Would you guys mind giving a little more information? I've searched google, but can't find any reviews, or even any chapter listings. Is this merely a minor update of the previous book (Vegas 6), or is it a lot more than that?

Do you know whether it covers the pro titler at all?

Also, I doubt it covers DVD Architect at all, but out of curiosity, is there any content about dvds?

Thanks! I'm very interested in the book, just haven't seen it yet.

Title is "Vegas Pro 8 Editing Workshop" from Focal Press.

Vegas Pro 8 Editing Workshop

I received my copy today from Amazon. As usual, Spot does a superb job in explaining complex issues in a simple manner for those of us that are still novices with Vegas. It is well worth the $49.95 cover price. Amazon sells it with free shipping for $32.97.

It belongs on the desk of every user of Vegas Pro 8, no matter what level of experience with the NLE.

Once again, thanks Spot. You and the VASST team have taught me so much between your books and DVDs that I feel I owe you a credit on every production I do.

David S. Calef
www.EventVideoTeam.com

similar to a degree to the vegas 5 book in terms of some of the examples used but in paging through can also tell a lot of new material as would be expected...dvd has new material also ...raw hdv/m2t files and full res xdcam footage...28 bonus chapters and articles, veg files etc ...yes goes over protype titler but not really dvd architect...

I just ordered yesterday from amazon.com as well, looking forward to it. As with Spot's DVDs, which are terrific, I'm sure I'll learn a lot of new tips and workflow improvement timesavers that'll be valuable. Thanks for keeping up the great work on Vegas training.

Ken

I just received my copy from Amazon today. I am a new Vegas user (migrated from Pinnacle this year) and am convinced this book will be extremely useful and helpful. I highly recommend it for any of the new Vegas users lurking in this forum.

Cheers,
Gary

There's only one two star review on Amazon right now. Based on the information in that review, I would not buy the book. Some of the reviewers concerns about content would be my concerns as well.From the description of the book and the review, there is nothing in the book about the ProType Titler which is a big deal to me. If what the reviewer wrote is true, this book would not be comprehensive enough for me.

the book is definitely worth getting...chapter 8 deals with pro type titler...yes be aware there are typos and some screen captures/terminology have not been updated from previous vegas versions...but if you are a vegas user the book should be on your shelf...when working through the book definitely have vegas open so you can see what is being explained and also so you can alert yourself to the outdated captures or typos...not a perfect book but overall a great resource...

I agree. Spot it is a treasure trove of info. It is one of those indispensible manuals that gives so much needed info, counsel, and absolutely clear examples. This is a MUST BUY for anyone learning Vegas or video/audio editing. Excellent job.

stopint wrote...
the book is definitely worth getting...chapter 8 deals with pro type titler...yes be aware there are typos and some screen captures/terminology have not been updated from previous vegas versions...

Obviously the user reviews on Amazon for Spot's last book weren't taken to heart.

I just added my review (5 stars - highly recommended) to the Amazon review list. I encourage all who like this book to do the same.

reberclark wrote:
I just added my review (5 stars - highly recommended) to the Amazon review list. I encourage all who like this book to do the same.

I have not seen the book, so I have to rely on reviews. If I had not seen this thread and went to read the Amazon reviews, I would put more credence in the other review given that yours is basically a fluff piece and the other review is much more detailed.

Having seen the post here about the typos and old screenshots, plus the two star review on Amazon, I would not purchase the book.

By the way, I have buying from Amazon from almost the time they started. I rely heavily on the reviews to make my purchasing decisions. I had four Amazon boxes arrive yesterday and one more is due today. I was waiting for a review on Amazon before making a decision to buy this book.

dspenc: "I have not seen the book, so I have to rely on reviews."

I suppose there's always the interlibrary loan.

