Outputting And Transition Problems - Help

[Equine]

This is my first time using this forum so I hope someone can help as there is no one anywhere who has been able to help me. I probably should have done this months ago. Oh well. This is a brief description of what I use Roxio for. I film horses and make movies from them for people selling them. I start by doing around 2 minutes in cine magic with the slow motion and dissolves as transitions. I also add music. So the problems are:

 

Firstly I have Roxio 10 and a brand new computer. Not sure on all the sizes etc, but we had it built to cope well with Roxio 10. Vista kept crashing with Roxio so we had to get rid of that and now only have XP.

 

Transitions: During cine magic, I like my transitions to be varied. Most are around 2.50 to 3.00 long. But some transitions will only allow me to have .37 or 0 and no matter what I do, it won't let me change the time. So it makes going from scene to scene appear to jump as 0 seconds is not long enough if you know what I mean. I also have the problem when I play back the footage through Roxio; it slightly pauses for a fraction of a second which appears to jump. Sometime this comes out once burned onto a dvd. In other words, the change from movie through the transition and to the movie again is not always smooth like it should be.

 

Outputting: I've made heaps of movies now and this is the first time with this particular problem. I've bought a new camera a JVC Everio 120G. I've changed the format of recording on the camera to 4.3 as it was set to 16.9. Then I convert this footage through the jvc program also as 4.3 & mpeg2 HQ. This seems to play fine. Then I go through the cine magic part which appears to all play fine through Roxio. Then I add my normal movie to the end of the cine magic part. Besides the transitions jumping, the movie all appears to be ok. Then I go to output as. I've always used the same one, mpeg2 best quality and it's always been ok. But with my new jvc camera, nothing works anymore. While outputting, it goes real slow, then real fast then has the grey mpeg screen come up. This continues throughout the outputting. When it's finished, the normal footage of the horse trotting is ok but the slow motion parts are real funny. Not really watchable and the music is also funny. I've tried outputting through all the different options and they all do different things but none are watchable. I've imported an old file taken with my old Hitachi camera and it does it to this one also. I thought it was only the jvc movies so tested to be sure. Is there a problem with my Roxio program? I bought it new from a shop and I'm sure it's the full version.

 

I've never had the problems I've read about with the program always crashing. I've had great success with it until now. I love it but am worried as I'm paid to do movies for people and have now hit a brick wall which is driving me nuts. Are there any suggestions you can give? Could it be to with the converting from jvc? If I import a jvc movie and add music but no slow motion, it appears to work ok, but I need the cine magic and slow motion!

 

Also one other thing, since I have to change the camera to 4.3, when I complete the movies, there is a black border above and below the movie when you watch it on TV. It's like it's chopped the top and bottom off. The old camera, you could see the movie top to bottom with no black lines. Is this the new camera also or a setting I can change. It’s ok, but it looks funny when you watch it on TV.

 

[bimicher]

Thanks for the replies. Yes my modeal is the 120GB one. I can deal with the transitions, frustrating but it would be easier if I had someone sitting with me to help show me through. But the main issue for now is when I output. When I'm outputting, as I said it goes slow and fast with the grey MPEG screen coming up. It completes the out putting but when you watch it the movie is fuzzy/blurry and the same with the music. It's a tad slower also. This is all slow motion stuff. But the normal moving stuff appears to be ok. I tried several times this morning and it got worse and worse. So maybe could be a roxio thing?

I'm not doing anything different or have any different settings than what I had with my old camera. So I have no idea why this is like it is. Is this enough information? I dont speak in computer talk so I'm doing my best I'm afraid. Let me know.

 

 

The grey mpeg2 screen is normal and what you are supposed to see if the video is already in the correct format for DVD. In this case, the video does not have to be rendered again.

If your convert any video to slow motion and the video also contains audio then of course the audio will be distorted.

 

As other posters have stated, Videowave is a much better program to use for what you are doing. It can also be used to slow down video, create picture-in-picture effects plus many other things that are not possible with Cinemagic.

Cinemagic is a program for simple, quick jobs.

[Equine]

While I REALLY appreciate your help, it's not really answering my problems. I've never had this problem before and I have never seen the grey mpeg screen before either. My movies have always come out perfect with music and slow motion. The problem has started since the new jvc camera. Is it not compatable with roxio maybe? I'm adding the music to the whole production and not the actual slow motion scene. I understand what you mean with the transitions thank you very much but need to fix this new problem otherwise may have to look for a new video making program which I don't want to do as I really like roxio and find it easy to use. I know a fair bit about roxio now, well enough to get me through what I need but I'm learning more and more every day. I just need to get through this little issue I have and find out why it's suddenly happening. And I do want to continue using cine magic for my introductions as video wave would take far too long to get the same effect as you know. Cine magic is just the introduction and is simple. I use video wave for all other things.

