22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
DVD Version has been a proven GREAT HELP for my study and reference work., February 14, 2010
This review is from: A Manual of Acupuncture Multimedia DVD-ROM (V1.2) (DVD-ROM)
Its just what I have been looking for -- the whole textbook unabridged but maximized for interactive benefits by multimedia DVD-ROM. While I value many of the features of QPunctureII, a similar product, this one simultaneous excels in its study tools for students and in its value as a reference for more experienced practitioners. Searching and cross referencing is in fact much more rapid than in a standard printed text. So after the first initial read, this is my favorite means to work with the material. The printed text just can't implement all the features of the DVD.
There are well designed sections detailing out the anatomy of critical landmarks such as the spinous processes, ribs, and other bony landmarks. It provides good coverage on precautions to take when needling near organs. It contains both point-by-point information plus details of the major meridians, extraordinary points and chinese names. Multi-media features include brief very good resolution videos of how to locate points on the human body plus chinese pronunciation of point names. These are easily available at the touch of a link for every point.
It is quite flexible as a study tool, allowing one to practice locating points by identifying first the general body region, and then the underlying key anatomical structures that simulate what one would feel under the skin as depicted in the next deeper level of the drawing. (I wish it allowed one more optional layer for clarifying location of nearby nerves, blood vessels, muscles/ligament groups and their names -- with some way to rehearse these as well). Practice tests can be configured as needed for studying particular meridians. I especially like being able to contruct my own point combinations as desired for treating particular illnesses or regional pain problems. One can focus this process to rehearse Chinese names, too.
The testing features makes studying more meaningful -- helps one identify where additional work is needed and builds confidence. Given that every school seems to have a few of their own "special" pearls or point variations to learn -- it is extremely important to find a means to add in notes as well. This program allows you to do so.
Deadman's Textbook/DVD multimedia program has already proven to be one of my favorite essential resources. I expect it to be a companion for a long to come. Physicians acupuncturists will need to be mindful that the points are understandably determined by WHO international nomenclature, and there will be small variations in preferred locations for some individualized purposes.
DRM Limitations
I previously agreed with another reviewer here about frustration regarding the DRM limitations. These WERE quite annoying. HOWEVER, the developers of the software have been extremely attentive to our concerns. They have subsequently developed a patch which corrects this problem and allows the program to run disc-free. At first it glance, it seemed to be a bit cumbersome to install -- but actually was quite easy. It does require that the full version of the software from the original disc be installed first -- which was not a problem for me as that is how I had been running it all along. Then a brief online validation with a key the developers provide allows it to be unlocked. If one needs to change to another computer there is a provision for uninstalling and then reinstalling somewhere else again. This provides pretty much everything I had wished for.
I am extremely grateful that Tom Kennedy and his team at JCM have provided their willingness to listen which led to the creation of this solution until the next version of the DVD is available. You can write to them for the patch at: jcmdvdsupport(at)gmail.com
This patch has continued to work through the first several trial on my computer. A few reboots, running other software and returning to MofA, as well as disconnecting from the internet after the initial registration/unlock was completed. I am delighted to say that it is still working fine.
I now wholeheartedly recommend this DVD.
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24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
Good product made too inconvenient by DRM, December 4, 2009
This review is from: A Manual of Acupuncture Multimedia DVD-ROM (V1.2) (DVD-ROM)
First off, let me say that the content on this DVD-ROM is everything I'd hoped it would be. Anyone familiar w/ Deadman's hardcopy text (which I also own) will know that the text is solid. There are a wide variety of quizzes which are useful and well organized. The videos for point location are great for to refresh your memory on the location of an obscure point you haven't used in several years. If this was the whole story I would give this product 5/5 stars.
Unfortunately, this otherwise useful tool is shackled by unreasonable DRM. For those unfamiliar with the term, DRM is technology used to limit the ways in which one can use software that has already been purchased. In this case, the software requires that the DVD must ALWAYS be present in my computer in order to run the software. This is incredibly inconvenient. The main reason I bought this software was for its portability. This is hampered if I must carry a fragile DVD with me to use it. If I leave it in my DVD drive, then it makes extra noise when booting up and drains extra power from my laptop. Also, it means my DVD drive is occupied and not available for other disks. I would prefer to be able to keep the DVD safely in my office or at home, but this is not possible. Hopefully nothing will happen to the disk.
My recommendation is to make do with the hardcopy text if you have it already. The added benefits from the DVD don't compensate for the inconvenience of the DRM. Also, if you need to use it in a quite place (such as a library or classroom) make sure your DVD drive is quiet, as mine (superdrive in a macbook pro) makes too much noise for these applications.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A little upgrade, March 23, 2010
This review is from: A Manual of Acupuncture Multimedia DVD-ROM (V1.2) (DVD-ROM)
This DVD-Rom is great, upgrade of the CD-Rom sold previously. The videos od point locations and needling are great, but quite fast and short, but this is the only downside of the product. As all points have their own video, it is a helpful tool for both the beginners and advanced acupuncturists, for it shows the locations of "difficult" points (such as LU 7) as well as of the "easy" ones (such as LI 4).I am very satisfied and so is everybody I know who has used this DVD-Rom, so I can higly recommend it... And, in comparison to the book, the search of the points is so much FASTER...
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