Vegas Video discussions from 2004 (Q3Q4) at DVinfo.net

Aaron Koolen · July 1st, 2004, 05:12 PM

Hi guys. I'm wanting to play around with Vegas Scripting. I have some reference materials for the API's but they are pretty sparse.

NOTE: I am a software developer by trade so I don't want an intro to programming book, just some practical information, like what you might find on Vegas Tips and Tricks, just a lot more.

Also anything with information like why you'd get certain errors when programming Vegas scripts, common pitfalls etc would be great.

This query arose cause I can't actually find much out there when googling etc. All I wanted to do at first was add a Track to the timeline. Using example code I got a track added, but them immediately get an error about some non referenced object. Must be doing something silly.

Cheers
Aaron

Randall Campbell · July 1st, 2004, 06:23 PM

Well, I think that I have a scripting solution to this problem. I have written a script called TimecodeSync that will sync multiple audio or video tracks to a master track. You can then edit and move around the master track events and when you are ready, rerun the script to realign everything.

If you are syncing files that do not have time code (like .wav files), then you simply need to make sure that they start in sync (i.e. if you put them all on separate tracks starting at time zero, they would play correctly).

If you are syncing files that do have time code, and the time codes are not in sync, you can manually align the slave to the master, then press a button on the script form to adjust the slave's starting time code automatically so that they will sync correctly.

I have tested it with some media on my machine, but would like someone else to take a look at it before I make it more available.

If anyone would like to try this out, please let me know by emailing me at:

info@peachrock.com

Thanks,

Randall

Edward Troxel · July 2nd, 2004, 07:45 AM

Take a look here:

http://www.ayizwe.net/VegasScripts/

Particularly, look at the FAQ pages.

I also have several scripting articles in my newsletter:

http://www.jetdv.com/tts

Douglas Spotted Eagle · July 2nd, 2004, 02:03 PM

http://mediasoftware.sonypictures.co...p2.asp?DID=519

Build 121. Fixes some MPEG GUI issues, plus repairs the rare, but real, disappearing button problem.

Kevin Kimmell · July 2nd, 2004, 02:45 PM

I have been moving right along with my editing and with each new scene in each new project I figure more and more out. Thanks to everone who has pointed me in the right directions and offered their sage advice.

Now, I'm at the point where I'm working great with crossfades using the composite level tracking. This has been working great.

I've also started to work some video effects in and am getting comfortable with many of them. Now, I'm mixing crossfades and effects by setting a level where one video stream is about 70-80% of the scene and the other is the remainder.

Once I'm satisfied with the mix I highlight a loop region and SPLIT the video at both ends. Then I add the desired effects to the lighter of the two video mixes. I'm getting what I consider for my purposes some very visually pleasing results.

My problem is the fading into and out of these effects-laden periods and making it look smooth. I'm guessing that I just need to make sure not to fade in until the effect is ON and to be sure to fade out before the end of the split.

Are there any other suggestions as to how to best accomplish this with a clean look? Also, if I want to effect both tracks the would I need to copy a larger section to a third track and use it as my fade in/out track?

Thanks,
Kevin

Peter Jefferson · July 2nd, 2004, 08:09 PM

A bug has been fixed that caused DVD Architect to crash when previewing or preparing a disc while the application was building peaks for an AC-3 file.

YAAAAAAAY!!!!!!!!!
Bout time!

Peter Jefferson · July 2nd, 2004, 08:16 PM

never set a value to zero ;)

sometimes a "jump" will be noticable (especialyl with lighting) so always use a value of 1 instead of 0 when "resetting to none"

also, try to use less keyfrmaes.. the lower number u have the smoother the results (unless ur doing key frame by frame, or no more than 25/30 depending on ntsc or pal its jsut that wee bit smoother

Edward Troxel · July 2nd, 2004, 08:43 PM

It also let my Pioneer drive burn at 2X instead of being stuck on 1X even if you picked 2X!

