December 2009 Software Closet
Helpful Utilities
HandBrake 0.9.4
Copying a copy-protected video DVD requires a specialized software, and HandBrake (free) is considered by many to be the best available. HandBrake 0.9.4 is now able to take advantage of the 64-bit processing capabilities in the latest few rounds of Macs, which provides a 10%–15% speed boost. The new version also has a Preview Window that lets you preview a short portion of your movie as it will look after being encoded using your current settings. If you don't like what you see, change the settings and preview again. For an overview and review, click here to read Jonathan Seff's Macworld article. Click here to read the documentation. (Note that to decode copy-protected DVDs, you'll need to click here to download the free VLC media player).
SuperCal
Berg Designs' SuperCal ($19) lets you visually calibrate your display, in a way that's much more accurate than the color profiling tools built into Mac OS X. SuperCal was designed to provide the most accurate calibration possible without the use of a hardware measurement device. It has an assistant-like interface that leads you through all the required steps to build an accurate ColorSync profile. SuperCal is distributed as shareware. This means that you are encouraged to download and try out SuperCal for free, then if you find it useful and want to continue using it, you are bound by the honor system to register your copy.
Photoshop actions
50 Photoshop Postwork Actions
50 Photoshop Postwork Actions (free) adds 50 unique and creative actions to Photoshop CS and higher. The collection includes actions grouped into categories such as Retro & Vintage, Camera damage, Color enhancers, Fashion Mag, Psychotic, and Oldschool. It also includes Smart BW/Sepia/Duotone, Smart contrast, Smart desaturators, and more. The actions are well thought out, create great effects, and can save loads of time when you want to add complex finishing touches and effects to your images.
Polaroid GENERATOR
Polaroid GENERATOR (free) is a Photoshop action that makes your digital photos look like they were taken with an old Polaroid instant camera. It includes options to make your images look old and faded, color-shifted, and black-and-white. It can add emulsion streaks and grain, and adds the tell-tale photo frame for Type 600 or Type Zero Polaroid film.
Free Fonts
Click here to download this month's holiday font collection, which includes:
- Altamonte Snow
- Davy's Ribbon
- Flakes
- PF Snowman Citadel
- Star Things
- Star Things 2
- Star Things 3
- Toy Train
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