Xara Video Easy HD - 4.0 Instruction Manual
2
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.
www.magix.com
Welcome to MAGIX Video easy 4 HD 3
Welcome to MAGIX Video easy 4 HD
Welcome to MAGIX Video easy 4 HD, 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 4 HD,
The MAGIX team
What's new in MAGIX Video easy 4 HD?
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 4 HD.
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 Blu-ray 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.
4
Features
Connection and Introduction Wizard
A practical Wizard will guide you through the program: from connecting the video
camera to recording your videos.
Video Editing Wizard
It just doesn't get any easier: Select your video, add text and music, and your movie is
finished – including great transitions!
Clearly laid-out user interface with large buttons
The neatly laid out interface includes extra large buttons and is free of confusing icons
and unnecessary features.
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 to DVD, share them online, or save your video clips as
files.
Facebook and as files
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 4 HD 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.
www.magix.com
Serial number 5
Serial number
A serial number is included in each product. This serial number is required for the
installation of the software and enables usage of additional bonus services. Please
store this number in a safe place.
What can a serial number do?
With a serial number your MAGIX Video easy 4 HD is clearly assigned to you and
only you. This will allow you take advantage of the free email customer service. Abuse
of the software can be prevented with a serial number, and it allows us to continue to
offer an optimum price/performance ratio.
Where can the serial number be found?
This can be found on the paper envelope of your installation CD.
For the versions that have been especially optimized for the Internet (download
versions), you'll receive your serial number for activating the software directly after
purchasing the product via email.
When will you need the serial number
The serial number is required when you start or register MAGIX Video easy 4 HD for
the first time.
Note: We explicitly recommend registering your product (free), since only then are
you entitled to download updates and use MAGIX support services or activate
codecs.
6
Table of Contents
Copyright 2
Welcome to MAGIX Video easy 4 HD 3
What's new in MAGIX Video easy 4 HD? 3
Features 4
Serial number 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 video from a digital camera 17
Import from analog sources (e.g. video recorder) 17
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 28
Insert Transitions 29
Insert additional images/videos 29
Finish movie 30
Burn to disc/Save to SD card 30
Save on computer 34
Upload to Internet 35
www.magix.com
Table of Contents 7
Export to a mobile device 36
Archive project on computer/DVD 37
Menu Reference 38
File Menu 38
Edit Menu 42
Menu effects 43
Help Menu 45
"Share" menu 47
Dialog and Interface Reference 48
Video Monitor 48
Set object 49
Title and text 51
Video effects 52
Scene recognition 52
Video stabilization 54
Display duration... 54
Clean-up Wizard 55
Object properties 55
Project settings 56
Program settings 56
Activate codec 58
If you still have questions 59
Tips for program help 59
Glossary 60
Annex: Digital Video and Data Storage 73
MPEG Compression 73
Interlace 73
Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) 75
AVCHD disc 75
Blu-ray Disc 76
Index 77
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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:
For every new MAGIX product you will receive, as of date purchase, 12 months of
email based customer service.
Premium email support:
For priority support, or if you want the MAGIX support team to help with nonMAGIX related harware problems you can purchase an Premium email support
ticket 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. Log in at http://support.magix.net
and click on "Purchase access code", the ticket is for a specific problem, and is
valid until it is solved, it is not restricted to an email.
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
www.magix.com
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
Customer service 9
Europe
Monday - Friday, 09:00-16:00 GMT
U.K.: 0203 3189218
Denmark: 699 18149
Sweden: 0852500858
Finland: 09 31581630
Norway: 0210 30665
North America
9 am to 4 pm EST Mon-Fri
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?
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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 "Share" menu in MAGIX Video
easy 4 HD:
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 Movieshow Maker
styles, decorative elements, 3D power effects, 3D transition series, MAGIX
Soundpools, songs, ringtones... Perfectly suited to all MAGIX photo, video, and music
projects.
www.magix.com
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.
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Start program
• Start MAGIX Video easy 4 HD by double-clicking the program icon on the
desktop or by accessing MAGIX Video easy 4 HD 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" (view page 4).
