Reviews (8)

An unusually clear book -- and great for OCR researchers.
This nifty book is unusual in several respects: it is written in an extremely clear and simple style; it presents good clear code, both in print and on the accompanying CD; and it presents a variety of different methods for achieving each given goal. For example, the book presents a half-dozen different algorithms (usually with code) for edge-detection, for thresholding, and for skeletonization. For the most part, the book does a good job of explaining the relative merits or suitabilities of the different algorithms.
Outstanding source of implementations of image processing algorithms
This book is a great source of code for the implementations of common and not so common algorithms used in image processing and computer vision. It is not meant to be a textbook on either subject. For that I suggest you turn to "Digital Image Processing" by Gonzalez and Woods for the subject of image processing and to "Computer Vision" by Linda Shapiro for computer vision.
I like this book
It has source C code available, which I found is very helpful. It would be better if its code is written in C++. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Algorithms (Computer Programming)    2. Computer Graphics - General    3. Computer algorithms    4. Computer vision    5. Digital techniques    6. Discrete Mathematics    7. Image Processing (Engineering)    8. Image processing    9. Imaging Systems    10. Optics    11. Technology    12. Technology & Industrial Arts    13. Computers / Computer Vision    14. Mathematical theory of computation    15. Signal processing   

Reviews (5)

One of the better books on OOP for Flash
I think this is a beginner friendly book to learning and developing Flash 8 Object Oriented code.The book is an easy read and has a pretty good introduction to Flash.It even goes into like 4 design patterns which if you are an OOP developer is generally the next step in design and architecture.
Excellent book for beginners in OOP
I finally decided to take the plunge into OOP after I realized that is where Flash is headed.With the advent of ActionScript 3.0 around the corner (or out now if you're already dabbling in it), you just know that everything is soon going to be class based.This book is a great start to your journey, as someone who originally started to read Colin Moock's Essential ActionScript 2.0 will tell you.It is a LOT easier to read than EA2.0 as I'm not well versed on theory nor do I, at least at this point, really care that much about it.I'm one of those people who want to dive in and learn the syntax/usage, and then I'd like to figure out where it all stems from, not the other way around as it just makes it harder for me to learn that way.
Take your Flash developing to the next level!
Before reading this book I thought that OOP meant writing a class and applying it to as many objects as I wanted. Was I ever wrong! This book not only gives you thorough explanations of what OOP is, it also provides detailed explanations on why you should use it. It's hard to explain the misconceptions that many people can pick up by trying to learn OOP by reading random articles around the web. This gently leads you through all the elements of OOP and clears up any of the misconceptions you may have previously had. It even teaches you programming techniques and design patterns such as how to separate the data and control from the style as well as how to manage multiple styles, colors, sounds, etc. with one class and dynamically apply them to whatever objects you want.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Computer Books: Web Programming    2. Computer Graphics - Flash    3. Computers    4. Computers - Desktop Publishing    5. Flash (Computer file)    6. Flash (Computer software)    7. Internet - Web Site Design    8. Internet - World Wide Web    9. Programming - Object Oriented Programming    10. Image processing    11. Multimedia   

Reviews (4)

Essential Reading to make the most of Camtasia
If you are serious about getting a proper understanding of Camtasia, then you definitely need this book.As far as I'm aware, it is the only such book available.Sure you can try using the Help material supplied with Camtasia, but it is difficult to learn well enough that way.
More than Camtasia
If I could give 10 stars I would.THis book is the definitive guide to Camtasia and much, much more.The Camtasia part doesn't even start till Chapter 5.You spend the chapters before that learning about the how-to and why of 1) training, 2) marketing and 3) demo presentations.It's a Camtasia book and a How-To-Do-Great-Presentation book in one.And all done in an entertaining by the author's warm personable conversational style.
Comprehensive, yet Comprehensible
The first thing I saw about this book was the thickness -- and I try to stay away from thick books that I never get the time to read. But I was needlessly scared -- the language that Daniel uses in this book is conversation style, it's easy to understand, and you don't even need to read the full book from cover to cover because almost everything is self contained.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Application Software    2. Computer Books: General    3. Computer Graphics    4. Computer Graphics - General    5. Computers    6. Computers - General Information    7. Interactive & Multimedia    8. Multimedia systems    9. Computer graphics software    10. Computers / General    11. Image processing: video   

Reviews (13)

Not intended for the web design novice
I am completely new to web design and found this book extremely overwhelming.The series title, "Visual Quickstart Guide", appears to be aimed towards beginners such as myself, however it is probably aimed at people with experience with older versions of Dreamweaver looking to upgrade their knowledge.There is so much talk about the old dreamweaver, new ways of doing things etc. and I'm not really interested in that.Other clues that this book is not designed for a beginner is the lack of glossary (mentioned in another review) and the amount of space devoted to setting one's preferences of Dreamweaver.As a novice, how am I supposed to know what I prefer when I don't even know where to begin?

Confusing for the Novice
While I have a background in graphics programs, I'm entirely new to Dreamweaver.This book looked like it would be a sole resource.It wasn't.Too often terms are mentioned without definitions (a glossary would be a help).More than once a process was described without a basic first step that would seem obvious to experienced users, but only confused novice users.I wound up having to use other resources to make sense of this book.I wouldn't recommend it to first timers like myself.

comprehensive and specific at the same time
This is a great book, though I have used DreamWeaver for several years, I wanted to see how DreamWeaver 8 was going to deal with CSS.I took the time to read most of the chapters, and picked up a lot of tips.The book is comprehensive and specific at the same time.Concepts are interlaced with keystroke instructions.Well worth the price and a great reference. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Computer - Internet    2. Computer Animation    3. Computer Books: Web Programming    4. Computers    5. Internet - Web Site Design    6. Computer graphics software    7. Computers / Internet / Web Site Design    8. Image processing    9. Multimedia   

Reviews (13)

This book is WonderfulA+ + + recommended
I loves this book. It has truly taight me how to see texture and how to bring digital painting to life. This book will help you in all areas of art which can be used in real life painting, digital painting, 3D art and more. I f you need help Understanding how to get your art to that realism point then this book is defintly for you 100%.
3d modeling help
The book brought up some options that I didn't think of before. and help with some of my class work.

A great resource
This book is really great. It provides a good amount of art history, color theory, image reference, and tutorials. I'd suggest this to anyone interested in learning more about Texturing. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Computer Books And Software    2. Computer Graphics - General    3. Computers    4. Computers - Desktop Publishing    5. Computers / Computer Animation    6. Image processing: computer animation    7. Image processing: graphics (static images)   

Reviews (7)

George DeWolfe's Digital Photography Fine Print Workshop
Excellent book. I have many books on digital photography and this book ranks very high. Excellent work flow recommendations and clearly written. This book will also be used as a reference text in a photography course I will be taking. I have almost completed reading the entire book and making notes.

Yes, photography can be an art
Too much emphasis is being made on the technology of digital photography, and even on the mechanics of taking pictures.Just as important is the artistic factor, which is often not even addressed in books that teach Photoshop.This book is an exception.You'll learn how to adjust the feeling and artistic approach of an image to create photographic art out of a simple digital photograph.If you want to learn more about the aesthetics of creating a digital image, this book is for you.

Having taken the workshop...
...I can recommend this book to anyone wishing to simplify CS2 and achieve great results. Yes, the book does have a few problems as outlined by another reviewer and I will leave it at that. There are many, many tools available to the photographer in PS - too many in my opinion. George will guide the reader through adjustments in RAW, the usual histogram changes, etc. and then will detail the history brush. If you have never used this tool then the book is worth the money. In many cases when trying to dodge and burn you can damage the original image if not careful. Using the history brush changes all that with more precise corrections and more control over the results. If you are not shooting RAW, you will be and you'll know why after reading this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Computer Books: General    2. Computer Graphics - Design    3. Computer Graphics - Game Programming    4. Computers    5. Computers - Other Applications    6. Techniques - Digital    7. Computers / Computer Graphics / Design    8. Photographic equipment & techniques    9. Special kinds of photography   

Features

• Illustrated

Reviews (46)

