This is a follow-up video to the previous video I did modifying my desk to hold my new computer. Steemit is sort of the inspiration to reinvigorate me on making these types of videos, and I've finally upgraded my equipment to hopefully start taking the quality to the next level. I decided to use my newly-acquired Cyberlink PowerDirector 14 video editing software to edit the video as a comparison of quality from one video to the next. All equipment was otherwise the same, I just used Microsoft Movie Maker on the first video.
Overall, I think I'm satisfied with the results of both the drill motor mod on my desk and the editing software purchase. The drill ended up being a dud. At slow speeds it doesn't have enough torque to move the desk very well and at high speeds it overwhelms the mechanicals of the desk itself (they were originally intended to go as quickly as your hand can crank, not 500 rpm or whatever). Right now I'm substituting my Dewalt cordless drill and that does a much better job with its slow speed gear selector.
The software is excellent as compared to the free stuff you get from Microsoft. It has options for both video and audio that far exceed what you can do with something like Movie Maker. For example, I was able to shadow my captions so they will be visible in both light and dark areas on the screen using the same font color throughout and no letterbox. I was also able to EQ and compress the audio so that you get a much clearer, louder sound from my voice without blowing out your eardrums when I start running machinery. I think you'll notice the difference if you go back and watch the first video. As I learn more about how everything works with both my equipment and the software, I think the results will just keep getting better and more professional looking.
One negative thing I will say about the Cyberlink software though is that it already crashed 3 times since I've had it installed, and I've only used it 4 times. One of the times it autosaved my work, but the other times I had to start over. On the flip side of that, it renders the final video at lightning speed compared to Movie Maker. For example, a 30 minute video would take 40 minutes to render on my old machine. Even on the new one, it would take about 25 minutes with that software. With PowerDirector 14, it takes about 8-10 minutes. Much much faster. That's the most valuable quality about the software in my opinion.
Well, that's it. Thanks for watching. Enjoy!
Link to first video: https://steemit.com/diy/@randr10/stand-up-desk-hack
