5 comments about Band in a Box 2007.

1. This is an excellent software, I use it almost dayly as backing for my practice. I play jazz-guitar, and wether I want to practice improvising or comping this is a fantastic resource. I just type in the chords and choose an appropriate style. The program will produce excellent bass and druming, the 2007 version includes "real drummer" with the drums based on recorded playing of real drummers. This is an important improvements over older versions. The piano, guitar and string is OK, while if you add a melody line that is goint to sound very MIDI-like, not like live music, but sometimes it is still useful to have the melody playing.
   
   For soloing and melody playing the comp is very good. I do not buy book/CD with backing tracks anymore. Even when I want to practice comping, it is important to have at least the bass and rythm to get an idea of how the comping sounds with a full band. Also in this respect is this software excellent.
   
   Beware though that this is a rich program, and a such it contains much more features than you are likely to ever apply. With this rich set of possibilities, the downside is that it may be difficult to figure out how to do what you want. On one occation I sent an e-mail to the support, and got a swift and very helpful response.



2. I started with Band In A Box in the 90s when it was on DOS Diskettes. It has been my co-writer ever since. Each upgrade has taken it to new levels.
   
   Band In A Box is like having musicians on call 24/7. And now with the "Auto Chord Wizard" I can let Band In A Box figure out the chord changes to any song within minutes.



3. Simply put, this is a kickass product. I dig the "big piano" which helps with left hand / right hand position. Since I purchased this item, my playing has improved 10-fold over the last 3-months. Now I realize I went too long playing solo. A backing band is what I needed and now it's what I got when I come home from the old day job and plunk the ebony and ivories.



4. This was a gift for my brother who is a musician. He said that Band in a Box was excellent and the perfect present for him.



5. Band in a Box has everything my husband needs for the music he uses in different music programs, he really loves it. The only problem he has with it is that it is difficult to learn how to get the combinations of back up tracks he needs. But it has all the equipment for groups and the different back up tracks. After he figures out how to make it do all the things he wants it to do, we will be ordering more up grades for it. He thinks it is a fantstic program for musicians from beginners and professionals.

4 comments about ClickArt 950K v2 (2008).

1. This product is awesome. It comes with all images inside the box with an easy search tool for finding the right image. I use it for everything. And I can just drag and drop the image into the program I am working in. I highly recommend it.



2. I purchased this product and I was very disappointed! In fact, I returned it. All the images are low resolution and cannot be used anywhere except on websites. They are not print quality and; therefore, cannot be used for any print media such as books, brochures, advertising projects, newspapers, magazines, etc. I think vendors who sell clipart and stock photography should be REQUIRED to list the resolution of all the images they are selling. Plus, alot of the images are repeated, just in different sizes and file types. It's not 950,000 images and they are not print quality resolution; therefore, useless to most of us.



3. I've been using ClickArt for a few weeks now and it's pretty good. I used it's previous incarnation of The Big Box of Art which was good, this now has a nicer looking search screen and retains it's excellent search facility. I'm not convinced that there are many more decent images than in the BBA 350,000, but it's enough for what I want (making teaching materials and soon to be making a website). I am finding though that half of my images I'm now pulling off the internet via a Google Image search. My main gripe is that having a few DVDs instead of lots of CDs is great, but it can take quite a while to bring up the image you want extract (so I may try loading the DVDs onto my hard drive).
   In summary useful to me and worth the price.



4. Just what I was looking for, have much to choose from now when I do posters and scheduled event updates

1 comments about CoreFX Three Level Complete Drawing.

