while remaining super thin and lightweight. Laptop functionality with a touchscreen? Yes, please!

If you’re in the market for a desktop PC, go ahead and replace your system whenever your budget allows. Windows is running an upgrade program wherein anyone who buys a new Windows 7 PC can purchase a Windows 8 upgrade for $14.99 through January 31, 2013. After it’s been on the market for a couple of months, if you’ve heard nothing but favorable reports you can upgrade at minimal cost. On the other hand, if early adopters find the new OS less than perfect, you’ll be thanking your lucky stars you didn’t wait for it to be pre-installed on your new PC.

I’m excited about the new design of Windows 8. Should I upgrade when it comes out?

I’m never inclined to recommend that you pay to be a guinea pig to a massive design change by Microsoft. Let the nerds get a couple of months with it, at least, so that you can make sure you aren’t investing in the next Windows Vista. My concern about Windows 8 is also what makes it exciting: it’s a hugely different OS. Layout, navigation and application launch are all entirely different from previous versions of Windows. While there has been a preview/developer version available since September 2011 for those in the tech community to flush out the bugs, there will inevitably be hiccups discovered at its official launch.

Microsoft’s carrot to get you to adopt the new operating system early is the bargain price of $39.99 being offered through January 31, 2013 to upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for any system currently running Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows 7. What’s the rush? On January 30th, take a survey of people who’ve had some time to use it and decide then if it’s awesome or awful.

What are the early reports from people testing out the new Windows OS?

Results are quite mixed. Some people find that the look and layout is different but relatively intuitive. The integration of ribbon menus is familiar and launching programs from tiles on the home screen has become second nature due to widespread use of smartphones and tablets. Others feel that the interface is frustrating on a standard desktop system. They argue that the ability to use a keyboard and mouse feels cobbled together, leading to menus disappearing while you’re trying to enter information. Apps on the home page are overwhelming, leading to an annoying game of “find the program I want” among the visual sea of tiles. Experiencing a smooth transition will likely come down to what type of system you use it on and if you’re able to approach it with an open mind, resisting the urge to try to make it conform to the Windows layout you’re used to.

Video Chat to Connect this Holiday

Video Chat With Family & Friends

The holidays are all about connecting with loved ones, but it can be a challenge when you’re separated by miles… or oceans. While you can pick up the phone, you miss out on seeing your nephew’s gleeful happy dance when he opens the super deluxe Batman Batcave action set you sent. There’s never been a better time to try one of the free video chat services to host a virtual get together. It’s the best way to feel like you’re there when you can’t be.

Everyone needs to have a computer, high-speed internet connection and a webcam with audio. Most newer laptops and tablets will have a built-in camera and voice-transmitter. While the screen is tiny, many smartphones can support video chat as well.

In the event that Aunt Edna is missing the necessary hardware, there are many inexpensive plug-and-play webcams with built-in audio. I like the Logitech 720p Webcam C510 (www.amazon.com/Logitech-960-000593-720p-Webcam-C510/dp/B003LVZO92, $50) for its clear video and integrated noise-cancelling audio. The swivel feature is nice because you can adjust placement to accommodate your monitor size and location. Also, it’s really easy to install and will likely be automatically recognized on most systems.

If everyone has a Wi-Fi enabled Apple device or iPhone, Facetime is probably the easiest of the available software applications. I use it when my husband is working in our Sacramento office so we can still have family dinner “together”and my 4-year old knows how to “call daddy.” Everyone with an Apple computer or mobile handheld device should already have it installed and it’s super easy to use.

Just launch the Facetime app and select among your contacts for the person you want to chat with. If you want to FaceTime with a FaceTime-enabled iPod touch, iPad 2 or Mac, select the email address that is linked to their Apple ID from your Contacts list. If you both have iPhones, just place a call to the recipient and tap the FaceTime button when it appears on your screen in the grid of six options (alongside mute, keypad, speaker, etc).

