How does one superimpose a Title clip or text over video?

[Markmen]

In Video Editor 7 I'd like to be able to insert some kind of small title such as text via Title Clip, or whatever it takes. The idea was to fade in and out a text title superimposed over the original video for a few seconds, but after the video has begun.

I've used using Title Clip and also Image File but the background hides the original video, even when I use a fade transistion.

I have the latest service pack installed and prefer not to upgrade at least until this is resolved.

I've looked at the help files and the forum here but I'm obviously missing it so have decided to take a chance and ask for help.

So, how is this done?

[Terry Stetler]

Two ways....

Image file:

A title made from an image file first has to be in a format that supports an alpha channel. The most commonly used are *.tga, *.psd (photoshop), *.png , *.gif etc.

The trick is that when exporting the image you must export it with the alpha channel active. In some programs this means saving the image as "32 bit". In others it means saving it with transparency turned on.

Using an image size the same as your video frame simplifies things a bit as if laid out correctly you then don't have to apply a moving path to size/position a stationary title.

Moving titles will require the application of a 2D or 3D moving path, which is a whole other topic. Moving paths can make an image or video move, twirl, scale them, zoom etc. etc. I'll refer you to the manual for all the info on that one

Once this is imported to an overlay track (V1....V99 in MSP7) MSPro should automatically apply the Overlay Options and turn on the alpha channel. Now anything placed on Va or Vb will show up behind the title image.

Titler:

Just type in your title, apply an animation and effects if required and make sure the "opaque background" box is UN-checked. When placed on V1....V99 the alpha channel will be automatically applied as with images.

Poof....

In either case fading the title in and out is better done using the Overlay Options transparancy control and keyframes. Basically you set the existing 2 keyframes (start and end) to 100% transparancy and then create 2 new keyframes 15 frames or so from each end. These new ones get set to a 0% transparancy.

This is a nice, simple way to get your feet wet with keyframes so take the opportunity.

Also be aware that the MSPro7 titler renders very slowly, so if your title needs are basic using images will result in faster renders.

MSPro8's titler is MUCH faster, more powerful (it can do multiple layers of text) and the dialog more intuitive.

[Devil]

Depending what you wish to do...
Third way
Do as Terry's second way above but as a new project, with background in Va and title in V1. Create a new AVI file. Introduce this new file into your main project where you will and this will allow transitions to act equally and simultaneously on both background and title.

[MSP maniac!]

Click the titler icon, make your title and insert it on a superimpose track (V1,V2 etc)

Ha Ha! don't forget to check or uncheck (Can't remember which) the "opaque background" check box in the titler dialogue or you won't see the video behind, just black (or whatever your background is). I've done this a few times and it sounds as though this could be the problem.

[Markmen]

Thanks to everyone. Apparently my problem was trying to use Vb instead of V1 or V2, etc. So, now the Titler works.

However, that didn't look too good so I decided an image would look much better and gave it a try, following the directions here, at least trying hard to do so, and understanding the previous problem was my mistake.

Using an image I always get the infamous white background. I've tried all methods, all suggestion, many different ways, and each time the background is still white.

I'm using Photoshop CS2 to create the images. I've saved an image file as psd, tga, alpha channel, 32 bit color depth, and even a gif file with transparancy on. Same problem. I toggled all the options, made an AVI file and all other suggestions, and ever tried this again on another machine.

And I'm importing into V1 or V2.

So I can now use the Titler but I'd think an image superimposed over the video would look lost better. Any suggestions? What might I be doing wrong?


Allen

[mikefoster]

Check out my free video tutorials on Titling and other techniques.

http://www.seeitdoit.tv/msp7free/msp7f.html

Check by this week as I have 4 more tutorials going up.

Hope this helps ...

Mike Foster
Ulead MediaStudio 7.x Video Tutorials
www.seeitdoit.tv