Nero Video Operation Manual

Nero Video Manual

Table of Content

1. Start Successfully .................................................................................................................................. 6

1.1. About Nero Video ......................................................................................................................... 6

1.2. Versions of Nero Video ................................................................................................................. 6

1.3. System Requirements ................................................................................................................... 7

2. Application Workflow and Interface ..................................................................................................... 8

2.1. Working with Nero Video ............................................................................................................. 8

2.1.1. Saving a Project ..................................................................................................................... 9

2.1.2. Opening a Project ................................................................................................................ 10

2.2. Header Bar .................................................................................................................................. 10

2.2.1. Tools: Erasing a Rewritable Disc ......................................................................................... 12

2.2.2. Tools: Displaying Disc Info ................................................................................................... 13

2.2.3. Tools: Finalizing a Disc ......................................................................................................... 13

2.2.4. Tools: Burning a Disc Image ................................................................................................ 14

2.2.5. Options: Application Settings Window ............................................................................... 14

2.2.6. General Tab ......................................................................................................................... 14

2.2.7. Folders Tab .......................................................................................................................... 15

2.2.8. Editing Tab .......................................................................................................................... 15

2.2.9. Options: Recording Format Options Window ..................................................................... 16

2.2.10. General Tab ......................................................................................................................... 16

2.2.11. Smart Encoding ................................................................................................................... 17

2.2.12. [Disc Format] Tab ................................................................................................................ 18

2.2.13. Options: Nero MediaBrowser ............................................................................................. 20

2.3. Drag Your Files Here Area ........................................................................................................... 22

3. Capturing and Importing from Camera and External Devices ............................................................ 23

3.1. Capturing ..................................................................................................................................... 23

3.1.1. Capturing of Digital and Analog Videos .............................................................................. 23

3.1.2. Import of AVCHD Footage ................................................................................................... 24

3.2. Capture Video Screen ................................................................................................................. 24

3.2.1. Preview Scan Window ......................................................................................................... 26

3.2.2. Video Device Properties Window ....................................................................................... 26

3.2.3. Audio Device Properties Window ....................................................................................... 27

3.3. Setting a TV Card ......................................................................................................................... 27

Nero Video Manual

3.4. Capturing Video to Hard Drive .................................................................................................... 30

3.4.1. Pre-Scanning Video Captures .............................................................................................. 33

3.5. Record Directly to Disc ................................................................................................................ 34

4. Editing Videos ..................................................................................................................................... 36

4.1. Video Editing ............................................................................................................................... 36

4.1.1. Switching Between the Editing Modes ............................................................................... 37

4.1.2. Movie Options Window ...................................................................................................... 38

4.1.3. Preview Area ....................................................................................................................... 39

4.1.4. Media Area .......................................................................................................................... 40

4.1.4.1. Nero Seamless Music ...................................................................................................... 41

4.1.5. Effect Palette ....................................................................................................................... 41

4.1.5.1. Tilt Shift Effect ................................................................................................................. 42

4.1.5.2. Properties Area ............................................................................................................... 43

4.1.6. General Handling in Express Editing ................................................................................... 46

4.1.7. General Handling in the Advanced Editing Mode ............................................................... 48

4.1.8. Track Handling in the Advanced Editing Mode ................................................................... 52

4.1.9. Clip Handling in the Advanced Editing Mode...................................................................... 53

4.1.10. Arranging Screen ................................................................................................................. 55

4.1.11. Toolbar ................................................................................................................................ 56

4.1.11.1. Nero RhythmSnap ........................................................................................................... 57

4.1.11.2. Nero Picture in Picture (PiP) Effects ................................................................................ 58

4.1.11.3. Movie Wizard .................................................................................................................. 60

4.1.11.4. Ad Spotter Window ......................................................................................................... 62

4.1.11.5. Music Grabber Window .................................................................................................. 63

4.1.12. Preview and Trim Window .................................................................................................. 64

4.1.13. Fit Slide Show to Music Feature .......................................................................................... 66

4.1.14. Fit Music to Project Feature ................................................................................................ 66

4.1.15. Handling of Windows Live Movie Maker Projects .............................................................. 67

4.2. Making Movie ............................................................................................................................. 67

4.2.1. Detecting Commercials ....................................................................................................... 69

4.2.2. Searching for Music Clips .................................................................................................... 70

4.2.3. Detecting Video Scenes ....................................................................................................... 71

4.2.4. Choosing a Movie Template ............................................................................................... 71

Nero Video Manual

4.2.5. Recording a Narration File .................................................................................................. 73

4.3. Movie Editing in Express Editing ................................................................................................. 73

4.3.1. Moving and Positioning Files (Express Editing) ................................................................... 74

4.3.2. Fitting the Display Duration of Pictures (Express Editing) .................................................. 75

4.3.3. Inserting Nero Picture in Picture Templates (Express Editing) ........................................... 75

4.3.4. Inserting Transitions (Express Editing) ................................................................................ 76

4.3.5. Adding an Effect (Express Editing) ...................................................................................... 77

4.3.6. Adding a Text Effect (Express Editing)................................................................................. 77

4.4. Movie Editing in Advanced Editing ............................................................................................. 78

4.4.1. Creating Chapters in Timeline (Advanced Editing) ............................................................. 79

4.4.2. Adding a Text Effect (Advanced Editing) ............................................................................. 80

4.4.3. Editing Effects (Advanced Editing) ...................................................................................... 81

4.4.4. Adding an Effect (Advanced Editing) ................................................................................... 83

