Product Description
T-RackS is a popular stand-alone audio mastering application that includes a suite of powerful analog-modeled and digital dynamics and EQ processor modules that also work perfectly as plug-ins during mixing. While T-RackS is an extremely powerful tool for improving the quality of your recordings, all of that power won't do you much good if it's misused. With Mixing and Mastering with IK Multimedia T-RackS: The Official Guide, you can learn how to harness the potential of T-RackS from mixing and mastering guru Bobby Owsinski, bestselling author of The Mixing Engineer's Handbook and The Mastering Engineer's Handbook: The Audio Mastering Handbook. Through his expert guidance, you'll learn the tips and tricks of using T-RackS processor modules to help bring your mixes to life and then master them so they're competitive with any major label release. At the end of each chapter, there are a number of questions that will help you to better understand some of the principles of mixing and mastering. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Take your T-Racks mixes to the next level!
I've been using IK multimedia effects for years and the T-Racks 3 Deluxe package is a valued commodity to my DAW toolkit.Mixing and Mastering with IK Multimedia T-RackS: The Official Guide, has allowed me to get the most out of the T-Racks plug-ins.Although this may not be best for an absolute beginner, the suggestions offered by interviews with the industry leaders is very valuable.Before diving in to this, you should already have a fundamental understanding of Compression, Limiting and Equalization. If you use T-Racks for mastering and channel strip plug-ins, and find yourself only using the presets, this book is perfect for you.Make your own presets, turn the knobs to make your sound better and understand the whole process. Since reading Mixing and Mastering with IK Multimedia T-RackS: The Official Guide, I've become the go to guy at the studio when it comes to limiting, compression and/or EQ.

One more quick note, more great studio/recording info can be found at the author's blog.A great resource for new bands/artists, studio musicians and producers.

[...]

Great for anyone who's new to Mastering in T-Racks 3
This book is a great read if you are new to mastering, and more specifically, if you are new to mastering with T-Racks 3 Standard or Deluxe. It includes a lot of basic information and some helpful tips and tricks. The book also covers a lot of the same ground as the T-Racks 3 Deluxe User's Manual, so if you've already read the manual, you're in for a review.

However, there's a lot of additional information found here, such as default "starting point" settings for each of the T-Racks 3 modules, and extensive coverage of the Metering section, which is one of T-Racks most powerful features. You'll also learn about working with multiple files, various formats, dithering, using the Compare feature, loop-points, fades, and exporting your project. All-in-all, it's a worthwhile read if you're either a beginning or experienced user of T-Racks 3 Deluxe.

In addition to this book, I would also highly recommend "Mastering with T-Racks" instructional DVD-ROM by Michael Costa from Groove3, especially if you're a more hands-on learner. ... Read more

Product Description
Thoroughly Updated for the Latest Advances in Multimedia 

Learn the fundamental concepts and essential skills required for a successful career in multimedia from this bestselling guide. Multimedia: Making It Work, Seventh Edition shows you how to use text, images, sound, and video to deliver compelling messages and content in meaningful ways. You will learn to design, organize, and produce multimedia projects such as CD-ROMs, DVDs, and professional web sites. Each chapter includes step-by-step instructions, full-color illustrations and screenshots, self-quizzes, and hands-on projects.

Inside this book, you will learn how to:

• Master the building blocks of multimedia, including text, images, audio, video, and animation
• Record, process, and edit digital audio
• Work with bitmap, vector, and 3-D images
• Create vivid computer animations
• Shoot and edit digital video
• Select the best hardware, software, and authoring tools for your needs
• Design dynamic Web content
• Determine the scope and cost of a multimedia project
• Acquire the appropriate content and best talent
• Prepare and deliver a professional multimedia project

Each chapter includes:

• Learning objectives
• Full-color illustrations
• Helpful notes, tips, and warnings
• Chapter summaries and key term lists
• End-of-chapter quizzes and lab projects

Customer Reviews (5)

Great merchant!
Book came quickly, in good condition as advertised, great price. Bought it for a friend for class and saved him $40. Thanks!

If you love Mac's you'll love this book
I am a prospective educator that has been assigned to read this text for a graduate level course. This book is centered around Macs and has a definite bias towards them. Although I do not own a Mac I have used them a lot and think that they are certainly a good system, especially for multimedia purposes. What I have against this book is that Mac's are glorified and many of the programs and software that are available for PC's are not mentioned or are a side-note. Even according to the book itself, over 95% of the people that have operating system on their computer as of 2006 have a Windows platform. Therefore, you would think this book would have a lot more references to PC's and tools that you could correspondingly use with them. It doesn't. Every screen shot in the book is of a Mac and like another reviewer has noted a lot of the information is outdated (including the screen shots of ancient Mac's). This book needs a serious refresher and a balance in the slant that it has. This book does have some valuable lessons, but honestly, save yourself the cash and do your own research on the web. There is nothing in the book that you could not find elsewhere and it is my belief that if you went elsewhere you would most likely get much better information.

For the Person Who Really Uses Multimedia Every Day
Multimedia: Making it Work, Seventh Edition
As a professor, who teaches at a community college, I find that this book, by Tay Vaughan, has been a real help to my multimedia students. My students are the regular folk who are about 85% of the population. While we do not have lots of money for fancy equipment we have found that this book is really helpful. Things change with technology rapidly. No one can argue that but, how many people can keep up with the latest geegaw? My students are hard working folks that like this book very much because it is, and has been, a wonderful reference for understanding how technology works. Even though it has been around a while my pupils love it and it has been and is a big eye-opener to them. We buy the lastest magazine for the fancy stuff. Solid information is not easy to come by. We think Tay Vaughan has been very helpful with this book. My students love it.

Dated material
Each edition is most the same content as the previous. The content is getting very dated. A college I teach I have recommended dropping this book for the first semester multimedia course after having years ago been the person to get the book into the course.

