Preview screen

[malcolm mccosh]

Just installed pro X3 recently and have been playing around with it. Cannot get rid of the black side bars on the preview screen and these transfer to a burned disc. I'm sure there is a simple solution but I haven't sussed it. Can anyone give me a step by step instruction for getting a full preview screen picture. Thanks

[BrianCee]

Bit difficult to provide an exact answer from the information you have given malcolm - but my first thought is 'have you put a 4:3 video into a project with the 16:9 option set'. Try going 'File >> Project Properties >> Project options >> General' and check that the display aspect ratio at the bottom is set to match your video.

[malcolm mccosh]

Hi Thanks for your response. I could not get a link to Project Properties from 'file' but going into settings > project properties . tab capture I changed a drop down box to 'fit project size'. I also took out the tick on 16:9 on the opening interface. I may have done something else with a quick click but I don't know what. - however I captured a short 2-3min clip and burned and to my pleasant surprise I got the full picture on the burned disc. I did it again with a longer clip - alas no joy - back to square one - tried several times more but could not get the full screen again. I don't mind not getting the clips with side bars on the preview screen but this is no good when they are also on a finished project.

[Trevor Andrew]

Hi Malcolm

Can you give some details about your video?
Right click the video in the timeline and select properties, What are they?
……………………………..

Your project Properties should use the same aspect ratio as your video file.
I am using VS X2, the menu structure for X3 is a little different?????????

Try keyboard Alt-Enter, should open the project properties window.
Edit – General tab – Display Aspect Ratio

[malcolm mccosh]

Hi
Sorry for not responding sooner - but I do the odd wedding video and having been working on this. Couldn't use Corel because I could not solve the issue I described. Indeed Corel was interfering with the the software I was using, so I unfortunately had to uninstall it. I did not really have time to investigate your queries. howeverthe aspect ratio appeared to be 4:3 for video and software. No matter what I tried to change the preview window remained the same. The trial version I had downloaded prior to purchase was also the same so it is unlikely there is anything wrong with the software. This must be the intial default setting so I would assume other buyers would have had the same issue and solved it. It is immaterial at the moment as I have had to work with another product. I will perhaps reinstall later and try again.
Thanks in the meantime.
Mal.

[Trevor Andrew]

Hi Mal

1 / If your video is using 4:3 aspect ratio then you have to change the project properties to 4:3.

2 / The start up screen has an option to set the aspect ratio, I think it defaults to 16:9.
You should uncheck the box lower left on the start up screen.

3 / You can also change the project properties from the editor timelines

4 / File – Preferences-tick Show Messages when inserting First Video File.
Providing your video is compatible VS will prompt you to match the project properties to your video files properties.

Hoping it works ok when you re-install