Xara Video Easy HD - 3.0 Instruction Manual
2 Copyright
Copyright
This documentation is protected by copyright law.
All rights, especially rights to reproduction, distribution, and to the translation,
are reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced in form of copies, microfilms or
other processes, or transmitted into a language used for machines, especially
data processing machines, without the express written consent of the
publisher.
All rights of reproduction are reserved. Errors in and changes to the contents
as well as program modifications reserved.
Copyright © MAGIX AG, 2001 – 2011. All rights reserved.
MAGIX is a registered trademark of MAGIX AG.
Created under license from Dolby Laboratories
Dolby and the double-D symbol are trademarks of the Dolby Laboratories.
© 1992 – 2011 Dolby Laboratories. All rights reserved.
Other mentioned product names may be registered trademarks of the
respective manufacturer.
This product uses MAGIX patented technology (USP 6518492) and MAGIX
patent pending technology.
Welcome to MAGIX Video easy 3
Welcome to MAGIX Video easy
Welcome to MAGIX Video easy, the first video editing program for the whole
family. It's so easy to use that even beginners without any prior skills will be
able to design breathtaking videos in just a short time. Transform recordings
of family celebrations, vacations, or special events into video DVDs or present
your videos on the Internet with ease.
It's never been easier to transfer videos from your camcorder to your PC's
hard drive, to optimize video material with a few clicks, and then burn to DVD.
This manual explains how everything works, step-by-step.
The complete electronic manual provides a more detailed explanation of the
options, dialog boxes, menus and program interface.
Have fun with MAGIX Video easy,
The MAGIX team
Note
This document describes the functionality of the full version of your SE
version. Please note that not all functions listed in this document are available
in your version.
To simplify matters we are using MAGIX Video easy in this manual. However,
the full name of the product is MAGIX Video Easy TerraTec Edition.
4 What's new in MAGIX Video easy?
What's new in MAGIX Video easy?
Audio commentary: Add commentary to a second audio channel in your
video with ease.
Speed regulation: The playback speed of your objects can be easily adjusted
with a slider - for great effects.
Upload to Facebook™: Created videos may now be uploaded to Facebook™
directly from MAGIX Video easy.
Export AVCHD to memory cards: Now completed videos can be directly
exported to a SD memory cards. This is particularly helpful if you own a Bluray player with a SD slot.
Video exports to mobile devices: Completed videos can now be exported to
mobile devices such as Android phones and iPhone's/iPod's/iPad's.
Go back step-by-step function: Now you can individually select the changes
which should be undone. This gives you more control of your project.
Features 5
Features
Connection and introduction wizard
A practical wizard will guide you through the program: from connecting the
video camera to recording your videos.
Convenient video editing assistant
It just doesn't get any easier: Select your video, add text and music, and your
movie is finished – great transitions included!
Clearly laid-out user interface with large buttons
The neatly laid out interface includes extra large buttons and is free of
confusing symbols and unnecessary functions.
Numerous help functions as video clips
Helpful video clips are available to you directly within the program to explain
how the desired function is used.
®,
Export to DVD, YouTube
Burn your movies with a menu onto DVD, present them online, or save your
video clips as a file.
Facebook® as a file
Practical project archiving on DVD and hard drive
Projects aren't just securely archived on DVD or your hard drive, they can also
be conveniently edited at any time.
Also supports AVHCD camcorders
With MAGIX Video easy you can edit and burn your AVCHD recordings
directly. Only somewhat more expensive programs offer this otherwise.
Preview monitor
View edits and effects beforehand, without changing the output video.
Image optimization
Customize color, brightness, contrast, saturation, and volume with ease.
Toolbar
Add titles and text, transitions, photos and music with just a click.
Transport control
The start and stop marker can be moved to any desired position to place
edits.
