Nero Vision Express 4 User Manual
Nero Vision Manual
Nero AG
Copyright and Trademark Information
The Nero Vision Manual and all its contents are protected by copyright and are the property
of Nero AG. All rights reserved. This manual contains materials which are protected by
internationally recognized copyright laws. This manual may not - in whole or in part - be
copied, transmitted, or otherwise reproduced without the express written permissi on of Nero
AG.
Nero AG rejects any claims that transcend the clauses of the guarantee rights. Nero AG
does not accept any liability for the correctness of the content of the Nero Vision manual.
The contents of the supplied software, as well as of the Nero Vision manual, may be
changed without prior notice.
All trade names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
The trademarks mentioned here are named for information purposes only.
Copyright © 2007 Nero AG and its licensors. All rights reserved.
REV 7.0 – 4.9.0.18
Contents
Contents
1 General information 6
1.1 About the manual 6
1.2 About Nero Vision 6
1.3 Versions of Nero Vision 7
2 Technical information 8
2.1 System requirements 8
2.2 Terminology 9
2.2.1 Video/chapter/movie/project 9
2.2.2 Disc/disc format 9
2.2.3 Encoding/transcoding/recoding/decoding 9
2.2.4 DVD discs 10
2.3 Disc formats supported 10
2.3.1 DVD Video 10
2.3.2 DVD-VR/-VFR (video mode)/+VR 10
2.3.3 Video CD (VCD) 11
2.3.4 Super Video CD (SVCD) 11
2.3.5 miniDVD 11
2.3.6 HD-BURN 11
2.3.7 Editable Blu-ray™ disc 11
2.3.8 AVCHD 12
2.4 Overview of compatibility between disc formats and discs 12
2.5 Overview of compatibility between DVD discs and editable disc formats 13
3 Launching the program 14
3.1 Launching Nero Vision via Nero StartSmart 14
3.2 Launching Nero Vision directly 14
4 User interface 15
4.1 General information 15
4.2 Main screen 17
4.2.1 Buttons 18
4.2.2 Extended dialog box 19
5 Capturing videos from video cameras and other external capture devices 21
5.1 Capturing 21
5.2 DV/HDV cameras, digital and analog videos 21
Page 3
Contents
5.3 Setting a TV card 21
5.4 Capturing video on the hard drive 25
6 Creating a disc project 30
7 Video editing 34
7.1 Making a movie 34
7.2 Cutting video titles 40
7.3 Chapters 41
7.3.1 Creating chapters manually 42
7.3.2 Creating chapters automatically 43
7.3.3 Editing chapters 44
7.4 Exporting the movie 45
8 Slide show 47
8.1 Creating a slide show 47
9 Menu 54
9.1 Editing the menu 54
9.2 Editing the Smart3D menu 60
10 Showing a preview 63
11 Burning a disc 65
12 Project management 68
12.1 Saving a project 68
12.2 Opening a project 68
12.3 Opening a disc image 68
13 Editable DVDs 70
13.1 DVD-VR/DVD-VFR (video mode)/+VR 70
13.2 Creating an editable DVD with videos 70
13.3 Creating an editable DVD directly via a capture device 71
14 Advanced operations 72
14.1 Erasing a rewritable disc 72
14.2 Displaying disc info 72
14.3 Finalizing a DVD 73
14.4 Creating covers and labels 74
15 Configuration 75
15.1 Opening a configuration 75
15.2 Configuration 75
15.2.1 General tab 75
Page 4
Contents
15.2.2 Folders tab 76
15.2.3 Messages tab 77
15.3 Displaying video options 77
15.4 Video options 77
15.4.1 General tab 78
15.4.2 <Disc Format> tab 78
15.4.3 Nero Digital™ Encoder Configuration 80
16 List of figures 82
17 Glossary 83
18 Index 88
19 Contact Information 91
Page 5
General information
1 General information
1.1 About the manual
This manual is intended for all users who wish to learn how to use Nero Vision. It is processbased and explains how to reach a particular objective on a step-by-basis.
To make the best use of this manual, please note the following conventions::
Symbol Meaning
Indicates warnings or instructions that have to be followed
1. Start …
Æ
Î
OK
Chapter
[…] Indicates keyboard shortcuts for entering commands.
strictly.
Indicates additional information or advice.
A number at the beginning of a line indicates a request for
action. Carry out these actions in the order specified.
