Reviews (8)

The best video book out there
I have several excellent books on video, and I have to say that this book is easily the best.Charles Poynton covers all of the basics in a very understandable and readable fashion.Video is a complicated topic, and one that is not well understood.There are many facets of video that are commonly confused, such as the differences, benefits and drawbacks of interlaced versus progressive scan video, or the difference between pixels and lines of resolution.Digital Video and HDTV Algorithms and Interfaces is very well written, and is a must-read for any serious video professional or hobbyist.

Outstanding book on video technology
"Digital Video and HDTV Algorithms and Interfaces" is definitely the best book on video and television I have ever hold in my hands.
Not easy
I bought this book to understand basics and fundementals , it's quite organized and has a lot of info. in it , but you must have a good background to keep on reading and even you must have a lot of refrences to go back to while reading this book, at the first chapters there are instants that you need to go to chapter 16 to read then come back, I say this book is wonderfull if you have a good solid background ( mathematically and numericaly in Video standers and transforms... ). ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Computer Books: Desktop Publish    2. Computers - General Information    3. Digital television    4. Digital video    5. High Definition Television (Hdtv)    6. High definition television    7. Interactive & Multimedia    8. Programming - Algorithms    9. Programming - Software Development    10. Technology    11. Television & Video    12. Computers / Programming / General    13. Image processing: video    14. Television technology   

Reviews (3)

This is THE book to get started in OCAP
We started our OCAP project prior to the arrival of this book and had to rely on digging through all of the different, confusingly referenced, standards.Every chapter of this book caused a light bulb to click on with a big "ah ha!"Don't get started without reading a copy of this book.It's a 10 to 1 reduction in pain.

insightful, and well-written
The authors give a well-written introduction as well as many insights into the design of interactive tv systems. This is a must-have for anyone new in this field. The book presents much more information than those on the interactive-mhp.org website.

The book you need if you are serious about IDTV
This an excellent book!A must have! I strongly recommend it to anyone willing to have a broad and at the same time in-depth view into the numerous concepts and APIs necessary for designing IDTV applications. Several code snippets are provided to illustrate how each API can be used: this can help save a lot of time as the DVB MHP and OCAP specs are a little bit hermetic.
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Subjects:  1. Interactive television    2. Performing Arts    3. Performing Arts/Dance    4. Standards    5. Technology & Industrial Arts    6. Television & Video    7. Television - General    8. Computer architecture & logic design    9. Technology / Television & Video    10. Television technology   

Reviews (3)

A book which is better than many overview papers
I like the book on overview of H.264 (because it is no worse than most of overview papers, even those in IEEE by H.264 chairs).

One Chapter on H.264 Only - Don't Bother
I got this book since it is the only book on H.264 I know of.
First on the subject, rough around the edges
This is the first text book published on H.264.It has a nice overview of digital video compression techniques followed by chapters focusing on the specifics of each of the MPEG-4 and H.264 standards.Buying this book relays much of the same information but is more cost effective than buying each of the papers and articles on the subject from IEEE and others.Read more

Subjects:  1. Computers - Languages / Programming    2. Programming - Software Development    3. Science/Mathematics    4. Technology    5. Television & Video    6. Waves & Wave Mechanics    7. Image processing: video    8. Science / Waves & Wave Mechanics    9. Television technology   

Reviews (10)

A very elementary attempt at Video lighting
I don't usually criticize a book too badly, but this one just isn't cutting it (or the light for that matter)...it's so basic that if you have any knowledge of basic photographic lighting, don't even bother with this one because it's all repetition.I wanted to learn about lighting for subject movement and most of this is people sitting on their duffs (which is about 20% of the time)..you can tell the author photographs mostly sitting subjects - he may as well be a still photographer!And when he talks about onset and offset lighting, he says arrange it until it looks good - nothing is said about broad or short lighting and how it can flatter a thin or round face....He forgot about the most important thing - the subject.I teach a photographic lighting class, and this would not even be close to the book I would recommend.If you really want to learn about lighting, buy the book called: Set Lighting Technician's Handbook for film lighting equipment, Practice and electrical distribution by Harry C. Box.(this is really his name)....Anyhow, I'm not sure what I'm going to do with my expensive copy of Lighting for Video - I may use it for my next subject to sit on to raise their elevation for a photo - that's about all it is good for. Sorry, but horrible attempt at giving good examples of real life lighting situations - MOVEMENT !!

