Converting PAL to NTSC in X3

[maxfrost01]

Brian,

I'm going around in circles!
What I was trying to say in my ealier posts is simply that I never had these problems in X2. I could easily render blip-free, high-def mpeg2 files and I could easily burn an NTSC DVD from a PAL video file.
I do not have a high def video file of this specific project. That is what I am trying to create BEFORE I attempt to burn an NTSC DVD.
All my work on this project (weeks rather than hours) has been in X3.

This issue right now is how to get rid of these damn blips.

My current work-around is to render blip-full video files in X3 then take them into X2 and remove the blips frame by frame. I reckon it will take me two to three solid days this way and it still won't be perfect. The blipped frames seem to replace good frames so I will still have a slight jerkiness.

Blipping X3!

[Black Lab]

Assuming you are not using any filters, tracks, etc. that are native only to X3, you can save the project as an X2 project (File>Save As - go to file type and choose X2) that will open in X2 for further editing/rendering.

Keep in mind, though, that these "blips" first reared their ugly heads in X2, so I don't know if this would be a solution. It was actually thought that X3 fixed the issue. You will see that you can actually Save As to a few earlier versions, if you have them. Maybe that would do the trick?

If you have a few days you can read all about the blipping blips: http://forum.corel.com/EN/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=35106

[Trevor Andrew]

Hi Max

As Jeff says, you can save your X3 project as a X2 project, backward compatibility.

I’m sorry it wasn’t mentioned earlier, if it works ok it will save you some time.

You mentioned in an earlier post of capturing your video from camera tape.
Just out of interest, what type of camera are you using?

[maxfrost01]

Jeff - you may just have saved me a couple of days work. I did NOT know that I could do a "save as" in X3 and thereby create an X2 project. Should have thought of that, but I didn't.
I'm now trying to render the (by now famous) high-def, PAL video file using X2 and which I should be able to play on my HDTV to the delight of my entire family.
Hopefully it will be blip-free. You'll be the first to know

I've taken a very brief look at the blip link you posted and, looking at the intro, it seems to describe exactly what I've been experiencing. So I'll read some more. I'm kinda hoping there will be an answer at the end of it!

The only effect I had in X3 which I have so far been unable to reproduce in X2 is a Lower Third background video for some titling. In X3 I put the video clip (it's got a moving background) on Track2 and used the Picture in Picture effect to fade it in and fade it out at the same time as the text fades in and fades out. Looked really neat. But I don't know how to get that fade-in and fade-out on the Track 2 video as PIP does not exist in X2. The text and the LowerThird video are running over the top of video clips in Track1.

Just checked and the rendering is 46% complete - should know soon - fingers crossed.

[maxfrost01]

Trevor,

You're right. If I'd known earlier I could have saved myself half a day's work. On the other hand without this forum and you guys I would certainly have thrown the camera and the computer out the window a long time ago. I'm sure I'll find it in my heart to forgive you

I'm using a Sony HDR HC1E which is now about six years old but has served me well.
I'm thinking it may well be time for an upgrade so if you have any suggestions I'd love to hear them........
I notice that Jeff has a Canon XH-A1S which means he's either super-good, super-rich or both.

Rendering is now 73% complete and the tension is rising.......

[maxfrost01]

Bingo!
I have a high-def PAL video file with no blips!

Taking the project out of X3 and into X2 made the difference for me. Now onto Stage 2 - the NTSC DVD which should be easy in X2.

Thanks all for getting me there - but no thanks to X3! I will probably go back to working with X2 rather than run the risk of the same problem again.

btw - just a thought on the blips - this project was not only my first high def project in X3 but also the first time I tried using the "Multi-trim Video" function. I found it really useful and used it extensively on the larger clips that I wanted to get down to a few seconds in the final version. Given that the blips problem tends to arise around transitions and cuts is it just possible that these two things are related? Or is it all coincidence?

[Black Lab]

Bingo!
I have a high-def PAL video file with no blips!

I notice that Jeff has a Canon XH-A1S which means he's either super-good, super-rich or both.

How about super-average and super-in debt.

