Xara Video Pro - X4 User Guide
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.
Copyright © MAGIX AG, 2008 - 2012. 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 - 2012 Dolby Laboratories. All rights reserved.
Other mentioned product names may be registered trademarks of the
respective manufacturer.
This product uses MAGIX patent pending technology.
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Preface 3
Preface
Thank you for choosing MAGIX Video Pro X4! Your new software offers video
editing and postproduction on a professional level, comprehensive format
support, powerful performance, high-end audio editing and all options for DVD
authoring and export.
The fully developed MAGIX Video Pro X4 operating concept helps you get top
results after only a short familiarization period. This documentation offers you
an overview and a quick start at the beginning. The sections at the end provide
a detailed and systematic description of the numerous functions.
Have fun with your projects and MAGIX Video Pro X4 from
Your MAGIX Team
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4 Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Copyright 2
Preface 3
Support 10
Before You Start 12
Package Contents 12
Printed and PDF manuals 12
Installation 12
Serial number 13
System requirements 14
Introduction 15
What is MAGIX Video Pro X4? 15
Features 15
Notes for MAGIX Movie Edit Pro users 17
Quick Start 20
Program start 20
Select, load and play videos 21
Import video material from memory card 24
Video editing 27
Publish videos 33
Work screens 35
Activate main screen 35
"Edit" screen 36
The "Burn" screen 62
Basic mode 63
Switching between standard and basic modes 64
Storyboard mode 64
Export 66
Video recording 67
Select the recording method 67
AVCHD/DVCPRO/AVC-Intra 68
HDV camera 71
DV camera 71
Video 79
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Table of Contents 5
Audio 82
Single frame 85
Screen 88
Editing after recording 89
Objects 91
Insert object into the project 91
Select and group objects 94
Duplicate objects 95
Move Objects 95
Extract sound from videos 95
Object handles 96
Trim Objects 97
Transitions (fades) 101
Search for gaps 103
Simple cut 104
Two-point cut 104
3-point editing 106
Four-point editing 108
Zoom 109
Working in fullscreen mode 109
Markers 110
Playback marker 110
Project markers 111
Ranges (in and out points) 111
Chapter markers 112
Scene markers 114
Multicam editing 115
Preparation 115
Source tracks and preview images 116
Multicam edit functions 117
Synchronize video objects using the sound track 119
Title 120
Creating titles using a template 120
Create titles without a template 120
Edit titles retroactively 121
Position titles 121
Advanced settings 122
3D text 123
Fade in date as title 123
Effects 124
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6 Table of Contents
Apply effects to objects 124
Preview rendering 126
Video effects in the Media Pool 129
Movement effects in the Media Pool 138
Stereo3D in the Media Pool 145
Audio effects in the Media Pool 145
Design elements in the Media Pool 146
My Presets in the Media Pool 147
Additional Effects 147
Animate objects, effect curves 150
Create effect masks 156
Create overlay graphic/animation 159
Attach to picture position in the video 161
Image stabilization 161
Image improvements for the entire movie 163
Image improvements for individual objects 165
Stereo3D 166
3D basics 166 Record 3D 167 Prepare 3D editing 168 Set playback mode for 3D 169 Align videos and pictures for 3D 170 Turn camera movements into 3D videos 172 Create titles for 3D videos 172 Export and burn 3D videos 172
Audio editing 174
Load and edit audio files 174
Audio effects 175
Audio CDs 191
Mixer 195
5.1 Surround 198 Set multiple sound tracks 204 Scrubbing 208 MAGIX Soundtrack Maker 209 Mixdown of audio objects 211
Edit disc menu 212
Preview and editing 212
Menu 213
Templates 214
Edit disc menu 215
Edit DVD menus with Xara Xtreme Pro or Photoshop 222
Create PC show 231
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Table of Contents 7
Burn disc 231
Burning wizard 232
The burn dialog 233
Disk space 235
Encoder settings 237
Export movie 240
Video as AVI 240
Video as DV-AVI 240
Video as MPEG video 241
Video as MAGIX video 241
Video as QuickTime movie 241
Uncompressed movie 242
Video as MotionJPEG AVI 242
Movie as a series of individual frames 242
Windows Media Export 242
Video as MPEG-4 video 243
Audio as MP3 244
Audio as wave 245
Export as transition... 245
Single frame as BMP file 245
Single frame as JPG 245
Animated GIF 245
Export movie information as EDL 246
Upload to Internet 247
Upload to Internet (MAGIX Online Album) 248
Export to device 248
Export as Media Player 249