But now I would say a significant portion of the material is historical at best and about tools and technologies that the newcomers to this field will be puzzled why they are taking valuable time to learn when there is tons of new technologies and multimedia applications to learn about.

I definitely would not recommend this book to the average reader. In a classroom, the teacher can supplement and update for students although we hate having to do that.

New update
It's really interesting while the author comes with new update of multimedia. Unfortunately, while I'm trying to get some information/material that should accompany the book at the web, they are not available for outside of US. The author or the publisher should consider about any materials for the completion of the book that may be spread out of US especially in my case in Indonesia. ... Read more

Product Description
In this thoroughly revised edition of the bestselling e-Learning and the Science of Instruction authors Ruth Colvin Clark and Richard E. Mayer— internationally-recognized experts in the field of e-learning—offer essential information and guidelines for selecting, designing, and developing asynchronous and synchronous e-learning courses that build knowledge and skills for workers learning in corporate, government, and academic settings. In addition to updating research in all chapters, two new chapters and a CD with multimedia examples are included. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (27)

Best e-learning book I have read
As a graduate student that is learning about multimedia production, I have read many a boring book on distance and online education. This book was the easiest to read and follow of any I have read. Not only that, readers can trust the information given as well performed, reliable, and valid studies are used to back up these guidelines. Both authors are well published. As someone who wants to have reilable information from those who know, this is the book I would recommend to anyone who wants to know the best way to help students learn online.

Excellent book so far
I am a trainer in a Training Dept and my manager recommended the book. I have scrolled through the entire book twice to get a sense of it. I haven't finished a detailed read yet but it appears to be very comprehensive. I would recommend it based on my experience with it so far.

Great update and overview of practical applications of the elements of multimedia in online learning...
Great update and overview of practical applications of the elements of multimedia in online learning...

Great e-learning resource
Ruth Colvin Clark and Richard Mayer collaborate on a super resource for anyone involved in creating, managing or distributing e-learning. Relevant information from cover to cover, this book is a must have for instructional designers who need to create interesting, engaging instruction for the online environment. Both authors are very knowledgeable about the area, and are authentic authorities on the subject.

Great Text
I needed this for school.The price was right and I got the cd which I didn't plan on getting for the price I paid. ... Read more

Product Description
For hundreds of years verbal messages such as lectures and printed lessons have been the primary means of explaining ideas to learners. Although verbal learning offers a powerful tool, this book explores ways of going beyond the purely verbal. Recent advances in graphics technology and information technology have prompted new efforts to understand the potential of multimedia learning as a means of promoting human understanding. In Multimedia Learning, Second Edition, Richard E. Mayer examines whether people learn more deeply when ideas are expressed in words and pictures rather than in words alone. He reviews 12 principles of instructional design that are based on experimental research studies and grounded in a theory of how people learn from words and pictures. The result is what Mayer calls the cognitive theory of multimedia learning, a theory first developed in the first edition of Multimedia Learning and further developed in The Cambridge Handbook of Multimedia Learning. ... Read more

Product Description

Like the three earlier editions, Multimedia Projects in Education: Designing, Producing, and Assessing, Fourth Edition addresses the need to help students use their knowledge to analyze, create, solve problems, communicate, collaborate, and innovate. With 40 percent new materials and updates to everything else, it offers the perfect, hands-on approach to using multimedia in everyday practice.

The book is centered around the easy-to-use DDD-E model—Decide, Design, Develop, and Evaluate—coupled with practical advice on how to effectively integrate the development of multimedia projects into classrooms. Focus is on student learning outcomes and such issues as classroom management, grouping alternatives, computer scheduling options, design stages, and assessments. Readers will learn how to select and plan multimedia projects; use hypermedia programs and presentation and development tools; manage graphics, audio, and digital video; and create webpages. Project suggestions come complete with a scenario, overview, topics, and reproducible worksheets, and can be easily adapted for different grade levels.

Customer Reviews (1)

Finally a book with immediate classroom application.
Students in my Multimedia Design course really appreciate the author's inclusion of materials they can adapt to their classrooms now.Too many times I, myself, have bought books weighted in theory and short onpractical applications.Not so this time.Kudos to you for providingstraight-forward information and specific examples.One suggestion,though, is an update soon.Some of the material has become dated andstudents will soon lose interest if instructors must constantly explain howwhat was said in the book is no longer true. ... Read more

Product Description
* How do I organize project-based learning in my classroom?* How do I ensure projects address curriculum standards?* What can I do to maximize the benefits my students get from using technology?* How do I prevent technology problems from eclipsing learning goals?

This book answers teachers' questions about enhancing student achievement through project-based learning with multimedia. It's a guide for anyone interested in helping students produce multimedia presentations as a way to learn academic content. Weaving together the perspectives of teachers, researchers, and staff of the award-winning Challenge 2000 Multimedia Project and the WEB project, the authors address teaching and learning issues central to successful technology projects, such as assessment, subject-area learning, and connecting to the real world.

Increasing Student Learning Through Multimedia Projects offers concrete and practical advice to help teachers through the challenges of working with multimedia projects, including:

* Instituting a production process,* Getting financial and logistical support and training, and* Taking on new teaching roles. Throughout, practicing teachers who have implemented this model in their classrooms share stories of their successes and failures and give advice to teachers and students just beginning their adventures with this new learning approach.

