Magix PhotoStory On CD & DVD 10 Photo Story 10.0 Owners Manual Deluxe EN

User Manual: magix Photo Story on CD & DVD - 10.0 - Owners Manual Free User Guide for Magix Photo Story CD & DVD Software, Manual

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2 Copyright
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Copyright
This documentation is protected by law. All rights, especially the right of
duplication, circulation, and translation, are reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced in the form of copies, microfilms
or other processes, or transmitted into a language used for machines,
especially data processing machines, without the express written consent of
the publisher.
All copyrights reserved.
All other product names are trademarks of the corresponding manufacturers.
Errors in and changes to the contents as well as program modifications
reserved.
MAGIX is a registered trademark of MAGIX AG.
Other mentioned product names may be registered trademarks of the
respective manufacturer.
This product uses MAGIX patent pending technology.
Copyright © MAGIX AG, 2002-2011. All rights reserved.
Preface 3
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Preface
With MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10 you can teach your photos how to
walk – or even better, how to dance! With this software your photos will
become the star of an impressive multimedia show, and you're the director!
Enjoy your photos together with your family and friends on TV or on your PC.
Play your pictures just like a feature film with great fades and effects as well as
narration and subtitles. Add intros and outros or invent your own closing
credits. In other words, turn your living room into a cinema!
Create attractive DVD menus that match the format of your slideshow: 4:3 or
16:9 for widesceen TVs or monitors. Burn your slideshow together with a high
quality menu onto any current format: a playable DVD, CD-ROM, Video CD,
Super Video CD, miniDVD, JPEG disc, TV Showtime DVD, multi-disc, or
Blu-ray Disc.
The printed manual is only a brief introduction to the software. You can find
detailed documentation as a PDF in the start menu of your MAGIX product.
The electronic manual can be opened using "F1" to provide a more detailed
explanation of the options, dialog boxes, menus, and program interface.
Program help and the PDF manual will even guide you through the format
jungle of blank discs, DVDs, Video CDs, High Definition slideshows, etc.
The term slideshow is used in MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10.
Have fun with MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10!
4 Table of Contents
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Table of Contents
Copyright 2
Preface 3
Support 8
Information on special program versions 10
System requirements 10
Serial number 11
More about MAGIX 12
MAGIX News Center 12
MAGIX Online Album 12
MAGIX Blog Service 12
MAGIX Website Maker 12
Catooh – the Online Content Library 13
MAGIX Community 13
Introduction 14
What is MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10? 14
What’s new in MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10? 14
Additional new features of the Deluxe version 16
Properties 17
Overview of the program screen 20
Keyboard shortcuts 21
Quick start 25
Disc projects, slideshows, and photos 25
Create a new slideshow with the wizard 26
Designing slideshows 28
Creating CD/DVD menus 33
Edit Fotoshow 36
Video monitor and transport control 36
Media Pool 39
Toolbar 39
Start and end markers 43
Mute sound 43
Overview mode 43
Storyboard mode 45
Table of Contents 5
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Timeline mode 47
Media Pool 51
Media 52
Fades 58
Title 58
Effects 58
Record 74
Audio recording 74
Connecting the source for recording 76
Adjusting the Signal Level 77
Individual Frame Capture 78
Transitions (fades) 80
Transitions in Storyboard Mode 80
Simple crossfade in Timeline Mode 81
Drag & drop onto a "hard" transition 81
3D transitions 82
3D series 84
Stereo3D transitions (Deluxe version only) 84
Effects 85
Effects in menus 85
Effects from the Media Pool 85
Optimize picture 85
Video Stabilization 85
Slideshow Maker 88
Sound optimization 91
Title editor 96
Tempo and beat recognition 100
Slideshow effects 103
Stereo3D (Deluxe version) 107
3D basics 107
Record 3D 108
Prepare 3D editing 109
Set playback mode for 3D 110
Align videos and pictures for 3D 111
Turn camera movements into 3D videos 112
Create titles for 3D videos 113
Export and burning 3D videos 113
Produce panorama pictures 114
Select pictures for panorama 114
6 Table of Contents
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Invert image sequence for panorama image 114
Calculating the panorama image 114
Finished panorama (2 images) 115
MAGIX Soundtrack Maker 115
Choose music style 115
Set mood change 116
Generate background music 116
General settings 117
Playback 117
Paths 118
Options 119
Display 121
Project- and slideshow-relevant settings 123
New project - Settings 123
Movie properties 124
Burn disc 124
Preview and editing 125
Menu 126
Menu templates 127
Edit disc menu 128
Edit DVD menus featuring MAGIX Photo & Graphic Designer 6 139
Burn dialog for DVD player 146
Burn WMV HD 149
Burn JPEG disc 149
Create PC show 149
Create webDVD 149
Export 150
Save slideshow as video on your computer 150
Export as 3D video (Deluxe version only) 151
Publish directly on the Internet. 152
Publish via MAGIX Online Album 153
Export for mobile device - export video/audio 154
Menus 155
File Menu 155
Edit Menu 169
Effects Menu (FX) 171
Online menu 175
Tasks menu 175
Help Menu 175
Table of Contents 7
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Activate additional functions 178
Free activation (MPEG 2 codec) 178
Fee-based activation (MPEG-4) 179
Activation problems 180
Problems and solutions 181
File will not load 181
Choppy or uneven playback 181
Activation problems 181
Encoder 183
Appendix: MPEG Encoder Settings 183
MPEG-4 encoder settings 187
MPEG glossary 201
Annex: Digital Video and Data Storage 208
Video Editing on the PC 208
HDTV 208
MPEG Compression 209
General notes on AVI videos 209
Capacity and quality of different disc formats 210
MAGIX services in detail 217
MAGIX Online Album 217
MAGIX Community 218
MAGIX Blog Service 219
Catooh – the Online Content Library 219
Youtube / Flickr 220
If You Still Have Questions 221
Task assistant 221
Tips for program help 221
Glossary 222
Index 237
8 Support
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Support
Dear MAGIX customer,
Our aim is to provide convenient, fast and solution-focused support at all
times. To this end, we offer a wide range of services:
Unlimited web support:
As a registered MAGIX customer, you have unlimited access to web support
offered via the convenient MAGIX service portal on http://support.magix.net,
including an intelligent help assistant, high-quality FAQs, patches and user
reports that are constantly updated.
The only requirement for use is product registration on www.magix.com
The online community - on-the-spot support and a platform for exchange:
MAGIX customers have free and unlimited access to the online community at
www.magix.info, which includes approx. 100,000 members and offers the
opportunity to ask members questions concerning MAGIX products as well as
use the search function to search for specific topics or answers. In addition to
questions & answers, the knowledge pool includes a glossary, video tutorials
and a discussion forum. The multiple experts, found round-the-clock on
www.magix.info guarantee quick answers, which sometimes come within
minutes of a question being posted.
Email support for MAGIX products:
8 (eight) weeks of free email customer service (starting from the purchase
date) is automatically included with the purchase of any new MAGIX product.
MAGIX guarantees fast processing of your request and an immediate reply.
Premium email support:
If you experience problems after the 8 weeks of free email support have
expired, you can purchase a Premium email support ticket in the MAGIX Shop
for USD 12.99 | CAD 13.99 | GBP 9.99 | AUD 18.99 | ZAR 120.00 | EUR
12.99 | SEK 119.00 | NOK 99.00 | DKK 99.00. This ticket applies to a
specific problem and is valid until it is solved; it is therefore not restricted to
one email.
Reporting evident program errors is exempt from this regulation.
Please note: To be able to use the Premium email support and free product
email support via the Internet, you have to register your MAGIX product using
the serial number provided. This can be found on the CD case of your
installation CD or on the inside of the DVD box.
Additional telephone service:
Besides the large number of free customer service offers, we also offer a
fee-based telephone customer service.
Support 9
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Here you can find a summary of our technical support telephone numbers:
http://support.magix.net/
Mail (Europe): MAGIX Development Support, P.O. Box 20 09 14, 01194
Dresden, Germany
Mail (North America): MAGIX Customer Service, 1105 Terminal Way #302,
Reno, NV 89502, USA
Please make sure you have the following information at hand:
Program version
Configuration details (operating system, processor, memory, hard drive, etc.),
sound card configuration (type, driver)
Information regarding other audio software installed
MAGIX Sales Department
You can reach the MAGIX Sales Department workdays for help with the
following questions and problems:
Orders
Product consulting (pre-purchase)
Upgrade requests
Returns
Europe
Monday - Friday, 09:00-16:00 GMT
U.K.: 0203 3189218
Denmark: 699 18149
Sweden: 0852500858
Finland: 09 31581630
Norway: 0210 30665
North America
9 am to 4 pm EST Mon-Fri
Phone: 1-305-722-5810
10 System requirements
www.magix.com
Information on special program versions
This documentation describes the full functionality of MAGIX PhotoStory on CD
& DVD 10 Deluxe. If you are using the classic version of MAGIX PhotoStory on
CD & DVD 10, some special features may not be available.
System requirements
For Microsoft® Windows® XPTM I VistaTM I 7TM
Minimum configuration:
Intel® Pentium® or AMD® Athlon® 1 Ghz or higher (512 MB RAM)
500 MB for program files, min. 1 GB for video files (5 GB recommended)
SVGA graphics card (with min. 32 MB RAM, min. resolution 1024 x 600,
16-bit high-color)
DVD drive, 16-bit sound card, Microsoft® compatible mouse
Creates CDs with SCSI or IDE CD-R(W) burners, DVDs with DVD-/+R(W)
burners and Blu-ray DiscsTM with Blu-ray burners.
Online Services and travel route animation (uses map material from
OpenStreetMap) via Internet connection and Microsoft®
Serial number 11
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Serial number
A serial number is included with each product, and although it is not required
for the installation of the software, it does enable access to additional bonus
services. Please store this number in a safe place.
What can a serial number do?
A serial number ensures that your copy of MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10
is clearly assigned to you and only you, and it makes improved and more
targeted customer service possible. Abuse of the software can be prevented
with a serial number, since it ensures that the optimum price/performance ratio
continues to be offered by MAGIX.
Where can the serial number be found?
The serial number can be found on the reverse side of your CD/DVD case. If
your product, for example, is packed in a DVD box, then you'll find the serial
number on the inside.
For versions that have been especially optimized for the Internet (download
versions), you'll receive your serial number for activating the software directly
after purchasing the product via email.
When will you need the serial number?
The serial number is required when you start or register MAGIX PhotoStory on
CD & DVD 10 for the first time.
Note: We explicitly recommend registering your product, since only then are
you entitled to get program updates and contact MAGIX Support. Entering the
serial number is also required for activating codecs.
12 More about MAGIX
www.magix.com
More about MAGIX
MAGIX News Center
The MAGIX News Center features links to current online tutorials and tips &
tricks on the software application examples. The "News" is indicated by color
according to content:
Green indicates practical tips & tricks for the software
Yellow reports the availability of new patches and updates
Red for special offers, contests and questionnaires
If no new messages are present, the button will appear gray. When the MAGIX
News Center is clicked, all of the available information will be displayed. Click
the messages to reach the corresponding website.
MAGIX Online Album
MAGIX Online Album is your personal multimedia album on the Internet. If you
want to present slideshows or videos online, then MAGIX Online Album is the
perfect service.
MAGIX Blog Service
With MAGIX Blog Service, YOU make the news! Share your thoughts,
experiences, and news with a worldwide audience in no time using your own
interactive online multimedia journal. Invite family, friends, and acquaintances
to join in and enter their comments! A free MAGIX Online Album belongs to the
MAGIX Blog Service so that you always have full control over your
contributions.
MAGIX Website Maker
MAGIX Website Maker helps you create a personal Internet showcase with a
professional design in just a few mouse clicks – without prior knowledge,
including your own chosen domain and email address. Publish slideshows and
videos and accessorize your site with music and various effects – anything
from a simple business card to a fireworks display of effects, professional or
private – show your best side!
More about MAGIX 13
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Catooh – the Online Content Library
If your project is missing pictures, videos, DVD menus, sounds, or samples,
then you should have a look at the huge selection available at Catooh. There
you'll be able to buy media in excellent quality for low prices: DVD menus,
Slideshow Maker styles, decorative elements, 3D power effects, 3D transition
series, MAGIX Soundpools, songs, ringtones... Perfectly suited to all MAGIX
photo, video, and music projects.
MAGIX Community
MAGIX Community is the place to exchange photos, videos, and music with
friends and the world. As soon as you have registered for free, you can use all
of its great features.
14 Introduction
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Introduction
What is MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10?
The name says it all: MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10 puts your photos
and movies onto a CD or DVD as a slideshow that can then be viewed on your
PC screen or TV – Just like a movie.
The typical scenario: The hard disk is overflowing with photos from your digital
camera and camera phone, more holiday, family or birthday pictures are
scattered around in envelopes waiting for a scan. What to do with all those
digital photos? MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10 will tidy everything up, put
it together, add fades, music or effects to create an exciting slideshow.
What's so special? A personal slideshow is created, perfectly arranged just like
a feature film. Then you can burn it onto DVD, if desired together with other
slideshows. What's so special you ask? The CD or DVD can then be played on
a DVD player and viewed on TV. There are also many further possibilities to
export slideshows as movie files or present them directly online.
Information on special program versions
This documentation describes the full functionality of MAGIX PhotoStory on CD
& DVD 10 Deluxe. If you are using the classic version of MAGIX PhotoStory on
CD & DVD 10, some special features may not be available.
What’s new in MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10?
New Title Editor
Titles, text, opening and end credits are now written directly in the preview
monitor so that you can see exactly where your titles will be positioned right
away. Click the "Title" button in the Media Pool, select a template and place it
onto the track via drag & drop. You may now edit your titles in the preview
window.
Completely reworked Slideshow Maker
Slideshow Maker has been heavily revised. Effects and fades can now be set
and adjusted in detail. This program is accessible via "File-> Wizards ->
Slideshow Maker".
Introduction 15
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Creation of custom color spaces
You can embed custom color spaces in your slideshow. These are especially
practical as chapter separators with some text. You will find the color screens
in the Media Pool in the "Effects" tab under "Design => Backgrounds => Color
swatches" or by pressing the wrench symbol in the toolbar.
Revised DVD menu design
The DVD menu design function has been generally revised. You can access
this option directly via the "Burn" button.
Lots of new templates
Thanks to many new templates for 3D titles, DVD menus and background
music, your slideshows can receive a completely new dimension. The 3-D title
templates are found in the Media Pool in the "Titles" tab, and the DVD menu
templates and background music in the "Burn" tab in the "Edit" view.
MAGIX Photo Manager
MAGIX Photo Manager is the perfect companion for managing your photos.
Create digital photo albums and add new images with ease. MAGIX Photo
Manager can be found under "File -> Supplementary programs".
Creating backgrounds
The Media Pool features useful templates for various applications. For
example, there are professional backgrounds for measurements, but there are
also special templates with more creative freedom and adjustable color
schemes.
16 Introduction
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Additional new features of the Deluxe version
Even more custom design options in menu design
In the "Burn" screen you will find even more design option in the "Edit" view.
Create custom menu pages and add your own menu entries.
Travel route animation
Ideal for vacation slideshows: You can display the locations of your trip on a
map and connect them with a line. The travel route may then be saved as an
image and integrated into the slideshow. You will find the travel route
animation in the "File" menu under the "Wizards" entry.
RAW support
Many digital cameras deliver photos in uncompressed, high-resolution RAW
data format. MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10 supports import and editing
of many RAW files. For an updated list of all compatible camera models, see
www.magix.com
Optional AVCHD support
Using optional AVCHD support you can import and burn high-resolution videos
incl. AC3 sound. This option has to be activated for a fee before the first use.
When you import a AVCHD video into MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10, the
activation process will start automatically. The burn function can be found in
the "Disc selection" dialog in the "Burn" screen.
MAGIX Music Editor
MAGIX Music Editor is a full WAV editor with all necessary cutting, editing &
effect functions as well as numerous import/export functions. You can open
audio objects from MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10 with a mouse click in
the MAGIX Music Editor. There you'll be able to take advantage of lots of
additional powerful tools, for example, a function for freehand drawing of
waveforms. This can be used to fix the most stubborn distortions that cannot
be eliminated completely using the MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10
DeClicker.
Introduction 17
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Properties
Importieren
Photo: JPG, BMP, GIF, TIF, PSD, MPO (3D Stereo) and much more; imports
from Kodak® Photo-CD (PCD); use animated web graphics as decorative
elements (animated GIF import)
Video: MOV, AVI, WMV 9, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, high-resolution
AVCHD videos incl. AC3 sound and much more.
