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Setup

How do I set up my projects so that they use the highest quality, with the least loss, and store in the appropriate format. I get very confused when people talk codecs. I want, if possible, to save my stuff with the same settings it was recorded with, or, if I am mixing sources, in the settings of the best-quality source. What file format will that be? DV-1? DV-2? AVI? MPEG? Lower field first? Do I have to install codecs (whatever they are). Do I care about DivX? I think I just want to know what settings go with my three cameras, (Canon Elura, Canon HV30, Sony DSC-W80) and to use those. In the event that I one day get a blu-ray burner, I want to be prepared for that too.
If you can capture using firewire, you should. The best is to capture as DV-AVI Type 1. But now that you have an HD camera that changes some things. I haven't made the jump to HD, so I'll leave that for someone else.


Capture

I prefer to designate where my captured video is stored, but VS uses libraries that I don't understand. I am a DOS guy at heart, and don't like the way every media program has its own preferred location and method for storing files. I used to have a copy of Scenalyzer, but it is lost, and I don't want to pony up $40 Canadian for software that I won't use again after Friday. Is VS my best bet for capturing DV files?

For HDV files, I have used HDVSplit, and am happy with it.
You do designate where the captured video is stored. You can do that in Preferences or when you capture. The libraries simply show virtual thumbnails. Using those thumbnails do not change the original clips. I capture all my clips to an external hard drive, making a separate folder for each project. Makes for easy housekeeping when I am done.

Edit

I am comfortable with this stage. I don't know all the ins and outs, but I can generally get done what needs doing. I would like to know what ripple editing is and isn't.
Basically, when Ripple Editing is turned on, edits to a track will effect the other tracks the same way; like the ripples in a pond.

Effect

Some cool stuff here, but I usually stick to crossfades and wipes.
Good choice. Simple is usually better.

Overlay

I don't know what this is or what it is for.
A basic use for an overlay track is a picture in picture effect, but many other things can be done with them.

Title

I wish I had more control to make my own styles of titles.
I'm not sure what control you need, but you can make many, many different styles.

Audio

Funny, I had trouble with this last summer, but today it makes complete sense.

Share

Ah. Here is where confusion reigns. What should I do here? I would imagine that if I set my project settings properly, I could Create Video File with the project settings, and all would be well. Is that right? And then, since I have a Canon camera, will I have trouble saving to tape? My goal is to save to tape.
Again, not having a Canon I will defer to someone with more experience.

I figure that making a DVD backup is a good idea at this stage. Best way? What tools do I need to make my own menus?
What tools? VideoStudio. Nearly every part of the menu is customizable in some way.

I think that I am okay with vimeo and youtube, although the goalposts keep moving. It would be nice if VS11.5 made .flv files, but upgrading for that one feature is not worth it to me.
Google for some free FLV creation programs. They are out there.

Gee, that is a big bunch of questions. I confess that part of this exercise is to help me organise my thoughts. If I can pose the questions well, that means that at least I understand the question. As you can tell, codecs and file sttings have me baffled.

While I wait for answers, I am going to start capturing.

ronstew wrote:Thank you very much, Jeff.

You are, of course, right that VS saves the captured DV video to the folder you specify, and I have spent a good chunk of the past few days doing that. I wish I could specify which library segment to associate with which file when I set up the capture. It seems that is a feature of X2.
Whatever library you have selected is where the captured clip's thumbnails will appear.

We can do picture in picture? Cool! I could use that to make a countdown clock? Is there a feature for doing time-lapse? I shot my friend and her dog at an obedience trial. The five-minutes where the dog is lying down at a "stay" could be sped up.
Right click on a clip in the timeline to change the Playback Speed. Take a look at our Free Stuff Section. I'm pretty sure you will find a countdown time (although I couldn't find it with just a quick look).

If I am setting up to burn a DVD, there are several DVD menu templates available. Can I create my own?
You can create your own if you have PhotoImpact, as the menus use a proprietary format. But you can customize the ones you have within VS.

I will search for free flv creation programs.

And most importantly, I will spend the rest of my morning studying Mr. Jones' article.

Again, Jeff, thank you very much.