>>>Howzabout a script/plug that wizards the 'film-like' look. something that ingests vid, spits it out as 24P progressive scan, having used all the cool Vegas tools to shift gamma, blur, and saturation? Might be a great addition.<<<

That would ne nice indeed. I second that. I have presets that I have done for color curves and gamma and glow and such but having it all in one "script" would be nicer. Even go one stpe further - just have a few "presets" where one oculd choose something like "Soft glow interview" or "Fuji stock" (Green and blues) "Kodak Stock" (More yellow) and so on.

And here is just an idea that I mentioned in another thread - as the "Date/Time" info is recorded and displayed in the info would it be possible to be able to extract this in the same way that the time code info is for display? If not as a drop in window via plug-in how about in the "subtitle" method - it extracts this info and outputs a sub title text script that could be than re-imported. (What would work for VV? sami? ssa? sub? plain ole txt?) I guess another way would say it, is support for subtitles *or* script based text import that would put this information into one of the "text media" templates. And if you can't do it in VV how about just extracting the info, including TC info, for import into something like the free Subtitle Workshop? (Did any of that make sense?)

And on the subject of EDL's - it seesm like all the time code info is there - tape number, time code info - but for the most part 'hidden' from view. The VV produced EDL's are limited and I know there is a script that will somewhat export/convert a CMX EDL from the VV one. Now the qestion is - could a script be done that allows for 1> export of a VV batch capture file to a readable EDL that could be imported into other programs? (I notice that Scenalyzer Live has an EDL export option for the batch capture but when you click on it you get a pop up saying an EDL can't be output for NTSC) 2> import/conversion of batch capture file from other programs.

Now I know that the point isn't to make VV EDL's, projects and batch capture lists work in other NLE's as much as it is to get other NLE's info to work in VV but I think it would have to work both ways for it to work at all. For example i can capture in VV and the tape, date, time and TC info will read in Premiere and Sclive and other programs. However if I capture in Premiere the date, time, TC and tape info will read perfect in Sclive but VV will ignore it all. Why is that? Is this 'fixable' with a script? And I tried an experement with 'offline" type of files - in Premiere and Sclive all the info needed for recaputre is there...TC and tape numbers read fine in the low res version. In VV none of this information is read. And even if it did the option to recapture is greyed out - I assume because it isn't a DV file. Again - something 'fixable' in a script?

I'd like to see a project audit/clean-up script that would do the following:

1. eliiminate all gaps or overlaps under a user-specified length, using default settings under "convert transitions to cuts" and "ripple edit" preferences;

2. reset all event or track-level opacity or volume levels to either 0% or 100% if within a user-specified tolerance (i.e., reset anything at 5% or lower to 0%; anything 95% or higher to 100%);

3. identify all audio events with peaks exceeding a user-specified dB level

4. maybe some way of doing the same thing with Video Scopes (if they're scriptable) to ID events with video signals outside user-specified (or NTSC or PAL standard) specs.

There may be other "checks" that need to be done prior to printing out a final cut, but I can't think of any right now. Any other suggestions?

Lastly, how about something to try to implement true 3-point editing into Vegas (a sore lack, that I know filmy and I feel most acutely)? Something that would insert a clip based on any combination of in and out points between trimmer (or clipboard) and the timeline, with audio and video delivered to user-specified tracks?

Thanks for asking, and good luck on Excalibur II!

ditto that last request - when flying around on the timeline, accidental
mouse events cuase dumb things to have to scrutinize. .... gap remove being one of the ones i would love.

Default last settings is there - eerrrmmm. . . how about Repeating the Function too. Just did a very complex Disco Sequence for a wedding and the times I wished I didn't have to keep finding the MutiCamera check box . . then I'd forget . . then I'd have to bring Xcal back up. I'd like the "last" function to be kept until told otherwise - please. Simple?

Grazie

. . . oooh another one before I forget. FXs to Markers. Stick a Marker up and you can select an FX at that point - neat eh?