The biggest drawback of Facetime is that it ONLY works on Apple devices, and doing it on an iPhone’s small screen isn’t exactly endearing. The winner for cross-platform simplicity is Skype (http://beta.skype.com/en/), a name that just about anyone who has ever heard of video chat is likely familiar with.

Skype is great solution for its ability to work over just about any operating system and a bunch of different devices, like tablets, smartphones and more. Video chat is free between Skype members, so everyone will need to create an account and download the software to use it.

While video quality is great, some users complain that the audio doesn’t sync perfectly, which can be annoying and distracting. Also, while the software supports group chat so you can connect with multiple parties simultaneously, it’s only available when you upgrade to Skype’s premium service ($9.99/mo or $4.99 for a “day pass”). There are several other cool perks to a premium account, particularly if you plan to call landlines or internationally, so it may be worth considering.

If you’re looking to put together a multi-party virtual gift opening extravaganza, your best bet is Google Video Chat (https://www.google.com/chat/video). It’s free and pretty easy to use. It works across platforms which is a big plus, though everyone needs a Google login (usually a Gmail account). Google+ Hangouts allows you to add up to nine video chat participants simultaneously with a split screen, all for free. While the interface will likely be easy enough to navigate for someone familiar with Google products like Gmail, others may require time and assistance to get their Google+ login established and chat to launch.

If, for example, Grandma doesn’t have a web cam, Skype and Google Chat both support one-way video so that she can see and hear you while you only hear her (provided she has a microphone). Worst case you can piggyback a standard phone call so you can hear each other while she gets to see you on her computer screen.

Photo used by permission: stefan.erschwendner

Last Minute Unique Gifts

Unique Gifts For The Procrastinator

Every year I swear I will have my Christmas presents bought, wrapped and under the tree by the first week in December. Yet as the big day nears I inevitably note the passing of the last day to reasonably expect to ship online purchases with dismay, knowing I have at least a few gifts left to find and acquire. Lucky for you, dear reader, this has led me to amass a variety of great last minute gift alternatives that are easy to get a hold of yet more unique than a standard gift card.

Check out the deals available through sites like Groupon (www.groupon.com), Living Social (www.livingsocial.com) or Google Offers (www.google.com/offers) for great deals on unique services and experiences that you can gift. Think half price sky diving or heli-skiing for the adventurer on your list; half off online cooking, photography or music lessons; or discount online personal training sessions for your favorite workout junkie. While deals are made available by area, just pick the nearest major metropolitan area to your gift recipient. Online deals are typically redeemable anywhere, but if you spring for a certificate for an in-person adventure you’ll want to make sure your recipient can take advantage of it without too much travelling.

Amazon Prime isn’t just about the free two-day shipping (though that’s a pretty amazing selling feature). It also gives members access to their sizable collection of movies and TV shows free to stream to any WiFi enabled device that supports Amazon’s app (most of them do). While anyone with a Kindle or the Kindle app on their computer, smartphone, or mobile handheld device can buy or access some free eBooks via Amazon, Prime members gain an expanded collection of free titles.

Nerds love social media. It lets us stay in touch with friends and family that we might otherwise never see or hear from, what with our propensity to sequester ourselves indoors with our computer and home theater system. If you want to hear more about what’s going on in the life of your favorite nerd, join their preferred social media site, be it Facebook, Twitter, Google+, etc and soon you’ll be sharing LOLs and know more about the dietary habits of their cat than you ever thought possible.

Unfortunately, I’ve been unable to find a way to gift an Amazon Prime Membership. However, I’d suggest a $79 Amazon electronic gift card with an attached note that you’d like to give them the joys of Prime.

I loved story time in school, particularly when the librarian seemed to vocally act out the dialog with different voices. As an adult I’ve discovered that many great audioboooks convey that same engrossing experience. Even better, I can enjoy a great book when I’m driving or doing the dishes. Audible (www.audible.com/mt/giftmembership, 3 months for $45) allows members to instantly download any their more than 100,000 audio books. Install the Audible app on just about any mobile handheld device and listen to audiobooks on your phone, iPod, or a wide selection of MP3 players. Membership typically covers one audiobook download per month with additional books at a reduced price. If gifting by the month seems too impersonal, you can gift a specific book.

