Dec
02

SL DigiSlate question

I recently got asked a question from one of my customers about SL DigiSlate and why the timecode stop when the clapper is closed. My slate is designed to work like a traditional digital slate used on real film and television productions. That means that when the clapper is closed, the timecode stops at that moment.

I could add the option to have the timecode start when the clapper is closed. I have never heard of a digital slate ever being used that way, but I could add that. I’m looking for anyone to explain to me the benefit of a workflow like that.

Nov
20

On The Level

This application is a combination digital inclinometer and bubble level.  I wanted to make this app as simple and straightforward to use as their real life counterparts.

I also tried to make this as precise as the hardware will allow.  The measurements are calibrated to a hundredths of a degree accuracy.  Because of the fine level of precision and the uncertainty of the hardware its running on, the numerical display may not completely stop but bounce around a bit. A special filtering technique is used to keep the readings from getting too erratic. If you find that you are experiencing any problem with this app, please feel free to contact me. I’ll do my best to fix any problems that I can.

NEW in version 2.0 Support for larger display sizes. This application should work on Android devices with higher resolution displays like the Motorola Droid.

NEW in version 3.0 * Better support for different display resolutions. Tested on a Motorola Droid and the G1 phone.
Added the Dering Spirit level
Enhanced the graphics
Optimized the code to run more efficiently
Smoothed out the filtering for better accuracy

Some people have been having a hard time finding this app in the Android Market, so he is a link to it in the AndroLib. http://www.androlib.com/android.application.com-onthelevel-qzpm.aspx

Nov
20

SL Digislate

SL Digislate main screenshot

SL Digislate main screen

I wrote this app at the request of someone using my other app, “On the Level 3″. I know that there are several film slate applications available on the Apple App Store, but it looked like no one has written one for the Android Market. I looked at what the app store versions had to offer and set out to craft my own version with an eye towards a person using this in an actual film production. I made sure that this app would be just as functional and easy to use as a real slate.  If you are looking for instructions on how to use SL DigiSlate, go here.

Please note: This app is specifically designed for use by film and television camera assistants. If you don’t understand what the different settings are, please do not ask me to explain them to you. There is plenty of information on the internet.

Important: An app like this is a constant work in progress. As you think of features or additions, please let me know so I can try to incorporate them.

I hope that as people use this app, they will let me know what features they would like me to include in future updates.

By popular demand I’ve added a shot logging feature! This took a lot longer to implement than I originally thought it would. Again, I wanted to keep it as simple and functional as I can. You can scroll both horzontally and vertically through the list (a pain in the butt process from a UI programming perspective!), edit individual shots in the list, backup and restore your information, and email your shot log.

Someone had asked me to add a feature where the timecode display would continue running even after the clapper is closed. This option can be found in the SETTINGS MENU.

I also added support for tablets, so I’m really interested in hearing how this works for everyone.

I also noted that one of the apps in the App Store had a color bars setting. This is something that I would have loved to include, but due to the fact that this app can run on a variety of phones and devices, all with unique and differing displays, it didn’t seem practical. In fact using color bars from a phone would most likely result in strange color shifts when your project is color corrected using those color bars as a reference.

As always, I look forward to your comments and suggestions.

Best,
Stephen Lebed
Visual Effects Supervisor/Developer
Mechnology

Version History:
v2.5 - Added multi choices for the clapper sound.  Media volume is automatically set to full volume when app is running and is restored to previous volume on exiting app.
Added option to invert slate colors for dark shooting situations.
Added production title and current date to subject line in email.
Added auto increment to take number when clapper is reset.
Added a 5 second countdown timer before the clapper is triggered.

Thanks to everyone who sent me suggestion for this release!

v2.1 – Added louder clapper sound file.
v2.0 – Added shot logging, support for Android tablets like the Dell Streak, and the ability to have the clock continue running when the clapper is down.
v1.2 – Added Series label option to Take.
v1.1 – Added reset buttons for Roll, Scene, and Take (Thanks for the suggestion Freddie!)
v1.0 – Initial release
IMPORTANT NEWS!!!  You can now purchase SL DigiSlate through PayPal!  If you live in a part of the world where the Android Market isn’t available, you now have a new way to get this app.  Just send your payment of $9.99 to srlebed@gmail.com at Paypal, and I’ll email the app directly.  I hope this will make it easier for all the people who have been asking to buy this app around the world.

Feb
15

Hello world!

Well I’ve decided to take the plunge a start a blog like millions of people do every day.  I’m currently writing apps for the Android platform, and my first app has been in the Android Market since August last year.  I want to use this blog to share some programming techniques and tricks I’ve found useful over the years.

I plan on posting code snippets for Android in an effort to help people get through their programming challenges.  Some of these code snippets are my own and some will be from other sources.  I want to have a place where I can go and find the code I need, rather than continuing to search the net for them.  If anyone wants to contribute to this blog, I’d be very appreciative.

The first app I wrote is called “On The Level” and its a digital bubble level and inclinometer.  So far its in its up to version 3.0 and the feedback from users has been overwhelmingly positive.  I’ve received only three emails from customers with issues using the app, and I’ve been able to work through their problems quickly.  A few people have even suggestions and I’ve done my best to implement them.

I hope this blog is something people will come back to from time to time.  I’m still learning how to be a better programmer, so I hope readers will be able to share thoughts and code snippets as well.

Feb
15

On the Level

This application is a combination digital inclinometer and bubble level.  I wanted to make this app as simple and straightforward to use as their real life counterparts.

I also tried to make this as precise as the hardware will allow.  The measurements are calibrated to a hundredths of a degree accuracy.  Because of the fine level of precision and the uncertainty of the hardware its running on, the numerical display may not completely stop but bounce around a bit. A special filtering technique is used to keep the readings from getting too erratic. If you find that you are experiencing any problem with this app, please feel free to contact me. I’ll do my best to fix any problems that I can.

NEW in version 2.0 Support for larger display sizes. This application should work on Android devices with higher resolution displays like the Motorola Droid.

NEW in version 3.0 * Better support for different display resolutions. Tested on a Motorola Droid and the G1 phone.
Added the Dering Spirit level
Enhanced the graphics
Optimized the code to run more efficiently
Smoothed out the filtering for better accuracy

Some people have been having a hard time finding this app in the Android Market, so he is a link to it in the AndroLib. http://www.androlib.com/android.application.com-onthelevel-qzpm.aspx

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