http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ Videomaker Forums: Recent Posts en Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:40:49 +0000 http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/wireless-mic-adapters#post-51922 Wed, 04 Nov 2009 18:33:11 +0000 Adamesq 51922@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I'm not sure if what I'm looking for is actually available.  I'd like to get a wireless adapter for microphones I already use.  XLR, 1/8th or both.  Basically, I want to be able to plug my mic into a transmitter and plug a receiver in to my camera.  Ideally, it would be great to inexpensively turn my SM58 into a wireless mic, but even if I can do it with self-powered lavs it would be helpful!</p> <p>Thanx so much!</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/need-laptop-advice-for-editing-on-the-go#post-51921 Wed, 04 Nov 2009 18:27:35 +0000 BTS 51921@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Thanks composite1, good advice! I've been browsing the refurbs at new egg and tiger direct, and it looks like there are some good deals on nice machines that would save me upwards of $250. It's not as much of a question of being strapped for cash as it is your summary: best bang for the buck and no regrets when the unit eventually craps out. </p> <p>Any other outlets you'd recommend besides tiger direct and new egg? Will I regret going with integrated grahics? It seems like the choice of dedicated card machines is limited, at best...</p> <p>Thanks again! Appreciate the help.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/need-laptop-advice-for-editing-on-the-go#post-51920 Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:56:59 +0000 composite1 51920@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>BTS,</p> <p>I won't rehash the good info TD gave you. Concerning a refurb'd rig... eh... it depends on how broke you are. I mean if you're really strapped into your budget a refurb might be okay. If you don't want to go with a pricey pre-built from one of the brand names, my suggestion is a built-to-order laptop. Off the top of my head, Tiger Direct's Systemax line of B2O's are inexpensive and well made for the money. Plus since they are intended as a workstation-style computer, they won't have all of that goofy bundled software and trial crap loaded in. Figure out the size of the screen you want (15" or better for editing) and the kind of input/outputs you need (i.e. USB, firewire, eSATA, LAN, etc.) Definitely go with 64-bit and pack as big a harddrive and as much RAM in it as you can afford (or it will hold.) </p> <p>If you're just trying to get the work done, worrying about what brand symbol sits proudly atop your rig shouldn't be a concern. Unfortunately, laptops are notoriously good for a max 3 years before the technology becomes obsolete or the unit fails. Spend only that which you need so that a) the unit will pay for itself quickly and b) when it becomes obsolete you won't lament over having to 'can' it.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/sound-effect-laughter#post-51919 Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:38:46 +0000 composite1 51919@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Also check 'Sound Ideas'. Pro sound effects used by the top outfits in hollywood and more. Full libraries are pricey, but individual CD's are reasonably priced. Laugh tracks and the kitchen sink can be found there. <a href="http://www.soundideas.com">www.soundideas.com</a></p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/zaxwerks-pro-animator-on-sale-at-digital-juice#post-51918 Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:33:50 +0000 composite1 51918@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Pro Animator is the 'poop'. Been using it since '07. So simple it freaks you out at first. If you want to do high-end looking 3D text and logos, it's worth the money. You gotta' have the instruction manual though.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/need-help-imposing-logos-over-footage-in-fcpro#post-51917 Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:20:07 +0000 Evan 51917@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> Well, I would suggest using motion to make an overlay. You could even use a jpeg image in motion if you need a certain image. I suggest motion because the graphics are designed to be used with fcp.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/sound-effect-laughter#post-51916 Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:50:20 +0000 SargeHero 51916@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Check out <a href="http://www.soundsnap.com." rel="nofollow">www.soundsnap.com.</a>  They have a huge variety of laugh sounds and with a free account you can download 5 sounds each month for free. </p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/sound-effect-laughter#post-51915 Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:29:27 +0000 HJB Productions 51915@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>We intend to shoot a comedy show and want leads to where we can buy sound effect for the laughing. Any help will be appreciated.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/soundtracks-to-your-video#post-51914 Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:48:18 +0000 Cyberis 51914@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Yes</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/need-laptop-advice-for-editing-on-the-go#post-51912 Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:35:11 +0000 BTS 51912@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>It does, thanks! I'm editing HD, and my old laptop can't handle it, hence the new investment. I will keep an eye open for a 64 bit system with a dedicated card and a dual-core processor. </p> <p>What about open box or refurbished laptops? Should I stay away from those? Is there a higher risk for quality problems due to the portable nature of a laptop and the possibility of them getting beaten up pretty easily?