hmm... I'm talking about the track that defaults to the name "Master". It's right below the other tracks on the UI. Also, what is supersampling and how can I use it?

The Video Bus Track is a very confusing term since you can't put media on it. It should probably be labeled something else. It definitely shouldn't have the word "track" in it.

I think there is a diagram in the manual somewhere that shows diagramatically what it does. Basically, it is a place where you can do something to the video that RESULTS from all the interactions between the video on all your tracks. If you have nine video tracks, they combine together to give you your video. But, suppose you want to brighten the RESULT of all those tracks. You really can't do this on the individual tracks, because each track is contributing in different ways to your final video. This is where the Video Bus Track comes in. You can apply effects to the resulting video, just before it gets rendered. You can also add a few other effects that aren't part of the usual Video fX tools. This includes Supersampling, which, I guess, creates higher resolution versions of the video and then performs operations on that "supersampled" video. This can create smoother effects, in some cases, especially slow motion. This supersampling can be changed over time, in much the same user interface as what is used for volume.

It is confusing, not only to a beginner, but also to more advanced users, the way Vegas mixes various time-dependent controls. Some things are controlled through keyframing in events; some things are controlled through keyframing on tracks; the Video Bus Track and the Video Tracks can both be keyframed both in the dialog box and on the track, but Event keyframes cannot (they can only be keyframed from the dialog box). Volume, Motion Blur, and Supersampling are handled through envelopes that are placed over the track, rather than through keyframes. In some cases there is a good reason for this, in other cases it is just the way the product evolved.

But, to summarize, if you want to do something to the video that RESULTS from all your tracks, use the Video Bus Track.

Now, if you REALLY want to get confused, start asking about Audio Bus Tracks. I've used this program for quite awhile, and I still don't quite understand how to use them (there is only one Video Bus Track, but you can create lots of Audio Bus Tracks).

thanks johnmeyer,

that answers my question!

Strangely enough, I noticed the "Master" track for the first time a couple of weeks ago. Naturally, I thought maybe I'd hit a wrong key at some time. I'm sure it didn't exist before, but I may, of course, be wrong.
Trying to get rid of it is another matter. I've yet to find a way. Anyone got a clue? Thanks.

Sure. Delsect it under the "View" menu.