Xara Video Pro - X3 Owners Manual

2 Copyright

Copyright

This documentation is protected by law. All rights, especially the right of duplication, circulation, and translation, are reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced in the 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 copyrights reserved.

All other product names are trademarks of the corresponding manufacturers. Errors in and changes to the contents as well as program modifications 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.

Other named product names may be registered trademarks of their respective owners.

This product uses MAGIX patent pending technology.

Foreword 3

Foreword

Thank you for choosing MAGIX Video Pro X3! Your new software offers you the tools to edit video material at a professional level, including many special functions like DVD authoring, multicam editing, and keyframe animation.

The intuitive functionality featured by MAGIX Video Pro X3 will help you achieve great results even after a relatively short introductory phase. Thanks to the optimal hardware support, you can import your audio and video recordings from any source to your computer. Cut them and optimize them; add effects, titles, and transitions. MAGIX Video Pro X3 provides all of the detailed editing options you need for ambitious video projects. When you're finished, you can export your projects or burn them to disc in any conventional format.

This documentation offers you an overview from the beginning, plus a quick start with the program. The sections at the end provide a detailed and systematic description of the numerous functions.

Have fun using MAGIX Video Pro X3,

The MAGIX team

4 Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Uninstalling the program 12 Serial number 12

Unlocking MAGIX Video Pro X3 12 System requirements 13 Introduction 14

What is MAGIX Video Pro X3? 14 What's new in MAGIX Video Pro X3? 14 Features 15 Notes for MAGIX Movie Edit Pro users 19

Quick start 21 Program start 21 Select, load, and play back videos 21 DV recording 24 How to capture analog video 25 Video editing 28 Enriching movies 34

Workspaces 35 Activate main screen 35 "Edit" screen 36 Media Pool 37 Toolbars 43 Program and source monitor 51 Arranger 54 Project folder 57 Adjusting the workspace 58 "Burn" screen 58

Video recording 60 Select the recording method 60 AVCHD/DVCPRO/AVC-Intra 61 HDV camera 64 DV camera 64 Video 70 Single frame 73

Table of Contents 5

Audio 76

Screen 79 Recording AVCHD 80 Edit after recording 81 Creating new movies or attaching them 82

Object editing 82 Insert object into the project 83 Select and group objects 84 Duplicate objects 85 Extract sound from videos 85 Shift objects 85 Cutting objects 85 Object handles 86 Edit menu 87 Trim Objects 88 Shrink or interlace videos 90 Save objects separately 91 Attach to picture position in the video 91 Transitions (fades) 92 Search for gaps 96 Simple cut 96 Two-point cut 96 3-point editing 98 Four-point editing 100

Markers 101 Playback marker 101 Project markers 102 Ranges (in and out points) 102 Chapter markers 104 Scene markers 106 Ad markers 107

Multicam editing 107 Preparation 107 Source tracks and preview images 108 Multicam edit functions 109 Synchronize video objects using the sound track 111

Title 111 Creating titles using a template 111 Creating titles without a template 112 Title editor 113 Advanced settings 114 Edit title 115 Positioning titles 115 3D text 116

6 Table of Contents

Fade in date as title 116

Effects 116 Apply effects to objects 117 Apply fades 119 Video effects in the Media Pool 119 Movement effects in the Media Pool 129 Attach to picture position in the video 134 Stereo 3D 134 Audio effects in the Media Pool 134 Design elements in the Media Pool 136 Personalized templates in the Media Pool 136 Extra effects 136 Effects masks 139 Image stabilization 140 Image improvements for the entire movie 142 Image improvements for individual objects 144

Animate effects 144 Preparing animations 145 Place keyframe 145 Copy keyframe 145 Display keyframes of individual parameters 146 Retroactively editing an effect's keyframes 146 Soft movement 146 Delete keyframe 147 Change curve shape 147 Editing an effects curve in the object 148 Effects curves - Additional functions 148 Stretching, compressing and displacing of effect curves. 150 Animation from outside the image 151