Michael Simkins, Karen Cole, Fern Tavalin, and Barbara Means are leaders from the Challenge 2000 Multimedia Project and the WEB Project, two award-winning federally funded technology projects for teachers and students, K-12. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Used for Class
I can't say that I was particularly intrigued but needed this book for a class. It served its purpose. ... Read more

Product Description
Digital multimedia is a new form of literacy and a powerful tool of creative expression available to nearly everyone. Introduction to Digital Multimedia presents the concepts needed to fully understand multimedia as well as create it. Throughout the text, the authors encourage readers to think critically about the nature of the tools and media they use in order to be more effective, efficient, and creative in their own project development. The text also provides a clear introduction to all the basic concepts and tools of digital multimedia, including the fundamentals of digital data and computer hardware and software, making it appropriate for a first course in computing as well as courses in specific multimedia topics. A multimedia timeline as well as a historical overview of the evolution of multimedia thought and technologies provide background on early visions and possible future innovations. Introduction to Digital Multimedia is the ideal text for those interested in delving into the vast world of multimedia computing. ... Read more

Product Description
"I recommend this book to you with an earnestness that I have seldom felt for any collection of historic texts," writes William Gibson in his foreword. Tracing the fertile series of collaborations between arts and sciences throughout the twentieth century, Randall Packer and Ken Jordan present the often overlooked history behind multimedia—the interfaces, links, and interactivity we all take for granted today. "Many of the papers that had profound impact upon my development—to say nothing of the entire industry—are here," raves Donald A. Norman, author of The Invisible Computer.

In "an evocative whirlwind tour through 100 years of work" (Wired), Packer and Jordan bring together an "historically significant" (Slashdot) collection of the groundbreaking visions of scientists like Vannevar Bush, Douglas Englebart, and Norbert Wiener, and artists like John Cage, Nam June Paik, and William Gibson. Their insightful explanations of the core concepts behind multimedia provide historical context that "reads like a Western civ of modern media" (Film/Tape World). ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Fantastic
This book has shaped me in ways I barely have words for. It is a must read for anyone interested in Interactive Media Design, what we used to call Multimedia. I have used it in the classroom as both a student and a teacher. It has proven invaluable in the creation of my own Interactive Narrative Design theory. While clearly in need of an update (I'm looking at you Randall), I could not be without it.

It is a digital world we live in...
With the progression of human culture in the digital age developing as it is, it's intriguing to look back at even the recent past and see where we've been and where we were thought to be going. The collection of writings in this volume are invaluable and often shockingly ahead of their time. Anyone who expects to be successful in the future - in this ever-evolving digital world - would benefit by reading this book, and sooner rather than later.

Great Intro to this Topic
I had to get this book for a class, but am very happy I was introduced to these theories. I'd recommend it for anyone interested in the topic of where online media is going.

An Excellent Resource for Digital Media Enthusiasts
From Futurist Cinema, to artificial intelligence, to cyberspace, this collection highlights the origins of multimedia, its influences, its directions, and its future possibilities. It includes an insightful and comprehensive introduction by Packer and Jordan themselves, and the authors they have chosen to include in this work reflect the vast landscape of multimedia in its many iterations: Vannevar Bush, William Gibson, Norbert Wiener, John Cage, and Janet Murray, just to mention a few. This book is a must-have for anyone interested in peeking below the surface of multimedia evolution.

An Excellent Collection ofFascinating Contributors
Reading this collection of articles gave me a better understanding of the people and ideas that helped shape computer-based communication. The contributors are for the most part well chosen; a few that I might well have done without, I must admit -- but far more excellent choices than "questionable" ones. The organization of the book is interesting as well. I was reminded of the magazine "Mondo 2000" that I subscribed to in the early '90's (multimedia/geek chic). ... Read more

Product Description
The 3^rd edition of this highly successful text builds on the achievement of the first two editions to provide comprehensive coverage of IMS. It continues to explore the concepts, architecture, protocols and functionalities of IMS while providing a wealth of new and updated information. It is written in a manner that allows readers to choose the level of knowledge and understanding they need to gain about the IMS.

With 35% new material, The IMS,IP Multimedia Concepts and Services, 3^rd Edition has been completely revised to include updated chapters as well as totally new chapters on IMS multimedia telephony and IMS voice call continuity. Additional new material includes IMS transit, IMS local numbering, emergency sessions, identification of communication services in IMS, new authentication model for fixed access, NAT traversal and globally routable user agents URI. Detailed descriptions of protocol behaviour are provided on a level that can be used for implementation and testing.

Key features of the 3^rd edition:

• Two new chapters on IMS multimedia telephony service and IMS Voice Call Continuity
• Updated information on Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Release 7 level, including architecture, reference points and concepts
• Substantially extended coverage on IMS detailed procedures
• Completely rewritten and extended chapters on IMS services 

Customer Reviews (5)

Good book on IP Multimedia subsystem
It is a very good book on the next generation evolution of Telecom and that is IMS.
This book has almost everything written on the concepts of IMS and it's evolution.
Citing good examples with pictorial diagram and call flows.Which will definitely help a beginner to
an experienced person to understand IMS.Well defined call flows,well defined architecture,well defined IMS interfaces and some of the latest features that can be implemented by following the concept of IMS are well written.

But I think the price of this book is little at a higher side.That is the only thing.

But still if you have a hungerto learn IMS,I think purchasing this book is worthy.

Thanks,
Debashis

Can not see the forest behind trees...
This book is too detailed about how does IMS work, but doesn't disclose why, for what and what you get having IMS deployed.
Operators will remain uncovinced, having this book finished.

definitive but riddled with jargon
The book is dense with the acronym-ridden jargon of this field. To someone new to the Internet Protocol, this can be a practical impediment to understanding. What you have to do is grit your teeth and focus on the ideas beneath the terminology.

The subject itself is potentially quite promising. One possible direction for richer multimedia messages, in the limit of "convergence". The book also addresses mostly the prospect of wireless messaging, ie. cellphones. While IMS can certainly occur on the traditional landline connections to the Internet, it is the tie-ins to mobile networks that motivates much of the text.

Good IMS Book
Good IMS book with satisfactory beginner to advanced content. Can benefit from some format enhancements and a better hierarchical approach to the IMS. Otherwise, I definitely recommend.

