Whether you're distributing dailies, authoring a commercial DVD, or prepping video clips for the Web, Compressor is essential for creating quality digital content. In this quick-reference guide, professional filmmaker Brian Gary reveals essential techniques for audio and video compression. Learn timesaving batch-encoding and test-clip workflows. Import files in Final Cut Pro and QuickTime formats and encode them for authoring in DVD Studio Pro. Use advanced codecs like H.264 to create standard- and high-definition content. Compress content for the latest hardware platforms, including AppleTV, iPod, and HD DVD. Export interactive podcasts. Add timecode window burns and animated logos during encoding. Take advantage of job-management strategies, such as job chaining. And save time with Compressor's ability to handle hours of encoding unattended and then notify you by email when it's done. With this guide you'll master the art of minimizing file size and maximizing image quality.
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.0 / 5.0
Not particularly useful; just use the manual:
It's not particularly useful and too expensive given how short it is. A book that calls itself a "quick reference guide" should be able to deliver the basics to get you up and running, as well as the most important trouble-shooting issues. This does not deliver. Save your money and read the manual, it's just as useful and it's free. Very disappointing, I own several of the Peachpit Apple Pro Training series and they are all much better than this.
Fantastic book on Compressor!:
An easy read, I read through this reference guide over the course of 2 days. When complete I dove into Compressor and am now considered our production company's expert in it. It actually saved us over $1000 when I discovered through reading the book that Compressor can handle Reverse Telecine, making renting a HDCam deck for a specific job unnecessary. I highly recommend this book. I first heard about it when I saw the author on the MacBreak TV podcast.
Quick Note:
The Apple Pro Training Series Books i'm familiar with (FCP, Motion, Desktop, etc) are 500+ pages and have a content DVD. This book is around 200 pages and does not have a content DVD. A great resource regardless.
Top Notch:
All those nagging encoding questions about what GOP structure to use, what's the difference between "best" and "better" motion estimation, etc are answered here once and for all. This is an excellent resource well worth the 25.00 price of admission. It will pay for itself with increased production quality and productivity. Thank you Brian Gary!