Text: You can easily enter longer texts such as credits with any text
processing program and then save them in the universal .rtf text format .
Loading such a text into MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10 creates a text
object.
Audio: Imports camera sound, non-copy-protected CD tracks, MP3, OGG,
WAV, etc.; sound recording
Hint: MPEG3, AVCHD and AC-4 codecs can be used after a fee-based
activation.
Exporting
Slideshows can be exported in the following formats as video files: MXV
(MAGIX Video), AVI, MPEG-1/-2, Windows Media 9, Quicktime (*.MOV) and
MPEG-4 (must be activated for a fee).
Please note: The MPEG-2 encoder required for the MPEG-2 export has not
yet been activated. Please have your product serial number (view page 10) at
hand for a free activation.
Three views
MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10 provides three specialized views for
especially easy editing:
Storyboard mode (view page 44) lists several photos in sequence. Every
photo is displayed with a preview picture in the storyboard. Choose how you
want to fade between photos from many different transition options.
Timeline mode (view page 46) chronologically displays your photos with text
and sound elements over four tracks. The longer the representative object
remains in the track, the longer the corresponding photo will be displayed
during playback. In total, you have four tracks to arrange your photos with
titles, movie sequences, and music.
18 Introduction
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Overview mode (view page 43) displays all photos in multiple rows. The zoom
function makes sure that the number of photos you want to view can be
viewed at the same time. Photos or photo groups can be deleted, or their
order in the list can be changed.
Concentrated multimedia power
MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10 provides a large number of multimedia
functions that help you really get the best out of your photos and make
fascinating slideshows from good photos. For example:
Image optimization: Typical errors (exposure, color, redeye, etc.) can be
easily fixed using the "1 click" effect. Picture size and position can be
corrected, for example, by increasing the size, by rotating, clipping, levelling
the horizon, etc. Each editing step is non-destructive, i.e. the original photos
remain the same.
Transitions: Besides the many variations for "simple transitions" (e.g. soft
fades, black fades, page turn, wave, etc.), there are also complex transitions
like picture-in-picture fades or thematic 3D fade series (gallery, photo table,
notice board, etc.).
3D effect templates to reshape subjects and have them fly through the
picture.
1-click animations for transforming photos into videos (jumping, mosaic,
kaleidescope, etc.).
Titles & texts: You can enter text in various fonts and colors and position
them wherever you want in the picture. Dynamic movement of the titles and
texts are also possible (for opening and closing credits, for example).
Zooms & camera movements: Zoom into picture sections, pan across the
picture!
Decorative elements and superimposed videos with cartoons, speech
bubbles, costume accessories, frames, etc.
Multimedia opening and closing credits with video templates including
sound, personal texts, and motifs.
Dubbing: Theme-related background music for every occasion is included.
You can import your own CDs and MP3s directly. The integrated MAGIX
Soundtrack Maker is used for quickly composing your own background music
from musical templates. The recording functions enable individual spoken
commentary via microphone. Multiple options for sound optimization enhance
and unify all sound elements in one coherent audio track.
Introduction 19
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Present & share
MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10 provides very flexible options for
presenting and sharing your slideshows. For example:
Burn a disc: All standard disc types for playback on DVD players and PCs can
be created: Video DVD, (S)VCD, miniDVD, TV-JPEG disc.
DVD menus: Interactive DVD menus are created automatically. Uniquely
customizable templates with intros, animated buttons, 3D titles, and music are
included. When designing the menu you can directly access the motifs of your
slideshow.
TV formats: All TV formats are supported: standard (4:3), widescreen (16:9),
PAL, NTSC.
Data archiving: Original photos and project backups can be archived to CD or
DVD, including playback software which can play the data archive immediately
on any PC.
Presentation on a free website: MAGIX Online Album and MAGIX Community
provide comprehensive options for presenting your works to the public online
or just to your friends. And all of it comes for free on your own website which
can be created and designed with just a few clicks.
Integration into your own website: If you already have a website, then you
can also integrate your slideshow into it. To do so, there are a number of video
formats available (e.g. WMV or FlashTM).
Also in the Deluxe version
More elements and templates: Transition variations, 3D fade series, 3D
effects, 1-click animations, decorative elements, opening and closing credits,
movieshow themes.
3D design & 3D animation: Freely reshape or rotate photos in front of various
backgrounds, have pictures spin through space or distort them.
Single frame capture for video camcorders and webcams (e.g. for cartoons).
MAGIX Music Editor for detailed sound editing.
MAGIX Print Studio for CD/DVD cases, labels, photo calendars, and much
more.
MAGIX Xtreme Photo Designer 6 for detailed image editing.
Thematic background music and dubbing sounds.
Picture-in-picture animations: Create breathtaking collages.
Interactive, high-resolution PC slideshows: Present your slideshows with
menus directly on your PC.
Automatic volume reduction during voice-overs and speech.
Blu-ray Disc support.
and much more
20 Introduction
Overview of the program screen
After starting MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10 you'll see the following
display:
Menu Bar (view page 154)
"Slideshow" interface (view page 36) for creating and editing your
slideshows.
"Burn" interface for burning slideshows to disc.
Use "Output" dialog for all other slideshow uses.
Media Pool for navigating through the folders of your computer.
Video monitor with universal preview function so that you always see what
the effects and settings do.
Video monitor transport bar
Buttons for quickly toggling between the three screens: Overview mode
(view page 43), Timeline mode (view page 46), and Storyboard mode (view
page 44).
Arranger (Storyboard mode): All the pictures of your slideshow are shown
here including preview photos.
www.magix.com
Introduction 21
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Information on special program versions
This documentation describes the full functionality of MAGIX PhotoStory on CD
& DVD 10 Deluxe. If you are using the classic version of MAGIX PhotoStory on
CD & DVD 10, some special features may not be available.
Keyboard shortcuts
Media Pool
Delete file Del
Copy file Ctrl + Ins
Insert file Shift + Ins
Rename file Alt + R
New folder Ctrl + P
Options P
Help F1
Select files:
Select multiple pictures listed in
sequence:
"Shift" + click on the first file and then click
the last file in the list to be selected.
Select multiple images
individually:
"Ctrl" + click on the corresponding pictures
Select all pictures in the folder: Ctrl + A
Slideshow
Load/Save project
New project Alt + Ctrl + N
Load project Ctrl + Alt + O
Save project Ctrl + Alt + S
Save project as... Alt + Shift + S
Delete project Alt + Shift + O
New slideshow Ctrl + N
Load slideshow Ctrl + O
Load restoration slideshow Alt + O
Save slideshow Ctrl + S
Save slideshow as... Shift + S
Close slideshow Shift + O
Delete slideshow Shift + I
Burn backup copy to disc Alt + Shift + R
22 Introduction
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Recording
Audio recording R
Tools
Select all (not in Storyboard mode) Ctrl + A
Cut Ctrl + X
Copy Ctrl + C
Insert Ctrl + V
Undo Ctrl + Z
Restore Ctrl + Y
Delete Del
Photo overview O
Slideshow Maker W
Optimize photo Shift + X
Audio cleaning Shift + W
Cut
Split object T
Remove object beginning Ctrl + T
Remove object end Shift + T
Split slideshow Alt + T
Effects
Edit photo Shift + Y
Zoom 2 Ctrl + Alt + 1
Zoom 3 Ctrl + Alt + 2
Free zoom selection Ctrl + Alt + 3
Fix image proportions Ctrl + Alt + 4
Reset cropping Ctrl + Alt + 5
Pan left -> right Ctrl + Shift + A
Pan right -> left Ctrl + Shift + B
Pan top -> bottom Ctrl + Alt + V
Pan bottom -> top Ctrl + Shift + D
Zoom out Ctrl + Shift + E
Zoom in Ctrl + Shift + F
Reset movement Ctrl + Shift + G
Rotate left Ctrl + Alt + F
Introduction 23
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Rotate right Ctrl + Alt + G
Rotate 180 degrees Ctrl + Alt + H
Transition (length) Alt + l
Apply transition to all Alt + A
Random transition Alt + Z
Mirror horizontally Ctrl + Alt + A
Mirror vertically Ctrl + Alt + B
Horizontal symmetry Ctrl + Alt + C
Vertical symmetry Ctrl + Alt + D
Kaleidoscope Ctrl + Alt + E
Color shift 1/2/3 Shift + 1/2/3
Title Editor Alt + Shift + T
Reset video effects Ctrl + C
Object properties Ctrl + E
Arrangement display
Switch Storyboard/Timeline mode Tab
Optimize grid view Shift + B
Zoom 1 frame Ctrl + 1
Zoom 5 frames Ctrl + 2
Zoom 1 sec Ctrl + 3
Zoom 10 sec Ctrl + 4
Zoom 1 min Ctrl + 5
Zoom 10 min Ctrl + 6
Zoom range from start to end marker Ctrl + 7
Zoom the entire slideshow Ctrl + 8
24 Introduction
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Playback and marker placement
Start/Stop playback Space bar, ↑
Stop at position (stop playback, move start
marker to current position)
Escape, ↓, 0 on the
number pad
Move start marker to the beginning Home
Move end marker to the end end
Slow wind left Left
Slow wind right Right
Fast wind left Ctrl + Left
Fast wind right Ctrl + Right
Full screen playback Alt + Enter
Quick start 25
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Quick start
Disc projects, slideshows, and photos
MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10 allows you to work with disc projects,
slideshows, and photos. In order to work quickly and intuitively, it is important
to know the differences between these three hierarchically-ordered terms.
Project
A project includes everything that you want to put on your CD and DVD. This
normally contains one or more slideshows and includes a menu
structure/menu design which allows you to choose a slideshow later on the CD
or DVD. Projects can be saved as "<Pojektdatei>" files on your hard drive and
can be loaded later, e.g. to edit individual slideshows.
Slideshow
A slideshow is a multimedia presentation of photos which is played like a film.
Enjoy it on a PC or TV, since it offers maximum multimedia entertainment value
from your photos, videos, music, title texts, transition effects, and much more.
Any slideshow can be exported individually as a video. The "project" can be
considered a type of drawer into which you can put multiple slideshows for
burning to CD or DVD later.
Easily
Photos are the main component of a slideshow! Integrate photos and videos
into your slideshow (provided that the corresponding video codec is installed
on your system). Besides photos and videos, a slideshow also includes plenty
of other elements: image titles, transitions, decorative elements, music, spoken
commentary, and so on.
Summary: "Projects" contain slideshows, and slideshows contain photos. A
project's slideshows appear as menu entries, photos (and videos) appear later
on the CD or DVD as selectable menu entries.
26 Quick start
Create a new slideshow with the wizard
The wizard helps you quickly and easily create great slideshows.
Start MAGIX PhotoStory on
CD & DVD 10 and select
"Create new project with
wizard". Then confirm the
selection with "OK".
The wizard will now lead you through the steps required for creating a new
project.
Note: The slideshow wizard can be opened via "File (view page 155)" in the
"Wizards" submenu.
Basic settings
Specify the ratio for the project.
You can also determine how
MAGIX PhotoStory on CD &
DVD 10 should behave with
photos that do not match the
project's formatting.
Cut to fit screen automatically: Images that do not correspond to the project's
ratio are adjusted automatically. The zoom factor is set in such a way that
there are no black bars to the left or right or top to bottom.
Project name:Give your disc project a name. This name will be used as a
preset title for the disc you are going to burn. The slideshows will also be given
this name.
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Quick start 27
Disc format (capacity display): Set the disc type you prefer here. MAGIX
PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10 estimates how much space a disc project will
occupy on a corresponding blank disc. This display can be found below the
slideshow.
Load photos
Select photos via "Load files..."
that should be added to the
project.
"Delete" removes the selected
photos from the list.
The sequence of photos can be
specified via drag & drop.
Display time for each photo (seconds): By default, photos are displayed for
the time entered here. Of course, you can later change the time each photo is
displayed.
Total length of slideshow: The approximate total length of the slideshow
created is shown here. It adjusts to reflect any changes that are made.
Note: If you load more than 100 photos, the wizard will suggest creating more
than one slideshow. Then, the photos will sorted according to creation date
using so-called EXIF files, if present. Otherwise, the file date will be used.
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Specify effects
Simply select one of the styles that best suits the theme of your slideshow. If
you don't want any effects, then select the entry marked "No effects".
More information about effects settings can be found in "Slideshow Maker".
Select background music
You can select between the suggested pieces of music or one of your own by
importing it into the list via "Load file(s)". If the slideshow is long enough, then
all of the pieces contained in the list will be loaded into the photo one after the
other. The sequence of songs can be specified via drag & drop.
Play: This button provides a preview of the selected song.
28 Quick start
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Remove: This deletes the selected song from the list.
Finishing a new slideshow
One click on "Finish" is enough for the wizard to create the slideshow. You
now have the option to watch your slideshow before you accept it.
Manually edited slideshow: The slideshow created can be edited further
however you want.
Add a DVD menu to the slideshow and burn it: MAGIX PhotoStory on CD &
DVD 10 now switches to the "Burn" screen. The slideshow can be fitted with a
DVD menu and burned to DVD.
You can now select how you would like to continue and then end the wizard.
Designing slideshows
Sorting Photos
You should also sort the slideshows correctly. A good slideshow needs a good
story that develops along the image sequence including a middle section and
an end as well as a dramatic tension that forms the frame for these parts.
That's easy with a holiday photo slideshow. The tension is already there. It
starts with pictures of the departure and then shows pictures of your arrival at
the hotel and then the first adventures ...
A good vacation comes with a natural drama that results from the
chronological order of the events. This is not necessarily the case for other
slideshows; in this case you should consider the order in which you would like
to present the photos. The problem with sorting also depends on the purpose
for which you have created your slideshow.
Sorting the photos is easy:
Drag each photo from the photo bar and drop it on the correct position.
You can't select several photos and sort them simultaneously in the
Storyboard. You should switch to Overview mode.
Quick start 29
In Overview mode you can use the whole screen to sort your photos.
Click on the top switch in the bottom left corner to open Overview
mode.
You should maximize the overview to get the best possible overview.
If not all photos fit into the list you can use the zoom to reduce the size of the
display:
Overview mode is the ideal view mode to arrange all photos perfectly for a
slideshow. You also may select multiple photos and move them at once.
Start and end markers
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The section between the start (S) and end marker (E) above the storyboard or
the first track of the timeline will be played back in your show each time.
The start and end markers can be moved in
different ways by using the mouse. You can
move them to any position with drag & drop
or directly with a mouse click: Left clicking in
the timeline moves the start marker, and right
clicking moves the end marker.
The cursor is a red vertical line which moves
from left to right during playback to show the
current playback position.
30 Quick start
If you want to see play back your show, press the space bar or start the
slideshow via the transport console below the preview window.
Editing slideshows
MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10 provides many different editing functions.
Let's start with Storyboard mode:
Each preview photo has several settings for duration,
fades, effects, and text.
Set display time: By double-clicking on the time display below the
preview image you can access the input dialog where you can
manually enter the display digitally or by using the slide control.
Add title and text: Titles (subtitles, opening/closing credits, for
example) easily can be added to every photo by clicking on this
button.
Fades: The transition (fade) buttons are situated between the
photos. You can now preview the available fades, try them out and
see the result immediately in on the preview monitor.
Picture editing: Press the "FX" button on the photo box to access
the effects and image processing tools which can be used
separately on each photo, e.g. optimizing image quality.
Rotation: If a photo is on its side or upside down, then click on the
symbol with the rotating arrow. The photo will rotate 90 degrees.
You can check the effects directly on the Video Monitor.
Tip: For editing complete photo folders (as preparation for import into MAGIX
PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10), we recommend MAGIX Photo Manager. This
program is also installed automatically and can be used for quickly previewing
and easily managing files in your database, besides image optimization.
www.magix.com
Quick start 31
For more complex single-image editing like photo panorama and photo filter
effects, the Deluxe version comes with a separate image processing program,
MAGIX Photo Designer. Users of the classic version can download the
software at any time for free. To load a photo into MAGIX Photo Designer,
select the option "Edit photo" in the FX menu of the photo box. Read more on
this in the MAGIX Photo Designer help
Dubbing: If you would like to add spoken commentary to your slideshow, then
use the record function for audio recording. A click on the record button (red
dot) indicated in the transport console opens the record dialog. You can also
use audio CDs, records, or tapes. Audio CD tracks of non-copy-protected CDs
and other audio files can be dragged onto the preview photo directly from the
Media Pool.
Timeline mode: Timeline mode displays your photos "time-wise". The longer
the object remains in the track, the longer the corresponding photo will be
displayed during playback. Videos also can be used.