Stereo3D (deluxe version) 152 3D basics 153 Record 3D 154 Prepare 3D editing 155 Set playback mode for 3D 156 Align videos and pictures for 3D 156 Turn camera movements into 3D videos 158 Create titles for 3D videos 158 Export and burning 3D videos 158

Soundtrack 159 Load and edit audio files 159 Audio effects 160 Import audio CD 176 Adding a sound track using MIDI songs 179 Mixer 181

Table of Contents 7

5.1 Surround 184

Set multiple sound tracks 189 Synthesizer 192 Scrubbing 196 Mixdown of audio objects 197 MAGIX Soundtrack Maker 198

Burn disc 199 Preview and editing 200 Menu 201 Templates 201 Edit disc menu 202 Edit DVD menus with Xara Xtreme Pro or Photoshop 210 Burn disc 218 Create PC show 224

Special functions and wizards 224 Automatic scene recognition 224 Search for and remove ads 226 Tempo and beat recognition 227 Travel route animation 232 Slideshow Maker 237 Produce panorama pictures 240 Batch conversion 241

Options for using the final movie 243 Create playable disc 243 Export movie 243 Output audio/video 249 Upload to Internet 257

Managing video projects 258 Project and movie settings 258 Program settings 267 Preview rendering 276 Backup copy 277 Load backup project... 278 Importing & exporting EDL files 278 Clean-up wizard 279

Menus 280 File Menu 280 Edit Menu 287 Effects Menu (FX) 296 Windows menu 301 Help Menu 303

Context menu (right click) 305

8 Table of Contents

Video objects 305

Image objects 309 Transitions 311 Audio objects 312 Text objects 315 MAGIX 3D Maker objects 318 Project folder 320 Track 320

Problems and solutions 321 File will not load 321 Choppy or uneven playback 321 Problems and Remedies regarding the Auto Remix Assistant 322 Activation problems 322

Online functions 324 Integrated browser 324 MAGIX News Center 325 Embed Flash videos into your own web page 326

Keyboard shortcuts 328 Playback functions 328 Monitors 328 Arranger view 329 Move view 329 Mouse modes 330 File menu 330 Edit menu 331 Effects menu 332 Windows menu 333 Help menu 334 Edit keyboard shortcut 334

Activate codecs 335 Free activation (MPEG-2, MPEG-4, Dolby Digital 2.0 & 5.1) 336 Fee-based DVCPRO activation 337

Annex: Digital Video and Data Storage 338 Video Editing on the PC 338 MPEG Compression 338 General notes on AVI videos 339 Overview of the different disc types 339

MPEG-4 encoder settings 346 MPEG-4 347 AVC / H.264 351 AMR 357 AAC 357

Table of Contents 9

Multiplexer 358

Appendix: MPEG Encoder Settings 360 General settings 360 Video settings 361 Advanced video settings 362 Audio settings 363

MPEG glossary 365 Motion estimation 365 Bit rate 365 Block 366 Chroma format 366 Field 366 Frame 367 GOP 367 I frames 368 Interlace 368 P frames and B frames 369 Prediction 369 Quantization scaling 371

Glossary 372 If You Still Have Questions 387

Tips for program help 387 Index 388

10 Support

Support

Dear MAGIX customer,

Our aim is to provide convenient, 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 on 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 includes approx. 100,000 members and offers the opportunity to ask members questions concerning MAGIX products as well as use the search function to search for specific topics or answers. In addition to questions & answers, the knowledge pool includes a glossary, video tutorials and a discussion forum. The multiple experts, found roundthe-clock on www.magix.info guarantee quick answers, which sometimes come 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 fee-based telephone customer service.