</p> <p> </p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/soundtracks-to-your-video#post-51911 Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:36:36 +0000 birdcat 51911@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Are you composing and recording this music and do you own the rights to it?</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/need-help-imposing-logos-over-footage-in-fcpro#post-51910 Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:16:58 +0000 Loucarreras 51910@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I have to superimpose some logos onto an underwriters spot I'm editing in Final Cut Pro. I've had some problem with the appearance ( they look too transparent, some pixelate, or they look scratched). I've been working with jpeg. images sent by clients.</p> <p>My questions are:</p> <p>1.) is there a particular format other than jpeg. that I should be using; or</p> <p>2.) am I missing something here, and is there a specific best way of doing it in FCP?</p> <p>I am using Final Cut Studio 3</p> <p>Thanks</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/soundtracks-to-your-video#post-51909 Wed, 04 Nov 2009 11:22:55 +0000 Cyberis 51909@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Hi, can anyone be a soundtrack for your video? I have 7 years of music<br /> and have a professional do it. I can make inexpensive audio track,<br /> 1min-$10 :) <br /> p.s. I do not know whether the account of this column hit:))) <br /> If someone interested, please write here or email: cyberismusic [eta] gmail.com <br /> p.p.s Sorry my English skill is low :)))</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/what-is-a-m2ts-file#post-51906 Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:07:27 +0000 david5566 51906@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>M2TS is a container format for multiplexing audio, video  and other stream. It is based on the MPEG-2 transport stream container and is also known as BDAV MPEG-2 transport stream. This format is commonly used for high definition video, such as Blu-Ray video disc and high definition digital video camera recorder format. Since Adobe Premiere Element got halting when play it, you can use OJOsoft HD Video Converter to convert to AVI format. It can keep your video's quality. This is the guide page: <a href="http://www.convertvideofiles.net/convert-m2ts-files/index.html," rel="nofollow">http://www.convertvideofiles.net/convert-m2ts-files/index.html,</a> After conversion,  you can import AVI to Adobe for editing. </p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/working-with-wvga#post-51903 Wed, 04 Nov 2009 03:09:12 +0000 XTR-91 51903@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Is this resolution actually take part in recording with camcorders, or is this a only resolution that computers and/or other digital devices utilize? Just wondering... because I have never heard of it.</p> <p>A standard-def camcorder (720x480) uses the same resolution for both 4:3 and 16:9 modes. There might be an exception to this with some camcorder brands. A pixel usually isn't square, at least not how it is displayed on most monitors. Each pixel is more broader and rectangular on a 16:9 video display.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/professional-forms-contracts-receipts-etc#post-51902 Wed, 04 Nov 2009 02:59:20 +0000 BruceMol 51902@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Videomaker Mag has a book of forms for contracts etc. Or you can google that or ask a lawyer.</p> <p>If you need a good looking receipt, quickly, and have Microsoft Excel, you'll find a template for receipts in the template folder (depending on version) File&gt;New&gt;Templates on My Computer&gt;Spreadsheet Solutions&gt;Receipt</p> <p>I think getting accounting software is a good idea too, it's just that learning how to use that software takes awhile.</p> <p><strong></strong><strong> </strong><strong></strong></p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/working-with-wvga#post-51901 Wed, 04 Nov 2009 02:55:43 +0000 Little960 51901@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I also use that 853X480 format which is the actual 16:9. I set my project to ''NTSC anamorphic'' before I import and everything stays in that format even when I export to Quicktime.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/what-is-a-m2ts-file#post-51900 Wed, 04 Nov 2009 02:51:24 +0000 XTR-91 51900@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Editiing DV-AVI will give you a smoother time with video editing, but if your 'core' (processor) can handle it, I would edit the MPEG-2 files as they are - you might have some renaming to do (.mpg will probably work fine).</p> <p> </p> <p>I'd do an AVI conversion if the stuttering during editing/playback becomes unbearable. Just realize that DV-AVI is not a raw format - it uses compression too. Having MPEG-2 converted to DV-AVI, you'll end up dealing with both types of compression schemes (noticeable information losses) of both formats. You probably won't tell the difference, considering that one might exist.</p> <p> </p> <p>Anyway, if MPEG-2 editing gets virtually impossible to work with, a DV-AVI conversion is your best bet. Have you looked at <a href="http://www.avsmedia.com/AVS-Video-Converter.aspx">AVS Video Converter</a>? Also, make sure your settings don't kill quality of the end result. You might need to compare the converted and unconverted side-by-side in order to tell.