Excellent detail for the beginner
Lighting for video (or film) is really an artform in itself.Using different combinations of light sources can make your shot look fantastic.............but you really need to know what you're doing.This book teaches you that.It goes into great detail about electricity and how easy it is to overload a circuit and damage equipment, or worse yet, start a fire.Extremely important information to know.I've seen too many people who just plug lights in willy-nilly and when the inevitable disaster strikes just throw the breaker switch and 'give it another go'.This is essential reading for anyone wanting to use lighting for their productions.

The Best I've Seen
This book is very detailed but lays things out in a way that
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Subjects:  1. Computer Books: General    2. Computer Graphics - General    3. Computers    4. Computers - Other Applications    5. Digital video    6. General    7. Lighting    8. Television    9. Television - General    10. Television Engineering    11. Video recording    12. Computers / Computer Graphics / General    13. Sound, lighting, scenery   

Reviews (4)

So much information in such a small space. Best of its Kind.
Belden is the king of cables and Stephen Lampen is a Belden Kingpin. This book is one-of-a-kind and is a must for anyone working with, or even remotely interested in audio, video, data and/or CATV cabling. It is essential, fundamental knowledge about using cables.
Not for the novis.
I purchased this product with a novis knowledge of electronics. I could not understand one page. If you are a novis this is not the book for you.

A First Rate Guide
Within its sphere of discussion, this is the best reference manual of its type. There is a lot not here concerning RF and power, but it's not an RF or power book. Steve Lampen is about the most knowledgeable 'wire man' around and this book should go with you each time you visit your local High End audio saloon or any other vendor of these products. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Acoustics & Sound    2. Counseling - Vocational Guidance    3. Digital Audio Technology    4. Engineering - Electrical & Electronic    5. High Definition Television (Hdtv)    6. Science/Mathematics    7. Technology    8. Technology & Industrial Arts    9. Television & Video    10. Electrician skills    11. Technology / Acoustics & Sound    12. Television technology   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (17)

If you only buy one book on sound.. This is it
Where do I start?In a nutshell, this book *IS* the only book to have on sound if your only buying one.No lie.My background... 20 years ago I used to be the "The Amp Dr" fixing commercial PA systems, amps, etc. I have a much better background on sound than most, I was an electrical engineer after that, designing power supplies,and other analog interfaces to digital equipment.Most of that has been dormant for the last 20 years, but I recently decided to make documentaries, and as two of my first projects deal with music, sound seemed pretty important.I got several books on sound, I figure buy six, one has to be good.You can save your money,this book was the one in six.
A rare 'how to' book that delivers actual content!
I've often been taken in by large reference books that promise to be a comprehensive guide to a subject, but turn out to be a lot of filler(screen shots of PC applications, or an excuse for the author to give lots of less-than-useful anectodal stories, etc.)
A Top Resource for Anyone who does Serious DV Recording
This book is a top shelf resource. It is useful to both novices and those with more experience. Starting with the very basics, and that does involve some physics, it works its way through virtually all aspects of sound production for digital video.
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Subjects:  1. Acoustics & Sound    2. Computer Animation    3. Computer Books And Software    4. Digital Audio Technology    5. Digital techniques    6. Digital video    7. Electronics - Digital    8. Film & Video - General    9. Recording and reproducing    10. Sound    11. Technology    12. Technology & Industrial Arts    13. Television & Video    14. Television soundtracks    15. Audio processing: music & sound effects    16. Electronics & Communications Engineering   

Reviews (5)

Interesting
DVD Demystified is good book to understand what's the state of the art of optic storage and digital video.

Definitive guide for DVD authors
I needed to learn about creating a DVD, and most of the recommendations that I got steered me towards DVD Demystified by Jim Taylor. The book, and accompanying DVD, do exactly that - it demystifies the DVD media.
Works for me!
Taylor's been the man for DVD sooo many years now and this latest revision is the first I've purchased. The depth of detail and fullness of the technical specification information is fantastic and what one would hope from a classic-staying-fresh.
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Subjects:  1. CD-DVD Technology    2. Computer Books: General    3. Computer Peripheral Equipment    4. DVDs    5. Hardware - Peripherals    6. Interactive & Multimedia    7. Science/Mathematics    8. Technology    9. Technology & Industrial Arts    10. Television & Video    11. Videodiscs    12. Image processing: video    13. Reference works    14. Technology / Television & Video    15. Television technology   

Reviews (9)

Very tired of reading it
I have to work with DShow for my job. This book is the only one available (afaik)... But it is awfully written.
Not exactly "just the SDK" but still not great
I bought this book several months ago but I've held off writing a review as I have been trying to learn DirectShow. Too little on VMR
I wanted to read more about the new VMR9, but the book disappointed me with the thin coverage of VMR9 and videoplayback in general. I guess the book is all right on the topics filters, video editing and video caption. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Computer Books: Operating Systems    2. Computer animation    3. Computers    4. Computers - Languages / Programming    5. Digital video    6. Interactive & Multimedia    7. Microcomputer Application Software    8. Microsoft DirectShow    9. Multi-Media Hardware & Software    10. Programming - General    11. Television & Video    12. Video recording    13. Computers / General    14. Image processing    15. Multimedia   

Reviews (20)

A recording studio masterpiece
OK, so this does not cover ALL acoustincs. If one is interested in recording or playback acoustics, this is THE BEST. As an engineer and producer who has been involved in the construction of a dozen studios, I have the clients and architects read this before we start hard design parameters. For lay listeners, the chances are good your audio budget is better spent on acoustic treatment rather than a more exotic cable. For all of the above, this book will explain the what, why and how to get results. For professionals, it explains how to obtain designable results. I find it an easy read, and I refer to it occasionally, particularly when discussing room acoustics with neophyte "sound men" and audio engineers. I'd read it if I were you.

Have you got time?
Despite its title, this book should better be called Master Handbook of Room Acoustics, as it is primarily and almost solely dedicated to the acoustics of enclosed rooms. With its over 600 pages you will need a large hand, and plenty of time to read. But the information you gather when reading the main text, could have been presented in less than half the number of pages. Despite - or is it because - the abundance of words and excursions into anecdotes, the explanations are sometimes missing the clue. The last few chapters have been written by others authors, and are more to the point. Besides, these co-authors use the SI system, while the main text is using American units. A bit out of time, I would say.

Clear explanations
I agree with all reviewers about this very comprehensible book. I do not agree with the title. The introduction to acoustics is general, but the applications only deals with musical aspects. This restriction is of course valid but should be reflected in the title which now suggests, in by perception, to cover a very wide scope. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Acoustical Engineering    2. Acoustics & Sound    3. Electronics    4. Electronics - General    5. Reference    6. Sound    7. Sound Systems Engineering    8. Technology    9. Technology & Industrial Arts    10. Television & Video    11. Dynamics & vibration    12. Electronics engineering    13. Music recording & reproduction    14. Science / Acoustics & Sound    15. Sound, vibration & waves (acoustics)    16. Music    17. Recording & Reproduction   

Reviews (1)

It Really Is The CCTV Bible!
The most comprehensive and complete book on CCTV there is. Incorporating the most up to date digital information also gives it more relevance.
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Subjects:  1. Closed-circuit television    2. Electronics - General    3. Engineering - Electrical & Electronic    4. Science/Mathematics    5. Technology    6. Technology & Industrial Arts    7. Television & Video    8. Security & fire alarm systems    9. Technology / Television & Video   

Reviews (2)

At Last, the Answers!
As a video engineer for over 30 years, I am constantly amazed by what passes for reference work in the field of television, communications and computers.Most of the technical books answer a few questions at best and are very good at putting one to sleep, very quickly!
Terrific Reference Work!
This book provides an excellent basis for anyone working in the field of video transport over IP networks.The author is a highly-respected expert in this field and speaks with authority on the subject, yet has written a volume that is very readable and useful as a reference.I can highly recommend this work as an up-to-date review of the topic. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Computer Books: Internet General    2. Computers    3. Computers - Communications / Networking    4. Internet - General    5. Networking - Network Protocols    6. Television & Video    7. Communications engineering / telecommunications    8. Technology / Television & Video   

Reviews (6)

Real World Digital Video (2nd Edition)
I have not received my book and had no feedback from the seller even though I have sent an email. Ordered the book on Aug 22nd now my money is gone. I needed the book for school and had to end up going somewhere else to get it because classes started.

Greatintroductory course on how to makereal world video
I bought the first edition 2 years ago and then the second edition to keep up with new changes because this book is a very good and complete introductory course on making real world video (i.e. starting from choosing DV camcorders to final production and delivery to the world depending on your budget).
Digital Dynamite!
This book took me into a whole new World.I sure could have used it before I bought my used BetaCam!Now I can work quicker, cleaner, look like a pro and save $$$.The furture of film making is here.Thanks guys! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Computer Animation    2. Computer Books: General    3. Computer Graphics - General    4. Computers    5. Computers - Other Applications    6. Digital cinematography    7. Digital video    8. Editing    9. Handbooks, manuals, etc    10. Multi-Media Hardware & Software    11. Production and direction    12. Television Engineering    13. Video recordings    14. Computers / Interactive Media    15. Image processing: video    16. Video photography   

Reviews (11)

A Great Start
This book is a must for anyone getting into video production.Full of basic information that is conveyed in an intuitive and concise way, plus there is plenty of advanced knowledge to keep you referring back for years to come.Definitely a staple for all video people.

Very Good
My boss told me to buy this book, and it is one of the best available book.

great book!!
i am an electronic media communications major and this book has been used for a number of years in my school's communications program. video basics 3 has everything you need to know and everything is explained in much detail, yet not too complicated. there are great illustrations throughout the book that are very helpful as well. Read more

Subjects:  1. Cinematography    2. Engineering - Electrical & Electronic    3. Industries - Media & Communications Industries    4. Media Studies    5. Performing Arts/Dance    6. Pop Arts / Pop Culture    7. Production and direction    8. Social Science    9. Sociology    10. Television    11. Television & Video    12. Television cameras    13. Business & Economics / Industries / Media & Communications Industries    14. Video photography   

Reviews (17)

Take your editing up a notch...
I have been using entry-level NLEs (e.g. Vegas Movie Studio, Pinnacle Studio, Magix Movie Edit Pro) for about four years. Any progress in my editing skills came from the traditional 'trial and error' approach, and from learning by watching other amateur-produced movies in a video club that I belong to...
A great start
Editing digital video gave me a good insight into the baiscs of digital editing. The last time I edited video it was on a linear system and I found some other texts a little confusing. This book enabled me to use my NLE system with confidence.

Mostly junk
This book is 1/3 listings of movies and other such irrelevant nonsense.
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Subjects:  1. Amateur films    2. Amateurs' manuals    3. Counseling - Vocational Guidance    4. Data processing    5. Digital video    6. Editing    7. Film & Video - Direction & Production    8. Motion pictures    9. Performing Arts    10. Performing Arts/Dance    11. Science/Mathematics    12. Technology & Industrial Arts    13. Television & Video    14. Video - Direction & Production    15. Image processing: video    16. Performing Arts / Video / Direction & Production    17. Video photography   

Subjects:  1. Cinema/Film: Book    2. Digital cinematography    3. Film & Video - Cinematography    4. Film & Video - General    5. Performing Arts    6. Performing Arts/Dance    7. Pop Arts / Pop Culture    8. Television & Video    9. Business & Economics / Industries / Media & Communications Industries    10. Cinematography, television camerawork   

Reviews (4)

Essential for Video Blogging and Podcasting
If you want to get into Video Blogging and Podcasting this is the best book on the market today.Covers every aspect in detail while still making it all seem easy.

Best Guide to Podcasting I have read yet
I work for Loyola Marymount University. We recently decided to make all lectures available via Podcasts. I went searching for books on the subject in order to find a solution for the school. This book was by far the best book on the subject. It even gave us some ideas for video blogging that we hadn't previously considered. Without the precise and coherent coverage given to Podcasting in this book I doubt we would have a solution even half as good. Thanks to the authors for their great book. It has been invaluable.