1. I downloaded the trial version (just do a Google search) which is good for 3 days (no save/print). I was very impressed and so were my kids. It's especially impressive that they essentially include three different versions for various ages, the Basic being very appropriate for a young one to explore their artistic talents, and move up as they get older. The whole program is very easy to use and intuitive and has a lot of neat features that high-end graphics programs do and even some they don't. The Advanced version has tools like "horizontal and vertical symmetry" which, for example, would allow you to draw one side of a butterfly and the other is drawn at the same time. The tool and color selection is quick and easy and the textures for the various tools seem very realistic. It has "roll over" identification of each selection. I tried the animation feature with no help or tutors and in a few minutes created an animation of a stick figure walking (it has an "onion skin" feature that allows you to see the previous frame as subdued, allowing you to draw the next frame "over" it). I think where this program would really stand out is with a Wacom tablet or especially a tablet PC.
   Again, very impressive for the price. I will probably be purchasing it soon.

4 comments about Calendar Creator Version 12 Deluxe.

1. This software simply refused to install on my computer. I get the now famous _is2.tmp error message and that's it. My system requirements are OK and I tried the clean boot, etc. Same results. This piece of software is the only one with which I've had trouble on this computer and I have installed a lot of software. Encore support simply ignored what I told them in my inquiry and told me to do a clean boot inspite of the fact that I told them I had tried that remedy.



2. Calendar Creator has the potential to be the best calendar/scheduling program on the market - BUT Version 9 is probably the best so far. Unfortunately, instead of fixing previous problems and enhancing the product, the creators put out upgrades which just add more graphics and "fluff" WITHOUT concentrating on making the basic program better. And, in some cases, they even REMOVE PREVIOUS functions that were terrific!
   
   They have lost many buyers like me who used to upgrade almost every year. This program really needs to have creators who are serious about realizing the full potential of this program - which would increase their sales (and upgrade buyers) by 100-fold.



3. I have been using Calendar Creator since version 2. I agree with "Movie lover from HB." There is not much new to this version. I upgraded from version 10 Deluxe, and really there's not much difference. *I don't know what happened to version 11!* I really do like the product and wouldn't be without some version. I was hoping they would finally fix the little bugs with text formatting (doesn't always save settings when changing tabs). And, I was hoping they would make it work more like other XP products, i.e. window scrolling, right click menus, etc. I did not have any problems installing it. The art gallery seems to behave better. I could do without the new welcoming screens (and do!). I haven't noticed any "missing" features. They may be ones I never used.
   
   If you have version 9+, you won't get much from upgrading. When you jump 2 version levels, you expect some new pizazz. But, you won't get it. I did upgrade and I'm not sorry. I agree that the program writers could really make this an awesome product if they just added more features, more in tune with XP.



4. I found this product to be appropriate for the price I paid. The first one that was delivered was faulty and so it pays to check that the installation disk works. I also found that after importing a file from a previous version into this latest version, the format of the calendar had changed drastically and it took a good period of time to go from month to month correcting the format and alignment of the text. Other that I feel the product was ok. I would probably buy a different product next time.

1 comments about Total 3D Home Design Deluxe 9.

1. I was disappointed in this product. It was difficult to size rooms to the exact dimension. I started over many times. I wound up buying a more expensive design package.

5 comments about Pinnacle Studio Ultimate Version 11 [OLD VERSION].

1. I have purchased Studio 10, 11 Ultimate and now 12 Ultimate. I have wasted numerous blank dvds and countless hours trying to get this to work on my new system. I have Vista Ultimate 64 bit my system keeps crashing and giving different errors. The pinnacle cust service is not helpful at all. I can't even get this up and running to make a video review! Stay away from any Pinnacle software.



2. So far I have the impression that it can do a lot, but I wouldn't say it's easy to work with. I have to use the help function pretty much any time I want to do something new. Now that I'm getting the hang of it, I think I will appreciate all its capabilities.



3. Pinnacle's Serial Numbers and Activation Keys expire after two years.
   
   This applies to all Pinnacle software, not just software downloaded online. Activation Keys bought online AND Serial Numbers for software bought in retail stores only work for two years.
   
   It's in the fine print - which you can't even see until you rip open the box (thereby forfeiting your right to a refund) and click the "Yes, I Agree" button during installation.
   
