tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10183276061743780072024-03-21T17:42:16.530-04:00TeknolizedA resource of information, reviews as well as an exploration of topics revolving around the digital techscape.VegaDMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10031432792390954216noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1018327606174378007.post-44181098247516374232012-07-26T22:35:00.000-04:002012-07-26T23:04:19.565-04:00Tablets as a Production Tool: Virtual Storage<br />
OK, so I've been working with tablets lately and if you use tablets for work/play this may interest you.<br />
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One of the hottest trends right now is "virtual storage" where items can be stored and accessed from any computer or digital device. Thus, minimizing the use of USB drives.<br />
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I use a multitude of online storage sites which include: DropBox (2GB); Google Drive (5GB); Box (5GB); SkyDrive (7GB) and 4Shared (15GB). Logging into each site can be cumbersome. I've discovered <b>ZeroPC</b> - it has an interface that allows me to communicate, control and swap files from on [online storage] site to another. The interface, itself, is actually a virtual desktop that operates via your browser.<br />
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If you have a tablet, mine is an Android, ZeroPC – <a href="https://www.zeropc.com/">https://www.zeropc.com/</a> – can increase your storage capabilities by adding the ZeroPC app. For example, my tablet has an internal memory of 8GB, and has a 32GB memory card, plus I added an additional 66GB of online storage for a grand total of 106GB for my mobile device. According to the ZeroPC site, there is an app for the Apple devices as well.<br />
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ZeroPC has a free version that works great and I used it for a month. However, they also offer a 3-month subscription for about $9 that allows you to have multiple accounts to a variety of virtual storage sites. This means, you can open 2 or more 4Shared accounts, or a couple of DropBox accounts and manage them all through this interface without having to log into every account every time you need a file or two.<br />
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I hope this helps anyone looking to increase the storage capabilities of their tablets.<br />
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<b>Links: </b><br />
DropBox - <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/">https://www.dropbox.com/</a><br />
Google Drive - <a href="https://drive.google.com/">https://drive.google.com/</a><br />
Box - <a href="https://www.box.com/">https://www.box.com/</a><br />
Sky Drive - <a href="https://skydrive.live.com/">https://skydrive.live.com/</a><br />
4Shared - <a href="http://www.4shared.com/">www.4shared.com/</a><br />
ZeroPC – <a href="https://www.zeropc.com/">https://www.zeropc.com/</a>VegaDMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10031432792390954216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1018327606174378007.post-76689249369099479792012-02-19T01:02:00.002-05:002012-02-19T02:47:54.333-05:00Tapeless Video WorkshopI'm currently designing a Video Workshop for Educators. And although I have done many video workshops in the past, this one is a bit different. Why?<br /><br />It will be tapeless - 100% tapeless.<br />Yes, we have done tapeless before using Memory Cards, but this one also brings both new and old technology into the spotlight. <br /><br />My background has been in the field of TV/Video & Film for more than two decades and along the way, newer technological advances have steered me toward exploring new venues for producing and distributing content. With that said, I know there are entire processes for how to complete the mulitple phases of video production - Planning, Pre-Production, Production, Post-Production, and Distribution. We can add, Audio Engineering and Sweetening, Public Relations, Marketing, Advertising and now Social Media Networks to the mix - but, I'm going to simplify things for this workshop and just give the broad strokes.<br /><br /><b>First, The Set-Up -</b><br /><br />To give old video cameras a second life. We have already brought back Mini-DV cameras by connecting them via Firewire to laptops running <a href="http://www.ubuntu.com/">Ubuntu</a> 11.04. Yes, Linux, is the key to bringing existing technology back to life. Using a Video Editor known as <a href="http://www.kdenlive.org/">KDEnlive</a>, we can set up the camera without any videotape. Since raw video footage will take up much of the laptops' hard drive, a USB to an external hard drive with as much storage capacity as possible is required. A portable terabyte drive is relatively inexpensive and is recommended. With one laptop per camera, we can now have isolated (or "iso") multi-camera set-ups available - at least within a classroom environment.<br /><br /><b>Next, The Shoot - </b><br /><br />Now connecting secondary monitors to these laptops via VGA ports, will provide the instructor (or the class) the exact same view as seen through the cameras viewfinder. This in turn allows the instructor to direct a cameraperson to zoom-in or out of a shot for the purposes of editing the footage at a later time.<br /><br /><b>Finally, The Editing -</b><br /><br />Without going too far back into the history of videotape - when videotape was the norm, there was analog editing. This form of editing video involved swapping tapes back-and-forth and recording a clip-at-a-time from the "source" tapes to a "master" tape. The end result was a product that was already one-generation down from the original raw footage. The "master" served to create copies or duplicates (a.k.a. "dubs"), which were a second-generation down from the original. <br /><br />With the age of digital video editing technology, however, there is no generation loss. But, when working with videotape, there was a new issue that needed to be dealt with prior to actually editing the footage. This was the converting phase - the digitizing of the raw video footage (a.k.a. "source video" or "source footage") in order to edit with this new technology.<br /><br />What this workshop emphasises is that while the cameras were recording, the footage was already being digitized to the portable hard drives, therefore, saving you the additional step to convert the footage. Hence, we have tapeless. <br /><br />Although we began with Linux, now that the footage is on the portable hard drive(s), we can use any platform to edit the footage. Whether you are running Windows or Mac, editing in <a href="http://www.avid.com/US/">Avid</a>, <a href="http://www.apple.com/finalcutpro/">Final Cut Pro</a>, <a href="http://www.adobe.com/products/premiere.html">Adobe Premiere</a>, or <a href="http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/vegaspro">Vegas Pro</a>, the footage is ready to go. On a side note: Editing in Linux can be done and is slowly making milestones in many industries.<br /><br />I hope that everyone can see how we can take existing technology, in this case, salvaging old Mini-DV cameras and bring them into the tapeless environment. My next objective is to so see if I can replicate all this with VHS-C cameras. I am curious as to what the quality of the picture and sound are once it digitizes the content as it records it.<br /><br /><br />Til next time...You've been Teknolized.<br /><br />-VegaDMSVegaDMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10031432792390954216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1018327606174378007.post-67528651542971145192011-10-05T14:07:00.001-04:002012-02-19T02:28:50.534-05:00SMART Board Workshop (Basics) - [revised]The workshop went well!<br /><br />Currently developing a follow-up to the workshop to see what the Teachers have created. Need to sit down and nail a date for the follow-up. In the meantime, I have revised the list below of resources that can be used with a SMART Board.