| Meet Jim Harvey
Creative COW Web Writer, Contributing Editor
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Jim Harvey
JHV Digital
New York City, New York USA
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New York Based JHV Digital is primarily engaged in Motor sports and Corporate Video.
I came from a background in High Performance vehicles where we used
video to document the performance of racing vehicles (mostly my own). I
was one of the first to mount a video camera to the roll bar of a Top
Fuel Dragster (the acceleration pulled the tape from the tape head and
generated a lot of "interesting" video!) As the Technical Editor for
California based Full Throttle News, I wrote a column about the latest
technology on the racing scene.
After hanging up my helmet, I realized that the incredible images,
color and excitement of racing was something that really lent itself to
video, not the standard prepackaged video we are all used to seeing,
but creative and artistic projects that took advantage of all the
incredible tools that are available to us today. Here at JHV Digital,
we create video sponsorship proposals for clients, Motion studies,
Motocross training video, as well as regular corporate training and
informational videos. I'm always trying to stretch my boundaries, and
the technical editor in me is always looking for information that
assists in accomplishing goals.
I used to call myself "Self Taught" but having found the resources here
at the COW, I consider myself a Freshman at COW University! I have the
ability here to learn from some of the best "professors" in the
industry.
  Articles by Jim Harvey | | | |
Sony Vegas
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Excalibur 6.0 Custom Command for Sony Vegas Pro 8
If you read the review of Excalibur 4.5 from Jim Harvey in 2005, you know that he liked the plug in very much. So much so that he gave it the full 5 cows. So it will come as no surprise that Jim likes the newest edition as well. In this review, Jim points out that there are some very nice and useful additions to the toolset that will interface seamlessly with the new Vegas Pro 8 editing package.
Review |
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Sony Vegas
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Vegas Pro 8 Collection
In this review, CreativeCOWs Jim Harvey takes a look at The Vegas Pro collection which combines Vegas Pro 8, DVD Architect Pro 4.5, and Dolby(R) Digital AC-3 encoding software to offer an integrated environment for all phases of professional video, audio, DVD, and broadcast production.
Review |
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Sony CineAlta - XDCAM
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Mastering the Sony PMW-EX1
In this review, CreativeCOW's Jim Harvey takes a hard look at Mastering the Sony PMW-EX1 from Vortex Media. See why he says: ...''if you are planning on purchasing a SONY PVM-EX1, or want to learn more about tapeless workflow and acquisition, this Workshop course will be an invaluable addition to your knowledge base.''
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Compression techniques
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Jim Harvey reviews "Creating Web Video"
A DVD about compression gets an enthusiastic 5 Cow rating? Really? Really! CreativeCOW.net Contributing Editor Jim Harvey takes you inside the new Creative Cow Master Series DVD by Aharon Rabinowitz, "Creating Web Video: Internet Killed the Video Star." See why Jim thinks this is one of the most essential --- and enjoyable -- training DVDs you can buy.
Review |
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Adobe After Effects
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Andrew Kramer's Riot Gear
In this article, CreativeCOW.net contributing editor Jim Harvey takes a look at Andrew Kramer's latest offering: Riot Gear. Riot Gear is a collection of 150+ visual elements including paint, ink, grunge , tv noise, and much more.
Review |
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Cinematography
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The Easy Slate System
In this article, CreativeCOW.net contributing editor Jim Harvey takes a look at the Easy Slate Professional Slating System. Jim likes the way it looks, and thinks that it makes him more attentive to the small details that he used to let slip past. It's a simple idea with a clever implementation.
Review |
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Cinematography
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The Harbortronics DigiSnap 2000 Series Intervalometer
In this article, CreativeCOW.net contributing editor Jim Harvey takes a look at the The Harbortronics DigiSnap 2000 Series Intervalometer to create some time lapse photography, and concludes that adding a DigiSnap 2000 series intervalometer to his equipment kit is just good business sense.