The easiest way to access the Timeline mode is via the Tab key (you can also
click on the corresponding link at the left-hand border of the photo bar).
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Four tracks are available here:
The first track contains photos or videos of the current slideshow.
The second track is the audio track for narration and sound effects.
Note: All audio material that you add to the second track directly below your
photos and videos will be attached to the corresponding photo and video
material. If a picture or video already has sound material attached to it
(sound-in-picture support), it will be made visible in this track automatically.
You'll find the tracks on the third track. They can be created by pressing the
Title Editor button in the toolbar and entered directly in Timeline mode.
The fourth track is for background music. The audio material of this audio
track can be moved within a project any way you like.
32 Quick start
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The objects on the tracks can be re-sized using their lower edge "object
handles". Move the mouse over one of the lower corners of the object until the
mouse pointer turns into a double arrow. You can now compress the object as
much as you like until the desired length has been reached. An object can be
faded in or out with similar handles at the top of the object. This also applies to
text and audio objects in the timeline.
Cut slideshow or objects
A simple cut can also be achieved by pressing the "T" shortcut key, or by
using the symbol to the right of the transport console.
Hint: Cuts are always made at the point where the red line is located.
The arrow next to the cut button opens a selection menu with the following
options:
Split object ("T"): This command splits the object at the position of the start
marker to produce two separate objects. You can also just press "T" on the
keyboard for this action.
Remove object beginning: This command cuts the object at the point where
the start marker is positioned and deletes all material that precedes the start
marker simultaneously.
Remove object end: This command cuts the object at the point where the
start marker is positioned and deletes all material that comes after the start
marker simultaneously.
Split slideshow: This command splits the slideshow at the position of the start
marker into two independent slideshows. Both appear in the menu underneath
the preview window in the "slideshow" area
Quick start 33
Creating CD/DVD menus
Create multiple slideshows
You can burn multiple independent slideshows together onto one disc. A new
slideshow can be created in the same project via "File -> New -> Slideshow".
You can switch between the individual slideshows via the arrow on the
slideshow button in the arranger.
You can also embed slideshows from an existing project into your project.
Select "File -> Open", find the desired project on the hard drive, and then click
"Open". MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10 will now ask you if you would like
to close the current project or add a new project. Choose the latter to embed
the slideshows into your project.
To remove a slideshow, switch to the corresponding slideshow described
above and select "File -> Manage slideshow -> Remove slideshow".
Menu view and menu navigation
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In the "Preview" view in the "Burn" screen you can access only complete menu
templates. In order to see the advanced menu tools for editing menus,
switched into the "Edit" view.
MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10 automatically adds graphical selection
menus to your slideshows. The menu is also burned to disc and appears when
inserted into your player. Just like with a purchased DVD, you can easily select
your slideshows with the help of preview pictures, or access particular
chapters within a slideshow.
34 Quick start
At the center of the monitor you can see a preview of the selection menu. All
slideshows appear in the uppermost entries, all photos appear as sub-entries.
Use the dropdown menu to the top left to deactivate the menus entirely or only
work on the slideshow entries.
Use the "Navigation" section in the "Edit" tab to access the structure of the
selection menu.
Here you can switch off all photos that should not be in the photo menu.
Simply deactivate the corresponding box.
This way, the entry will be removed from the menu only; the related photo will
not be removed from the slideshow. (More than 99 ticks cannot be made as
the DVD player cannot list more than 99 entries.)
In the lower section of the screen you can find a whole row of pre-made menu
layouts. Use the scroll bar to view each template. There are plenty to choose
from:
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Quick start 35
If you wish to fully apply a template, first click on "Tamplates" in the template
bar and double-click on the template of your choice. The complete template
will then be applied.
You can also combine the various elements of the individual templates. For
example, if you want to combine the text format of a template with the
background of another one, then select "Font" first and double click the
template with the text of your choice. Then select "Buttons" and double click
the button you like. The preview in the middle shows you the results
immediately.
Double click the preview picture or a menu entry to change the film or chapter
name and select a different preview picture.
Back in the "Preview" view you can use the virtual remote control to test the
behavior of finished discs to make sure that everything works as planned.
More disc types
You can access disc selection options by clicking the "Burn disc"
button:
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In the disc selection dialog, you
have to click on the "More
options" button to view all
available disc types at a glance:
The disc projects that you can play in the DVD player to enjoy on TV should be
burned onto a DVD, (S)VCD, miniDVD, or JPEG disc.
Disc projects meant for presentation on your PC should be burned as
slideshows or high-definition slideshows (WMV HD).
In the Deluxe version, you can also burn disc projects for high-resolution PC
monitors. The formats WMV HD or Blu-ray disc are provided for this purpose.
In the Deluxe version, there is the disc type that can do anything – Playback a
slideshow on TV or PC as well as full project backup: the multidisc. The
multidisc combines slideshows for playback on a DVD player and on the PC in
the WMV HD format as well as the full project backup of all photo, video and
music files
36 Edit Fotoshow
Ideally, hover the mouse over the buttons for a moment to view the popup
information, and then read important information on the corresponding disc
type.
Edit Fotoshow
Video monitor and transport control
Select the slideshow window to load photos and edit your slideshow.
Use the video monitor to preview the current slideshow. The
"Fullscreen" button switches to fullscreen playback. Press the "Esc" key
to return to normal playback. The transport console can be used to
start playback of the slideshow. This is located below the video
monitor.
Play/pause: The "Play" button in the middle starts playback of the
slideshow, i.e. the range between the start and end markers is played
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Edit Fotoshow 37
back as a loop ("infinite", recurring). Clicking the play button a second
time pauses playback.
Stop: The "Stop" button ends playback.
Back: This button moves the start marker to the previous picture.
This is then displayed in the video monitor. During playback, press
this button to go back.
Forwards: This button moves the start marker to the next picture.
The image is immediately visible in the video monitor. During
playback, use this button to move forwards in the slideshow.
Note: You can fast-forward or rewind using the cursor (arrow buttons) on your
keyboard. Try this out together with the additional functions of the "Ctrl" and
"Shift" keys.
Back to start: Use this button quickly move the start marker to the
beginning of the slideshow.
Record: The "Slideshow" window provides a single frame capture
(Deluxe version only) feature or an audio recording feature. Single
frame capture enables you to make single snapshots from analog
video sources. Audio recording inserts new sound material at the
position of the start marker, e.g. commentary.
Stereo3D (Deluxe version only): This sets the mode for
stereoscopic playback. More information is available in
Stereo3D (view page 106).
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Use the position slider to move quickly within the project. The current position
of the playback marker is displayed numerically on the right.
Cut button and editing menu
The cut button and cut menu next to it can be found on the right beside the
transport console.
Use the cut button to cut a selected object in two at the position of
the start marker.
With a click on the small arrow beside the cut button you can access the cut
menu which contains further relevant commands.
38 Edit Fotoshow
Split object
This command cuts a scene at the point where the start marker is positioned.
This way, two free-standing objects are created.
You can isolate a part of an object in order to delete it:
1. Place the start marker where you'd like to have it by left clicking in the
timeline.
2. Select the video object by clicking on it and click on the cut button.
3. Place the start marker at the end of the part you wish to remove and click
on the cut button again.
4. Select the middle object that was created and press the "DEL" key.
5. Pull the object at the back to the front; it should automatically snap into
place. All subsequent objects will be moved along in unison so that no gaps
appear.
You can also use this function to apply effects to a certain part of an object
only.
Keyboard shortcut: T
Remove start
This command cuts a scene at the point where the playback marker is
positioned and removes the material before the playback marker.
Keyboard shortcut: Z
Remove object end
This command cuts a scene at the playback marker position and
removes the material behind the back marker.
Keyboard shortcut: U
Split slideshow
This command splits the slideshow at the point where the start marker is
positioned to make two separate slideshows.
Note: You can use this function if you wish to include photo menus and if your
slideshow already contains over 99 photos. Otherwise, only every second or
third photo (depending on the number of photos) appears in the photo menu,
since the number of menu entries is technically limited to 99.
Keyboard shortcut: Alt + T
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Edit Fotoshow 39
Zoom in video monitor
The video monitor includes a zoom function for zooming into a
certain position for editing, e.g. to select colors exactly.
Keyboard
shortcut:
Zoom "Ctrl" + mouse wheel
Reset zoom (100%) "Ctrl" + double click
Move section with the mouse Ctrl
Note: The zoom function is not involved with section selection, but is only a
view option and is not included during export or burning!
Media Pool
The Media Pool is a central and important element in MAGIX PhotoStory on CD
& DVD 10. It offers a series of functions like loading media objects, improving
picture quality, design, etc.
Toolbar
Important editing and effect menu commands are available as buttons on the
slideshow window. There are different buttons available for each mode.
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Top Toolbar
This toolbar lies directly under the menu or the video monitor of the MAGIX
PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10.
New project
This menu item creates a new MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10
project. You can also open this feature via the "New project" button
above the video monitor.
Keyboard shortcut: Shift + N
40 Edit Fotoshow
Load project
This menu item loads a previously saved MAGIX PhotoStory on CD &
DVD 10 project. Please note that the related files must be accessible.
MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10 searches for the used sounds, pictures
and videos under the path to where you last saved the disc project.
Keyboard shortcut: Ctrl + O
Save project
The current disc project is saved with the name displayed in the project
window. If you have not yet specified a name for your project, a dialog
will open wherein MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10 asks you to do
so.
Keyboard shortcut: Ctrl + Alt + S
All modes
The following buttons are visible in all modes of the "Edit" screen.
Slideshow Maker
This is where to open Slideshow Maker.
Undo
You can undo the last steps you made. This means that you can easily
try out critical operations. If the result does not meet your
expectations, then you can simply "undo" it and return to the initial
status.
Keyboard shortcut: Ctrl + Z
Restore
The "Redo" function undoes the previous "Undo" function.
Keyboard shortcut: Shift + Y
Delete
This command deletes the selected photo (or selected object) in
Timeline mode.
Keyboard shortcut: Del
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Edit Fotoshow 41
Exchange object
Replaces the selected object with an object selected in the Media Pool.
Length adjustment moves the objects following it correspondingly.
If photo objects are removed/exchanged, then the display duration will remain.
Also in Timeline mode and Overview mode
The buttons listed here are also visible in the Timeline mode and Overview
mode
Cut
Cut
This function deletes the selected photo (or the selected object in the
Timeline mode) and copies it to the clipboard. You can then use the
"Paste" command to copy it into any slideshow.
Keyboard shortcut: Ctrl + X
Copy
This command copies the selected scenes (or the selected object in Timeline
mode) to the clipboard. From there you can paste it into any other slideshow
using the "Paste" command.
Keyboard shortcut: Ctrl + C
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Paste
Insert
This command inserts the clipboard material (photo or object) at the
current position of the start marker.
Keyboard shortcut: Ctrl + V
Title editor
Title Editor (More Informationen can be found in the section "Title
editor" on page 96)
Keyboard shortcut: Ctrl + T
42 Edit Fotoshow
Optimize grid view
The start and end markers are moved to the start or end so that all
scenes are visible and the complete film can be played. Zoom is also
set to 100% so that all objects are visible.
Keyboard shortcut: Shift + B
Only in Timeline mode
The following buttons are found exclusively in Timeline mode.
Optimize photo
Optimize photos
(view page 85, view page 58)
Keyboard shortcut: Shift + I
Mouse mode for individual objects
This mouse mode for individual objects enables free positioning of
individual objects.
Intelligent mouse mode
Intelligent mouse mode moves all objects together located behind the
one selected.
Edit bitmap externally
Graphics files (BMPs or JPEGs) can be edited in MAGIX Photo
Designer via the "Edit" button.
The selected image file is loaded automatically and, once editing has been
completed, is used in the MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10 instead of the
original material.
Only in overview mode
Rotate 90° to the right
This button turns the selected photo 90° to the right.
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Edit Fotoshow 43
Start and end markers
The range between the start and end markers is played
just above the first track.
The start and end markers can be moved in different ways using the mouse.
You can move them to any position with drag & drop or directly with a mouse
click. A left mouse click in the timeline moves the start marker, and a right click
moves the end marker.
The play marker is a red vertical line which moves from left to right during
playback. It indicates the current play position.
Note: The start marker can also be shifted using the arrow buttons on your
computer keyboard. The "Forwards"/"Back" buttons on the transport console
move the start marker to the next or previous picture, which can then be seen
immediately in the Video Monitor.
Mute sound
Shuts off the entire audio playback is temporarily. This only affects the
preview, not the disc that is finally produced. This button is located
below to the right in the program window.
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Overview mode
"Overview mode" is a special slideshow viewing mode that provides
clarity and maintenance of the photos.
All photos are listed one after the other (in multiple lines, just like in a
text program) and can be copied, cut, moved, deleted, and inserted.
44 Edit Fotoshow
As usual, a double click on a photo opens the Optimize video dialog.
There are no start, play, or end markers in Overview mode. The photo that is
to be played is fitted with a border so that you can see where the photo that is
currently playing can be found.
This slider specifies how large the photos
will appear in the storyboard. The smaller
the photos, the more you'll be able to fit
on screen.
Use this button to maximize the overview mode to fullscreen.
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Edit Fotoshow 45
Storyboard mode
What is the Storyboard mode?
Storyboard mode is used to view the layout of slideshows. All photos are
displayed in linear sequence with preview images. It includes different buttons,
text, effects, rotation, time settings, and transitions.
Click "Text" to open the Title Editor. It allows you to enter captions
such as subtitles and credits. You can enter text for subtitling or
opening/closing credits.
They can be displayed in all kinds of fonts and colors. Your can have your
credits scroll down the screen – just like in the movies! Many other text
movements are also available from the template menu, such as effects and
designs.
Effects: In the Effects menu (or by clicking on "FX") you can select the
effects for editing sounds and images.
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You can use the "Edit photo" option to open the photo in the separate image
editing program MAGIX Photo Designer. After editing the image is transferred
directly to the MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10 storyboard.
Hint: For more info on using MAGIX Photo Designer, please read its Help file
which you can open by pressing the "F1" key.
Rotate: If a photo is on its side or upside down, then click on the
Rotate button.
The photo will rotate 90 degrees. You can control the effect directly on the
video screen.
46 Edit Fotoshow
Playback: The range between the start and end markers in the upper half of
the storyboard is the section which will be played back. Both markers can be
moved with the mouse (or they can be placed with the left and right mouse
buttons). Use the space bar to start and stop playback most effectively. Of
course, you can also control the playback functions by using the transport
control below the preview monitor.
Playback marker: The playback marker will show which photo is currently
being played along a horizontal line that runs from left to right over the scene.
Dependent upon how long a photo is shown, the speed of the playback
marker will vary.
Transitions (Fades): You can also set up the transitions from one
photo to the next by mouse clicking on the symbol. A menu will open
for you to select different transitions (view page 80).
Menus: In addition to the regular menus there are two more special menus for
special tasks.
Below the video monitor you can use the "slideshow" flip menu to toggle
between the slideshows and the current disc project.
The Edit button next to the playback functions offers various options for
cutting. Here it is important to observe the difference between "cutting objects"
and "separating slideshows":
"Cut object" cuts the photo (including all subtitles and additional audio or
video material) and thus raises the number of current photos by one.
"Separate slideshow" splits the current slideshow at two positions of the start
marker into two separate slideshows.
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Edit Fotoshow 47
Timeline mode
What is Timeline mode?
The easiest way to switch to Timeline mode is by clicking on the Timeline
mode button in front of the Arranger.
In Timeline mode your photos are displayed in order: The longer the object
remains in the track, the longer the corresponding photo will be displayed
during the slideshow. Unlike Storyboard mode, the speed of the playback
marker does not change during playback. You also have direct access to all
media files currently being used in the slideshow.
Timeline
The progress of the slideshow in the movie is displayed horizontally above the
tracks. To structure this progression, the actual timeline is visible at the very
top above the first track. The unit of measurement of the timeline is
milliseconds.
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The range between the start and end markers in the timeline is played back as
an endless loop.
Tracks
There are 4 tracks in total for loading, arranging, and editing media files via
drag & drop or double-click from the Media Pool:
The first track is for the photos, but videos can also be loaded.
The next track is for the audio track of videos and for the frames. Additional
audio recordings (so-called overdubs) are placed here (commentaries, for
example).
The third track contains the titles (which can be created via the buttons "Text"
in Storyboard mode) and style elements. These can also be added via the
Slideshow Maker.
48 Edit Fotoshow
The fourth track is for additional sound material, i.e. everything you may wish
to add to your photo via drag & drop from the Media Pool. Additional audio
recordings (so-called overdubs) are placed here (commentaries, for example).
