Black Levels when Encoding to Videostudio 9

neftv · Post by **neftv** » Thu Mar 16, 2006 9:32 pm

We are using Ulead to encode from a MiniDV deck Panasonic AG-DV1000 to a 1394 out into PC. When I encode anything from DV or Beta SP feed through I get black levels of about 20IRE. It suppose to be 7.5IRE. I check the source tapes and they are fine I check the video output of the MiniDv Deck and deck us fine. I used the deck on a final cut system and it captures correctly. SO is there a setting for black level in Ulead to make this right as your encoding?

Post by **Ron P.** » Thu Mar 16, 2006 11:53 pm

Hi Neftv, welcome to the forums..

To my knowledge, it is not possible to adjust black levels while encoding (and I'm assuming you mean, while capturing) in VS9. As you stated that you have used it on a Final Cut system, which is a "high end professional" editing system. VS9 is designed for consumers, to provide a simple means to edit their home videos and put them on DVD. In fact I don't think MSP8 is capable of what your asking, but it may be.

I'm sure a pro or two will be along and provide more insight into this..

Ron P.

THoff · Post by **THoff** » Fri Mar 17, 2006 2:42 am

There is an undocumented way to access additional MPEG encoding parameters, but this still does not provide direct access to the IRE black levels -- only indirectly through the video standard (NTSC/NTSC-J/SECAM/PAL). An IRE level of 20 is way outside this range.

GeorgeW · Post by **GeorgeW** » Fri Mar 17, 2006 10:25 am

Are you applying any video filters to during your capture or edit stage

Is the video actually too bright (or darks not dark enough)

Regards,
George

neftv · Post by **neftv** » Fri Mar 17, 2006 1:43 pm

If there is no way to change black level then that mean I can't be the only one having this problem when using Mini DV firewire to PC.
While capturing there is no option to apply video filter. It's greyed out when capturing.
Yes Darks are not dark enough when I play back on another PC that have the optibase card in it. Other things play normal 7.5 from the PC with the Turtle beach hardware.

GeorgeW · Post by **GeorgeW** » Fri Mar 17, 2006 2:11 pm

Does that Panasonic device have a "Setup" option, and is it turned On or Off

Some recording devices also have the option separately for Record vs. Playback...

Do you transfer dv .avi to your pc, or use the builtin realtime mpeg capture option within Videostudio (that's where I thought you might have applied a video filter). If just transferring DV .avi, then try a free utility called WinDV to transfer some dv video. See if you get the same results...

Regards,
George

neftv · Post by **neftv** » Fri Mar 17, 2006 2:25 pm

I looked in the menu on the AG DV 1000 and I didn't see anything related to black level. What we do is use ULEAD to capture to MPEG2. Then we use Womble to edit the video (beginning and end) because ULEAD stutters when you scroll across the timeline Womble doesnt. Then the file is ready for playback on the server to air. The system only uses MPEG2 and to convert to anything else would be time consuming.

GeorgeW · Post by **GeorgeW** » Fri Mar 17, 2006 2:37 pm

so you are not transferring dv .avi, but capturing directly to mpeg2

I believe you can apply some capture video filtering (this might be device dependent). I haven't done it in a while, but I'll try tonight when I get back to my editing machine to see what's available for video filter "tweaks" during capture.

But have a look to see if you are somehow applying a video filter during capture.

Also, look for an item called "Setup" (which is the black level / IRE) on the Pansonic device.

Regards,
George

neftv · Post by **neftv** » Fri Mar 17, 2006 5:57 pm

Well I could say if the MiniDV deck did have a setup menu for black I would change it but I dont see it on these decks. Ans anyway when I look at the video output on the decks the black level is correct. SO its not the deck it's ULEAD or the nature of firewire DV combination. I hope you able find something for me its really disturbing. If there is a way to add a filter while capturing let me know but its greyed out to get there in Capture mode.

GeorgeW · Post by **GeorgeW** » Sat Mar 18, 2006 3:34 am

Hi Neftv,

I can only apply video filters when capturing from my ADS Tech encoder. I don't see a way to add a filter when I have my dv camcorder connected.

How about if you try capturing dv .avi (instead of straight to mpeg). then check the black level on the dv .avi

neftv · Post by **neftv** » Mon Mar 20, 2006 4:37 pm

I have not gotton to try the DV AVI test but even if that fixes the issue it will be an extra step to the process here and that would not be good.