4.4.5. Editing Transitions (Advanced Editing) ............................................................................... 83

4.4.6. Inserting Transitions (Advanced Editing) ............................................................................ 84

4.4.7. Inserting Nero Picture in Picture Templates (Advanced Editing)........................................ 85

4.4.8. Fitting the Display Duration of Pictures (Advanced Editing) ............................................... 86

4.4.9. Cutting and Trimming Audio and Video Clips (Advanced Editing) ...................................... 87

4.4.10. Moving and Positioning Files (Advanced Editing) ............................................................... 88

5. Exporting Videos ................................................................................................................................. 90

5.1. Export Video Screen .................................................................................................................... 90

5.2. Exporting Video to File ................................................................................................................ 92

5.3. Exporting Audio to File ................................................................................................................ 93

5.4. Exporting Video to Camera ......................................................................................................... 94

5.5. Exporting Video to Web .............................................................................................................. 95

5.6. Exporting Video to Send it as E-Mail ........................................................................................... 96

6. Disc Project Creation ........................................................................................................................... 98

6.1. Content Screen............................................................................................................................ 98

6.2. Creating and Editing a Disc Project ........................................................................................... 101

6.2.1. Creating Chapters Manually .............................................................................................. 104

6.2.2. Creating Chapters Automatically ...................................................................................... 104

6.2.3. Editing Chapters ................................................................................................................ 105

7. Menu Creation .................................................................................................................................. 107

Nero Video Manual

7.1. Edit Menu Screen ...................................................................................................................... 107

7.1.1. Templates Tab ................................................................................................................... 109

7.1.2. Customize Tab ................................................................................................................... 110

7.1.3. Template Settings Palette ................................................................................................. 111

7.1.4. Properties for Background and Intro Video Palette ......................................................... 112

7.1.5. Button Properties .............................................................................................................. 114

7.1.6. Properties of Graphic Objects ........................................................................................... 117

7.1.7. Content Palette ................................................................................................................. 118

7.1.8. Buttons and Graphic Objects Palettes .............................................................................. 119

7.1.9. Disc/Project Palette .......................................................................................................... 119

7.1.10. Select Start Position Window ............................................................................................ 121

7.1.11. Edit Background Audio Window ....................................................................................... 121

7.1.12. Select Poster Frame Window ............................................................................................ 122

7.1.13. Shadow Settings Window ................................................................................................. 122

7.2. Levels ......................................................................................................................................... 123

7.3. Creating Menu .......................................................................................................................... 124

8. Disc Project Preview .......................................................................................................................... 126

8.1. Preview Screen .......................................................................................................................... 126

8.2. Showing a Preview .................................................................................................................... 127

9. Burn Options ..................................................................................................................................... 128

9.1. Burn Options Screen ................................................................................................................. 128

9.2. Burning a Disc............................................................................................................................ 130

9.3. Burning an Image File................................................................................................................ 131

9.4. Writing to Hard Drive Folders ................................................................................................... 133

Nero Video Manual

1. Start Successfully

1.1. About Nero Video

Nero Video is a powerful editing and authoring program designed for both beginners and advanced users. It allows you to capture, import, trim, and arrange your media. Two different modes within the same interface allow you to choose between single-track and multi-track editing. In the Express Editing mode, you can create projects fast and easily: Trim and arrange your clips and add effects for great results in no time. For full control, use the Advanced Editing mode with its multi-track timeline, even more effects, key frames, and much more.

With hundreds of video effects, themes, and a picture-in-picture effect generator, Nero Video allows you to create pro-looking movies and slide shows. Use key frames on your effects, or create your own effect templates to give your projects a special look. Add transitions and text effects to complete your projects.

When authoring your video projects, create chapter marks for a quick and easy navigation on disc, and choose your favorite menu from the many 2D and 3D menu templates. You can also create your own, fully customized menu before burning your project to disc or disc image. Share your projects by burning them onto DVD-Video or Blu-ray disc. If you simply want to share the main movie of your project, use one of the various export options such as the Export to Web feature.

With Nero 4K video editing, you now have Ultra HD support on hand: import, edit and output high-quality movies with this powerful feature.

Capture, edit, author, export – when it comes to media, Nero Video is your tool for prolooking, great results!

1.2. Versions of Nero Video

Nero Video is available in different versions with a varying feature range. Depending on the Nero product you purchased, your version of Nero Video may be limited and may not include the full feature range.

Essentials or OEM software may also differ from the full version in a more or less broad functional range. Note that the feature limitations of your Essentials version depend on the co-contractor's choice.

Nero Video Manual

1.3. System Requirements

Nero Video is part of the Nero product you have installed. Its system requirements are the same. Detailed system requirements of this and all other Nero products can be found in the Support section on our Web site www.nero.com.

Nero Video Manual

2. Application Workflow and Interface

2.1. Working with Nero Video

The user interface for Nero Video consists of a main window with a header bar, the Drag your files here area, and several selection lists. The order of the selection lists reflects the general functional principle of Nero Video: input – edit – output (Capture & Import – Edit – Create & Export).

Basically, working with Nero Video starts with the selection of a task on the Home screen. You then complete the task by navigating through the different steps that are displayed in a separate screen for each individual step.

Clicking the Help menu in the header bar opens a menu that offers the option of

accessing online help as well as viewing the version number and other registration data.

To go to the next or previous screen, click the Next or Back button in the navigation bar. If necessary, you will be prompted to save the project, as the changes you have made will otherwise be lost.