Volume curves
Volume on tracks 2 and 4 can be automated. This is achieved using so-called
volume curves.
A typical volume gradient for
damping background music during a
spoken commentary.
In context menu of tracks 2 or 4, select "Volume curves".
Double click the curve to set an automation point.
Two automation points are required for a simple volume curve (start and end
points).
Curve points can be easily moved via drag & drop, during which the mouse
cursor turns into a cross.
An additional double click on an automation point deletes it.
Hint: During audio recording, volume curves can be automatically created if the
Volume damping ("Ducking") (view page 75) option is activated.
Zooming
Keyboard shortcut: The easiest way to zoom is by using the key combination
"Ctrl+Page Up" (zoom in) and "Ctrl+Page Down" (zoom out).
Zoom menu: Right clicking on the start marker opens the context menu where
you can select the most important zoom levels.
Zoom-enabled sliders: Use the slider ("fader") to set up the visible clip on the
horizontal time axis.
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Edit Fotoshow 49
You can tell which part of the entire arrangement is being played by the size
and position of the slider. In the full view, the zoom sliders take up the entire
sliding space. The full view can be accessed by double clicking on the slider.
If you move the mouse to the edge of the slider, then the cursor will turn into a
stretch symbol which can be used to select and compress/stretch the fader.
This way you can zoom in and out quickly and it isn't confined to a set number
of steps, but is continuous.
Exact zoom levels can be selected by right clicking on the fader or on the start
marker via the context menu. Here you can also jump to certain positions in
the arrangement.
Grid
The snap grid ensures that the objects always "snap" to certain points so that
they can be positioned precisely according to the beat. Two consecutive
objects will seamlessly snap together, even if they are on different tracks. This
prevents undesired gaps or overlapping objects.
Objects
Sound and picture tracks are displayed as separate objects and are edited
independently of one another.
Sound material is displayed as a wave form. Where there's something to see,
there's something to hear. Picture material appears with regular preview
pictures as an object in the track.
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All objects can be cut uniformly, edited with effects, and arranged any way you
like. During playback, all objects on all tracks are mixed together automatically.
When moving a photo, all related objects will be moved along with it (audio
recordings, frames, and text objects, for example).
Object cutting and fades
All objects can be re-sized with their lower edge "object handles".
Move the mouse over one of the lower corners of the object until
the mouse pointer becomes a double arrow.
You can now stretch the object as much as you like.
At the top ends of every object you'll find two
fade handles that can be adjusted to fade an
object in or out.
50 Edit Fotoshow
Adjust brightness/volume
Using the brightness/volume handle located centrally at the top of the object,
you can adjust the volume of audio or MIDI objects or the brightness of video
and image objects. Simply drag the handle either up or down.
Even if several objects are playing simultaneously, the volume or brightness of
individual objects can still be altered.
Select objects
To edit or delete objects using the menus, you must first select them. To do
so, simply click on the object you wish to select. The handles of selected
objects change color to show that the accompanying object has been selected
and can be edited using the menu functions or with effects.
Context menu
Right clicking on an object opens the context menu with effects. You can now
use the same Effects as in Storyboard mode.
Duplicate objects
Small objects (for example, audio loops) can be duplicated very easily. First,
the objects that need to be duplicated must be selected. Activate the copy
command and then the Insert command ("Edit" menu or via the buttons in the
Timeline mode).
Speed up this process by clicking on the object to be copied with the mouse
while holding down the "Ctrl" key. This generates a copy which you can
immediately drag to the desired position.
Mouse modes
With these mouse modes you can specify various working methods of MAGIX
PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10 when moving objects.
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Media Pool 51
Mouse mode for individual objects
This mouse mode for individual objects enables free positioning of
individual objects.
Intelligent mouse mode
Intelligent mouse mode moves all objects together located behind the
one selected.
Media Pool
The structure and workflow of the Media Pool is similar to that featured by
Windows Explorer; however, the difference is that only the used files are
displayed. This is used to access and load multimedia files of all kinds: video
files, audio files, fades, effects, and also complete projects.
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52 Media Pool
Media
Navigation buttons
The navigation buttons let you navigate through your computer’s drives and
folders.
Forward/Back The "Back" button always returns you to the folder
where you were previously.
Upwards The "Up" button brings you to the next highest
folder level.
Browse history list and
path details
The current folder's path is displayed in the top
center.
Use the arrow button to open the menu to find the
folders you previously visited.
Options All functions of the context menu (switch views,
rename, or delete files, etc.) can also be accessed
via the options button.
Display options
Settings for how detailed the entries should be
listed can be made here.
Search
The Media Pool has an easy search function for finding files on the computer. It
may be activated and turned off again with the shown button.
File name: Enter any part of the name of the file you are looking for in the "File
name" field. The X symbol deletes the entry. A "?" may be used as a
placeholder for a single character, and "*" for any number of characters.
File type: Here you can enter a file name extension. Multiple entries are
separated using a semicolon. Below the entry field, various presets may be
selected for often-used file name extensions.
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Media Pool 53
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Date: Here, you can set time period limits on your search. Choose an entry
from the list.
Folder: If you don't want to search the entire computer, but only look on
certain drives or in a single folder, you can define a certain search path.
Search depth: Here you have various options that determine whether
additional locations should be searched.
Search indexed locations and the selected folder
Search indexed locations, the selected folder and personal files.
Search indexed locations, the selected folder, personal files and the project
file.
"Indexed locations" are folders, which are searched and cataloged in Windows
via the index list. If the index list is activated, the files in the indicated folders
will be indexed while the computer is idling, so that the user's search query
may be completed faster.
Note: In Microsoft Windows XP, the indexing service is usually deactivated by
default. The search functions in Windows Vista® may be installed with the
current version of "Windows Search". They make it possible to easily add to
the indexing service. Please refer to the installation instructions from Microsoft.
Computer
The link button "Computer" displays the drives in the Media Pool. All drives will
be listed along with their drive letters and can be opened with a double click.
User directory
The second button featuring the user's name opens their personal folder in the
Media Pool.
My media
The "My media" button lets you select "Projects", "My videos", "My music",
"My images", and "Recordings".
Projects
Switches to the folder where your projects and videos are usually stored.
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My pictures
Switches to the "My documents\My pictures" folder. This folder is often used
by digital cameras and scanners to store transferred images by default. The
included MAGIX Photo Manager program also uses this folder (e.g. during
image import).
My videos
Displays all usable files found in "My documents\My videos."
My music
Displays the contents of the "My Documents\My Music" folder. MAGIX Music
Manager also suggests this folder for importing your music collection into the
database.
MAGIX media
The "MAGIX media" link enables selection of "Manage...", "Database", "Online
Album", and "Web import", and "Downloads".
"Manage...": This opens the management program MAGIX Photo Manager for
the database. This allows you to create and organize the database accessed
by MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10.
Database: Use this button to open the database view. Right clicking opens the
database search. The database first has to be created using the supplied
additional programs MAGIX Photo Manager or MAGIX Music Manager.
Online album: This buttons opens MAGIX Online Album. This provides a
shortcut to uploading and deleting data. To do this, you must first register on
MAGIX Online Album.
There are many ways to upload data:
1. While holding "Ctrl" down, select the data to be uploaded in the Media Pool,
and select "Copy" in the context menu (opened by right clicking). Switch to
the MAGIX Online Album screen, open the desired folder, and select
"Paste" in the context menu.
2. In the Media Pool, click on "Online Album", and go to the desired directory.
Open the Windows Explorer, select the desired data with "Ctrl" held down,
and drag it into the Media Pool.
Both options will result in your desired data being uploaded to your MAGIX
Online Album.
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Hint: This function requires an Internet connection. To gain access, make sure
you have your log in information (email address and password) ready.
Web import: You can open MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10's integrated
browser (view page 55) here. It offers you the possibility to collect media from
the Internet to use in the current project.
Downloads: Use this button to access the media files that you downloaded
with Catooh (view page 219).
Integrated browser
The integrated browser offers many useful functions that help you collect
material for using in your project. All kinds of media can be collected – images,
videos, sound or simply text can be all integrated using the built-in browser
with great results.
Tip: You must have an Internet connection to use the full range of options
offered by the integrated browser.
Open browser
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The integrated browser opens in the Media Pool (view
"Media (view page 51)") via "MAGIX Media -> Web
import...".
Navigation in the browser
One page back: Switches to the previous page.
One page forward: Switches back to the page before the "One page
back" button was pressed.
Stop: Stops loading the selected page.
Reload: The current page will be reloaded.
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Home: Returns to the home page.
In the address header, next to the navigation buttons, you can simply enter an
Internet address like http://www.magix.com. Press the enter button and the
corresponding page will be loaded.
Loading Internet media
The buttons described here are used to collect and load media directly from
the Internet into the current film. The corresponding functions can be found in
the context menu of the browser.
Save selected text: The selected text will be saved. It can then be
edited using the Title editor.
Download selected images: The selected images will be saved to
your computer.
Start audio recording: A dialog for audio recording opens.
Hint: For recording from the Internet it is important that the sound card
is selected as the sound source.
Define the path for saving Internet media.
To define the path for saving Internet media, simply click on the folder symbol
and navigate to the desired folder. Confirm your selection with OK.
Accept media after download
This option makes sure that the downloaded media are loaded into the current
slideshow right away.
Deleting, copying and moving files
All files listed in the file list can be selected, deleted, or moved/shifted (by
holding down the mouse button and using drag & drop to move them) into
other folders just like in Windows® Explorer. This way all objects that come into
question for a movie can be compiled into a separate folder beforehand.
The selection of these functions can be executed via the context menu which
can be opened by right clicking the entry.
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Media Pool 57
All functions of the context menu can also be accessed via the context
menu button.
Load pictures, texts and audio files
To preview, click on the corresponding file in the Media Pool. The bitmap/video
is played in the video monitor. If you want to use the bitmap file for your
slideshow, drag it to the Storyboard while holding down the mouse key or to a
target track in Timeline mode. You can also load with a simple double click.
Videos and graphics are always added to the end; titles and audio files are
placed at the position of the start marker.
If you would like to load several files, then hold down the "Ctrl" key while
clicking on the entries you would like to use.
If you would like to load a sequence of files, then hold down the "Shift" key,
click on the first entry, and then on the last. All entries in between are marked.
The files are moved automatically into the tracks that have been set up for
them: Videos and single frame pictures in track one, sound in the second
track, text objects (titles) in track three, additional sound files in track four.
If there are a lot of files, then those already selected are highlighted in the
Explorer to help you keep an overview.
Preview
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The preview function can be used for all files. If an audio or video file is
selected in the file list, the transport console switches to preview mode. The
transport functions of the transport console no longer apply to the objects in
the Arranger but rather to the file selected in the Media Pool. You will be able
to tell this by the flashing play button in the transport console. Use this button
to start the preview. Graphics and text objects are displayed immediately in the
video monitor.
Exchange object
Replaces the selected object with an object selected in the Media Pool.
Length adjustment moves the objects following it correspondingly.
If photo objects are removed/exchanged, then the display duration will remain.
Sound in picture support
Some digital cameras have an audio recording function and save a WAV file
with each photo. The PC identifies these cameras as separate drives. The
audio file is automatically included in the database overview when you import
the photo from the camera.
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Fades
This features all fades sorted into the various categories. One click on a
category displays all of the blends that are contained.
To load a fade, click it and drag it onto the object that should be faded into.
Alternatively, you may select the object that you would like to fade into and
double-click on Fade in the Media Pool.
Title
This displays the title settings and the title editor. These presets are sorted into
different categories and may be loaded by double-clicking or drag & drop. The
3D title templates are also located here.
The text featured by title objects may be changed directly in the program
monitor by double-clicking.
Effects
This provides access to the effects that are sorted into the various categories.
Read more about this in the chapter "Effects".
Templates
Most effects categories contain many useful templates that can be added
simply by double clicking them. A single click provides a preview.
Image optimization
Brightness & contrast
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Media Pool 59
Auto exposure: This button automatically optimizes the exposure, contrast,
and color with a few clicks. The other settings options in the dialog provide
more precise results.
Brightness/contrast: Use the sliders to increase or reduce the brightness and
the contrast of the picture.
Gamma: "Gamma" specifies the mean gray value provided by the various color
ranges. In the preset list, select various envelope curves to edit only the dark,
median, or brightest areas of the image.
The fader also sets the intensity of the brightening or darkening.
Color
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White balance
All light is not the same. Depending on whether it is sunlight or artificial light,
this will have an effect on color variation. The human brain is able to
compensate for this variation: A white sheet of paper will still look white under
candlelight, although it is in fact much more yellow than by daylight.
In order to imitate this filtering done by the brain, a camera must also analyze
and correct the light. White balance does the same thing to a picture that the
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brain does by setting the camera to the so-called "color temperature" of the
surroundings.
If you do not possess a camera which performs this function automatically, you
can apply the white balance function in MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10.
An incorrect white balance can lead to an unnatural blue or red hue.
Directions: To use the white balance, click on the button to the right of the
label "White balance" and then select a point which represents white or a
neutral gray to the "outside world". The color temperature is then corrected
automatically.
Tip: Cool color effects can be achieved by setting a different color as the white
benchmark. There is definitely room for experimentation!
Red-eye removal
This photo function removes unnatural red eye that results from using a flash.
Click on the eye symbol and then select the red pupils in the preview monitor
using the mouse.
Hint: For photo optimization, we recommend you use MAGIX Photo Manager.
The program is installed automatically and can be used for quick previewing
and easy management of pictures from your database. It has a tool for
correcting red eye and setting auto color and white balance to control
discoloration in pictures.
Saturation
You can increase or reduce the color portions of images with the “saturation”
fader. A newly developed algorithm is applied which makes color changes
related to other parameters (for example contrast settings) in order to achieve
the most natural coloration possible. With just a little bit of experimentation,
you can achieve astounding results – anything from turning summer snapshots
into autumnal scenes to funky pop art!
Color shade
Select a color for coloring the image from the color chart.
Red/Green/Blue
Using the "Red/Green/Blue" slider, you can change the color portion mix for
each color.
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Selective color correction (Deluxe version)
Secondary color correction allows individual colors in video and image objects
to be adjusted. Choose "Selected" or "Not selected" in order to edit the
desired ranges separately. The entire image may also be influenced ("Complete
image").
"Selected" corresponds with the mask created, and "Not selected" involves the
rest of the picture. Here's how to create a mask:
Activate "Add".
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Place the mouse over the preview monitor. The mouse pointer turns into a
pipette tool.
Click with the pipette tool on the color that you would like to assign to the
mask. Unwanted colors can be removed from the selection again by selecting
"Remove" and clicking the corresponding color.
MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10 displays the mask in black and white
stripes to highlight the current selection.
Adjust the color using the color selection slider until it is satisfactory.
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Sharpness
The fader allows you to regulate the level of image sharpness or apply a soft
filter.
"Fine adjustment" allows you to set how sharp surfaces or edges should
appear. This enables you to effectively reduce image distortions (noise).
Distortion
A large palette of effects for transforming your image material is available.
Artistic filter
Erosion: The image is broken-up by means of small rectangles and resembles
a "patchwork".
Dilate: This works like erosion, but uses light surfaces instead of dark ones to
form the rectangle.
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Media Pool 63
Emboss creates a relief of the image edges, in which case strong contrast
differences are interpreted as edges.
Substitution: Using the rainbow scale red, green, and blue components are
exchanged. Quickly create surreal landscapes or a green face!
Shift: The color values are inverted increasingly. Blue colors turn red, and
green appears purple.
Quantize: Depending on the setting, colors are either rounded up or down so
that the overall number of colors is reduced. This creates interesting grids and
patterns.
Color fill: Using this slider, color in the video with red, green, and blue colors
(the basic TV colors).
Contour: The image is reduced to its contours in two sizes (3 x 3 or 5 x 5). It is
possible to select either vertical or horizontal contours.
Distortion
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Motion: Moving parts of the image are enhanced and warped.
Echo: The moving images create an optical "echo"; previous images stand still
and gradually turn paler until they completely disappear.
Whirlpool: The image is twisted into an "S" shape.
Fisheye: The perspective is distorted as if the image were viewed through a
fisheye lens.
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Mosaic: The video is depicted as a mosaic.
Lens: The image is dynamically distorted at the edges.
Sand: The image is depicted in a granulated manner.
Kaleidoscope: The left upper corner is mirrored horizontally and vertically.
Mirror horizontal/vertical center: The object is mirrored vertically or
horizontally – it appears on its side or upside down.