The nitty gritty
This hands-on guide is great for nailing down the nitty gritty of podcasting.Sure, there's nothing to it; you can make a podcast in a night.But then, once it's launched, there are SO many things to consider and so many ways to expand it.This is what makes casting a blast!
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Subjects:  1. Computer Books: General    2. Computers    3. Computers - Desktop Publishing    4. Handbooks, manuals, etc    5. Interactive & Multimedia    6. Internet - General    7. Technology & Industrial Arts    8. Television & Video    9. Webcasting    10. Audio processing    11. Image processing    12. Multimedia    13. Technology / Television & Video   

Reviews (6)

Good enough for me!
Nice book. I've been an NLE dabbler for a few years, but never very serious about it. After finishing this book, I feel pretty comfortable with avid xpress, which was pretty intimidating at first. Good, easy read. I would have liked color pictures, though...

Clear, Concise guide!
This is an excellent, well-written guide to the Avid Xpress Pro system, and while it can't replace the extended Authorized Avid Education advanced editing course, it is a great overview of the many different topics covered therein.
great for people who know other editing applications
I am just finishing up on this book, and after two solid days I have gone from no experience with avid to very comfortable.I don't know how well a new editor would do with this book, but if you already know FCP or Premiere this seems like an excellent way to learn all of the key concepts you need to run an editing app.
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Subjects:  1. Computers - Desktop Publishing    2. Desktop Publishing - General    3. Interactive & Multimedia    4. Science/Mathematics    5. Technology    6. Television & Video    7. Computers / General    8. Video photography   

Reviews (2)

A great resource for the CCNA exam
The days of passing the CCNA exam using just a single exam preparation guide are over. The new improved CCNA exam requires a certain level of understanding and confidence running router/switch commands from the command line interface. Exam questions include multiple-choice single answer, multiple-choice multiple answers, drag and drop, fill in the blanks, testlets, simlets and simulations. The simulation exams are usually configuration tasks of some sort.
An essential resource for your CCNA exam preparation!
An essential resource for your CCNA exam preparation!Published by Cisco Press, The CCNA Video Mentor, ISBN 1-58720-168-2, by Wendell Odom, provides trainees with over two hours of personal instruction on the following topics: CCNA Basics, LAN switching, Basic routing, Advanced routing, WAN and Security.
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Subjects:  1. Certification    2. Certification Guides - Cisco    3. Certification Guides - General    4. Computer Books: General    5. Computer networks    6. Computers    7. Computers - Certification    8. Data Transmission Standards And Protocols    9. Electronic data processing personnel    10. Examinations    11. Networking - General    12. Study guides    13. Television Engineering    14. Computer Communications & Networking    15. Computers / Technical Skills   

Reviews (4)

Superseded
This book is superseded by my 2003 book "Digital Video Compression", ISBN 0071424873 This is a technology 'review', not a technology reference.
I am an engineer who purchased this book seeking low level details that described file and data formats such that I could write software which interpreted, analyzed, compressed, or displayed compressed video.This book is written for salesman and marketing people who need a high-level description of the various types of video compression and formats without going into any implementation deails. The front cover highlights on insided content is misleading. A totally useless book for engineers - save your money.

Great Book on Fundamentals of DV
I think this book is excellent and so far, the only text I have found that covers the technological fundamentals of digital video without resorting to complex mathematics. The section on the DCT transform is worth the cover price alone as it manages to explain a seriously difficult topic in simple language.Read more

Subjects:  1. High Definition Television (Hdtv)    2. Interactive & Multimedia    3. Multi-Media Hardware & Software    4. Science/Mathematics    5. Technology    6. Technology & Industrial Arts    7. Telecommunications    8. Television & Video    9. Television technology   

Reviews (1)

Great book about Video
This book really helped me understand all the parameters of video and audio and allthe different formats, particularly the new stuff like hi-definition. it made something that seemed complicated easy.A great read for anyone who is interested in learning more about the technical side of video ... Read more

Subjects:  1. General    2. Home video systems    3. Science/Mathematics    4. Technology    5. Technology & Industrial Arts    6. Television & Video    7. Technology / Television & Video    8. Television technology