Simply the best!
I can keep this review real short.. this book still applies even in Flash 8. It has great concepts, holds nothing back and exposes the reader to the intense power and capabilities of Flash.
The Source for Actionscript
This book has just about everything I could have ever wanted in an Actionscript book.It covers the ins and outs and tiny details overlooked by so many other `quick tutorial' type books.This book is touted as the primary source for learning Actionscript and undoubtedly it is.You really need to get a good handle on movieclips, levels, timelines, depths, and classes so you're not banging your head later or chasing your tail for hours asking yourself, "What is going on here? This Flash Actionscript is really doing odd things with my movieclips (objects), none of which I expected to happen."Moock dispels all uncertainty about Actionscript with Flash.
This book is by far the best book on AS!
I have many many books on both AS and Flash and this book is by far the most informative, well written and most comprehensive book on ActionScript for beginning to intermediate developers that I have found. Colin Moock clearly knows his stuff and he has a teaching style that is rare with authors this day and age. It is very clear that Mr. Moock loves what he is doing because his love for AS gleems through the perfectly written tutorials of this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Computer Animation    2. Computer Books: General    3. Computer Graphics - Flash    4. Computers    5. Computers - Desktop Publishing    6. Programming - General    7. Programming Languages - General    8. ActionScript (Computer program language)    9. Computer graphics    10. Computers / Computer Animation    11. Computers / Computer Graphics / General    12. Computers / Desktop Publishing    13. Computers/Computer Animation    14. Computers/Programming Languages - General    15. Design    16. Flash, MX, programming, ActionScript    17. Interactive multimedia    18. Internet languages    19. Multimedia    20. Multimedia systems    21. Web sites   

Reviews (6)

Indispensable for game developers
Glen Rhodes' Macromedia Flash Professional 8 Game Development is for those who have the basics down and want to learn to produce professional-quality games. The latest enhancements to Flash are taught to programmers and web developers who want to get up and running quickly. From producing fast 3D effects to the hidden powers of Flash Pro 8, this book provides methods for understanding advanced techniques and getting up to speed: indispensable for game developers.
Window into Flash game creation
With Flash 8 Game Development by Glen Rhodes I expected to get a step by step process on how to develop games in Flash in the form of Actionscript examples and tutorials.I didn't expect much in terms of the other processes of game design, but was pleasantly surprised when Glen related the importance of all game components.While the book doesn't go into as much detail with other processes as it does the code (and as it is a game development book it shouldn't), it describes the importance of each part, and gives several extra items beyond what I expected.There is a section on sound, optimization, game physics, portable games and 3D simulation as well as a section by Chris Hildenbrand about game graphics.And you make some fun games as well as explore more complicated versions which are included on the CD that comes with the book.
Superb tutorial-style guide
Don't believe the negative reviews of those who don't understand what a second, or revised edition is.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Computer Books: General    2. Computer Graphics - Game Programming    3. Computer animation    4. Computer games    5. Computers    6. Games / Gamebooks / Crosswords    7. Programming    8. Video & Electronic - General    9. Computers / Entertainment & Games / General   

Reviews (14)

Adobe Camera Raw For Digital Photographers
I recently ordered and recieved this volume and also "Outdoor Photographer Landscape and Nature Photography with Photoshop CS2", both by Rob Sheppard.Let me start by saying I don't like to read that much; I usually get sleepy reading.I am interested in learning more about these two subjects.These two books caught me eye while browsing one night so I ordered them on a spur of the moment decision.Well I can highly recommend both of these volumes, because all I have done so far is page through them from front to back reading highlights and a few paragraphs here and there.Now I can't wait until I can sit down each evening and read some new material in these books.They are written for everyone to easily understand what the Author is explaining; and they really hold my attention and interest.Great books that should be in every Photographers library if they really want to understand more and get better at photography.Rob Sheppard; thank you for taking the interest and the time to write these books.I will certainly be looking for more of your work. C. A. Parrish

Camera Raw - certainly good for a beginner
I'm relatively new to PS. In the last 8 months I've worked through most of Photoshop CS2 for Digital Photographers and Photoshop CS2 One on One and thoroughly processed about 50 (not a lot) photos out of the thousand or so I've shot.
Another Winner from Rob Sheppard
Rob Sheppard has done it again!Mr. Sheppards ability to make sense out of all the confusion is worth the price of admission alone.He offers sage advice with out all the hype.His non judgemental style offers you choices and explains why. He does not exploit popular myths, rather he unfolds the layers cloaked over what many have ascribed as trueisms.The book is definitely a how to and not a "do this."
Read more

Subjects:  1. Computer Books: General    2. Computer Graphics - Design    3. Computer Graphics - Game Programming    4. Computers    5. Computers - Other Applications    6. Digital techniques    7. Image processing    8. Photography    9. Raw file formats (Digital photography)    10. Techniques - Digital    11. Computers / Computer Graphics / Design    12. Image processing: graphics (static images)    13. Photographic equipment & techniques   

Reviews (9)