A project consists essentially of four steps:

 Selecting a task

Select what you would like to do by moving the cursor over the menu item.

This manual contains a chapter for each task that describes all of the steps required for its completion.

 Completing a task

Depending on the task, you will have to go through various steps until you reach the end. Each individual step consists of a new screen. To help you to know where you are and what you need to do, each screen comes with a name and a brief description. In addition, each screen furthermore contains tooltips, detailed information, and explanations for the various buttons, icons, and menus.

Both Undo and Redo buttons are available on screens in which you can perform different actions. These buttons allow you to quickly undo or redo the last performed action. In this way, you can try out a number of features in Nero Video risk-free without having to discard the entire project if you do not like the change.

For each screen, the manual contains a chapter in which all areas are described in detail.

Nero Video Manual

 Burning

Burning marks the end of a project. For this you should define the burning parameters and click the Burn button. Depending on the type of project you are working on and the burner connected to the system, a number of different entries are available for selection.

 After burning

Once you have finished burning you can decide what you would like to do next: launch the media player and view your project or create covers and labels for the disc using Nero CoverDesigner. Of course, you can also save the project or start a new one.

2.1.1. Saving a Project

Once you have started working with your project, occasionally you may want to interrupt your work, resume it at a later time, or burn it.

A project file (*.nvc) saves the project data – information about file paths and layout

– after you have started work on your project. This means that you can interrupt your work at any time and resume the project at a later point or burn it on disc. The contents of a project file can only be opened with Nero Video. The file size of a saved project is significantly smaller than a disc image.

A Disc image (image file) is the precise picture of the project data to be burned. You can burn the finished image as often as you like at a later stage, but it requires just as much space on the hard drive as the project to be burned.

As well as being burned to disc or as a disc image, some projects can also be captured to hard drive folders, memory stick or SD card, provided there is enough space.

To save a project, proceed as follows:

1. Click the Save button in the lower task bar of the main window.

 The Save As window is opened.

2. Enter the desired file name in the File name input field and click the Save button.

 You have saved the project and can open it again later to continue working on it or

burn it.

Nero Video Manual

Nero Video does not allow you to start multiple projects within one project. You can only create and edit projects one after another. Therefore, it is not possible to load two project files (*.nvc or *.wlmp files) into one single project. If you have two different projects that you want to combine, export one of them to a video file via the Export button and add the resulting video file to the project which has not been exported.

2.1.2. Opening a Project

To open a saved project, proceed as follows:

1. On the Home screen, select the desired project type by clicking the respective entry

in the Edit selection list (Open Nero Video Project or Open Windows Live Movie Maker Project).

 A window is opened.

2. Browse to the location where your project file is stored.

3. Select the project file and click the Open button.

 The project is opened in the video editing screen.  You have opened an existing project and can now continue to edit it or burn it.

2.2. Header Bar

The header bar in Nero Video offers various tools, options and help topics. It also allows you to return to the Home screen from any point within the application by clicking the Home button.

The following entries are available in the Tools menu:

Erase Disc

Erases rewritable discs. The Erase Rewritable Disc window is opened; the erasing method is adjustable.

Before a disc can be erased, the burner must contain a rewritable disc.

Nero Video Manual

Disc Info

Shows information about the inserted disc (e.g. type of disc, available storage capacity, number of sessions, and tracks). The Disc Info window is opened.

Insert the disc that you want to know more about and select the drive in which it is located.

Finalize Disc

Finalizes the DVD-VFR (video mode) or DVD+VR disc. The Disc Finalization window is opened.

Make

Covers and

Labels

Starts Nero CoverDesigner.

Only available if Nero CoverDesigner is installed.

Note that Nero CoverDesigner is not installed automatically with Nero Classic. However, it can be downloaded for free from the Download section at www.nero.com or via Nero ControlCenter and used together with Nero Classic.

Nero CoverDesigner is used to create and print labels and booklets for burned discs. Please see the separate Nero CoverDesigner user manual for full instructions on how to make professional-looking covers and labels.

Burn Disc

Image

Opens the Open window which allows you to browse for and select an image file. After you have opened an image file, the Burn Options screen is displayed.

Nero

MediaHome

Starts Nero MediaHome.

The following entries are available in the Options menu:

Application

Settings

Opens the Application Settings window which allows you to configure general settings regarding the application. This includes e.g. the folders in which files are saved and the default duration settings for transitions etc.

Recording

Format

Options

Edits the default options when creating a video. The Recording Format Options window is opened.

As long as no disc format has been selected, the video options for all supported formats are shown. After selecting a disc format, only the tab for the current disc format is displayed.

Movie

Options

Opens the Movie Options window in which you can define all settings for the content area.

Only available on the video editing screen.

Nero Video Manual

The following entries are available in the Help menu:

Help Topics (F1)

Opens the help file.

Online Tutorials

Links to the video tutorials on the official Nero Web site.

Keyboard Shortcuts

Opens the Keyboard shortcuts window which shows all keyboard shortcuts available in Nero Video.

Download

Content

Allows you to download additional media content.

Upgrade

Allows you to view upgrade information on your Nero product.

Nero on the

Web

Opens your Web browser with the official Nero Web site being displayed.

About Nero

Video

Opens the About Nero Video window.

2.2.1. Tools: Erasing a Rewritable Disc

Using Nero Video, you can erase rewritable discs, i.e. discs with the RW specification, as long as your recorder supports this feature. Two erase methods are available for this purpose:

Quick erasing does not remove the data physically from the disc, but instead only makes it inaccessible by erasing the references to existing content. The data can be restored!