<br /><br />And for those who are wondering on whether or not an iPad can be used with SMART Boards. There is an app which will allow your iPad to speak to your laptop and control many of its features. Connecting the laptop to a presentation system grants you the ability to walk around the room and control things on the screen, regardless on whether it's a SMART Board or not. The app can be found here @ <a href="http://doceri.com/">http://doceri.com/</a><br /><br />New editions to the Web 2.0 list:<br /><br />HomeStyler - <a href="http://www.homestyler.com/">http://www.homestyler.com/</a><br />WeVideo - <a href="http://www.wevideo.com/">http://www.wevideo.com/</a><br />Splash Up - <a href="http://splashup.com/splashup/">http://splashup.com/splashup/</a><br />Glogster - <a href="http://www.glogster.com/">http://www.glogster.com/</a><br />WallWisher - <a href="http://www.wallwisher.com/">http://www.wallwisher.com/</a><div>GeoGebra - <a href="http://www.geogebra.org/cms/">http://www.geogebra.org/cms/</a><br /><br />Some Web 2.0 technology will include:<br /><br />JigZone - <a href="http://www.jigzone.com/">http://www.jigzone.com/</a><br />Body Browser - <a href="http://zygotebody.com/">http://zygotebody.com/</a> (formerly from Google Labs)<br />Prezi - <a href="http://prezi.com/">http://prezi.com/</a><br />SymbalooEDU - <a href="http://www.symbalooedu.com/">http://www.symbalooedu.com/</a><br />Scribblar - <a href="http://www.scribblar.com/">http://www.scribblar.com/</a><br />Interactive Drawing Board - <a href="http://muro.deviantart.com/">Muro.Deviantart.com/</a><br />Animoto - <a href="http://animoto.com/?gclid=CLa99Pr8tKsCFSM65QodICltcg">http://animoto.com/?gclid=CLa99Pr8tKsCFSM65QodICltcg</a><br />Poll Everywhere - <a href="http://www.polleverywhere.com/">http://www.polleverywhere.com/</a><br />MindMeister - <a href="https://www.mindmeister.com/">https://www.mindmeister.com/</a><br />LovelyCharts - <a href="http://lovelycharts.com/">http://lovelycharts.com/</a><br /><br />A couple of free downloads include:<br /><br />Personal Brain - <a href="http://www.thebrain.com/">http://www.thebrain.com/</a><br />Scupltris - <a href="http://www.pixologic.com/sculptris/">http://www.pixologic.com/sculptris/</a><br /><br />And to tie it all together I'm inviting the participants of the workshop to join me in EdModo -<br /><br /><a href="http://www.edmodo.com/">http://www.edmodo.com/</a><br /><br />Catch you later.<br /><br />-VegaDMS</div>VegaDMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10031432792390954216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1018327606174378007.post-64364679670004033612011-09-18T02:17:00.003-04:002011-09-18T02:34:36.413-04:00Getting Started in Website DesignHello Everyone,<br /><br />If you have ever thought about creating your own website, but didn't know where to begin, I have created some online video tutorials to help you build your first website.<br /><br />I have "unofficially" identified six levels to Web Design & Development. These include, but are not limited to, the following:<br /><blockquote>6 - Content Management Systems (Joomla, Drupal, Plone, etc.)<br />5 - Interactive Design & Integration (Adobe Flash & Microsoft Expression)<br />4 - Template Design & Modification<br />3 - Visual Design (Extensive knowledge of Photoshop and Code is extremely essential.)<br />2 - Code (HTML/HTML5, CSS3, XML/RSS, JavaScript, JQuery, PHP, etc.)<br />1 - WYSIWYG Editors (a.k.a. "Web Editors", "Text Editors", etc.)</blockquote><br />Now, I have creating professional websites for more than a decade and I am a coder (HTML, CSS, XML, RSS, JavaScript, etc.) but I am also trained to use web editors such as Dreamweaver. I've used it [Dreamweaver] way back when it was just version 3, no, not CS3, but simply 3 and Macromedia was the company that created the software. And although Dreamweaver is the king of the web design world, its price tag maybe out of the financial reach of many people. Even for students who have academic discounts - it can still be costly.<br /><br />But, there are alternatives! KompoZer and Amaya are both Free Open Source Software for PC, Mac and Linux.<br /><br />I'm currently conducting Graduate-level courses which require students to design, create and upload their own creations to the campus servers. Some students are familiar with Dreamweaver and have been encouraged to continue to utilize the multitude of features and flexibility this software has. However, many more students have never experienced the art of designing and creating their own sites.<br /><br />Mind you, these students are not Comp Sci Majors. So, this experience should be as stress-free as possible. I'm having the majority of them begin at level-one and work with WYSIWYG Editors. For those who gravitate towards more challenging projects, I'll introduce them to some level-two coding. As well as for those who possess some Graphic Design chops, we'll touch on a bit of both level-two and level-three.<br /><br />To begin, students can download either (or both) Amaya and KompoZer. As I stated earlier, I have created some online video tutorials to take them (or you) step-by-step in creating a basic website using a "cookie-cutter method". Why, you ask? Simply put, Graduate-level students have a lot on their plate. Projects and assignments will usually have deadlines around the same timeframe as everything else - so, this method ensures that the website is done as quickly and is fully functional in a short period of time. This method is not just for students, but for anyone who is looking to design and create their own site for whatever reason.<br /><br />So onward to designing a website.<br /><br />1.0 - Make a list of items you want to have on your website. Its good practice to group like items into categories which will later on become the main links of your site.<br /><br />2.0 - Once the list is completed, create a "storyboard". This "storyboard" will serve as a "blue print" to create your site. It may look like a flowchart, a wireframe, a schematic, etc. The purpose is to visualize how your site is going to connect one web page to another.<br /><br />This website can help you create you "blue print": Love Charts - http://www.lovelycharts.com/<br /><br />2.1 - Following the "storyboard", you'll want to sketch out at least two of your web pages. You don't need to have drafting skills to design these two pages, but this is another way to help solidify your vision on how your finalized website will look once its completed.<br /><br />3.0 - Now, you'll need to download a web editor. Both amaya and KompoZer are free (and legal) to download. Adobe Dreamweaver is available for a 30-day free trail. Believe it or not, Microsoft Frontpage is still kicking around in various circles, even though Microsoft killed it in Novemeber of 2006. Why is it still around? Well, it used to be free.<br /><blockquote>Downloads:<br />Amaya - <a href="http://www.w3.org/Amaya/">http://www.w3.org/Amaya/</a><br />KompoZer - <a href="http://kompozer.net/">http://kompozer.net/</a><br />Adobe Dreamweaver - <a href="http://www.adobe.com/products/dreamweaver.html">http://www.adobe.com/products/dreamweaver.html</a></blockquote><br />3.1 - Some have asked about creating a website using online tools such as Wix.com, Weebly.com and Webs.com - and although they do serve a purpose, they are still very limited in their features, functions and flexibility.<br /><br />To learn how-to work with any of the software mentioned here, I have included the links to my YouTube Videos along with descriptions for each.<br /><br /><strong>[A] Installing Software onto a Jump Drive -</strong><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hK0UwMiCEIs">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hK0UwMiCEIs</a><br /><br /><blockquote>Description:<br /><br />Educational Technology -<br />I'm demonstrating a video on "how-to" download and install software onto your jump drive. The reasoning behind this is a simple one - You may go into a computer lab/Internet Cafe, to do some work, only to find that the software you need is not installed.<br /><br />With this method, you can sit on virtually any computer; plug in your jump drive; launch the software; do your work; and then save it!<br /><br />In this demonstration, I'm focusing on properly installing KompoZer - a Free Open Source Web Design Editor - onto my jump drive. However, the software can be whatever you need it to be, The final stages of the video is a bonus, since the video shows you how to SAVE back to the jump drive.