Settings for and management of video projectors 250
Movie and project settings 250
Program settings 260
Preview rendering 269
Backup copy 270
Load backup project... 271
Importing & exporting EDL files 271
Clean-up wizard 272
Special functions and wizards 274
Automatic scene detection 274
Musical cut adjustment 275
Travel route animation 283
Slideshow Maker 290
Produce panorama pictures 294
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8 Table of Contents
Batch conversion 296
Blackmagic Design video cards 298
Menus 299
File Menu 299
Edit Menu 307
Menu effects 316
Windows menu 322
Help Menu 325
Context menu (right click) 328
Video objects 328
Image objects 332
Transitions 335
Audio objects 336
Text objects 339
MAGIX 3D Maker objects 342
Project folder 344
Track 345
Problems and solutions 346
File will not load 346
Choppy or uneven playback 346
Problems and Remedies regarding the Auto Remix Assistant 346
Activation problems 347
Online functions 348
Integrated browser 348
MAGIX News Center 350
Embed Flash videos into your own web page 350
Keyboard shortcuts 352
Playback functions 352
Monitors 353
Arranger view 353
Move view 354
Mouse modes 354
File menu 355
Edit menu 356
Effects menu 357
Windows menu 358
Help menu 359
Edit keyboard shortcut 359
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Table of Contents 9
Activate codecs 361
Free activation of codecs 361
Fee-based DVCPRO and AVC-Intra activation 362
Annex: Digital Video and Data Storage 363
Video Editing on the PC 363
MPEG Compression 363
General notes on AVI videos 364
Overview of the different disc types 365
MPEG-4 encoder settings 371
MPEG-4 372
MPEG-4 H.264 377
AMR 383
AAC 384
Multiplexer 385
Appendix: MPEG Encoder Settings 387
General settings 387
Video settings 388
Advanced video settings 389
Audio settings 390
MPEG glossary 392
Motion estimation 392
Bit rate 392
Block 393
Chroma format 393
Field 394
Frame 394
GOP 394
I frames 395
Interlace 395
P frames and B frames 396
Prediction 397
Quantization scaling 398
Glossary 400
If you still have questions 417
Tips for program help 417
Index 418
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10 Support
Support
Dear MAGIX customer,
Our aim is to provide fast, convenient, 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 at http://pro.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. 120,000 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 round-the-clock at
www.magix.info guarantee quick answers, which sometimes come 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 hardware problems you can purchase a Premium email support
ticket. 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.
Here you can find a summary of our technical support telephone numbers:
http://support.magix.net/
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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 make sure you 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:
Orders
Product consulting (pre-purchase)
Upgrade requests
Returns
Europe
Support 11
Monday - Friday, 09:00-16:00 GMT
U.K.: 0203 3189218
Denmark: 45 699 18763
Sweden: 46 852 500713
Finland: 35 89 42419023
Norway: 47 210 35843
North America
9 am to 4 pm EST Mon-Fri
Phone: 1-305-722-5810
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12 Before You Start
Before You Start
Package Contents
Installation & multimedia content DVD
The MAGIX Video Pro X4 installation manager is included on the installation
DVD.
Manual
The printed manual explains most of the basics of MAGIX Video Pro X4. In
addition to the printed manual, there is also more detailed documentation
which is copied to your hard drive during installation. This electronic PDF
manual describes all program functions. The electronic manual on your
computer is located under "Start -> Program -> MAGIX -> MAGIX Video Pro
X4 -> Documentation".
Printed and PDF manuals
The printed manual contains an overview of the most important functions of
MAGIX Video Pro X4.
If you have further questions, please read the complete documentation and a
shortcut pdf located in the program folder of MAGIX Video Pro X4. To read it,
you will require the free Foxit Reader program.
Installation
Step 1: Insert the program disc into the drive. The installation program starts
up automatically in Windows. If the disc doesn't run automatically,
open the Windows Explorer and click the letter of the CD/DVD drive.
Now double-click on "Start.exe" to start the installer.
Step 2: To begin the installation of MAGIX Video Pro X4, click on "MAGIX Video
Pro X4". The MAGIX Video Pro X4 installation program will appear.
Simply follow the instructions on screen to complete the installation process
and then click on "Continue". All files are copied onto the hard drive.