6 Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Copyright 2
Welcome to MAGIX Video easy 3
Note 3
What's new in MAGIX Video easy? 4
Features 5
Customer service 8
MAGIX Online World 10
MAGIX Online Album 10
MAGIX Website Maker 10
Catooh – the Online Content Library 10
MAGIX News Center 11
Start program 12
Import video 13
Import video from digital camcorders 14
Import from analog sources (e.g. video recorder) 16
Edit Video 21
Scene recognition 21
Cut an Object 22
Remove a Clip 22
Automatic movie editing 23
Start Video Editing 24
Apply effects 24
Sound and music 25
Insert Title 27
Insert Transitions 28
Insert additional images/videos 28
Finish movie 29
Export as a File 29
Burn as a DVD, Blu-ray Disc, or AVCHD Disc 30
Export to a mobile device 35
Upload to YouTube 35
Backup project with all required files 37
Menu Reference 38
File Menu 38
Edit Menu 42
Menu effects 44
Help Menu 46
Dialog and Interface Reference 49
Video Monitor 49
Set object 50
Title and text 52
Video effects 53
Scene recognition 53
Video stabilization 55
Display duration... 55
Clean-up Wizard 56
Object properties 56
Project settings 57
Program Settings 57
If You Still Have Questions 59
Tips for program help 59
Table of Contents 7
Glossary 60
Annex: Digital Video and Data Storage 77
MPEG Compression 77
Interlace 77
Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) 79
AVCHD disc 80
Blu-ray Disc™ 80
Index 82
8 Customer service
Customer service
Our aim is to provide easy, fast and solution-focused support at all times. To
this end, we offer a wide range of services:
Unlimited web support:
As a registered MAGIX customer, you have unlimited access to web support
offered via the convenient MAGIX service portal at http://support.magix.net,
including an intelligent help assistant, high-quality FAQs, patches and user
reports that are constantly updated. The only requirement for use is product
registration on www.magix.com
The online community - on-the-spot support and a platform for exchange:
MAGIX customers have free and unlimited access to the online community at
www.magix.info, which offers the opportunity to ask questions about MAGIX
products and to search for topics or answers. Besides questions & answers,
the knowledge pool includes a glossary, video tutorials and a discussion
forum. The multiple experts, found round-the-clock on www.magix.info
guarantee quick answers, sometimes within minutes of a question being
posted.
Email support for MAGIX products:
8 (eight) weeks of free email customer service (starting from the purchase
date) is automatically included with the purchase of any new MAGIX product.
MAGIX guarantees fast processing of your request and an immediate reply.
Premium email support:
If you experience problems after the 8 weeks of free email support have
expired, you can purchase a Premium email support ticket in the MAGIX Shop
for USD 12.99 | CAD 13.99 | GBP 9.99 | AUD 18.99 | ZAR 120.00 | EUR
12.99 | SEK 119.00 | NOK 99.00 | DKK 99.00. This ticket applies to a
specific problem and is valid until it is solved; it is therefore not restricted to
one email. Reporting evident program errors is exempt from this regulation.
Please note: To be able to use the Premium email support and free product
email support via the Internet, you have to register your MAGIX product using
the serial number provided. This can be found on the CD case of your
installation CD or on the inside of the DVD box.
Additional telephone service:
Besides the large number of free customer service offers, we also offer a feebased telephone customer service.
A summary of technical support telephone numbers is available here:
http://support.magix.net/
Mail (Europe): MAGIX Development Support, P.O. Box 20 09 14, 01194
Dresden, Germany
Mail (North America): MAGIX Customer Service, 1105 Terminal Way #302,
Reno, NV 89502, USA
MAGIX Sales Department
You can reach the MAGIX Sales Department workdays for help with the
following questions and problems:
Orders
Product consulting (pre-purchase)
Upgrade requests
Returns
Europe
Customer service 9
Monday -
U.K.: 0203 3189218
Denmark: 699 18149
Sweden: 0852500858
Finland: 09 31581630
Norway: 0210 30665
North America
9 am
Phone: 1-305-722-5810
Please have the following information at hand:
Which MAGIX program are you using (version)?
Which operating system do you use?
What make is your graphics card and what screen resolution do you use?
What make is your sound card? Or do you use the pre-installed sound
system of your computer?
For video programs: What make is your video card or FireWire card?
How large is your RAM?
What version of DirectX is installed?
Friday, 09:00-16:00 GMT
to 4 pm EST Mon-Fri
10 MAGIX Online World
MAGIX Online World
MAGIX Online World from MAGIX offers you a range of new services for your
photos, videos, and music that are accessible directly from the "Online" menu
in MAGIX Video easy:
MAGIX Online Album
MAGIX Online Album is your personal multimedia album on the Internet. If you
want to present slideshows or videos online, then MAGIX Online Album is the
perfect service.
MAGIX Website Maker
MAGIX Website Maker helps you create a personal Internet showcase with a
professional design in just a few mouse clicks – without prior knowledge,
including your own chosen domain and email address. Publish slideshows and
videos and accessorize your site with music and various effects – anything
from a simple business card to a fireworks display of effects, professional or
private – show your best side!