Decent overview but light on examples
I am an experienced SolidWorks user who was looking for supplemental information to build my knowledge base and help me transition from SW 2005 to SW 2006.This manual is a decent general reference but it lacks any detailed examples and the CD that comes with it is mostly SW promotional stuff.I bought it because of the low price ($20)Also, there is no information on advanced features such as surface modeling

Do not recommend
I wanted a book that would provide a high level of overall understanding of SW quickly.I am new to SW.I've been teaching AutoCAD for over 4 years.I purchased this book with an understanding of the Dummy series.I was very disappointed with the lack of information for the new user.It seems that the book is targeted towards a user which has a basic understanding of the Software and that needs to understand the changes between the last version and now. I was not amused or informed.

Good book, recommended by Cadalyst too
I really liked this book and though that it was a funny and interesting way to learn a lot more about SolidWorks.It was very clearly written (but not boring) and had a lot of very specific examples you could follow along with.
Read more

Subjects:  1. CAD-CAM - General    2. Computer Books: General    3. Computer graphics    4. Computer-aided design    5. Computers    6. Computers - General Information    7. Engineering models    8. Computer aided design (CAD)    9. Computers / CAD-CAM / General   

Reviews (2)

Take your OpenGL skills to the next level
Since its first release in 1992, OpenGL has been rapidly adopted as the graphics API of choice for real-time interactive 3D graphics applications. The OpenGL state machine is easy to understand, but its simplicity and orthogonality enable a multitude of interesting effects that require more room than can be accommodated in the OpenGL "Red Book". The objective of this book is to demonstrate how to generate more satisfying images using OpenGL in general, and how to achieve some sophisticated results in particular. There are three general areas of discussion: basic OpenGL concepts, basic techniques, and advanced techniques.
A new review (again)
I posted a review before, but I decided again to change it. Everything I said I will repeat more or less.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Computer Books: General    2. Computer Graphics - Design    3. Computer Graphics - Game Programming    4. Computers    5. Computers - Other Applications    6. Image processing    7. Programming - General    8. Computers / Programming / Software Development   

Editorial Review

A timeless classic in how complex information should be presented graphically.The Strunk & Whiteof visual design. Should occupy a place of honor--within arm's reach--of everyoneattempting to understand or depict numerical data graphically.The design of the book is an exemplar of the principles it espouses:elegant typography and layout, and seamless integration of lucid text and perfectly chosen graphical examples. Very Highly Recommended. ... Read more

Reviews (71)

If a picture is worth a thousand words, better draw it carefully
The Visual Diplay of Quantitative Information is not exactly a how-to book, in that it won't give you step by step instructions on how to create charts. Rather Tufte shows us principles of good design, principles of bad design (i.e. how people lie with graphics) all accompanied by many inspirational examples.
Changed my style
I was one of those chart-makers who used color just because I could, even when it was unnecessary or even inappropriate.This book changed the way I looked at graph-making.His concepts of data per unit of ink (which should be maximized), and trying to make each droplet of ink convey something useful were extremely helpful, as were his suggestions to minimize distractions and phony 3-d effects.
The Visual Display of Quantitative Information
Very good book. I really enjoyed the quality of graphs and interpretion of them. Tufte gives practical guidelines and observations about graphs and graph-making. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Computer Bks - Desktop Publishing    2. Data Modeling & Design    3. Graphic Methods    4. Mathematical Analysis    5. Mathematics    6. Probability & Statistics - General    7. Science/Mathematics    8. Statistics    9. Science: General Issues   

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
Read more

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 (16)

mr. buyen Frontpage 2003 Book is a Failure
This book was a total failure and utterly devoid of structural instructions which would take an intermediate person from frontpage 2000 to 2003! It seem to be predicated with giving information in a BACKWARD fashion interwoven in such a way that left me more confused and dissatified! If I were to grade this book, I would give it a double triple FFF of the lowest order. How serious am I, well I intend to buy another frontpage book, and I am a senior citizen on SS and money is very scarce!
jasper
A lot of text that's spread out and difficult to follow.Would have been nice to see more examples.eg, constructing drop down menus section provides a lot of text but few examples to carry you through to actually creating drop down menus.More how to and less theory would be helpful.

