Stupid Newbie Questions, Number 1

[who4ever]

Using Video Studio 9. I have a lot of 2 hour VHS tapes composed of miscellaneous rock videos that I want to assemble into DVD's. Many of the videos on the different tapes are duplicates and I only need to save the best version. I am not able, time wise, to view each tape as I am capturing them. I basically just capture the entire 2 hour tapes into MPEG2 files and then I was hoping to separate each singe tape into 20 or so files, each file being one of the videos on the tape. Then I would rename the files according to the name of the rock video. Then I would view all of the files of the same rock video, save the best and delete the rest. Now, can I just take the large MPEG2 file of the entire 2 hour VHS tape and cut it up into 20 individual MPEG2 files, without starting a "project" just yet? Later, I will start assembling these smaller MPEG2 files into a DVD and then I will start a project.
So, to simplify my question, can I use the program simply to cut a large MPEG2 file into 20 smaller ones? And, if I still have you as an audience, does the program have the capability of enhancing the file? Remember, these are captured from analog VHS tapes, many have lots of noise, static, fuzz and the like. Can I clean up, or enhance my files?
That's enough for now. Thanks. Dave

[tyamada]

You can do what you describe with Multi Trim. Be advised if you are going to clean up and or enhance your video, then MPEG2 is not the format you should use to capture. When you enhance/clean up your video they will get re-rendered and MPEG2 will lose quality. Your best bet is to capture in AVI format, edit to your desire and convert to MPEG.

The procedure will take longer, however, you will end up with better quality video.

[Ken Berry]

You can certainly cut up the big file into 20 pieces AND retain the original file, uncut. You put the file in the timeline without bothering to give it a project name. Move along the timeline until you find where you want to make the first cut. Use the little frame arrows under the preview screen to get it to the right frame. Then click on the scissors icon to the bottom right of the preview screen. This will cut the main file 'virtually' at that spot. A cut line will appear at that point in the timeline, indicating you now have two files. Highlight the first bit that you want as a separate file, then click Tools > Save Trimmed Video. This will take a few seconds, and a new icon with cryptic Ulead filename will appear in the Library pane beside the original file icon (which in reality remains uncut -- the cut was only 'virtual'). Then move along to the point where you want to make a second cut, and do the same, highlighting the second cut bit, and proceed as above throughout the tape. That way you end up with 20 cryptically named but totally separate files, and one big, 'virtually' cut file which in fact remains as it was originally. You could now even delete the original if you think you will never need it again...

VS9 does have some filters to tidy up your clips, but don't expect too much -- they are good for brightening dark videos and vice versa, or changing contrast. But not good at removing visal 'noise' such as static lines or pixelation etc. In fact, I am not sure what you could use for that, but whatever it is would probably be high-end and expensive!

Ditto with tidying up the audio. It might be better to split off the audio track and tidy it up in a dedicated audio program. I use the Wave Editor in Nero for my VS9 audio editing, though there are a number of decent freeware programs out there too.

[who4ever]

Thank you tymada and Mr. Berry for taking the time to reply

[Wolfgang van Ween]

Ken, isn't it Clip - Save Trimmed Video, not Tools...?

[Ken Berry]

Whoops -- you are absolutely right. That'll teach me not to open the program first and cross check!!!