The IMS: IP Multimedia Concepts and Services
This book stands out amongst the limited titles on IMS,which are really comprehensive in nature and would specially seem very well structured in terms of flow of information to those who have tried to go through endless revisions of 3GPP standards.But where this book disappoints is that it has only and only reffered to 3GPP standards and have got no referrence to 3GPP2 and some delta specifications by Cablelabs for cable service providers. ... Read more

Product Description
Comprehensive guide to the theory, principles, and practical techniques associated with implementing these systems. Covers every aspect of multimedia communications system development, emphasizing emerging standards, advanced processing techniques, and network/traffic management. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great up to date title.
This book is one of the most up to date titles on Multimedia Systems I have got in touch with. Well worth it to acquire. As an example it mentions H263, H263+, H263++, H26L, MPEG7, MPEG21...

It makes a great set along with F. Halsall's "Multimedia Communications" book. ... Read more

Product Description

Multimedia Journalism: A Practical Guide offers clear advice on working across multiple media platforms and includes guides to creating and using video, audio, text and pictures.

It contains all the essentials of good practice and is supported by an Companion Website at: www.multimedia-journalism.co.uk which demonstrates how to apply the skills covered in the book, gives examples of good and bad practice, and keeps the material up-to-date and in line with new hardware, software, methods of working and legislation. The book is fully cross-referenced and interlinked with the website, which offers the chance to test your learning and send in questions for industry experts to answer in their masterclasses.

Split into three levels – getting started, building proficiency and professional standards – this book builds on the knowledge attained in each part, and ensures that skills are introduced one step at a time until professional competency is achieved. This three stage structure means it can be used from initial to advanced level to learn the key skill areas of video, audio, text, and pictures and how to combine them to create multimedia packages. Skills covered include:

• writing news reports, features, email bulletins and blogs
• building a website using a content management system
• measuring the success of your website or blog
• shooting, cropping, editing and captioning pictures
• recording, editing and publishing audio reports and podcasts
• shooting, editing and streaming video and creating effective packages
• creating breaking news tickers and using Twitter
• using and encouraging user generated content
• interviewing and conducting advanced online research
• subediting, proofreading and headlining, including search engine optimisation
• geo-tagging, geo-coding and geo-broadcasting.

Product Description
Multimedia-Based Instructional Design is a thoroughly revised and updated second edition of the best-selling book that provided a complete guide to designing and developing interactive multimedia training. While most training companies develop their training programs in many different technological delivery media¾computer-based, web-based, and distance learning technologies¾this unique book demonstrates that the same instructional design process can be used for all media. Using just one process reduces cycle time for course development¾and also reduces costs. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Exactly What We Needed for a Large, Global Corporation
As a large, global corporation, we have over 15 learning development factories scattered around the world, including India and China.Lee and Owens comprehensive textbook provided just the right amount of information we needed to bring our large, diverse learning development population to a common level of understanding.If one could have only one instructional design textbook, I highly recommend this one.The organization is suberb and the forms contained on the CD are perfect for corporate use.Great book!Every ID should have this book on his or her bookshelf.

An indispensable roadmap
Multimedia-Based Instructional Design is a roadmap, a AAA TripTik?, to guide you on the complex journey from assessing the need for media-based instruction to the final evaluation and analysis of your results.

This book provides the plan and the tools to monitor the plan. It tells you what you need to do and strategies you may want to try. But it does not teach you step by step how to perform the work needed along the way. Multimedia development requires a multi-talented team, spanning a variety of disciplines-way beyond the scope of this book. You, as the project manager, are responsible for putting the plan into action, obtaining the necessary talent, supervising the production, and evaluating the results.

The chapters are short, simply written, and easily digested. The layout is easy to read, with large text and generous line spacing. The accompanying CD-ROM contains Microsoft Word versions of all the forms, checklists, and instructions mentioned in the text-plus Web-based tools to help you formulate objectives and another to help you choose the type of media appropriate for your project.

If you or your training department is planning your first foray beyond the instructor-led live classroom, Multimedia-Based Instructional Design will help you prepare a cogent plan, point out the potential pitfalls, and provide insight based on over 40 years of the authors' combined experience.

Terrific guide
This is an easy to read guide that is extremely helpful.I disagree that this was written by acedemics with no practical experience- there is loads of practical up to date information. I would strongly reccomend the book to anyone needing a strong grasp on the subject and practical examples.

Doesn't seem contemporary
Overly generous interline spacing has made a large book out of what is a effectively a small book.Much of the material in the book struck me as on the edge of redundant and out of touch with emerging developments. Many of the references are very dated (seventies and eighties material) and some are simply obscure.The book just isn't convincingly up to date.

The emphasis on form filling will appeal to all those types who like to run software projects by form filling.There is no creative thrust to this book and the complimentary technology angles are weak. The CD contained nothing that I hadn't been aware of in other modes or hadn't created with MS Office components. It is largely an irrelevancy.

For corporate types who want to roll out loads of flannel about elearning project management, this book may be a gem. For developers however, I would recommend Allessi and Trollip as a much superior text.Personally speaking, this book was not a good value purchase by me.

Long on Theory, Short on How-To
This book appears to have been written by academics.It contains a great planning strategies but very little in the way of practical information about how to actually design multimedia instructional materials.The accompanying CD is weak, mostly text and a bunch of supplemental forms and planing document templates.It isn't worth the money if your looking for a "nuts and bolts" guide to design. ... Read more

Product Description
Learning how to write for just one type of interactive media, such as web sites or games, is not enough! To be truly successful as an interactive writer or designer, you need to understand how to create content for all types of new media.

