+ - Adding video is a two-step process: select a video file, and choose - import mode and optionally select an audio track to extract. + Adding video is a two-step process: selecting a video file, and choosing + import mode and optionally selecting an audio track to extract.
The first step is rather straight-forward. The panel on the right side allows to seek through the video and displays basic file information. It is also useful to check if the video format/codec is supported:
-
+
+
+ The second step analyzes the video file in more detail and offers import options:
@@ -42,31 +49,53 @@ machine).
+
+
+
By default the video is imported using the original width/height.
- If it is a large video (e.g. full-HD) it makes sense to scale it down
+ If it is a large video (e.g. full-HD), it makes sense to scale it down
to decrease the CPU load and disk I/O required to decode and play the
- file.
+ file.
+
A small, low-quality representation of the image is usually sufficient for editing soundtracks. The default bitrate in kbit/sec is set to use - 0.7 bits per pixel. (Compare: the average DVD medium uses 5000 kbit/s; - at PAL resolution this is about 0.5 bits per pixel. But the DVD is + 0.7 bits per pixel (in comparison, the average DVD medium uses 5000 kbit/s; + at PAL resolution this is about 0.5 bits per pixel, but the DVD is using the mpeg2—a denser compression algorithm than the - mjpeg codec used by Ardour.) + mjpeg codec used by Ardour).
- Well now,.. + Working with A/V in Ardour is similar to working in a pure audio setup, except + for the presence of a video timeline in the ruler zone, + and a Xjadeo video window, showing a preview of the result. +
+ +
+ + The Xjadeo window supports some user interactions, such as showing some OSD + information or changing the zoom level. Xjadeo's documentation is available + on its website.
-
@@ -79,7 +108,7 @@ original file (before it was imported into the timeline) should be used. This is the default behaviour if that file can be found. If not, Ardour will fall back to the imported proxy-video which is currently in use - on the timeline. Any existing audio tracks on this video file are stripped. + on the timeline. Any existing audio tracks on this video file are stripped.
The range selection allows to cut or extend the video. If the session is @@ -89,27 +118,34 @@
- Audio samplerate and normalization are options for Ardour's audio exporter. + Audio sample-rate and normalization are options for Ardour's audio exporter. The remaining settings are options that are directly passed on to ffmpeg.
- The file format is determined by the extension that you choose for it - (.avi, .mov, .flv, .ogv, .webm,…) + The file format is determined by the extension chosen for it + (.avi, .mov, .flv, .ogv, .webm,…). Note: not all combinations of format, codec, and settings produce files which are according to specifications. For example, flv files require sample rates of 22.1 kHz or 44.1 kHz, mpeg containers can not - be used with ac3 audio-codec, etc. If in doubt, use one of the built-in - presets. + be used with ac3 audio-codec, etc. If in doubt, one of the built-in + presets should be used.
-
+
+ Ardour video export is not recommended for mastering! While ffmpeg (which is used by Ardour) can produce high-quality files, this export - lacks the possibility to tweak many settings. We recommend to use winff, - devede or dvdauthor to mux & master. Nevertheless this video-export c - omes in handy to do quick snapshots, intermediates, dailies or online videos. + lacks the possibility to tweak many settings. We recommend using + winff, + devede or + dvdauthor to mux and master. + Nevertheless this video-export comes in handy to do quick snapshots, + intermediates, dailies or online videos.
-