Full erasing removes the data from the disc by overwriting it with zeros. The contents cannot be restored with conventional methods. Repeated full erasing increases the probability that third parties will not be able to reconstruct the contents.

To erase a rewritable disc, proceed as follows:

1. In the header bar, select the Tools > Erase Disc menu entry.

 The Erase Rewritable Disc window is opened.

The Tools options (Erase Disc, Disc Info and Finalize Disc) can be started from the Tools menu in the header bar at any time.

2. In the top drop-down menu, select the burner in which the disc has been inserted.

3. Click the Erase button.

 The erase procedure starts.

Nero Video Manual

Sometimes it can take a long time to erase a rewritable disc completely.

 You have erased a rewritable disc.

2.2.2. Tools: Displaying Disc Info

To display information about a disc that has been inserted, proceed as follows:

1. In header bar, select the Tools > Disc Info menu entry.

 The Disc Info window is opened.

The Tools options (Erase Disc, Disc Info and Finalize Disc) can be started from the Tools menu in the header bar at any time.

2. Select the burner in which the disc has been inserted from the drop-down menu.

 You have displayed information on the disc that is inserted.

2.2.3. Tools: Finalizing a Disc

If you have a limited version of Nero Video without the features mentioned here, you can upgrade your Nero product at www.nero.com to get the full version of Nero Video with all features.

To finalize a DVD-VR/-VFR (video mode)/+VR/+R or DVD+RW disc with videos and to prevent further processing, proceed as follows:

1. In the header bar, select the Tools > Finalize Disc menu entry.

 The Disc Finalization window is opened.

The Tools options (Erase Disc, Disc Info and Finalize Disc) can be started from the Tools menu in the header bar at any time.

2. Insert the disc you want to finalize and select the drive where the disc is located in

the Select a recorder drop-down menu.

3. Click the Refresh button to display information about the disc you have inserted.

Nero Video Manual

4. In the Menus to create on the disc drop-down menu, choose whether you want to

create a new menu on your disc, keep an existing menu or not create a menu at all.

5. Click the Start button.

 You have finalized a DVD.

2.2.4. Tools: Burning a Disc Image

To burn a disc image, proceed as follows:

1. On the Home screen, select the Tools > Burn Disc Image menu entry.

 A window is opened.

2. Select the desired image file type in the drop-down menu.

3. Browse to the location where your image file is stored.

4. Select the image file and click the Open button.

 The image file is opened in the Burn Options screen.  You have opened a disc image and can now burn it.

2.2.5. Options: Application Settings Window

The Application Settings window contains the General, Folders and Editing tabs. You can customize Nero Video to your own personal requirements here.

You can open the Application Settings window via the Options menu in the header bar.

2.2.6. General Tab

The General tab is divided into the Format of saved media files and Options areas.

The Pictures drop-down menu is available in the Format of saved media files area. Here you can define the graphics format in which Nero Video saves media files from external devices and snapshots of videos. Portable Network Graphics (*.png) is selected in the default setting.

The following setting options are available in the Options area:

Drop-down menu

Display tool tips

Verbose - When you move the cursor over a pop-up menu, it displays its

function and provides a detailed explanation as a tooltip. This entry is selected by default.

Brief - When you move the cursor over a pop-up menu, it displays its function.

Nero Video Manual

None - Does not show anything when the cursor is moved over a popup menu.

Check box

List recently

used projects on

Home screen

Lists recently used projects on the Home screen for a quick overview of what you have been working on recently. In addition, you can open your recent projects from there with one click.

2.2.7. Folders Tab

The following input fields are available in the Directories area of the Folders tab:

Temporary files

Defines the folder in which temporary files are stored. The folder should be located on a drive with plenty of free drive space.

The temp folder of the user who is logged on is used by default.

Saved picture

files

Defines the folder in which imported picture files and video snapshots are stored.

The My Pictures folder of the user who is logged on is used by default.

Imported video

files

Defines the folder in which imported video files are stored. The Nero Video subfolder of My Documents of the user who is logged

on is used by default.

The button opens a window in which the folder can be selected for the respective files.

2.2.8. Editing Tab

The Editing tab is divided into the Default Durations area and the Nero Background Rendering area.

In the Default Durations area, the default duration for still pictures, effects and transitions is listed. For all controls a minimum and maximum value is defined. If you choose a value out of range, the application automatically replaces your input by the next allowed value.

The following input fields are available:

Pictures

Sets the default duration of still pictures when you drag them to a track in the timeline in the video editing screen.

The minimum possible duration is 1 second, the maximum is 60 seconds. Default duration is 4 seconds.

Text effects

Sets the default duration of text effects when you drag them to a track in the timeline in the video editing screen.

Nero Video Manual

The minimum possible duration is 1 second, the maximum is 60 seconds. Default duration is 4 seconds.

Master effects

Sets the default duration of video effects when you drag them to the Master Effects track in the timeline in the video editing screen.

The minimum possible duration is 1 second, the maximum is 60 seconds. Default duration is 4 seconds.

Video Transitions

Sets the default duration of video transitions when you drag them to a track in the timeline in the video editing screen.

The minimum possible duration is 1 second, the maximum is 10 seconds. Default duration is 1 second.

Audio Transitions

Sets the default duration of audio transitions when you drag them to a track in the timeline in the video editing screen.