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HDV Format
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VisionLab Studio/CompositeLab/Effects Lab from Fxhome
In this article, CreativeCOW.net contributing editor Jim Harvey takes a look at Vision Lab Studio, Composite Lab and Effects Lab from Fxhome. Read on to find out why Jim calls it 'professional compositing on a budget.'
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HDV Format
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Sony Vegas 7
In this article, CreativeCOW.net contributing editor Jim Harvey reviews Sony Vegas 7 and concludes, ''...It Just Keeps Getting Better. For the money, you 'd be hard pressed to find a better editing program.''
Review |
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Cinematography
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HandsOnHDV: How to Setup, Light & Shoot Great Looking Interviews
In this article, CreativeCOW.net contributing editor Jim Harvey takes a look at one of the newest titles from HandsOnHDV called How to Setup, Light & Shoot Great Looking Interviews and has determined that this is a 5 cow instructional DVD that you really can't be without.
Review |
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Sony Vegas
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The VEGAS 6 COMPANION
CreativeCOW.net contributing editor Jim Harvey reviews The Vegas 6 Companion Training Series and comments, ''Gary Kleiner knows VEGAS. He has been working with the program since dirt was a new idea, and in that time, he has uncovered all sorts of big and little secrets about the program that make working with VEGAS that much more productive and enjoyable... {there is a} wealth of instructional help that Gary can provide for you. His prices are extremely reasonable and the quality of the training is top notch.''
Review |
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HDV Format
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HandsOn HDV Training DVD for Sony HDR-HC1
In this article, CreativeCOW.net contributing editor Jim Harvey reviews HandsOn HDV Training DVD for Sony HDR-HC1. HandsOn HDV has produced a DVD training for trhe new Sony HC1, which Jim finds ''...very Informative for the target market and a well produced package.''
Review |
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Cinematography
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LENSBABY 2.0 Digital Lens
In this article, CreativeCOW.net contributing editor Jim Harvey reviews LENSBABY 2.0 Digital Lens and questions readers, ''Ever want to take those dreamy photos that have a shallow depth of field but didn't want to invest in the Photoshop time or the mess of Vaseline on your filters or worse yet the expense of a View camera? Read on for one of the most fun items I've come across in quite a while. I confess that this review took three times longer than usual because I have been so busy playing with my Lensbaby!.''
Review |
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Adobe Photoshop
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Photoshop CS2 Gone Wild
In this article, CreativeCOW.net contributing editor Jim Harvey reviews Photoshop CS2 Gone Wild by Sherry London, by Wiley Publishing; Bk&CD-Rom edition (November 7, 2005), 400 pages, ISBN: 0764598139, and reveals, ''The book is laid out nicely, and it's certainly well written. There are top quality photographs and illustrations throughout the book that make the instructions as clear as possible. From a production value standpoint the book is a 10''. Jim does have some reservations, though, so read on to see his complete picture of the book.
Review |
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Adobe Photoshop
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123Di Training Course for Digital Photography Reviewed
In this article, CreativeCOW.net contributing editor Jim Harvey reviews 123Di Training Course for Digital Photography and discovers ''a delightful course that covered the Basics, the Intermediate and the Advanced aspects of Digital image acquisition, but had done so in a very interesting and well laid out program that is like nothing that I've ever seen before!'' ... A five COW recommendation for a powerful Photoshop training tool.
Review |
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HDV Format
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Taking Sony's HDV Camera to the Outer Limits of Performance
Sony has made a big splash in the video world with the release of their HDV camcorder the HVR-Z1U. By itself, it is capable of images that will amaze even the most jaded video professional. But as with all things, there's always room for improvement. By not having a microphone or wide angle supplied, you can choose better components that will enhance the performance of an already incredible camera. In this article, CreativeCOW.net contributing editor Jim Harvey walks CreativeCOW members through what they need to build the Ultimate Z1U set up.
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Sony Vegas
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Excalibur 4.5 Vegas Plug-In
In this article, CreativeCOW.net contributing editor Jim Harvey reviews Excalibur 4.5 Scripting plug-in for Sony Vegas and writes...''Ed Troxel is well known to anyone who has even a passing knowledge of Vegas. His program Excalibur is a marvelous plug-in that takes well-written scripts and allows the user to automate many different effects with the press of a key. Ed has done the work of writing, debugging, and finalizing the scripts so that you don't have to.''
Review |
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Event Videographers
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Sony Vegas 6.0 Reviewed
CreativeCOW.net contributing editor Jim Harvey reviews the exciting new release of Sony Vegas 6.0 and says, ''It's here and I'm loving it! The release of Sony Vegas 6.0 has been eagerly awaited by previous users as well as those just embarking on the NLE adventure. Sony has stepped up to the plate with the new Vegas with new tools and functionality the promise to make constructing your video project as effortless as possible.'
Review |
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Adobe After Effects
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Particle Illusion Fusion Volume 1, Hosted by Aharon Rabinowitz
In this article, CreativeCOW.net contributing editor Jim Harvey reviews: Particle Illusion Fusion Volume 1, Hosted by Aharon Rabinowitz and says, ''It's a good thing that you can pause a DVD, because Aharon Rabinowitz packs so much information into a small space that you're going to be pausing this DVD frequently ... The DVD is packed to the rafters with content. You won't be getting that What the heck did I pay for?'' feeling with this DVD.
Review |
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Cinematography
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Vortex Media Warm Cards
In this article, CreativeCOW.net contributing editor Jim Harvey reviews Vortex Media Warm Cards and states, ''You know you do it. We all do it. It's not something that we brag about. It's not even something that we think about too much. White Balancing. Sure some guys carry a worn out piece of white paper, or they use the foamcore to set the camera. We've balanced on walls, notepaper, even the fat guy's t-shirt. It gets us by and we get on with the show. But as we are all professionals, shouldn't we have a professional system to white balance out gear and do it consistently? Well, we do and we can.'' Read on to discover an effective answer to your white balancing dilemmas.
Review |
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HDV Format
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Sony HVR-Z1U: First Impressions
CreativeCOW.net contributing editor Jim Harvey just made the leap to HDV by acquiring one of SONY's new HDV Cameras the HVR-Z1U. Then he was faced with learning his new camera. In this article, Jim takes a look at HandsOnHDV and has determined that they have put together the definitive training DVD for Sony's New HDV Cameras.
Review |
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Adobe After Effects
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AE Pro Series BROADCAST GEMS Volume 01
this article, CreativeCOW.net contributing editor Jim Harvey reviews AE Pro Series BROADCAST GEMS Volume 01 and states, ''BROADCAST GEMS is a package of Royalty Free animated backgrounds that you can import into your work. But more than just a bunch of animated backgrounds, BROADCAST GEMS is more of a compendium of elements, expressions, and comps that allow you to customize the project in an infinite number of ways. This is a lot different than just a couple of moving backdrops that you plunk into your project.''
Review |
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HDV Format
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Sony HVR-Z1U: First Impressions
CreativeCOW.net contributing editor Jim Harvey just made the leap to HDV by acquiring one of SONY's new HDV Cameras the HVR-Z1U. He was torn between the FX1 and the Z1 wondering if the added features would be worth the money. In this article, Jim gives us his first impressions of the Sony HVR-Z1U.
Review |
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Autodesk Combustion
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Runaway Training:Combustion Underground Training DVDs
In this article, CreativeCOW.net contributing editor Jim Harvey reviews Combustion Underground Training DVDs by Lee 'Rod' Roderick from Runaway Training. Read the review to find out why Jim gave this training 5 COWs.
Review |
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Adobe After Effects
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The Anvel: Motion Graphics Project Lessons for Photoshop and After Effects by Dean Velez
CreativeCOW leader Jim Harvey reviews The Anvel: Motion Graphics Project Lessons for Photoshop and After Effects by Dean Velez, and writes, ''Dean Velez is no stranger to the CreativeCow community having contributed much of his knowledge to aspiring graphic artists who come to the Cow for guidance. Currently, he has put up a small sampling of his new offering, a course designed to help designers create complex and fresh work using Photoshop and After Effects.''
Review |
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Adobe After Effects
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Jim Harvey reviews After Effects in Production by Trish Meyer & Chris Meyer 2nd edition for AE 6.5
In this article, CreativeCOW.net contributing editor Jim Harvey reviews After Effects in Production 2nd edition for AE 6.5 by Trish Meyer & Chris Meyer and published by CMP Books, 382 pages, Dec 10, 2004; Copyright 2004, ISBN: 1578202647 and writes... "When people first become aware of After Effects, the one question that is most often asked is 'What is the best way for me to learn this program?' The answer most often given is 'Pick up anything by Trish & Chris Meyer'. The book most often recommended is After Effects in Production. There is a good reason for this recommendation. The Meyers are two very talented people who completely grasp the inner working of After Effects. The plus is that they are also extremely adept at taking their knowledge and imparting it to the rest of us."
Review |
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Adobe After Effects
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Jim Harvey reviews After Effects for Windows and Macintosh by Anthony Bolante
In this article, CreativeCOW.net contributing editor Jim Harvey reviews After Effects 6.5 for Windows and Macintosh by Anthony Bolante and published by Peachpit Press, 736 pages, Published Sep 22, 2004; Copyright 2005, ISBN: 032119957X. "Anthony Bolante knows After Effects. Let me revise that, Anthony Bolante knows virtually everything there is to know about after effects! This book is 700 plus pages of the inner workings, nuts and bolts of possibly the best compositing and effects program ever made (yes, I'm prejudiced). Think of this book as one of the definitive reference works ever published on the subject, and owner's manual if you will."
Review |
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Cinematography
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Jim Harvey reviews Switronix Pro-X Battery System
In this article, CreativeCOW.net contributing editor Jim Harvey reviews the Switronix Pro-X Battery System and with great enthusiasm reveals, "These are awesome batteries! Short of a lens, the battery system on our cameras is probably the single biggest expense that we have. With professional battery systems costing a couple of thousand dollars we need to be able to maximize our run time while minimizing our cash outlay... For the past year or so, I have been using a battery that I am absolutely sold on. Not to be too anthropomorphic, but I'd venture to say that I 'LOVE' these batteries. They are made by a company called SWITRONIX.
Review |
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Adobe Photoshop
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Jim Harvey reviews After Effects & Photoshop by Jeff Foster
In this article, CreativeCOW.net contributing editor Jim Harvey reviews After Effects & Photoshop: Animation and Production Effects for DV and Film written by Jeff Foster, and published by Sybex Inc., 384 pages, April 2004, ISBN: 0782143172. "This is a serious book. I've reviewed a lot of books of the years and every now and then one comes along that you really have to buckle down and get your head into it. This is one of those books. Jeff Foster has written some 300 odd pages about using Photoshop to produce serious animation for your DV projects in conjunction with After Effects."
Review |
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A Close Look at Hash Inc.?'s Animation:Master by Jim Harvey
Jim Harvey takes a close look at Hash Inc.'s Animation:Master.. ~Jim calls Animation: Master, " 3D Modeling and animation for the rest of us." Read on to find out why Jim had to give this tool 5 COWS and why you may want to add it to your arsenal of programs.
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Sony Vegas
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Jim Harvey reviews Vegas 5 from Sony Pictures
Last year Jim Harvey considered himself fortunate to review Vegas 4, but when Sonic Foundry was acquired by Sony Pictures, everyone wondered what would happen to Vegas -- Jim included. Many doubted that Sony would continue developing Vegas but Vegas 5 has proven the nay-sayers wrong. Not only has Sony Pictures not abandoned Vegas, but they've given it a full numbered uprade. Read on to find out what Jim has to say about this new offering from Sony Pictures.
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Adobe Photoshop
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Jim Harvey reviews Adobe Photoshop Advanced Artistry by Jayse Hansen
Jim Harvey takes a look at Adobe Photoshop Advanced Artistry -- a 2 CD set by Jayse Hansen published by Virtual Training Company (VTC). Read why Jim says, "...at last the more advanced Photoshop users can get solid information and instruction without having to wade through the same old hacks." But don't think it's just for advanced users, read on to find out why.