Indicates an intermediate result.
Indicates a result.
Indicates text passages or buttons that appear in the program
interface of Nero Vision. They are shown in bold face.
Indicates references to other chapters. They are executed as
links and are shown in red and underlined.
1.2 About Nero Vision
Nero Vision software has an extremely user-friendly interface and allows you to record, edit
and burn movies and slide shows. You can use Nero Vision to play back your videos on your
PC from DV video cameras or other external video devices and to burn them as DVD-Video,
DVD-VR/-VFR (video mode)/+VR, Video CD (VCD), Super Video CD (SVCD), miniDVD, BDAV (editable Blu-ray™ disc), AVCHD or HD-BURN or save them in a folder on the hard
drive.
With the many features offered in this powerful multimedia software, you will have numerous
options for creating and collecting your memories. Even users who are new to the world of
videos will find it easy to use Nero Vision.
With Nero Vision you can …
shorten videos quickly and easily and add effects,
create chapters using automatic scene cut detection and set chapter marks manually,
create your own menus from predefined menu templates with animated buttons,
add your own background pictures and texts,
use the preview screen with the handy virtual remote control to view your project,
... and much more!
Page 6
General information
Using your DV video camera, a FireWire® card, and the appropriate hardware, you can
import your own videos from your camera.
If you have a DirectShow
videos directly from the video capture card. If you do not have any video hardware at all, you
can still work with video files that are on your PC or that you downloaded from the Internet.
®
compatible video capture card, you can use Nero Vision to record
1.3 Versions of Nero Vision
Nero Vision is available in versions with different functionalities. In addition to the full Nero
Vision version there are other versions with restricted functionality.
The following functions are not available in Nero Vision Essentials:
The number of Smart3D menu templates is limited
The following functions are not available in Nero Vision Essentials SE:
Make New Movie...
Make Blu-ray™ Discs / Make Editable Blu-ray™ Discs
Edit Movie
Export Movie to File
Export Movie to DV Video Camera
Record Directly to DVD-VR
Record Directly to Blu-ray™ Discs
Make Editable DVD (DVD-VR/DVD-VFR (video mode)/+VR)
Smart3D Menus
To make a disc in DVD-Video, SVCD, miniDVD or HD-BURN disc format, the video source
files must be encoded in MPEG-2 video format. The discs can then be played back on
compatible DVD players.
If the original data is not available in compatible format, you will need the DVD-Video plugin to create it; this is not included in the Nero Vision Essentials or Nero Vision Essentials
SE versions. You can obtain it from
www.nero.com.
Page 7
Technical information
2 Technical information
2.1 System requirements
In addition to the general system requirements for the Nero program package, the following
individual system requirements apply to Nero Vision:
Microsoft® DirectX® 9.0c or later
Optional:
FireWire® (IEEE 1394) Controller for DV capturing
USB capture device (webcam)
Analog or digital TV card (analog, DVB-T, DVB-S, DVB-C, and ATSC) to the BDA driver
standard
DirectShow® compatible video capture card
Blu-ray™-capable recorder and Blu-ray™ disc
Installation of the latest WHQL-certified device drivers is recommended. WHQL stands for
Windows Hardware Quality Labs and means that the device driver certified by Microsoft®
is compatible with Microsoft® Windows® and the relevant hardware.
To make a disc in DVD-Video, SVCD, miniDVD or HD-BURN disc format, the video source
files must be encoded in MPEG-2 video format. The discs can then be played back on
compatible DVD players.
If the original data is not available in compatible format, you will need the DVD-Video plugin to create it; the DVD-Video plug-in is already included in the full version of Nero Vision.
Even if you do not have a recorder capable of burning DVDs or CDs, you can still use the
image recorder to burn a disc image and save it for future use.on your hard drive. Once
you have connected the appropriate recorder to the system, you can burn disc images on
real discs at any time using Nero Vision, Nero Burning ROM or Nero Express.
Page 8
Technical information
2.2 Terminology
2.2.1 Video/chapter/movie/project
Video denotes a single video file that is stored on the hard drive, such as your vacation
video. It makes no difference if you have created the video yourself or imported it. As
soon as you open a video file in Nero Vision and work on it, it becomes a video title.
Editing includes the creation of transitions, cutting or the generation of a sound track.
