insert editing in ulead 10+

[silversurfer2]

Hi, I am new to ulead and I have made loads of mistakes, false starts and unknown/unreadable VSP files ? obviously got my library confused! But, eventually saved some 24 mins of edits and burnt a test DVD disc. The default menu was a mess but no doubt I will eventually get the sequence right. However, I am trying to move on with the project and stitch a wedding speech together from two camcorders, one which missed some bits out, the other complete but wobbly in places.
So I am trying to insert edit onto the usable video/good contiuous sound track the extra footage. I have tried to follow the brief notes 'multi camera editing' but having probs. in doing the overlay track. I can't/don't know how to mute the overlay sound. And the image in the overlay plays through in a little box in the main track.
Do I somehow delete the section of the main track that lies directly above the overlay but then it would also remove the sound, and probably 'jump' together ? I could do this on my old Hi Fi VHS tape sytem, but this computer sytem is beyond me ! Any tips very welcome, SS2

[Ron P.]

Keep the chin up, you're doing great Video editing is not as easy sometimes as it would seem. Multi-camera editing is considered a complicated process, because you have to keep the audio and video in sync throughout, not an easy thing to do.

To mute the audio on the a video in an overlay track, is no different than muting one on the main video track. Just highlight the video clip, then look for the little speaker icon on the Edit tab. This little icon is just to the left of the Fade-in /Fade-out bars. Press this icon and the audio is muted.

The main video track is considered the Bottom of the stack, even though it appears at the top of all the tracks in the time line. Everything below the main track will be placed on top of the main video. So a video or image on an overlay track will of course be seen. If you don't want this clip seen then you would have to remove it from the overlay track. OR you can cut the clip in the overlay track.

Determine the duration you need the clip not be seen. Cut the clip (requires 2 cuts, 1 at the start, 1 at the end). Then open the Mask/Chroma-Key option found on the Attribute tab. The upper left is for setting Transparency. Slide it all the way to 99. Now that segment will not be seen, you do not have to move it, so if you're using the audio, it should remain in sync.

[silversurfer2]

Hi, Ron, thanks for prompt reply and encouraging comments. It's one step forward and five back at moment, I'v got AVI, VSP and mpeg files/backups all over the place, just discovering the importance of working through the library!
I will try to follow your guidance on Monday (got a video appointment with some very large steam engines tomorrow!).
Just one question, as both cameras ran continuously for 3/4 of the take, is there a technique to register/lock the start of the two tracks so I can cut between the good and wobbly material keeping lip sync.? SS2

[Ron P.]

There is, but the most reliable and effective way is when you are recording. Using a camera flash or what you see in the movies, a clapboard works about the best for establishing a sync point.

With out that it is trial by error to find the exact same spot (frame) in both cameras.

[silversurfer2]

Hi Ron sorry for delay in trying your suggestions, life got a bit busy!
Unfortunatly I seemed to have got myself into a real mess trying to do the insert edits. Sadly, at my level of ability with Ulead I need every click spelt out, or I get it wrong!
On my old tape system I would just scoot (insert edit)the replacement clips 'ontop' of the existing track leaving the original sound intact. Trying to do this in ulead, (if I unraveled your tips correctly) I put my master, continous sound (top) video track down.
Then sound sync'ed and 'inserted' the second (overlay) underneath, but I could not 'cut' out the bits on this track as you said, only being able to make cuts to the top track. And when I went back to the overlay I could not open or access the atributes-mask croma options (only possible in the top video track?). Anyway after a few desperate attempts to get anything to switch/fade/croma/insert etc.(just to see if I was even close to making it work) it was a mass of 'cuts/red lines' so I backed my way out.
Realistically, is this technique a step too far for a dyslexic beginner!
Perhaps there is a tutorial on insert editing, as it was/ is a major step up from watching long 'linnear' footage.
I am willing to try again but I am supposed to have this family vid. ready for Christmas, tempted to get my old s-vhs kit into action!
Thanks for any tips the experts give, Silversurfer2

[Ron P.]

Sorry my mistake.. I didn't think about the version you're using. VS10 you can not cut clips in the overlay tracks. It was one of the features we requested when it was being tested. However they waited until VS11+ to include that. I know with VS10+ it is a real pain and mess trying to do multi-camera editing, and keep the audio in sync.

The alternative to cutting the clips in the overlay tracks, is of course just having those clips set to Fit to Screen. Do this by right-clicking on the image in the Preview window, and from the menu choose fit to screen.

You would then probably choose to have this overlay clip fade-in/fade-out. Also if you are using the audio from the video in the Main video track, you will need to mute the audio for the video in the overlay tracks.

Doing this will allow you to still use the video from the overlay tracks in full screen, just as if you had cut it. Not cutting the overlay clips, means a better chance of keeping it synchronized.

Also try using the Ripple Editing. This locks the other tracks, (video overlay, title, and both audio) to the Main track. So any changes you make to the Main video track, such as adding or removing clips, will cause the other tracks to shift, keeping them aligned with where you placed them.

[silversurfer2]

Hi Ron, thanks for that, I have real problems relating to computer programmes and unless I understand what is happening, what/why I am doing it, I am stuck. So I will try again, perhaps a double whisky will keep the stress/blood pressure level down ! thanks again, SS2

[Ron P.]

I didn't add at the time, because I wanted to look it up to make sure, but Charlie Hills has done some great instructional material for VS. However the last one he produced was using VS9. However there's not that much different with VS10.

The looked-up part, was covering multi-camera editing. Yes there is a chapter on this. He sells on-line, and very, very, inexpensive, for what you learn. I know that I learned a lot from his material.

Check it out, I'd say it's worth the $9.95 (US) investment..

http://www.getting-results.com

[silversurfer2]

Hi Ron, thanks for the lead, I have taken a look at the sample pages on the site, it looks usefull. I will check out payment, I imagine a download is more effective for me in UK than waiting for a CD. I much prefere a book but I guess it is not on the bookshelves in my local PC world?
I will try your ideas for my insert edits, but if it gets too complicated I must bypass the 'speeches' and do some linnear edits till I get more competent.
As you are the only one to advise on this I imagine insert edits are not the norm in digital work. Ulead seems to have bucket fulls of fancy effects but suprisingly light on a key editing option ? or is this the downside of using computers? SS2

[silversurfer2]

Hi Ron, an update,
just downloaded 'getting results with videostudio 9. More sense in the opening pages than a fistfull of video editing mag. articles.
Actually says WHY you need to use various features. So I am going off for a read,(I may be some time!), looks like more enjoyment than my first taste of a 'crispy creame doughnut'! Great value for $9.95.
thanks for the lead, I may yet get my inserts done before Christmas, SS2