CasablancaExpert

Difference Between MPEG2 and MPEG4 video files

Had a website member ask today "if the video created in Arabesk is an MP2 or MP4 file."

There is easy confusion with all the different acronyms and compression schemes available today. Here's a quick, over-simplified answer:

• DVD is by default (industry design) an MP2 compressed video file/s.
• MP4 is created when you export a video file (and you have MP4 as an option).

This page explains in greater detail: Difference Between MPEG2 and MPEG4

What is the Ideal Resolution for JPEGs in Photo Studio?

A Casablanca Colleague asked this week what the maximum size is for a photo (JPEG) that is to be imported into your Casablanca editor using Photo Studio.  Here is my reply - as I thought others might benefit from this info

I do not believe the ideal size (for our JPEG images) were posted in any company resources (at least not that I am aware of) but colleagues have found an optimum size for images destined for Photo Studio 2 to be Photo Studio 2 is 2048 X 1536.  I have no idea with the original Photo Studio (1) as it was much more limited in ability.

This larger (but not huge) size is important if you plan/need to do any zooming/motion to your PS2 photos. 

Now for the other end of the spectrum, if you ever get this message when attempting to import photos in Photo Studio 2  "Resolution too small", I have an article on that issue which you will find here:  "Photo Resolution Too Small?"

1

Today's Ask The Casablanca Expert: How To Import Music from iTunes to my Casablanca

QUESTION: I have a customer that wants music on her DVD, but she gave the music on USB drive. I have inserted the USB Stick but the files don't seem to show up in the Record Menu under the USB Icon?


ANSWER:
With Bogart V5 (on a Casablanca Next Gen editor) we can now import MP3 audio from a USB source, this is done in the Audio Record, Edit menu and not the regular Record Menu.

First insert your USB drive into your editor, then click the 'USB Record' button at bottom of the menu to select that device and then it's file/s.

But there may be an issue you need to address first...
If your client exported the music directly from iTunes, then no - they are not an MP3 file, they are an AAC file (an Apple proprietary format) - they must be converted into an MP3.

If your client can do this for you, I have instructions here: http://cassieexpert.live.subhub.com/articles/20110408

If not, you will need to obtain an audio converter software for your computer to do this.

Once you have a true MP3 file it should import easily into the Audio Record, Edit menu.

NOTE: You should be careful to observe Copyright Law pertaining to these music files & all other files if the rights belong to another.

Ask the Expert: Can I Import Selected Photos Using Photo Transfer software?

QUESTION: When I want to bring JPEG images from my PC into my Bogart editor I use Photo Transfer.

Today I had 8 new photos to bring in... once I am into Bogart, have the flash drive connected, and opened Photo Transfer it looks like I have to go thru multiple steps just to bring in each photo.

Is there a way to bring in selected photos all at once? (without bringing all in - as I have other photos on the Flash drive that I don't want to take the time to import).

ANSWER: Yes there is!

I am running Photo Transfer in my Bogart units and do have the option to select and load multiple images... here's how:

When in the menu 'Import from photo memory device' - check to make sure there is a 'check-mark' at the top of what I call the elevator shaft (the scroll menu at far right).

If not - click on the top of that column until you see a check mark (there are 3 different options there).

Once you have that check mark, you should be able to click on an image/photo to select it for importing (you should see a small check mark on each photo in the upper right corner of the image icon).

NOTE: This is using Photo Transfer Version 1.10

If you're not already a website member - you should join today!  You will have instant access to more than 760 articles - tips, tutorials, and streaming video lessons.  For your no-risk membership come over to
http://www.casablancaexpert.com/

What is that odd (and ugly) resizing on-screen between effects?

I've had several website members contact me recently asking for help with an odd re-sizing that occurs between scenes where there is an effect (Transition, title, etc).

 This doesn't happen in every project but when it does it looks very unsightly (to put it mildly). Several of us have wrestled with this nasty thing... here's the apparent culprit and the way to prevent it.

1. If you have any footage in a project that was imported as 4:3 and is now in a 16:9 (or reverse) that is a culprit...you must import footage either into the project directly or use the Clipboard with the adjustment (under 'Settings' in the Clipboard menu) to either crop or stretch the video to fit in it's new aspect ratio).

Along with this - make sure you do not switch the Aspect Ratio (in Project Settings) once you have set your project. You should only delete a project - when completed - and start a new project with a different aspect ratio.

2. Also make sure you have the Size settings under Project Settings Menu set to IMAGE, go in there and set it to full. This must be set prior to adding any effects to your Storyboard. If that settings is at Small or Normal you would have to remove your transitions, change this setting then go back and add your transitions.

Ask The Expert: Why would Twixtor software be causing my Casablanca editor to shut down?

QUESTION: I am finding that the Twixtor Length-Adjust software/effect does work with SD footage and causes a crash instead (for me at least). And, I understand, Motion Perfect cannot be installed with Bogart to take its place - any suggestions?

ANSWER: First you are correct - the Motion Perfect software which is a very popular add-on software for the Smart Edit OS Casablanca will not work on the Bogart OS.  Motion Perfect relies on the C-Cube chip, a piece of hardware that is/was part of the Gen. 2 Smart Edit platform but is not part of the newly designed Bogart OS Casablanca products.

 

Regarding Twixtor and the crash/ing you experienced, my guess would be that perhaps you are attempting to use Twixtor in a project that is set to P - Progressive.  The Twixtor software will only work in an Interlace Project setting. 