Chapter denotes a section of a video title, the beginning of which is defined by a chapter
mark.The more marks the video title has, the more chapters it contains. The more marks
the video title has, the more chapters it contains. Each video title consists of at least one
chapter. The advantage of chapters is that you can jump directly to specific chapters
when playing the video without having to fast forward or rewind.
Movie refers to a complete compilation of one or more video titles which are mostly
edited. An example of a movie is an assortment of clips from videos of your last vacation.
Project refers to the process from when the videos are opened through to the finished,
exported movie. A project can be saved with all changes to a project file and can be
opened again at a later date; the project file has the extension *.nvc (Nero Vision
Compilation).
In summary: the goal of a project is a finished movie which consists of several video titles,
each of which is subdivided into chapters.
2.2.2 Disc/disc format
Disc is a data medium to which information is saved. CD-R, DVD-R, and DVD+R are
examples of write-once discs that are written to by a recorder and read by a player. Discs
of the same type with different storage capacities are available, e.g. for DVD-R with 4.38
GB or as DVD-R DL (Dual Layer, with two data layers) with 7.95 GB.
Disc format refers to the format in which the data is organized on a disc. For example,
the DVD-VR disc format is only supported by the DVD-RW and DVD-RAM discs and can
only be used with these. Conversely, the following applies: the disc formats Video CD
(VCD), Super Video CD (SVCD), miniDVD, and HD-BURN can be created on the disc
types CD-R and CD-RW. The disc format determines the technical options that are
available, such as subtitling or multiple sound tracks.
2.2.3 Encoding/transcoding/recoding/decoding
Encoding is the generation of a video in a specific video format, e.g. MPEG-2 or Nero
Digital™ (MPEG-4). An appropriate encoder is required for each video format.
Transcoding is the conversion of an existing video from one video format to another, e.g.
from Xvid to MPEG-2.
Recoding is the conversion of an existing video with specific properties (e.g. bit rate
2500 kb/s) to the same video format with different properties (e.g. bit rate 1990 kb/s).
Decoding is the opening or playing of a video that was encoded in a specific video
format.
Page 9
Technical information
2.2.4 DVD discs
Writable DVD discs are categorized as follows:
Data medium
DVD
Specification
Rewritability
RAM
Data layers
A DVD-R DL is therefore a write-once disc with two data layers; it has a capacity of 7.95 GB.
-
+
R
RW
DL
Digital Versatile Disc – Identifies an optical data medium.
Refers to discs that conform to the specification of the DVD Forum.
Refers to discs that conform to the specification of the DVD+RW Alliance.
Recordable. Refers to write-once discs.
ReWritable. Refers to rewritable discs.
Random Access Memory. Refers to rewritable discs with special data security.
Dual Layer (in - discs) and Double Layer (in + discs). Refers to discs with two
data layers on each side.
2.3 Disc formats supported
Nero Vision supports different disc formats. This section tells you about the advantages and
disadvantages of the individual formats. For details on which disc format is available on
which discs, refer to
2.3.1 DVD Video
Using the video codec MPEG-2 to compress video files, a DVD-Video can hold up to 135
minutes of video on a 4.38 GB DVD-R/-RW/+R/+RW in a quality far superior to VHS video or
Video CD. You can play the disc on most DVD players which means very high quality
storage for all of your home videos. You can also play DVDs on your PC if you have the
appropriate software and DVD-ROM drive.
A DVD-DL disc doubles the storage capacity of the disc and in turn the space for a DVDVideo.
2.3.2 DVD-VR/-VFR (video mode)/+VR
DVD-VR/-VFR (video mode)/+VR are special types of DVD-Video that provide three options
which DVD-Video alone cannot provide:
Direct recording of videos onto disc in real-time is possible (option: Record Directly to
Disc).
Overview of compatibility between disc formats and discs.
The data on the disc can later be edited and altered.
More video titles can be added if space is still available on the disc.
This means that a DVD-VR/DVD-VFR (video mode)/+VR is similar to a video cassette, but of
a far superior quality.
However, there are differences between the individual disc formats:
Page 10
Technical information
The DVD-VR is specifically designed for recording directly to disc. Although a graphics
menu is not supported, playlists are created instead. Furthermore, the sound track cannot
be changed, i.e. it is not possible to edit or add to the existing track. DVD-VR is not
compatible with DVD-Video and can only be played on special DVD players.