Grazie

>gap remove being one of the ones i would love.<

Hookmeister,

Gap Wizard (remove) is already part of the first Excalibur.

Gary

. . another please? How about Velocity envelopes to MAkrers! Ho, that would be neat! - Sit there tapping out Makers to beats or changes in "emotion" on screen - slap in a Marker - XCal II sdoes the rest!!

Grazie

How about Velocity envelopes to MAkrers! Ho, that would be neat!

Grazie,

You're going to have to explain this one a little better. What do you have in mind?

Gary,

Not sure if this is doable but expanding on the automatic insertion of transition effects for slide shows would be handy. Excalibur already inserts a crossfade between clips. Would it be possible to have it insert random transitions (from the Vegas transitions) between events or maybe to place a certain transition every so many events. Excalibur does a lot of work for me now in slide shows but I always wish I could tell it to do a different transition than crossfade every so often when it lays in the events.

Also, to take off on what Grazie was saying, would it be possible for Excalibur to insert a marker at every beat of a song on the timeline and insert pictures from a media bin automatically? I just finished a short (1:32 minute) song that ended up with over 90 markers and inserted photo's at each one. It would be cool for that repetitive process to be automated and to know that the markers were already set up correctly.

Really like your products to include the training DVD's. Keep'em coming. I'm buying.

Randy

Spot,
Since you are hopping around the pacific, how about planning a gig in Hawaii sometime in the future? Good way to write off a short vacation and promote Vegas to the video community in the islands. Hula girls make great video.
Aloha,
Randy

Extract a frame for a still from a video clip at 'n' frames, or insert 2 markers to bracket a frame every 'n' frames and then render bracketed frame. Thanks for your hard work. John

>>..."Date/Time" info is recorded and displayed in the info would it
>>be possible to be able to extract this in the same way that the
>>time code info is for display?

That would be excellent!

Randy you may know this already, but if you don't, there is a Script that puts stills to markers. I v'e used this many times and it too koooool . . . Now the other "thing" put Markers to beats . . search here, but it comes down to recognising that at present there is no automatic way this can be done. I stand corrected if this is not the case. I get markers to beat by literally tapping the M key - yeah? If you are a bit off use the Edit Detail View and make corrections. FIne tuning in this is a sinch - yeah? The other option, which I've used for Marker position correction, is possible use the EDV to "setup" Markers at the "correct" beat spacing to use to get markers to the beat is to again use - only a thought.

So, StillsTo Markers script exsisits so YES - Auto Markers to beat . . . well not exactly. And yes an XCal MArkers To BEat would be great . . .

Hope this helps,

Grazie

Ed - "You're going to have to explain this one a little better. What do you have in mind? Simple!

1 - I preview a piece of footage . . . . . .

2 - I notice I could Speed up Or slow down to accentuate or allow the viewer to linger over the footage - this for dramatic; emotional; emphasis; allow for TEXT to develop; keep the "pace" going; bring in "other" camera . . what ever . .

3 - As I'm getting a "feel" for the video I would only need to tap the M key to "register" this thought for "2"

4 - Go to XCal II and be able to apply Velocity envelopes and Settings - for each "M"arker.

Summary - Yes I know I can do this directly and within Vegas. It's fiddly. It's drugery. It's not very . . .ermm . . . sexy! - More importantly what it does do is "break" my creativity flow to add in all those natty little Points. Then, adjust them; make mistakes; try them out; readjust thier positions; etc etc etc . . by the time I've done some or all of these "M"s, I'm taken away from the actual original feel and sense of the video and I'd "wrapped" tightly into the "process" of doing Points . . not good . . . I'm not saying here that I would doi some readjust, say within EDV, but my train of thought would not have been broken; I would have retained my initial concept AND with XCal II I could possible get a "Completed Master Track" that I could either use or rename to allow for ANOTHER XCAL VelEnv sessions to try that out - much the same as I presently do with MultiCamera Wizard - yes?