The minimum possible duration is 1 second, the maximum is 10 seconds. Default duration is 1 second.

The following check box is available in the Nero Background Rendering area:

Enable Nero Background

Rendering

If this check box is selected, time-consuming effects are rendered in the background to ensure smooth preview capacity while you edit your project.

2.2.9. Options: Recording Format Options Window

You can change the settings that affect the encoding of future projects in the Recording Format Options window. The tabs for all supported formats are displayed until you have

selected a disc format. After selecting a disc format, only the respective format appears.

You can open the Recording Format Options window at any time from the Options menu in the header bar. The window is also opened if you select Custom Capturing and customize the video settings when recording a video.

2.2.10. General Tab

The General tab is divided into the Video mode and SmartEncoding areas.

In the Video mode area, the color transmission system is defined specifically. This guarantees that videos can be displayed on the existing playback devices. The following entries are available in the drop-down menu:

PAL

Selects the PAL video mode, which is used in Europe as well as in Australia, South America, and many African and Asian countries.

Nero Video Manual

NTSC

Selects the NTSC video mode, which is used in extensive parts of America and some East Asian countries.

[Country]

Automatically sets the correct video mode for the selected country.

If you are unsure about the video mode that is used in your country, select your country from the country list.

The following settings options are available in the SmartEncoding area:

Drop-down menu

SmartEncoding

Allows you to select the SmartEncoding option that is used when exporting or burning video projects.

Automatic (recommended): Determines automatically whether video and audio material is re-encoded. Nero Video checks, among other things, how much space is available for the project and then determines which compatible segments are re-encoded. This saves a lot of time for large-scale projects, so that you achieve your goal much faster.

In some cases, video and audio material which is not 100% compatible with the target format will nevertheless not be re-encoded, depending on the source material and the project settings. The resulting disc or output file might not be playable on every player. To make sure that only video and audio material which is 100% compatible with the target format will not be re-encoded, select the Standard check box.

The Automatic entry is selected by default.

Disable: Deactivates SmartEncoding. Video and audio material which is already compatible with the target format is still re-encoded.

Check box

Standard

With this option, only video and audio material which is 100% compatible with the target format is not re-encoded.

Only available if the Automatic (recommended) SmartEncoding option has been selected.

This check box is cleared by default.

2.2.11. Smart Encoding

SmartEncoding is a feature in Nero Video which can effectively shorten the time required

for transcoding (converting) your video projects.

Video files can be created using different codecs. Each codec involves a certain file format. Depending on the target format you choose for your project in Nero Video, the video files you have used in your project might not be compliant to the target format. Therefore,

Nero Video Manual

these video files will have to be transcoded (converted) into the target format. This can be a very time-consuming process.

The SmartEncoding feature analyzes the video files that you have added to your project and checks if they are compliant or partially compliant to the selected target format. Parts which are compliant to the target format will not be re-encoded; this can save a lot of time. If the SmartEncoding feature is enabled, it is applied when you export your project to a video file, or when you burn your project onto a disc or save it onto hard drive. When you export your project to a video file, Nero Video automatically preselects the target format which requires the least re-encoding of your project.

The following target formats are supported by the SmartEncoding feature:

- MPEG-1

- MPEG-2 SD

- MPEG-2 HD

- MPEG-2 HD 24p

- AVCHD

- AVCHD 24p

- AVCHD 1080/60p, 50p

- MPEG-2 HD to Blu-ray Disc

- MPEG-2 HD 24p to Blu-ray Disc

- AVC to Blu-ray Disc

- AVC 24p to Blu-ray Disc

2.2.12. [Disc Format] Tab

On the tab of a respective disc format the video options can be customized within the scope of the profile play.

The following setting options are available:

Drop-down menu

Video format

Defines the video mode. This guarantees that videos can be displayed on the existing playback devices.

Drop-down menu

Aspect ratio

Defines the desired aspect ratio.

Nero Video Manual

The entry Automatic that automatically recognizes the aspect ratio for every title on the basis of the starting material is selected by default.

Drop-down menu

Sample format

Please note that only experienced users should change this setting. Progressive - Uses the progressive or full-screen procedure in which

actual full pictures are used for generating the picture. Interlaced (top field first) - Uses the interlaced or line jump

procedure, in which a picture is made up of two separate half pictures, and transmits the top half picture first.

Interlaced (bottom field first) - Uses the interlaced or line jump procedure in which a picture is made up of two separate fields, and transmits the bottom field first.

Automatic - Encodes the file in the sample format in which the original exists. This entry is selected by default.

Check box

Motion-adaptive

Deinterlacing

If the check box is selected, then motion adaptive conversion is used in order to improve the picture quality of the videos and slide shows.

This check box is cleared by default.

Check box

Motion-adaptive

Frame Rate

Conversion

If the check box is selected, then motion adaptive conversion is used in order to improve the picture quality of the videos and slide shows.

This check box is cleared by default.

Drop-down menu

Quality setting

Automatic (fit to disc) - Automatically uses the best possible

encoding quality in relation to the available storage capacity. Other settings for bit rate and resolution are not available. This entry is selected by default.

High Quality, Standard Play, Standard Play Plus, Long Play, Extended Play, Super Long Play - Sets the respective preset

quality profile with defined bit rate and resolution. Custom - Enables user-defined settings. Manual setting of the bit

rate and resolution is available only for this entry.

Slider

Bit rate

Determines the bit rate of the resulting video. The bit rate affects the quality of the video. The bit rate can be determined with the aid of the slider or by customizing the value of the input field.