DVD-VFR (video mode) – just like DVD-Video – allows you to create menus but not to
create chapter menus or playlists. Once the disc has been finalized, a DVD-VFR is
essentially compatible with DVD-Video and can be played in most DVD players.
Once the disc has been finalized, the DVD+VFR format is essentially compatible with
DVD-Video and can be played in most DVD players. The storage capacity doubles for
burning to a DVD+R DL disc as does the space for the DVD+VR.
2.3.3 Video CD (VCD)
Using the video codec MPEG-1 to compress video files, a VCD generates a quality roughly
similar to VHS video and can hold up to 74 or 80 minutes of full-motion video along with
stereo sound on 650 and 700 MB CDs respectively. VCDs can be played on most DVD
players and on your PC if you have the appropriate software and a drive that can read CDR/CD-RW discs.
2.3.4 Super Video CD (SVCD)
This format uses the video codec MPEG-2 to store video files in a quality roughly similar to
S-VHS and can hold around 30 or 40 minutes of full-motion video along with stereo sound on
650 MB and 700 MB CDs respectively. SVCDs can be played on a growing number of DVD
players and on the PC if you have the appropriate software and a drive that can read CD-R/RW discs.
2.3.5 miniDVD
In principle, a miniDVD is nothing other than a CD-R or CD-RW, upon which a DVD structure
has been written in UDF format. It offers the same technical benefits and qualities as a DVD,
whether this be the ability to create chapters or menus, support for subtitles or a number of
audio tracks (even in real digital multichannel sound). miniDVDs can easily be played by a
PC, while reproduction is not guaranteed with all types of DVD players.
2.3.6 HD-BURN
The creation of an HD-BURN CD is only supported by specific recorders. In principle, an HDBURN CD is nothing other than a CD-R or CD-RW, for which a special procedure is used to
double the storage capacity of a CD and which has a DVD structure written on it in UDF
format. It offers the same technical options and qualities as a DVD-Video, i.e. the possibility
to create chapters or menus and support for subtitles and multiple sound tra cks (including
real digital multichannel sound).
2.3.7 Editable Blu-ray™ disc
The creation of a Blu-ray™ disc is only supported by specific recorders. Blu-ray™ discs are
written with a blue laser. The shorter wave length (405 nm) of this laser makes it possible to
adjust the laser beam with greater precision. Data can be packed more tightly and takes up
less space on the disc.
Page 11
Technical information
An editable Blu-ray™ disc (BD-AV) is a special variant of the Blu-ray™ disc that allows you
to record videos that are encoded in DV or MPEG-2 format. The data on the disc can be
edited, altered or expanded with additional video titles at a later point.
2.3.8 AVCHD
AVCHD (Advanced Video Codec High Definition) is a new format for HD recordings o n DVD,
storage card or hard drive. This high-resolution format is used mainly by new camera
models. The video material is compressed with the MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 codec. Audio data
is stored in Dolby® Digital (AC3) or, in the case of NTSC and PAL standard formats, in linear
PCM format.
2.4 Overview of compatibility between disc formats and discs
Disc format Discs supported
DVD-R, DVD-R DL
DVD-RW
DVD-Video
DVD-VR
DVD-VFR
(video mode)
DVD+VR
Video CD
(VCD)
Super Video CD
(SVCD)
miniDVD
HD-BURN
Editable Blu-ray™ disc
AVCHD
DVD-RAM
DVD+R, DVD+R DL
DVD+RW
DVD-RW
DVD-RAM
DVD-R
DVD-RW
DVD-RAM
DVD+R, DVD+R DL
DVD+RW
CD-R
CD-RW
CD-R
CD-RW
CD-R
CD-RW
CD-R
CD-RW
BD-R
BD-RE
DVD-R, DVD-R DL
DVD-RW
DVD-RAM
DVD+R, DVD+R DL
DVD+RW
Storage card, hard drive
Page 12
Technical information
To burn a DVD-Video or DVD-VR/DVD-VFR (video mode)/+VR disc, a supported DVD
recorder must be connected to the PC. To burn VCD/SVCD/miniDVD/HD-BURN discs, you
need to have a supported CD and/or DVD recorder connected to your system.
