Alan, I searched and searched for two on-line training videos so that those that were interested would be able to see it for them selves. But alas, I couldn't find it. Here is a summary. The training session consisted of three short (approx 20 seconds each) videos taken of a couple sitting on a sofa. The background audio was so loud that it wasn't possible to actually hear what the couple was talking about. BUT, we (that were watching the video) were asked "What were they talking about?" Needless to say we couldn't hear what they were talking about. But the teacher them asked us "What do you THINK they were talking about?" For the first one I answered something like "They are in love they must be planning their honey moon." Then the teacher showed another one (in that same 15 second to 20 second range). His question was the same "What were they talking about?" Again, we couldn't hear what they were actually talking about. But, the professor asked again, "What do you think they were talking about." My answer was, "They are having a lot of fun planning something. It must be a cruise." Then, again in that same time period, he showed another video. Again, the background sound was so loud that none of us could hear what they were talking about. But, we had to answer what we thought they were talking about. This time I imagined that they weren't getting along at all. So I wrote, "They must be getting ready to file for divorce."

Then the professor proved to us that he had used the very same 17 second video. But, he showed it three times with different background music. Our minds went in 3 largely different directions. Simply put, it was the audio that 'pushed us' in those diagrammatically different directions.

If you want to hear about another 2 videos that a graduating class in a 2 or 4 year videography school made, just ask. Again, it was just the background music that made the measurable difference.

Good wishes in enlarging your video making skills.

Sam

CyberLink PowerDirector: I'm just upgrading to version 16.

John, I've been 'studying' mic usage for a couple of years now. I'm still shocked when I learn another 'proof' that the audio is more important than the video. Having been in photo clubs for more than 45 years that didn't make sense until I finally read enough to convince my self that the audio is definitely the most important of any video.

With that back ground I can tell you that I use a Rode Mic on my camera. HOWEVER, when taking videos of large groups (like your concert projects) I always give the sound board operator a voice recorder that he plugs into an output jack. So then, in post processing I use the audio from the on camera mic for syncing the better sound directly from the sound board. A 'hint' that I can give you when recording individuals is that no mic should ever be more than 3 feet from their mouth. If you can get a few inches closer you will even notice further improvement. So, if you plan on your video camera being more than 3 feet from the mouths of the person you are recording, you might consider mounting the mic on a pole and having a second person hold it above and in front of the person you are recording and out of the camera's video recording. You will need a mic extension cord though.

Lastly, if you have or can borrow a small voice recorder with a lav mic, place the recorder out of view of the camera (front or rear pocket of the subject works well) and then compare the quality of recording by your camera mic (either of the above two suggestions) and the off camera recorder.

Best wishes to you in learning 'new stuff'.

Replo, (Retirement Advice) look for organizations in your area that have a lot of varied activities.

Our retirement age RV Resort has over 100 activities ranging from the arts, physical activities, gaming, etc. (Yes we have a group called PhotoBugs that have a different photo challenge every two weeks.) Note: this is not an "advertisement" for our Resort because we already have over 50 people/couples on our waiting list and it will take over 2 years of waiting to get in (and that's with many of those on the waiting list that really want to come in but they aren't ready yet, so they just say "no" three times and then go to the bottom of the waiting list again). And you need to be an RVer to even "get on the list".

Here's a link to a three minute video that I made showing some of what is offered to people our age. Go to: www.jojobahills.com. Then go down about 1/2 of the first screen and click on the "Jojoba Hills in 3 Minutes" Video. I hope seeing it encourages you to enlarge your research to include organizations that you hadn't even thought about.

Phil, Send me a private msg. I've got something for you to think about (but my keyboard computer can't see this message). Sam

Photo 3 "made me" take a big breath and relax! Tnx

Steve, my biggest shock when I researched "how to make videos that other people will actually watch" is the fact that the audio is more important than the video and the 'story line' is at least as important as the video! Good luck and have fun!

The question seems to be: What links Terrorist Attacks together?

The answer is simple, they believe in an untruth! We have all been given "free choice". But unless we really want to know the real truth we will say things like (in the negative) "That's what they BELIEVE!" or "I BELIEVE this ..."

For instance almost all Terrorists believe that they are earning after life 'points' when they kill one or more people that don't believe as they were taught or they now believe.

The solution is to really want to find the Truth. And that doesn't mean what YOU THINK is the truth is, but what the actual truth really is. If all in the world knew the real truth there wouldn't be any more Terrorist Attacks, etc.

The best method to unbiasely (sp) find the truth is to find a method of investigation that eliminates opinions and only uses facts to determine what the truth actually is. For those of you that have been on a jury you will remember your instructions before the trial actually starts. You are instructed to only look at the facts presented and not use your personal prejudices (sp) in making the judgments of each item when they are presented.

Author J. Warner Wallace was a homicide detective for years. And he, just like us, had to eliminate 'conclusions' based on his own experience and thinking before he could bring the facts to a jury. He wrote a book that truly shows how to find the truth in any situation. And it is so important that it answers the bigger question in your original statement and walk you through to a conclusion that would solve the Terrorist Problem if the truth was shown to the world (one person at a time). The most important question you need to ask yourself is, "Do I really want to know the truth?"

If you do, then get a copy of "Cold-Case Christianity" by J. Warner Wallace. First, learn the steps in making unbiased conclusion (he starts the book admitting his failures at this but he gives a step by step procedure that should be used when finding the truth). Then he lays out the facts as known throughout history for you to apply each fact to your truthful investigation. Spreading the truth to the world would truly reduce non-loving actions.

I spend a little over six months here in Aguanga at a member built and maintained RV park (ok a few staff now).

Also liked the title.

I recently purchased a 4k system and want to "upgrade" my 76 year old brain. Your statement seems to be "backwards". 4k has over twice the pixel count as 1920 x 1080. Why did you say that you needed to REDUCE the sharpness to see it on "the 4K view?

I keep my 4k machine off the internet so I couldn't 'test' how it looked on it. Sure looked good on download to my Amazon Fire tablet though!

Liked the contrast.

Photo 3 was my favorite.

Also liked your biblical quote!

Love the colors!