</blockquote><br /><strong>[B] Create a web page in Amaya and save to jump drive -</strong><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFwRmcrgxrI">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFwRmcrgxrI</a><br /><br /><blockquote>Description:<br /><br />Web Design: Beginner Level - Amaya is a Free Open Source application for creating websites. A variety of tools that most people will find intuitive. This module will demonstrate how-to create a basic web page and then save it to a jump drive.</blockquote><br /><strong>[C] Create an entire website in Amaya -</strong><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--7gZcxXcOE">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--7gZcxXcOE</a><br /><blockquote>Description:<br /><br />Web Design: Beginner Level - Amaya is a Free Open Source application for creating websites. A variety of tools that most people will find intuitive.<br /><br />In this module, we'll create a basic website. First up, design one "perfect" page. This page will have a HEADER, NAVIGATION BARS, space for the BODY of text (which comes in later), and FOOTER information.<br /><br />You can, at this time select a background color. If you decide to go with a dark background, select light-colored text. (i.e.: Black background works with text that are white, yellow or even orange.<br /><br />We then use "SAVE AS" to save the page as the different web pages for the site. Important to remember to give each individual page its own TITLE. The TITLE is what appears in the upper left-hand corner of all browsers.<br /><br />In the next module, we'll go over linking the NAVIGATION BARS.</blockquote><br /><strong>[D] Create External Links -</strong><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tV2DZdJXixI">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tV2DZdJXixI</a><br /><br /><blockquote>Description:<br /><br />Web Design: Beginner Level -<br />This module will demonstrate how to create external links to other websites from your own site. This demo uses the following software: Dreamweaver CS3, KompoZer, FrontPage.<br /><br />Chapters:<br />FrontPage = 0m14s || KompoZer = 2m01s || Dreamweaver = 3m24s</blockquote><br /><strong>[E] Creating Internal Links in Dreamweaver -</strong><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pch7rmH4ZOY">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pch7rmH4ZOY</a><br /><br /><blockquote>Description:<br /><br />Web Design: Beginner Level -<br />In the module, we will cover the following:<br />1.0 - Create additional web pages<br />2.0 - Create internal links with the Navigation Bar<br />3.0 - Copy & Paste the Navigation Bar<br />4.0 - Save the web page you are working in<br /><br />This demonstration uses the following software: Dreamweaver CS3, KompoZer, FrontPage<br /><br />Chapters:<br />1.0-Create a New Page = 0m33s || 2.0-Save The Page = 0m59s || 3.0-Linking Your Navigation Bar = 4m04s || 4.0-Copy The Navigation Bar = 5m43s</blockquote><br /><strong>[F] Adding TITLES to Web Pages -</strong><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRPuRijhHmw">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRPuRijhHmw</a><br /><br /><blockquote>Description:<br /><br />Web Design: Beginner Level -<br />This module will demonstrate how and where to create the TITLE for your web page(s). This demo uses the following software: Dreamweaver CS3, KompoZer, FrontPage.<br /><br />Chapters:<br />FrontPage = 0m16s || KompoZer = 1m46s || Dreamweaver = 2m32s</blockquote><br />I am currently working on additional video tutorials to supplement the course content. If the information found here is helpful to you or if you have questions, comments and/or suggestions, please feel free to post your thoughts here in the comments or on YouTube.<br /><br />To quickly find all these videos on YouTube, in the search box, type in the following: <strong>VegaDMS</strong> (It is cap-sensative.)<br /><br />Thank you very much. Til next time...<br /><br />You have been Teknolized!<br />-VegaDMSVegaDMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10031432792390954216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1018327606174378007.post-30386656692258323852011-09-07T14:53:00.000-04:002011-09-07T14:54:23.992-04:00SMART Board TrainingCurrently Designing and Developing a series of hands-on workshops around the SMART Board. SMART Boards are a HOT topic in K-12 schools, so it's only right to have some resources on how-to utilize this technology in the classroom.<br /><br />First workshop will be in a few weeks. We hope to address issues and concerns from those who have little or no experience with the boards. We also want to know what more experienced individuals are doing to bring this highly innovative technology into their classrooms.<br /><br />We are going to provide an overview, a brief demonstration, then escort the participants to their classrooms with our own student/teachers to assist (and learn) in this workshop. I will be bringing in some newer technology to showcase within the SMART Boards interface.<br /><br />I will also set-up an on-line environment similar to Facebook, but only accessible by the participants of the workshop.<br /><br />Additional details as the dates get closer.<br /><br />Til then...<br /><br />-VegaDMSVegaDMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10031432792390954216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1018327606174378007.post-43482716729788829962011-08-02T23:34:00.001-04:002011-08-03T01:33:13.539-04:003D Objects in Photoshop CS3+Hi Everyone,<br /><br />Its been a while.<br />I've been busy with re-organization and re-scheduling things around for the coming Fall 2011 semester as well as for my company. Any way, let's jump right in with a sweet little workflow to go from creating a 3D Text to importing it into Adobe Photoshop CS3 or newer.<br /><br />This goes out to all of my Graphic Designers, Comic Book Creators, Animators, Motion Graphics Designers and anyone who is interested in creating 3D Graphics and using Photoshop.<br /><br /><br />Keep in mind the following ONLY works with Photoshop CS3 and UP.<br /><br /><br />Steps:<br />1.0 - Create, say, some text in any 3D program.<br />Use: Maya, 3DS Max, LightWave or Blender (which is FREE to download).<br /><br /><br />2.0 - Give your text a 3D look via the EXTRUDE tool.<br />You'll need to become familiar with the interface of the software you're working with.<br /><br /><br />3.0 - Set-up the lights around your text.<br />I usually set-up a three-point lighting scheme - sometimes more lights depending on the complexity of the design. I found 3-pt lighting works well on 3D static text.<br /><br /><br />4.0 - Save your work in its native format. Then EXPORT your work as an OBJECT (.obj).<br /><br /><br />5.0 - Open Photoshop CS3 or higher.<br />I've tried in Photoshop CS2 and the tools needed to pull off the following are not available in this version.<br /><br /><br />6.0 - Open a new canvas with the desired aspect ratio.<br />Your aspect ratio is based on the final outcome of your design. In other words, what do you wish to do with the finished design? Will it be wallpaper? What is the aspect ratio of your desktop? If you're going to use it in video - what was the video shot in 4:3 (standard) or 16:9 (widescreen)?<br /><br /><br />7.0 - Once this new canvas is open - go to LAYERS > 3D Layers > New Layer from 3D File Browse for the OBJECT (.obj) you saved earlier.<br /><br /><br />8.0 - Your 3D Text will now appear on the screen. Look at your LAYERS palette. You'll notice there is a small icon within the icon of the layer. Double-clicking this small icon will give you a 3D Toolbar at the top of the Photoshop interface.<br /><br /><br />9.0 - With these new tools, you will be able to manipulate the angle of your text and position it exactly how you want it.<br /><br /><br />10.0 - There are several ways to add color to your 3D text. One is to place your mouse on the larger icon in the LAYERS palette, hold down CTRL and click to select the entire 3D Text.<br /><br /><br />10.1 - Add a new layer. Select a color and apply it. Use the BLEND modes til you see something you like.<br /><p align="center"><br />[design sample]<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSLCpyBY6VMxJNAvqMx4GP5jzjQ7YOw6lD7w_KUxM-oIyBWLo7qVzKlcFIB4GawP4zWO1mwBkxYL7cMRGW7kcb4chI2rIUl94UnyEDpI_KHNU0ndiOXagBh2TzBs4I3hCGgfj78u9eXMc/s1600/ed-tech-2.