Michael Wisniewski · July 3rd, 2004, 07:36 AM

Randall thanks, your MultiRender script is the best one I've used. It is exactly what I was hoping somebody would finally get around to writing. Sony should include it with Vegas. I'll have to check out your other scripts when I get a chance. Are you going to sell it when you're done? How much? Totally worth it for me.

I just used it to finish several pending DVD projects that were hanging because the other multiple project script broke in V5.

I like that you can save re-usable jobs. Great for DVDA templates that I've already setup. I just re-render using the same generic file names. Also the installer for V5 is great.

Some notes after using it:
----------------------------------
1. I'd like the "renderer" and "template" options to stay the same after I add a job. Everytime I added a job to the queue, those two selections defaulted to the top selection in the combo box - not a big deal, just kinda cool to do.

2. Autofill the "Job Name" when a Vegas project is open and you start MultiRender. It autofills fine when Vegas is empty and you browse to a project.

3. Turn the MultiRender window opaque when it finishes rendering - it stayed transparent after it was done, which is a little confusing. ** The MultiRender window turned transparent when it started rendering, is it supposed to do that? It's a cool effect and I like it. Stops people from using the computer during the render. A check box to make it say "Do Not Touch, rendering in progress" would be cool too.

4. Lastly, add a check-box to use Network Rendering to speed up the encoding.

But those are all minor points, it is a very useful script, it saves a ton of time, and makes Vegas very user friendly. Thanks again.

Peter Jefferson · July 3rd, 2004, 07:39 AM

could anyone figure if this update allows for DVD projects OVER 4.7 gb.. or do u think they forgot.. ???

basically supporting the new dual layered burners..

Randall Campbell · July 3rd, 2004, 08:33 AM

Thanks Michael and thanks for the feedback.

I am planning on selling the scripts, but have not finalized the pricing yet.

Answers to your questions:

1. I could not reproduce this. When I add a job, the renderer and template stay the same. Were you opening a new project? When you open a new project, I set the renderer and template based upon the project video settings.

2. Good catch. Don't know why I didn't do that. It will be there in the next release.

3. The window goes transparent so that you can see the Vegas render progress window. It stays transparent after the queue is empty because it is monitoring the queue waiting for additional jobs. You could open another instance of Vegas, run MultiRender and add jobs while the first instance is rendering. I often actually do use the computer while it is rendering. I can even be editing while it is rendering in the background.

4. I will take a look at this.

Thanks again, and I appreciate the feedback!

Randall

Michael Wisniewski · July 3rd, 2004, 09:43 AM

Quote:

... When you open a new project, I set the renderer and template based upon the project video settings.

Whoops, yes that's it, they change when a new project is opened. Perhaps an option to tell it to use the current settings or the project settings.

Quote:

The window goes transparent so that you can see the Vegas render progress window.

Yeah, I really appreciate this feature, makes total sense now that you've explained it. I was a bit confused because I've never seen it before, but it's a totally great way to set it up.

Randall Campbell · July 3rd, 2004, 11:19 AM

Ok. I will add an option to keep the current rendering options when you open a new project.

Thanks again!

Randall

Kevin Kimmell · July 3rd, 2004, 11:56 AM

You lost me here. I have no idea what values you're referring to. Perhaps my description of what I'm doing wasn't clear enough. I'll render a short clip and make it available when I get back from Vegas -- cousin's wedding; not the software :)

-Kevin

Michael Wisniewski · July 3rd, 2004, 02:26 PM

Could someone explain why this happens?
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
16:9 video output to 4:3 results in severe combing / tearing / shearing on fast panning/moving objects.

Setting the output to 16:9 widescreen clears it up.

