Using swf "Flash" files with Ulead Video Studio 9

[wrightj999]

I am having a problem using flash files with Video Studio 9. They run with no problem, yet when I capture them the quality drops significantly and ends up looking like doo doo. I published the highest quality file possible with flash (no compression), and I even played around with settings in VideoStudios preferences, but to no avail. (I created a complicated full screen intro with Flash for a video, is this possible to do with a result of high image quality?)

Another concern of lower priority than the last, in the project options there is a setting that can be adjusted called the video data rate, can someone tell me what exactly happens when you change the kbps, and the difference between the variable and constant settings? will this affect capture time.

If anyone can educate me about this I would be quite grateful, I would really like to be able to apply my flash skills to video. Thanks.

[Ron P.]

Welcome to the forums,

First are you using Flash-8 Pro? I believe it has the ability to create an AVI file. If so use that format instead of the SWF, which is a very highly compressed format.

Video resolution to be placed on a DVD, will be 720 x 480 (Standard Definition). So irregardless of the quality of your SWF it will be recoded to meet the DVD specs. If your SWF is less then that, then it will be recoded to that resolution, which would cause severe pixelation or distortion. If you are using images (photographs) in your SWF, and they are JPEG or some lossy format, they will take a quality hit when rendered to the SWF, and again when rendered in your video. If at all possible use BITMAP images in your SWF, unless you are intending this to be viewed on a website.

The BITRATE has no bearing on the time it takes to capture video. I don't know how you're capturing, but if you have 1 hour of video, then it will take 1 hour to capture.

The bitrates come into play in the encoding, and does effect the quality of your video. If you capture at lets say 4000kps, then you will have a VHS quality video, not the best. Higher bitrates means better quality, but less disk space. Lower bitrates means lower quality but more disk space. If you do not desire to put more then an hour of video on a disk, then capture to the higher bitrates, around 8000kps UNLESS your source video is from a VCR. Then in my opinion, anything above 6000kps is just wasted head space, as you're probably not going to gain any better quality by going above that.

Using a Variable Bitrate can benefit you if you have a video that contains both fast moving objects such as race cars and static shots. The bitrate is then averaged, between them. The higher bitrate for the faster parts and the lower bitrates for the static. If you don't have a drastic difference in your video clip, the using a constant bitrate would work well.

We have some great tips and tutorials in our tutorials section. I'll provide you with a couple of links. Feel free to look through them to help you better understand the art of video editing and DVD creation.

A Recommended Workflow has been developed to help guide you through the mine-field of video editing, as it pertains to Ulead's VideoStudio Programs. They can be viewed here:
Recommened WorkFlow for VideoStudio

You might want to read through From Camcorder to DVD tutorial.

You might want to review Steve's tutorial on Creating a Video Editing Profile.

[wrightj999]

Thank you for such an informative reply. I will be well on my way to creating a much higher quality product now!