Remedy = either use Twixtor only in Interlace projects, or do all the work you need then switch the Project Settings to Interlace, perform your Twixtor maneuvers and then switch the project back to Progressive.  You would also be wise to take the resulting Twixtor scenes and run them thru the MovieMode function found under 'Special' to de-interlace the effect.

 

Ask The Expert: Can I Use Images Other Than JPEG files? What About PowerPoint Slides?

Here's yet another in the continuing series of 'Ask The Expert'  where Casablanca Expert Chet Davis responds to website members questions about video editing on a Casablanca digital editor.  If you're not yet a member of the website - consider joining today to access the more than 720 articles, tutorials, webinars and streaming video lessons.  And you'll have direct access to the 'Expert' via email for your individual questions. Join today: www.CasablancaExpert.com

 

QUESTION 

1. Is it true that the Casablanca will only allow jpeg pictures into the Scene Bin? Not PDF's or PowerPoint photos?

I tried using Photo Transfer and the Media Manager to put photos into the Scene Bin and was successful with your help on Media Manager. After doing that it seemed that Photo Transfer is preferred over Media Manager.
 
2. Can PDF documents and Power Point pictures (slides) be changed into JPEG's electronically?

ANSWER: 

1. Yes, with present capabilities in Casablanca video edotors - in both Smart Edit & Bogart only allows us to import and 'play' with JPEG or JPG files in the Scene Bin.

We can import and work with .PNG files under the Image Pool and using the Pattern 2 Function in Special but that is more of a thing for logos, etc.
This webinar recording (streaming video lesson) may be of value to you : Casablanca Expert Lesson: Logos & Graphics

2. Yes, it is possible with software to export or save as to change many different image file formats to a different one.
 

If you're working with a PowerPoint presentation you can save your Slides as a JPEG file - see this article: Importing Power Point Slides/Presentation into your Casablanca

And you can change a PDF document into a JPEG but that can be messy and lower resolution - depending on the originating file.  You can use a graphic application (software) on your Windows or Apple computer to convert or Save As a JPEG/JPG file.

Ask The Expert: What Steps Should I Perform Prior to OS Upgrade/Install?

I get asked pretty regularly about any steps colleagues should take before completing a clean installation of the Casablanca OS (Operating System). In fact I talked with a web site member just a few minutes ago on this topic.

I have an article on the website detailing the steps and considerations and decided it was time to provide an updated version of this information.

So - if you are contemplating an Operating System upgrade - check out the resources available to you now at Casablanca Expert.com.

Just click here to access these helpful articles/tutorials: Ask The Expert: How Should I Prepare for an OS Upgrade?

 

For a comprehensive and thorough tutorial on the features and functions available to you in the Bogart V4 Operating System, check out Chet Davis' Bogart V4 Tutorial here.

Casablanca Expert June Newsletter - Chock Full of Free Tips & Info !

The FREE Casablanca Expert June Newsletter was sent this morning to all those who have subscribed. Please check your In Box...if you don't see it check your Spam/Junk Folder.

There is a TON of free, public information and learning in this letter - you won't want to miss out.

Here's a quick look at the articles, video tutorials & info you'll find in this issue of the FREE Newsletter:

• Three brand new streaming video tutorials: Time Lapse Video, Audio Clipboard, and Creative Title using Graphics Box
• Info on New Bogart Accessories
• Sneak Peek at the new Casablanca Slivers
• Free Video Lessons: Customize Pandora Internet Radio
• Members June Webinar: Arabesk 4 Issues & Solutions
• Five print-able articles/tutorials on the Casablanca Editor

If you've not yet subscribed to my free regular Casablanca newsletter leave a comment below or send me a private message with your email address, and I will add you to the distribution list and I will forward you a copy of today's newsletter.

Ask The Expert: Can I Use Copy Project To Archive Project to External Drives?

Today's Ask the Expert question comes from one of our Casablanca colleagues in the country of Spain

 

Dear Chet, I need some more of your expert assistance... In Bogart 4 we have now the option in PROJECT SETTINGS to "COPY"a project. In that copy we can choose the parts of the project to be included : storyboard/ scene bin/ samples

First question: Is there any way to save this copy in a different unit or drive but not in the same/main hard disk drive that the original project and OS?

Clearly the goal is to be safe if something goes wrong with the main disk as it has happened twice in my systems... with total hung up and forced to a full clean re-installation... loosing the projects... I know that you are telling me something about the HD BACKUP BOGART but...

Second question: What are the differences between "Copy a project" and "Backup a project" with HD BACKUP BOGART apart of the final destination of the secured files (the main hard disk or the external hard disk). For me is much easier, simply and clear, to work saving my projects using the COPY function that using BACKUP STORYBOARD or  if purchase it the HD BACKUP BOGART. If I could transfer the "copy" to another external unit it would be perfect for me.

 

ANSWER: Unfortunately you can only use the COPY project function (found in the Project Settings Menu) to copy a project from one folder on your HDD to a different folder on that same HDD. It cannot be used (as far as I know) to Copy a project folder and all contents into an external or different HDD.

The Bogart HD Backup copies ALL project folders (up to all 30 on that HDD) onto an External HDD.

However, you _could_ use that program (Bogart HD Backup) to save just one or a small number of projects onto an External HDD using this process detailed on my website here: Can I Use the Bogart HD Backup to Archive Just One Project at a Time?
http://cassieexpert.live.subhub.com/articles/20110617

Hope that helps!

Regards,
Chet

Chet Davis

"I love to teach - come learn with me"
www.YourTechnologyTutor.com
www.CasablancaExpert.com
www.YourVideoExpert.net



On May 8, 2012, at 4:58 PM, jp_fotografo wrote: