Making scorebar for sports video

WillGill wrote on 3/8/2008, 12:00 PM
I'm trying to make a scorebar for sports videos of my kids. I created the basic framework that I really like in Corel Draw. It contains the kid's team logo and a blank square next to it to add the score. Since it's done in vector format, I can scale to whatever size I need to keep the image crisp. I'll be outputting to 720x480. I'm not sure what size scorebar I'll need, but I started off with 300x50 sized scorebar.

I drag and dropped the PNG scorebar to the timeline. Vegas stretched it to the width of the video (not good) and put it in the center and not the top. At least the PNG transparencies worked in Vegas.

Now I'm stuck. How do I move the PNG to the top of the video and scale the size?
I need to change the score as the movie progresses. I think I can figure that out just overlaying text (numbers) in the allotted boxes in the scorebar graphic.

Besides telling me how to move and scale the PNG, any other hints? I'm I going about adding a scorebar the wrong way?

Comments

rs170a wrote on 3/8/2008, 2:12 PM
Click on the "Event Pan/Crop" icon on the PNG.
Once it's open, right-click on the image and select "Match Output Aspect".
This will stretch it more than you want but don't worry about it.
If you have a wheel mouse, turn it so that image gets smaller.
If not, change the Zoom (%) under Workspace to something like 15%.
Now grab any one of the 4 corners and drag outwards to make the image smaller.
When it gets to the size you want, place your cursor in the centre of the image, left-click and drag to the desired position.
Your idea about overlaying text numbers (on a track above the PNG) is what I'd do as well.

edit: to keep the font size & colour consistent throughout the video, create the first score and then do a copy/paste of it for the next time it's needed. Say "Yes" to the requestor box that comes up. Change the score as desired.

Mike
Chienworks wrote on 3/8/2008, 2:44 PM
Another option that i prefer is to create the image as 655x480 (for 4:3) or 873x480 (for widescreen). Place your 300x50 scorebar within that larger image where you want it to be. Save the image with the background behind the scorbar as transparent.

Vegas will see the image as fitting the frame perfectly and place it that way. No mucking about with pan/crop at all.
WillGill wrote on 3/8/2008, 4:58 PM
Excellent and excellent.
Chienworks, I thought of your idea after posting and letting my brain rest for a bit :)
I think I'll try both excellent methods and see which one works out best.
BTW, I was in that Pan, Crop window and I just couldn't figure it out. I figured it would be there somewhere. Thanks so much for the mini-tutorial.