   If you have to reinstall the program (or any part of it) two years and a day after buying it, you will have to completely repurchase the software.
   
   What's especially fishy about Pinnacle is how it will suddenly start crashing at 2 years after initial installation. My video drivers stopped working at a point, I'd later realize, coincident with the 2 year anniversary of my having installed the Pinnacle software.
   
   In trying to fix the suspiciously-timed program crash I was mystified to learn that a number clearly printed on a CD sleeve was suddenly "Not a Valid Serial Number." The Activation Keys I'd bought online, and had on file, were suddenly incorrect.
   
   I contacted Pinnacle, who informed me of the two year statement in the agreement. Here is an excerpt from their email:
   
   "The reason you are not able to obtain a redownload of your purchase is
   that the Extended Download Service was not purchased with your download
   and the time to purchase this service has expired. Unfortunately, this
   means that in order to obtain the product, you will need to repurchase
   it."
   
   Keep in mind - I was asking Pinnacle for no software. All I needed was a Serial Number and Activation Keys, because the Serial Number printed on the CD sleeve itself, and the Activation Keys I'd received two years earlier no longer worked.
   
   Just something you might want to keep in mind before buying Pinnacle software.



4. I was told that this software also came with a capture card for recording of devices via xbox 360 and of the sort, but it did not. Just wanted to let everyone know that you would have to spend an extra $50-100 more on a capture card.



5. I wont dwell to long on this review. If you are serious about your editing then STAY AWAY from this product. Horrible at handling large files, which if your into HD video this can be a serious issue. To be completely honest there is free software available that will load and partially encode a video before Studio even gets the same video loaded after selecting it. Once it does load things do not get any better.
   
   This software is fine for someone who does not know better and any good reviews will be from those exact people. Save your money and look around for free, faster alternatives.

No comments about Secrets of the Pros Advanced Pro Tools DVD Volume 2.

No comments about Pro 3D Graphics Animation Design w/Game Studio.

5 comments about Optics Pro Standard v5.2 Software.

1. IF YOU SHOOT WITH A DSLR YOU HAVE TO HAVE THIS PRODUCT, IT'S AUTOMATIC!!



2. Did the DxO press release state that their software will not run on a 64 bit Windows operating system? If so, I missed seeing it... I'm running 64 bit Windows Vista.
   
   After repeated attempts to install from the DxO CD Rom -- without any success -- the installer simply "went away" each time -- I finally got up on a 'DxO Image Science' web page where, after much searching,I found an obscure FAQ column which stated that DxO Pro5 will not run on a 64 bit system.
   
   "Sorry about that" say the DxO people. "We will let you know if and when we update to 64 bit." I wouldn't want to hang that long.
   
   Microsoft, where are you? These people at Image Science actually make your people look good!!! Forgive me O'Lord!!



3. A difficult one to review. First I was sent version 4 even though I clearly bought, as you can see, v5. Luckily I managed to use the v4 activation key to do a manual activation on the web site, get access to v5, and download and install that one instead.
   
   Once you get v5, it's a mixed bag. It appears to be quite a buggy product, failing at random - but when it works it's outstanding. v5.0.4 seems to be a reasonable improvement on the earlier versions, which were dreadful to start with.



4. When DXO works its great. Once again, DXO decided in the middle of my work, that it was a demo copy and had expired!! It would not activate and their web site would only produce "EZ Publish" errors. It activated the next day after two attempts. I work in the field and do not always have access to an internet connection. This is a professional product and after it has been bought and activated I think that I have a right to expect it to work and not get in the way of finishing my projects! This is the third time in about 5 months that it has reverted to a demo copy. It apparently the uses Pace Interlock DRM which can cause all kinds of problems if it decides you are a pirate.
   
   My computer is running XP-Pro, with current patches, DXO was the only application I had running, and I was in the field and NOT connected to the internet.
   
   If wasn't for this problem I would give it 5 stars but it has let me down twice in the middle of a project and I had to use other tools to finish because I couldn't get it to reactivate in a timely manner.