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 97px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSLCpyBY6VMxJNAvqMx4GP5jzjQ7YOw6lD7w_KUxM-oIyBWLo7qVzKlcFIB4GawP4zWO1mwBkxYL7cMRGW7kcb4chI2rIUl94UnyEDpI_KHNU0ndiOXagBh2TzBs4I3hCGgfj78u9eXMc/s320/ed-tech-2.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636497928158045330" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifM4FeF9X5tKL7PXTBfSU0wjbVVACJi-gG2HWdceXbybgpUO1425s3SxJubkQZHEU4DIud4jVpl06pM-kKtz5SvgEiGFcu0HhWnaLuqnLeC485G9s8vZFlphzfTQqKsoHWlnx0Kw2udUk/s1600/ed-tech-2.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><br /></a><br /></p><br />Let me know what you think of this feature and I'd like to see some of your creations.<br /><br /><br />Currently designing 3D/Photoshop workshop for the 3rd or 4th week of the semester. If you have any ideas for a workshop, please let me know - A.S.A.P. since I have to request the lab very soon.<br /><br /><br />Thanks.<br /><br /><br />-VegaVegaDMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10031432792390954216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1018327606174378007.post-43140828914438024752011-01-22T09:51:00.000-05:002011-01-22T09:52:10.925-05:00FOSS Presentation - Follow UpHi Everyone,<br /> <br />Yesterday's presentation on FOSS (Free Open Source Software) went extremely well! What should have been an hour long discussion turned into a 2 hour one. Three camera shoot and an audience full of Educators and Techies in the studio at MountainLake PBS.<br /> <br />Everyone did an awesome job. The Production crew gave us (my wife and I) full freedom without time restrictions. The "Q&A" session ran throughout our discussion as we covered a variety of software, demos, training sites and resources. Also, we discussed how-to bring some older technologies back to life in the K-12 environment.<br /> <br />PBS will begin editing the presentation next week and they're looking to have it streamed online.<br />Most cool!<br /> <br />I'll post when the video becomes available.<br /> <br />If you have any questions about FOSS, please drop me an email.<br /> <br />Have a great weekend! I have to get back to work now.<br /> <br />-VegaDMSVegaDMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10031432792390954216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1018327606174378007.post-87686898642053604002011-01-20T15:20:00.001-05:002011-01-20T15:20:51.223-05:00FOSS PresentationHi Everyone...<br /> <br />Tomorrow I'll be conducting a presentation on FOSS - Free Open Source Software - for local area Teachers, Administrators and Technology Personnel at out PBS Station. Although this workshop is not open to the general public, you can still find out more about FOSS from my workshop web page:<br /><a href="http://faculty.plattsburgh.edu/edwin.vega/education/workshops.html">http://faculty.plattsburgh.edu/edwin.vega/education/workshops.html</a><br /> <br />I'm looking to conduct another FOSS workshop on campus as part of the Digital Media Workshop Series this semester that will be open to all students, faculty and staff. Details are forthcoming!<br /> <br />I hope this information is helpful to anyone who wishes to learn more about FOSS. <br />As always, please feel free to contact me if you have any questions about this.<br /> <br />-VegaDMSVegaDMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10031432792390954216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1018327606174378007.post-13653873598766706832011-01-20T03:04:00.000-05:002011-01-20T03:05:42.364-05:00New Site...Hi Everyone...<br />My new Faculty site is up and running!<br />Check it out and drop me some feedback.<br /><br /><a href="http://faculty.plattsburgh.edu/edwin.vega/">http://faculty.plattsburgh.edu/edwin.vega/</a><br /><br />Thanks.<br />-VegaDMSVegaDMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10031432792390954216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1018327606174378007.post-89286104920596188512011-01-11T13:53:00.003-05:002011-01-11T14:34:33.530-05:00Re-structuring and Re-organizing!!!Hi Everyone,<br /><br />A New Year and a New Outlook will bring all of this together. Let me explain: this blog is on Technology, and what I'm working on will bring together this blog and Facebook into the classroom as far as learning tools go.<br /><br />On the list of re-vamps is my Faculty website at SUNY Plattsburgh, which is under a major overhaul. I'm working on bring in some new coding methods to the design and development of the site. Dubbed, "Project-9", this version of the site is the stepping stone for next version of the site which will include such technologies as HTML5 and CSS3 to name a few. Project-9 does have some CSS3 components as well as heavily coded CSS2 to allow for transparent backgrounds, built-in Google Calendar, JavaScript (for dimming the lights), and more. The site is also connected to social media.<br /><br />Coupled with a Facebook site set to "officially" launch for the Spring 2011. We've already tested the site during the Fall 2011 semester with our first "Digital Media Workshop Series" for our Anime Club members and "Digital Media Design" for our Teacher Education students in both the Graduate and Undergraduate programs. The site seems to be gaining momentum. I have brought in <a href="http://www.slideshare.net/">SlideShare.net</a>, slide-show presentations to the FB site along <a href="http://animoto.com/">Animoto</a> video capabilities. This is turn allows our students to create, design and share their work among their peers as well as keeping everything mobile. I would like to bring in <a href="http://prezi.com/">Prezi</a> and <a href="http://www.scribd.com/">Scribd</a> to FB. <br /><br />To continue with the whole mobile movement, I'm currently experimenting with <a href="http://twitter.com/">Twitter</a> and <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/">LinkedIn</a>. The purpose is to keep the active learners engaged an connected as well as expanding on the aspects of networking via social media.<br /><br />The Facebook sites focus is also on Technology and Digital Media. It lists resources from the Open Source Communities as well as provides information and tutorials from a variety of other websites.<br /><br />Another project I'm currently involved with is to design our very own "interactive whiteboard". Details to this will come soon, since the project is to be showcased just prior to January 21, 2011. No pressure.<br /><br />So, these are some of the reasons why I've been away from this for too long. Now, I don't have any excuses - I'm working on a way to tie Blogger, WordPress and the FB site together.<br /><br />That's it in a nutshell.<br /><br />Til Next Time...<br /><br />-VegaDMSVegaDMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10031432792390954216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1018327606174378007.post-59688649000911386582010-04-08T13:07:00.002-04:002010-04-08T13:08:21.624-04:00Some more FREE goodies...<div>Hi Everyone,</div><div><br /></div><div>It's been a while since my last posting.</div><div>Below are some goodies I hope you'll enjoy!</div><div><br /></div><div>First up, BZoo, <b><a href="http://www.bzooworld.org/">http://www.bzooworld.org/</a></b> a game engine suite for Blender and another free game development tool - Unity 3D.</div><div>Plus, if you want to learn to use Unity 3D, here's the link: <b><a href="http://unity3d.com/">http://unity3d.com/</a></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Next up, more tools for Blender.