Basic Video Track Mixing

Mr Nickel wrote on 10/26/2006, 2:32 PM

I am looking for a great tutorial, or someone with some basic instruction, on how to mix several video tracks into a single production. I am new to VMS...and I like many of its features. Until now, I've cut and pasted segments I wanted to mix on top of each other...but I now have 6 tracks...so need to do them a few at a time. I see how I can have 3 video sources at the same time, but how do I get them to 'do what I want' to come out with a single video track....how do I record 3 into 1? I'm probably not using the exact terms yet...so please bear with my (temporary) ignorance....Thanks in advance for your assistance!

Mr Nickel of N&D (Nickle and Dime) Productions

Comments

rustier wrote on 10/26/2006, 9:59 PM

It sounds like you are talking about composite work. Three into one - I take to mean you want to do something like a trio of yourself? Or do you want to have pip or just different layers? If you search this forum with the key word "composite" you will find tons of stuff to help you. Also go to the Vaast web site. Douglas Spotted Eagle has some nice tutorials and he offers books and training. Sony also sells tutorials here.

May I also suggest you simply get a few short clips of nothing and just play with it. VMS is so intuitive, easy and stable you might just pick it up in a snap. The key things you will be looking for are compositing - setting up the right "parent, child" relationship (doesnt seem like it but the name is appropriate), masking techniques, solid color and color gradients, cookie cutter, alpha channel, track motion and keyframing. I have a test project where I do just that - mess around until I figure something out or screw something up - and then I just undo it. Cant hurt anything there. As you learn your technique you can apply it to the "real stuff". Thats my two cents B-)

Have fun with it!

jimmyz wrote on 10/27/2006, 12:02 AM

Maybe your looking for more basic help? In vms you can add another video track so you have 4 and you can also select an area and go to tools and render to new track. It combines what your working on and is a great workaround if you find youself running out of tracks.

Andy C wrote on 10/27/2006, 2:36 AM

I didn't know that, Jimmyz. What a cool feature!

Mr Nickel wrote on 10/27/2006, 7:15 AM

Thanks, Rustier....I'm always one for experimenting. I got so frustrated I figured SOMEONE must know what I don't. The fourm info has been great, but I didn't know what to look for. I'll try some of your suggestions and get back to the forum with what I've found. Thanks again!

Mr Nickel wrote on 10/27/2006, 7:16 AM

Thanks, Jimmyz...I found the 4 track option, but haven't tried this yet either. So much to learn...so little time. Thanks again!

jimmyz wrote on 10/27/2006, 9:49 AM

You know just when you start to figure it out you'll upgrade and end up at square one again.