I cannot insert titles any more

Lisa · Post by **Lisa** » Sat Apr 15, 2006 3:34 pm

SUBJECT: Cannot insert title right on the video.

NATURE OF THE PROBLEM : The first time I captured a video, I wanted to add a title, I clicked on "title" then double clicked on the screen and I could write right ON it, it stopped while I was adding the title but it was actually ON people's faces and then I doubled clicked again and the video started running again.
Now it seems it is creating another "project" each time that has nothing to do with the video, I can still type a title, but it's got nothing to do with my film.

Properties of your source files (format, file size, where did you get it ?) :
I captured it from my camera

What devices are involved and their mode of connection? : the instant video MPX

Project Settings

Output format : file

It's PAL

THANKS !
Lisa

Georg · Post by **Georg** » Sat Apr 15, 2006 4:21 pm

I hope, I understand your problem

When you finished typing the title click once outside the title on the screen, the title became a box with 8 yellow points. Now you can move the title on the screen an change the size by using one of the yellow points.

BrianCee · Post by **BrianCee** » Sat Apr 15, 2006 4:50 pm

Lisa - are you trying to create a title with your video playing ??

Stop the video before you click on 'Title' - double click as instructed and type your title, if the title is not in the correct position onscreen then click anywhere IN the preview screen except where the text is - then you will get the 'box' that your mouse cursor and left mouse key will allow you to move anywhere.

When you are happy with it's onscreen position click Anywhere in a clear area outside the preview screen to 'set' the title which should now also appear in the timeline in the 'Title' track - if it is not in the right place timewise move the mouse cursor over the block in the title track and left click to move it up and down the timeline.

When you are happy start playing the video again - the title will be on the video - I promise you.

If you think you may want to use exactly the same text again then left click over the block in the timeline and drag it up into the title library - release the left key and you will have a copy in the library you can drag and drop out again anytime.

Lisa · Post by **Lisa** » Sat Apr 15, 2006 5:14 pm

Thank you so much for your quick replies. May be I'm too far behind in technique...
I did stop the video and double clicked to type the title. The title does appear on the timeline. The problem is : the preview screen is all black and I only see my title. The video seems to have "disappeared" somehow. When do I get to view it complete, with the titles ? Each time I have to start the video from the beginning and still cannot see any title...
Sorry if that seems so stupid... Never done it before...

Lisa

BrianCee · Post by **BrianCee** » Sat Apr 15, 2006 5:40 pm

Something is wrong somewhere - do you actually have your video in the top video track of the timeline - you haven't just clicked on the thumbnail and are playing the video from the thumbnail - that is did you actually drag the thumbnail from the library into the timeline ???

When you stop the video can you still see the picture in the preview screen ?

when you click on 'Title' the picture should remain for you to type over - does it ?

You can restart playing from anywhere by using your mouse cursor and left mouse key to drag the inverted arrow under the preview screen to the required start position.

Post by **Ken Berry** » Sat Apr 15, 2006 9:24 pm

And you should also be able to see a coloured block in the Title track in each place in the timeline where you have placed your titles. If they are not there, then indeed something is very wrong...

Lisa · Post by **Lisa** » Sun Apr 16, 2006 1:32 am

Thanks a million, it's wonderful to get replies from all over the world !
Thanks to your good advice, I think I'm now OK with titles !!! (Brian, you guessed right !).
I've tried to add music, well... I'll have more questions later...

Now a BIG problem. I wanted to capture another video and suddenly when I plugged in my Instant video MPX in the USB plug as I've always done before the computer stopped and re-started and wouldn't start again unless I plugged the Instant video off.

There's usually a little blue light on the Instant MPX. Now as soon as the blue light shows I get a black screen and the computer stops... Do you know why ???

Thanks and happy Easter everybody !

Lisa

Post by **Ken Berry** » Sun Apr 16, 2006 4:04 am

Sorry -- I don't know anything about your device, nor why your computer now reboots when you plug the device in.

But I have a threshhold question: what kind of camera do you have? Is it a digital DV video camera (using small DV tape cassettes) or something else? Pls tell us the make and model. I ask because if it is a digital video camera, you shouldn't be using the Instant MPX device to capture in the first place. If your camera is a DV model, then you should be using Firewire to capture direct to your computer: a Firewire/iLink cable between the DV plug on your camera and a Firewire port on your computer. And if you don't have the latter, you need to install one. Only Firewire will deliver high quality DV/AVI video to your computer if you have a DV camera. If it is a digital video camera using either a mini DVD disc or a hard disc, then let us know.

You only need the MPX device if your camera is an old analogue one.

Lisa · Post by **Lisa** » Sun Apr 16, 2006 1:14 pm

Hello,
I have a JVC digital video camera GR-D239E and I use small tapes. I bought it recently and was told to buy the Instant video mpx at the same time so I got them together in the same store.
Actually the problem is not with the camera since I had not yet plugged it in when the computer stopped.
Thanks
Lisa

BrianCee · Post by **BrianCee** » Sun Apr 16, 2006 2:34 pm

Sounds as if something has gone wrong with the Instant MPX and your computer is shutting down to protect itself - if you have not had it long it could be a case for a free replacement under gaurentee - - - BUT - the thing is Lisa you don't need it - you have a mini-DV camcorder and the only way to transfer high quality video from it to your PC is via firewire - the camera has a DV port (just under the battery on the back) - if your computer has a firewire port all you need is a cable (standard 4pin to 6pin) if your PC does not have a firewire port it will cost you around £20 (GBP) to buy a card and cable which YOU could fit in your computer (or your local PC shop should do it quite cheap).

Not only does firewire give you better quality video than the Instant MPX - because it is transferring video as DV-avi and not the lower quality mpeg - but with firewire your camcorder is also controlled from within UVS so you do not have to fiddle with the little controls on your camcorder.

Lisa · Post by **Lisa** » Sun Apr 16, 2006 4:07 pm

All right... I can see the DV port. Can't remember if I was offered this choice when I bought it... Have to wait until Tuesday now because it's the Easter week end here.
Anyway meanwhile I "uninstalled" the Instant MPX in order to reinstall it with the cd, etc... the whole process.
Well the CD doesn't do anything. There's the first page "install drivers", etc... But when I click on "install drivers" it makes this funny little sound you know, as if it was swallowing something and then nothing happens. What does it mean ?
Thanks a lot for your help
Lisa

BrianCee · Post by **BrianCee** » Sun Apr 16, 2006 5:04 pm

It sounds a bit as though there is something not quite right with your computer, if it is upset by plugging in an external device and will not read a CD.

I have the impression you are in the UK - if so then PC World stores will be open Easter Monday.

Lisa · Post by **Lisa** » Sun Apr 16, 2006 5:30 pm

No I'm very, very far from you... I've recently moved from France to Martinique

Thanks anyway. Will keep you posted if I actually manage to make this video !
Lisa