</div><div>If you're using Blender 2.5 and would like to have the python scripts for creating lens flares, go to the BlenderTime site: <b><a href="http://www.blendertime.com/tag/lens-flares-library/">http://www.blendertime.com/tag/lens-flares-library/</a></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>If you want to create a 3D graphic in Blender and want greater flexibility in painting and manipulating your work in Photoshop, check out this YouTube video - <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;">WARNING:</span></b> It's in German and you'll need Photoshop CS3 Extended to do your work in -<b> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NxCLx1ljKgo">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NxCLx1ljKgo</a></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>Need some inspiration, host your Blender videos or get some additional training, then take a look at Blender Videos: <b><a href="http://www.blendervideos.com/">http://www.blendervideos.com/</a></b></div><div><br /></div><div>If you're looking for more textures and freebies, here are some site to help you to build your library of resources: </div><div>3D Total's Free Textures - <b><a href="http://freetextures.3dtotal.com/">http://freetextures.3dtotal.com/</a></b></div><div>Media Militia - <b><a href="http://www.blendervideos.com/">http://www.blendervideos.com/</a></b></div><div>WireCase -<b> <a href="http://www.wirecase.com/Gallery-Free-3D-Models_s-2_v-20-1_f-fc-0-321_f-fpx-_f-fpn-_f-oid-.html">http://www.wirecase.com/Gallery-Free-3D-Models_s-2_v-20-1_f-fc-0-321_f-fpx-_f-fpn-_f-oid-.html</a></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Need to build up your sound effects library? Try <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#FF0000;">FlashKit</span></b> - <a href="http://www.flashkit.com/"><b>http://www.flashkit.com/</b></a></div><div>Yo will have the options to a) try the effect before you begin the download; b) decide on whether to download a WAV or MP3.</div><blockquote>Some notes on FlashKit:<br />Don't let the name and nature of the site fool you. Once you download these files, you can use them over and over again in a multitude of media. Also, although MP3's are faster to download, these files are heavily compressed. Best practice in multimedia design is to use a WAV file, since it is full of harmonics and range (and it can be in stereo), then re-compress it when you render out your projects.<br /><br /></blockquote><div>If you are interested in creating your own city, then this free downloadable script is for you.</div><div>The Suicidator City Generator is available from this site: </div><div><b><a href="http://arnaud.ile.nc/sce/">http://arnaud.ile.nc/sce/</a></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>Here is what your city could look like: </div><div><b><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HROU3gLcgfg&feature=PlayList&p=81E6BA0B1F7E4710&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=35">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HROU3gLcgfg&feature=PlayList&p=81E6BA0B1F7E4710&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=35</a></b></div><div><br /></div><div><object width="425" height="295"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/HROU3gLcgfg&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/HROU3gLcgfg&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="295"></embed></object></div><div><br /></div><div>This is how-to install the script and run it in Blender: </div><div>Video instructions on how-to work with the script - <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;">Note:</span></b> NO AUDIO - <b><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzRWpkTR8gU&feature=channel">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzRWpkTR8gU&feature=channel</a></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Well that's all I got for this round!</div><div><br /></div><div>Til next time.</div><div><br /></div><div>-VegaDMS</div>VegaDMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10031432792390954216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1018327606174378007.post-10862499701766891812010-04-08T13:07:00.001-04:002010-04-08T13:07:28.534-04:00Online Texture CD for BlenderHere are some Textures, Plug-Ins and more:<br /><a href="http://tellim.com/texture_cd/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Blender Texture Disc</span></a><br /><br />Enjoy!<br /><br />-VegaDMSVegaDMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10031432792390954216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1018327606174378007.post-2081508421751567322010-04-08T13:06:00.001-04:002010-04-08T13:06:28.955-04:00Blender Resources, part 2 (advanced)<div>Here are some resources where you can find additional tutorials, plug-ins and python scripts.</div><div><br /></div><div>When you come across a python script, its file extension will look like this: <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;">.py</span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;"><br /></span></b></div><div>Copy this file and paste it in the SCRIPTS folder located under: <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;">.blender</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Look for this: </div><div>C:\Program Files\Blender\.blender\scripts</div><div><br /></div><div><b>LuxRender</b></div><div><b><a href="http://www.luxrender.net/">http://www.luxrender.net/</a></b></div><div>LuxRender is a physically based and unbiased rendering engine. Based on state of the art algorithms, LuxRender simulates the flow of light according to physical equations, thus producing realistic images of photographic quality.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>BlenderNation</b> (Tutorials for various versions of Blender)</div><div><b><a href="http://www.blendernation.com/links/browse/tutorials-type/">http://www.blendernation.com/links/browse/tutorials-type/</a></b></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Alien HelpDesk</b> (Scripts for 2.4x & 2.5x)</div><div><b><a href="http://www.alienhelpdesk.com/index.php?id=16">http://www.alienhelpdesk.com/index.php?id=16</a></b></div><div><br /></div><div><b>SWiK</b> (More Scripts)</div><div><b><a href="http://swik.net/blender+scripts">http://swik.net/blender+scripts</a></b></div><div><b>FYI:</b> Scripts include an exporter to After Effects. (Looking forward to working with this one.)</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Pret-A-3D</b> (Tutorials)</div><div><a href="http://preta3d.com/"><b>http://preta3d.com/</b></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b>GTA Garage</b> (GTA Mod Database for Models)</div><div><b><a href="http://www.gtagarage.com/mods/index.php">http://www.gtagarage.com/mods/index.php</a></b></div><div><b>FYI:</b> GTA = Grand Theft Auto</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Rozengain's Blog <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">(</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; ">Anyone designing games in Flash?)</span></b></div><div><b><a href="http://www.rozengain.com/blog/2008/01/02/export-your-blender-objects-straight-to-away3d-papervision3d-and-sandy/">http://www.rozengain.com/blog/2008/01/02/export-your-blender-objects-straight-to-away3d-papervision3d-and-sandy/</a></b></div><div><b>FYI:</b> This script allows you to export to ActionScript 3.0 from Blender!!!</div><div><b>Note:</b> <b>Papervision3D</b> integrates into Flash to allow the creation of 3D. </div><div><b>Link:</b> <b><a href="http://www.papervision3d.org/">http://www.papervision3d.org/</a></b></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(41, 48, 59); font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', sans-serif;font-size:13px;">Til next time...<br /><br />-VegaDMS</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(41, 48, 59); font-family:Georgia, 'Times New Roman', sans-serif;font-size:13px;"><br /></span></div>VegaDMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10031432792390954216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1018327606174378007.post-59467428743698610372010-02-25T23:03:00.003-05:002010-04-08T13:05:41.408-04:00Blender ResourcesHi there,<br />Some Blender resources to share with everyone.