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/editing-effects#post-51899 Wed, 04 Nov 2009 02:44:44 +0000 Little960 51899@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I'm lucky and never had this problem yet. Maybe the anti flicker filter in FC would work. It worked for me on still pictures which had a Ken Burn effect. Maybe it could work. Good luck.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/exporting-in-final-cut-pro#post-51897 Wed, 04 Nov 2009 02:26:41 +0000 Little960 51897@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>You need to have the timeline window selected (click anywhere on it) so you can export your whole movie. You probably had the clip browser window selected which as an end result will only  export the selected portion of that clip. That's why you get that 6 seconds movie. I usually put the cursor at the end of the timeline everytime before I export so that way the timeline window is always selected.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/need-laptop-advice-for-editing-on-the-go#post-51896 Wed, 04 Nov 2009 02:14:42 +0000 TDedmonSBP 51896@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Hey, you definitely want dual core because it will add stability to the labor-intensive programs such as editing. Intel or AMD is usually a matter of personal preference, I would look to see which gives you the most bang for your buck. I have found AMD to be more stable, but intel is typically faster. That being said, I prefer the stability for my rigs. Unless you are trying to run every application for pinnacle at once, you should be ok with an integrated card, but if you are using (or planning to) HD, you will want the dedicated. I say go for the 64-bit because more and more programs are coming out with compatibility with each passing day. Every computer bought between a few months ago and a few months from now (I don't know the actual dates, I think it's something like from april till the end of the year) comes with a free windows seven upgrade, so take advantage of the discount to vista machines and make the switch before you even touch vista. As for brand names, I have always liked HP and Gateway, but I don't have any loyalties because it all comes down to cold-hard figures.</p> <p>Hope this helps.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/professional-forms-contracts-receipts-etc#post-51894 Wed, 04 Nov 2009 01:03:09 +0000 joespain 51894@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Just go to Office Depot or any store like that. They'll have receipt books and other things you can use. </p> <p>Though if you're starting a small business, I'd suggest buying a copy of quickbooks or some other accounting software so you can make professional invoices on your computer as well as keep track of your expenses.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/what-is-a-m2ts-file#post-51893 Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:43:11 +0000 robgrauert 51893@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I believe that is a type of MPEG2 file. You should convert those files to DV/NTSC to edit them. </p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/new-computer-build#post-51892 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 23:45:34 +0000 Cville 51892@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> I have had one video rendering problem on the new computer.  I rendered out (video only wide screen dvd architect setting) for dvd some random clips for a test and the motion in the clips had very pronounced jaggies.  I rendered with all of the same settings as on the old computer.  I then pushed the quality setting up to best and that seems to have resolved the issue but It was not required on the old computer.  Not sure what the problem was.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/what-is-a-m2ts-file#post-51891 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 23:07:00 +0000 Bill Young 51891@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Recently bought a Panasonic HDC-TM300 High Definition video camera. (Yes, it's lovely.)  Played with it shooting stuff on the street etc. Imported them to my computer and the played fine using an ordinary viewer. Now my computer doesn't recognise these same files. Shot some more saving to an SD card. Can't get the computer to play them nor the ones already imported THAT DID PLAY when I first imported them. Investigated and found they were M2TS files. Adobe Premiere Elements 7 does accept them but plays them haltingly, seeming to jump several frames along as it bumbles through. Very puzzled that files that did run now don't. They all play perfectly well if reviewed within the camera itself. I know little about the ins and outs of video file formats. Nor, I admit, about the technicalities of video recording itself. I would like to learn. All help very gratefully received.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/panasconic-avc-hd-to-dvcpro-codec#post-51890 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:07:32 +0000 robgrauert 51890@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Yea, transcode to DVCPro HD. Some people transcode HDV to DVCPro HD, too. </p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/working-with-pal#post-51889 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:06:05 +0000 robgrauert 51889@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>What you should do is editing with an HDV timeline. When you're done editing, make a new sequence in your browser window and set up that sequence for your PAL settings. Drag the icon for your HDV sequence in your Browser window to your PAL timeline. (This is called "Nesting." Nesting is dropping a sequence into another sequence).</p> <p>And yes, your DVD content needs to be PAL if you're in Europe.