Speed
The playing speed can be adjusted with the slider control. The range between
0 and 1 plays the video slowly; values above 1 accelerate playback. If the
playing speed is increased, the object length in the arranger is automatically
shortened.
Frame rate: Here you can set the video's frame rate directly. Changing it
directly effects the speed factor, while moving the knob conversely results in
changing video frame rate.
Reverse: This button reverses the playback direction (with the same tempo).
Note: Since the soundtrack of a movie cannot be played backwards, you have
to first separate the movie object from its soundtrack. The speed effects
cannot be animated!
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Media Pool 65
View & animation
Size & Position
Values in: Set whether the values are applied in percent or pixels.
Position
Left: Enter the start position from the left image border.
Top: Enter the start position from the top image border.
Center: Based on the current image size, the image starting points (left and
top) will be positioned so that they are centered.
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Note: Negative values can, of course, also be entered. The image borders will
then be outside of the visible area.
Size
Width: Enter the width of the image.
Height: Enter the height of the image here.
Maximize: The image will be maximized according to the movie's resolution.
Set original size: The image will be scaled to its original size.
Retain proportions: This option makes sure that the image will not be
stretched or distorted. The proportions of width to height will remain the same.
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Section
Clips can be used to:
display just one section of the photo.
to move the clip through the picture with the help of a movement effect – the
result is a type of camera movement. Read more about this in the chapter
"Movement".
In the program monitor, you can set a picture section to serve as the basis for
the movement effect. Press the left mouse button and drag out the section you
want to use.
This menu lets you select the format for
the section.
The format of the original picture is used as the default.
Fullscreen: If this check box is selected, the opened section will be zoomed to
fullscreen. If this option is switched off, it won't be possible to add movement
to the section.
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Camera/zoom
With this effect, you can move a previously selected frame inside the image,
creating an impression of camera movement or zoom.
Movement in direction
Determine the direction in which the selected section or image
will move in the process during the time selected under "time
period". In addition to horizontal and vertical movements,
diagonal movements are also possible.
Fullscreen: If this check box is active, the opened section will zoom to
fullscreen. If this option is switched off, it won't be possible to add movement
to the section.
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Preview: Displays a preview of the section at the playback marker location.
Direction & time
Zoom out: The selected picture section is displayed and then zoomed
out to show the entire picture according to the value set in "Time". If
no section is selected beforehand, a central section of 50% of the
picture will be used.
Zoom in: The entire picture is displayed and then zoomed in to show
only a smaller picture section according to the value set in "Time". If
no section is selected beforehand, a central section of 50% of the
picture will be used.
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Direction & time
The option selected here sets the position where the keyframes of each
movement effect are set by default. You determine the positions where a
movements begins and ends.
Note: Automatically placed keyframes may be edited retroactively, and the
option will then be set to "User defined". Read the section "Change the
keyframes of an effect after the fact" in the chapter "Animate objects".
Reset: This option applies a static zoom to show the selected section
of the picture only.
The size and the position of the image can be roughly entered in the program
monitor by simply moving the image into it and dragging on the handles. The
frame of the video monitor with handles can also be moved with the keyboard.
Keyboard shortcuts for moving the edges of the frame that are visible in the
video monitor:
Nudge the screen 1 pixel: Arrow keys
Nudge the screen 5 percent: Shift + arrow keys
For animated movement effects, it often makes sense to zoom out of the video
monitor and use the resulting workspace to, for example, let a minimized
image or text object move through the picture.
Keyboard shortcuts for the preview picture:
Thumbnail zoom in/out: Ctrl + mouse wheel
Move thumbnail: Ctrl + left mouse button + drag
See the "Animation from outside of the image" section for more detail.
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Mirror & Rotate
This button resets all of the current settings.
Note: If you animated the object using keyframes, resetting will affect the entire
animation. Individual keyframes can be deleted during animation.
Rotate
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Rotates the image on the horizontal axis.
Rotates the image on the vertical axis.
Rotates the image around its center point.
Straighten horizon
The image can be rotated around the axis via the slider. The image is
automatically zoomed to avoid black edges.
Show guidelines: Activating this check box displays a grid in the program
monitor for orientation during horizontal straightening.
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Mirror
Mirrors the image on the vertical axis.
Mirrors the image on the horizontal axis.
Rotates the image 90° clockwise.
Rotates the image 90° counterclockwise.
Angle & shape
This makes real 3D positioning of images possible, letting you distort the image
in space and move it. Here you can enter the individual corner points
numerically or move them in the program monitor using the mouse.
This button resets all settings.
Stereo3D in the Media Pool
You will find the 3D functionality here.
Note: Please also read the corresponding chapter "Stereo 3D" (view page
106).
Design
decoration
Under "Decoration" you will find tons of choices for pepping up your movie.
You will find various categories of decorative objects which serve to orient you
during selection.
All you need to do is click the corresponding element and you can start
playback by pressing the space bar.
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Media Pool 71
Filmstrips: With the start and end markers in the filmstrip you can specify at
which point you wish the decoration to appear and when it should finish.
Size/Position: Here you can open an editor to set the size and position of the
decoration.
Double arrows: A category usually contains more elements than can be seen
at first. Use the double arrows to switch to the previous and next pages of
each category.
Magnetic objects
Decorative elements in the Media Pool ("Design -> Decorations") can easily be
linked to videos.
First, select the decorative element, position it exactly, and then set the
desired size.
Next, define the size of the element and click "Follow
object".
Then sketch a frame over the moving image section,
e.g. over the head of a person.
Upright-format effects
Here you can select individual effects that are especially made for vertically
formatted photos.
Hint: This option does not appear for photos in horizontal format.
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Background
MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10 provides diverse backgrounds that can be
used in many different ways. Simply drag & drop the desired background at
the position you want.
Intros/Outros:
These are beginning and end scenes for films with various themes.
Picture-in-picture collages
These work similarly to normal picture-in-picture effects, but more objects are
used. Depending on the collage, arrange the selected objects one after the
other and drag the collage onto the first object.
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Animate objects
Different kinds of animations are provided in the Media Pool. In the "Effects"
tab, "Video effects" and "Movement effects" provide you with the effects that
can animated using keyframes.
The following objects can be animated:
Image objects (still images)
Title objects
MAGIX 3D Maker objects (3D texts)
Video objects
Preparing animations
First, select the object in the arranger to animate.
In the Media Pool, open the "Effects" tab, and then click on the effect you
would like to animate. Most of the effects listed here can be animated, with
the exception of the "Speed" effect.
If necessary, set up the effect however you would like it for the start of the
animation.
A timeline is located at the bottom of the Media Pool where keyframes can be
set, selected, moved, and deleted.
There are two lines in the timeline to help
you orientate yourself while you
retroactively edit movement. These lines
will help you recognize the start or end of
the transition.
Note: The figure corresponds to the display in "Timeline" mode.
Set keyframes
Click the timeline to set the playback marker at the locations where a keyframe
should be added.
Note: You can also use the timeline in the arranger for exact positioning.
The button places keyframes for all parameters required in the animation.
Additional keyframes can be added simply by placing the playback marker at
the next keyframe location and changing the effect accordingly.
The positioned keyframes can also be retroactively moved via drag & drop.
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Media Pool 73
Copy keyframes
Select the keyframes to be copied by clicking them and then press the
"Copy" button.
Next, set the playback marker at the location for insertion and the press
the "Insert" button.
Display keyframes of individual parameters
Multiple keyframes are added simultaneously to effects if they include multiple
parameters.
Click the small arrow beside the name of the animated
effect to display all of its parameters.
Now all keyframes of the effects parameter can be
individually moved, deleted, activated, and deactivated.
Note: Only those parameters are listed which are used for the animation. As
soon as another parameter is required for editing the effect, it becomes visible
to you here.
Retroactively editing an effect's keyframes
Previously set keyframes can be retroactively moved and their values can
edited.
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Keyframes can be moved via drag & drop. Simply click on the keyframe to be
moved and drag it to the desired position.
To change an effects setting for an already positioned keyframe, click the
keyframe and adjust the effect in the Media Pool.
Soft movement
Normally, a hard, unnatural pan is the result of set keyframes.
This option makes sure that the progression of these movements is
executed more softly and more naturally.
It lets you activate the entire parameter group as well as individual parameter
curves.
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Delete keyframe
Select the keyframe to be deleted by clicking it.
This button removes the selected keyframe.
Record
Audio recording
Songs, noises, or instruments can be easily recorded in MAGIX PhotoStory on
CD & DVD 10 using the recording function. In Storyboard mode the wave file is
visible directly below the photo box.
For the recording to be correct it is necessary to connect and calibrate (view
page 77) the corresponding sound sources correctly.
Recording dialog
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Record 75
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Add sound to entire slideshow: Use this option to begin playback of your
slideshow from the start marker while recording in order to be able to
comment on each photo one after the other. The recording is cut
simultaneously after every photo. This way you can move your photos after
recording; the corresponding comment is moved automatically.
Add sound to selected photo: Use this option to play the selected photo and
add text to it directly. If your audio recording lasts longer than the duration set
for the photo, then the length of time for each photo is automatically extended.
Audio driver: Selects the sound card for the recording.
Save audio file as/ Save file in the following folder: Here you can select the
title of the audio file you wish to record. You can also select the folder where
you wish to store the file.
Recording quality: Sets the sound quality of the recording. In the preset menu
you can choose between medium wave radio ("AM tuner"), UKW ("FM Radio"),
DAT (Digital Audio Tape) and CD quality.
Volume control: Using the peakmeter, you can monitor the level of the
incoming signal. Please read more on this in the chapter "Adjusting levels"
(view page 77)
Recording: This button starts the actual recording.
Stop: Click this button to stop recordingHint: To remove noise that developed
while recording, you should try out the effects in the Audio Cleaning (view page
91) dialog.
Advanced audio recording settings
Driver info
Shows the name of the chosen recording device.
General options
"Mono" can be activated for recording in mono. This reduces the required
memory space in half. This is useful for spoken commentary as the
microphone only communicates a mono signal.
"Real-time sample rate adjustment" automatically matches the sample rate
of a new file to be recorded with the sample rate of the selected slideshow (set
in the video recording).
Automatic damping of volume levels on other tracks ("Ducking"): If you
slideshow already has a well-modulated soundtrack, and you would like to
76 Record
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add some spoken comments or other sound material, activate "Automatic
damping of volume level on other tracks" in the record dialog. This
automatically lowers the volume of audio objects in the arranger during the
recording session. This is achieved using an automatically configured volume
curve: Before and after the recording other tracks will be faded in or out,
resulting in a homogeneous total volume level. (Lowering of volume level
during spoken comments is also called "Ducking".)
Track damping options
Intensity of damping: Here you can determine by how many dB (Decibels) the
volume should be lowered. A signaled lowered by about 6 dB will be perceived
by the human ear to be about half as loud.
Tip: Depending on the kind of music or original sound, different settings should
be given a try. If the music is already soft, lowering by 6 dB will probably be
enough; a hectic original audio track or loud rock music damping should be
stronger.
Cross fade duration [sec]: Here you can enter, in seconds, how quickly the
signal should be lowered or raised before and after the recording.
Hint: Volume damping can be edited later on in the track. You can read more
about this topic in Volume curves.
Connecting the source for recording
First of all, the source of the audio material must be connected to the sound
card input. Again, there are several possibilities which primarily depend on the
type of equipment you have.
If you are recording from a microphone, then please connect the microphone
to the microphone jack on your sound card (usually red).
If you want to record material from a stereo system, then you can use the
line-out or AUX out jacks on the back of your amplifier or tape deck. This
involves connecting them to the sound card input (usually red).
If your amplifier has no separate output (other than for the speakers), then you
can use the connection intended for headphones for your recordings. In most
cases, you will need a cable with two mini-stereo jacks. This type of
connection has the advantage of being able to set the headphone input signal
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level with a separate volume. As headphone connections generally are not the
best, it is advised that you use the line outputs if possible.
When recording cassettes from a tape deck, you can connect the tape deck's
line out directly to the sound card input.
When recording from vinyl records, you should not connect the record player's
output directly with the sound card because the phono signal needs to be
pre-amplified. A more suitable method would be to use the headphone
connection or an external pre-amp.
Adjusting the Signal Level
Adjusting the signal level to the sound card is also recommended to get the
best sound quality during digital recording.
Once a recording source is connected to the sound card, the "Record" button
opens the recording dialog and starts the recording source.
You can now adjust the recording level with the help of the LED display in the
recording dialog. For this, you must first check off "Show Levels".
If the adjustment is set too high, distortion occurs and the incoming signal
must be reduced. If you have connected the source through either an amplifier
or tape deck output to the sound card, you can only reduce the signal level in
your sound card’s software mixer interface. You can access the mixer directly
from within the recording dialog via the “Recording Level” button.
If you reduce input sensitivity by using the input fader, the resolution at which
the analog signal is digitized is also reduced. Try to set these automatic
controllers to the loudest sound level possible.
The maximum setting for an optimal level is the loudest part of the material.
The loudest part should be adjusted to be the maximum. The actual recording
begins when you press the "Record" button. At the end of the the recording
you will be asked if you want to use the recording. Upon confirmation, the
newly-recorded material will be placed at the next free position of the start
maker in the arrangement.
78 Record
Individual Frame Capture
Use individual frame capture to record snapshots straight from the connected
video source. A DirectShow compatible video recording/TV card or a
corresponding USB device (for example, webcam) is required.
Use the time control to automate snapshot recordings. This can be used in the
following areas:
For creating photo stories from videos
Animations (stop-motion animation)
Video monitoring
Fast motion recordings
All pictures taken are added to the open slideshow.
Video source: The video card for captures can be set up here.
Save individual frame as: Here you can enter the title of the snapshot you wish
to take. These will be saved with this name and an incremented number. You
can also select the folder where the photos are to be saved.
Resolution: Here you can set the resolution of the recording. The resolution is
based on the resolutions that the camera supports. You can adjust the picture
quality using the fader. The higher the quality, the larger the file size of the
individual recordings. "Reset" reverts the picture quality to its previous setting.
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Advanced...: Opens the advanced settings dialog of the video driver (view
page 79).
Camera noise during recording: You can check the acoustics by setting up a
click sound for each snapshot.
Recording: Pressing the red record button takes the picture (or starts the
recording procedure for time-delayed capture).
Time control
Photo duration in frames: Specifies how long the photo should be displayed in
the slideshow.
Interval: When activated, a series of pictures are taken. Snapshots are taken
automatically at the selected interval and then saved with an incremented
number. If, for example, you set it up to take photos every two seconds and
each of these photos is to be 5 frames in length in the slideshow, the result will
be a 10-times accelerated fast motion recording.
Advanced configurations in the video capturing dialog
Here you can adjust certain settings for the video recording driver.
These dialog boxes, so-called “property sheets,” come with the video card
drivers. These driver-specific performance properties may deviate depending
on the cards. We also have a very limited influence on the behavior of these
drivers. If you encounter any difficulties, please contact the video card
manufacturer for the latest driver updates.
Input: Sets the crossbar of the video card.
The crossbar determines which video and audio input signal will be recorded.
The crossbars are connected in series to the video recording chip itself. In the
output field, the video output (for the crossbars) is the input for the recording
chip (video or audio decoder-in) of the video card. In the “Input” field, select
the signal source that will be used by the video card to capture for this input.
Many video cards have separate crossbars for audio and video. If you have a
problem, try out the different configurations until the right sound matches the
right image.
Composite-in = the normal video input (typically a cinch jack)
S-video = S-video input (mini-din jack)
SVHS-in = SVHS input (special cable)
Tuner-in = TV signal of the integrated tuner
80 Transitions (fades)
Imagesetting
Video decoder: If the picture only appears in black & white or it flickers, the
video standard may be set incorrectly. In mainland Europe, PAL_B is used.
VideoProcAmp: Fine-adjustment of colors, brightness, contrast etc. We
recommend against changing any of the manufacturer’s settings.
Format: Please do not change anything here. The capturing format is set in the
"Recording quality" option in the video recording dialog.
Station selection
This option is only available if a TV tuner is integrated into your video card.
Transitions (fades)
If you drag photos into the Arranger they are usually in sequence in
Timeline/Storyboard mode. This is called a "hard" transition.
Transitions (fades) are a very important style tool for bringing the slideshow to
life. With MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10 there are many and diverse ways
of fading between a slideshow and photos.
For the duration of a transition two scenes my be shown at once and mixed
together in different ways. These are called "Transitions" or "Fades". You will
find a multitude of different variations in the transitions folder in the Media Pool.