Here you can find a summary of our technical support telephone numbers:

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

Please have the following information at hand:

 Program version  Configuration details (operating system, processor, memory, hard drive,

etc.), sound card configuration (type, driver)

 Information regarding other audio software installed

MAGIX Sales Department

You can reach the MAGIX Sales Department workdays for help with the following questions and problems:

Support 11

 Orders  Product consulting (pre-purchase)  Upgrade requests  Returns

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

12 Serial number

Uninstalling the program

If you would like to uninstall MAGIX Video Pro X3, you can do so via the control panel under "Software". Or go to "Programs > MAGIX > MAGIX Video Pro X3 > Service and Support > Uninstall MAGIX Video Pro X3".

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 Pro X3 is clearly assigned to you and only you. This way improved and more targeted customer service is made possible. Abuse of the software can be prevented with a serial number, which ensures that optimum the price/performance ratio continues is guaranteed.

Where can the serial number be found? The serial number can be found on the reverse side of your CD/DVD case. If your product is packed in a DVD box, then you'll find the serial number on the inside.

For the versions that have been especially optimized for the Internet (download versions), you'll get 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 Pro X3 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 (view page 10) services.

Unlocking MAGIX Video Pro X3

After MAGIX Video Pro X3 has been installed and the serial number has been entered, the software can be used for 30 days. After these 30 days have expired, MAGIX Video Pro X3 must be activated.

System requirements

For Microsoft® Windows® XP / Vista® / 7

System requirements 13

 Intel

CoreTM Duo with 1.83 GHz, AMD® Dual core with 2.0 GHz

 1 GB RAM  1 GB hard disk memory for program installation  Multichannel sound card recommended for surround sound editing

Minimum requirements for AVCHD/HD editing

 Intel

CoreTM 2 quad processor with 2.83 GHz (Intel® CoreTM i7

recommended)

 4 GB RAM  DirectX

9.0c compatible graphics card, 512 MB graphics card space or more and Pixelshader 2.0, ATI X300 or higher, NVIDIA GeForce 6600 or higher

 Blu-ray burner to create Blu-ray Discs

System requirements for 3D playback

 Red/cyan glasses required for anaglyph 3D display (included).  A special monitor is needed for viewing using polarized filter glasses.  A 120 Hz monitor or a projector as well as compatible shutter glasses and

graphics card are required for shutter playback.

Supported devices:

 IEEE1394/FireWire/DV/i.Link interface for use with DV/HDV camcorders  USB camcorder (DVD/hard disk/memory card) and webcams  VfW or DirectShow  WDM-compatible TV tuner cards, DirectX

compatible video, TV or graphics cards with video-in

9 and BDA driver compatible

DVB-T/-S tuner cards

 Blu-ray, DVD-R/RW, DVD+R/RW, DVD RAM or CD-R/RW burners

14 Introduction

Introduction

What is MAGIX Video Pro X3?

MAGIX Video Pro X3 is a professional video editing program for Windows PC systems. High-performance, native HD editing, DVD authoring with up to 8 audio tracks, or keyframe animation with Beziér curve control is directed at users with higher standards.

The program is clearly divided into intuitive modules. Videos, photos, and audio from a wide range of sources can be transferred from various devices to PC. Longer movies can be automatically separated into chapters or scenes. You can also do the opposite and combine individual recordings to make a single movie.

Once your video is finished, you can use it in different ways: Transfer it back onto the tape or to your camcorder, export it in any conventional format, or burn it directly to Blu-ray, DVD, or another disc format.

What's new in MAGIX Video Pro X3?

Import options

 AVCHD import dialog (view page 62) with P2 memory card support 

Import (view page 62) for NXCAM, DVCPRO, and AVC Intra Importing of 3D stereo recordings (view page 154)



Importing of Xara Designer Pro or Photoshop files for menu creation (view



page 210) Memory and loadable project folders (view page 57) (e.g. for transferring



dited objects to other projects)

 Optimized start dialog

Video editing

 New multi-track ripple mode (view page 46)

Video monitor zoom and workspace around the active video for motion



graphics and animations

 Stereo 3D editing (view page 152)

Stereo 3D design templates

  Effects masks (view page 139) for controlling the intensity of effects

Extended undo/redo handling (the number of possible undo steps may be



set variably now)