Please visit
Even if you do not have a recorder capable of burning DVDs and/or
VCDs/SVCDs/miniDVDs/HD-BURNs, you can still burn a disc image and save it for future
use on your hard drive. Once you have connected an appropriate recorder to the PC, you
can use Nero Vision, Nero Burning ROM or Nero Express at any time to burn disc images
on real discs.
www.nero.com for the list of currently supported recorders.
2.5 Overview of compatibility between DVD discs and editable disc formats
Disc Supported disc formats for "editable DVDs"
DVD-R DVD-VFR (video mode)
DVD-RW DVD-VR, DVD-VFR (video mode)
DVD-RAM DVD-VR, DVD-VFR (video mode)
DVD+R DVD+VR
DVD+R DL DVD+VR
DVD+RW DVD+VR
Page 13
Launching the program
3 Launching the program
3.1 Launching Nero Vision via Nero StartSmart
To launch Nero Vision via Nero StartSmart, proceed as follows:
1. Click on the Nero StartSmart icon.
Æ The Nero StartSmart window is opened.
2. Click on the arrow button in the left margin of the window.
Æ The extended dialog box will open.
3. Select the Nero Vision entry from the Applications selection list.
Æ The Nero Vision window opens.
Î You have launched Nero Vision via Nero StartSmart.
3.2 Launching Nero Vision directly
To launch Nero Vision directly, proceed as follows:
1. If you are using the Windows XP Start menu, click Start > Programs > Nero 7 (Premium) >
Photo and Video > Nero Vision.
If you are using the classic Start menu, click Start > Programs > Nero 7 (Premium) >
Photo and Video > Nero Vision.
Æ The Nero Vision window opens.
Î You have launched Nero Vision.
Page 14
Fig. 1: Nero StartSmart
User interface
4 User interface
4.1 General information
Basically, the user interface consists of the selection of a task from the Start screen.You
then complete the task by navigating through the different steps, with a separate window
being displayed for each individual step.
A project consists essentially of four steps:
1. Picking a task.
Select what you would like to do by moving the cursor over the menu item. As you move
your cursor over an item, an explanatory text will pop up next to it. Left-click on the item for
the task to be started.
Fig. 2: Launch screen
This manual contains a chapter for each task that describes all of the steps required for its
completion.
2. 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 know where you are and what
you need to do, each screen comes with a name and a brief description. To move to the next
screen or to go back to the previous screen, use the Next or Back buttons on the navigation
bar.
Page 15
User interface
Fig. 3: Contents screen
Some screens include a menu. When the cursor is on an option, an explanatory text will pop
up underneath.
Fig. 4: Content screen – What do you want to do? menu
The two buttons Cancel and Refresh are available in screens where you can
perform various actions. These let you easily cancel out an action or restore the last actions
undone. This lets you try out a large number of Nero Vision features without having to
discard the entire project if you are not satisfied.
Each screen contains tooltips, detailed information, and explanations for the various
buttons, icons, and menus. Hold your cursor for a few seconds over an item to learn more
about it.
Page 16
User interface
3. Burning.
Burning marks the end of a project. For this you should define the burning parameters and
click on the Burn button. Depending on the type of project you are working on and the
recorder connected to the system, a number of different entries are available for selection.
4. Following the burning process.
Once you have finished burning you can decide what you would like to do next: launch Nero
ShowTime 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.
4.2 Main screen
Only the buttons and controls that are required are displayed on the Nero Vision user
interface – depending on which screen you are in. This makes the interface easy to use.
When you click on the More button, an additional, extended dialog box is opened (see
Extended dialog box).
Fig. 5: Burn Options screen
Page 17
User interface
4.2.1 Buttons
More
Export process
Save
Go Back
Next
Burn
Help for Nero Vision: opens online help.
Enter new serial number: allows you to enter a new serial
number. The Welcome to Nero window is opened.
Nero Vision on the Web: opens the Nero Vision Web page.
Tips: opens the Tips window. You can configure Nero Vision
in such a way that useful tips are displayed when you open
each screen.
Key Definitions: displays assigned key combinations and
their functions. The Key Definitions window is opened.
Info: displays the version and registration data. The About
Nero Vision window is opened.
Displays the extended dialog box.
Exports the movie to a file.
The Export Movie screen is displayed. In this screen you can
specify the export settings and then export the project (see
Exporting the movie
).
The button is only available if you have inserted at least one
video in a project.
Saves the project with all changes made. The Save As pop-up
window will open.