Look, XCal is quickly becoming for me the "Other Arm" to Vegas, to allow me to concentrate on "vital" and I think pacy video . . . . anything that does this for this superb software has to be a good thing . . Vegas has the engine of an F1 race car . . having XCal II is like making sure you've got a "Pit Crew" - yeah? I'm still the driver . . . but I know that there is a Pit Crew looking after me . . . NOW get embarrased . .you've got a fine product lads . . . asking these questions will make sure you have the input to create an interface that will keep me "moving" along.

Oh yes . . interface . . .please lets improve the actual design of the interface. I wanna find the Wizard button more easily. I feel it should NOT be the same size as the "settings" for that WIzard. I know others might whince here . . . put could we have an Icon that actually relates to the Wizard?

Some examples:

1 - MultiCamera Wizard - 2 cameras loking in opposites directions.

2 - Gap WIzard - That's too easy . . ..

3 - Sync Wizard - 2 Ballet dancers

4 - Voice Wizard - errrmmm? Old Fashioned Microphone

5 - Marker Wizard - BIG "M"

6 - Velocity Wizard - >>>>>>>>>> or something like that!

7 - Orphan Wizard - Far too easy this one!

8 - Fade Wizard - Anything here "Sunset"; Sunglasses; Curtains

. . . anyway, get the . . errrr . . Picture/Icon?

Look, it might not go with your corporate "style", in as much you are working with the overall "Professional" image of Vegas . . well . . . you do have the Long Haired '60s hippie [ I presume this was Gary back then - "Peace 'n Love Man! Chill out . . . yeah?" ] in the top right hand corner of XCal 1 - soooo . . . if you think it is worth having fun , . . . and editing should or can be . . having these "little" touches just gives it . .well . .a bit more - yeah?

I 've got another idea . .I'll make another addition on another post here . . OOOoooh you've got me going now! But I guess I know my ramblings are often picked up by you guys - thanks for listen to this lot . .

. . .I'll go away now . . .

Keep up the good work,

Regards,

Grazie

I've booked my place (with Cindy at aone.com) for your video production day in Singapore. Looking forward to it!

Richard Hunter

Grazie,
Thanks for the lead on the stills to markers. I also use the tap method and just move the cursor to the right peak on the music track and then move the marker until it snaps when I miss the beat (zoomed inon the timeline of course). Once the markers are right, I add the pictures and just size them inbetween the markers. Does the stills to markers script size them inbetween the markers also? Let me know if there is a quicker way.
Thanks,
Randy

. . phhorrr . . just got back onto this site . . where have you lot been?


Well, hello Randy! - Yes, Stills are filled to the Maker to Marker duration. These are only examples to demonstrate - ie it doesn't mena you are stuck with these at all: M1 > M2 2 secs; M3 > M4 0.5sec etc etc etc OR to the Tap Marker distances - yeah? "and just size them inbetween the markers - Oh no! Stopit, right now! It's a great little script because now you will have a really easy peasy way of doing this - once you've tried it once, you will be up for doing it anytime you want - it's brilliant! It's what V4 is meant for. I've setup a Script StillsToMarkers icon on my Toolbar. Dead simple then . .. I aint no programmer . .I can use it - HA! You wont look back . . .

Grazie

. . . and yet another one . . .

How about when you use Xcal an Icon appears on the toolbar, for the last used Wizard. Meaning that one doesn't have the Xcal Form coming up everytime . . . I suppose you can't do that one eh? Would be nice . . gives more flexibility to the editor and makes use of the Vegas front end even better! - Everybody wins!

Grazie

Thanks again for the tip Grazie. Will try it when I get home. In the meantime, I've uploaded my results on Kelly's site for review. Should be posted soon.
Aloha,
Randy

Randy - Haven't seen your video yet? I'm looking forward to it with anticipation.

Grazie

Grazie,
Haven't seen anything posted there all day. Maybe Kelly is taking a well deserved break. Maybe tomorrow...or later today your time.
Randy