Advanced settings
There are special settings dialogs for all transitions of the first part of the menu
and for the transitions in the sub-menus "3D morph" and "3D tile". These are
opened with the "Settings..." button. Here you can make further adjustments
depending on the type of transition. The dialogs are self-explanatory, the best
way of getting to know them is by trial and error.
Transitions in Storyboard Mode
You can open the transitions menu by simply clicking on the
transition symbol between two individual photos.
Here's where you'll find all of the transitions that MAGIX PhotoStory on CD &
DVD 10 has to offer. Simply select a transition.
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Transitions (fades) 81
You can also choose the length of the transition. "Apply to all" applies the
setting to your entire slideshow. Additionally, you can set random presets for
each transition ("Random Transitions") or apply the selected preset to all.
Simple crossfade in Timeline Mode
A simple transition can be created in the
Arranger of the Timeline mode by dragging one
object over another. A crossfade is
automatically created.
Using this basic transition the brightness of both images will be added
together, and then one will be faded in as the other is faded out
simultaneously. The duration of the crossfade is displayed in the Arranger by
white crossing lines. You can adjust the length of the crossfade by dragging
the upper object handle of the second object to the left or to the right.
To select a transition type click on the transition symbol displayed on
each selected object, and then choose your favorite from the menu.
The transition icon will change depending on your selection.
Drag & drop onto a "hard" transition
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Click on the "Fades" button in the Media Pool. The transitions folder will now
appear in the file list. Like always, clicking on a transition once will bring up a
preview.
Now just drag the desired transition and drop it onto the second of two photos
you want to crossfade. Only when the mouse pointer with the transition preset
is placed over a scene change will it turn into an object symbol. The object at
the back will be shifted to the front to accommodate the transition.
The length of a transition is decided by you. If a transition is shortened, it
means that the resulting effect is speeded up. There are two types of
transitions: vfx transitions and alpha transitions. They can be found in the
Media Pool and are displayed as blue/yellow icons with the letters A/B on
them.
82 Transitions (fades)
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If you have selected this type of fade, then you can access it again by clicking
on the fades button in the menu and then selecting "Settings..." at the very
bottom, which, in turn, opens a dialog for fade effect settings. Thus, an
object's fade symbol in the Media Pool can represent an entire group of
different effects.
The alpha fades (iris, objects, random, etc.) are actually pre-produced black
and white videos combined with the alpha keying effect.
3D transitions
General options
3D effects offer exciting and varied opportunities to create transitions between
two videos. 3D effects may be accessed via "Fades" in the Media Pool.
To achieve the most fluid display of 3D fades, the graphics card's acceleration
function is used. 3D functions on graphics cards may be used via either of the
software standards "Direct3D" or "OpenGL". These standards are variably
supported by the respective graphics card drivers. For this reason you can
switch between different fade settings for each standard.
Settings
The fade settings enable the behavior and appearance of the 3D fades to be
influenced. Click the corresponding fade symbol for the object and choose
"Settings" to do this.
The following options are available:
Anti-aliasing: The edges of three-dimensional objects often produce
unpleasant step effects. Anti-aliasing (edge smoothing) reduces this effect,
however this requires increased computing performance. The setting applies
globally to all 3D fades, and switching on anti-aliasing during 3D fades has the
effect that all other 3D fades are also affected by this setting.
Mirror X/Y: These options enable the movement track of 3D objects to be
influenced within the fades. The option "X-axis mirror" mirrors the movement of
the object horizontally (along the X-axis). The option "Y-axis mirror" mirrors the
movement of the object vertically (along the Y-axis).
Troubleshooting
Problem: The 3D transition display in the video monitor is sluggish and
jittering.
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Solution: The performance of 3D effects depends on the computing
performance of your graphics card. To achieve more fluid display, set
anti-aliasing in the settings dialog for the 3D fades or select a reduced
resolution for the program monitor. You should also ensure that the most
current drivers are installed for your graphics card. When exporting or burning
to disc, fades will always be displayed fluidly.
Problem: The 3D transitions remain black or displays errors during
Solution: The 3D fades use hardware-accelerated rendering via the graphics
card to calculate the image. This may lead to certain incompatibilities on some
systems. Ensure that the most current devices are installed for your graphics
card. In some circumstances, switching between rendering modes (via the
fades setting dialog) or deactivation of anti-aliasing may correct the problem.
If there should still be problems, however, you can deactivate the hardware
acceleration. Refer to “Deactivating hardware acceleration”
Problem: A warning is displayed that there is insufficient graphics card
memory available for rendering the transition when exporting 3D transitions.
Solution: The video memory on your graphics card is insufficient for calculating
the 3D effect at the desired resolution. Select a lower resolution as required (e.
g. 720 x 576) in the export dialog's settings. In case the problem continues to
occur, deactivate the hardware acceleration (see above).
Problem: Only a crossfade is displayed when previewing a 3D transition. A
warning message is displayed that insufficient graphics card memory is
available for the selected resolution.
Solution: The video memory featured by your graphics card is insufficient for
calculating the 3D effect at the desired resolution. Right click on the program
monitor and then select a reduced resolution under "Resolution presets". If the
problem continues to occur, try deactivating the hardware acceleration (see
above).
Problem: When viewing 3D fades, only a crossfade is displayed, and the
warning message: "An error occurred during calculation of the 3D fade. A
warning is displayed that the 3D transition may not be displayed correctly.
Solution: Deactivate the hardware acceleration. Hardware-accelerated
rendering via the graphics card increases performance exponentially, however
in some circumstances it may lead to problems on some systems. In case
image errors occur in the context of 3D fades, the hardware acceleration may
be deactivated for 3D fades. In "File -> Settings -> "Program settings ->
84 Transitions (fades)
Video/audio", deactivate the option "Hardware acceleration for 3D effects". To
make this change applicable, the program must be restarted.
3D series
The 3D series are an advanced development of the already known 3D fades
(view page 82) and open up new thematic possibilities. The 3D effect and a
practical sequence of transitions are put to the fore here. For instance, you can
let photos pop up and disappear on a notice board or make it look as if the
photos were hung on the walls of a gallery. The series stretch out over several
photos or even entire slideshows.
In MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10 there are several options to call up 3D
series for photos:
1. In the Media Pool, click on Fade and open the 3D series.
Select the desired 3D series and drag it onto the photo
from which the series should start.
2. In the Fades menu the various 3D series between two
photos are listed under the menu point "3D Series". Click
on the desired 3D series to select it.
A dialog opens in which you can select how many of the subsequent fades
should be replaced by the 3D series.
Stereo3D transitions (Deluxe version only)
The transitions in the Media Pool feature the category "Stereo3D". This
includes transitions that create "real" 3D effects using normal 2D photos.
These transitions feature a selection of familiar transitions from MAGIX
PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10 that have been prepared especially for real 3D.
These are displayed stereoscopically in the respective 3D playback modes
(view page 110).
Note! These transitions may not be applied to 3D photos, since this makes
them very unpleasant to look at and can cause serious headaches!
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Effects 85
Effects
Effects in menus
You can access the effects menu for fine tuning via the Effects (view
page 170) menu (in Storyboard (view page 44) mode) or via the
context menu.
The entries for "Image optimization", "Transform", "View & animation", and
"Design" access the corresponding Effects in the Media Pool (view page 58).
"Image optimization" provides additional entries for "TV image (view page
171)". The other effects are mentioned in the Effects (view page 170) menu.
Effects from the Media Pool
The effect files in the Media Pool "Effects" settings (view page 58) can be
applied by clicking them or via drag & drop.
Simply click on one of the effects to view a short preview on the video monitor
to see what an effect can do. If you want to use the effect, simply drag & drop
it onto a photo or video.
To deactivate all effects of a photo, select "No effect" (you can also deactivate
the effects via "Turn of effects" from the "Effects" menu).
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Other effects can be set directly in the Media Pool; they have a direct effect on
the selection.
Optimize picture
For more exact settings, there are multiple effects in the Media Pool for "Image
optimization (view page 85, view page 58)".
Video Stabilization
The video stabilizer reduces unsteady camera motion and helps to smooth
recordings. This option can be accessed from the context menu of a video
object or via the "Effects" menu.
86 Effects
Functionality
Video stabilization balances undesired picture movement. The motion stabilizer
equalizes inadvertent movements in the image by moving the image in the
opposite direction in accordance with the wrong movements. This produces
unusable edges in the footage that are cut off automatically, and black strips
replace the edge of the shifted picture, which are then removed using a zoom
shot. The result: A clearly more stable, almost imperceptibly larger picture.
Application
Activate the motion stabilizer in the video object FX or context menus. You will
see the current video object in the preview monitor.
First you have to check the movie material for shaky scenes. To do this click
on the "Stabilize" button. Based on the preset parameters, a relative shift
between the pictures is calculated. After concluding the analysis, take a look at
the suggested correction, then use the slider for further adjustments. Use the
fader to do this. Once you are happy with the final correction click OK. If the
first scan did not provide a satisfactory result, try changing the parameters
below and repeat the process.
Image stabilization dialog
Stabilizing radius: To prevent the image stabilizer from recognizing every
camera movement as unwanted shakiness, you can determine the radius
within which movement is accepted; the larger the stabilization radius, the
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more shakiness is corrected. Changing this parameter will require re-analysis
of the source footage.
Analysis area: This area determines the area of the footage that should be
analyzed. The center of the image is preset. If shaking occurs in one area more
than in another, then you can move the analysis area (e.g. a foreground
element at the edge is especially shaky). To do this, use the mouse to
“capture” the shaky area. The smaller the area, the quicker the analysis will be
calculated. Generally, changing this parameter will require re-analysis of the
source footage.
Maximum movement: Correction moves the image accordingly to the shaking
movements. This means that the edge of the image will be removed. This value
determines how large the edge area is which may be cut away by the
stabilization feature; the smaller the value, the less movement correction.
Changes to this value are immediately applied.
Temporal smoothing: This value determines the speed of the movements
considered shaky. This allows you to differentiate between a panning shot and
a nervous hand-held shot. Changes to this value are immediately applied.
Cancel: Exits the dialog without accepting changes to settings.
Reset: Resets the current settings.
88 Effects
Slideshow Maker
Slideshow Maker is ideal for converting still images into moving pictures,
adding background music, and effects.
Open Slideshow Maker via "File -> Wizards" of the button in the
toolbar.
Style templates
Select a template that best matches your needs.
The Deluxe version also includes presets that use Stereo3D transitions (view
page 84).
Save/delete style template
Homemade style templates appear in the
list of included style templates.
If you like, these can be deleted again.
Intensity
Controls the portion of video and image objects that feature effects.
Transitions
The different sliders are used to set the portion of individual fade types.
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3D / Other:
Fade duration: Set the length of the fades in seconds.
Random fades: The fades are set to random values.
Effects
The faders enable the respective effects types to be specified.
Random effects: The faders that control the amount of effects are set
randomly.
Treat special image formats intelligently: Panoramas and portrait photos can
be treated "intelligently". If this option is activated, then panoramas and
portraits will be treated with special effects adjusted to the format. These
effects can also be selected in the detail view.
If this option is selected, then these images will use the same effects as all
other images.
Details activates effects or fades in the corresponding category. The arrow
below the preview monitor plays a preview.
Properties & title
Film length
Resulting film length: This is an estimation of how long the film will be after
applying Slideshow Maker.
Available music: This is the complete length of the music that is currently
selected. Background music (view page 90) enables detailed settings for the
pieces of music to be used.
Adjust film length to the music: An attempt is made to adjust the length of
photo objects to the background music. If the film is too short the music will be
cut off. If the film is too long, the music will repeat.
Adjust music length to the film: Photo objects have a set length, and the
resulting film is filled with music. The music at the end of the movie is simply
faded out.
Including video objects
Process videos: If this option is set, then videos will be automatically
processed with effects and transitions.
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Length: Settings may be made here about whether the original length of the
video should be maintained or if it should be shortened.
Opening and closing credits
Set the text for opening and closing credits here.
Text: Enter the corresponding text for opening and closing credits that should
be added by Slideshow Maker.
File: A title template, a video, or an image file may also be used.
Note: Titles created using Slideshow Maker may also be edited at any time.
Group associated images together
If this option is active, an attempt is made to detect associated events via their
date information and to separate them from each other optically. Detection of
individual events is based on the time span of these events to achieve a
sensible separation.
Begin group with black fade:A black fade is added between the different
events.
Begin group with title and black fade:A black fade is added between the
different events.A title is also faded in with a suitable duration, e.g. 1st/2nd/3rd
day, provided the events take place over multiple days.
Begin group with title and picture:A black fade is added between the different
events.A title is also faded in with a suitable duration after the black fade, e.g.
1st/2nd/3rd day, provided the events take place over multiple days.
Background music
Specify if and which music should be used for the background here.
Use background music: Adds background music.
Load file(s): A file selection dialog will open to choose a folder featuring music;
select one or multiple files.
Remove: The selected pieces of music are removed from the list and will not
be used.
Effects 91
Insert random: MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10 selects random pieces of
music from the folder "Import -> My Media -> Slideshow music" in the Media
Pool.
Preview: This button previews the selected piece of music.
Volume ratio: This slider controls the volume ratio between the original sound
and the background music.
Tip: Songs in the fourth track are listed and used for the background music,
provided they are not removed.
Create slideshow
After all of the important settings have
been made, click this button to
produce the slideshow.
If the results do not match what you imagined, then click "Cancel" to discard
the changes. Otherwise, you can change the settings again or select another
style template and click "Create slideshow".
Sound optimization
This option opens an editor for correcting audio material discrepancies.
Select the cleaning function you desire from the upper part of the dialog:
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The equalizer (on page 94) allows you to manipulate the frequency spectrum –
perfect for cleaning up muffled dialog.
The compressor is a dynamic volume control that lends the overall sound a
deeper, richer quality.
The stereo FX processor justifies the position of the sound in the stereo
panorama.
DeNoiser, DeClipper, and DeHisser are professional noise reduction tools that
do exactly what their titles say they do.
Presets: You can try out the suitability of a number of presets in the preset
menu.
Temporarily deactivate all effects: Switches all the effects off.
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Apply to all: Applies the current settings of all effects to every photo in the
selected slideshow.
Declipper
Should the input level of an audio recording be too high, overmodulation may
result at the louder parts (the signal peaks). This digital distortion is also called
"clipping": At the overmodulated area, the values that are too high are simply
cut off, and typical, quite unpleasant-sounding crackling and distortion appear.
MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10 contains a special function for dealing
with digital clipping and analog distortions. Of course, this only works to a
certain degree.
Using the fader you can set at what level the Declipper should register a signal
as being overmodulated and, if required, correct it (Clip level). This is
important, as different sound cards show different clipping methods. The more
the fader is turned up, the lower the level recognized by the program as
overmodulated. If the clip level is set too high, unwanted sound modification
may occur.
Get clip level: The clip level is gaged automatically.
Noise Reduction: Denoiser and Dehisser
DeNoiser
The DeNoiser is especially useful for clearing long-lasting disruptive noise like
mains humming, hissing, noises from sound charts, disturbance noise from
ground circuits, interference from audio-equipment with high mic outputs
(record players), impact noise, or the rumbling of records.
The DeNoiser requires a noise sample. Some typical sounds are at your
disposal.
Set the degree to which the noise should be reduced with the fader. It is often
better to reduce interference signals by 3-6 dB rather than as much as is
possible so as to keep the sound "natural".
Another possibility is to create a noise sample yourself. You need a short
sample from the sound track in which only the background noise can be
heard. Then switch to the DeNoiser dialog with the "Advanced" button.
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Step 1: Select noise sample
First you have to select a noise sample of the noise you want to remove.
You have two options:
Pick out typical background noise: You can select and use a number of
typical background noises from the flip menu. Select one and listen to it via the
"Play" button. If it is similar to the background noise in your sound track, go
ahead and use it (see "Step 2: Removing background noise").
Extracting a new noise sample from a sound track: You can also pick out a
short passage (from the existing sound track) in which you can hear the
background noise.
Automatic search: Searches especially quiet passages in which background
noise most probably resides.
Previous/play/next: These buttons allow you to play all of the passages found
for easy comparison.
Save as: Once found, you can save noise samples on the hard drive which
then appear as an entry in the "Typical background noises" drop-down menu
to be used in other projects. There's no need to save it if you only want to use
it once, and in this case switch to "Remove background noise".
If you only want to use the noise sample in the current project, then you don't
have to save it. You can immediately switch to the "Remove category".
Step 2: Remove background noise
Noise level: The level of the noise reduction function should be set as precisely
as possible. Low settings result in incomplete deletion of the hissing. An
incomplete deletion of the hissing produces artifacts and should be avoided.
High settings produce dull results and useful signals which are similar to
hissing (woodwinds, for example) are also filtered away. It's worth your time to
find the best setting.
Reducer: Here you can set the balance between the original signal and the
signal with depressed interference. It is often better to reduce interference
signals by 3-6 dB rather than as much as is possible so as to keep the sound
natural. For buzzing it's best to apply complete removal.
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Dehisser
The Dehisser eliminates regular "white" noise typically produced by analog
tape recordings, microphone pre-amplifiers, A/D converters, or transformers.
Noise reduction can be regulated in decibels with the fader. It is often better to
reduce interference signals by 3-6 dB rather than as much as possible in order
to keep the sound "natural".
Noise level: You can choose between different noise levels. The level of the
noise reduction function should be set as precisely as possible. Low settings
result in incomplete deletion of the hissing. Incomplete deleting of hissing
produces artifacts and should be avoided, since high settings will produce dull
results and some useful signals (i.e. woodwinds) which are similar to hissing
are also filtered away.
Equalizer
The 10-track equalizer divides the frequency spectrum into 10 areas (tracks)
and supplies them with separate volume controls to allow you to achieve many
impressive effects, from the simple rising of the bass to total sound
transformation. If you raise the low frequencies too much throughout the whole
level, it might cause distortions.
Fader: The volume of each of the 10 frequency bands can be set separately
with the 10 volume controls.
Link frequency bands: The frequency fields can be bundled together flexibly in
order to avoid artificial-sounding exaggeration in individual frequency fields.
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Compressor
The compressor is an automated, dynamic volume controller. Loud passages
become quieter and the total value is raised. This makes the volume more
consistent and speech easier to understand. A compressor is mainly useful in
case background noise or music interferes with speech and simply increasing
the volume of the individual objects or tracks does not result in any significant
improvement.
Level: Regulates the level of compression applied (the "ratio").
Function: Defines the compressor depending upon the sound material.
Stereo FX
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The stereo FX processor provides adjustment of the alignment of the audio
material in the stereo balance. If the stereo recordings sound weak and
undifferentiated, an extension of the stereo base width can often provide better
transparency.
Bandwidth control: Adjust the bandwidth between mono (on the extreme left),
unchanged base width (center) and maximum bandwidth ("wide" on the
extreme right).
Reducing the bandwidth can raise the overall level. In extreme cases, when the
left and the right channels include identical material and the bandwidth control
is pushed to the extreme left on "mono", the result can be a level increase of 3
decibels.
Raising the bandwidth (values of 100) diminishes the mono compatibility.
96 Effects
Title editor
Titles can be used for many applications: as a running text (ticker), subtitles,
speech and thought bubbles, to display date and time, and much more.
Pressing the text button opens the Title Editor.
Enter text, e.g. for subtitles, lead or end credits in the video monitor. Texts can
be displayed in all kinds of fonts and colors.
If you want to format individual words or letters, select them with the mouse
and choose a different format or color. If no selection is made, the entire text
will be formatted.
Creating titles using a template
The Media Pool includes the tab "Title" with folders filled with additional,
thematically named title templates.
Open one of these entries and select any title template. A simple mouse click
provides a preview, and double clicking creates a title object using the
template.
Note: Templates may be applied to an existing title object. Settings outside of
the text will be lost!
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Creating titles without a template
Try clicking the "General" entry under "Title" in the Media Pool.
Click the title editor button. A standard title will be produced and
displayed in a frame in the video monitor.
Open the first title in the video monitor by double clicking it
Next, simply enter the text via your keyboard.
After the text has been entered, click the check mark in the preview monitor to
confirm your entry.
The size and position of the title may be adjusted directly in the video monitor.
Format the title via the title editor in the Media Pool however you like.
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Text may be
displayed in all kinds
of fonts and colors.
If you want to format
individual words or
letters, select them
with the mouse and
choose a different
format or color.
If no selection is
made, the entire text
will be formatted.
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Edit title
Click again on the title in the video monitor window or the title object in
"Timeline" mode.
Now change the text however you like.
Confirm your entry by clicking the check mark next to the positioning frame.
Font
Font: Select the font here that should be displayed for the
text.
Font style: Choose here whether all of the text or parts of it
should be shown bold, in italics, or underlined.
Font size: Set the size of the text here.
Direction: Choose whether the text should be justified to the
left, centered, or to the right within the positioning frame.
Color: Press this button to choose the font color.
Effects
Font style: Choose here whether all of the text or parts of it
should be shown bold, in italics, or underlined.
Outline/shadow/3D: This function allows you to add shadows,
3D effects, and an outline to the text. These settings can be
adjusted in detail via "Advanced".
The 3D button converts the title object into a Xara 3D text object. Xara
3D text objects are described in more detail in the section "3D text (view
page 100)".
Animation
You can make your credits scroll down the screen, and
many other text movements and effects and designs are
also available
The display duration for the subject can be set here.
Templates for animated text are arranged in the other Media Pool categories;
the icon and the description are there to help you find the correct settings.
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Title object
Deletes the whole title object, i.e. text and settings.
Advanced settings
Only use visible TV area: The text will be zoomed so that it will always be
within the TV's limits, which is specified in the Movie effect settings (view page
105).
Background: Specify here whether the text's background should appear black
or white. This is only meaningful if no other video or image object is in the
background.
Text effects: Here you can edit different text effects in detail. One color may be
set for each effect.
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Shadow: The position of the shadow may be set on the horizontal and vertical
axes.
Transparency makes the background "shine through" more or less.
Soften: Makes the edge of the shadow harder or softer.
Outline: A border appears around the letters in the text.
Width: You can enter the width of the frame in points.
Color: Clicking on this button opens a color selection dialog, where you can
set the frame color.
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Filled in: The text will be filled with the color selected in the Title Editor. If the
option is deactivated, only the frame will be visible, and the background will
appear instead of the color fill.
3D: The text appears with a 3D-style outline. The width and thickness of the
3D contour (H) can be set in points.
3D text
3D text can be created directly from the title editor.
Click the title editor and then press the "3D" button.
The title object will now be turned into a MAGIX 3D object. If you have also
installed MAGIX 3D Maker, the program will open for you to work on the text.
Presets are also located in the Media Pool under "Titles -> X3D". You
can enter or process text here.
Note: For more information about MAGIX 3D Maker, try the help file. You can
open it by pressing "F1" from within the program.
Tempo and beat recognition
The Tempo and beat recognition in MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10
Deluxe is required for musical cut adjustment and will be launched for this
purpose. It analyzes the rhythm of a musical piece. The basis for this analysis
is the rhythm speed, measured in BPM (Beats per Minute).
MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10 then ensures that photos located at the
beats detected are moved such that the images change in time with the
rhythm.
Prerequisites for using the beat recognition assistant
Songs must be longer than 15 seconds
Songs must be "rhythmic" (i.e. they can be danced to)
Songs must be in stereo format
Preparation - Setting the start marker and object end
Before opening the Auto Remix Assistant, you should set the start marker at
the position in the song object in the arranger where you want detection to
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start. If the song contains a long intro without beats, set the start marker after
the intro. As a rule of thumb, the Auto Remix Assistant should always be "fed"
dance music.
The start marker should be set before a quarter note beat or, better still, briefly
before a beat at the start of a bar.
If the start marker lies before the song object, the object is examined from the
beginning.
If detection is not performed by the end of the song, the object can be
shortened accordingly with the object handle at the end of the object.
Automatic Tempo Recognition
When the Auto Remix Assistant is launched, the selected song object is
analyzed and played back. A metronome begins to click according to the result
and lines visualize the positions of the quarter notes found in the wave-shaped
display.
The following cases are differentiated:
Position of the start of a measure (the one): red line.
Position of the other quarter notes (the two, three, and four): green lines.
Reliably recognized positions: thick lines.
Unreliably recognized positions: thin lines.
When tapped, blue lines appear.
If the tact and tempo information is already present, points are indicated above
the display at the appropriate positions. The metronome volume can be
regulated below and to the left of the wave-shaped display. To the right, the
BPM value is indicated. If a valid BPM value was found, it is displayed in green.
If the metronome clicks in time with the music, the measure start is correct. If
not, you can correct the tempo manually.
Setting the manual and Onbeat/Offbeat
If the result is incorrect, you can help the Auto Remix Assistant with a few
mouse clicks on the correction buttons.
There are two possibilities:
On the one hand, the "Tempo correction" list offers alternative BPM numbers
which could also fit with the music. The adjustable BPM values are detected
automatically – the total BPM can therefore deviate from song to song.
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For more difficult audio material, we recommend using the "Tapping input"
mode. Either the "T" key must be pressed or the "Tap tempo" button must be
clicked with the mouse in time with the music. With repeated tapping of the
tempo correction button, one should keep an eye on the color in the BPM
display. In the "unlocked" condition (red), the tapping is not in time with the
music. One should tap until the "locked" condition is displayed. After a short
time, you will hear if the result is correct via the metronome.
Subsequently, offbeat correction takes place as required. If the detected
quarter note beats lie around the length of an eighth note (transferred behind
the real positions of the quarter note beats), one or more alternatives can be
selected from the onbeat/offbeat correction list.
Determining the start of a measure
Next, the starting point of the measure is corrected. The beat at the start of the
measure must always agree with the high tone of the metronome and/or the
red line in the wave-shaped display.
Corrections can be made by tapping; If the start of the measure can be be
heard, tap with the mouse or press the "T" key. Alternatively, you can also
select how many quarter notes the "one" is to be pushed to back.
If the starting marker was set briefly before the first beat of a measure, this
correction is not necessary.
Note: With all corrections, the metronome and visualization react to the lines in
the wave-shaped display only after a short delay.
Applying BPM and beat detection
Close the Tempo and beat recognition by clicking "Apply". MAGIX PhotoStory
on CD & DVD 10 will now move the photos at the detected beats so that they
change in time with the music.
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Slideshow effects
In the slideshow Effects menu (view page 170) you can recall the slideshow
effects by clicking on "Slideshow effect settings". The dialog is almost identical
to the Optimize photo (view page 85, view page 58) dialog.
The slideshow effects apply to the entire slideshow and are intended to
regulate the color saturation in the slideshow as a whole.
You can find special TV screen size (view page 105) options for cropping the
screen edge, since the image usually exceeds the screen size for a normal TV
set.
General use
Presets: Try out the presets from the preset menu.
Auto: This button usually offers a good effects setting. Pick out a picture that is
typical for this type of distortion using the position slider, and then click
"Automatic setting". The optimum cleaning setting will be applied to the whole
scene (or the entire slideshow when using as master effect).
Temporarily deactivate all effects: Switches off all the effects. This way, you
can quickly compare the original with the edited version.
OK: The adjustments made to the settings will be applied.
Cancel: Closes the dialog, the settings will not be applied.
Help: Opens the program's help file.
Exposure
Brightness/contrast: Use the sliders to increase or reduce the brightness and
the contrast of the picture.
Selective brightness (gamma): "Gamma" specifies the mean gray value that
is provided by the various color ranges. "Selective brightness" is the most
important function for image improvement. In the preset list, select the various
envelope curves to edit only the dark, median, or brightest areas of the image.
Using the fader, you can also set the level of brightening or darkening.
Auto-exposure/auto-colour: These buttons enable you to change contrast and
color automatically with a few clicks. The other settings options in the dialog
provide more options to get the results you want.
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Adjust colour space: This option is effective against powerful colors that
violate TV standards and can no longer be displayed correctly on-screen. The
color saturation of the affected material is thereby reduced until the maximum
permitted value is reached.
Color
White balance: All light is not the same. Depending on whether it is sunlight or
artificial light, this will have an effect on color variation. The human brain is able
to compensate for this variation: a white sheet of paper will still look white
under candlelight, even though it is in fact much more yellow than by daylight.
In order to imitate filtering done by the brain, a camera must also analyze and
correct the light. White balance does the same thing to a picture that the brain
does. Thus the camera is set to the so-called "color temperature" of the
surroundings.
If you are not fortunate enough to possess a camera which performs this
function automatically, then you can apply white balance in MAGIX PhotoStory
on CD & DVD 10.
An incorrect white balance can lead to an unnatural blue or red hue.
Directions: To use the white balance, please click on the button to the right of
the label "White balance" and then select a point which represents white or a
neutral gray to the "outside world".
The color temperature will be corrected automatically.
Tip: Cool color effects can be achieved by setting a different color as the
"white" benchmark. There is definitely room for experimentation!
Remove redeye: Using this photo function you can remove unnatural redeye
that is the result of using a flash. Click on the eye symbol and then select the
red pupils in the preview monitor using the mouse.
Hint: For photo optimization we recommend you use MAGIX Photo Manager.
The program is installed automatically and can be used for quick previewing
and easy management of pictures from your database. It has tool for
correcting redeye and setting auto color and white balance to control
discoloration in pictures.
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For more complex editing like photo panorama and photo filter effects a
separate image processing program MAGIX Photo Designer is included. Users
of the classic version can download the latest software at any time for free. To
load a photo into MAGIX Photo Designer, select the option "Edit photo" in the
FX menu of the photo box. Read more about this in the MAGIX Photo Designer
Help file.
"Saturation": Using the "Saturation" slider you can increase or reduce the hue
proportions in the image. A newly developed algorithm is now used, which
carries out color changes in relation to other parameters (for example contrast
settings), in order to get the most natural coloration possible. With just a little
bit of experimentation, you can achieve the most astounding results. Anything
from turning summer snapshots into autumn scenes or funky pop art is
possible...
Hue: On the palette you can select a hue to color in the picture.
Red/Green/Blue: The red/green/blue slider corrects the color proportion mix.
Sharpness
This fader allows you to regulate the level of image sharpness.
The "fine tuning" option allows you to determine the level of focus for particular
surfaces or borders.
Anti-flickering filter intensity: The anti-flickering filter affects only still images. It
is especially intended for zooms in images with many edges and transitions
with high contrast (e.g. fences, bars, brick walls). High-frequency images such
as these begin to flicker when they are reduced in size. This filter smoothes
these edges somewhat.
You should set the intensity of the anti-flickering filter according to your
preferences, because smoothing is always a compromise between good
contrast and fluid image sequence during playback.
TV image size (Slideshow master effects)
This option ensures that the image size is adapted to fit the real television
picture (anti-cropping). Without adjustment the television might otherwise crop
the image borders.
The four image margins can be proportionally adjusted by means of the four
input fields. Here it is important to find the optimal balance between distortion,
reduction, bar formation, and image cropping:
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If the same value is entered for every margin, then the image size is reduced
proportionally. In this case no distortions will occur, but there will be bars
along the edges.
If different values are entered for the 4 fields, then the image size is reduced
unproportionally. This causes image distortion.
Apply TV screen size: On (for photos!): This option enables the input values for
the four image borders to be applied to the respective photos in reduced form.
The result can immediately be viewed on the preview monitor.
Fade in TV display area in the preview monitor: This option displays the image
borders of the television as lines in the preview monitor.The four image borders
of the TV display area can be set by means of the 4 input fields. It is necessary
to know the actual size of the TV picture. To determine it proceed as follows:
Determining the visible TV frame size
To determine the picture properties of your television as well as optimal image
size editor settings you should perform a test run.
1. Load the Visible TV picture.mvm film from the "My projects > visible TV
picture" folder.
2. Play back the film and read the instructions on the video screen.
3. Copy the slideshow to CD or DVD.
4. Place the disc into your player and play back the film.Compare the TV
picture to the picture displayed on your video screen by MAGIX PhotoStory
on CD & DVD 10.
5. Determine the proportional value of the borders cropped by the television
with the 4 measurement scales along the edges of the test picture.
6. Enter the values in the “Full TV size” editor.
The image size is now optimized to your TV picture. Depending on device
settings and disc carrier type the cropping values may vary slightly.
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Stereo3D (Deluxe version)
MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10 Deluxe also enables creation and editing
of 3D videos and photos. Let's examine this complex topic to learn the basics
and a few golden rules. Next, we'll look at the individual work steps in detail.
Note on using 3D content: Some people experience unpleasant symptoms
(such as headaches, overexertion, eye strain or nausea) when they are
exposed to 3D video. For this reason, we recommend taking regular pauses. If
problems occur, you should stop all use immediately and consult a doctor or
an optician. Incorrect creation of 3D footage can also cause these symptoms.
Warning to children: Children's eyesight (especially before the 6th year) is still
developing. We recommend consulting your child's doctor or optician before
permitting your child to view 3D videos.
3D basics
Human eyes perceive objects from 2 different angles and our brain "calculates"
images from this information. This way we can tell the distance and position of
an object. For this reason, 3D material should be shot according to this
principle.