The project is saved to an administration file with the extension
.nvc (NeroVision Compilation). This function is useful for times
when you are not able to finish your project and would like to
continue at a later time (see
Saving a project).
This undoes the last action.
With Nero Vision you can undo many actions so that you can
restore the desired condition even after having made a large
number of changes.
Restores the last action that you have undone.
With Nero Vision you can restore many actions that have been
undone so that you can restore the desired condition even
after having made a large number of changes.
Returns to the previous screen.
If necessary, you will be prompted to save the project, as the
changes you have made will otherwise be lost.
Displays the next screen.
Starts the burn process.
The button is only displayed in the Burn screen.
Page 18
User interface
4.2.2 Extended dialog box
Only the buttons and controls that are required are displayed on the Nero Vision user
interface – depending on which screen you are in. This makes the interface easy to use.
When you click on the More button, an additional extended area is opened.
The extended dialog box is closed again in normal mode when you switch to the next
screen. In so-called 'sticky mode', the extended dialog box will be displayed until it is closed
once more by clicking on the More button again.
4.2.2.1
The
change the mode.
The extended dialog box is in normal mode.
The extended dialog box is in sticky mode.
Check boxes
Snap timeline items to
chapter detection for DV
Enable capture device
Display Microsoft(R) 'Video
for Windows'(R) devices
icon in the extended dialog box displays its current mode. Click on this icon to
Never use black
thumbnails
Black thumbnails are not used in menus. Instead, the first
non-black thumbnail is found and displayed.
This function can slow down the application.
Automatically creates a menu.
Create menu on disc
The individual video titles can easily be selected using the
menu.
Create chapters
automatically
Creates chapters automatically that can be selected
individually later when playing the movie.
Connects the elements in the Timeline tab to one another
each other
Use time-code based
as with a magnet. Consequently, text, audio, and effects
begin at the same time.
This automatically identifies individual scenes in DV
(Digital Video) files using the time stamp and incorporates
files
them.
Enables playback on the recorder.
audio playback
Detect scenes while
capturing (DV)
This setting does not affect playback of captured video files.
Automatically searches for scene changes when
capturing from a DV capture device.
Displays Microsoft
®
Video for Windows® devices in the list
of recorders.
4.2.2.2 Root menu
Page 19
Adding effects to timeline
Start playback with
Move next objects: when inserting an effect moves the
next effect to the back.
Fit to available space: when inserting a new effect
adjusts the effect so that it only takes up the available
space up to the beginning of the next effect.
Menu: displays the menu after the disc has been inserted
in the player.
<Video title>: plays the selected video title after the disc
has been inserted in the player.
User interface
When finished playing a
4.2.2.3 Radio buttons
Font height calculation
4.2.2.4 Buttons
title
mode
Play next title: plays the next video title after one video
title has been played.
Switch to menu: displays the menu after a video title
has been played.
Loop Title: repeats the video title in an endless loop.
Automatic: automatically calculates the font height of the
button texts so that the full text can be displayed.
Custom: deactivates automatic font height calculation.
You can define the font height yourself in the Edit Menu
screen.
Configure
Default Video Options
Erase Disc
Disc Info
Finalize Disc
Make covers und labels
Opens the configuration of Nero Vision (see
Configuration).
Edits the default options when creating a video. The
Default Video Options window is opened (see
Displaying video options).
As long as you have not selected any kind of disc, the
video options for all the supported formats will be shown.
After you have selected a disc format, only the General
tab and the tab for the current disc format are displayed.
The Nero Digital™ Encoder Configuration window
appears for Nero Digital™ format.
Erases rewritable discs. The Erase Rewritable Disc popup window opens (see
Erasing a rewritable disc).
Before a disc can be erased, the recorder must contain a
rewritable disc. The erase method can be set.
Displays the information on the disc inserted, such as the
disc type, available storage capacity, number of sessions,
and tracks. The Disc Info pop-up window will open (see
Displaying disc info).
Insert the disc that you want to know more about and
select the drive where it is located.
Finalizes DVD-VR/-VFR (video mode)/+VR/+R/+RW discs
(see also
Finalizing a DVD). The Finalize Disc pop-up
window will open.
Starts Nero CoverDesigner (see Creating covers and
).
labels
Nero CoverDesigner is an application in the Nero 7 program suite and is automatically
installed while Nero 7 is being installed. Using Nero Cover Designer, you can create and
print labels and booklets for CDs/DVDs that have been burned.
