Backgrounds and size.

[budbon]

Two questions - one post. I do photo editing with PSP X3. How do you insert custom backgrounds? What would be the size of such a background. On the subject, what size would I have to size photos to fill the whole frame in Video Studio Pro X3? I know the diminsions would change with format but where are those numbers?
By the way, I do mostly slideshows.

[skier-hughes]

What size tele are you aiming to show the video on?
What will be the main format? Std Def or Hi Def.
Std def, 4.3 or 16.9?
Are you in PAL or NTSC land?
Hi Def, what size, 1920 x 1080? smaller?

Or is it going to be shown on a pc?
If so, what will be the main screen resolution, 1024 x 768?


Once you've answered these qustions you'll have your answer

[Trevor Andrew]

Hi

Video Frame aspect ratio is either 4:3 or 16:9

If you wish to fill the screen then your images have to reflect these ratios.
If you use different ratios then you will get a black bar to fill the gap.

Using Video Studio, Change the background colour from black to any other colour, you will now be able to see the video frame. Settings-Preferences-Background color.

Image Size
The minimum size of your images should be the same as the video frame size.
So if your using Standard 16:9 DVD then 1024px by 576px

If your working with HD, you are using widescreen 16:9, your images minimum size 1920px by 1080px….

[budbon]

I guess I need to clarify. I would like to put together a slidshow on DVD. Because my photos do not fill the full frame, I would like to have something other than the standard single color backgrounds that would show either on the sides or top & bottom. I know I can go to preferances and select a solid color background but is there a way to create custom backgrounds? Also,that was the size ratio I was asking about.

[Trevor Andrew]

Hi

Video Studio does not use a background other than the one in preferences.
But if you use the overlay track for your main slide show the top track would be the background. All you need are clips in the top track, you could of course use your slide show.

Ok try this.
First save your slide show project, just to create a copy.
Using Ctrl+Shift select all clips in the top track. Right click the and select Copy
Left click the overlay track, clips placed in overlay track.
Drag all clips left, to beginning of timeline.

Working on top track we have to fill the frame.
Select the first clip
From “options panel” Attributes Distort Clip.
Right click preview screen and select Fit to Screen
From filters apply Blur and Duotone. (or any you prefer)
Right click first clip and copy attributes, paste to all clips in top track.

Working with Overlay Track
Select first images
Select preview window, drag the corner trim handles to size image -- will keep in proportion.
Copy and paste Attributes to rest of clips.

I find this works well as the blurred background reflects the main image, as well as transitions.

[skier-hughes]

I guess I need to clarify. I would like to put together a slidshow on DVD. Because my photos do not fill the full frame, I would like to have something other than the standard single color backgrounds that would show either on the sides or top & bottom. I know I can go to preferances and select a solid color background but is there a way to create custom backgrounds? Also,that was the size ratio I was asking about.

Use your photo editing software to make a background that you like, as for size

What size tele are you aiming to show the video on?
What will be the main format? Std Def or Hi Def.
Std def, 4.3 or 16.9?
Are you in PAL or NTSC land?
Hi Def, what size, 1920 x 1080? smaller?

Or is it going to be shown on a pc?
If so, what will be the main screen resolution, 1024 x 768?


Once you've answered these qustions you'll have your answer