[Jim_Hardin]

You can lead a horse to water…

 

First 2 now 3 gurus are strongly recommending you move into VideoWave…

 

You are trying to produce a Professional looking DVD but cling to using hobby level software!

 

One other trick, In MyDVD, try setting the render to Software. Tools – Options – Render, Software.

 

[Equine]

Well I must say a huge THANK YOU as it appears to have fixed the problem. However I haven't burned it to dvd yet and played onto the tv, but normally after outputting it and then previewing it, you can see the damage, but so far no damage. I also tried what some one else suggested by changing the .tod to .m2t which worked also, but it's a long way to do it as every time I import a scene to add to my movie, it makes me convert it every time, and when you're talking heaps of scenes, that can be time consuming. So either way appears to work. I've burnt the other way and watched it on tv and it worked, so I'll get some sleep now and give it a go in the morning. This problem has kept me up endless nights and I'm starting to feel like a zombee!

 

You mentioned I was using hobby software?? Is there something else you are suggesting? I started using Roxio from my mum and went up from version 6 to 7 to 10 etc. I find it easy to use but somethings can be frustrating. but I don't get any of the problems other people speak of? This probem comes from the jvc camera.

Anyway, thank you again, I'll let you know how I go.

 

[grandpabruce]

[snip]

 

You mentioned I was using hobby software?? Is there something else you are suggesting? I started using Roxio from my mum and went up from version 6 to 7 to 10 etc. I find it easy to use but somethings can be frustrating. but I don't get any of the problems other people speak of? This probem comes from the jvc camera.

Anyway, thank you again, I'll let you know how I go.

 

I think that he was referring to Cinemagic.

[bimicher]

Well I must say a huge THANK YOU as it appears to have fixed the problem. However I haven't burned it to dvd yet and played onto the tv, but normally after outputting it and then previewing it, you can see the damage, but so far no damage. I also tried what some one else suggested by changing the .tod to .m2t which worked also, but it's a long way to do it as every time I import a scene to add to my movie, it makes me convert it every time, and when you're talking heaps of scenes, that can be time consuming. So either way appears to work. I've burnt the other way and watched it on tv and it worked, so I'll get some sleep now and give it a go in the morning. This problem has kept me up endless nights and I'm starting to feel like a zombee!

 

You mentioned I was using hobby software?? Is there something else you are suggesting? I started using Roxio from my mum and went up from version 6 to 7 to 10 etc. I find it easy to use but somethings can be frustrating. but I don't get any of the problems other people speak of? This probem comes from the jvc camera.

Anyway, thank you again, I'll let you know how I go.

 

What has fixed the problem? We are suggesting your learn to use Videowave instead of the dumbed-down Cinemagic. Perhaps the learning curve is a bit steeper but the final result is worth it.

[Jim_Hardin]

I think that he was referring to Cinemagic.

Right you are - Cinemagic!

 

But I do sympathize with Equine. He is clearly a busy person and wants to pack together a good looking video, quickly! Sadly, good looking video requires time, knowledge and skill to put together.

 

Might consider getting a different camcorder with a better 'real world' compatibility.

[Equine]

Off the track question, but on the roxio site somewhere, I found a live chat room with a roxio technician. I don't know how I found it but can't find it again. Does anyone know where I can find it? Thanks

[bimicher]

Off the track question, but on the roxio site somewhere, I found a live chat room with a roxio technician. I don't know how I found it but can't find it again. Does anyone know where I can find it? Thanks

 

Maybe its off-line at the moment.

[Larry]

Off the track question, but on the roxio site somewhere, I found a live chat room with a roxio technician. I don't know how I found it but can't find it again. Does anyone know where I can find it? Thanks

It was likely on this page:

http://www.roxio.com/enu/support/emc10/contact.html

 

But, like Walt mentioned, they were probably off line at tyhem moment. As I recall, Live Chat's only available Mon - Fri and only during their business hours (something like 9am to 5 pm et)

[sknis]

OP has switched to Creator 2009 and has created a post in that forum.