3 Books on Learning FrontPage 2003
I actually bought 3 books: Microsoft FrontPage 2003 Step-by-Step, Microsoft FrontPage 2003 Inside-Out, and Que Special Edition Using FrontPage 2003.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Computer - Internet    2. Computer Bks - Internet    3. Computer Books And Software    4. Computer Books: Languages    5. Computers    6. Design    7. Electronic publishing    8. Internet - Web Site Design    9. Internet - Web Site Design - Frontpage    10. Internet - World Wide Web    11. Microcomputer Integrated Application Software    12. Microsoft FrontPage    13. Programming - Software Development    14. Web publishing    15. Web sites    16. Computers / General    17. Internet    18. Presentation graphics software   

Features

• Illustrated

Reviews (21)

Solid read.
Disagree with him on some points, but it's an interesting read.Note, this book is not really about how to make games you create fun, so much as it is a rambling discourse about the nature of fun itself.

Koster's Pitch for Gaming Theory
Koster's argument for serious critical approach to gaming is taut and well-thought.He acknowledges gaming to be "fun," while at the same time clearly states why games aren't elevated to artistic status in culture, despite their status in the entertainment marketplace - more economically lucrative than cinema.Until gaming attains the ability to create play that reflects the human condition, like cinema, it will not be classified or regarded as artisitic expression.If I had one criticism of the book, it is a lack of commentary on the economics of the gaming industry, but alas, Koster is a game developer, not a publisher, so this omission is understandable and does not take away from the book's value.I recommend this book for anyone desiring a short theoretical overview of gaming, and historical context.It's laconic, well-written, and offers nice illustrations done by Koster himself.

Very few ideas in too many words.
Raph Koster is clearly a man in love with his own ideas. His writing is full of self-indulgent babbling about very simplistic ideas. He seems to think that he's the only one who's ever thought about games and the way people play them.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Computer Books: General    2. Computers - Games    3. Design and construction    4. Games    5. Games/Puzzles    6. Programming - Software Development    7. Software Design    8. Video & Electronic - General    9. Computer games    10. Computers / Computer Graphics / Game Programming    11. Computers / Games    12. Games / Video & Electronic    13. Multimedia   

Reviews (1)

Very unhappy with my purchase
The information on the web site was not very informative and trying to get to the check out was a hassel.What really is pathetic was the shipping.Either pay a ridiculus amount to get the item here or wait 2 weeks and not pay for shipping.Well in no real hurry I choose not to pay for shipping.The item was damaged and not packed very well.It was taped shut to keep the information and item together.I am still missing the cover and parts of the first chapter. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Computer Books: General    2. Computers    3. General    4. Computer aided design (CAD)    5. Computer graphics software   

Subjects:  1. Computer - Internet    2. Computer Animation    3. Computer Books: Internet General    4. Computer Graphics - General    5. Computers    6. Internet - Application Development    7. Computer / Internet    8. Computers / Computer Graphics / Design    9. Computers / Internet / Application Development    10. Internet languages    11. Macromedia Flex, MXML, Flex Framework, RIA, Rich Internet Applications, ActionScript, CSS, Xorn   

Reviews (2)

Not Worth the money, but still pretty good
I've been in a fight w/ Apple and Peachpit over this 'new' version of DVDSP4.
Not updated for DVD Studio Pro 4
While this book is probably the best DVD Studio Pro guide currently available, be aware that it doesn't contain any information about the new features in DVD Studio Pro 4 (e.g partitioning GPRMs and allocating menus to VTS folders). In fact, some of the statements made in this book, while true for DVD Studio Pro 3, are factually incorrect for DVD Studio Pro 4 (e.g. 1 GB limit for menus). Since I already have Martin Sitter's excellent Visual QuickPro Guide for DVD Studio Pro 3, this book was a waste of money for me. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Apple And Macintosh Graphics And Sound    2. Computer - Apple/Macintosh    3. Computer Books: Operating Systems    4. Computers    5. Interactive & Multimedia    6. Miscellaneous Software    7. Operating Systems - Macintosh    8. Computers / Interactive Media    9. Multimedia   

Reviews (2)

Total Package for the beginner
The SolidWorks 2006 Tutorial is a must have book for your arsenal, if you are a new user to SolidWorks or an Instructor teaching a first year class using SolidWorks.
Awesome book for the classroom or new user
I`m a CAD instructor for a large Community College in the Southeast. September 2005 was the first time that I used SolidWorks. SolidWorks is a great 3D CAD tool. My experience is primarily with AutoCAD, 5 plus years.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Computer Books: General    2. Computers    3. General    4. Computer aided design (CAD)    5. Computer graphics software   

Rev