Text in a photograph looks awful...why?

[Peta]

Hi again

I am doing a training DVD for a client, it is to be linked to training manuals, chapter by chapter. I have to insert into the DVD a cover of a report and a confidentiality form. I took a screen shot of the documents, saved them as .TIFF files and added it to the timeline, but it looks appalling. My question is: what is the best way to insert the image of such a document and not have it very blurred. Or, does the end product render it out?

Thanks

Peta

[lata]

Hi
Copy and paste the screen only uses the monitors resolution which can produce quite low quality images.

Are you able to copy and paste the text into your image editing program, then save as jpeg.

I ran a quick test copying your posts text compared to screen capture with much improved results.
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There have been some quality issues when using the Anti Flickering Filter (F6 preferences-edit tab)
Deselecting has improved quality especially when using pan@zoom

[Peta]

Thank you Iata. I can try that for the confidentiality form. The report I can't. My screen monitor is 23" Samsung LED with higher than normal resolution and screen captured photos/images are usually very good. It obviously doesn't handle text very well. For info the DVD has gone for approval with a note saying the text issue will be resolved !!

Cheers
Peta

[BrianCee]

what exactly is the process you are using to get the image into VS - you say you make a screen capture and convert it to a Tiff to insert into VS - how do you make the screen capture- are you using the 'prt scn' key, or is it a .pdf and you use the snapshot tool or some other programme - when you make the Tiff what resolution is that ? - have you tried outputting in any other formats - I find that a png usually gives me the best result.

What is the aspect ratio of the Tiff - if it is not 16:9 or 4:3 depending on what your DVD is then it will be distorted to fill the video screen.

What format is the original document - if it is on your computer can you convert it straight to an image file without doing a screen capture.

If you have a hard copy of the document try taking a high resolution scan direct to an image file

[Peta]

Hi Brian

I was using prt scn and then modifying in Photoshop Elements. I'd have to check the .TIFF resolution tomorrow. I do use the alignment function 'keep aspect ratio'

I am rendering the video file in 16:9 PAL DVD.

Both original documents are MS Word 2010 I don't have access to either hard copies to scan as you suggest (I wish I did!) I only need the image on the front cover of the report, to symbolise the output required from the training. I retyped the Confidentiality form into MS Word myself (it was a previously screen captured PowerPoint slide).

Thanks for you assistance

Peta

[lata]

Hi

If they are Word doc’s then you should be able to copy and paste the text to VS using the Title option.
If the document contains graphics/images then it may be a little more difficult.

Without seeing the documents it makes it a little hard to suggest the t the correct approach.
Brian may have other ideas?