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Before You Start 13
Step 3: Once the installation is complete, confirm the message by pressing
"Finish". You will then be able to start the program at any time from the
Windows "Start" menu.
If you would like to uninstall MAGIX Video Pro X4, you can do so via the control
panel under "Software". Or go to "Programs > MAGIX > MAGIX Video Pro X4 >
Service and Support > Uninstall MAGIX Video Pro X4".
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 X4 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 X4
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 9)
services.
Unlocking MAGIX Video Pro X4
After MAGIX Video Pro X4 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 X4 must be activated.
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14 Before You Start
System requirements
For Microsoft® Windows® XP | Vista® | 7
Minimum configuration:
Processor: Intel® Core™ Duo with 1.83 GHz, AMD® Dual-Core with 2.0 GHz
RAM: 1GB
Graphics card: Onboard graphics card with a screen resolution of at least
1024 x 768
Sound card: Internal sound card
Hard drive space: 1 GB (for minimum installation)
Optical drive: DVD drive
Minimum requirements for HD/3D editing:
Processor: Intel® Core™ 2 Quad-core processor with 2.83 GHz (Intel®
Core™ i7 recommended), AMD® Quad-core processor with 2.8 GHz
RAM: 4 GB
Graphics card: Dedicated graphics card with 512 MB VRAM or more
Sound card: Multi-channel sound card recommended for Surround sound
editing
Hard drive space: 4 GB
Optical drive: Blu-ray burner to create Blu-ray Discs
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Introduction 15
Introduction
What is MAGIX Video Pro X4?
MAGIX Video Pro X4 is a professional video editing program for Windows PC.
All common video formats can be imported directly without any conversion into
a proprietary format in an open timeline. The Hybrid Video Engine supports
GPU processing with OpenCL, CUDA and QuickSync. Editing options include
realtime effect editing, efficient three- and four-point cuts, intelligent mouse
modes for fast editing and a Multicam mode with auto synchronization on up
to nine tracks. Based on the high end audio engine from Samplitude, perfect
synchronization of audio and image is realized in realtime. Finished projects
can be exported using efficient batch rendering into broadcast formats to
DVDs, AVCHD- and Blu-ray discs or uploaded directly to common video
portals and mobile devices.
Features
Recording
MAGIX Video Pro X4 features the following recording options:
AVCHD/DVCPRO/AVC-Intra/Video-DSLRs/XDCAM/NXCAM (and other
drives)*
HDV camera: HDV camcorder
DV camera: Mini DV camcorder or DV video recorder
Video: Analog TV, video input, VCR, webcam
Audio: Microphone, cassette recorder, MiniDisc player, record player
Screen: PC monitor.
Single frame: Single and series images from webcams, video recorders, video
cameras, or TV cards
*Import of AVC-Intra and DVCPRO possible after fee-based activation (view
page 362)
Analog captu
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.
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re requires capture cards compatible with DirectShow. DV
16 Introduction
Import/Export formats
Supported import formats:
Video: AVI, DV-AVI, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, MXV, MXF, MKV, MJPEG,
QuickTime, WMV(HD)
Audio: WAV, MP3, OGG, WMA, Dolby Digital Stereo, Dolby Digital 5.1
Images: JPEG, BMP, GIF, TIF, PNG, PSD, TGA
Supported export formats:
Video: AVI, DV-AVI, MJPEG, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, QuickTime,
WMV(HD)
Audio: WAV, MP3, Dolby Digital Stereo, Dolby Digital 5.1
Photo: JPEG, BMP
Note: MPEG-4, MPEG-2 and Dolby Digital require a free activation for
copyright reasons. MP3 export requires Windows Media Player installation
version 10 or higher.
Multicam editing
MAGIX Video Pro X4 allows multicam editing on up to nine tracks. Various
camera recordings can be played back in synch and then edited together.
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.
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Introduction 17
Video effects: Such as creative filters, distortion, video mix (chroma key),
movement effects (e.g. camera/zoom or rotation), cropping, picture-in-picture
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.
Burnable disc formats
DVD
Blu-Ray disc
AVCHD disc (on DVD and Blu-ray Discs)
MultiDisc (DVD + WMV HD)
Project backups, backup copies, and 1:1 copies of DVDs
Multimedia editable disc menus
Included are many disc menu templates which offer selection options for
movies and chapters on the screen. Many of these are also available in 16:9
format. They can be included during burning and give the disc a professional
appearance.
