So, I got a new computer and needed to buy a Keyboard. The cheapest one they had at the store with a full sized backspace key (yeah - I make enough typing mistakes that it warrants a BIG key) was the Microsoft Digital Media Pro Keyboard.
Anyway, I tested the keyboard on an old PC, installing the drivers and hardware, and it worked pretty well, so I moved it to the new one. But then when I opened AE, the interface was behaving badly. At first I though I had a bad install (new computer, new install of AE), but then I opened AE on the older machine, and saw that I had similar problems. My big concern was that the interface issues (such as partially transparent menus) would keep me from being able to make any more AE tutorials.
The only thing these 2 machines had in common was that they both had AE and that they both had the IntelliPoint and IntelliType drivers installed... So using my Sherlock Holmes powers of deduction and added 2+2 and came up with 4 (I'm smart that way)... I removed the drivers and now all is well.
So the short of it is - if you install the intellipoint or intellitype drivers that come with a Microst keyboard or mouse, and have trouble in AE - now you know why.
Digg it
Were things jumping?
I had a similar issue prior to doing the requisite 6-month format c: on my desktop. It was like After Effects and Audition (the only 2 programs from the Production Studio that I noticed had a problem) had a date night of watching every Star Trek inspired show with temporal anomalies and tried to mimic the effects. Panels (is that the right term for After Effects 7?) would jump a few pixels at the most random times. After reading your post, I realized that I haven't had any issues since I didn't install the Intellitype or Intellipoint drivers.
2 off-topic comments: I just bought your podcast DVD. Now, I won't have to watch them blurred from scaling up the resolution.
Second, it looks like Andrew Kramer "stole" your signature podcast.
Yes they were!
That's exactly what was happening. 5 seconds after I maximized the interface would jump. Also it would jump at random times. And again, menues were partiaqlly transparent.
Thanks for buying my DVD!
Andrew did not steal that. He is using a similar technique but to do a different thing. He is using it as a reveal. I was using it to actually write the text. My method, could not do exactly what his does.
But thanks for watching my back.
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Aharon Rabinowitz
aharon(AT)yahoo(DOT)com
www.allbetsareoff.com
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Click the link below to subscribe to the Creative Cow After Effects Podcast, a
Backseat drivers
The cool thing about MS "hardware" is that you don't have to install the drivers. I'm glad it's working for you.
I really love MS hardware, btw. I have the Natural Ergonomic 4000. It's one of those hilly kind with the keyboard split in the middle. I'd already been a fast typist, but this thing helps me be a FAST FAST typist. It's also pretty quiet, especially for having a long, tasty throw. (I HATE short throw keys.)
I'm also a HUGE fan of MS mice. The Intellimouse Explorer is the best mouse ever. Five buttons, a scroll wheel that TILTS for multi-directional navigation, the whole deal -- works just fine without drivers.
Use both the MS keyboard and the mouse with my Macs, too. In fact, going on the road I always had TWO of them -- couldn't stand to be without one if I left one behind...which I admit, happened now again.
Mice and keyboards are two of the things that reveals how utterly deficient Apple is in the absolute basic part of the user interface with a computer, the part where you put your hands. Mighty Mouse is the worst culprit yet. Hideous. Seriously kids, your Mac experience goes way, way up the further you get from Apple's mice and keyboards.
BTW, I've made this statement to every Mac audience I've been in front of for 15 years. And no, not an anti-Mac statement. Like I said, I use the MS gear with my Macs. If you're unwilling to spend the money on MS, at least take a look at MacAlly and Logitech, both of which kick Apple's backside every bit as much as MS does. EVERYBODY makes better mice and keyboards than Apple. Seriously.
So anyway, glad it's working for you sans drivers.
Well it sort of works
It works, but, alas, all of the cool buttons on this thing (like opening your My Documents, favorites, pictures, and music folders) as well as some other really cool functionality, are not available anymore.
The istructions that came with the Keyboard were VERY CLEAR in stating not to connect the keyboard before adding the drivers - there was even a sticker over the connector that said "Drivers first you ninny!!!" (I might be misquoting but I don't think so). Had I realized that I could just skip that, I wouldn't have bothered. It's more important that I have a big backspace button. Otherwise, I don't really care all that much about special keyboard features.
Viva la backspace!
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Aharon Rabinowitz
aharon(AT)yahoo(DOT)com
www.allbetsareoff.com
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