Capture Preview Window Image Squashed - Recorded Video Ok?

[Manzano808]

Howdy Folks! Been awhile
Still using ancient hw and VS10+. Was able to find a thread close to what I'm experiencing but can't confirm.
No matter, the advice there didn't help with my problem.

I was recently forced to upgrade some [catalyst] driver software and even the MMC (from 9.03 to 9.06).
Cat went from 5.2 to 5.12 for those that understand catalyst versions. Had to update to remedy incompatibilities
with remote wonder drivers. Looks like I may need to update further or back grade somehow.

Recording video from AIW 9800 Pro (ATI Rage Theater Video Capture - Analog cable).
The video showing up in the preview window is squashed vertically.* However, the recorded video appears as it should.
When I capture an image (screen capture) it captures the squashed image, yet the recorded video is as it should be.
This didn't happen with prior drivers and MMC. Is there a setting that controls this? I've tried messing about with the prefs
and such without any change.

* Squashed: VERY large black bars on top and bottom of video and video is stretched out horizontally and smashed vertically
to make everything appear too wide and literally squashed from top to bottom. Entire video (no matter if widescreen or not)
is literally a small sliver in middle of preview window.

I can post screen shot of squashed screen capture image and an image from the recorded video if needed and if allowed here.
There you would see the glaring difference. However, since it SEEMS to be capturing video ok perhaps it's a minor problem.
Also, I don't remember the preview window blanking out (black) when capturing. At least I don't recall (it's been that long since
we've had tv service of any kind).

Edited out redundant hw\sw info

Extra note: video appears ok within it's own [Multimedia Center] tv application.
Are there any guides that help with the settings for this card? I didn't need that before but it appears I do now.

As always any ideas are extremely appreciated - Thank you very much for any help

[lata]

Manzano808

are you saying the video portion is in proportion yet you have black bars top and bottom giving the frame a 4:3 ratio?

It sounds like the aiw/VS10 was set for widescreen 4:3 capture when the source is 16:9???
You do not give any details of the source video only that it is analogue via AIW

VS Capture Screen....What capture format did you select, I assume DVD.?

VS10 would default to 4:3, from the VS Capture Screen select the Options Cogwheel—the properties will allow you to set the capture parameters.
Try a few test captures using the two different aspects.

However
You should be able to resize the video frame, although you may be best to re-capture trying the different aspect ratios.

[Manzano808]

are you saying the video portion is in proportion yet you have black bars top and bottom giving the frame a 4:3 ratio?

Thanks lata for the response! Actually no, it is not in proportion at all. It is really squished and obviously out of proportion.

It sounds like the aiw/VS10 was set for widescreen 4:3 capture when the source is 16:9??? You do not give any details of the source video only that it is analogue via AIW

Source is analog video from non HD - non digital basic cable. Probably the only one in the state with that
I have tried changing the settings in the project settings and tools with no change to the way it shows up in the preview window. It's the same for every channel.

VS Capture Screen....What capture format did you select, I assume DVD.?

yes that is correct.

VS10 would default to 4:3, from the VS Capture Screen select the Options Cogwheel—the properties will allow you to set the capture parameters.
Try a few test captures using the two different aspects.

Sorry, it's been so long that I had forgot about the cog wheel settings. I'll try that. It's just that I've never seen video displayed like that. I can record the video and replay it using the same preview window and it appears ok. But if i display a captured image it is scrunched up like the video preview. Very strange. I'll figure out how and if i'm allowed to post screens of it. I suspect either the raw drivers or the actual WDM drivers as the issue. Or perhaps after changing the drivers I should re-install VS10?
UGH... Thanks again for your help!

[BrianCee]

You should be able to post images - see "how to" here :- http://forum.corel.com/EN/viewtopic.php?f=27&t=48176

[lata]

Hi

Your original video files seem to be 4:3
The black bars top and bottom, are they part of the originals? or are they being created by VS?
I suspect they are part of the original video file.
So whatever capture program you use you will see the black bars.
---------------------------
You can resize the video using VS by inserting the clip to the overlay track.
It will show as a smaller clip in the middle of the screen.
First …Go to F6 Preferences and change the background colour to anything but black
Now you will see your actual video clip, and I assume the black bars top and bottom. Is that what you see?

Right click the clip on the preview screen and select Fit to Screen
Drag the frame diagonally – right downwards.
Drag the top left corner to resize
Right click to Anchor Center –Center
Repeat till it fits the screen
Ok that does not cure the original capture problems.

VS 10 is an old program with limited editing within the overlay track.

[Manzano808]

You should be able to post images - see "how to" here :- http://forum.corel.com/EN/viewtopic.php?f=27&t=48176

Thanks Brian! Just what I needed.

[Manzano808]

Please note examples of what I'm referring to:

This is what we see in the preview window while capturing:

Image is squished - out of proportion

Yet this is what is being recorded (screen shot of actual recording) :

Image is now proportional and appears OK

Again, since this doesn't appear to effect the actual recording (EXCEPT IMAGE CAPTURES ARE SQUISHED?!) perhaps
we can live with it. It's just never happened before. Using "Ulead DSW MPEG Capture Plug-in" in case that matters.

Is there anywhere this can be changed or corrected?
Why does it appear to record correctly but image capture is same as what we see in preview window?
I'm suspecting that is the case because with an image capture, there is no actual recording happening.
So the problem in it's entirety seems to be the preview window is screwy somehow. But there could be something else happening
'under the hood' as well, which is why I'm posting this for your opinions.

Thanks again for any help!

[lata]

Hi

Your video seems to contain the black bars.
To confirm this go to Preferences F6—Change the background colour to anything but black.
Now insert your clip to the overlay track
The video will show as a smaller version sat within the coloured frame.

Does that video contain black borders.

If you take a screen shot in Clip Playback mode it will use the actual video frame and be squashed, taking the screenshot in Project Playback will take as seen within the preview screen. Click the word adjacent to the play button before taking the screen shot.

Try capturing again but set the capture aspect ratio to 4:3, this should capture in proportion, the black border will still exist as I believe they are part of the original footage not a AIW or VS problem.

Read my quick guide to 16:9 a look at widescreen
http://lata.me.uk/video_studio/16_9/16_9.htm
The lower section of the guide gives details in changing the aspect ratio, may be useful.

[Manzano808]

Hi
Your video seems to contain the black bars.

Thanks lata for link to your guide!
I've always had a bit of trouble fully understanding this. I'm sure this will help a lot.

However, the irritating squished preview window problem was solved simply by rolling back the video driver.
It now previews like the actual recording. But we'd like to be able to update that driver. Thank God for imaging partitions for the system. It saves us masses of work troubleshooting these types of problems.

We're going to further investigate this, and in the meantime, read your guide!

Thanks again lata