 Revised effects dialog for position/size (view page 129) and camera/zoom

MAGIX Xara Designer link



Introduction 15

 Preview rendering (view page 276) (ranges may be rendered to increase

erformance. Access to objects and tracks is maintained in this process)

 Four-point editing (view page 100)

Apply effects to selected objects (view page 117)



Output option

 AVCHD SmartRendering  Burn Blu-ray™ Discs with H.264 (optional)  Exports 3D stereo films (view page 152) as a file, disc, or to YouTube  Upload video to Facebook (view page 257)

Additional

 Increased speed via general performance boosting  Newly designed dialogs

Features

Capture

MAGIX Video Pro X3 features the following recording options:

 AVCHD/DVCPRO/AVC-Intra/video DSLRs (and other drives)  HDV cameras: HDV1 and HDV2 camcorders  DV cameras: Mini DV camcorders or DV video recorders  Video: Analog TV, video input, VHS recorders, webcams  Audio: Microphones, cassette recorders, MiniDisc players, turntables  Screen: PC monitor  Single frame: Single and series images from webcams, video recorders,

video cameras, or TV cards

Analog capture requires capture cards compatible with DirectShow. DV capture can be performed through an OHCI-compatible IEEE 1394 host adapter (FireWire or iLink). A TV card can be used to record programs from TV or from your video recorder.

Import/Export formats

Supported import formats:

Video: AVI, DV-AVI, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, MTS, M2TS, MXV, MJPEG, QuickTime

Audio: WAV, MP3, OGG, WMA, MIDI, Dolby

5.1 (deluxe version)

, WMV(HD)

Digital Stereo, Dolby®Digital

16 Introduction

Pictures: JPEG, BMP, GIF, TIF, TGA (supports scanners and digital photo cameras (TWAIN)

Supported export formats:

Video: AVI, DV-AVI, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, MXV, MJPEG, Quicktime, WMV(HD)

Audio: WAV, MP3, Dolby version)

Pictures: JPEG, BMP

Note: MPEG-4, MPEG-2, and Dolby®Digital must first be activated online for free. MP3 export requires installation of Windows Media Player min. Version

10.

Note: To import and export AVC and MPEG-4 files, the MPEG-4 codec must be activated (view page 335). A dialog, will appear when the codec is required.

AVCHD standard support

Digital Stereo, Dolby®Digital 5.1 (only deluxe

Files from AVCHD cameras may be imported directly. Newer computers are capable of decoding and playing this format in real time. MAGIX Video Pro X3 Caries out a performance test to ensure that the computer features enough computing power. If this test is negative, the AVCHD material will be converted into an MPEG-2 file to make sure it may be processed on older systems as well.

AVCHD Lite

MAGIX Video Pro X3 now also supports the AVCHD Lite standard, which is used by digital cameras for recording video (among other things).

AVCHD activation details

Attention: For AVCHD support, Dolby Digital Stereo and the MPEG-4 codec must be activated. To convert AVCHD videos to MPEG-2, the MPEG-2 codec must be activated.

Editing

 Program and source monitors: To provide an optimal overview, these two

separate preview monitors are integrated for the source material and movie arrangement respectively.

 The project folder is used for storing your material. It's useful for selecting

the necessary media for your current project. Use it to store video, audio,

titling files, and even edited versions or sections of films for use later in your projects.

 Picture optimization: This includes color improvement (RGB, saturation),

sharpness (focus, feathering), brightness regulator (brightness, contrast), and the anti-flicker filter.

 Sound optimization: The equalizer allows you to manipulate the frequency

spectrum, which is useful for reducing peaks, for example. The compressor limits the signal's dynamics. The StereoFX processor controls the position of the sound within the stereo panorama. The De-noiser and De-hisser are professional noise reduction tools for removing noise and hisses.

 Video effects: Such as creative filters, distortion, video mix (chroma key),

movement effects (e.g. camera/zoom or rotation), cropping, picture-inpicture collages, video effect plug-in support, etc.