Writing for Multimedia and the Web is the most comprehensive guide available for interactive writing. It covers web sites, computer games, e-learning courses, training programs, immersive exhibits, and much more. Earlier editions have garnered rave reviews as a writing handbook for multimedia and web professionals, as well as a classroom text for interactive writing and design.

New Sections and Completely Updated Chapters:
*Writing a corporate web site: T. Rowe Price
*Creating blogs and podcasts
*Web writing tips from usability experts
*Optimizing text for web search engines
*Defining the user with use cases and user scenarios
*Dealing with web editors
*Software for organizing and writing interactive media content
*Script formats for all types of multimedia and web projects
*Writing careers

*The case studies explain real-life lessons and professional savvy through the experiences of interactive writing pros
*The first-time glossary provides a quick-and-easy way to learn essential web writer lingo
*Gain access to pro's personal views though reading first-person interviews with successful interactive designers and writers ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

OK for students, not for the real world
I bought this book thinking it would be a practical tool for writing dynamic, engaging web copy... but it wasn't. It was too theoretical and had a boring textbook feel to it. I wanted to learn how users interact with the web and web text, but this book only told me broad generalizations that anyone who uses the web frequently already knows. Even though it's updated ("third edition") much of felt way out of date.

As Advertised.Great Purchase.
Book was in condition, as advertised.Great condition and was promptly shipped and delivered.

Great Content
I'm using this text for one of my Communication courses and it has great explanations and insight into mutlimedia and interactive media.

A broad overview, college-level textbook
As a broad overview of writing for web sites and interactive media products, this book covers all of the key topics (although briefly) for a student who wants to work in this field.The examples are extensive and well chosen, and often geared to the interests of young adults. But the book doesn't provide exercises or projects for learning specific skills. Readers will want to supplement this book withother resources that present detailed information on specific skills and techniques.

A Complete Guide for Writing for the Web
Timothy Garrand speaks with authority about the many challenges of designing and writing interactive media for the web and other multimedia programs. Writing for Multimedia and the Web serves as a practical guide for writers in the throes of this demanding work. Good writing skills are not enough, as Garrand both shows and tells. His book is packed with writing tips, case studies, and examples of the formats and genres a multimedia writer might tackle, including:
* Storyboards, flowcharts, and other design documents that can be effective to help clients, marketing, and production teams understand a project
* Instructional, video, game and story scripts
* Web sites and kiosks for corporations, marketing, e-learning and museums
* Blogs, podcasts, portals and more...
The best part of Garrand's book is that he follows his own advice, with clear titles and subtitles, lots of indexing, chunked information, and clear-cut paths for quickly finding topics. It's amazing how easily you can scan through the nearly 500 pages of text and the jam-packed CD to get to what you need to know. Additional resources are available for those brave enough to attempt teaching this topic. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (5)

A must-have if you are serious about multimedia, even if you are not a heavy Linux user.
I got this book at a local Linux talk given by the author about a week ago. This book really opens my eyes to see how much resource there is for multimedia on the Linux platform. It's a must-have if you are serious about multimedia, even if you are not a heavy Linux user. As you see, a software dies on Windows PC when the software company (or Microsoft) stops supporting it (or the software company goes under), because you only have the binary code. But the Linux software lives on because you can always pick up the source code from the open source (that is if it's an open source project, of course. Fortunately, most of the Linux software are). Bottom line: this book does what it says ! I am very happy with it !

VERY VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!
Do you want to master the entertainment possibilities of Linux? If you do, then this book is for you! Author Kyle Rankin, has done an outstanding job of writing a book that takes the best of Linux's multimedia tools and shows you step by step how to use these tools to do cool things you would not have thought possible with images, audio, and video.

Rankin, begins by defining hacks that are specifically for images. Then, the author describes hacks for all things video. Next, the author shows you how to get the most out of video tools under Linux, which are some of the best in the industry. The author then gives you tips for accessing and creating your own web broadcasts. Finally, he shows you hacks to help you tweak your web browser under Linux so it can get the most out of the multimedia Web.

For the most part, this most excellent book allows you to look for hacks based on the multimedia type. More importantly, with this book, you'll be able to move quickly beyond anything you previously thought was possible, without spending a small fortune on commercial software.

Into multimedia?Into Linux?This is the book you need.
Most versions of Linux have minimal multimedia abilities without the installation of additional software.Of course there is a lot of Linux software out there that can be used to change your Linux installation into a powerful multimedia computer with amazing capabilities.And, since it is Linux, it can be done at minimal or no cost for the software.Author Kyle Rankin details how to install and configure these products in this book.To keep the information organized he breaks it up into chapters on Images, Audio, Video, Broadcast Media, and Web.Working through the hacks you soon discover everything from how to rip a CD, convert file types, and edit a sound file to how to build a MythTV system where you can record television, watch videos, listen to music, and play arcade games from one system.There's even a tip for automatically removing commercials from digitally recorded television shows.When you are trying to figure out how to get your Linux system to do something special in the area of multimedia this is the first book you will want to turn to for answers.Linux Multimedia Hacks is highly recommended.

Both newcomers and advanced users of Linux learn how to edit images, audio and video, manage music, burn DVDs and VCDs, and more
Kyle Rankin's Linux Multimedia Hacks: Tips & Tools For Taming Images, Audio, And Video covers a program which typically disappoints multimedia fans with what seems like shortcomings in playing DVDs or MP3 files. Overcome these seeming detriments with a book which tells how to tweak and build Linux multimedia entertainment systems. Both newcomers and advanced users of Linux learn how to edit images, audio and video, manage music, burn DVDs and VCDs, and much more. Linux Multimedia Hacks isn't just one developer's knowledge base: it reflects contributions from many Linux experts - even the software creators themselves.

Superb collection of easy-to-use media tricks
I've spent the last few days going over this book and experimenting with the different hacks on my Fedora Core 4 workstation. I use Fedora Core 4 almost 100% of the time at home, and I've felt the need to manipulate and use multimedia objects for a long time now, but didn't have the practical knowledge at my fingertips to do so. For example, how do I take a screenshot? This book answers this and other questions.

