I have read the FAQ and the stickies and looked around a bit and I've tried a couple of things on my own computer but to no avail. So I hope I'm in order asking the question here.
I've got CanonA520 digital camera video clips and my computer tells me those files have these properties: 320 x 240 @ 88kbps, 8 bit audio (PCM) at 15 frames per sec and 272kbps data rate.
I want to submit those to a 'funniest home video' thing and they say they will only accept avi files at 720 x 576 @ 25fps (PAL). They call that DVD Rom format but they won't accept a straight DVD (which I can make alright, with Nero) but instead they say it must be .AVI format. .VOBs and all the other paraphanalia they won't accept, it seems, dunno why. They must be running on a shoestring, eh? You'd think they'd have software that could eat anything and spew out video clips for them.... ahh well.
So can anyone help? My wife wants me to do this..... and I don't know how...
I do have adobe premiere but don't know what to do with all the technie 'presets' stuff it asks you about right at the beginning.
And I've got virtual dub and TMPG and god knows what else.
I've got too much. Too much that I don't know how to use...
You can do it in VirtualDub - as long as the codec is installed.
Guessing it's MJPEG AVI - if you have FFDSHOW installed it can be turned on in the VFW configuration setup.
Does it have to be blown up to the new size or in a letterbox?
The 25fps setting is in VirtualDub, Video => Frame Rate:
In the Video Frame Rate Control menu, check the radio button for "Convert to fps:" and set at 25.
To resize, select Video => Filters.
Select the Null Transform filter to crop from 320x240 to 320x236.
Then the Resize filter:
New Size 672x544 (disable the Aspect Ratio button)
In the Framing Option, Letterbox to size 720x576
Well that nearly does it, thanks guys. Virtual Dub changed it from a 55Meg file to something bigger than 3gig in a matter of a couple of minutes (time taken to walk into another room, check the kids, walk back) and it puts up a good picture with just a narrow white band around it and there's sound there and the only problem is it is jerky.
You can hear the jerkiness more than see it - you can hear brrrrr, brrrr, brrrr and the 'brrr' bits are when it is working.
Something I have done wrong?
I'll try again and miss out that step that changes from 320x240 to 320x236, if I can. Because that's the only thing I've done!
I'll have a look at Avidemux, too, I think I've got it in here somewhere.
I've actually got three three minute Canon videos I wanted to join together for a ten minute thing. I wonder when I get this thing working does this mean they'll make a single 3 x 3gig file? Surely not?
Yes, you told me what to do once, didn't you, and I ignored it. You must find folk such as me very trying sometimes.
This time I followed directions and chose a codec and now I've got a file that runs with no problems and is only 3Meg in fact! Incredible.
I'll work on putting the three together, editing a bit maybe and then send it off.
Thanks very much for your help.
I've put the actual vid up in http://greenpepper.org/files if you want to take a look at what you helped me make. It's only my young fellow falling asleep as he eats.
Looks pretty good - and your Canon seems to have higher quality video than mine.
If you are considering merging files (with the same characteristics), olyteddy mentioned Avidemux - it makes the job easier than VirtualDub (which tends to be touchy about joining).
That's a nice thing to say about my 520. I love it. After two years (or more) I still feel I'm exploring it. And I'm astounded at what's available down in that price bracket these days with 8 megapixels!! Astounding value!
Enquiries I've made suggest that when I do upgrade for the extra pixels I should go the Canon A720 which, I'm told, retains all the features of the 520.
Thanks again for your help. I've got Avidemux. I'll try the joining with it.
