Mercalli codec?

Laurence wrote on 1/19/2008, 8:42 PM
I have been using a combination of the JM Deshaker script and the Cineform codec for stabilizing my hand held footage.

Now on Vista 64, I seem to be having trouble with both the script and the codec.

No problem, I'll just start using Mercalli. I just noticed that Mercalli includes it's own codec that they refer to as the "Sony Vegas workaround codec". How convenient! A workaround codec exactly when I need one!

Anyway, my question is, how good is this codec? Should I use it or should I use something else when I am using Mercalli to stabilize my video?

Comments

aussiemick wrote on 1/20/2008, 1:29 AM
I noticed Mercalli renders to avi., which raises a number of issues- does the m2t get re-rendered again and again and loose quality or what actually happens.
I have noticed a slight swing to a red hue, not sure if this is a result of the red x that is there in the demo version or my imagination and the clarity of the rendered video is a little blurred, noticable in HDV when you compare it to the original. Please do not consider this as a criticism only as an observation from my eye, and would like some others to pass their judgement on the quality.
That slight quality loss I have noticed in Deshaker as well, just easier to see in HD
Mick.
Laurence wrote on 1/20/2008, 6:51 AM
Is Mercalli rerendering the video? If so, where are the Mercalli renders? I thought it was deshaking in real time.

It does kind of make sense that Mercalli is doing temp renders because why else would they have that codec.
CClub wrote on 1/20/2008, 1:08 PM
Isn't that what DeShaker is doing also... rendering into an avi? And wouldn't that be fine, as it would be an uncompressed rendering that should be lossless?
aussiemick wrote on 1/20/2008, 1:21 PM
As far as I am aware avi. is not lossless and probably there is more loss when rendered back to a compliant m2t. Not sure what the final outcome is, but it does appear that something is lost in the process. Anyone know for sure.
Mick.
JeanMovies wrote on 1/20/2008, 11:59 PM
Mercalli requires all video frames for the analysis. Vegas allow this via rendering only. The mercalli-codec is no file-writing codec, it is a wrapper for mercalli only. Finally mercalli don't create a new AVI. The stabilization is rendered on the original clip - no color move or else - this is the best way for high quality.
Laurence wrote on 1/21/2008, 7:04 AM
So the Mercalli codec is only a wrapper, necessary because of the way Vegas operates. That is good news indeed.

I really like Mercalli so far. It is very natural to work with.
UlfLaursen wrote on 1/21/2008, 8:20 AM
Good to hear Laurence - I'm thinking of getting that one too.

/Ulf