 Automatic scene recognition  Slideshow Maker turns photo collages into spectacular multimedia shows

automatically.

 MAGIX Soundtrack Maker creates background music automatically.

Introduction 17

Burnable disc formats

 DVD  WMVHD (high-resolution CD/DVD in WMV-Format, playable on PC)  Blu-ray Disc  AVCHD disc (on DVD and Blu-ray Discs)  MultiDisc (DVD + WMVHD)  Mini-DVD (DVD on raw CD)  JPEG disc (for export of photos onto a photo disc)  Project backups, backup copies, and 1:1 copies of DVDs

Savable window layouts

MAGIX Video Pro X3 offers a flexible user interface which allows windows to be adjusted for any working situation. Both preview monitors can be enlarged to fullscreen and moved around, e.g. to use multiple monitors more effectively. Even the project folder, the Arranger, and the Media Pool can be scaled and moved as a separate window.

Title effects with MAGIX 3D Maker

The title editor features the MAGIX 3D Maker 3D program for especially high-quality 3D subtitles and texts. The title editor opens when a title template is dragged from the "Title" folder onto the track. The title editor provides access to MAGIX 3D Maker via the "As 3D title..." button.

Multicam editing

MAGIX Video Pro X3 enables multicam editing for up to nine cameras. The different camera recordings may be played back in sync and edited together as a single version.

18 Introduction

Batch conversion

Time-saving conversion of multiple movies and videos in a single target format via batch conversion (view page 241) is available under "File".

Batch capturing

When video material is imported from digital sources (miniDV cameras, DV video recorders, HDV cameras), scenes which you would like to use can be selected first and cut at once. To save space, HD files can be converted directly into MPEG format.

Color correction

MAGIX Video Pro X3 offers 3-way color correction (view page 122) for optimizing poor or incorrectly exposed videos. Color correction can be found in the Media Pool under "Effects".

HD audio support

MAGIX Video Pro X3 supports audio formats that conform to Intel's High Definition audio standard for sound cards. This means that MAGIX Video Pro X3 can be used to produce stereo signals at a sampling rate of 192kHz (32-bit) and 8-channel signals at a sampling rate of 96kHz (32-bit).

DVD authoring with up to 8 audio tracks

DVDs, Blu-ray Discs, and AVCHD discs may feature up to eight audio tracks. This is especially useful for creating multi-lingual discs or video data that contains different sound formats (5.1 Surround, stereo). More information about creating different audio tracks is available in the chapter "Dubbing (view page 189)".

Synchronization with external devices

MAGIX Video Pro X3 features synchronization with external devices via MIDI or SMPTE (master or slave).

Support of "Shuttle Pro V2" and "Shuttle Express" from Contour

For easy work, an easy preset has been created that enables controlling MAGIX Video Pro X3 with "Contour Shuttle Pro V2" and "Contour Shuttle Express" quickly and efficiently.

Multimedia editable DVD menus

Many templates for DVD menus that are later used on TV to aid in film and chapter selection are included with the program, some also in 16:9 widescreen format. These may simply be applied during burning to provide a professional appearance to the DVD.

Every menu template may be customized with personal photos, thematic animations, 3D titles, sound, intro videos, etc.

Introduction 19

Media library

A license-free media library including music, video, and graphics files is included for free use and combination. All files are clearly arranged on your DVD in a well-arranged structure.

Tip: For additional multimedia content, you can also browse the online media catalog Catooh by clicking "File -> Internet".

Additional features

 Automatic scene recognition: Long films are divided into shorter scenes as

they are imported or retroactively.

 Metadata logging during recording  Import of non copy-protected DVDs, including all audio tracks and chapter

markers

 Master audio level display on the timeline  Alpha channel support for AVI videos  Sample-exact positioning for audio objects on the timeline  Project-transfer from professional audio programs Samplitude or Sequoia

via EDL interface

 6-channel PCM Surround on Blu-ray Discs

Notes for MAGIX Movie Edit Pro users

For users who are used to working with MAGIX Movie Edit Pro, the user interface can be switched to the "classical" Movie Edit Pro view via "Window

-> Window arrangement".

