MPEG Streamclip for time lapses issue at DVinfo.net

Michael Kraus · December 19th, 2012, 10:18 AM

Hey everyone!

I've been using MPEG Streamclip to export my time lapses. It seems that upon exporting it doubles every frame.

My typical settings are Pro Res 422 (LT), 29.97 fps.

It's not a huge deal. I can just double the speed in post and everything is a single frame again. However it would be nice if I could just make a time lapse without ever putting it in an NLE and have it play normally.

Anyone else using MPEG Streamclip?

Battle Vaughan · December 20th, 2012, 09:58 AM

Very useful program, it must be something in your settings someplace. Not clear on what you are converting to -with more information maybe we can help you find the right setup. mpegS. is a wonderful toolbox.

Michael Kraus · December 20th, 2012, 11:29 PM

Thanks for the response.

One obvious thing I forgot to mention is that I'm building the time lapses from photos rather than a long take of video.

Typical settings are Pro Res 422 LT, 29.97 fps, I deselect interlaced scaling, and resolution wise it's usually either 1080 or 2160 for vertical resolution. I think that's about it.

I create a batch of 16X9 jpegs and click that I want MPEG Streamclip to join all the files and that is how the timelapse is built.

Still can't figure out how or why each photo is doubled upon the final export. Essentially it just makes the frame rate seem slower and jumpier.

Adrian Frearson · December 21st, 2012, 03:25 AM

Is there a reason for using Mpeg Streamclip over say, Final Cut ( presuming you're on Mac )? Mpeg Streamclip is super useful, but I don't think it's the best way to create timelapse sequences. An NLE, or effects program gives you more options visually, like windowing and panning, which are a bit more clunky in MS.
I personally like Blender for working with image sequences, as it's a really powerful sequence editor, but realise it's not everyones cup of tea. Not sure on the frame doubling problem. Maybe one of the boxes under the framerate settings are ticked on export?

Battle Vaughan · December 21st, 2012, 11:41 AM

Try progressive, rather than interlaced. A guess: interlaced requires two subsequent images of the same frame, but your frames are still images. Maybe that's the problem.

Kevin McRoberts · December 21st, 2012, 11:59 AM

MPEG streamclip defaults to 15fps timelapses, regardless of the export codec you've chosen. Force it to output to the correct framerate by filling in the "Frame Rate" box. Also always deselect interlace scaling on timelapses.

Michael Kraus · December 21st, 2012, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kevin McRoberts

MPEG streamclip defaults to 15fps timelapses, regardless of the export codec you've chosen. Force it to output to the correct framerate by filling in the "Frame Rate" box. Also always deselect interlace scaling on timelapses.

Thanks Kevin, now I know! As stated earlier I do indeed deselect interlaced scaling.

I always fill in the frame rate box with 29.97. I'm guessing it's doubling frames because it defaults timelapses at 15fps...even if you enter in the frame rate. I guess perhaps there is no way around this.

Adrian: I've been using MPEG Streamclip only for stitching the timelapse together. I almost always add motion/keyframes in an NLE. Is there an easy way to combine all the jpegs within Final Cut or Premiere and just skip the stitching phase? I've just been using MPEG Streamclip as the middle man because Final Cut and Premiere seem to automatically give 5 or 10 seconds to each frame and that is quite inconvenient.

Seth Bloombaum · December 21st, 2012, 03:38 PM

If you or someone you know has access to Sony Vegas Pro, there is a simple "import image sequence" function, and basic image stabilization as well. Vegas is very much a swiss army knife when it comes to some of the less-common formats and workflows.

Adrian Frearson · December 22nd, 2012, 02:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael Kraus

Thanks Kevin, now I know! As stated earlier I do indeed deselect interlaced scaling.

I always fill in the frame rate box with 29.97. I'm guessing it's doubling frames because it defaults timelapses at 15fps...even if you enter in the frame rate. I guess perhaps there is no way around this.

Adrian: I've been using MPEG Streamclip only for stitching the timelapse together. I almost always add motion/keyframes in an NLE. Is there an easy way to combine all the jpegs within Final Cut or Premiere and just skip the stitching phase? I've just been using MPEG Streamclip as the middle man because Final Cut and Premiere seem to automatically give 5 or 10 seconds to each frame and that is quite inconvenient.

In FCP, drag the image sequence to the timeline and make sure that all are selected. Right click anywhere on the images and there is an option for duration ( can't remember the labelling of the top of my head ). Enter something like 00.00.01/00.00.02. Hey presto!