Every menu template may be customized with personal photos, thematic
animations, 3D captions, sound, intro videos, etc.
Notes for MAGIX Movie Edit Pro users
If you are used to working with MAGIX Movie Edit Pro, you can change the
window appearance to MAGIX Video deluxe "classic" view by going to
"Window"> "Window appearance" > "Minimal".
For all those who haven't used MAGIX Movie Edit Pro before, we recommend
the "Standard" window appearance. You have the most options available in
this mode.
Below you will find a rough overview of the differences between MAGIX Video
Pro X4 and MAGIX Movie Edit Pro.
Video monitors
In the "Minimal" mode you will see only one preview monitor like in MAGIX
Movie Edit Pro, which is used as both a program and a source monitor. When
the project is stopped, you can select files in the Media Pool and play them
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18 Introduction
back using the transport controls. To play the arrangement again, you first
must click on the arranger.
The "Standard" appearance offers two preview monitors: a program monitor
for project preview in the arranger and a source monitor for preview of Media
Pool files. Both preview monitors have separate transport controls, so that
Media Pool preview and project playback can be controlled separately. For
additional information about the preview monitors, please read the
corresponding section of the "Interface" (view page 58) chapter.
Keyboard layout
The preset keyboard shortcuts are different and can be displayed in both
modes via "File -> Settings -> Keyboard shortcuts". MAGIX Video Pro X4 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 shortcut" (view page 351) and in the shortcut pdf located in
the program
folder of MAGIX Video Pro X4.
Load files
In MAGIX Video Pro X4, files are dragged (drag&drop) to the desired position
in the arranger or loaded via the commands from the insert menu. To learn
more about the paste menus, please read the "Paste Modes" (view page 43)
tion in the "Interface" chapter.
sec
In Movie Edit Pro, files can also be loaded form the Media Pool by double
clicking them. Videos and images are placed in the first track at the position of
the playback marker. If another object is already located there, the new object
will be placed after the last object in the first track. Titles will appear on tracks
3 and 4, 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 X4, 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.
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Introduction 19
Project folder
In Movie Edit Pro, the project folder function is not available.
MAGIX Video Pro X4 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
project material. More information about this is available in the section "Project
folder (view page 57)" in the chapter "Workspaces".
Video objects with sound tracks
In MAGIX Video Pro X4, there are combined objects. An object's audio and
video track are by default displayed on one track. They can be separated into
two tracks and therefore into two objects via the object's context menu.
In Movie Edit Pro, video objects are always displayed as two grouped objects
in two tracks. These objects are grouped by default.
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20 Quick Start
Quick Start
This chapter explains the basic functions of MAGIX Video Pro X4 with a stepby-step introduction. A systematic description of the program functions can be
found in the chapters and in the extensive PDF manual.
Tip: Take advantage of the introductory video and tutorials, which can be
opened with the help of the Task Assistant.
Program start
When you start MAGIX Video Pro X4 for the first time, the start dialog will
appear.
This dialog allows you to either "Load an existing project" or "Create a new
project". You can also "Create a new project folder". All files belonging to this
movie will be saved there.
Additionally, you can also use movie templates. Movie templates offer a
structure for quickly developing certain standard projects with the help of
included placeholders.
If you are looking for a quick start into the basic functions of MAGIX Video Pro
X4, we recommend switching into the "Basic mode" (view page 62), which can
be found under "Editing mode".
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.
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Quick Start 21
Select, load and play 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.
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.
Navigation works exactly like with other file managers: Folders can be opened
with a double click. Arrow buttons take you one level up or down. You can
also let your files be displayed as a folder tree with a hierarchy and use the
search function (view page 51) to look for files according to variou
s criteria.
All files displayed in the file list may be loaded and used. Find a video file, e. g.
in the format *.mpg, *mxv, or *.avi.
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22 Quick Start
In
the upper-left area, you will see two preview monitors.
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.
To play a video file from the Media Pool in the right source monitor, double
click on the file in the file list. 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.
All objects in the arranger can be moved with the mouse - either horizontally
on a track or vertically between tracks. Drag the video object on the first track
all the way to the left to the beginning of the track.
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Note: If the video also has a sound track, it will be displayed here in the same
track. To learn how to separate sound and video, read the "Objects" (view
page 95) chapter.
Now you have loaded the first file into the arranger, where it can be cut, edited
and exported. You can now load additional files and combine videos, audio
and photos with each other on all tracks.