Please see the separate Nero CoverDesigner user manual for full instructions on how to
make professional looking covers and labels.
Page 20
Capturing videos from video cameras and other external capture devices
5 Capturing videos from video cameras and other external
capture devices
5.1 Capturing
Capturing is a way of taking the video from a DV video camera or another video capture
device connected to the video capture card and placing it on your PC. The capture device is
the device that transmits the video signals to be captured, e.g. a DV video camera, video
capture card or TV card.
You will find a list of supported devices on our web page under:
http://www.nero.com/nero7/eng/all_capture_devices.php?ascd=nvision4
If you simply want to transfer the video from an external capture device to the PC to use it at
a later stage in a project, proceed as described under
If you want to create a disc and also capture a video for this special project, you should
select the relevant option Make DVD (or VCD, SVCD, miniDVD, HD-BURN) from the Start
screen and then select the option Capture Video from the Content screen. That way, you
can capture the video and work on your project simultaneously.
Setting a TV card.
5.2 DV/HDV cameras, digital and analog videos
There are three types of capture device: digital, analog and DV-/HDV cameras. All three
have different hardware requirements.
DV/HDV cameras: In the case of a DV or HDV camera, the video signal is sent to the PC
in digital format. All you need to transfer video to your PC is a connecting cable and a
corresponding socket on your PC.
Analog Video: Video signals from an analog source need to be converted to a digital
format for your PC to be able to work with them. Examples of analog capture devices
include VHS video recorders, TV, VHS-C, 8 mm, and Hi-8 video cameras. Unlike DV
capture devices where the device itself delivers digital video signals to your PC, you need
to have a video capture card installed in the PC in the case of analog video signals. The
analog signals are converted into digital signals by the video capture card.
Digital Video (ATSC, DVB-T/S/C): Video signals from digital capture devices are sent to
the PC in digital format and exist in MPEG-2 format after transfer. TV cards are typical
examples of digital devices. In order to transfer digital video, a corresponding device must
be connected to your PC.
5.3 Setting a TV card
If you have connected a TV card to your PC and call the Video Capture screen for the first
time, all connected devices are displayed in the Capture Device pop-up menu.
To set up a capture device for digital or analog video, a recording card that meets the
requirements of the manufacturer must be installed or must be already integrated in the PC
on the factory side.
Nero Vision provides simultaneous support for a number of 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
http://www.nero.com/nero7/eng/capture_devices_nh.php.
under:
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Capturing videos from video cameras and other external capture devices
The following requirement has to 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:
1. Select the Capture Video to Hard Drive option from the Start screen.
Æ The Capture Video screen is displayed.
2. If you have several devices connected to your PC, select the required device in the Capture
Device pop-up list.
3. Click on the button.
Æ The Video Device Properties window is opened.
4. Click on the Channels tab.
5. Click on the Channel Setting button.
Æ 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.
Fig. 6: TV wizard – Analog TV Channel Search
6. Select your country in the Select country drop-down field.
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.
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Choose between Antenna and Cable as the signal source in the Select source type dropdown field.
The Select source type drop-down field is not available when configuring digita l TV cards
(DVB-T, DVB-S, DVB-C).
7. Click on the Start Search button to start the search.
Æ The search starts.
You are kept informed about the search progress and the number of chann els found in
the Search Status area..
8. Click on the Next button.
Æ The second screen of the TV wizard, TV Channel Edit, is displayed.
Fig. 7: TV wizard – TV Channel Edit
9. Click on the Up and/or Down buttons to change the order of the available channels.
10. Click on the Remove button to remove the highlighted channels.
11. If you want to coordinate the channels of a number of TV cards with each other:
Nero Vision regards TV channels with the same name – so-called "physical" cha nnels – 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 Vision following configuration in the TV
wizard.
1. Highlight a channel you want.
2. Click on the Rename button.
Æ The Rename Channel pop-up window will open.
3. Enter the name you want in the Rename Channel text field.
4. Click on the OK button.
Æ The channel is renamed.
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Capturing videos from video cameras and other external capture devices
12. Click on the Next button.
Æ The third screen of the TV wizard, Manage TV Channel Groups, is displayed.