More about this topic can be found under MAGIX Website Maker.
Catooh – the Online Content Library
If your project is missing pictures, videos, DVD menus, sounds, or samples,
then you should have a look at the huge selection available at Catooh. There
you'll be able to buy media in excellent quality for low prices: DVD menus,
MAGIX Fotoshow Maker styles, decorative elements, 3D power effects, 3D
transition series, MAGIX Soundpools, songs, ringtones... Perfectly suited to all
MAGIX photo, video, and music projects.
MAGIX Online World 11
MAGIX News Center
The MAGIX News Center features links to current online tutorials and tips &
tricks on the software application examples. The "News" is indicated by color
according to content:
Green indicates practical tips & tricks for the software
Yellow reports the availability of new patches and updates
Red for special offers, contests and questionnaires
If no new messages are present, the button will appear gray. When the MAGIX
News Center is clicked, all of the available information will be displayed. Click
the messages to reach the corresponding website.
12 Start program
Start program
Start MAGIX Video easy by double clicking the program icon on the desktop
or by accessing MAGIX Video easy via the Windows Start menu.
The first time the program is started, you will have to enter the serial number.
More information about this can be found in the chapter "Serial number".
New video project: Create a new project. MAGIX Video easy automatically
creates a subfolder for the newly created video project bearing the same
name as the project itself. In the following dialog you load the videos that you
want to edit.
Video project: Previously saved video may be reloaded and then edited (view
page 20) here.
tch introduction video: This video describes the basics in MAGIX Video
Wa
easy. It's especially interesting for beginners who have little or no experience
with digital video editing.
Load previously saved video: The last project you worked on can be reloaded
here.
Import video
Import video 13
Import videos from digital camera: Videos can be easily imported from digital
camcorders like AVCHD, MiniDV, and HDV cameras into MAGIX Video easy.
Select files on the computer: If you would like to load videos that have already
been added to your computer, then select this option. You only need to open
the correct folder and select the video.
Import videos from analog sources (e.g. video recorders): This option is
available for recordings from analog video sources. These may be (VHS and
Super-VHS), but also analog camcorders (e.g. Video 8, Hi8).
Warning! Analog video recordings require special hardware to be able to
receive the analog video signal on the computer. These devices are often
referred to as "video cards" or "video devices" and exist as internal cards (PCI,
PCI express) or as external devices that may be connected to the computer
via USB or FireWire (also called "iLink" or "IEEE 1394").
Shortcut: V
14 Import video
Import video from digital camcorders
MiniDV/HDV: The recorded video is saved onto MiniDV cassettes in digital
form. to transfer the video, the tape must always be palyed back at normal
speed, making transferring of a video very similar to a "genuine" recording.
AVCHD camera: These cameras save the video material onto built-in hard
drives or memory cards. This therefore involves simple copying of data, which
makes transfer simple and convenient.
Connecting an AVCHD
Turn on your AVCHD camera.
Set to playback mode.
Connect it to your computer.
Then click on "Continue".
camera
Tip: Check the battery level and plug in the camera into the mains as
required.
The computer will normally recognize the camera automatically.
Import video 15
AVCHD scene selection
Here you can see all of the video sequences
saved on the camera. All preview images,
dates, times, and lengths are also displayed.
Select from the desired video sequences
from the list. Selection of multiple video
sequences can be done by holding down the
"Ctrl" key while clicking items in the list.
Transferring AVCHD videos
Once the desired sequences have been selected, click the "Transfer video
sequences" button. This step may also be repeated as often as necessary to
transfer individual sequences.
Recordings from MiniDV/HDV cameras
Switch on the camera and set it to playback mode. Check the battery level
and plug in the camera's power as required.
Now connect the camera with a FireWire cable to the computer. Windows will
normally detect the camera automatically. Then click "Continue" in the dialog
that appears.
16 Import video
Note: Not all computers feature a FireWire interface. in most cases, this may
be added without much trouble. In this case, talk to your computer specialist.
Note: You may also use a HDV camera in DV mode to, for example, transfer
recordings in the old DV format. We have noted problems with this mode in
many cameras, and therefore recommend that the Record mode of the
camera is also switched to DV, switching the camera off and then on again.
MiniDV/HDV cameras - transferring scenes
The camera can be conveniently controlled in
MAGIX Video easy with the remote control.
Simply go to the position that you would like
to transfer to MAGIX Video easy and click the
"Transfer video to computer" button.
Repeat the process until all of the desired scenes have been transferred.
