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Safe Harbor Computers Now Providing Customers with Live Chat Shopping Experience

0	Posted by Marc Leitner January 12, 2012

Milwaukee, WI – January 12, 2012 – Safe Harbor Computers, a leading supplier to video editors, 3D animators and post production professionals, has announced that they are now providing live chat support to customers around the world. Building on the highly-rated customer service that they’re known for, the new live chat feature is another simple and user-friendly option now available to customers throughout their shopping experience.

The new feature integrated into Safe Harbor’s website allows post production professionals to connect one-on-one with experienced staff, both pre- and post-sale, during standard business hours. "In addition to email, phone and various social networking sites, the live chat feature is just one more way that customers can connect with us and discover the best solution for their needs," says Jeff Pulera, NLE specialist at Safe Harbor.

The live chat addition is the first in a series of updates to Safe Harbor’s online experience. "With a number of updates planned throughout the year, we will soon be able to provide our customers with a completely seamless shopping experience, from general research on gear and software, to pre-sales questions, purchasing and post-sales support, all entirely possible without ever leaving our site," states Marc Leitner, Marketing Coordinator.

Safe Harbor’s live chat is currently online at www.sharbor.com and is accessible via the "Chat online" icon in the upper right-hand corner of any page.

About Safe Harbor Computers

Celebrating 25 years of business, Safe Harbor has become one of the most trusted resellers in the multimedia industry. Founded in 1987 as a Commodore Amiga reseller, Safe Harbor helped to advance the video production industry by providing quality products and outstanding customer service to a wide range of creative artists. With a clean, intuitive, and easy to navigate website, Safe Harbor has built a reliable reputation as an industry leader. Look to Safe Harbor for quality editing and animation software and hardware, as well as for a professional and personable experience.

For more information, please visit:

www.sharbor.com
www.twitter.com/SafeHarborComp
www.facebook.com/SafeHarborComputers
www.youtube.com/SafeHarborComputers

Black Friday and Cyber Monday Deals at Safe Harbor Computers

0	Posted by Marc Leitner November 23, 2011

It's that time of year again! The time when we offer our biggest sales ever... The time when you save hundreds of dollars on the software and gear you need... and more importantly, the time when we get to extend our thanks to you, our loyal customers.

For one week only, we're offering HUGE savings on our workstations, as well as a number of popular hardware and software solutions. These specials, bundles and freebies are WHILE SUPPLIES LAST and won't last long.

In addition to these special markdowns, order by 11/29 and get a FREE USB flexible keyboard! Just shoot us a quick note on Facebook, Twitter or Google+ requesting one! These virtually indestructable water/dust-proof silicone keyboards are a portable and convenient solution for when you're out in the field or limited only to your smartphone.

Check out all of our Black Friday and Cyber Monday specials or feel free to give us a call at (800) 544-6599.

Safe Harbor Computers to Exhibit at 2011 IVA Filmmakers Expo

0	Posted by Marc Leitner June 7, 2011

Waukesha, WI – June 7, 2011 – Safe Harbor Computers, a leading supplier to video and 3D animation professionals, today announced that they will be exhibiting at the 5th annual Illinois Videographers Association Midwest Expo, June 28, 2011. Demonstrating unique features of the Atomos Ninja, alongside the power of Safe Harbor’s custom-built Tsunami and Mac Pro workstations, attendees will experience hands-on benefits of the latest hardware and software.

The Atomos Ninja, a rugged and portable 10-bit field recorder for video cameras and DSLRs with HDMI, will be mounted to a Sony video camera for demonstration purposes. The battery-powered unit takes the live uncompressed HDMI feed from a camcorder and saves it to a 2.5" hard drive in the 10-bit ProRes format with 4:2:2 quality, bypassing the compression cameras use when saving HD video to tape or memory card. The captured ProRes files can then be immediately edited in Final Cut Pro without Log and Transfer or any type of transcoding needed. The ProRes clips will also play in Premiere Pro CS5.5 for PC users. Functionality will be demonstrated on both platforms.

Also featured will be Safe Harbor’s custom built Tsunami workstations powered by Adobe Production Premium CS5.5 and NVIDIA Quadro by PNY. The Mercury Playback Engine at the heart of Adobe Premiere Pro CS5.5 is NVIDIA GPU-accelerated, 64-bit native, architected for the future—enabling users to work more fluidly on projects in SD, HD, 2K, 4K, and beyond. Safe Harbor staff and experienced video editor Jeff Pulera will be available for questions as he demonstrates this powerful setup with the Atomos Ninja. An Apple Mac Pro workstation will also be on display with unique configurations tailored to specific editing needs.

Literature, raffle prizes, exclusive show specials and coupons will be available to all attendees at the Safe Harbor booth. Jeff will also be discussing the various performance levels of Tsunami and how Safe Harbor can work with customers to meet specific needs and budgets. Show attendees will be able to visit the booth, talk with video professionals, and learn how the Atomos Ninja, with an optimized workstation from Safe Harbor, helps to maximize production workflows.

This year's IVA Expo features:

• World-class filmmakers
• 6 incredible presentations
• Hands-on trade show
• Live camera/production workshop featuring a live mock wedding
• Safe Harbor demonstrations
• Exclusive show specials
• Much, much more!

More information and registration is available at http://www.ivaexpo.com/.
For an in-depth review of the Atomos Ninja, please visit http://www.sharbor.com/products-xtra/2054.html.
For more information about custom Tsunami and Mac Pro workstations, please visit http://www.sharbor.com/build-yours/.

About Safe Harbor

Celebrating 24 years of business, Safe Harbor has become one of the most trusted resellers in the multimedia industry, providing quality products and outstanding customer service to a wide range of creative artists. With a clean, intuitive, and easy to navigate website, Safe Harbor has built a reliable reputation as an industry leader. Look to Safe Harbor for quality editing and animation software and hardware, as well as for a professional and personable experience.

Safe Harbor's Ready-To-Edit Tsunami Workstations are extremely high-quality, highly reliable systems backed by renowned customer service. All components are brand-name, non-OEM products and carry full manufacturer warranties - proprietary drivers or technology are never used. System boards are certified compatible by capture card manufacturers. Each system must pass rigorous testing procedures and a full burn-in period before it is shipped.

For more information, visit:

http://www.sharbor.com
http://www.facebook.com/SafeHarborComputers
http://www.twitter.com/SafeHarborComp
http://www.youtube.com/SafeHarborComputers

About Illinois Videographers Association

Established in 1996, the Illinois Videographers Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to the continuing education of all videographers from professional to amateur. Monthly meetings on various videography topics and trends are held at The Double-Tree Suites in Wood Dale, IL.

New Tutorial Available for Matrox Users

0	Posted by Marc Leitner November 2, 2010

(Waukesha, WI—November 2, 2010) "Mastering Matrox MXO2 with Adobe Premiere Pro CS5" provides in-depth training for editors working on the PC. Produced using the MXO2 Mini with MAX hardware, the content will also apply to users of the MXO2 LE, MXO2 and MXO2 Rack hardware (with or without the MAX option).

Safe Harbor Computers’ in-house video expert Jeff Pulera (author RT.X2 Revealed, HDV & Blu-ray for RT.X2, and Introduction to MXO2 Mini with MAX) shares his years of experience gained using Matrox hardware with Adobe software, providing over 3 hours of unique training in this exclusive offering.

Created to save Matrox MXO2 users the time and frustration often associated with learning new hardware and software on their own, this tutorial addresses the common problems faced by new users, who often overlook or misunderstand many of the features and benefits that their Matrox hardware has to offer.

Lessons are presented in chapters using a logical workflow to cover everything from Capture to Effects to Exporting - and everything in between. The "Quick Start" segment covers just the basics needed to get started immediately, and users can then work through more detailed chapters to benefit from the advanced techniques, tips, and tricks presented there.

Beyond technical instruction, Jeff also shares many creative ideas demonstrated using the Matrox effects plugins. Editors of all experience levels will appreciate getting the maximum productivity from their Matrox MXO2 hardware, while also avoiding common user mistakes.