For everyone who has never used MAGIX Movie Edit Pro, we recommend using Video Pro X's window arrangement. This arrangement provides the most options.

The following provides a detailed overview concerning the differences between MAGIX Video Pro X3 and MAGIX Movie Edit Pro:

Video monitors

 "Movie Edit Pro" mode only has a preview monitor which is used for both

program and source monitor. When the project is stopped, files can be selected in the Media Pool and played back with the transport control. To play back the arrangement again, the arranger has to be clicked first.

 The "Video Pro X" window arrangement provides two preview monitors; a

program monitor for previewing the project in the arranger, and a source

20 Introduction

monitor for previewing files in the Media Pool. Both preview monitors have different transport controls for separate control of the preview in the Media Pool and playback of the project. More information about the preview monitors can be found in the corresponding section of the chapter "Inserting objects into the project (view page 51)".

Keyboard layout

The preset keyboard shortcuts are different and can be displayed in both modes via "File -> Settings -> Keyboard shortcuts". MAGIX Video Pro X3 also allows familiar shortcuts from Movie Edit Pro to be loaded if they are easier to work with. More information about keyboard shortcuts can be found in the chapter "Keyboard shortcuts (view page 328)" and in the shortcut pd

f located in the program folder of MAGIX Video Pro X3.

Load files

 In MAGIX Video Pro X3, files are dragged (drag&drop) to the desired

position in the arranger or loaded via the commands from the insert menu. For more about commands in the insert menu, read the section "Insert modes (view page 48)" in the chapter "Workspaces". In Movie Edit Pro, files can also be loaded form the Media Pool by double



clicking them. Videos and image files are placed in the first track at the location of the playback marker, and the associated sound track lands on track 2. If another object is already there, then the new object will be appended behind the last object on the first track. Titles appear on tracks 3 and 4, and additional audio material on track 5. You may also change this behavior under "File -> Settings -> Program" via the tab "System" and under "Behavior on double click".

Space bar behavior

In either program, use the space bar on your keyboard to start and stop. Pressing the space bar again produces different effects according to the respective program:

 In Movie Edit Pro, the playback marker is placed at the last stop position.  In MAGIX Video Pro X3, the playback marker is kept at the current position.

This corresponds with the functionality of a tape recorder when stopped.

Playback behavior may be switched via "File -> Settings -> Program" and then the "Playback" tab.

Project folder

 In Movie Edit Pro, the project folder function is not available.  MAGIX Video Pro X3 features the project folder as a separate folder on the

right side, which serves as an intermediate store or catch-all for all kinds of

ect material. More information about this is available in the section

proj "Project folder (view page 57)" in the chapter "Workspaces".

Quick start 21

Quick start

Program start

When you start MAGIX Video Pro X3 for the first time, the start dialog will appear.

This dialog allows you to either "Load an existing project" or "Create a new project". It also features the option "Create a new project folder". All data that belongs to the movie will be saved in this folder.

We're still at the very beginning, so let's stick with keeping an overview of everything. Click "OK" to end the dialog and continue.

Select, load, and play back videos

In the beginning, it's probably best to load a video file for test purposes and to get to know the program's functions.

22 Quick start

The Media Pool appears to the top right; four tabs provide access to all



important elements that are required for video projects. The first tab displays all usable files (besides movies, also photos, images, audio files, and even RTF text files for captions) in the current folder.

 The navigation functions exactly the same way as a conventional file

manager: folders may be opened by double clicking them. The arrow keys jump a step ahead or back in the folder structure. You may also display a folder tree featuring the folder hierarchy and then use the seach function (view page 38) to locate files according to



All of the files in the file list can be loaded and used. Find a video file, e.g. in the format *.mpg, *mxv, or *.avi.

 In the upper-left area, you will see two preview monitors.

different criteria.

