Field Order

rgfncw · Post by **rgfncw** » Sun Mar 02, 2008 8:33 pm

Hi
I am a new member here - I have previosly used Premiere elements and when importing multiple file formats - eg Vob and DV Tape capture the field oder can be set for the individual files - How do I achieve this in VideoStudio 11
Thanks Chris

Post by **lancecarr** » Mon Mar 03, 2008 12:26 am

You can only "set" the field order for a project, not individual files as this has already been done by the device that created the file in the first place.
Eg. If the file was made on a miniDV cam then it will be lower field first, if it came from a DVD cam it will be upper field first and if it came off the internet it will be frame based.
Mixing upper and lower field first assets on the timeline is possible however when you render this to a final single file the program will change upper to lower or vice versa depending on the project properties.
Changing field order will result in jumpy, choppy or even unwatchable motion in those files that have had their field order changed.

rgfncw · Post by **rgfncw** » Mon Mar 03, 2008 12:44 am

Thanks for your rresponse - I am a little confused. When working in premiere elements I used DVD Cam files and mini DV Tape and after burning to DVD the DVD Cam Files were jumpy - I had to manually change the field order of the DVD Cam Files before burning to DVD
So you are saying that mixing file types in the project is fine and will sort itself when I burn to DVD

Post by **lancecarr** » Mon Mar 03, 2008 1:55 am

No, what I am saying is that regardless of the software you use, you can not mix upper and lower field first video files.
In the end either the upper will be converted to lower or the lower will be converted to upper so that the final result will be all uppper or all lower. You have already seen the effect of that in your earlier projects I think.
If you MUST mix them it would be better to convert one type before you use them in a project.

sjj1805 · Post by **sjj1805** » Mon Mar 03, 2008 2:01 am

No two projects will be the same and for some projects you can get away with mixed field orders and for other projects you will not be so lucky.

The problem with using a wrong field order is most noticeable when you have "moving uprights" such as a lamp post and you are panning across the horizon. The lamp post under those circumstances would appear jerky.

Another factor that will affect whether or not you can "get away with it" is the lighting. If you have a well lit scene - such as bright daylight - any jerkiness will show up more than one taken at dusk or in the dark.

I have on a number of occaisions sucessfully mixed digital (lower field first) video with analogue (upper field first) - it is largely a case of try it and see.

rgfncw · Post by **rgfncw** » Mon Mar 03, 2008 3:09 am

Thanks for your input guys

Obviously within Premiere elements I am able to change the field order from within the software - how do I do this to enable me to use the file within Videostudio so that I do not have the jumpy output.

I am using dvmini tape and tring to add some footage from a dvd cam.

As a matter of interest what is the field order on files imported from a Hard Disk Drive video camera

Thanks

sjj1805 · Post by **sjj1805** » Mon Mar 03, 2008 3:32 am

You can check the field order of video by either
Go to the open video file screen and you will see a button [properties] - this will tell you the field order
or
once on the VideoStudio time line right click and check the properties from there.

You set the project properties from the menu bar under
[File] | [Project Properties]

Post by **lancecarr** » Mon Mar 03, 2008 3:36 am

The field order on most DVD cams will be upper field first. The field order for DV will be lower field first.
I would take the MPEG files from the DVD cam first becuase they represent the smaller proportion.
Just load one on to the timeline in a new project then go to Share and Creat Video File. Set the parameters for output as exactly the same as the original except reverse the field order. Then take a look at it and see what you think.
The altertnative is to just load eveything, do your editing, go to Share/Create Video File and output to a DVD compliant MPEG2 and choose the field order that represents the larger part of your originals. Take a look at the result and see what you think.
It is going to be a matter of testing to find the right workflow that will give you the best reasults.
Keep in mind what Steve posted regarding some footage being more suited to the field reversal.

rgfncw · Post by **rgfncw** » Mon Mar 03, 2008 4:32 am

Thanks for the help guys got it sorted and understand now

Cheers