pan/crop based on video size

mbryant wrote on 5/31/2006, 3:05 AM
Hope this isn't a dumb question...

I want to include a small size video clip (e.g. 320x240) within a PAL project (720x576, PAL DV for project properties).

When I put this clip on the timeline it gets stretched to fill the frame. I don't want this, I want to keep it at it's original size (with black borders).

I can use pan/crop or track motion to change the size, but was wondering:

1. Is there an easier way? Vegas "knows" the size of this clip is 320x240, is there a way to have it kept that size automatically?

2. If not, is there a way in pan/crop (or track motion) to specify the amount of "crop" to apply? I know how to resize it until it "looks right" to me, but I'd prefer a way to resize it to exactly the original size, and I can't figure out how to do that.

Thanks,

Mark

Comments

Chienworks wrote on 5/31/2006, 3:42 AM
Well, this is gonna sound really backwards, but this is what works ...

Open up Pan/Crop on the event. Set Maintain aspect ratio to No and Stretch to fill frame to Yes*. Enter the size of the video frame at a PAR of 1.0 as the Width and Height. For PAL DV this would be Width 787 and Height 576. The video will now occupy a 320x240 rectangle centered in the frame.

*That's the backwards part. It seems like it really should be Yes for maintain aspect and No for stretch! I wish i could understand why it's the other way around. Maybe one of the SONY programmers can explain it.
Grazie wrote on 5/31/2006, 4:15 AM
Maybe one of the SONY programmers can explain it.


Did you miss that one, Kelly? Be warned that WHEN they do, they do it facing a mirror.

OK¿¿

gRaZiӘ

mbryant wrote on 5/31/2006, 6:34 AM
Kelly,

Wow - thanks. Needless to say I would have never figured that out!
While the project is mainly DV based, the small clips are not, they are PAR 1... so following your instructions and using size of 768x576 works. and I think this is correct. (In fact, continuing with the backward logic, even though "maintain aspect ratio" is set to no, it forces the aspect ratio, it wouldn't let me enter 787x576 anyway.

Mark
Chienworks wrote on 5/31/2006, 6:37 AM
OK Grazie, i'll bite. And answer this one ... why is it that when you look in a mirror your image is reversed left to right, but not up and down?
jetdv wrote on 5/31/2006, 7:00 AM
Mark, if you're doing this a lot, Excalibur also has a tool that will reset images back to their original, non-stretched, size and allows optionally positioning of the images as well.
Grazie wrote on 5/31/2006, 8:58 AM
A "reflection" is not the same as an up/down=inversion. The lines of reflected light coming from the object are all parallel. You can prove this by rotating the mirror. The reflected image remains in the same orientation as the object. Further proof is that the only way to invert the same "reflected" image is for the whole system to be rotated. As an observer the reflected image is inverted, that is the image "observed" by an onlooker looking AT the mirror. However, the object, Kelly, admiring the sight he spies of himself, and fondly gazing into the mirror, would still be the same way up. The lines of reflected light stubbornly remain parallel.

Hope that has cleared that up?

Next week, Grazie's 101 on: "The theory of everything"

G
Chienworks wrote on 5/31/2006, 9:34 AM
Eh, you got it about 1/3 right. ;) Yes, it is an inversion. There's a more crucial distinction to be made yet though.
Mahesh wrote on 5/31/2006, 9:43 AM
No good at articulating this. So unashamed copy/paste from physics lesson from http://www.syvum.com/cgi/online/serve.cgi/squizzes/physics/plane_mirrors.html

The following characteristic properties of the image formed by a plane mirror are worth noting :
1. It is of the same size as the object.
2. It is formed as far behind the mirror as the object is in front of it.
3. It is always virtual (cannot be taken on the screen).
4. It is laterally inverted, but always erect.
For example, the letter p will appear as q after reflection in a plane mirror because of lateral inversion.

Lateral inversion occurs when the left side of an object appears as the right side of an image and vice-versa.

Grazie wrote on 5/31/2006, 9:49 AM
ooo you tease you!! - C'mon Kelso! I'm clutching my kneecaps here!!!
Chienworks wrote on 5/31/2006, 9:58 AM
Mahesh, that was all fine until #4, which is completely wrong.

Here's the actual answer ... the image is not reversed left-to-right either! Think about it. Go up to a mirror and look at yourself. Point with your left hand, you'll notice that the hand it's pointing at is also your left hand (check for rings/wristwatch or possibly missing fingers to be sure). Yes, your left hand is still on the left and your right is still on the right.

What is inverted is front-to-back.
johnmeyer wrote on 5/31/2006, 10:06 AM
Ed,

Good to see you back.
Grazie wrote on 5/31/2006, 10:08 AM
John? That's him "looking" in a mirror .. you did say "back"?


AND YES! Elvis is IN the building!!

Nice one Prof!!

G