If you know someone that breaks their piggy bank every month downloading the hottest new music from iTunes, Google Play or Amazon, a gift subscription to Spotify (https://www.spotify.com/us/get-spotify/e-card/, $9.99/mo) will surely be the highlight of their holiday. A Spotify Premium membership gives them access to millions of tracks that can be streamed while online, or downloaded to a device for listening offline. In addition to unlimited music synced across all their devices, they’ll be able to listen to custom, ad-free radio stations tailored around their favorite artist or song. Purchase Spotify e-cards by number of months you’d like to give and then email or print the certificate.

We all know someone who grumbles every time they tear open their cable or satellite bill. Consider gifting them a membership to Hulu Plus (https://secure.hulu.com/plus/buy, $7.99/month). Using a Hulu-compatible internet capable device (like a computer, gaming console, Roku Box or even many internet-ready TVs), a Hulu Plus membership allows users to stream TV shows - including many first run shows shortly after airing on regular TV and entire seasons of older episodes - and thousands of movies on demand.

Those Presents Are Going To Need Batteries & Cables

If you splurged on that perfect gadget gift, you've probably imagined an ecstatic squeal accompanying its discovery. But if you extend that fantasy five minutes, is the scene as jubilant? Gadget givers everywhere forget to make their toys useable straight out of the box, leading to frustration before the fun can begin.

So, here are my last-minute reminders to make your tech gifts truly perfect.

#1 Make sure portable electronics are charged. If they require batteries, add them before the gift goes under the tree. If it's too late for that, make sure you have the appropriate batteries on hand so the gift will be functional in minutes. If the device doesn't require batteries, make sure you have a charging device in case it doesn't come with full battery. The recipient of a LeapFrog LeapPad learning tablet or iPad surely will want to play immediately.

If you're giving an MP3 player, gaming device or tablet, consider preloading some content so your loved one doesn't have to spend the first few hours loading games, apps or music to enjoy the device. Pre-installing Angry Birds will generate immediate smiles before the recipient launches into synching his or her music library.

Certain accessories can improve a gadget gift.

#2 Don't Forget A SD Card: If you're giving a lucky loved one a camera, keep in mind that most digital cameras require an SD card for storing photos. Unfortunately, not all cameras come with one. Look at the box to make sure it's included -- and has sufficient memory. If not, pick up an SD card compatible with the camera so the recipient can snap photos immediately.

#3 USB Cables: Printers notoriously lack the USB cable necessary to function. You'll also want to confirm there's ample ink for printing a few photos. Always check to make sure what's included in the box, and get the additional part required for it to function.

#4 Screen Protectors: Portable electronics: Screen protectors or cases can ensure that devices survive the first excited tumble or spill. A car charger makes a smartphone far more functional, and a decent set of earphones will ensure that an MP3 player is immediately awesome.

#5 High-def equipment: If you're giving an HDTV or a Blu-ray player, remember that the image will appear crystal clear only if the content is high definition. For most cable and satellite subscribers, this will require a package upgrade to HD channels. Consider giving a Blu-ray movie with the player so you won't suffer the otherwise inevitable complaint, "But it doesn't look any better than it did before." And of course, make sure that your gift recipient has a compatible TV with HD capacity if you're giving them a Blu-Ray player

#6 Get Discounted HDMI Cables: Most devices will require at least one HDMI cable, and it's unlikely you'll find it in the product box. Before you buy that cable, charger or case off the rack, know that most retailers drastically mark up accessories to compensate for the loss they take on the TV or camera itself. If you have time, order online. Monoprice.com has a huge selection of low-priced cables, and Amazon.com offers almost any other accessory at a reasonable price. Don't be fooled by Monster cables or similar overpriced cables as places like Best Buy. Due to the way that HDMI cables work, a cheap cable will provide the same signal as an expensive one.

I've compiled links to all the cool Nerdy gadgets, services and products I've reviewed this season at nerdsecret.com. Friends don't let friends give boring gifts.