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JVC cameras/decks
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JVC BR-DV3000, a review by Jim Harvey
Several months ago, Jim Harvey needed to acquire a small DV deck that had the capability of handling both mini-DV and full-sized DV cassettes. Having used JVC products in the past, Jim narrowed his choices to either the BR-DV6000 or the BR-DV3000. He decided on the BR-DV3000 and was so disappointed -- even after numerous attempts to work through issues with JVC's service department -- that he wanted to share his experiences with other COW members. Normally, we do not usually run stories or reviews of this nature but we've followed this story and have seen Jim attempt every possible solution in our opinion. So, we felt this review is accurate, if only in Jim's experience and some others we have seen with similar BR-DV3000 stories here at Creative Cow.
Review |
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Adobe Photoshop
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Jim Harvey reviewsThe Photoshop Show by Russell Brown
Jim Harvey takes a look at The Photoshop Show by Russell Brown. ~ This book is published by Adobe Press. Jim concludes with, ''...All in all, I'd recommend this book to anyone who uses Photoshop on a regular or irregular basis.''
Review |
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Adobe Photoshop
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Jim Harvey reviews Photoshop 7 Down & Dirty Tricks by Scott Kelby
Jim Harvey takes a look at Down & Dirty Tricks by Scott Kelby published by New Riders. Read why Jim says, ''...if you are looking for an easy to understand book, with tutorials that won't take you all night to complete, then the Photoshop 7 Down & Dirty Tricks book should find its way to your library.''
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DVD Authoring
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Jim Harvey reviews Sonic Foundry DVD Architect Ver. 1.0c
Jim Harvey always sent his finished work out for someone else to make the DVD if the client requested it. It just seemed there were too many problems, too many questions until he discovered Sonic Foundry's Vegas + DVD. Now it's ''Need a DVD? Great. No problem with DVD Architect.''
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Adobe Illustrator
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Jim Harvey reviews Illustrator Illuminated
Jim Harvey takes a look at Illustrator Illuminated by Obermeier & Padova. ~ This book is published by Peachpit Press. Read on to find out if this book should be on your book shelf...
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Adobe Photoshop
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Jim Harvey reviews Photoshop 7 WOW! Book
Jim Harvey takes a look at Photoshop 7 WOW! Book by Jack Davis. ~ This book is published by Peachpit Press. Read why Jim says, ''There really isn't enough room to detail all the features that this book contains. It is the most comprehensive and well written book on the subject that I've come across.''
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Audio Professionals
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Jim Harvey reviews PC Audio Editing: Broadcast, Desktop & CD Audio Production
Jim Harvey takes a look at PC Audio Editing: Broadcast, Desktop & CD Audio Production by Roger Derry. ~ This book is published by Focal Press. Read why Jim gives this book 4 1/2 COWs and says,''It really belongs on your shelf if you are starting out with audio editing, and if you are already fairly comfortable with audio it is an excellent reference work.''
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Sony Vegas
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Jim Harvey reviews Vegas 4
In the never ending war of which NLE is the best, it appears that Sonic Foundry has quietly set into motion a program that threatens to rock the NLE world and turn it all on its head. Jim Harvey takes a good look at Vegas 4 to see what everyone's been talking about.
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Audio Professionals
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Jim Harvey reviews An Introduction to Digital Audio
Jim Harvey takes a look at An Introduction to Digital Audio by John Watkinson. ~ This book is published by Focal Press. Read why Jim says this book is a comprehensive book in every respect, but not for the faint of heart or those wishing to have guidance of a more practical nature in producing their audio.
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Adobe Illustrator
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Jim Harvey reviews Adobe Illustrator 10 CIB
Jim Harvey takes a look at Adobe Illustrator 10 Classroom in a Book ~ One of the new volumes from Adobe Press. If you're just starting out with Illustrator, read why Jim thinks this is a book that you need to buy.
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