[Trevor Andrew]

Bingo!
I have a high-def PAL video file with no blips!

Hi Max

Glad you have managed to create a good file, brilliant news.

Merry Christmas

[maxfrost01]

Hi, Trevor

Earlier in this thread you said

If you add a compliant Mpeg 2 whether it be Pal or Ntsc provided the option “Do Not Convert Compliant Mpeg Files” is selected your video file will not be changed, the file will be burned to disc without rendering.
The project settings being superfluous, not required.

From the final Burn button the first process should indicate “Convert Menu” If you see “Convert Title” then the main video is being rendered, not what you want.

I'm trying to burn a PAL DVD (ahead of the much vaunted NTSC DVD). I've been careful to make sure the properties of the 720 x 576 file I rendered and the settings for the burn are the same, I also made sure "Do not convert compliant mpeg files" was selected. However, the first message up was "Convert Title" which (you say) means the whole damn thing is being re-rendered (with consequent quality loss). How can that be?
I did notice that the entire process of burning the DVD was pretty damn quick. Was it not for the "Convert Title" message I would have guessed that little or no rendering was taking place.

Your thoughts?

[Trevor Andrew]

Hi Max

Yep if you have a compliant video file then it will not need further rendering.

Having created the HD video did you render this to Pal DVD Mpeg 2 video file.
Then use the Mpeg2 in the burner module.

If you added the HD 1440 video then this will need converting as its not a standard compliant file.

View my guide, read the section Burn a DVD

Post edited:-
In addition, make sure that Do Not Convert Compliant Mpeg files is checked when viewing the Project Settings cogwheel. This option is selected by default and should not be changed.

[Black Lab]

However, the first message up was "Convert Title" which (you say) means the whole damn thing is being re-rendered (with consequent quality loss). How can that be?

Did you check the Normalize Audio button at the burn stage? If so, that will cause the Convert Title message.

[maxfrost01]

Hi, Jeff

I didn't change anything so if the default is not to normalise the sound then that is what happened.
The PAL DVD that I ended up with plays well and looks good. It's a bit hard for me to assess quality on the TV screen 'cos I'm more used to seeing the output in high-def - I just burn the DVDs for family and friends. Even so, I'd be interested in understanding what's happening as the idea of losing quality (e.g. by re-rendering) at the burn stage after all the long hours of editing really gets to me!
It PAL DVD did burn very quickly so I'm wondering if it might have been rendering a small part of the original file rather than the whole thing?

btw - how do you rate that flashy camera of yours? Looks like a big monster - you okay with carrying it around on flights and such?
I get a lot of satisfaction (eventually!) out of shooting video of the kids and friends and I'd really like to move up to something better.

[Trevor Andrew]

Hi Max

If it showed Create Title then the whole title will be rendered.
If the settings are very similar then rendering will be relatively quick.

I asked in the earlier post if you actually used a Mpeg2 Pal DVD file or your HD 1400 video file.?

[maxfrost01]

Hi, Trevor

Missed your earlier post - sorry!

I rendered a 720x 576 mpeg2 file from my original project file and then used it to burn the PAL DVD. I checked carefully that all properties on the input (the video file) and the output (DVD) were the same. But I still got that Create Title message. So there must have been something different........

I did create a simple menu to front-up the DVD. Would that have caused the difference?

[Black Lab]

btw - how do you rate that flashy camera of yours? Looks like a big monster - you okay with carrying it around on flights and such?
I get a lot of satisfaction (eventually!) out of shooting video of the kids and friends and I'd really like to move up to something better.

I love it. My trusty old Sony Digital 8 was on its last legs so was in the market for something. I knew I wanted something professional looking, and I also wanted to move into the HD realm. After researching I decided against AVCHD, even though HDV had fewer choices. After conversing with another that had the same cam I decided to sell my first born and purchase it. Have not been disappointed, although I sometimes miss my son.

It's not really that heavy, but I do use a tripod most of the time (for steadiness, not because of the weight). It is very solidly built and has more manual and customizable settings than I probably will ever use.

If you are serious about it and want more info just let me know.