<br />Blender Guru - <a href="http://www.blenderguru.com/category/tutorials/"><b>http://www.blenderguru.com/category/tutorials/</b></a><br />Blender Art Magazine (Downloadable e-Magazine) - <a href="http://blenderart.org/issues/"><b>http://blenderart.org/issues/</b></a><br />Blender Artist's - <a href="http://blenderartists.org/cms/content/view/17/53/"><b>http://blenderartists.org/cms/content/view/17/53/</b></a><br />Blender Newbies - <a href="http://blendernewbies.blogspot.com/">http://blendernewbies.blogspot.com/</a><br />Blender Online Manual - <a href="http://www.blender.org/download/documentation/"><b>http://www.blender.org/download/documentation/</b></a><br />Blender Model Repository - <a href="http://e2-productions.com/repository/index.php"><b>http://e2-productions.com/repository/index.php</b></a><br />Blender for Architects - <a href="http://blender-archi.tuxfamily.org/Tutorials"><b>http://blender-archi.tuxfamily.org/Tutorials</b></a><br />51 Blender Tutorials - <a href="http://cg.tutsplus.com/articles/web-roundups/51-bangin-blender-tutorials/"><b>http://cg.tutsplus.com/articles/web-roundups/51-bangin-blender-tutorials/</b></a><br />555 Blender Tutorials - <a href="http://filmmakeriq.com/general/featured/555-blender-tutorials.html"><b>http://filmmakeriq.com/general/featured/555-blender-tutorials.html</b></a><br />Create an animated 3D text with Blender - <a href="http://www.pixel2life.com/viewtutorial/75618/creating_a_text_logo_in_blender/"><b>http://www.pixel2life.com/viewtutorial/75618/creating_a_text_logo_in_blender/</b></a><br />Introduction to Smoke Simulation - <a href="http://www.blenderguru.com/introduction-to-smoke-simulation/"><b>http://www.blenderguru.com/introduction-to-smoke-simulation/</b></a><br />Blender Forums - <a href="http://www.blender.org/education-help/support-forums/"><b>http://www.blender.org/education-help/support-forums/</b></a><br />CG Society - <a href="http://forums.cgsociety.org/forumdisplay.php?f=91"><b>http://forums.cgsociety.org/forumdisplay.php?f=91</b></a><br />Tutorialized: Blender 3D - <b><a href="http://www.tutorialized.com/tutorials/Blender-3d/1">http://www.tutorialized.com/tutorials/Blender-3d/1</a></b><div><b><a href="http://www.tutorialized.com/tutorials/Blender-3d/1"></a><br /></b>Need to find FREE 3D Models to use in your production?<br /><br />Check out this list of "<a href="http://www.hongkiat.com/blog/60-excellent-free-3d-model-websites/"><b>60 Excellent Free 3D Model Websites</b></a>"<br /><b>Link:</b> <a href="http://www.hongkiat.com/blog/60-excellent-free-3d-model-websites/">http://www.hongkiat.com/blog/60-excellent-free-3d-model-websites/</a><br /><b>FYI:</b> 3D Models may be created for other 3D programs, but may still work with Blender.<br /><br /><br />Need some add-ons for Blender? Try these on:</div><div><br /><a href="http://blenderartists.org/forum/showthread.php?t=85722"><b>http://blenderartists.org/forum/showthread.php?t=85722</b></a><br /><a href="http://brendonmurphy1.googlepages.com/materiallibrary's"><b>http://brendonmurphy1.googlepages.com/materiallibrary's</b></a><br /><a href="http://www.swineworld.org/blender/gears/"><b>http://www.swineworld.org/blender/gears/</b></a><br /><a href="http://www.harkyman.com/bp.html"><b>http://www.harkyman.com/bp.html</b></a><br /><a href="http://www.blinken.com/blender-plugins.php"><b>http://www.blinken.com/blender-plugins.php</b></a><br /><a href="http://www.luxrender.net/"><b>http://www.luxrender.net/</b></a><br /><b><a href="http://www.yafaray.org/">http://www.yafaray.org/</a></b></div><div><b><a href="http://www.yafaray.org/"></a><br /></b>According to one of the sites, adding libraries to Blender:<br />- Adding the Presets.<br />- Download & extract the blend file to a safe place -.blender/materials works for me.<br />- Open Blender (not the material preset file yet) go: File/Append & browse to the materials preset file.<br />- Select Scene "Materials" (the only scene) you will now have a new scene called "Materials"<br />go back to your default/normal start up scene.<br />- Press ctrl/u (windows) to save user defaults.<br />- Now each time you open Blender you have instant access.<br /><br />Til next time...<br />-VegaDMS</div>VegaDMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10031432792390954216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1018327606174378007.post-8981049516814405652010-02-23T11:53:00.003-05:002010-04-08T12:28:58.286-04:00The Downloads, part 1Hello and Welcome!<div><br /></div><div>If you've read my earlier posts and wondered where to get Blender, here you go:</div><div>Blender: <a href="http://www.blender.org/">http://www.blender.org/</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Also, if you are into Character Design, then you may want to look into DAZ Studio:</div><div>DAZ Studio: <a href="http://www.daz3d.com/">http://www.daz3d.com/</a></div><div>FREE Models to work with: <a href="http://www.daz3d.com/i/3d-models/free-3d-models?cat=382&_m=d">http://www.daz3d.com/i/3d-models/free-3d-models?cat=382&_m=d</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Plug-Ins and other additional features for Blender can be found in my previous entry, "Blender Resources".</div><div><br /></div><div>Gotta run...</div><div><br /></div><div>-VegaDMS</div>VegaDMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10031432792390954216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1018327606174378007.post-69203953151215857512010-02-20T21:31:00.009-05:002010-04-08T12:28:04.177-04:00Media Player with Built-In FeedsHello,<br /><br />As you know, I'm working with 3D software. I've used Maya, 3DS Max, Poser, Blender and Bryce - all in very small capacities for animation. Currently, I'm working with DAZ and Blender for Character Design and Game Design.<br /><br />The Internet is a great source of inspiration and instruction. I've come across a very interesting and very useful tool in the form of an open source media player.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Miro</span> - is the name of the player and it is available on PC, Mac and Linux. I know, like the world needs another media player. I love my VideoLan VLC player. The difference is that Miro has a built-in library of video feeds called "channels". These channels cover a pantheon of subjects. Whether you're looking for some new forms of entertainment of looking for a library of instructional videos on Blender, GIMP, Photoshop, Linux or anything else, this player has what you're looking for.<br /><br />Check it out and let me know what you think of <span style="font-weight: bold;">Miro</span> - <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.getmiro.com/">http://www.getmiro.com/<br /></a><br />Til next time...you've been Teknolized!<br /><br />-VegaDMSVegaDMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10031432792390954216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1018327606174378007.post-68927276624975960912010-02-10T23:46:00.006-05:002010-04-08T13:11:08.347-04:00Online review of "how-to" videos for Blender<div>Hi Everyone,</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm just starting to get into 3D Animation. Although I love animation and anime, I had never really wanted to get involved with this medium. (I much rather get into designing and developing comic books.) But, recently, clients have been requesting some degree of animation. Now, I have experience and background (20+ years) in multimedia, so I've had my hands full for a while. So, now I've begun my newest adventure in 3D Animation and Video Game Design - I'm actually looking forward to this!</div><div><br /></div><div>I know I'm supposed to review 2 online "how-to" video tutorials and post, but I've been working on creating text that turns into liquid in Blender and in order to pull this effect off, I had 4 tutorials to help me create the effect.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Tuts are:</div><div><br /></div><div>[A]</div><div>YouTube - how-to create liquid in blender</div><div>"<b>Liquid Simulation Blender Tutorial</b>" (Blender v:2.44)</div><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srGx2nkEkFA">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srGx2nkEkFA</a></div><div><br /></div><div><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/srGx2nkEkFA&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/srGx2nkEkFA&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></div><div><br /></div><div>This is the video that started it all with my approach to having text turn into liquid. Although highly informative, the audio quality is not the greatest but still clear enough to understand the instructions. Video quality is average-to-low. Meaning, that while you can see what he is doing on the [small] screen, the screen becomes somewhat blurred when you switch to full screen mode. Also, note that he is using version 2.44 and that there will be a button or two that will lead you somewhere else in version 2.49b. </div><div><br /></div><div>My issue with this video is that it is longer than it needs to be. Simply put, he could have edited out some errors that we the viewers have to painfully sit through and therefore attract more viewers. Please see Tutorials C & D as they are EXTREMELY much shorter (and faster) at getting to the point. </div><div><br /></div><div>I must say, though, this video is a great starting point for creating objects that turn into liquid. Mastering this technique first will help to go to the next level.