Inserting black space into a video

CycleWriter · Post by **CycleWriter** » Tue Oct 31, 2006 2:11 am

Is there any way in VS 10+ to insert some black space into the timeline either at the beginning or between videos? I use to be able to do this with Pinnacle Studio, but apparently it isn't easy to do in VS. The only way I have been able to is by inserting a black image and stretching it to the time I want. Also, why won't VS allow you to use a transition or effect at the start or end of a video? How can I fade in or out?

Post by **Ken Berry** » Tue Oct 31, 2006 2:25 am

Sorry, but the program you love to hate only uses the method you regard as difficult i.e. inserting a black matte image and adjusting its length. Same goes for fade in or out: insert a black matte at the beginning or end of your video, then insert either a cross-fade or (at the end) fade to black transition between the matte and the first or last video clip. It only takes a couple of seconds, and strangely enough, most of us don't seem to find it too difficult either!

Black Lab · Post by **Black Lab** » Tue Oct 31, 2006 2:42 pm

CycleWriter,

You've hated (used) VS since version 4 and you didn't know how to do this?

I am surprised that your knowledge of something as rudimentary a process in VideoStudio is so lacking.

Trevor Andrew · Post by **Trevor Andrew** » Tue Oct 31, 2006 2:55 pm

Hi

You will find the appropriate colour clip/matte stored in the library in the color section
Simply drag these to the timeline.

You can set the default duration from File-preferences-edit tab.

You can further change the duration in the timeline by selecting the clip:-

Change the digital clock setting,
or
From timeline view--Drag the yellow trim bars along the timeline.

Trevor

CycleWriter · Post by **CycleWriter** » Tue Oct 31, 2006 6:02 pm

Black Lab wrote:CycleWriter,

You've hated (used) VS since version 4 and you didn't know how to do this?

I am surprised that your knowledge of something as rudimentary a process in VideoStudio is so lacking.

Actually, until now, I've only used VS sparingly and never had a reason to do this. My usual editor was Pinnacle Studio, which has this feature built in. My frustration with Pinnacle and their lousy support has me now using VS almost exclusively, so these little workflow differences are just now becoming apparent. Contrary to your obvious attempt at irony, I am very knowledgeable about computers and much of the software I use. Well, at least enough to know how to resize my icons when switching monitor resolutions. Or how to setup a dual boot system if I ever want to try Windows Vista.

My question on inserting black space wasn't so much a request for help as commentary on how something so fundamental to video editing could be left out the program while other sophisticated features geared more towards mid- and pro-level users get thrown in. Here's another: with all the FX and transitions in VS 10+, the one that is probably among the most desirable is missing. I have yet to find a way to do a simple text screen crawl from side to side. I'm hoping it is a deficiency of the trial version (still waiting for my full version to arrive), and not a limitation of the program.

Black Lab · Post by **Black Lab** » Tue Oct 31, 2006 6:17 pm

As far as your screen crawl:
•Enter your title
•Click on the Animation tab, checking Apply Animation
•Choose the Fly animation
•Click on the TT to customize your animation
•Choose your Start and End units and direction

CycleWriter · Post by **CycleWriter** » Tue Oct 31, 2006 6:26 pm

Black Lab wrote:

As far as your screen crawl:
•Enter your title
•Click on the Animation tab, checking Apply Animation
•Choose the Fly animation
•Click on the TT to customize your animation
•Choose your Start and End units and direction

There are several choices under Fly, none of which go side to side. I'm guessing this is because of the limited number of features in the trial version. I'll wait to see the difference once I get my full version copy. Thanks!

Black Lab · Post by **Black Lab** » Tue Oct 31, 2006 7:35 pm

You actually can choose any one of them, it doesn't matter. When you open the customization box (the TTs) you can choose the direction in which it comes in and leaves.

But you may be right, the trial version could be limited.

CycleWriter · Post by **CycleWriter** » Tue Oct 31, 2006 8:11 pm

Black Lab wrote:You actually can choose any one of them, it doesn't matter. When you open the customization box (the TTs) you can choose the direction in which it comes in and leaves.

But you may be right, the trial version could be limited.

Well, I just finished checking and there is no way to do an actual crawl. All you can choose are cutesy little entries and exits of text. I'm praying this is a trial limitation as a true crawl is something almost any video editor should be capable of.

On another note, it appears the "Color" library is perfect for inserting blank space into a timeline. Doh! I still don't understand the limitation of having to insert blank space at the beginning or end of a video in order to use a transition.

Black Lab · Post by **Black Lab** » Tue Oct 31, 2006 8:18 pm

Mine crawls. I forgot to mention you can also adjust the speed at which it enters and exits by lengthening the actual title clip on the timeline. Maybe that's your problem - it's going too fast?

CycleWriter · Post by **CycleWriter** » Tue Oct 31, 2006 9:42 pm

Black Lab wrote:Mine crawls. I forgot to mention you can also adjust the speed at which it enters and exits by lengthening the actual title clip on the timeline. Maybe that's your problem - it's going too fast?

My copy of VS 10+ just arrived. I'm going to do a clean install and then try it. I'll let you know, in my usual caustically abrasive way, if it works or not.

Black Lab · Post by **Black Lab** » Tue Oct 31, 2006 9:54 pm

LOOK OUT FORUM MEMBERS!!!

CycleWriter · Post by **CycleWriter** » Wed Nov 01, 2006 5:35 am

Black Lab wrote:LOOK OUT FORUM MEMBERS!!!

It #$@%* works! I do have some petty gripes, but I'll put them in a new thread.