Need some advice on training video display

Former user wrote on 8/17/2004, 1:52 PM
All,

I am using Vegas 5.0 to assemble a series of training demos (CBT) for a new client of mine. These are basic 3-4 minute tutorials using Techsmith Camtasia to capture screen activity, Photoshop for the graphics plus numerous audio elements and of course - custom narration.

My client has requested that 1024x768 will be the standard display size that their users will use to view these resulting demo vids. They are targeting Windows Media Player format and this is a computer only project (no TV monitors/ DVDS/NTSC etc etc will be used)

Here is my issue - they have also specified that the resulting vids have a visible border around the onscreen action with their logo in the upper left, website address in lower right...snazzy backdrop etc...

While It's no problem to set up my Vegas project as 1024x768...can anyone tell me if it is possible to do the following:

1. Set up my boilerplate text/backdrop/graphics all sized to 1024x768 on video track 1
2. Lay resulting demo footage (shot at..say - 800x600 - so the centered video is smaller in dimension and appears to floating?) over track 1 so as to expose the background from Track 1 as the new border?

If I remember right - the last time I tried messing around with this, Vegas either stretched/distorted my video so it filled the 1024x768 project requirement or caused my track 1 elements to disappear behind the Track 2 footage.

Is there any way to produce the final project at 1024x768 while keeping the footage at 800x600?

Your comments are appreciated.

Cheers,

Cuzin B

Comments

Chienworks wrote on 8/17/2004, 1:59 PM
I wouild think Track Motion would do exactly what you want. Use it on track 1 to reduce the size of the image, then slide it into the proper position. Basically you are creating a PIP (picture in picture) effect.
RafalK wrote on 8/17/2004, 2:23 PM
Not sure if I understand but why not just create a standard NTSC DV AVI and than play it using the full screen option in Media Player which will strech to whatever the resolution the display is.
Former user wrote on 8/17/2004, 2:48 PM
Chienworks,

Not sure I understand.

I want Track 1 to remain at 1024x768 for the duration and I want track 2 to playback at 800x600 (as shot - for the duration). With track 1 "behind" track 2 ...I should get a resulting "border" (from the portion of Track 1 that is not obsured by the track two footage) for my client elements. I guess a composite mode needs to be used here...can;t remember which one tho.

Almost like the 800x600 video on track 2 is like a Photoshop layer that I can center in the middle of track 1...I know my description is crap....any ideas...

Cuzin B
Former user wrote on 8/17/2004, 2:49 PM
Rafalk,

I am probably not describing this too well....see my response to Chienworks for an idea....I hope :)
Chienworks wrote on 8/17/2004, 7:45 PM
CuzinB: it sounds like you're describing exactly what i answered ;)

Put your track "1" on track 2 of the timeline and your track "2" on track 1 of the timeline. Set the project properties for 1024x768. Track 2 (your background track "1") will fill the frame. Use track motion on track 1 (your foreground track "2") and reduce the size to 800x600. It will be centered in the frame with the background showing behind it. You can move it around as necessary to line it up over the background exactly the way you want it.

Trust me, just try it. It's a whole lot faster and easier to actually do this than it is to describe it.
apit34356 wrote on 8/17/2004, 8:26 PM
CuzinB: As chienworks has suggested will work, also try track 3 at 1024x768, track 2 at 500x600 and track 1 at 1024x768.

track one with graphic overlays, symbols...
track two with video , ( as descripted by chien),
track three with your basic graphic design( this layer is written over by track 2 and track one)
Former user wrote on 8/18/2004, 4:27 AM
Guys,

Thanks for all the help. Worked like a charm! Even have a cool drop shadow on the video portion as it "floats" over the backdrop. The client will love this!

Again - Vegas rocks!

Cheers,

Cuzin B