Chapter List:

1. MXO2 Quick Start
2. MXO2 Features Overview
3. MXO2 Drivers and User Guides
4. CS5 Project Presets
5. CS5 Sequence Settings
6. CS5 Capture Settings
7. Matrox AV Tools
8. Matrox WYSIWYG
9. Matrox X.info Tool
10. Matrox Effects – General
11. Matrox Wipes Transitions
12. Matrox Chroma Key
13. Matrox Luma Key
14. Matrox Color Correction – Primary
15. Matrox Color Correction – Secondary
16. Matrox 32-bit .avi + Alpha codec
17. CS5 Export Settings
18. Matrox MAX H.264 Encoding

Run time: 3 hours 25 minutes, in 18 chapters

Availability

This exclusive tutorial is available now as an ESD (Electronic Software Download) from Safe Harbor Computers at http://www.sharbor.com/products/SAHN3010016.html.

Requirements

System Requirements: PC, min. 1024x768 display, sound card/speakers, Windows Media Player

About the Instructor

Jeff Pulera has been a professional videographer for over 18 years. His experience includes writing tech reviews and working as an NLE demo artist, trainer, and seminar speaker. Widely known throughout the industry as "the Matrox guru," Jeff is also the producer of the "RT.X2 Revealed," "HDV & Blu-ray for the RT.X2," and "Introduction to MXO2 Mini with MAX" tutorials. Currently, Jeff puts his expert knowledge to good use as an NLE specialist at Safe Harbor Computers.

NewTek Unveils LightWave 10: Rigging Revealed DVD; Offers Early Adopter Pricing

0	Posted by Marc Leitner September 16, 2010

(San Antonio, Texas—September 15, 2010) NewTek, a worldwide leader in 3D animation and video products, announced today it is currently in production with a new "LightWave™ 10: Rigging Revealed" DVD featuring renowned creature and character artist Lino Grande.

Customers who purchase or upgrade to LightWave 10 before September 30, 2010 will receive the Rigging Revealed DVD and early adopter pricing of $495 for LightWave upgrades and $895 for full units of LightWave 10. LightWave 10 pricing will return to $695 for upgrades and $1495 for full unit pricing after September 30, 2010.

"The LightWave 10: Rigging Revealed" DVD is designed to help artists master the art of rigging in LightWave 10 with fast, flexible techniques for creating character animation similar to animation found in many feature film pipelines. In the DVD, artist Lino Grande discusses the LightWave rigging process—from beginning to end—and offers step-by-step instructions for the rigging of bones and joints, building skeletons, and rigging without weight maps—a feature unique to LightWave 3D®. Rigging without weight maps allows for character geometry changes after a rig has been created without experiencing the slow down often associated with repainting weight falloffs after each change.

New features in LightWave 10 are also covered in the new DVD. Artists will learn how to use the new VPR (Viewport Renderer) and export animation, deformations and dynamic simulations to the native LightWave MDD point cache format to import into CORE. The DVD also covers using the new Autodesk® Geometry Cache tools to interchange data with other 3D applications.

For more details about LightWave 10 and the "LightWave 10: Rigging Revealed" DVD, please visit http://www.newtek.com/lightwave.

About LightWave 3D

NewTek LightWave 3D combines a state-of-the-art renderer with powerful, intuitive modeling, and animation tools. Tools that may cost extra in other professional 3D applications are part of the product package, including unlimited render nodes, hard-body and soft-body dynamics, hair, fur, cloth simulation, and more. LightWave is enjoyed worldwide, as a complete 3D production solution for print, visual effects in film, television, broadcast graphics, games, visualization, and Web, and is responsible for more artists winning Emmy® Awards than any other 3D application.Pricing and AvailabilityLightWave 10 is expected to ship Q4 2010. Upgrade pricing of $495 and full unit software pricing of $895 for LightWave 10 is being offered until September 30, 2010.At shipping, LightWave 10 will be offered at the suggested retail price of US $1,495. LightWave 10 upgrades will be available for US $695. Educational pricing is also available. For more information, please visit http://www.sharbor.com/vendors/NTK.htmlAbout NewTek

Benefiting producers and artists with cost-effective and groundbreaking technologies, NewTek is a worldwide leader in 3D animation and special effects tools, portable live production and video editing including LightWave 3D®, the TriCaster™ product line and 3PLAY™. NewTek has won numerous industry accolades, including two Emmy® Awards. NewTek products have been used in feature films and television shows, including "Avatar," "RepoMen," "Angels and Demons," "Battle for Terra," "The Dark Knight," "Iron Man," "Tropic Thunder," "V," "FlashForward," "Lost," "Fringe" and more.

NewTek is privately owned and based in San Antonio, Texas. For more information, please visit: http://www.newtek.com.