I'n glad you like it. I'm aware of at least one Amazon review written by someone with an agenda, and that's always a risk when you have a competitive market such as this one.
It's tough to weed between the "this book is way too technical" and "this book isn't near technical enough" and fit all the users. In a book this large, (notice the type is smaller than most Focal books) out of the hundreds of thousands of words, sometimes the toughest and most critical proofers and editors (this book had three) still miss things, as do I, or sometimes my grammer jes' plane stynks. Even Tom Clancy has nasty typos, so I don't feel too bad. Getting all the kHz vs KHz vs kHZ vs....you get it, sometimes means that other things too, get missed.
To those that don't find it useful...I apologize. To those that have found the book of merit, my profound gratitude. It's entirely a labor of love, no one but the publisher makes money on these things. Until you've written a book, you'd likely never have any idea of how much actually goes into the process. It ain't easy. but it can be fun! Reading good comments feels great, and reading negative comments founded on real problems or issues vs "this guy is a jerk, give it a bad review" are also very helpful in planning the next one.

the typos and the such are so few and far between but still has to be mentioned...but it should not stop one from getting this book because it is such a great resource for a vegas user...plus the included dvd material is worth the price of admission alone...i.e. disecting the included veg files i have always found is a great learning tool to see how some things are put together...

Spot wrote:
I'n glad you like it. I'm aware of at least one Amazon review written by someone with an agenda, and that's always a risk when you have a competitive market such as this one.

There are only two reviews of your book and one was written today by someone here. Safe to say we can figure out which review you are referring to. That's a pretty serious claim that you are making. Who do you suspect that 'KLC' is?

Just to be clear, you have probably forgotten more about Vegas than I know. It's not your knowledge that I am questioning, it's the usefulness of the book for my needs.

BTW, I have listened to some snippets of your CD's on Amazon. Very cool, indeed!

...many users of vegas on all levels on this forum have given their opinion of the book in this thread...they seem to be all positive...i've been somewhat critical but only on the few typos and screen captures...that leaves 99% of the book a brilliant vegas resource...if you don't want to have a great insight into vegas then don't get the book...what does this book cost? depending on where you get it...$30 to $50...to have spot's insight and expertise on not just vegas but video and yes even audio production in general...many forget and/or do not realize vegas started as an audio multi-track and still my fave for audio production...this book is a drop in the bucket if you are even serious about vegas...there is no way you could not read this book and not get your money back in the things you will pick up...plus it is always on your shelf for refresher and future reference...and i'll say it again the material on the included dvd is also useful...

I'm referring to a past review, to which someone referred in another thread, prior to the Vegas Pro 8 version of the book being released. As far as any recent reviews of it found on Amazon.com or any other website, I'm not familiar with them. I don't track those, there is no point. I'll look at them when we begin the next book.If you don't find any value in the book, it's all good. This forum is a terrific resource for information about Vegas if you have the time to wade through the threads about Blu-ray, politics, and aliens. :-)

reberclark: I agree. Spot it is a treasure trove of info

Me too. I have not read the book, but if I were looking for a V8 book, I would for sure get this one. I have a lot of Spot's DVD's and for me they are great.

I have seldom experienced NLE instructors / writers etc. to hang out on a user forum like this one and help out as much as Spot does here. That should of course not be the reason for buying a book, but I think it adds to the picture of a guy that is passionate about Vegas and wants to help people getting the most out of the program and their video business / hobby in general.

/Ulf

"about Blu-ray, politics, and aliens. :-)" Don't forgot about skydiving, ;-)

DSE doesn't need my support but DSE has been here and many forums supporting vegas users and his books are an asset for many and especially new vegas users. It must be tough to get a new book out on a new version every year and add new material of current interest and still have a life!

If you don't like the reviews at Amazon, I would suggest looking at one of his older books and read his many articles at VAAST for his writing style, I think you'll be pleased. Again, DSE doesn't need me preaching his positives or negatives(temper,temper and TSA), just keep an open mind and check his work out. ;-)

Support vegas users!!!!!!!!! Or the "Florida Cowboys" will be coming for you! ;-) (I know---got to work on my humour)...

I'm relatively new to video editing but not new to computer graphics programs and have always learned from third-party software books rather than the original manuals. If you've ever tried teaching yourself any of the Adobe programs using their manuals you'll understand why - now I just leave the manuals in their original plastic shrink-wrap and rush straight out to buy another book rather than trying.

When I first started using Vegas with version 6 I bought Spot's book and found it to be an invaluable resource and will certainly get the version 8 book as well.