Now I understand how to use ImageMagick, take screenshots, and work with mplayer. I've implemented some hacks with gratifying results and experimented with bits and pieces of other hacks. For example I installed mplayer and the software bits needed to import video from a camcorder with a Firewire (1394) port. Mplayer is now running smoothly, and I'm waiting for a convenient camcorder to come my way so I can plug it into my 1394 port and let it rip. These hacks really seem to work, and they are quickly implemented. The authors of the various hacks give brief explanations that help build multimedia skills. Each hack is written with great clarity.

This book will gently introduce you to the power of scripting in Linux. Simple 1- or 2-line scripts pepper the book, and by using them you can quickly get the effects you want without having to spend long periods of time learning how to do the same thing on a GUI interface. Now, I can dump all 300+ photos from my 1 Gb flash card into a new folder and then use a script to resize them to a size small enough for a web page and for sharing with other folks. Try doing that to hundreds of photos on a GUI interface! With the suggested scripts, you can let the computer do the work, not you, and you can congratulate yourself on your smarts. Each script is carefully explained in plain language. I especially like Rankin's discussion of how to set up a digital camera and download all the photos from it automagically.

Today the Linux desktop is every more GUI-friendly. It is very easy to use; some of my friends have used it without realizing they were on Linux. I can see thumbnails of all my imported photos on Gnome -- it just works. I can expand the thumbnails into new windows with the actual photo. I can plug a compact flash card into my card reader and Gnome will recognize that, too, and offer to download the photos in the card. I can and often do edit photos with the Gimp and email them to my relatives. This books discusses all these things except possibly the emailing bit.

I began to realize that my hard drive is way too small for all the media I hope to work with. I recently ordered a 400 Gb drive to solve this problem.

This book shows you how to work with your media at no cost to you. It rolls up a lot of useful knowledge right at your fingertips. I can't think of another source of well-thought out media hacks either on the internet or in the documentation that comes with your Linux distribution. Every person wanting to work with media on Linux ought to have this book. Rankin and the other hack contributors have done a superb job. ... Read more

Product Description
Mark Guzdial and Barb Ericson have a most effective method for teaching computing and Java programming in a context that readers find interesting: manipulating digital media. Readers get started right away by learning how to write programs that create interesting effects with sounds, pictures, web pages, and video.  The authors use these multimedia applications to teach critical programming skills and principles like how to design and use algorithms, and practical software engineering methods–all in the context of learning how to program in Java. Mark and Barb also demonstrate how to communicate compatibly through networks and do concurrent programming. The book also includes optional coverage of rudimentary data structures and databases using Java and comes with a CD-ROM containing all the code files referenced in the text and required for media manipulation. Allows readers to use their own media, such as personal sound or picture files. Demonstrates how to manipulate media in useful ways, from reducing red eye and splicing sounds to generating digital video special effects. The book also includes optional coverage of rudimentary data structures and databases using Java and comes with a CD-ROM containing all the code files referenced in the text and required for media manipulation. For beginners interested in learning more about basic multimedia computing and programming. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

CHEAP USED BOOK - GREAT CONDITION
I received this item particularly late. Later than the other items I purchased from Amazon. Other than the time it took to arrive, three weeks later, I am pretty satisfied with my purchase. Best deal under the sun. It was missing the instructional CD-Rom though, but it's ok I didn't need it.

Rating my purchase of book
The item was a lot more better than I expected and also a fast shipping, I'm very satisfied.

Thank You

Good idea, rushed and poor implementation
I've used this book to teach my CS1 course for two semesters.The authors implemented some handy classes to make it easy for students to manipulate images and sound, however the book is rough.

One of the authors (I presume Erikson) writes some really terrible code.Here's a sample of some of the worst:

//loop through the columns
for(int sourceX = 0, targetX = 0;
sourceX < sourcePicture.getHeight();
sourceX++, targetX++)
{
//loop through rows
for(int sourceY = 0, targetY = 0;
sourceY < sourcePicture.getHeight();
sourceY++, targetY++)
{
...

(for reference this does exactly the same thing without the extra two variables and the terrible comma operator:

for (int x = 0; x < sourcePicture.getWidth(); x++) {
for (int y = 0; y < sourcePicture.getHeight(); y++) {
)

The images in the book are almost entirely amateur photographs taken by the authors.The subjects of those photos are almost entirely the authors (husband and wife) and their kids, as well as some shots they took on their vacations.This gives the book a very amateur feel.

The later chapters of the book are unpolished.Topics are rambling, some simple ideas with potentially elegant algorithms are explained poorly and implemented roughly (like the code example above).

I've decided to teach the course using the author's Java classes (which contain a few bugs) without using the book.I'd recommend the same; Guzdial makes the code freely available on his website.

I'd give the BOOK 1 star, but the Java classes themselves are worth 4.

Excellent CS Book!
This is a GREAT ComputerScience resource for Java Beginners. It has really helped me connect everything that my Professor has taught in class with the actual java applications. There is a CD that comes with this book, that has all of the needed media files to work on the examples and problems.

Pictures and Dr Java are a powerful combination
I used this book to teach a college-level course in Java Programming this year.70% of the students had taken a 'CS1' level course in Java, and I didn't want to bore them with the same examples.At the same time, the students new to Java needed to get over the syntax and OO hurdles.

The author introduces DrJava early in the book (chapter 2), and provides a set of simple classes that students extend by adding their own methods.The use of Turtle graphics (Turtle class) really helped students 'see' what was happening, and the Picture class allowed them to view and manipulate graphic images as well as learn about arrays.