Important: The camera must replay the cassette at the original tempo to
transfer the material, which may take some time.
Import from analog sources (e.g. video recorder)
Video recordings that were created using analog camcorders or that are
played back with a vidfeo recorder must first be recorded with the computer
and then converted to digital video. This requires special hardware that
features a video import (TV, video, or video-in graphics card).
The so-called "video grabber“, "video capture device", or "video cards" are all
available, plus insertable cards that need to be built in and activated by
computer specialists, or even USB or FireWire devices.
Connections to the cards usually look this way
(see figure).
Import video 17
Due to the variety of device configurations, it is difficult to say which cable will
function best with your setup. If you’re not sure, check the manual of your
VCR or your TV, video, or graphics cards.
The top connection is a so-called "composite"
cartridge. the connection shown below is called
an "S-video" connection and features better
quality than the composite connection.
If these connections are used, then the sound will
have to be transferred with a separate cable
(red/white connections).
These cables will have to be connected to the
line-in on the sound card or (if available) the video
card. You may require an adapter.
Adapter cables are often included to enable
connection from video recorders a SCART.
Example: Many VCRs and DVD players have a Scart, 3 RCA (2 for stereo
sound, 1 for video), or S-Video and optical audio outs. In such cases, you will
need a SCART to RCA adapter, a cable with 3 RCA jacks, or even possibly an
S-Video cable.
SCART/RCA adapter Scart/RCA adapter with
3 RCA jacks
Stereo RCA/mini-phone
jack adapter
18 Import video
Most sound card inputs are 3.5 mini stereo jacks. To connect the VCR audio
out to the sound card audio in you will need a stereo RCA/ mini phono plug
adapter. You will most likely have to buy a cable with 3 RCA plugs and a
stereo cinch/mini jack adapter from your local supplier.
Note: Most video converters record both image and sound. This kind of
converter can usually be found in the online store at www.magix.com.
Transfer analog video
Then select the recording quality.
Position the tape in the camcorder at the point from which you would like to
transfer video to the computer.
Click "Transfer video to computer"
Start playback on the camcorder.
If the video from the camcorder should be transferred in multiple sections,
repeat the procedure until all sections have been transferred.
If you select the option "Automatic scene recognition", then the material will
be split into scenes automatically. Scene recognition is important for deleting
unwanted scenes and creating chapters for the DVD menu later on.
Recording quality:
Select
and according to the memory available.
the desired quality depending on what the material is going to used for
Import video 19
Click "Advanced view" to be able to set the desired sound card or sound card
input that will be used to record audio. In the advanced view you have can
make additional changes to your hardware settings.
A click on the speaker button opens the Windows mixer for the set
sound card in recording view.
Format settings/drivers
Note: The settings that may be adjusted here normally only need to be
changed if there are problems transferring the analog video signal. This may
be the case if the drivers for the video card have been programmed
incorrectly.
Here you can adjust certain settings for the video recording driver.
These dialog boxes, so-called “property sheets,” come with the video card
drivers. These driver-specific performance properties may deviate depending
on the cards. We also have a very limited influence on the behavior of these
drivers. If you encounter any difficulties, please contact the video card
manufacturer for the latest driver updates.
Input: Sets the crossbar of the video card.
The crossbar determines which video and audio input signal will be recorded.
The crossbars are connected in series to the video recording chip itself. In the
output field, the video output (for the crossbars) is the input for the recording
chip (video or audio decoder-in) of the video card. In the “Input” field, select
the signal source that will be used by the video card to capture for this input.
Many video cards have separate crossbars for audio and video. If you have a
problem, try out the different configurations until the right sound matches the
right image.
Composite-in = the normal video input (typically a cinch jack)
S-video = S-video input (mini-din jack)
SVHS-in = SVHS input (special cable)
Tuner-in = TV signal of the integrated tuner
20 Import video
Imagesetting
Video decoder: If the picture only appears in black & white or it flickers, the
video standard may be set incorrectly. In mainland Europe, PAL_B is used.
VideoProcAmp: Fine-adjustment of colors, brightness, contrast etc. We
recommend against changing any of the manufacturer’s settings.
Format: Please do not change anything here. The capturing format is set in
the "Recording quality" option in the video recording dialog.
Station selection
This option is only available if a TV tuner is integrated into your video card.
Edit Video 21
Edit Video
Scene recognition
For longer videos, it's recommended that you use the scene recognition
feature if you don't want to use all of the material.