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/working-with-pal#post-51888 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 20:47:44 +0000 Hi Mom Videos 51888@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I am in Europe, and I am preparing to shoot a commercial for a local business.  I am new to FCP, but I want to shoot in HDV and downrez it to PAL, but whenever I try converting HDV to a 4:3 aspect, it squishes the shot.  How do you get it to crop the edges when converting?  Also, when I am making DVDs for the clients, does the content need to be in PAL, or do DVD players over here work with HDV?</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/professional-forms-contracts-receipts-etc#post-51887 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 20:41:53 +0000 Hi Mom Videos 51887@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>I am lining up my first few serious professional jobs, and I am wondering where I can find professional receipts and contracts that can be adapted for my business.  I am doing work for a business, and they need a receipt to prove that their expendature is business related.  Any ideas?</p> <p> </p> <p>Thank you =)</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/need-laptop-advice-for-editing-on-the-go#post-51886 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 19:50:57 +0000 BTS 51886@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p> Hi All,</p> <p>I am looking for a good laptop for editing HD videos on the go. Here are some of my criteria:</p> <p>Run Pinnacle Stuido version 10 or higher, efficiently.</p> <p>Ideally a smaller laptop for increased portability (screen size is not really important)</p> <p>Budget of around $500.</p> <p>What kind of processor should I go with, Intel or AMD? Do I need dual core? How much RAM should I target? Does an integrated card with maxed out memory work ok, or should I fork up more money and get a laptop with a dedicated card? Any brand names I should gravitate towards, or stay away from? 32 bit or 64 bit OS? Is it worthwhile getting a Windows 7 laptop, or should I take advantage of sales on Vista based systems?</p> <p>Any practical suggestions that you can share would be greatly appreciated!</p> <p>Thx,</p> <p>-BTS</p> <p> </p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/panasconic-avc-hd-to-dvcpro-codec#post-51885 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 19:06:50 +0000 GreerPhoto 51885@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Thanks Robert,</p> <p>So, you recommend that I transcode my AVC-HD files to DVCPRO and run with that? That's what I was kind of understanding. Sure it's a much bigger file but I'd rather use a codec that is easier to deal with. </p> <p> </p> <p>Again, Thanks!</p> <p> </p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/zaxwerks-pro-animator-on-sale-at-digital-juice#post-51884 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:06:24 +0000 birdcat 51884@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>FYI - For a limited time, Digital juice is selling Zaxwerk's Pro-Animator for half price (download - $347).</p> <p>Link is here: <a href="http://www.digitaljuice.com/products/products.asp?pid=808">http://www.digitaljuice.com/products/products.asp?pid=808</a></p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/new-computer-build#post-51883 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:48:41 +0000 composite1 51883@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>Cville,</p> <p>Sounds good. Feel free to drop some sample footage on us so we can see how your rig handled it. I'm seriously becoming unenchanted with 8.1. It's too buggy and crashed on me during an edit last week. Fortunately, I also use Premiere Pro which is more stable. I'll check out Vegas 9 eventually as I do like how Vegas handles exports to the various windows formats my clients ask for. In the meantime, don't get too serious with your edits w/o a proper UPS. You'll regret it.</p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/help-with-video-quality#post-51882 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:40:03 +0000 composite1 51882@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p><em>"I'd also have to go against part of what you said on the 'capabilities of the computer'."</em></p> <p>XTR,</p> <p>I thought the 'computer not spec'd out for HD' line clarified that. Pardon me for not making my line of thought clearer.</p> <p> If you are working strictly in SD DV then the scenario you mentioned would apply. Trying to use the same systems to work with HD will result in the celeron maybe capturing one or two short clips before it crashes the system and being unable to edit the footage after a reboot. The dual-core would have no problem working with HD. Having a system crash in the middle of capture and being incapable of working with any surviving footage would constitute a serious 'quality issue' in my book.</p> <p>Also, the better your computer's capabilities the better it will be able to handle footage during capture, editing and export. A system that bogs down during those processes can introduce errors into the footage and force you to use lower compression rates than you'd want to use just to get out product. If your system can't handle working with uncompressed video in DV (fugeddabout HD), you're going to have 'quality issues'. </p> http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/capturing-the-whole-hd-shot#post-51881 Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:07:05 +0000 camguy 51881@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <p>When I go to capture my HD video (FCP 5.1.4) I always lose the first couple of seconds of the shot (rolling the tape and using "Capture Now"), while FCP is "searching for media."</p> <p>I have my Clip Settings set to "Create new clip on Start/Stop."</p> <p>Do I need to log every clip individually to capture all of them?</p>