Supernova Menu

Apple Pro Training Series

Now the best-selling book on DVD Studio Pro is even better. Fully updated for DVD Studio Pro 4 and with complete coverage of the new version of Compressor, the industrial-strength encoder that dramatically speeds up encoding of MPEG-2 and H.264 HD DVD video, this self-paced guide is the fastest way to learn to author professional, interactive DVDs. Master trainers Martin Sitter and Adrian Ramseier begin with the basics of DVD authoring and take you all the way through DVD Studio Pro’s powerful advanced features. Each chapter presents a complete lesson on an aspect of DVD creation, with hands-on projects for you to complete as you go. All the files are included on the accompanying DVD. After learning how to storyboard a DVD and plan its interactions, you’ll set chapter markers, build still, layered, and motion menus, and add subtitles and Web links. You’ll also learn sophisticated techniques for juggling multiple audio tracks and camera angles, creating custom transitions, building advanced overlays, and scripting. By the end of the book, you’ll have created four full DVDs. The Apple Pro Training Series is both a self-paced learning tool and the official curriculum of the Apple Pro Training and Certification Program. Upon completing the course material in this book, you can become a certified Apple Pro b taking the certification exam at an Apple Authorized Training Center. To find an Authorized Training Center near you, go to www.apple.com/software/pro/training.

Keyboard

Beginning GIMP

From first installation to advanced image manipulation techniques, Beginning GIMP: From Novice to Professional, Second Edition explains how anyone can utilize GIMP: a free, open source image manipulation program. You will learn how to install GIMP on Windows, Linux, and Mac OS X platforms. Once you've installed the application, you'll learn about the interface and configuration options, and then jump into a quick and simple project to familiarize yourself. With four–color graphics and screenshots throughout, you'll learn how to prepare camera images for display on web pages—including processes like rescaling, cropping, and balancing color. Utilizing layers, paths, and masks are also covered in extensive detail. Of course, you will also learn how to draw lines and shapes; utilize patterns and gradients; and even create your own brushes, patterns, and gradients. GIMP expert and author Akkana Peck teaches you how to touch up digital photographs, smudging away blemishes, fixing red–eye, and stitching panoramic images. You'll learn how to tap into the powerful filters, effects, and plug–ins that are available for GIMP and automate tasks using scripts. The entire book is approached in a project–based manner, and as you progress, numerous projects will help strengthen your newly acquired abilities.