In Review: Class on Demand Complete TRAINING for Final Cut Pro 7

0	Posted by Marc Leitner April 9, 2010

If you are an editor like me you started with out a manual and learned how to edit on your own. You know you can edit and you feel that you have it down, don’t let your ego get in the way of becoming a better editor with Class on Demand’s Complete TRAINING for Final Cut Pro 7.

Instructor
Tom Wolsky is on the Board of Directors of the Digital Media Academy, for whom he is an instructor in Final Cut Pro at their Stanford University summer program. Tom is an internationally known guru on Final Cut and the author of five Final Cut instructional books. Having developed video journalism curriculum for Apple Computer, Tom also does professional development training and teaches in schools around the country.

As an instructor Tom’s knowledge of Final Cut Pro is so deep that he can train you completely in Final Cut Pro in 5 hours. Now to make it stick you will have to spend another 20 hours reviewing and using the tips and tools that he demonstrates. Right off the bat I learned 5 new shortcuts that will enhance my editing and make me more efficient as a cutter.

Lessons
Here is a list of the lessons that you will learn.

I can honestly say I learned something new in each lesson. Does that mean I didn’t know what I was doing prior to this awesome training DVD? No…maybe…actually not at all. I was stuck in my ways and it feels great to open up and get this training to help me move forward especially with a newer version of Final Cut Pro. Some of my favorite lessons were…

• Trimming
• Audio
• Transitions
• Multicam Editing
• Compositing
• Media Manager

The one lesson that blew me out of the water and is something I had no idea that Final Cut Pro offers is the iChat Theater. iChat Theater will allow you to broadcast your timeline or viewer to a client or anyone on the other end of the chat. It will also allow you to broadcast the timecode while playing your timeline as well as using the text or video chat feature to have complete interaction with your client. OUTSTANDING!!!

Insight
The lessons are on a DVD-ROM and packed with 5 hours of lessons and all the project and media files are supplied on the DVD-ROM. You can open the project files and follow along with Tom or you can sit back and watch and understand what is going on. Glad that they supplied the files but I probably won’t use them since I understand what is going on. If you use a single monitor while you edit, first of all why? Secondly, you will have a difficult time following along with the lessons and will be forced to watch the lessons without participating.

Being that the training is on a DVD-ROM you can’t play it in a DVD player. I understand why it has to be a DVD-ROM and not on a regular DVD. With 5 hours of lessons you would need 3 discs plus an additional disc for the media and project files. Maybe when Blu-Ray is the standard on computers they will move over to that format. The only reason I have a problem with it is if you have a single monitor computer but who edits like that these days?

Final Thoughts
This is by far the best training series that I have seen for Final Cut Pro. I’m a huge advocate for the Apple Pro Training Series but this is a step up from that and with the expertise of Tom Wolsky is hands down first-rate training. If you are serious about editing…meaning if you bought a Mac and Final Cut Pro this is an essential tool to have in your kit to make you a better, more efficient and even professional editor. Get this DVD now and thank me later.

Complete Training for Final Cut Pro 7 from Class on Demand is available now from Safe Harbor.

New Tutorial Available for Matrox Users

0	Posted by Jeff Pulera March 30, 2010

Waukesha, WI – March 30, 2010 – Safe Harbor Computers, a leading supplier to video professionals, today announced the release of "Introduction to MXO2 Mini w/MAX," a new product tutorial hosted by Jeff Pulera.

The tutorial was created to help users of Matrox MXO2 Mini I/O devices understand the proper use and operation of the product, thus shortening the learning curve and avoiding common mistakes that cost video editors time and money. All aspects of using the hardware and included software utilities are covered with easy to follow instructions, with many technical issues being discussed in layman’s terms for easier understanding of the concepts.

Availability:
This exclusive tutorial is available as an ESD (Electronic Software Download), included free with purchase of the Matrox MXO2 Mini or MXO2 Mini with Max from Safe Harbor.

About the Instructor:
Jeff Pulera has been a professional videographer for over 18 years. His experience includes writing tech reviews and working as an NLE demo artist, trainer, and seminar speaker. Widely known throughout the industry as "the Matrox guru," Jeff is also the producer of the "RT.X2 Revealed" and "HDV & Blu-ray for the RT.X2" tutorials. Currently, Jeff puts his expert knowledge to good use as an NLE specialist at Safe Harbor Computers.