Notes:
Spent some time tearing my hair out! The most obvious answers: Reduce Interlace Flicker, change the field order, use blur and a bunch of other wild goose chases did not work :-)

July 1st, 2004, 05:12 PM	#1
Aaron Koolen Trustee Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Auckland, New Zealand Posts: 1,727	Where can I get a good Vegas Scripting book? Hi guys. I'm wanting to play around with Vegas Scripting. I have some reference materials for the API's but they are pretty sparse. NOTE: I am a software developer by trade so I don't want an intro to programming book, just some practical information, like what you might find on Vegas Tips and Tricks, just a lot more. Also anything with information like why you'd get certain errors when programming Vegas scripts, common pitfalls etc would be great. This query arose cause I can't actually find much out there when googling etc. All I wanted to do at first was add a Track to the timeline. Using example code I got a track added, but them immediately get an error about some non referenced object. Must be doing something silly. Cheers Aaron __________________ My Website Meat Free Media

July 2nd, 2004, 02:03 PM	#4
Douglas Spotted Eagle VASST Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Stockton, UT Posts: 5,648	DVD Architect update is available... http://mediasoftware.sonypictures.co...p2.asp?DID=519 Build 121. Fixes some MPEG GUI issues, plus repairs the rare, but real, disappearing button problem. __________________ Douglas Spotted Eagle/Spot Author, producer, composer Certified Sony Vegas Trainer http://www.vasst.com

July 2nd, 2004, 02:45 PM	#5
Kevin Kimmell Major Player Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Akron, OH Posts: 209	Which crossfades for video effects? I have been moving right along with my editing and with each new scene in each new project I figure more and more out. Thanks to everone who has pointed me in the right directions and offered their sage advice. Now, I'm at the point where I'm working great with crossfades using the composite level tracking. This has been working great. I've also started to work some video effects in and am getting comfortable with many of them. Now, I'm mixing crossfades and effects by setting a level where one video stream is about 70-80% of the scene and the other is the remainder. Once I'm satisfied with the mix I highlight a loop region and SPLIT the video at both ends. Then I add the desired effects to the lighter of the two video mixes. I'm getting what I consider for my purposes some very visually pleasing results. My problem is the fading into and out of these effects-laden periods and making it look smooth. I'm guessing that I just need to make sure not to fade in until the effect is ON and to be sure to fade out before the end of the split. Are there any other suggestions as to how to best accomplish this with a clean look? Also, if I want to effect both tracks the would I need to copy a larger section to a third track and use it as my fade in/out track? Thanks, Kevin

July 3rd, 2004, 02:26 PM	#15
Michael Wisniewski Wrangler Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Makati, Metro Manila Posts: 2,706 Images: 32	Severe combing / tearing / shearing - 16:9 video output to 4:3 Could someone explain why this happens? ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16:9 video output to 4:3 results in severe combing / tearing / shearing on fast panning/moving objects. Setting the output to 16:9 widescreen clears it up. Notes: Spent some time tearing my hair out! The most obvious answers: Reduce Interlace Flicker, change the field order, use blur and a bunch of other wild goose chases did not work :-)

July 1st, 2004, 06:23 PM	#2
Randall Campbell Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Durham, NC Posts: 69	Well, I think that I have a scripting solution to this problem. I have written a script called TimecodeSync that will sync multiple audio or video tracks to a master track. You can then edit and move around the master track events and when you are ready, rerun the script to realign everything. If you are syncing files that do not have time code (like .wav files), then you simply need to make sure that they start in sync (i.e. if you put them all on separate tracks starting at time zero, they would play correctly). If you are syncing files that do have time code, and the time codes are not in sync, you can manually align the slave to the master, then press a button on the script form to adjust the slave's starting time code automatically so that they will sync correctly. I have tested it with some media on my machine, but would like someone else to take a look at it before I make it more available. If anyone would like to try this out, please let me know by emailing me at: info@peachrock.com Thanks, Randall

July 2nd, 2004, 07:45 AM	#3
Edward Troxel Sponsor: JET DV Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Southern Illinois Posts: 7,953	Take a look here: http://www.ayizwe.net/VegasScripts/ Particularly, look at the FAQ pages. I also have several scripting articles in my newsletter: http://www.jetdv.com/tts

July 2nd, 2004, 08:09 PM	#6
Peter Jefferson Inner Circle Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Aus Posts: 3,884	A bug has been fixed that caused DVD Architect to crash when previewing or preparing a disc while the application was building peaks for an AC-3 file. YAAAAAAAY!!!!!!!!! Bout time!