Battle Vaughan · December 22nd, 2012, 03:33 PM

You may also find it more convenient to do this in Quicktime Pro: http://helpqt.apple.com/qthelpwr3/en...s2/wnFmSet.htm

The url for the exact help page doesn't work, so go to quicktime pro basics >create slide show and animatiions, for instructions. Quick and simple to do.

December 19th, 2012, 10:18 AM	#1
Michael Kraus Major Player Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Denton, TX Posts: 232	MPEG Streamclip for time lapses issue Hey everyone! I've been using MPEG Streamclip to export my time lapses. It seems that upon exporting it doubles every frame. My typical settings are Pro Res 422 (LT), 29.97 fps. It's not a huge deal. I can just double the speed in post and everything is a single frame again. However it would be nice if I could just make a time lapse without ever putting it in an NLE and have it play normally. Anyone else using MPEG Streamclip?

December 20th, 2012, 09:58 AM	#2
Battle Vaughan Trustee Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Miami, FL USA Posts: 1,505	Re: MPEG Streamclip for time lapses issue Very useful program, it must be something in your settings someplace. Not clear on what you are converting to -with more information maybe we can help you find the right setup. mpegS. is a wonderful toolbox.

December 20th, 2012, 11:29 PM	#3
Michael Kraus Major Player Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Denton, TX Posts: 232	Re: MPEG Streamclip for time lapses issue Thanks for the response. One obvious thing I forgot to mention is that I'm building the time lapses from photos rather than a long take of video. Typical settings are Pro Res 422 LT, 29.97 fps, I deselect interlaced scaling, and resolution wise it's usually either 1080 or 2160 for vertical resolution. I think that's about it. I create a batch of 16X9 jpegs and click that I want MPEG Streamclip to join all the files and that is how the timelapse is built. Still can't figure out how or why each photo is doubled upon the final export. Essentially it just makes the frame rate seem slower and jumpier.

December 21st, 2012, 03:25 AM	#4
Adrian Frearson Regular Crew Join Date: May 2008 Location: U.K Posts: 154	Re: MPEG Streamclip for time lapses issue Is there a reason for using Mpeg Streamclip over say, Final Cut ( presuming you're on Mac )? Mpeg Streamclip is super useful, but I don't think it's the best way to create timelapse sequences. An NLE, or effects program gives you more options visually, like windowing and panning, which are a bit more clunky in MS. I personally like Blender for working with image sequences, as it's a really powerful sequence editor, but realise it's not everyones cup of tea. Not sure on the frame doubling problem. Maybe one of the boxes under the framerate settings are ticked on export? __________________ Adrian http://chillfactorfilms.com

December 21st, 2012, 11:41 AM	#5
Battle Vaughan Trustee Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Miami, FL USA Posts: 1,505	Re: MPEG Streamclip for time lapses issue Try progressive, rather than interlaced. A guess: interlaced requires two subsequent images of the same frame, but your frames are still images. Maybe that's the problem.

December 21st, 2012, 11:59 AM	#6
Kevin McRoberts Major Player Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Charlottesville, VA Posts: 700	Re: MPEG Streamclip for time lapses issue MPEG streamclip defaults to 15fps timelapses, regardless of the export codec you've chosen. Force it to output to the correct framerate by filling in the "Frame Rate" box. Also always deselect interlace scaling on timelapses. __________________ Freelance pudgy bearded lighting camera operator www.mcbob.tv

December 21st, 2012, 03:38 PM	#8
Seth Bloombaum Inner Circle Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 3,420	Re: MPEG Streamclip for time lapses issue If you or someone you know has access to Sony Vegas Pro, there is a simple "import image sequence" function, and basic image stabilization as well. Vegas is very much a swiss army knife when it comes to some of the less-common formats and workflows. __________________ 30 years of pro media production. Vegas user since 1.0. Webcaster since 1997. Freelancer since 2000. College instructor since 2001.

December 22nd, 2012, 03:33 PM	#10
Battle Vaughan Trustee Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Miami, FL USA Posts: 1,505	Re: MPEG Streamclip for time lapses issue You may also find it more convenient to do this in Quicktime Pro: http://helpqt.apple.com/qthelpwr3/en...s2/wnFmSet.htm The url for the exact help page doesn't work, so go to quicktime pro basics >create slide show and animatiions, for instructions. Quick and simple to do.