The Picture class is used extensively, which allowed students to build their own set of methods to manipulate pictures, and use them in a big project to build a collage.Pictures provide a way to get interesting data into a program without reverting to using random() or keyboard input.DrJava allowed students to write their new methods in the 'Definitions' pane, and then test them using the 'Interactions' pane.

Integrating web pages using the URL class as the basis for File I/O is also a great idea.It connects programming to 'real' pages that the students can see in their browser.

The only concerns I have about teaching Java using this book are:
1)Strings are covered quite late and not very deeply (chapter 12)
2)No Swing GUI coverage (students want to write GUIs)
3)Late coverage of 'main' method (p. 366)
-- Students became somewhat dependent on DrJava's interactions pane to test their apps
4)Dependency of book classes for Picture handling
-- Students had to use the getBufferedImage method to display pics on a swing container

I was able to supplement with other GUI material to help students over some of these instead of covering sounds chapters.

Overall, the students did very well.Two-thirds of the students new to Java were able to follow and did very well.All of the students with previous Java experience did well.A few students that had struggled to pass the 'CS1' course showed significant improvement in the ability to complete complex projects.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Moving broadcasters into the digital age
What I really liked about this book is that it explains the principles behind the multimedia ethos. It lays out very clearly what the different strengths are of different media like print, video and audio and how to use them on the Internet. It encourages you to think about stories strategically and to conceptualise how you will use different media on your site to do different things. Whether you want to show the broader context, humanise a story, or allow your audience to explore the issues themselves, knowing the principles will allow you to do so intelligently. Too many books just showcase how to produce in different media, encouraging their readers in a technophilic haze to create manic media overload. This book doesn't. ... Read more

Product Description
Covers all networking, multimedia applications and technology in one volume.Has a tutorial approach to the subject, complete with formal definitions, glossary (500 terms), 230 illustrations, a list of frequently asked questions, real world examples and analogies, and end-of-chapter summaries. Sophisticated technologies are explained in a rigorous but easy-to- understand way.Network managers and administrators handling private and public LANs or WANs, system designers, computer industry product developers, and multimedia IS managers. ... Read more

Product Description
During the past 10 years, the field of multimedia learning has emerged as a coherent discipline with an accumulated research base that has never been synthesized and organized. This reference constitutes an original work devoted to comprehensive coverage of research and theory in the field of multimedia learning. It focuses on how people learn from words and pictures in computer-based environments. Multimedia environments include online instructional presentations, interactive lessons, e-courses, simulation Games, virtual reality, and computer-supported, in-class presentations. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

I really want to love this book
A student studies a diagram in a geometry text book. A shape. Angles. Measurements. Relation of lines and points to x and y coordinates. The student reads the text and is provided information about the relationships between components in the diagram. The student visualizes the relationships. They re-create the diagram in their imagination. That internal map, that working, evolving, fluid picture in their own imagination is what we call learning. And it is to that diagram, that animated and fluid diagram inside their head (which they ponder in their sleep) to which the student refers when asked questions on a test.

Learning is what happens naturally when information is presented to a human brain in an organized and respectful conveyance. The gifted teacher considers the student where they are. Provides an adequate and complete diagram. Points out the components they already know, and shows how a procedure will cause those components to relate to one another in a new way. Shows what can be done and how it is done, and how it fits the map already constructed in their mind. The student then returns to their own diagram and re-defines it to fit this new task. These new components. When the student can look at their diagram and know what can be done, and push toward the full potential of their own tools, when the student can think through new tasks by creatively combining and building upon their internal map, then that student will have learned.

Can that process really be measured?

One essay in the book - "The Modality Principle in Multimedia Learning" suggests that dendrites and h-channels form new protein best when information is presented in auditory and visual form.

If learning is forming synoptic pathways, flexing fluid dendrites, forming new protein connections between brain cells, then maybe dual streams of sensory inputs will yield a greater mass of synoptic cytoplasm then mono streams. It bears consideration when architecting a new video presentation. But is it really a superior presentation form? Perhaps. Perhaps not. Perhaps vibrating a human brain with all five senses blazing at full volume would yield up the greatest quantity of new synoptic protein connections. It is a hypothesis that could be tested easily enough. But even if it does, so what? Is optimal learning a function of wiring up a human brain to the maximal mix of sensory inputs? That takes care of the quantity of learning. What about the quality?

I love the earnestness of this book. The wide-eyed enthusiasm of the newly minted academics. The preponderance of their doctoral buzz words - cognitive load theory, spatial contiguity principles, and my favorite: comprehension theorists. They are so cute, I just want to squeeze them all. But beyond all that, there is a simple, profound experience to learning that we all know, and yet, that somehow eludes these exuberant essayists. The "I get it" experience. The moment when the material just gels. It clicks. It works. Voilla! Understanding. Eureka! What was hard is now easy. What was difficult a moment before now makes sense!

That is the instant of learning. That special achievement of focus, and proper presentation, and contextual alignment is the point of all educational effort. If that experience - whatever it is, (and I doubt it can be adequately described with academic buzz words), if that experience can be brought more rapidly to groups of students through the use of CD-ROM content, then this book may usher in something significant.

As far as I can tell, it does not. But it does seem to hint at some possible multimedia techniques that might be used to help usher students rapidly to that "a ha" moment, but only as a teaching tool in the hands of a skilled teacher.

And the jury is still out as to whether that teacher wouldn't have gotten them there just as fast with a piece of chaulk and a good ole wall of green slate.

e-Learning Designer's Bible
Every instructional designer who designs for any form of electronic delivery (and this should be just about every ID out there) needs to know this. It should be a standard theory text for any university multi-media ID course.
To not be familiar with this research would raise doubts on anyone who considers themself an ID. To teach Multimedia ID and not include this as a fundamental resource, brings into question just what the objectives of such a course could be.