Requirements:
For PC only. Viewer should be familiar with using Adobe Premiere Pro CS4. Requires Windows Media Player, 1024 x 768 resolution and sound card.

Safe Harbor Announces New Tutorial for Matrox RT.X2 Users

0	Posted by Safe Harbor Staff August 4, 2008

Safe Harbor Computers, a leading supplier to professional videographers, today announced the release of "HDV & Blu-ray for the RT.X2," hosted by Jeff Pulera.

This DVD, aimed at all levels of RT.X2 users, provides over 90 minutes of unique instruction on the steps, tips, and tricks necessary to maximize an HDV-to-Blu-ray workflow in the RT.X2.

Highlights include:

• The technical details of HDV and Blu-ray
• Supported HD formats and ingest procedures
• The proper workflow for using HD with your RT.X2
• Monitoring options including downconversion
• Mixed-format editing and aspect ratio conversions
• Encoding options and settings for Blu-ray
• Blu-ray menu creation using Encore and Photoshop

About the Instructor
Jeff Pulera is a professional videographer with 15 years experience. He also works for Safe Harbor Computers, sharing his knowledge and real-life editing experiences with their customers. His company, Digital Vision Productions, specializes in corporate, event and wedding videography. The author of many tech reviews and articles, Jeff is widely known throughout the industry as the "Matrox guru."

Pricing and Availability
"HDV and Blu-ray for the RT.X2" is available exclusively from Safe Harbor Computers. Suggested retail is $49.99 For more information or to order, please visit www.sharbor.com.

NewTek Offers More than 10 Hours of Free LightWave Training

0	Posted by Safe Harbor Staff December 21, 2007

NewTek, Inc., manufacturer of industry-leading 3D animation and video products, today announced the availability of over 10 hours of free online training. These tutorial videos provide practical steps to accomplish a broad range of 3D projects including: general modeling, hard surface modeling, organic modeling, surfacing, texturing, animation, particles, dynamics, lighting, rendering and compositing. The tutorials created by William Vaughan, DAVE School instructor and LightWave® evangelist are freely available at: www.newtek.com/3dtutorials.

These tutorials represent the first 10 hours of an extensive series. Throughout 2008 additional tutorials will be added that cover other aspects of 3D artistry and will include tutorials specifically requested by users. "The goal is to make 3D accessible to everyone," comments William Vaughan. "There are so many amazing things you can do with LightWave, but the learning process can be a bit daunting. With these tutorials we keep it simple, direct and you can always return to them for reference."

"Truly these are all outstanding techniques. I just watched the cloth video with the shirt and the buttons and tried a few things and had great results... but all the others I've watched have been tremendously helpful as well," said Michael James, LightWave user and NewTek forum member. "And I love the way you've kept them straight to the point, my knowledge of LightWave has more than doubled since watching the tutorials. And each one of those videos has opened a world of possibilities I really never knew could be so straightforward and simple."

Class On Demand Wins Awards for Outstanding Training

0	Posted by Safe Harbor Staff May 29, 2007

Class on Demand, a provider of professional educational products for creative markets, ahs announced they have won a Telly award for their Class on Demand training titles; "Basic Training for Adobe After Effects 7.0" and "Windows Vista Made Easy"; and a Horizon Interactive Award for the "Basic Training for Adobe After Effects 7.0" title.

"This is an exciting moment for Class on Demand. Our instructors and staff pour everything they have into Class on Demand training products. Adobe instructor Chris Vadnais and Windows Vista instructor Dan Gooken are exceptional trainers and this award reflects their commitment to excellence," said Paul Holtz, CEO and founder, Class on Demand.

About the Telly and Horizon Interactive Awards
Founded in 1979, the Telly Awards is the premier award honoring outstanding local, regional, and cable TV commercials and programs, as well as the finest video and film productions. Winners represent the best work of the most respected advertising agencies, production companies, television stations, cable operators, and corporate video departments in the world.

The Horizon Interactive Awards is a prestigious international competition recognizing outstanding achievement among interactive media producers. A panel of industry professionals, from diverse multi-media, graphic design and marketing backgrounds, review entries and award those exceptional submissions.

For additional Class on Demand information, please call (847) 843-9939 or visit their web site at http://www.classondemand.net.