July 2nd, 2004, 08:16 PM	#7
Peter Jefferson Inner Circle Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Aus Posts: 3,884	never set a value to zero ;) sometimes a "jump" will be noticable (especialyl with lighting) so always use a value of 1 instead of 0 when "resetting to none" also, try to use less keyfrmaes.. the lower number u have the smoother the results (unless ur doing key frame by frame, or no more than 25/30 depending on ntsc or pal its jsut that wee bit smoother

July 2nd, 2004, 08:43 PM	#8
Edward Troxel Sponsor: JET DV Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Southern Illinois Posts: 7,953	It also let my Pioneer drive burn at 2X instead of being stuck on 1X even if you picked 2X!

July 3rd, 2004, 07:36 AM	#9
Michael Wisniewski Wrangler Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Makati, Metro Manila Posts: 2,706 Images: 32	Randall thanks, your MultiRender script is the best one I've used. It is exactly what I was hoping somebody would finally get around to writing. Sony should include it with Vegas. I'll have to check out your other scripts when I get a chance. Are you going to sell it when you're done? How much? Totally worth it for me. I just used it to finish several pending DVD projects that were hanging because the other multiple project script broke in V5. I like that you can save re-usable jobs. Great for DVDA templates that I've already setup. I just re-render using the same generic file names. Also the installer for V5 is great. Some notes after using it: ---------------------------------- 1. I'd like the "renderer" and "template" options to stay the same after I add a job. Everytime I added a job to the queue, those two selections defaulted to the top selection in the combo box - not a big deal, just kinda cool to do. 2. Autofill the "Job Name" when a Vegas project is open and you start MultiRender. It autofills fine when Vegas is empty and you browse to a project. 3. Turn the MultiRender window opaque when it finishes rendering - it stayed transparent after it was done, which is a little confusing. ** The MultiRender window turned transparent when it started rendering, is it supposed to do that? It's a cool effect and I like it. Stops people from using the computer during the render. A check box to make it say "Do Not Touch, rendering in progress" would be cool too. 4. Lastly, add a check-box to use Network Rendering to speed up the encoding. But those are all minor points, it is a very useful script, it saves a ton of time, and makes Vegas very user friendly. Thanks again.

July 3rd, 2004, 07:39 AM	#10
Peter Jefferson Inner Circle Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Aus Posts: 3,884	could anyone figure if this update allows for DVD projects OVER 4.7 gb.. or do u think they forgot.. ??? basically supporting the new dual layered burners..

July 3rd, 2004, 08:33 AM	#11
Randall Campbell Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Durham, NC Posts: 69	Thanks Michael and thanks for the feedback. I am planning on selling the scripts, but have not finalized the pricing yet. Answers to your questions: 1. I could not reproduce this. When I add a job, the renderer and template stay the same. Were you opening a new project? When you open a new project, I set the renderer and template based upon the project video settings. 2. Good catch. Don't know why I didn't do that. It will be there in the next release. 3. The window goes transparent so that you can see the Vegas render progress window. It stays transparent after the queue is empty because it is monitoring the queue waiting for additional jobs. You could open another instance of Vegas, run MultiRender and add jobs while the first instance is rendering. I often actually do use the computer while it is rendering. I can even be editing while it is rendering in the background. 4. I will take a look at this. Thanks again, and I appreciate the feedback! Randall

July 3rd, 2004, 11:19 AM	#13
Randall Campbell Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Durham, NC Posts: 69	Ok. I will add an option to keep the current rendering options when you open a new project. Thanks again! Randall

July 3rd, 2004, 11:56 AM	#14
Kevin Kimmell Major Player Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Akron, OH Posts: 209	You lost me here. I have no idea what values you're referring to. Perhaps my description of what I'm doing wasn't clear enough. I'll render a short clip and make it available when I get back from Vegas -- cousin's wedding; not the software :) -Kevin