[Equine]

While I am very appreciative for every ones help, I get the feeling you all think I'm a bit silly and don't know what I am doing. Yes I don't know everything, but the movies I make for horses are actually very good and alot of people always request them as they too think they are very good. No one else here is doind anything like this, so I'm in a very good position for some spare cash on the side if you know what I mean. They are fairly simple but also very creative with photos, music etc. I don't need to get any more high tec with them as they suit peoples needs here in Australia just fine. The feedback is always very positive. In fact, I sometimes have trouble keeping up with the demands. But anyway, back to the main subject. I thought I'd get a fairly good quality video camera which was HD for better quality viewing. But from everyones comments and reading through all the other posts, it apepars my JVC camera is not really compatable with Roxio 10. I tried renaming the files from the camera and this has worked well, although the final picture on the tv is still not as good as it should be, and I also tried changing the render to software which also worked but again the picture is not what it should be. So I'm guessing that is IS the JVC camera not being quite compatable. But both these changes did eliminate my fuzzy blurred pictures.

Everyone seems to have a different attitude over seas compared to Aust, sometimes I don't know how to take everyones opinions. Some things I say may have been taken the wrong way and what I read comes accross the wrong way also. But, can anyone suggest (if they know) changing a setting on the camera to a lower quality? It's set at HD at the moment. The camera is JVC 120GB. Do you think this may work as I cannot get a refund for the camera so I'm stuck with it.

 

As for cine magic, I've NEVER had any problems with this before and actually think it's a great tool for my videos. And want to continue using it no matter what every one says. But cine magic does not like the footage taken with the JVC camera but is great with my old camera. So again, falls back to the compatability of them both.

 

Someone mentioned getting a better camera with better "real world" compatability. Can you suggest what camera would suit? Or should I be looking at changing movie making programes? Although I like Roxio and use it very well, what other program is similar and as simple to use? (If anyone dares say)

 

Thank you to every one who has assisted with my problems. It's hard being on the other side of the world. I'm not as "expert" as some of you but I do appreciatie your patients and help. (And by the way I'm female, and not the typical stupid blond female either!) LOL

[grandpabruce]

While I am very appreciative for every ones help, I get the feeling you all think I'm a bit silly and don't know what I am doing. Yes I don't know everything, but the movies I make for horses are actually very good and alot of people always request them as they too think they are very good. No one else here is doind anything like this, so I'm in a very good position for some spare cash on the side if you know what I mean. They are fairly simple but also very creative with photos, music etc. I don't need to get any more high tec with them as they suit peoples needs here in Australia just fine. The feedback is always very positive. In fact, I sometimes have trouble keeping up with the demands. But anyway, back to the main subject. I thought I'd get a fairly good quality video camera which was HD for better quality viewing. But from everyones comments and reading through all the other posts, it apepars my JVC camera is not really compatable with Roxio 10. I tried renaming the files from the camera and this has worked well, although the final picture on the tv is still not as good as it should be, and I also tried changing the render to software which also worked but again the picture is not what it should be. So I'm guessing that is IS the JVC camera not being quite compatable. But both these changes did eliminate my fuzzy blurred pictures.

Everyone seems to have a different attitude over seas compared to Aust, sometimes I don't know how to take everyones opinions. Some things I say may have been taken the wrong way and what I read comes accross the wrong way also. But, can anyone suggest (if they know) changing a setting on the camera to a lower quality? It's set at HD at the moment. The camera is JVC 120GB. Do you think this may work as I cannot get a refund for the camera so I'm stuck with it.

 

As for cine magic, I've NEVER had any problems with this before and actually think it's a great tool for my videos. And want to continue using it no matter what every one says. But cine magic does not like the footage taken with the JVC camera but is great with my old camera. So again, falls back to the compatability of them both.

 

Someone mentioned getting a better camera with better "real world" compatability. Can you suggest what camera would suit? Or should I be looking at changing movie making programes? Although I like Roxio and use it very well, what other program is similar and as simple to use? (If anyone dares say)

 

Thank you to every one who has assisted with my problems. It's hard being on the other side of the world. I'm not as "expert" as some of you but I do appreciatie your patients and help. (And by the way I'm female, and not the typical stupid blond female either!) LOL

 

I don't think that you are silly, at all. I don't know what I posted, that would make you think I did.

 

[Equine]

Oops sorry, I definately did not mean you. I reply as general to everyone and I'm not speaking to any one in particular as everyone has been helpful, but maybe I'm not replying correctly. I'm used to the chat rooms here in Aust so sorry. (Maybe this is a blond moment after all!)

 

 

 

[Syrallas]

Oops sorry, I definately did not mean you. I reply as general to everyone and I'm not speaking to any one in particular as everyone has been helpful, but maybe I'm not replying correctly. I'm used to the chat rooms here in Aust so sorry. (Maybe this is a blond moment after all!)

I don't think anyone here would think your ultimate goal -- producing quality DVDs about the horses -- is silly at all. Probably just questioning the tool you wish to use -- Cinemagic, rather than videowave -- to achieve your goal.