</div><div><br /></div><div>Running Time: 14:06</div><div><br /><hr align="center" width="75%"><br /></div><div>[B]</div><div>YouTube - how-to create text in blender 2.49b</div><div>"<b>Ira Krakow's Text Objects Blender 2.49b Tutorial</b>"</div><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IFgHt2mcLK8">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IFgHt2mcLK8</a></div><div><br /></div><div><object width="425" height="295"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/IFgHt2mcLK8&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/IFgHt2mcLK8&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x2b405b&color2=0x6b8ab6" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="295"></embed></object></div><div><br /></div><div>Ira has a clear professional approach to instruction. The quality of the audio is crisp and clear at all times. Video quality is also high, which works great when you go to a full screen. </div><div><br /></div><div>If you want to learn how-to work with text, then this video will demonstrate many aspects of working with text. Some of the items covered include: Adding Text; Extruding & Beveling; Text follows Path; Selecting a different Font; Adding Color to Text; Adding Color to different parts of Text; and more.</div><div><br /></div><div>I strongly suggest subscribing to the "Ira Krakow" channel as he is one of the first to post tutorials for the newest version of Blender 2.5.</div><div><br /></div><div>Running Time: 10:00</div><div><br /><hr align="center" width="75%"><br /></div><div>[C]</div><div>YouTube - how-to make text into a mesh in blender</div><div>"<b>Blender 2.48 - Convert text to fluid simulation</b>" (Blender v:2.48)</div><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDIHzZ2z_aE">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDIHzZ2z_aE</a></div><div><br /></div><div><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/HDIHzZ2z_aE&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/HDIHzZ2z_aE&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></div><div><br /></div><div>Sharp video quality allows you to go full screen, however, there is no audio. This video is not for the faint of heart since it flies through the procedures that will eventually allow you turn text into liquid.</div><div><br /></div><div>It's a good idea to just watch the video several times prior to attempting to create this simulation.</div><div><br /></div><div>Careful attention should be paid to this since the instructor is using an older version of Blender - version 2.48.</div><div><br /></div><div>Running Time: 1:27</div><div><br /><hr align="center" width="75%"><br /></div><div>[D]</div><div>YouTube - how to create liquid in blender</div><div>"<b>Blender Tutorials (General) - Fluid Animation basics</b>"</div><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOZN9GYdW6w">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOZN9GYdW6w</a></div><div><br /></div><div><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/lOZN9GYdW6w&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/lOZN9GYdW6w&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></div><div><br /></div><div>Here is another video that is not for the faint of heart. With a running time of only 2-minutes and 28-seconds, this video takes you through the paces of creating and object and assigning it as a "fluid" item within an enclosure that is designated as the "domain" in which the action will take place.</div><div><br /></div><div>I recommend viewing this several times before attempting to re-create since there is absolutely no audio to lead you along. The video quality is very good and switch to HD sharpens the picture that much more. For a more detailed approach as well as a slower pace, please see Tutorial A above.</div><div><br /></div><div>Running Time: 2:28</div><div><br /><hr align="center" width="75%"><br /></div><div>As you can see, I had to figure out where to mash-up the videos in order to get the end results. My workflow began with establishing the "domain" or container for the liquid, then inserting an object. In my case the object was "text". The trick here was to convert the "text" into a "mesh" so I can then assign it as a "fluid" item otherwise, it could not be assigned. The rest of the procedure is explained in the videos above.</div><div><br /></div><div>Well folks, I hope this entry helps.</div><div><br /></div><div>Til next time...you've been Teknolized!</div><div><br /></div><div>-VegaDMS</div>VegaDMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10031432792390954216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1018327606174378007.post-28461220123680296132010-02-09T12:04:00.007-05:002010-04-08T12:22:35.952-04:00Game Design - part 1The Journey Begins!<br /><div>If you're wondering why I've started a blog, well, there are several reasons:</div><br /><div id="_mcePaste">1) To keep myself in check as to what the procedure is for developing a video game from concept to actually playing the game.</div><br /><div id="_mcePaste">2) Devise a "textbook" (or a "cookbook") for myself in the event I may have to do this again. Plus, if any of this is helpful to anyone out there interested in Game Design.</div><br /><div id="_mcePaste">3) Writing is a discipline. I hope to continue to hone my skills.</div><br /><div id="_mcePaste">4) To get other contributors who have either been through the paces, are going through them, or are contemplating the journey ahead to join in and offer their knowledge to the rest of us.</div><br /><div>5) To post information on other areas of the Digital TechScape. My background is in Mass Communication, Digital Media, Graphic Design and Information Technology.</div><br /><hr /><br /><div><br /><br />Game Design from the point of view of illustrating concepts and designs is not new to me. However, from the point of view of actually building the game is where I am completely out of my element. I enjoy playing games when I get the opportunity, but to create a game never crossed my radar - until recently.<br /><br /></div><br /><div id="_mcePaste">I've been exploring and testing the power house software known as Blender. For those of you who may not know, Blender is an open source software - in other ways, FREE to download. It is cross-platform compatible, meaning, you can download it to a PC, Mac and Linux computer. Blender is both a 3D animation program and a 3D game engine for designing, creating, testing and publishing video games.</div><br /><div id="_mcePaste">The programming language behind Blender is Python. Programmers have written libraries of python scripts for you to download and use. These scripts allow you do a variety of tasks and expand the features and functionalities of Blender. Do you need to know python? It certainly won't hurt, but Blender is designed to function well with or without you having a programming background.</div><br /><div id="_mcePaste">In my quest to explore the realm of game design, I've come across an important aspect that cannot be overlooked - the Game Design Documents. It's clear that if the game designers/developers do not have the information needed to create the game documented, then components to the game (some of which may be vital) may be left out.</div><br /><div id="_mcePaste">Over the course of the next few months, I am going to post Blender Resources covering Tutorials, Plug-Ins, Python Scripts, Game Design Documentation and much more for both Blender 2.49b and Blender 2.5 - as well as an update on how my progress is going on my own project(s).</div><br /><div id="_mcePaste"><hr /><br /><div>In the event, you're thinking about getting involved in game design, here are some tools to help you get started. The list below is by no means a complete list, just a good "jump-on" point to get a general overview of the software and its capabilities.