5. This is lazy man's dream: using pre-calculated tables it fixes all distortion in all supported lens and camera bodies. But that's just the start. It saves even the pictures otherwise ruined.
   
   It's especially great for those who can't be bothered with investing half a lifetime in mastering Photoshop. It's a lot easier and more intuitive that Lightroom and any other RAW converter. Works with tiff/jpg as well.
   
   It's the best piece of software I ever purchased. Period :)

5 comments about Movie Edit Pro 11.

1. It's not easy to use and their technical support sucks.



2. Must admit I'm kinda shocked too at the bad reviews of this product. I've also been using this at home for about a year, and am quite versed in video editing and other software packages to do such (do extensive video editing at work). The MEP 11 program is excellent for video/video-audio editing, and is the best bang for your buck out there. However, wouldn't recommend this for beginners in video editing (try Ulead products instead, they're relatively easy to use though not nearly as feature rich). It really is amazing what is included for the price in the MEP 11 BOXED version (do not recommend the e-version at all. There's a lot missing in it). Now the other caveat, at home I'm using MEP with Windows XP on a 3Ghz Dell, 1 Gig RAM, and with plenty of hard drive storage space. Based on the poor reviews, I'm guessing that MEP doesn't work too well with other operating systems or slower computers. This is Magix' bad, as they claim it can be used on other operating systems.



3. Bought this product based on my total disgust with two other programs which I felt didn't give me enough power in editing. As it turns out, despite the number of tools available with this product, it is incredibly frustrating and non-intuitive. The manual is useless and the help files equally as unhelpful. The program is highly crash prone and the quality of the finished product is shoddy. Buyer beware!



4. I have to also write a review reading these other bad ones. I videotape and edit for a profession. It is very hard to find a good program that gives you lots of editing tools AND great menuing features in one, especially for this price. I do agree with a previous review, you have to have a good working computer with either a dual processor, or a massive amount of memory on your hard drive, or of course it will crash and take forever to burn. The only downside I have found is the rending and burning time frame. Even with my massive dual processor it still takes a long time. That definately does not stop me from using this program. Support is also not great, but I have had better responses though e-mail...otherwise lots of tutorials and very easy to figure out on your own. This program is also very compatible with other programs where you can drag and drop them into this program, such as picture touch-ups, you can even do some editing in Adobe and transfer it into Magix...you cannot do that with Adobe from what I have tried. Bottom Line, this is the easiest program to understand (user friendly) with lots of tools and menuing.



5. I have used several MAGIX products over the years.
   Considering the $$ spent, I have usually been very pleased.
   
   It seems MAGIX takes features from it's more professional products and makes stripped down, simpler versions for the general consumer or hobbyist.
   (example: Audio Cleaning Lab contains many of the features from the pro recording studio software SAMPLITUDE. In fact you can sometimes find errors in the manual where they copied text and accidently left the word SAMPLITUDE in the instructions).
   
   MOVIE EDIT PRO 11 works fines for my needs.
   
   I largely shoot underwater video in either AVI or MPG formats.
   
   I then need to edit this videos into "underwater sightseeing or adventure videos" with transitions, music soundtracks, chapters, and color enhancements, etc...
   
   This software has worked great.
   
   2 words of advice I will caution people about when working with MAGIX products.......
   
   1) Due to the low software price, the company must cut costs someplace and that seems to be Customer Service.
   In a word..... forget about it. You are on your own.
   MAGIX virtually never answers emails or calls.
   
   2) Save Often !!
   MAGIX is not alone in this arena, but many Audio and Video editing software platforms really put a load on a PC (even a powerful one) and thus these applications tend to lock up or crash from time to time during really heavy multi-task processing with real-time effects........ So............. SAVE OFTEN !
   Your life will be easier
   
   I tend to save different versions along the way (V1, V2, V3) so I can retrace back to a prior save if anything gets glitchy.