Reviewing the Wordpress Genesis Framework and Eleven40 theme

For those that don't know, Genesis is a Framework by Studiopress with a default theme you plug into Wordpress. Its not free, you have to buy it, but unlike free themes and many premium; because its a framework you have lots of options.

With click of a button you can change your screen to have header and content, just content, header, 1 sidebar and content, header and 2 sidebars and content, etc... You get the idea, you can change your layout to a number of configuration. But it doesn't stop there. Genesis also contains an SEO element; it allows a number of places to place widgets and all this from the GUI; no code required.

Add a little CSS to place items more precise and you soon have a very professional looking webpage. In my testing; in 1 hours I went from a drap site to a quite semi-pro looking site; check out http://www.techno-info.co.uk for an example.

Also; keep your eyes peeled for up and coming review if interested.

How good is the Adobe Cloud - My Review of my usage of the cloud

For some time I wanted to have the latest Adobe After Effects (I had CS3) and wanted to use Premiere Pro, Photoshop, Dreamweaver, etc. But like many non-students I couldn't afford the 2500 pound notes they they were asking so I looked and thought of the possibilities..

Then came the Adobe Cloud. For those that may not know what it is (is there anyone); Adobe decided to put most/all of their software offering onto a cloud system and charge a monthly amount to access all of this software. So for one monthly charge you can get Premiere, AE, Photoshop and all the rest of the great software.

I found this VERY appealing.. Especially seeing I could get a special 12 months rate as I have AE CS3. So for 27GBP  (this computer has no pound sign) a month for 12 months I can access software, and if calculate up its like 324GBP (here or there as couple bits of change in fee too) which is less that the Master collection. And you get a couple of extras in the Cloud not on the DVD's. Ok for standard subscription its about 20 pound more a month but.. as you can see on my blog for August Adobe are doing the special rate deal which works out to about the same as I pay.. Bargain..

So, after that long build up.. what do I think. Well, I sold my copy of Vegas Pro and Final Cut Studio 3 as I seem to only use Premiere Pro now. You can even have an install on your PC and again on your Mac... You get 2 license installs of each software I believe. AE and Premiere plug nicely together too; integrating your video creation.. Dreamweaver is fantastic; doing some online development for a project I am working on. Photoshop; well; lets say I removed some stuff from my holiday photos..

All in all the software is fantastic. Installation from the Cloud is by a software manager that also notifies you as soon as updates are available. Its just one click and it downloads and installs. The best bit though is that more software is coming to cloud and you can access right away. Lightroom recently came onto the cloud; I now have that.. All in all there are like 16 or 17 applications.. 

You do need to have internet access to run software though as it does check you have a valid cloud subscription when running each software. I had my internet go down once and could not run the software - this certainly is a bad thing if wanting to edit a video or webpage while on the train; unlike if bought DVD version; but its a price to pay to get access.

All in all I think you can pay for around 4-5 years of cloud access for the cost of the Master Collection? OK, so you never own anything at the end of it unlike if buy the DVD. But unlike the DVD the cloud offers updates to newer versions too in the cost from what I am led to believe. So when CS7 comes out you get access without paying a upgrade cost like the DVD versions.

All in all I am loving it for my current monthly subscription. Will I continue it when it goes up in price? I don't know.. But for 12 months at this bargain rate, if you want to get access to After Effects or Premier Pro then you could take up the August only offer and give it a try.. If after August; still go check them out as it still maybe worth it for you...

Mac Malware alert comes out day Mountain Lion released

Timing is never the greatest when a new malware is reported around the time you release a new version of your OS. Especially when its for Apple Mac's where many people buy thinking they are safe from such attacks.

We have attached a link to this story for you to view and avoid if you find this attack happen to you : http://mashable.com/2012/07/25/mac-malware-alert-mountain-lion/

New Cyberlink product reviews by TechnologistPR

Recently our team have had the opportunity to work with Cyberlinks and review some of their new products.

Our team have taken a look at Cyberlinks PowerDVD 12 and PowerDirector 10 and have created some review videos to show  you current feature set and give examples of current functionality. They still have a few more products to review for you but for now here are links to our reviews of PowerDirector 10 and  PowerDVD 12.

PowerDVD 12 

PowerDirector 10 

New MAGIX Rescue Your Vinyl and Tapes V4

19th June 2012

 MAGIX have recently released the latest version of their Rescue You Vinyl & Tapes product. This software is designed to allow you to convert your music from older tapes and vinyl formats, clean them up using the software and then save them to the media of your choice.

The process is simple and easy and does not take any technical know how to do. Simply plug in your record deck or tape recorder into the hardware provided, load software and click record.

We at TechnologistPR are currently reviewing this product so look out for future updtes. The features provided with this new version are:

Features:

• NEW! Turbo Tape: record and restore tape recordings with ease using high speed dubbing.
• NEW! More than 60 new presets for quick and effective sound optimization.
• NEW! Master reverb effect: add reverb or echo effects to the entire track.
• NEW! Media-X-change: direct file “Sharing” with other MAGIX programs. Transfer edited recordings, e.g to MAGIX MP3 deluxe, without intermediate steps.
• IMPROVED! Automatic Cleaning wizard: now more goal-orientated and easier to use.
• IMPROVED! Step-by-step wizards: for perfect sound cleaning and mastering.

Price & Availability:

MAGIX Rescue Your Vinyl and Tapes Version 4 is available now for SRP £59.99 inc VAT from Amazon, PC World and Currys and other stockists of high quality software.

 

ProDAD release Heroglyph V4 PRO titler product

19th June 2012

ProDAD have released the latest update of their Heroglyth product V4. This new version offers a new user interface that simplifies workflow compared with many other video titling products and all the product changes are done on the fly in real time with full resolution previews.

Heroglyth V4 PRO can be used to create Title and Trailers, Travel Routes, Slideshows, Animated Handscripts and Video Walls. Each of these is easily created using wizards provided in the product making creation of things like video titles, lower thirds and travel route animations to name just a few.

We here at TechnologistPr recently did a review of this product.

Adobe Cloud for CS6 is now live

11th May 2012

The new Adobe Cloud became live on 11th May 2012 offering the full current range of CS6 products. Adobe has approached the market offering this new service of delivery of their new product range. Buyers can still purchase the CS6 range of software on DVD as before; however the cloud offers a very cost effect delivery cost and format; also allowing for any updates or new versions to be delivered within the monthly cost.

For more details please visit Adobe's website.