Outstanding Collection of Multimedia Learning Research
This is the single best collection of articles from today's leading researchers in multimedia learning available to date. The book provides an excellent sampling of research associated with how people learn through the combination of words (text and/or audio) and images (still illustrations or photos, animations, and/or video) available. Anyone working in multimedia learning will benefit from gaining a firm understanding of the principles presented throughout this book.

The book is divided into five parts:

Theoretical Foundations: Foundational learning theories, including cognitive load and how multi-modal message delivery (text/audio and graphics) support learning.

Basic Principles of Multimedia Learning: Research supporting key principles in the development of multimedia instruction and achieving multimedia learning, including split-attention principle, modality principle, redundancy, segmentation, coherence, signaling, spatial & temporal contiguity, and personalization.

Advanced Principles of Multimedia Learning: Research on the incorporation of multimedia products into a learning approach, including guided discovery, worked-out examples, collaboration, self-explanation, navigation, and prior knowledge.

Multimedia in Content Areas: Articles containing guidance for developing multimedia learning environments in various content areas, including reading, history, mathematics, chemistry, meteorology, physical systems, second language acquisition, and cognitive skills.

Multimedia Learning in Advanced Computer-Based Contexts: Focuses on multimedia in emerging technologies, including pedagogical agents; virtual reality; games, simulations, & microworlds; hypermedia; and e-courses.

excelent reference
If you want to learn about how we humans can learn better, this book will show you many ways ... using multimedia as a strategy for teaching and learning. ... Read more

Product Description

Strategic Writing emphasizes the strategic, goal-oriented mission of high-quality media and public relations writing with clear, concise instructions for more than 40 types of documents. This multidisciplinary text covers writing for public relations, advertising, sales and marketing, and business communication. Featuring a spiral binding, numerous examples and a user-friendly "recipe" approach, Strategic Writing 2^nd edition is the ideal writing guide for public relations as well as for other disciplines.

Customer Reviews (3)

Strategic Writing
I bought this for a class whose book requirement changed suddenly.There's visual examples and written tips for every topic that it covers, from press releases to media kits. It's really handy for quick reference too, and it's easy to read.

Very helpful book
I really like this book. It is a requirement for one of the classes that I'm taking and I plan on keeping it. There is a lot of extremely useful information in this book that is supplemental to my writing and style for public relations.

Excellent resource for strategic communication
This book is an excellent compilation of templates and examples of how to write for virutally any form of strategic communication.I am lucky enough to have one of the authors as my lecturer as well.He provides a great supplement to the book, but I plan on keeping this as a reference for the rest of my collegiate career and when I am in the business world as well. ... Read more

Product Description
Engineering Design with SolidWorks 2010 & Multi-media CD is written to assist students, designers, engineers and professionals. The book provides a solid foundation in SolidWorks by utilizing projects with Step-by-Step instructions for the beginning to intermediate SolidWorks user. Explore the user interface, CommandManager, menus, toolbars and modeling techniques to create parts, assemblies and drawings in an engineering environment. Follow the Step-by-Step instructions and develop multiple parts and assemblies that combine machined, plastic and sheet metal components. Formulate the skills to create, modify and edit sketches and solid features. Learn the techniques to reuse features, parts, and assemblies through symmetry, patterns, copied components, Design tables, Bills of Materials, Properties and Configurations. Address various SolidWorks analysis tools: SimulatinoXpress, SustainabilityXpress and DFMXpress. Learn by doing, not just by reading! Desired outcomes and usage competencies are listed for each project. Know your objective up front. Follow the steps in Project 1 through Project 7 to achieve the design goals. Work between multiple documents, features, commands and custom properties that represent how engineers and designers utilize SolidWorks in industry. Review individual features, commands and tools for each project with the enclosed Multi-media CD. Each project contains exercises. The exercises analyze and examine usage competencies. Collaborate with leading industry suppliers such as SMC Corporation of America, Boston Gear and 80/20 Inc. Collaborative information translates into numerous formats such as paper drawings, electronic files, rendered images and animations. On-line intelligent catalogs guide designers to the product that meets both their geometric requirements and performance functionality. The authors developed the industry scenarios by combining their own industry experience with the knowledge of engineers, department managers, vendors and manufacturers. These professionals are directly involved with SolidWorks everyday. This book is designed to compliment the SolidWorks Tutorials contained in SolidWorks 2010. Separate editions of this textbook are available for SolidWorks 99, 2000, 2001, 2001Plus, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009.

Table of Contents
Introduction
1. Fundamentals of Part Modeling
2. Fundamentals of Assembly Modeling
3. Fundamentals of Drawing
4. Extrude and Revolve Features
5. Swept, Lofted and Additional Features
6. Top Down Assembly Modeling and Sheet Metal
7. SolidWorks SimulationXpress, Sustainability and DFMXpress
Appendix
Index ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Solidworks 2010
I am going to college and taking this class. The book, of course, is required, but it is very user friendly. The book walks you through each step and gives you tips for the functions. Very satisfied.

A great Solidwork classroom book
I'm constantly impressed with the consistent quality, yearly feature updates, technical contents and instructor support materials of this book - Engineering Design with SolidWorks.

I've used this book in my freshmen engineering class and evening adult education class for the past six years. By far, this is the finest Solidworks classroom book on the market today. The bonus multimedia CD is a real plus for any new user.

The authors do a brilliant task in covering the engineering design basics: Visualization, sketching, proper base plane selection, design intent, part modeling, drawings, assemblies and analysis. The new sections in Sustainability and DFM is great.

A lot of the homework problems in this book are directly aligned to the entry level SolidWorks certification exam (CSWA). For my advance Solidworks class, I use their CSWA Certification book. Classic modeling examples are provided and illustrated throughout for simple and complex parts and assemblies. I had the pleasure to meet Marie Planchard at Solidworks world this year. She has a passion for education and students.
... Read more