For each new scene, you will receive a new entry in the DVD menu later,
making it possible to jump from scene to scene with your DVD player's remote
control.
Choose the "Scene recognition" option in the "Effects" menu.
In the dialog, select the option "Automatic scene recognition" to cut at all
noticeable scene changes.
The option "Manual scene detection" is recommended for complicated
material. Each individual scene must be confirmed or declined.
Shortcut: Shift + Z
22 Edit Video
Cut an Object
The playback bar is located below the video window.
To change the beginning of the selected object, drag the marker at the outer
left end of the playback bar to the right with the mouse until you reach the
position where the object should begin.
To change the end of the object, drag the marker at the outer right end to the
left accordingly.
These two markers therefore allow you to select the section that should be
played back.
Remove a Clip
If you would like to remove a clip, you will have to select it first.
Click the associated preview image in the filmstrip view.
The background of the color image in the filmstrip view will change to indicate
that the associated object has been marked.
To remove it, press "Del" on the keyboard.
The object will only be removed from the project, i.e. the video object will not
be removed from the hard drive.
Edit Video 23
Automatic movie editing
Automatic film editing allows you to add suitable transition effects and
background music to all scenes and images.
Open the "File" menu and select the entry "Automatic editing".
Select an appropriate style and set approximately how long the film should
be.
Click "Create movie (preview)" to receive a suggestion.
Click "Apply" to confirm the suggestion. "Cancel" will leave the film the way it
was before.
24 Edit Video
Start Video Editing
The buttons for video editing are located in the right area of the screen.
First, select the object that you would like to edit.
Next, click the "Set Object" button to get the effects settings for the selected
object.
Apply effects
The three fade controllers increase or decrease image brightness, contrast,
and saturation.
To do so, click on the slide controller and drag it to the left to decrease the
value or to the right to increase it.
Alternatively next to the slide controller you can input the exact values in
percentage form.
With the help of the color wheel you can increase or reduce the selected
color. For example, this allows you to remove a blue tint from the material.
Click the color wheel and drag the point at the center with the mouse button
pressed to the range that you would like to highlight.
By pressing the "Video effects" button in the Media Pools you can find various
effects which can be loaded via drag & drop onto any video. The effect will be
applied to the selected video with a double click.
Edit Video 25
Sound and music
In MAGIX Video easy background music and audio commentary can be easily
added and edited.
Add background music
u need music for the audio track, click the "Music" button in the "Add
If yo
media" list.
The dialog that follows enables you to access the folder with the music files
for selection and loading.
You can insert additional music tracks before or after the selected music track
via its context menu or the arrow symbol (see illustration).
..The music volume may be adjusted via the "Audio" dialog with the help of a
separate volume controller.
Tip: The music track will be cut off if it is longer than the video itself.
Shortcut: M
Inserting audio commentary
If
you want to add commentary to your videos Click on the "Audio recording"
button on the "Audio" tab in Media Pool.
Check whether the correct audio driver has been selected. Normally the
program will select the correct drivers automatically.
Background Audio Trimming
Click the edge of the
held down to the desired position.
audio track. Now move the edge with the mouse key
26 Edit Video
Reposition Background Music
If necessary, audio tracks can now be repositioned. Click in the center and
move it with the mouse key held down to the desired position.
Hint: If there are several audio tracks in the video project, they cannot be
exchange with each other and may be moved around only in the free ranges.
If an audio object is too short to drag and move it, simply cut the video object
(view page 22) above it. This is because the displayed length of the audio
object is depending on the real video object's length.
Change the volume
The volume of the audio track can be adjusted in the "Audio" menu.
Use the controller to the left (Object) to set the original audio track.
The middle controller (Background) can be used to set the volume of the
background music.
The right controller (Dubbing) can be used to set the volume of the
commentary.
Remove Background Music
tracks may also be removed by right-clicking and selecting "Remove
Audio
Audio" in the context menu. This menu may also be reached via the little arrow
on the audio track.
Edit Video 27
Insert Title
Switch to the text module by clicking the "Title and Text" button.
The text entry field can be used to write whatever text should appear in the
image.
The options can be used to format the "Font", "Font size", "Font color", etc.
"Text positioning" justifies your text right, left or centrally.
You can reposition the image more exactly using the arrow buttons in
"Position".
"Animation" creates moving titles. For cinematic credits, select the animation
"From bottom to top".
"Duration", "Fade in", and "Fade out" enable you to control the display
behavior of the title during playback.
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