Fig. 8: TV wizard – Manage TV Channel Groups
13. Click on the Add button on the TV Channel Groups tab.
Æ The Add Group dialog window is displayed.
14. Enter the name you want for the group in the Add Group text field.
15. Click on the OK button.
Æ The group is created.
16. Click on the TV Channels in Groups tab.
Fig. 9:: TV wizard – TV Channels in Groups
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Capturing videos from video cameras and other external capture devices
17. Select the group you want to edit in the Modify groups drop-down menu.
18. Highlight the channels you want to assign to this group in the Available Channels area.
19. Click on the >> button.
Æ The highlighted channels are shown in the Modify groups/Name area.
20. Click on the Up and/or Down buttons to change the order of the channels within the group.
21. Click on the Finish button.
Æ The TV wizard is closed and the Video Capture screen is displayed.
Î You have configured the TV card.
5.4 Capturing video on the hard drive
The following requirements have to 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.
To set up a capture device for digital or analog video, a recording card that meets the
requirements of the manufacturer must be installed or must be already integrated in the PC
on the factory side.
2. Select the Capture Video to Hard Drive option from the Start screen.
Æ The Capture Video screen is displayed.
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Capturing videos from video cameras and other external capture devices
Fig. 10: Capture Video screen
The following buttons are available in the Video Capture screen:
Starts playback.
Stops playback.
Starts capture.
Rewinds the video.
Fast forwards the video.
Switches to full-screen mode. You can return to window mode by
pressing the Esc key.
Sets the capture timer which allows you to define the start time,
end time, and capture time for capturing a video.
Switches to the next channel.
Switches to the previous channel.
Displays the played position in the format hours:minutes:-
seconds.hundredths of a second. Jumps to a specific position by
clicking on the
(next) and (back) buttons.
3. Select the capture device in the Capture Device pop-up 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 dialog box. 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
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Capturing videos from video cameras and other external capture devices
there is no way of pausing, rewinding/fast forwarding or restarting the video signal.
In VCR mode, the video already exists on tape (or another medium). To capture this video
you need to insert the tape into your video device and play it back. You can also
rewind/fast forward through the whole tape to play back specific scenes.
Digital video cameras can be set to either "camera" mode or "VCR" mode. Please check
the manufacturer's instructions on how to do this.
Analog video cameras are automatically in VCR mode.
Depending on whether the capture device is in "camera" or "VCR" mode, some buttons are
not available.
Æ If the capture device is in camera mode, the current video signal is displayed in the
preview dialog box.
4. If you are using an analog capture device, start playback on the capture device.
If you are using a digital capture device and it is in VCR mode, control the tape using the
buttons.
Æ You will see the current scene in the preview dialog box.
5. Check playback from the capture device in the preview dialog box.
6. If you want to change the video settings:
1. Click on the
Æ The Video Device Properties window is opened.
If a digital capture device was selected in the Capture Device selection list, only the
Channels tab is available in the Video Devices Properties window.
2. Perform the required settings and click on the
The following tabs are available in the Video Devices Properties window:
button.
Format
General
button.
Fig. 11: Video Device Properties window
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 on the
Configure button starts the device test. You can select
the video source here (video, composite or S-video)
Sets values such as brightness, sharpness or contrast
using the sliders.
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Capturing videos from video cameras and other external capture devices
All available channels of the selected device are
displayed.
You can select the required channel for your recording
here.
Clicking on the Manage TV Channel Groups button
Channels
displays the last screen of the TV wizard again, and
you can edit, add or remove groups and assigned
channels. The TV wizard screen displays the available
channels and groups of all installed capture devices.
If you click on the Channel Setting button, you can
once again configure a TV card on a step-by-step
basis using the TV wizard (see
7. If you want to select an external audio source for capture:
Setting a TV card).
1. Click on the
button.
Æ The Audio Device Properties window is opened.
Fig. 12: Audio Device Properties window
2. Select the audio device from the Audio Source selection menu.
3. Click on the
CD player, line, microphone).
4. Click on the
icon and select the audio inputs required from the pop-up context menu (e.g.
button.
8. Select the required capture template in the Capture Template pop-down menu..
When data is captured directly on disc, the Capture Template selection menu is not
displayed
9. If you would like to perform other detailed settings for the capture:
1. Click on the Configure button.
Æ The Video Options window is opened (see Video options).
2. Perform detailed settings for video mode, transcoding quality, etc.
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