The left program monitor is responsible for playback of objects in the



arranger. The right source monitor displays a preview of files in the Media Pool.

 In order to be able to play back movie files from the Media Pool in the right

source monitor, double click the file in the file list first. Double clicking loads the file in the monitor first.  To play the video, click the play button on the transport control

under the source monitor to the right.

 This method lets you select and play back different video files. Drag the

selected file (hold down the mouse button) from the Media Pool down into the arranger. An object appears at the location on the track where you release the mouse button to represent this video file.

 Each object can be moved in any way in the arranger with the mouse, i.e.

horizontally on a track as well as vertically between tracks. Drag the video object on the first track all the way to the left to the beginning of the track.

Quick start 23

Note: If the video also has a sound track available, then a corresponding audio object will appear underneath it on track 2 to symbolize the sound track. Both objects are connected as a group.

 Now that the first file has been loaded into the arranger, it can be edited,

cut, and exported. Other files may also be loaded onto the tracks to combine movies, audio files, and photos.

 To play back the arranger, click the play button on the transport control

under the program monitor to the left.

24 Quick start

Tip: An even easier way to do this is to press the space bar on your keyboard.

 During playback, a vertical line will move across the arranger: this is the

playback marker that displays the current position. You can reposition it by clicking at different locations as desired.

 You can also define playback ranges, e.g. to freeze a certain position

independent of the playback marker. Clicking in the timeline above the first track lets you define an end point, i.e. the start point of the playback range. If you right click further on, the end marker will appear to indicate the out point of the playback range. The length of the playback area is shown in the center of the section display.

 The in and out points may be moved or set directly with the mouse. Left-

clicking positions the in point, and the right mouse button sets the out point.

 To play back the range, click the "Play back range" button on the

transport control under the program monitor.

Now you know how to load and play back media files in different ways. Would you like to try to make your own movie now?

 If you want to continue with your own film material, select the "New movie"

option from the "File" menu and read the following chapters about video recording.



If you wish to continue working with the test file, simply skip the following recording tutorial and begin reading the "Video editing (view page 28)"

ction.

DV recording

 Connect the DV device (DV camcorders or DV video recorders) to your PC.

Switch the device's operating mode to "Video recorder" or "Playback".

To open MAGIX Video Pro X3's recording dialog, click the red "Record"



button on the transport control under the source monitor.

 Select "DV camera" from the recording dialog. Uncompressed DV capture

requires approx. 220 MB per minute of video. If you would instead like to record using the more space-saving MPEG format, then you should first activate the "Record DV as MPEG" option.

 This opens the actual recording dialog. Check to see if a DV camera driver

has been selected.

 Name your recording. It's worth choosing a logical name which will allow

you to find it easily again on the hard drive. You can access the appropriate place on the camcorder tape by using the



remote control buttons: shuttle forwards, backwards, and start/stop playback. To start recording, click the "Record" button. Keep an eye on the remaining hard-drive space.

 Cease capturing with the "Stop" button and exit the record dialog.

Quick start 25

Tip: In the DV recording dialog, you can set clips from the DV video which will then be recorded one after the other (batch capturing).

How to capture analog video

1. Wiring

Connect the video out of your DVD or VHS recorder to the video in (TV, video or video in graphics card) of your computer, and the audio out to the audio in on your sound card.

26 Quick start

Due to function best with your setup. If you’re not sure, check the manual of your VCR or your TV, video, or graphics cards.

Example:

Europe: Many VCRs and DVD players have a SCART, 3 RCA (2 for stereo sound, 1 for video), or S-Video/optical audio line out. In such case, you will need a SCART to RCA adapter, a cable with 3 RCA jacks, or an S-Video cable.

North America: Many VCRs and DVD players have a 3 RCA (2 for stereo sound, 1 for video), or S-Video/optical audio line out. In such case, you will need a cable with 3 RCA jacks, or an S-Video cable.