To play back the arranger, click the play button on the transport control under
the program monitor to the left.
Tip: By the way, playback and stopping is easier with the space bar.
A vertical line travels back and forth over the arranger during playback: This is
the playback marker that indicates the current position. You can reposition it
by clicking at different locations in the movie as desired.
You can also define playback ranges, e. g. to freeze a certain position
independent of the playback marker. You can define an in-point by clicking in
the position bar above the first track, indicating the starting point of the
playback area. If you right-click to the right in the position bar, an out-point will
appear, which indicates the end point of the playback area. The length of the
playback area is shown in the center of the section display.
Quick Start 23
In- and out-points can be moved or placed directly with the mouse: A left click
sets the in-point, and a right-click sets the outpoint.
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 would like to continue with your own film material, select "New project"
in the "File" menu and read the following section about video import.
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24 Quick Start
If yo
u would like to first continue using the test file, skip the import tutorial and
read the next section called "Video editing" (view page 27).
Import video material from memory card
Connect your memory medium (camera, USB stick, SD card or other) to the
PC. You may have to first turn your camera on.
Click on the red button below the source monitor to open the record dialog.
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I
n the record dialog, click on "AVCHD/DVCPRO/AVC-Intra".
Quick Start 25
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26 Quick Start
Th
e AVCHD import assistant will then open. Select your connected storage
devices as "video source". A file list will appear.
In the file list, select all the recordings that you've imported from the device.
You can preview all your recordings using the preview monitor in the middle of
the dialog in order to decide if they are suitable for your movie.
After selecting all videos, in "Import options" you can select whether the
recordings should be directly placed into your movie project or simply copied
to your computer's hard drive (you can select the location in the next dialog).
You can also automatically delete your recordings after import.
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Quick Start 27
Video editing
Timeline mode
All editing takes place in the arranger. All movies and scenes are represented
in accordance to their duration in the "Timeline mode": The longer the symbol
is, the longer is the scene represented by it.
Han
dles: All objects may be shortened by placing the mouse on one of the
lower object corners until the mouse cursor turns into a stretch symbol. You
can now squash 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.
Note: Video objects with a sound track will automatically be displayed on one
track. These have six, not five handles. For more information, read the
"Objects" chapter.
Object selection: For advanced effects editing, the objects must be selected
first. Individual objects can be selected with the mouse. Objects will change
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28 Quick Start
color to show
that they have been selected. Multiple objects can be selected
by holding down the "Shift" key. If you click next to an object, you can draw a
rectangle with a held-down mouse key. All objects contained therein will be
selected.
Effect editing: Selected objects may be edited with the help of effects sound in
the Media Pool.
Settings for each effect may be found directly in the Media Pool. Most effects
can be controlled using keyframe animation or effect curves. Effect intensity is
controlled dynamically using single points (keyframes) or a drawable curve
(effect curve). All buttons for keyframe and effect curve animation can be found
in the lower part of the Media Pool after selecting the effect.
Note: To activate the effect curve, the first keyframe must be set first.
Context menu: The context menu also offers a number of object editing
options. It is 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.
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Re
move unusable scenes
Quick Start 29
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.
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 now like to edit it.
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 which you would like to cut out,
click on the playback button again. The playback marker stays near the start
of the scene to be removed.
Tip: For long movies or for quick browsing, you can let the movie play fast
forward and follow 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 t
he playback marker at the start of the unused material. To get a better
view, we recommend using the zoom function (the +/- buttons at the bottom
right of the arranger).
Press "T" on the keyboard. This will have the effect of cutting the current
scene into two sections at the position of the payback marker.
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30 Quick Start
Re
peat these steps for the end of the unusable scene. Find the end of the
scene, place the play marker as close as possible to the end point, and then
press the "T" key on the keyboard again.
Now you have "isolated" the unusable scene and can simply delete it from the
movie using the "Del" key. Before this, the scene must be selected by clicking
it with the mouse.
If you didn't work accurately during cutting, then don't worry; you can use the
object handles to stretch or shorten the remaining objects to recover or
exclude material from the deleted section.
After deleting, a gap remains in your movie where the removed scene once
was. How do you remove gaps out of the film? Easy: You can drag the
following scenes back until the end of the first scene "docks" to the later
material. Remember to "take" all objects that are further behind, otherwise the
gap will just be "passed" to the end. To pull up later objects, use "All tracks"
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