Help with video resolution

[easytimes]

I'm having problems trying to set the video resolution on both of my copies of VS Pro X4. The captures I'm using are 16x9, and when I select a thumbnail and play it, the clip first displays as 4x3 in the preview window, then when it starts playing, it goes to 16x9, but when I put the clip in the video track, it displays and plays in 4x3... even after I change the Project Properties to 16x9, it still does the same thing.

I have recently taken some of the same files and created a 16x9 optimized MPEG in the share menu, but for some reason, I'm unable to do it again. I have had problems with my capture device, and haven't used VS Pro X4 for a while, but now I have a new methodology, and am back to working with video, again. Some of the things I did before, are now forgotten... I'm sure the answer is somewhere on this site, but so far, all of my searches and reading have only offered the things I have already done, and so far as I can tell, that doesn't work. At this point, I can't remember if the editing I did before, was displayed in 4x3 or 16x9, but the DVDs I have burned are definitely in 16x9, but the last one was definitely 4x3. Can someone help with this?
Thanks

[LarryF]

Hi easytimes,
I would request a bit more information from you before venturing an opinion. You mentioned that you are using a capture device. What is the name of it and what format are the clip files it creates? The easiest way to get the file format info is to right click on the clip once it is on the VideoStudio timeline, then click Properties in the menu window that pops up. You can then use your mouse to highlight the properties info in the window and copy & paste the info into the reply you send to the forum. My next question would be - what software are you using to capture the video clips? VideoStudio's capture function does not always work well with third party capture devices. It would likely work better if you used the capture software that came with your device to create the clip on your PC's hard drive. Once the clip is created, you can import it with the Capture/Import from Digital Media function in VS X4. Try importing the file that way and see if it works better.
Good luck. I hope these suggestions are helpful.

Larry

[easytimes]

Thanks LarryF for responding.

The capture device is a Hauppauge PVR, and the format is m2ts. I have also used a Sony Digital8 camera, with the S-video cables to get the same type of results... but the camera takes two complete runs, to both capture and upload to my computer. I have used the same file formats in the past, with no problems... but since I changed from using the component cables to the S-video cable, I am not sure why the Corel VS software is now defaulting to 4x3 format without allowing me to change. I figured, I must have forgotten some setting that I can't seem to find, now.

The obvious native format of the clips is the widescreen, because when you play them in full screen mode on my 16x9 monitor, they fit perfectly... and they are still wide screen, when you play them in the Corel preview window as clips, but when I put them on the video track, that all changes, no matter what settings I use. I have a project, right now that is set to 16x9, but when you preview the track, the same clip shows in 4x3.

I have done some work with the clips with the Hauppauge's Arcsoft Total Media Extreme 2 OEM software, but it's output in the editing area is pretty clunky and VERY difficult to duplicate with the same precision as the Corel. Aside from that, the Share tab options in Corel is one of my favorite features. I might consider doing a test with the Arcsoft, but for finished product, the Corel is by far the superior editor, and can utilize Blu-ray discs as an option.

[LarryF]

Hi easytyimes,
What I was suggesting is to use the Arcsoft program to do the capturing of the video clips to your PC, then import them into VideoStudio to do the editing. There may be something proprietary to the Hauppauge card that is being interpreted by VideoStudio as defining the aspect ratio of the clips as 4x3, instead of 16x9. Also, the S-Video cable you are using does not carry high def video. It was designed for high quality SD video, in a 4x3 format. You mentioned that you got 16x9 video with component cables previously. Component cables are designed for HD video. That may be the way you should go. Try either, or both suggestions and let us know how it works.

Larry

[easytimes]

Yes, this is old territory... I was capturing HD content and editing it very well for about six months, and something happened... I can't explain it, but I have used two different computers... three different video cards... and even got a new HD PVR from Hauppauge, through their desire to help me, but all to no avail. I can't even watch the video content from the Hauppauge unit on the capture software... it all locks and freezes too much to even watch, without trying to capture anything. Capture is just impossible.

I do know that S-video will capture and allow me to watch content on my computer, with the Hauppauge unit. It can capture the native 16x9, but only in 720x480... not the 1080i HD that the component cables will provide. What I was trying to say was... I have already captured some video using the very functional S-video connection, and actually created a very nice looking SD DVD in a video format that will allow full screen viewing on my 16x9 HDTV... albeit not in HD quality... using the Corel VS. I do miss that quality, but for some reason, I am totally unable to use the component cables, anymore. I suspect, my satellite TV provider has possibly degraded the signal or somehow encrypted it in a way that doesn't work well with this Hauppauge unit. That's just conjecture on my part.

I've been happily using my two video editing computers with the Corel software on both machines for quite a while now, but the HD PVR hasn't been very useful to me since about August of 2011. I guess I didn't make it clear that what you are suggesting is exactly what I have been doing... however, right now, I can't find a way to correct the 16x9-4x3 problem, lately... but only very recently. My Sony Digital8 video cam has been my main capture device for some time, but it only works if I play the content twice... once to capture to the camera, and another time to import the analog signal from the tape to my computer. With the Hauppauge unit, I can take it directly from the source to the computer, even if it isn't HD... but it is 16x9. The quality is better with the Hauppauge versus the Sony Digital8... but I suppose that's from the added manipulation required with the Sony Digital8. I can satisfy myself for HD content by using my new HD video camera, but it won't capture anything from the satellite receiver like the Digital8 does.

I was just hoping that there was something I was overlooking... or had forgotten about utilizing 16x9 content from the S-video... since I had previously done it, but right now, it seems beyond my reach... or memory. I don't even remember if I did anything to force the 16x9... it was just there... and it is now, when I preview the clips in Corel... but when I try to edit, it turns quickly into 4x3. That's not a shadow-boxed 4x3... it appears to be partially cropped... in a way that I lose part of the screen... and get some distortion, as well. I suppose I could try creating another disk with the Project Properties set to 16x9, but when I preview it on the video track, it previews as 4x3. Stinks to be old and forgetful.