Drop-down menu

Resolution

Selects the resolution from a list of resolutions possible for the disc type and defines the resolution of the resulting videos. The dropdown menu is only activated if the Custom entry has been selected from the Quality setting drop-down menu. The Automatic entry is selected in the default settings.

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Slider/Input field

Encoding quality

fine tuning

Determines the quality level of the encoder to be used. The encoding quality can be determined with the aid of the slider or by customizing the value in the input field.

Drop-down menu

Encoding mode

Fast encoding (1-pass) - Encodes the video in a single pass.

Encoding is faster, but the quality is inferior. High Quality (2-pass VBR) - Encodes the video in two passes with

variable data rate. Encoding takes longer, but the quality is better. VBR stands for Variable Bit Rate and means that individual periods in a video are encoded using different, suitable data rates: Scenes with a lot of movement are encoded with a higher bit rate than scenes with less movement.

Drop-down menu

Audio formats

Chooses which audio format is used when recoding the project. The Automatic entry is selected by default.

AC3 5.1 - Encodes audio data in the AC3 audio format with 6 channel surround sound. (5.1 means: 5 channels with the full frequency range and one bass channel.)

AC3 2.0 - Encodes audio data in the AC3 audio format in stereo. MPEG Audio - Encodes audio in MPEG-1 (layer 2). This option is only

available in PAL video mode. LPCM - Encodes audio data in LPCM. This option is only available in

NTSC video mode.

2.2.13. Options: Nero MediaBrowser

Nero MediaBrowser is a tool which you can use to easily find, view and access media files and add them to your project. More precisely, with Nero MediaBrowser you can access a media library which contains all your media files that were indexed by Nero MediaHome.

Nero MediaBrowser and the media library come with Nero MediaHome and are installed together. You will find further information in the Nero MediaHome manual.

Nero MediaBrowser is designed to be accessed in several Nero applications, but is also available as a standalone application.

To use Nero MediaBrowser within a Nero application, open Nero MediaBrowser via

the button. When you double-click a media file or select it and click the Add button in Nero MediaBrowser, the media file will be added to your current project.

To use Nero MediaBrowser with a non-Nero application, open Nero MediaBrowser via the Windows start menu or its tile, depending on your operating system. You will then be able

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to add media files to any active application by dragging the desired media file onto the application. When you double-click a media file in Nero MediaBrowser, it is opened in its default program.

Nero MediaBrowser features the same categories (Photos & Videos, and Music) as Nero MediaHome. There are different views available for each category: Clicking one of the entries in the upper part of the list (for example Faces) displays the same view as when clicking the corresponding tabs in Nero MediaHome. Also, the same scroll bar as in Nero MediaHome is used. This is either the standard scroll bar or the dynamic scroll bar.

The following views are available for the Photos & Videos category, referring to the corresponding views in Nero MediaHome:

All Photos &

Videos

Displays all photos and videos sorted in chronological order by creation date.

Faces

Displays all photos in which faces of persons have been detected and named listed in alphabetical order. Faces are grouped into stacks; you can access one of the stacks by double clicking it.

Find

Displays all existing tags enabling you to create a query.

Album

Displays the content of smart albums (e.g. Recently added) and user generated albums.

The following views are available for the Music category, referring to the corresponding views in Nero MediaHome:

Albums

Displays all audio tracks sorted in alphabetical order by album.

Artists

Displays all audio tracks sorted in alphabetical order by artist.

Genres

Displays all audio tracks sorted in alphabetical order by genre.

Titles

Displays all audio tracks sorted in alphabetical order by title.

Playlist

Displays the content of smart playlists (e.g. Recently played) and user generated playlists.

The Options window is opened when you click the button on the upper task bar. The options refer directly to Nero MediaHome.

Library

Displays the Library settings area. All monitored folders are displayed in the respective Watched folders or

drives area. If you want to add additional media folders, click the Add Manually button and select the desired folder from the navigation tree.

Click the Add Automatically button to have Nero MediaHome perform a search for new media folders on your computer. To exclude certain media types (music, videos, or photos) from a folder, click the respective

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button to the right of the folder. To delete a folder from the application's watchlist, hover your cursor over the listed folder and click

the button. You can also just drag files or folders to Nero MediaHome. A window

automatically opens and asks if you want to add the folder(s) to the library.

In the General area you can select to list your external playlists (such as iTunes) as entries in the navigation tree of Nero MediaHome.

2.3. Drag Your Files Here Area

The Drag your files here area is located on the Home screen of Nero Video. It allows you to start video projects simply by dropping photos or media clips onto the designated area. Depending on the file format of the items you drop onto the area, you will either be asked what kind of project you want to start, or the video editing screen will be displayed directly.

The following rules apply when you drop media clips onto the area:

 Video clips: You will be asked if you want to edit the video clip or burn a video disc. If

you decide to burn a video disc, you can select the desired disc type in the next window. If you want Nero Video to remember the type of project you selected last time when dropping a video clip, select the Remember my selection check box.

 Audio clips: The video editing screen will be displayed directly.  Photos: The video editing screen will be displayed directly.

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3. Capturing and Importing from Camera and External Devices

3.1. Capturing

Nero Video provides a convenient interface for capturing and importing video footage as well as for viewing and recording digital TV broadcasts. Depending on what device the video footage or broadcast comes from, either capturing or importing is involved to transfer the video to your computer.

If you want to transfer video from an external capture device to your computer to use it in a project at a later time, proceed as described in Capturing Video to Hard Drive.

If you want to create a disc and capture/import a video for this specific project, you should select the relevant option in the Create & Export category (e.g. Blu-ray Disc or DVD) on the Home screen, and then click the Import > Capture button in the Content screen. This way, you can capture the video and work on your project simultaneously.

3.1.1. Capturing of Digital and Analog Videos

Capturing is a way of transferring audio and video from an external source (e.g. a DV camera) onto your PC and creating a digital video file in the process. Depending on the external source, a certain hardware setup is required. Nero Video provides the software interface required for capturing.

Analog Video Tape

Video footage on analog video tape (VHS, S-VHS, Video8, Hi8) has to be converted to a digital format when it is transferred to the PC. For the capturing process, connect your camera to a built-in video capture card or external A/D video capture device; these devices convert the analog video signal into a digital one.

Digital Video Tape

Video footage on digital video tape (DV, HDV, Digital8) is transferred to the PC without any quality loss (i.e. in so-called native quality) as there is no signal conversion involved during the capturing process. To capture digital video tape footage, you need to connect your camera to your PC via FireWire (also called iLink or IEEE 1394).

Digital TV

Digital TV is viewed and captured on the PC via a TV capture device. It comes in different flavors and standards: Standard definition (SD) digital TV (terrestrial/satellite/cable) makes use of MPEG-2 formats and comes in different television standards, e.g. Europe (DVB) and USA (ATSC). High Definition (HD) broadcasting in most cases is transferred via MPEG-4 formats that provide higher compression rates with HD quality.

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3.1.2. Import of AVCHD Footage

AVCHD cameras save video recordings directly to a disc, flash drive, or internal hard drive (MPEG-4 format). As digital files are created during this process, you can simply import the footage by using the appropriate option in Nero Video.

For AVCHD cameras that record to DVD, insert the camera DVD into your computer's DVD drive and import the video footage with the Import from AVCHD > Disc entry in the Capture & Import selection list on the Home screen.

For AVCHD cameras that record to hard drive, connect the camera to your PC and import the video footage with the Import from AVCHD > Hard Drive entry in the Capture & Import selections list on the Home screen.

For AVCHD cameras that record to flash drive, connect the memory card to your computer via the corresponding interface and then import the video footage with the Import from

AVCHD > Camera entry in the Capture & Import selection list on the Home screen.

3.2. Capture Video Screen

The Capture Video screen is displayed when you select the Capture from Camera or TV entry of the Capture selection list on the Home screen.

On the Capture Video screen all the connected devices are shown on the Capture device selection menu. Besides the desired capture device, the capture template can be

selected here.

For detail settings and the capture procedure, the screen is divided into two areas, the preview area on the left and the information area that shows the most important settings of the target file.

Clicking the Configure button opens the window for adjusting the detail settings of the video options.

Clicking the respective button on the right screen margin opens the Video Device Properties or Audio Device Properties window. You can change the detail settings in both windows, if the connected capture device offers configuration options.

The following option buttons are available for the selection of the capturing template:

Native capturing

Optimizes all parameters based on the selected capture device and captures the video in the format specified by the capture device.

The Native capturing option button is selected in the default settings. Capturing in the default settings is recommended.

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Custom capture template

Adjusts the detail settings of the parameters. You can select the desired target format.

In the preview area you can use the Position buttons next to the time code display to move to a certain position within the video title. Furthermore, the following setting options are available:

Button

Starts playback.

Button

Stops playback.

Button

Starts capture.

Button

Rewinds/Fast forwards the video.

Button Switches to full screen mode. You can return to window mode by pressing

the Esc key.

Button

Set the timer that enables specifying the capturing start time, end time and capturing time.

Button

Scans the tape and shows a thumbnail in the scene gallery for each recognized scene. Here the desired scene for capturing can be selected.

Only available for DV-/HDV cameras in the VCR mode.

Button

Switches to the next/previous channel. Only available for TV cards.

Slider

Increases or decreases the speed in the playback of the preview of DV/HDV camera by up to 6 times. As soon as the slider is released it automatically jumps back to the central position and plays the tape back at the normal speed.

Only available for DV-/HDV cameras in the VCR mode.

Jog dial

Navigates through the capture on a frame-by-frame basis. Only available for DV-/HDV cameras in the VCR mode.

Activate the Enable capture device audio playback check box in the lower right part of the screen if you want to enable playback on the capture device. This setting does not affect playback of captured video files.

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3.2.1. Preview Scan Window

In the Capture Pre-scan window, it is possible to pre-scan the tape of your DV-/HDV camera.

The window is divided into a preview area on the left and the scene gallery on the right in which a thumbnail is shown for each recognized scene. Here the desired scenes for capture can be chosen.

In the case that you have not customized the setting for the capture in the Capture Video screen or if you wish to change the settings, all the options for the choice of the capture template are also available here.

The Native Capturing option button is selected in the default settings. Capturing in the default settings is recommended.

The following buttons are available:

Start Scan

Starts the scan process and shows a thumbnail of each recognized scene in the scene gallery.

Delete

Removes the marked scenes from the scene gallery.

Merge

Connects marked scenes.

Capture

Begins the transmission of the chosen scenes to the hard drive.

Cancel

Cancels the procedure and closes the window.

3.2.2. Video Device Properties Window

The following tabs are available in the Video Device Properties window:

Format

Sets the frame rate, color compression process and output format to correspond to the way the video is to be burned onto the disc.

In the case of analog capture devices, clicking the Configure button starts the device test. You can select the video source here (video, composite or Svideo).

General

Sets values such as brightness, sharpness or contrast using the sliders.

Channels

Displays all available channels of the selected device. Here you can select the required channel for your capture.

Clicking the Manage TV Channel Groups button displays the last screen of the TV wizard again, and you can edit, add or remove groups and assigned

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channels. The TV wizard screen displays the available channels and groups of all installed capture devices.

If you click the Channel Setting button, you can once again configure a TV card on a step-by-step basis using the TV wizard.

3.2.3. Audio Device Properties Window

The following areas are available in the Audio Device Properties window.

Device

settings

Defines the audio source.

Audio input

Defines the audio inputs (e.g. CD player, line, microphone). Click the icon to display the available options.

3.3. Setting a TV Card

To set up a capture device for digital and analog video, a recording card that meets the requirements of the manufacturer must be installed or must be already integrated in the PC at the factory

Nero Video provides simultaneous support for multiple TV cards, TV cards with dual tuner, and/or hybrid tuner cards. You will find a list of supported TV cards on our web page under www.nero.com.

If you have connected a TV card to your PC and open the Capture Video screen for the first time, all connected devices are displayed in the Capture device drop-down menu.

The following requirement must be fulfilled:

 A TV card is connected to your PC and switched on.

To configure a TV card using the TV wizard, proceed as follows:

5. Select the Capture from Camera or TV selection list entry on the Home screen.

 The Capture Video screen is displayed.

6. If you have several devices connected to your PC, select the required device in

the Capture device drop-down menu.

7. Click the button.

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 The Video Device Properties window opens.

8. Click the Channels tab.

9. Click the Channel Setting button.

 The first screen of the TV wizard, Analog TV Channel Search, is displayed. This wizard

prompts you to make all the necessary entries step by step.

10. Select your country in the Select country drop-down menu.

When configuring DVB-S TV cards, you must select the satellite instead of the country in the Select your satellite configuration field.

When configuring DVB-C TV cards, you must select the appropriate frequency range instead of the country.

11. Choose between Antenna and Cable as the signal source in the Select source

type drop-down menu.

The Select source type drop-down menu is not available when configuring digital TV cards (DVB-T, DVB-S, DVB-C).

12. Click the Start Search button to start the search.

 The search starts. You are kept informed about the search progress and the number

of channels found in the Search Status area.

13. Click the Next button.

 The second screen of the TV wizard, TV Channel Edit, is displayed. You can order,

rename or remove the channels as required.

14. Click the Up and/or Down buttons.

 The order of the available channels is changed.

15. Highlight the channels you do not want and click the Remove button.

 The channels are deleted.

16. If you want to coordinate the channels of a number of TV cards with each other:

a. Highlight a desired channel and click the Rename button.

 The Rename Channel window is opened.

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b. Enter the name you want in the Rename Channel text field and click

the OK button.

 The channel is renamed.

Nero Video regards TV channels with the same name – so-called "physical" channels – on different tuner cards as the same "logical" channel. This means that a logical channel can contain one or more physical channels.

The channels are automatically coordinated with each other during the channel search. Only the logical channels will be displayed in Nero Video following configuration in the TV wizard.

17. Click the Next button.

 The third screen of the TV wizard, Manage TV Channel Groups, is displayed. You can

sort the channels in existing topic groups or in groups according to your requirements.

18. Click the Add button on the TV Channel Groups tab.

 The Add Group window is opened.

19. Enter the desired name of the group in the Add Group text field and click

the OK button.

 The group is created.

20. Click the TV Channels to Groups tab.

21. Select the group you want to edit in the Modify your groups drop-down menu.

22. Highlight the channels you want to assign to this group in the Available

Channels area and click the >> button.

 The highlighted channels are shown in the Modify your groups area.

23. Click the Down and/or Up buttons.

 The order of the channels within the group is adjusted.

24. Click the Finish button.

 The TV wizard is closed and the Capture Video screen is displayed.  You have configured the TV card.

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3.4. Capturing Video to Hard Drive

To set up a capture device for digital and analog video, a recording card that meets the requirements of the manufacturer must be installed or must be already integrated in the PC at the factory.

You need a lot of free space on your hard drive to capture a video. Make sure that there is enough space available to capture the entire video. Capturing video from a capture card requires about 3-30MB of hard disk space per second depending on the resolution and the data format of your video. A DV capture via a FireWire card (IEEE 1394) uses up to 3.6 MB of hard drive space per second.

The following requirements must be fulfilled:

 No applications are running that place a high demand on the processor.  There are no applications running in full-screen mode.  The workstation is not blocked during the entire capture process.  There is sufficient space on your hard drive.

To capture a video on the hard drive, proceed as follows:

1. Connect the digital or analog capture device to the PC using the corresponding cables

and switch it on.

2. Select the Capture from Camera or TV selection list entry on the Home screen.

 The Capture Video screen and a window are displayed. The window recommends

the Native capturing choice.

3. Select the capture device in the Capture device drop-down menu.

The capture device may be in Camera mode or in VCR mode.

In Camera mode, the video signals are continuously transferred from the capture device to the PC, and you can view the current video signal in the preview area. In the case of a DV video camera, everything in the picture area frame of the video camera is displayed in the preview dialog box.

A TV card is always in Camera mode as there is a constant video signal coming in and there is no way of pausing, rewinding/fast forwarding or restarting the video signal.

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