 

Hope you get it to work out.

[ggrussell]

I also tried what some one else suggested by changing the .tod to .m2t which worked also,

.TOD is used with JVC's hidef camcorders which are technically .m2t files. IF you are producing standard definition video DVDs, shooting in hidef is a bit overkill and would take much longer to render. Do you have the camcorder set to standard definition? I'm not sure if the JVC can, but most hidef camcorders can be set to standard definition. Things might progress faster if you do.

 

I'm jealous! LOL Would love to have the JVC HD6!

 

You may want to consider upgrading to Creator 2009 at some point. It has more hidef features and can import from JVC camcorders. It also has the ability to burn Blu-ray discs (with the plugin) and AVCHD hidef to regular DVDs. However you will need a Blu-ray player to play those back or on a computer. Could be another service you could provide at some point.

[Equine]

Thank you everyone. I will call JVC and see what setting I can change to. I've the manual but JVC are really easy to chat to and they know what they are doing. (Easier than the manual sometimes) The camera does have a lot of settings. The camera is great but all I wanted to dois produce good quality pictures and now I have all these new problems! Oh well, thems the breaks I guess. i will have a look now at creator 2009. There must be something I can do!

 

Is 2009 pretty much the same? I've just learnt all roxio 10's features and love it. Do you think I can upgrade over the net rather than buying it? I will google it now and see what I find.

 

This is kind of silly, but I feel like I have new friends all over the world! (lol)

[Equine]

I've been researching Creator 2009 and it says it does importing of videos of high def from AVCHD camcorders. This sounds like it might solve my problem! And I can download it fast. I'll give this a go and keep you posted. Fingers crossed this solves my problem!!

 

What does every one else think? This version sounds pretty similar and easy to use but with more features. Has anyone else tried the JVC with this version? Do you think it will work??

(Can't half tell I'm excited!!)

[grandpabruce]

First, use VideoWave for your productions, not Cinemagic.

 

Second, here is a link to a post, about your video camera, pinned at the top of this forum:

 

http://forums.support.roxio.com/index.php?showtopic=37629

[Equine]

Thank you for your help, but is there a reason not to use cine magic? I've always used it and never had any problems before. The reason I use it is because cine magic gets together 1-2 minutes of footage and compiles a slow motion (memories one) movie. As you probably know. But these affects is what I like as I don't have to do anything, it does it for me. I just then add my movie onto the end. And I have seen the jvc link. I've sent a message to that person asking more questions. I wonder if this could be my problem as I only have issues in slow motion. But thank you again!

[Jim_Hardin]

Go back and re-read ggrussell's post, Here (Oct 2 – 08:10 AM).

 

Hi Def is not some walk in the park or magic solution.

 

Unless your clients have BD it is just going to take you much longer to produce Standard Definition DVD's.

 

[Equine]

I'm going to try Creator 2009 and see how that works. Do you have an opinion on this version?

[grandpabruce]

Thank you for your help, but is there a reason not to use cine magic? I've always used it and never had any problems before. The reason I use it is because cine magic gets together 1-2 minutes of footage and compiles a slow motion (memories one) movie. As you probably know. But these affects is what I like as I don't have to do anything, it does it for me. I just then add my movie onto the end. And I have seen the jvc link. I've sent a message to that person asking more questions. I wonder if this could be my problem as I only have issues in slow motion. But thank you again!

 

You're welcome.

 

There have been a multitude of posts, about problems, by folks who used Cinemagic. Most of them cured their problems when they used VideoWave, but in your case, with the slow-mo, you may have to stick with Cinemagic.

 

VideoWave is more versatile, in most cases. For your transitions, you add a slow dissolve, then a black panel, then another slow dissolve, between your scenes.

[Jim_Hardin]

I'm going to try Creator 2009 and see how that works. Do you have an opinion on this version?

Why yes I do…

 

I find the Home interface baffling but otherwise love it.

 

You may want to browse the Tips and Tricks sections in V10 as well as C2009 for some ideas that could be of benefit to you.

 

[ggrussell]

Which JVC model do you have? The only one I know that has the 120GB hard drive is the hidef one. SDCopy wouldn't help with those files.

 

You aren't giving us much information about the problem. What do you mean by 'unwatchable'? That could mean many things for different people. Try to be as specific as possible.

 

Transitions take away 'time' from each clip before/after it. Think of it more like overlapping the clips and then applying an effect. There must be enough of the clips left over after subtracting the transition time. Perhaps that is why you can't change the length of some transitions?

 

For example, you can't have two slides that are 2 secs each (4secs) and then apply a 4sec transition.