New video project:Create a new project. MAGIX Video easy 4 HD 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.
Introductio
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.
n video: This video describes the basics in MAGIX Video easy 4 HD. It's
www.magix.com
Import video
Import video 13
Import videos from digital cameras: Videos can be easily imported from digital
camcorders like AVCHD, MiniDV, and HDV cameras into MAGIX Video easy 4 HD.
Import videos from cameras: Import videos from digital still cameras with video
feature using this option.
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).
Important 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 using USB or FireWire (also called
"iLink" or "IEEE 1394").
Keyboard shortcut: V
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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.
Connect camera/AVCHD camera
1. Connect your camera to the computer and turn the camera on.
2. Switch your camera to playback mode. The computer will normally recognize
the camera automatically.
3. In MAGIX Video easy 4 HD click on "Next".
Tip: Check the battery level and plug in the camera's power as required.
If the camera isn't automatically detected select the drive letter manually from the list.
If you have only just connected the camera click on the button next to the list to
refresh.
www.magix.com
Import videos or photos from a camera / AVCHD camera
Import video 15
On the right you will see all the photos and
videos saved on the camera. All preview
images, dates, times, and lengths are also
displayed.
View filter: You can specify whether the list
shows photos, films or both.
Select the desired photos and videos from the
list. You can select multiple video sequences by
holding down "Ctrl" while clicking items in the
list.
When you've selected the photos and videos you want click on the "Transfer Video
Sequence" button. The media files will then be transferred to the computer. You can
repeat this step as many times as you like. If you decide that you don't want to use a
video select "Delete Marked" and it will be deleted from the computer.
If you plan on making a DVD you might want to select the "Optimize For DVD
Output" option. This means that HD material is converted to DVD format when being
transferred so it can be edited more easily.
Clicking "Start Video Editing" closes the dialog.
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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.
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 4 HD with the remote control.
Simply go to the position that you would like to
transfer to MAGIX Video easy 4 HD and click the
"Transfer video to computer" button.
Repeat the process until all of the desired scenes have been transferred.
www.magix.com
Important: The camera must replay the cassette at the original tempo to transfer the
material, which may take some time.
Import video 17
Import video from a digital camera
This feature allows you to import videos and photos from a digital camera that is
connected to the computer with a USB cable. This procedure is exactly the same as
importing from a AVCHD camera (view page 14).
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).
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.
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.
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.
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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
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.
Stereo RCA/mini-phone
jack adapter
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.
www.magix.com
Import video 19
Recording quality:
Select the desired quality depending on what the material is going to used for and
according to the memory available.
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.
Source: Sets the crossbar of the video card.
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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
Display
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.
www.magix.com
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.
Keyboard shortcut: Shift + Z
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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 color of the filmstrip will change to indicate that the associated object has been
selected.
• 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.
www.magix.com
Edit Video 23
Automatic movie editing
Automatic film editing allows you to add suitable transition effects and background
music to all scenes and images.
1. Open the "File" menu and select the entry "Automatic movie editing".
2. Select an appropriate style and set approximately how long the film should be.
3. Click "Create movie (preview)" to receive a suggestion.
4. Click "Apply" to confirm the suggestion. "Cancel" will leave the film the way it
was before.
24
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 Pool 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.
www.magix.com
Edit Video 25
Sound and music
In MAGIX Video easy 4 HD background music and audio commentary can be easily
added and edited.
Add background music
• Click on the "Music" button to choose background music for your video.
• Then select the desired music files. "Open" inserts the file into the audio track.
The length of the music will be adjusted to match the length of the video. The
background music will be adjusted automatically if you insert other images or
videos into the video project.
• You can insert additional music tracks before or after the selected music track
using its context menu or the arrow symbol (see illustration).
The music volume can be changed in the "Audio" dialog with the help of a separate
volume controller.
Hint: The music track will be cut off if it is longer than the video.
Keyboard shortcut: M
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 21) above it. This is because the displayed length of the audio object is
depending on the real video object's length.
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