Custom Video Overlay Help

stovk wrote on 1/31/2008, 12:02 PM
Hello All,

I just picked up a Copy of Vegas Movie Studio Platinum and I think the program rocks. However, I am kind of new to this sort of thing so I need some help.

What I was wondering is if it is possible to create a custom screen graphic to overlay on a video (kind of like the "Breaking News" graphic on most cable news channels or the stations watermark logo)

I want to create a detailed graphic in CorelDRAW and then use it as a mask or overlay (if I am using the correct terminology) on a video.

What I need to know is if it can be done in Movie Studio and what file format do I need to make the graphic in (BMP, JPG, PNG, TGA, etc???)

If there is a tutorial on this could you point me in the right direction.

As always, thank you for any and all help.

Comments

Eugenia wrote on 1/31/2008, 12:49 PM
PNG with transparency set, and then you place that on the video track above the main video track. That's it.
stovk wrote on 1/31/2008, 1:24 PM
Great. Thanks!
mickbadal wrote on 2/1/2008, 10:31 AM
BTW assuming you've created an image like Eugenia has said (contains your overlay and pixels set to transparent as desired), here's an easy way to adjust degree of transparency for the overlay, creating a "watermark" effect (where the video beneath shows through): On the video track event where the overlay image is, point to the top of the event, and you'll see the icon change so that you can set transparency.
stovk wrote on 2/2/2008, 8:25 PM
Super. Thanks.

BTW, Any suggestions on how to make the "overlay" look "crisp" and not so obvious it's a graphic pic? Kind of hard to explain, but the best way to explain it is if you have a graphic and you blow it up, it gets "jaggy" on the edges.

I suppose my question is, what should my graphic settings be so It will look good in HD format? 150 dpi, 300 dpi? Greater? 24 bit color?

I want to make prosessional overlays/graphics.

Last question (for now) are there any 3rd party programs out there that I can use to create professional looking Titles/graphics for Vegas Movie Studio?

As always, Thanks!
Chienworks wrote on 2/3/2008, 5:42 AM
DPI makes no difference in video. Don't even bother thinking about it.

What you need to do is match the frame size in pixels. If you're working in 1080 HD then the square pixel size of the frame is 1920x1080. If you want to produce a graphic that covers the bottom 1/3 of the frame then you should create it as 1920 wide by 360 high. That way it won't be enlarged at all.
stovk wrote on 2/3/2008, 9:00 AM
Thank you so much. I appreciate everyone's help. Sorry I am kind of new at this video thing and I thinks it's so cool to start getting into it.

Thanks again to everyone.
mickbadal wrote on 2/4/2008, 1:34 PM
"Last question (for now) are there any 3rd party programs out there that I can use to create professional looking Titles/graphics for Vegas Movie Studio?"

For really great titles, check out "Bluff Titler"