</div><br /></div><br /><div id="_mcePaste"><strong>Download Blender:</strong></div><br /><div id="_mcePaste">-<strong><a href="http://www.blender.org/development/release-logs/blender-249/" target="_blank">Blender 2.49b</a></strong></div><br /><div id="_mcePaste">-<strong><a href="http://www.blender.org/development/release-logs/blender-250/" target="_blank">Blender 2.5</a> </strong>(Alpha 1*)</div><br /><div><strong><br /></strong></div><br /><div id="_mcePaste">*Although 2.5 is the newest version, it is still in Alpha mode. This means that there are some bugs in the system and there maybe certain features that may appear on the screen but have not yet been fully developed or tested. Bottom line is that for many, Blender 2.5 may not be ready for prime time.</div><br /><div id="_mcePaste">I will be working with Blender 2.49b, but I will be experimenting and orientating myself to Blender 2.5.</div><br /><div id="_mcePaste"><strong>Python</strong> (For those who want to learn to program):</div><br /><div id="_mcePaste">-<a href="http://rgruet.free.fr/PQR26/PQR2.6.html" target="_blank"><strong>Python 2.6 Quick Reference Guide</strong></a></div><br /><div id="_mcePaste">-<a href="http://docs.python.org/tutorial/index.html" target="_blank"><strong>Python Tutorials</strong></a></div><br /><div id="_mcePaste">-<a href="http://docs.python.org/" target="_blank"><strong>Additional Info on Python</strong></a></div><br /><div id="_mcePaste">-PyCon (Python Convention) just took place in Atlanta, Georgia</div><br /><div>Details on the <a href="http://us.pycon.org/2010/about/" target="_blank"><strong>PyCon site</strong></a></div><br /><div><strong><br /></strong></div><br /><div><strong>Free Python Scripts for Blender:</strong></div><br /><div id="_mcePaste">-<a href="http://www.alienhelpdesk.com/index.php?id=16" target="_blank"><strong>Alien HelpDesk</strong></a> (Scripts for 2.4x & 2.5x)</div><br /><div id="_mcePaste">-<a href="http://swik.net/blender+scripts" target="_blank"><strong>SWiK</strong></a> (More Scripts)</div><br /><div><strong><br /></strong></div><br /><div><strong>Game Design Documentation:</strong></div><br /><div id="_mcePaste">-<a href="http://www.gamedev.net/reference/list.asp?categoryid=23" target="_blank"><strong>GameDev.net</strong></a></div><br /><div id="_mcePaste">-Gamasutra - <strong><span style="font-weight: normal;">"</span></strong><a href="http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/3150/a_primer_for_the_design_process_.php" target="_blank"><strong>A Primer for the Design Process, Part 1: Do</strong></a><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;">"</span> </strong>-</div><br /><div id="_mcePaste"><a title="Gamasutra" href="http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/3150/a_primer_for_the_design_process_.php" target="_blank"></a></div><br /><div id="_mcePaste">-Gamasutra - "<a href="http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/3151/a_primer_for_the_design_process_.php" target="_blank"><strong>A Primer for the Design Process, Part 2: Think</strong></a>"</div><br /><div id="_mcePaste">-Gamasutra - "<a href="http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/3152/a_primer_for_the_design_process_.php" target="_blank"><strong>A Primer for the Design Process, Part 3: Need</strong></a>"</div><br /><div id="_mcePaste">-Slick Edit - "<a href="http://blog.slickedit.com/2007/05/how-to-write-an-effective-design-document/" target="_blank"><strong>How to Write an Effective Design Document</strong></a>" -</div><br /><div id="_mcePaste">-Chris Crawford - <a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/140200/Chris-Crawford-The-Art-of-Computer-Game-Design" target="_blank"><strong>The Art of Computer Game Design</strong></a></div><br /><div id="_mcePaste">-<a href="http://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:oHJpec2qurwJ:www.patrikarthursson.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/GameDesignDoc.pdf+game+design+document,+chris+crawford&hl=en&gl=us&sig=AHIEtbRe3X0ejNYAnMDqkIAxhqYXyD09sA" target="_blank"><strong>Game Design Document</strong></a> -</div><br /><hr /><br /><div>I hope this gives you a taste of what to expect from this blog. Yes, there will be other entries involving other technology just to break things up a bit. But Blender will be a part of me for the next few months.</div><br /><div><br /><br />Keep your eyes open (or subscribe) to get the latest on my journey into 3D!<br /><br /></div><br /><hr /><br /><div>Til next time...you've been Teknolized!</div><br /><div>-VegaDMS</div>VegaDMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10031432792390954216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1018327606174378007.post-90615552166502425812010-02-09T04:50:00.005-05:002010-04-08T12:17:56.016-04:00About<div><div>I have been in many industries as a professional cameraman, video editor, audio engineer, graphic designer, illustrator, web designer & developer for 20+ years.</div><div><br /></div><div>I currently, operate and run my own multimedia production / post-production studio. The studio was established nine years ago and has been very successful.</div><div><br /></div><div>My clients range from the individual on a no-string budget; to groups, organizations (incl. non-profit organizations); to small/home businesses; to Academics; to Company Departments; to large Companies and Corporations.</div><div><br /></div><div>On any given contract, I may be required to wear many hats and depending on the client (and budget) I may be in a position to hire additional personnel.</div><div><br /></div><div>My latest adventures require me to work in the area of 3D Animation. Which has already lead to someone asking me if I can design video games.</div><div><br /></div><div>I hope to be able to deliver the goods. This aspect of the Digital TechScape is still brand new to me.</div></div>VegaDMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10031432792390954216noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1018327606174378007.post-24197713443013896352010-02-09T03:15:00.007-05:002010-04-08T12:16:20.502-04:00Hello world!<div><div>Hello and Welcome!</div><div><br /></div><div>This blog, as you can tell from the title, revolves around technology. Now there are many great technology blogs out there, who have been at this for much longer than I have. I do tip my hat to those of you who I read up on. What is the difference between those blogs and mine is that I will be loading this page with tons of useful resources for the multisphere of venues that exist in multimedia, a.k.a. digital media. Also, whenever possible, I will post "how-to" videos on topics such as Web Design, Graphic Design, Video Editing Audio Recording & Mixing, Game Design and much more.</div><div><br /></div><div>"Yes", this is an ambitious and aggressive project, but as a Digital Media Specialist, I get contracts that require me to work in any number of aspects of the digital realm. Some aspects, such as 3D Animation, are foreign to me. I love animation/anime, but, I never thought about actually creating my own, let alone, create material for someone else. Yet, I've had to produce a couple of short pieces of 3D animation - of which, I can only demonstrate one of them. Many of my contracts are under a non-disclosure cause and therefore I cannot showcase those assignments. However, when I come across a technique or some software that perhaps someone out there may benefit from, I will give a review on that software and/or produce a tutorial for that software.</div><div><br /></div><div>Currently, I'm involved with the updating of one client website; the maintenance of another site, which is about to go through a massive re-design; the design of not one but two digital portfolio; and about three other sites - for which, I don't collect a cent for these last three. I'm also involved with the promotion of "the client" website ranging from SEO to the Social Networking scene to getting the work my client does onto e-book websites, such as Scribd; as well as utilizing media server such as YouTube; and much more.</div><div><br /></div><div>Over time, I will post information about my journey's through the world of design, development, production and distribution. Hopefully, this will shed some light on what we do here at VISIONES - the Spanish word for "visions". I hope you can come along and help to spread the "concept" of creating a technology-savvy community.</div><div><br /></div><div>Again, "Welcome" and "Thanks"!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>-VegaDMS</div></div>VegaDMShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10031432792390954216noreply@blogger.com0