Trapcode Flux to debut at NAB

Peder Norrby of Trapcode will preview a new particle system codenamed Flux at NAB. "Trapcode Flux is a work-in-progress so any suggestions are welcome after the demos. The basic functionality is to create fluid, smoke, organic and also geometric mezmerizingly moving 3D patterns that can easily be integrated with other graphics." Flux will include numerous customizable presets and plenty of parameters for advanced users who want to create their own unique looks to stun their clients. Flux is scheduled for release this summer and pricing will be announced at that time.

CS3 Production Suite public beta April 16

from Creative Cow:
"Recently, Adobe put its new tools into public beta, with users helping to both define and refine tools like Lightroom (now part of the Photoshop family), Soundbooth (a new audio sweetening and soundtrack creation tool), and even the venerable Photoshop itself. But it isn't stopping there and now Adobe has announced that they are placing their dynamic media tool suites into public beta. Yes, After Effects, Premiere Pro, Encore and others will be at the Adobe Labs site beginning April 16th." Picture from Amazon.

Adobe has a nice Flash preso of AE8 features. Ko Maruyama already has a review of AE 8. And Bob Donlan promises more, as John Nack runs down Photoshop news.

Wikivid organizes tutorial videos

Wikivid is "an encyclopedia of informative videos. Each content page is made up of links to free videos laid out as a video-course for anyone to watch and learn." It's handy because it organizes video tutorials from others sites together by topic, and has sections for AE, Photoshop, and other software.

Social networks go live

TechCrunch has a discussion of interesting sites that feature live video: JustinTV (a bit personal), Ustream.tv (a network of Justins), and the silly & amazing Stickam (varied network of live webcams and movies with the MySpace singles bar feel).

Meanwhile, Advertising Age twitters 'what me worry' in Bob Garfield's Chaos Scenario 2.0: The Post Advertising Age. Business 2.0 has more on the next net.

Digital Tampering & Forensics

In honor of this week's Photoshop CS 3 announcement, here's Computing Photographic Forgeries from Science News, with more at Hany Farid's Research site at Dartmouth.

Update: more from Science News...
The next steps in photography could blur reality

Super, a free ffmpeg UI for Windows

NOTE: in 2013 Super installs malware no matter how you try to avoid it. It tales a very long time to get rid of it, so do yourself a favor and use FFMPEG X, Handbrake, MPEG Streamclip, or other.

On Windows ffmpeg front-ends are a jungle of limitations, and free tools are not as well-done as Mac apps ffmpeg OS X or iSquint, or VisualHub shareware.

I found that I did like Super by eRightSoft: it's freeware, full-featured with output for many devices and codecs, and you can batch. If you jump through the hoops to find the installer, it comes with codecs but you might want to install a codec pack with FFDSHOW like K-Lite or Gordian Knot for full compatibility and mad controls.

Note that there's a free version of ZoneAlarm if the Windows firewall doesn't make you feel safe, because this baby dials home on its own.

Feeley's docs

Jim Feeley's sorta new blog Truefilm "currently provides a digest of news about nonfiction film and television. Soon it will provide much much more."