Friday, July 15, 2011

"Bridge encountered a problem. . . "

The moment we've all dreaded has arrived this morning. I turned on my computer, launched Bridge and straightaway saw this on my screen:


"Bridge encountered a problem and is unable to read the cache. Please try purging the central cache in Cache Preferences to correct the situation."

Before taking any action, however, I wanted to review my cache size: (User>Library>Cache>Adobe>BridgeCS4). I soon discovered that it consumed 44 gigabytes of space and contained slightly more than 364,000 items.  Since the maximum number of items allowed is 500,000, that didn't seem too extreme. However, I did notice that there were more than 1200 cached folders in the 256 thumb folder but more than 1300 folders in the 1024 preview folder. (Even though the image library contains only a fraction of that number of folders, I use Bridge for moving files/folders around and prepping images for their eventual migration to the photo library.)

The difference between the two numbers seemed a bit odd since both folders should be the exact same size. I wonder if the cache crashed simply because of the number of folders of cached items.

Whatever the root cause, this event reminded me of the importance of tracking Bridge's cache size -- and it would probably be wise to occasionally run the Optimize Cache in Preferences as well:

Bridge>Preferences>Cache>Optimize Cache.

Have you experienced similar problems?

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Expression Media 2 now Media Pro 1 and Photoshop User Trashes Bridge

Expression Media 2 is gone, replaced by a totally redesigned program called Media Pro 1 -- and with it any support  for the older program as well. Phase One, who purchased EM2 from Microsoft last year, is selling an upgrade to the photo cataloging program for $59 for EM2 users ($69 for iView users). There can little doubt now that the "new" program is designed to integrate with the company's powerful Capture One RAW converter and image editing tool. A good deal for Phase One users and certainly a smart move from a corporate perspective to be sure -- but what about the rest of us?

I suspect future versions will quietly integrate into the Capture One system, eventually serving as their version of Adobe's Bridge product (but catalog-based, not browser-based). It just makes sense, after all. But if you don't use the entire package, well. . . .

Any thoughts?

So, the alternatives to Bridge get fewer and fewer.

And to top it off, in the latest issue of Photoshop User magazine (published by the National Association of Photoshop Professionals), under "NAPP Community," is a short note pointing the reader to www.photoshopuser.com where they will find "100 Ways Adobe Lightroom Kicks Bridge A$$ for Photographers." Think I'm joking? Check it out, with video tutorials no less.

Where is this leading, I wonder?