What We're Working On Now

Just a quick update. We're currently working on a couple of video projects that should be making their way to LVS soon. In the short term, we're working on Windows Presentation Framework videos (finally, I know), ASP.NET MVC and Entity Framework ... each of these will also feature the creation of complete projects that we know you'll be using in your own projects.

In addition to that, we're about to refactor our curriculum in two big ways. First, we will offer a unique, common sense path through all our videos for those who are looking for guidance. We hope to definitively answer the question "Where do I start?" Second, we're going to re-record virtually every video using Visual Studio 2010 ... and we'll pare down the older videos that are no longer relevant. We're waiting for VS2010 to hit a stable beta, which we anticipate will be mid-summer.

Finally, we're updating the production quality of the videos. We're using new recording software, professionally designed motion graphics, etc. to produce a more aesthetic screen cast experience. There is a downside to this ... our file sizes will be larger and we will no longer support WMV file format. We will be using H.264 video encoding which is quickly becoming a standard on the web for video. To watch these videos it will require VLC (free), Quicktime (free), or a special codec to Windows Media Player (free). I'll have more details about this as we release our first set of videos within the next week or so.

Finally, (eventually) all videos will be offered in an iPhone compatible format. I know ... any true Microsoft fan wouldn't be caught dead with an iPhone. Well, I happen to absolutely LOVE mine, and all four of us at LVS have one ... as does my wife and son. In fact, just about everyone I talk to has one. Now, I'm totally open to releasing videos in a format usable on the Windows Mobile platform, but I'll need a few volunteers to help me test file formats and such.

Sometimes you have to step back and re-think the way you do business. I imagine a lot of companies are doing just that nowadays. Our aim is to set the bar higher in 2009 and 2010 for screen casts, instructional content and customer service. In the coming months, we'll be asking your opinion more often ... what you like, what you hate. We promise to take your kind suggestions to heart and do what we can to supply you with the information you need to thrive in our current economic climate. If there's anything we can do to help you, please let us know: customercare (at) learnvisualstudio.net