Letterbox Question

[jason1974]

I am using Corel VideoStudio Pro X6 Ultimate and noticed that the NewBlueFX Essentials 2 does not include the Letterbox effect, so I was wondering if it is actually somewhere else in the program or if I need to buy it from NewBlue separately. Also, if purchased separately, can it be used in VideoStudio as well, and if so, is there anything specific I have to look for when installing? Thank you!

[BrianCee]

i do not know exactly what the letterbox effect your after is or does - but if you just want a wide not very high image right across the screen then you could use the cropping filter from the FX library - or simply use a mask to cover the top and bottom of the screen.

[jason1974]

Thanks for the reply. Letterbox provides the cropping while maintaining aspect ratio without eliminating the top or bottoms (http://www.newbluefx.com/products/essen ... /letterbox).

[BrianCee]

you seem to be defying the laws of physics - if you make something wider and still keep the same aspect ratio then you MUST make it taller - then to fit it in a letterbox you MUST lose some of the top and bottom - I just achieved a letterbox effect by using the distort clip option and cropping in VideoStudio - see below - on the left as standard - on the right leterboxed.

click on the image to enlarge it

[lata]

Hi

Well if you add a 4:3 video to the 16:9 timeline it should letter box automatically
The 4:3 will display in the middle, filling the frame vertically, a border or column will fill the left and right of the screen. By default in black which makes it difficult to identify.
Go to Preferences F6 and change the Background Colour, anything but black, choose sky blue and the video should look like the video sample from the link you provided.

If you add the Video to the Overlay track you can size the video to any dimensions you require, drag the corners to retain the aspect ratio.
By adding an image or video to the top track will fill the borders,

What is the aspect ratio of your original video files and what effect do you wish to create.

Are you trying to convert 4:3 to 16:9?

[jason1974]

Yes, the 4:3 clips show up with those bars, which in itself is another issue as it's tough to create a widescreen movie when using full screen video. For this particular video, I want to have a trailer that features the letterbox, but does not cut off the top or bottoms.

[Ken Berry]

My own version of NewBlue Essentials II does in fact contain the Letterbox filter, but that is possibly because I purchased NB Essentials packs I through VI. I know that some Essentials filters are included with VS X6 Ultimate, but can no longer tell which as I have the full sets. I am attaching an image of the filters included in *my* Essentials II window. Hopefully someone who has NOT bought Essentials II but has X6 Ultimate will be able to confirm whether or not they have Letterbox.

If they don't, however, the only option would be for you to buy the Essentials II pack from NewBlue. But they aren't particularly cheap unless there is a Christmas offer on at this time of year. You could thus be better off using the crop filter and playing around with it until you achieve what you are after.

[jason1974]

Thank you. Letterbox is offered as an individual purchase for about $30 and I have the Ultimate version of Corel VideoStudio, which only shows Picture-In-Picture for VideoEssentials 2, so it's good to hear you can install separate effects and still use them in the program.

[jason1974]

Here is a follow-up question- when you are using NewBlueFX Letterbox in Corel VideoStudio, is it any different than cropping effects?

[Ken Berry]

Sorry -- I have never used that filter as I have had no need to... Hopefully someone else might have hands-on experience with it.

[lata]

. Hopefully someone who has NOT bought Essentials II but has X6 Ultimate will be able to confirm whether or not they have Letterbox.

Hi Guys

I do not have any paid for FX filters, deep pockets maybe.

no I do not see the Letterbox Filter

[jason1974]

Thanks for the responses here. If anyone knows how to use Letterbox while preserving the picture entirely, please feel free to share it!

[lata]

Hi

I am not sure what actual effect you are trying to achieve
What is the aspect ratio of your original video.?

Below are two images representing a video file placed inside another frame, this creates a border. Which one are you trying to create?

You can also reduce the size of the video and have a border on all 4 sides?

[jason1974]

It is a 4:3 clip and if possible, I want to create a letterbox format and still keep the top and bottoms. Another issue, as you mentioned, is converting 4:3 to 16:9, and a few programs are available for that, but I'm not sure if Corel VideoStudio also has a feature for it. Some clips I use are widescreen already and some are 4:3, which makes it tough to have a video covering the entire screen with a correct aspect ratio, so I am placing a lot of content on overlay tracks to have control over how they look- is that a wise strategy or would you recommend another way?

[lata]

Hi
Assuming the project properties are using widescreen 16:9
To convert a 4:3 to 16:9 you will loose some detail top and bottom, that’s the nature of the beast.

The process involves “distorting” the video in proportion, you can do that from the top track by selecting Distort from the Attributes Tab (immediately below the Proview screen.)
Double click a clip to open the options panel.

The preview frame will show Re-Size handles as yellow squares, dragging the corners will retain the aspect ratio.
However there are other commands, right click the screen and choose Fit to Screen, then RC again and Keep Aspect Ratio. Reposition vertically using the keyboard arrow keys.

The same procedure can be done using the Overlay Tracks.

If you wish to copy the effect from one clip to another, Right Click and Copy Attributes, then select another 4:3 clip and RC for Paste Attributes. (should speed up editing)
Shift + Click will select adjacent multiple clips