SCART/Cinch adapter SCART/Cinch adapter

the variety of device configurations, it is difficult to say which cables

Stereo RCA/mini

with 3 RCA jacks

phone jack adapter

Most sound card inputs are mini phone jacks. To connect the VCR audio out to the sound card audio in, you will need a stereo RCA / mini phone plug adapter.

Therefore, you will most likely have to buy a cable with 3 RCA plugs and a stereo cinch/mini jack adapter from your local supplier.

Quick start 27

2. Program start and record

 To open MAGIX Video Pro X3's recording dialog, click the red "Record"

button on the transport control under the source monitor.

 Select "Video" from the record dialog. If you would like to burn your video

directly to a DVD, then first activate the box "Burn directly to DVD".

 This opens the actual recording dialog. In the record dialog, select the

appropriate driver for your video and audio cards (if you have more than one installed). A video preview window is now displayed.

 Name your recording. It's worth choosing a logical name which will allow

you to find it easily again on the hard drive.



Start recording now by pressing the "Record" button in the dialog and end it by pressing the "Stop" button. Pay attention to the number of "dropped frames": If you get a reading of more than 10 dropped frames per minute, then reduce the video quality to prevent your PC from overloading.

 Cease capturing with the "Stop" button and exit the record dialog.

28 Quick start

Video editing

Timeline mode

All editing is done in the arranger. Your movies are displayed according to time, i.e. the longer the representative object in the track, the longer the associated movie.

Handles: All objects may be shortened by moving the mouse to one of the lower corners of the object until it turns into a stretch symbol. You can now stretch the object as much as you like. At the top corners of every object, you’ll find two fade handles that can be adjusted to fade an object in or out. The handle at the top center can be used to adjust the volume of audio objects and the transparency of video objects.

bject selection: For advanced effects editing, the objects must be selected first. Each object can be selected by clicking it. Objects will change color to show that they have been selected. Multiple objects can be selected by holding down "Shift". You can also click and drag out a rectangle to select multiple objects. All objects included in the rectangle will be selected.

diting effects: Selected objects can be edited with the effects from the

E Media Pool.

Quick start 29

The settings for each effect may be adjusted directly in the Media Pool. Most effects are controlled with keyframe animations or effects curves. The intensity of the effect is controlled dynamically via individual points (keyframes) or via a drawn curve (effects curve). Every button for the keyframes or effects curve animations can be found after the effect is selected in the lower area of the Media Pool.

Note: To activate an effects curve, an initial keyframe must be set first.

Context menu: The context menu also offers a series of editing options for objects. This may be opened by right clicking on an object. Different trim editors can be opened which enable an exact cut with different transition parameters. For video objects, there is another context menu than for audio and title objects.

Remove unusable scenes

One of the most important work steps during import of your footage is cutting out unusable scenes from the material. There are two options for this:

 Variant 1: The complete material is loaded into your project first and the

unusable scenes are cut out.

30 Quick start

Variant 2: Cut the material prior to importing it, and then proceed to import



only the scenes you need. This process is recommended for long movies with a lot of editing; it functions either via the Media Pool or the project folder.

Cut videos in the project

Let's assume that you have already imported your film material into a project and would like to edit it now.

 Play back your video by clicking "Play" on the program monitor's transport

control (or simply press the space bar on the keyboard).

 If during playback you have reached a scene that you would like to cut out,

click on the playback button in the transport control a second time. The playback marker stays near the start of the scene to be removed.

Tip: In case of long films or to speed up searching, you may also fast forward the video following the action on the program monitor. To do so, drag the playback marker while holding down the mouse key across the timeline (but not too fast!).

 Set the playback marker exactly at the start of the unwanted material. The

zoom function is recommended to get a better view of longer videos (the +/buttons in the bottom right corner of the arranger).



Press the "T" key on the keyboard. This will have the effect of cutting the current scene into two sections at the position of the playback marker.

 Repeat these steps for the end of the unusable scene. Find the end of the

scene, place the playback marker as close as possible to the end point, and then press the "T" key on the keyboard again.

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