Viewing 3D
A regular screen or TV can show images only in 2 dimensions, and various
technologies have been developed to enable perception of images in 3D. To
this day, all technologies share the following: You need special glasses to
deliver different information to the left and right eyes. We will examine these
technologies in detail later.
The three golden rules
Stay within limits during recording: To make a 3D recording (view page 108)
with realistic depth information, certain limits must be respected. The most
important rule is not to go below the point of minimum distance. Minimum
point is the point in the picture, where the camera is the closest.
Frame closest point: In order to place the 3D effect behind the imaginary
frame, both image components must over lay each other exactly at the closest
point. At the same time, the same objects must be visible at the edges of both
partial images, for which, if needed, you can use the Cropping function in the
Media Pool.
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Note: The imaginary window is a type of a plane, behind which the 3D movie
plays. You select the closest, frontmost point. Not keeping up with this rule
can result in the object to "jump out" of the imaginary window, which when
used too much, can cause headaches.
Maintain realistic eye angles: Object with a 3D depth effect viewed as a
red/cyan image (Anaglyph) without glasses will appear displaced. This
displacement should, if possible, take up less than 1/30 of the entire image.
Otherwise, it will appear that the eyes are looking in different directions.
Notice: Displacement may only occur along the horizontal axis. Displacements
on the vertical axis and rotated portions must be adjusted.
Record 3D
The distance between eyes in humans is ca. 65 mm, which forms the so-called
"stereo base width". But because our eyes are dynamic and we can even
"cross" our eyes, it is possible to focus on objects that are closer.
Various techniques exist for 3D recording. Each method has its advantages
and disadvantages:
3D cameras with two lenses: The advantages are obvious; these cameras
produce 3D material without excessive work involved. The disadvantage is
that the stereo base width (lens distance) cannot be changed.
Two cameras on a special mount: This involves a little more work. Two
cameras are mounted on a special support to record material for the left and
the right side of the 3D image simultaneously; microphone booms for stereo
recordings may also be used for this purpose.
The disadvantage in this case is that the shutter releases have to be pressed
at exactly the same time if there are moving objects in the picture. In case of
video, both movies must be synchronized before being edited.
Advantages: Stereo base width may be changed by adjusting the distance
between the cameras; larger selection of camera models.
Two photos via the same camera: This technique only allows still images.
The camera is simply used to record two images from different perspectives,
and these are used as the right and left images. For best results, use a tripod.
Consistently fast camera movement, e. g. along a street: Only a single
conventional camera is required in this case, but the range of applications is
very limited. This is the most cost-effective method for creating 3D videos.
Material is filmed at a speed of circa 6-to 15 km/h. During editing, the edited
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video object is duplicated and one of the videos is played back with a time
lapse. The movement direction determines which is the right and left image.
3D photos may also be created using this method.
Warning, minimum distance!
The position of the object closest to the lens is designated as the minimum
point. This minimum point may not exceed a specific minimum point; this is
easy to calculate via the following formula:
Note: Lens focal point (e. g. 25 mm) x stereo base width (e. g. 65 mm) x 1.5*
/1 mm= minimum point (2437.5 mm ~ 2.44 m)
*1.5 is a factor derived from the cut-off appearing when filming through a lens.
**1 mm is the so-called "deviation" or "spatial dimension". This only involves a
rough value in this case.
Examples for 3D cameras:
Panasonic HDC-SDT750 ( base width 12 mm): minimum point is approx. 1.5
m.
Fuji REAL 3D W3 (base width 75 mm): minimum point at approx. 3 m; for
long-distance recordings as much as 8 m.
This so-called minimum point has an important role in other aspects of 3D
editing.
Prepare 3D editing
3D videos are filmed and saved by different cameras, which means: depending
on the camera model or recording method, the videos or images vary.
In one file
Many cameras, especially for photo recordings, create one single file
containing the left and the right image next to one another.
Drag these files from the Media Pool directly into your arrangement.
Select the created objects.
Select the "Side-by-Side (left images left/right)" entry in the Media Pool under
"Effects > Stereo3D > Properties > Create stereo".
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In multiple files
Some 3D cameras create a file for each the left and the right side. This working
technique works also if you simply take 2 pictures with a regular photo camera.
In the Media Pool, open the folder in which the desired file can be found.
Sort the files in increasing order according to the date. This way, all files will lie
in pairs one below the other.
Now, select the files and drag them from the Media Pool directly into your
arrangement.
In the Media Pool select "Side-by-side (left image right/left) under "Effects >
Stereo 3D > Properties > Create stereo" for material with halved width.
Note: If you have created side-by-side material yourself (e.g. placed two
photos next to each other in an image file), proceed as described, but at the
end select the "side-by-side (left image left/right)" for material with full width.
Set playback mode for 3D
There are various techniques available for playback of 3D videos on the
computer. Depending on the technology used, the corresponding playback
mode may be activated in MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10.
Select the 3D mode you want to work with in the upper left
corner of the video monitor.
Here is a list of available techniques and the corresponding requirements:
3D mode Technology Requirements
Display occurs in rows Polarizing filter Polarizing filter glasses
Special monitor, typically
referred to as a 3D monitor or
similar
Side-by-side display Shutter mode nVidia 3D Vision Kit
120 Hz monitor/projector
Note: Both of these modes should only be set in case the preview image is
output on a separate monitor. Shutter mode also requires a 3D-capable
graphics card.
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Anaglyph display Color
anaglyphs Red/cyan glasses
Align videos and pictures for 3D
Anaglyph display is recommended for this, which may be set via the video
monitor (view page 110). Only in this mode is precise geometric alignment of
images possible.
Note: In case you wish to edit 3D-video material, it is recommended to
conduct scene recognition and split the video into individual scenes. This is
necessary because the left and right side of each scene must be arranged
individually.
The so-called minimum point is the point in the picture that the camera is
closest too. This forms the "center" of the 3D image and must be defined as
such in MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10.
For this task, go to "Media Pool -> Effects -> Stereo 3D" and access the entry
"Aligning".
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Juxtapose both images one over the other, so that the minimum point of both
is at the same location.
You should first see whether automations for spatial adjustment and
synchronization deliver desired results. Click on the button "Automatic".
If this does not produce the desired effect, proceed as follows:
Find the minimum point in the image.
If the images are offset vertically, then these need to be balanced via the slide
controllers under "Spatially align".
If the images have rotational differences, you have to adjust these with the
rotation controller.
Try to juxtapose the closest points of both sides precisely using the upper
slider.
To test the results, put on the cyan/red glasses. In case the image has an
exaggerated spatial depth, try to position the left and right sides closer to each
other using the controls.
Turn camera movements into 3D videos
Camera movements may be transformed into 3D videos by being duplicated
and converted via time displacement. To do so, you can simply record on the
right or the left side while, for example, driving along a street.
The speed should be set between 6-15 km/h (approx. 4-10 mph) and depends
on the frame rate, the focal point, and the distance of the objects being filmed
(among other things). At increased speeds, it may occur that the spatial
impression is too strong and the filmed material seems unnatural and
unpleasant.
If the video is in the arrangement, the stereo depth for the 2D object may be
set in the Media Pool via "Effects -> Stereo 3D --> Properties".
Depending on the direction of the recordings, you will have to move the
control either to the right or the left.
Check the results in the anaglyph display with red/cyan glasses
Correct any unrealistic effects by adjusting the controller in the opposite
direction.
If the spatial depth is exaggerated, reduce the changed parameters.
Note: Not only camera movements, but also other 2D materials may be
arranged spatially.
3D material may be edited with the same functions as 2D material.
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Create titles for 3D videos
Xara3D title objects (view page 100) automatically have "real" 3D properties
and for this reason may be used in the arrangement without any problems.
Export and burning 3D videos
There are no special requirements for export and burning. Only the desired 3D
technique is specified.
Anaglyph: This technique is recommended for uncomplicated playback of
finished videos or playback via conventional TV sets or projectors. Viewers
must simply put on a pair of red/cyan glasses to be able to enjoy a 3D film.
Side-by-side: Create 3D movies for a 3D-capable playback device without
having to compromise the quality. It doesn't matter initially whether your video
is viewed in "Shutter" mode or via "Polfilter".
Depending on your playback device, you should set double resolution in order
to produce full resolution for both the right and the left image.
Not all playback rates are capable of double resolution. If this is the case for
your device, 50 % pinched images will be displayed. The quality is
nevertheless higher than output via the anaglyph technique.
Note: When exporting to side-by-side formats, make sure that the vertical
resolution is the sum of both images, but the aspect ratio (e.g. 16:9) refers to a
partial image!
Export files/upload movies to the Internet
The standard path for all file exports via "File -> Export movie or file ->
Internet". Depending on the export format and destination, the export dialog
also allows the 3D technique to be used to be selected.
For direct selection as Windows Media Video 3D, click "Export" and select "3D
film" from the dialog.
Burn CD
When burning a Blu-ray DiscTM or DVD, you must first open the encoder
settings in the burn dialog and set the desired 3D technology. Next, you may
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proceed to burn the disc as usual.
During the burning process, MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10 automatically
creates an intro video with corresponding instructions that will play back when
the disc is placed into a drive.
Produce panorama pictures
Create "genuine" panorama images from matching photos. You can also let
your imagination run wild and put together anything you want to.
Note: Optimize your photos beforehand so that the transitions can't be
detected in the finished panorama.
Select pictures for panorama
Load all necessary photos into the slideshow project as usual. The images that
should make up the panorama should be selected one after the other while
holding down the "Shift" button. Select the entry "Panorama photo" from the
context menu "Effects (view page 170)> Video object effects".
Invert image sequence for panorama image
Sometimes photos are accidentally loaded in the wrong sequence or were
created from left to right. If you forgot to sort your photos correctly
beforehand, then simply click "Invert sequence".
Calculating the panorama image
If you click "Create", the panorama image will be processed. Depending on the
resolution and number of original images included, this may take some time.
The original photos are replaced in your slideshow with the panorama image
you've created, but the original files on the hard drive will remain intact.
Hint: You can create a panorama image from a maximum of six images. Click
on "More options" for more information on the upgrade.
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Finished panorama (2 images)
MAGIX Soundtrack Maker
The MAGIX Soundtrack Maker adds atmosphere. Music tracks corresponding
to the specified mood are generated automatically. Even mood changes are
possible.
Open the MAGIX Soundtrack Maker using the Edit > Assistants (view page
158) menu. The work is split into 3 steps.
Then close the dialog by clicking on "Apply". If you click on "Cancel", the
dialog will be closed and all changes will be discarded.
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Choose music style
First choose a music style. Clicking on "Buy more styles" will open the MAGIX
Online Content Library (view page 219). Here you can buy more music styles
for MAGIX Soundtrack Maker.
The option "Apply only between start and end marker" lets you limit the length
of the background music you want to create. You can also set the start and
end markers (view page 42)with the left and right mouse key if MAGIX
Soundtrack Maker is open.
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Set mood change
Select a mood from the list.
Preview: Here you can preview your selected emotion.
Position: With the position slider you can move to a certain position to set the
emotions at a certain position. Instead, you can also move the start marker
with the left mouse button. The preview will be displayed in the video monitor.
Add emotion: This button inserts the emotion at the current position. MAGIX
Soundtrack Maker will then suggest a new position for the next emotion by
repositioning the position slider. Of course you can also put it elsewhere and
insert further moods.
Delete emotion: Deletes the current emotion.
Generate background music
One click on "Create soundtrack" creates a new soundtrack. "Progress" shows
the current status.
Variations
If you don't like the background music that was created, then you can create
variations. You can do this for the entire background music as well as for
individual emotions.
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If you want to vary the entire background music, then simply click "Create
variations".
If you only want this to apply to a certain emotion, then you should first go to it
with the position slider in the dialog (or the start marker on the main acreen).
Then activate the option "Vary only selected emotions" and click on "Create
variations".
General settings
You can access the project-independent MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10
settings this way. These settings are also global.
Keyboard shortcut: P
Playback
Audio playback
Driver selection
DirectSound should be selected here. DirectSound is a component of DirectX
that is installed automatically on your computer during program installation (if
necessary). If the DirectX system is no longer installed on your computer or no
longer works properly, then there is a DirectSound installation routine for
reinstallation to be found in the "Addon" folder of the MAGIX PhotoStory on CD
& DVD 10 program disc.
Output device
Use this option to specify which sound card plays the wave audio objects. This
is especially important if you have multiple sound cards installed on your
computer.
Audio buffer size
Here you can specify the buffer size that should be used for playback of the
entire arrangement or for previewing audio files in the Media Pool.
Video playback
Use output and file cache
This option activates a clipboard which enables smoother playback of
transition effects. You should usually keep this option activated.
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Arranger
Autoscroll during playback:
The screen playback does not follow the playback cursor if it has reached the
end of the screen.
Fast: If autoscroll is activated, the screen view automatically shifts when the
playback cursor reaches the last quarter of the screen during playback.
Slow: If autoscroll is activated, the screen view automatically shifts when the
playback cursor reaches the right edge of the screen during playback. This is
particularly useful for longer disc projects.
Warning: Scrolling requires constant recalculation of the screen view, which
may lead to interrupted playback if the amount of system RAM is too low. If
this happens, simply deactivate the autoscroll feature.
Image material playback
Adjust size of image material in higher quality (slower)
You can use this feature to improve the quality when resizing, particularly
downsizing to less than half of the original size for picture-in-picture effects.
This also requires more CPU power.
Note: Switching off this option has no effect on quality during
exporting/burning.
Load image material in the background
Image material will be loaded in the background so that it can still be edited
during the loading process.
Paths
Projects: The standard path for all projects (*.<Pojektdatei>)
Exports: The standard path for all file exports via "File -> Export slideshow..."
Audio import: The standard path for all imported (music) files.
Disc images: Specify the path for the folder where MAGIX PhotoStory on CD &
DVD 10 saves the temporary files required for creating a disc.
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Options
Here you can specify the most important options for the behavior and display
of MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10.
Keyboard shortcut: P
Video standard
PAL is used in Europe; the US and Japan use NTSC. This setting should not
be changed.
Preview
The resolution can be reduced for video decoding, but this only has an effect
while preview editing. If playback becomes jerky, then we recommend entering
a lower value. The quality of exported videos is not influenced by this.
Video options
Hardware acceleration for 3D effects
Here you can (de)activate hardware acceleration of your graphics card for 3D
effects. You can find more information about this topic in the "3-D fades" (view
page 82) chapter.
High output quality with dynamic zoom and combination effects
If this option is set, then a newly developed zoom algorithm will be used that
provides much more accurate results. You should, however, only use this
option if you own a PC that is capable of handling processor-heavy tasks.
Otherwise export (and invariably disc creation) can take a lot longer.
Other
Reactivate hint dialogs
Once installed, MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10 displays a number of
safety queries and instructions at various points in the program. These may be
switched off by clicking the small box at the bottom that says "Don't show this
message again". To display these warning messages again, select the
"Reactivate hint dialogs" option.
Online Services
Here you can configure the Online Services (view page 175) you use. You
require a connection to the Internet to do this.
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System
Automatically fade photos with effects
Loaded photos will be automatically supplied with a crossfade (view page 80).
Automatically create frametable during import
Sometimes, rebuilding a frame table can get rid of problems in certain MPEG
files. For example, such problems can be present if the navigation (positioning
of the playback marker, transport) is bumpy or doesn't function at all.
Normally, when loading MPEG video, a frame table is not created in order to
speed up the loading process. If you do create one anyway, MPEG files are
normally noticeably faster and easier to edit.
Load CD tracks via record dialog
If this option is activated, then you can record audio CDs via the record button
in the transport control. While dragging & dropping from the file manager the
record window where recording starts will be opened. This option can be used
if drag & drop via the file manager does not working properly, or if you want to
record the first bars of an incomplete CD track in the arrangement.
Here you should note that the digital track data from the digital analog
converters of the CD-ROM drive have to be converted into analog signals and
then into digital data by the analog/digital converters. Depending on the quality
of the converter used, this can lead to losses in quality.
Automatic preview when changing transition
Activate this option to quickly play a short preview of the transition effect.
"Cut to fit monitor automatically" influences movies
If this option is active, then videos will be cut to avoid black edges. The
property "Cut to fit monitor automatically" must be activated for the project.
Automatically preview exported clips
If you export a movie as a video file, then it will be played back immediately
after being created.
Update preview images in the background
The object display is updated after move and zoom operations in the
background so that you can continue working without distractions.
Hide news
This option deactivates the MAGIX News Center (view page 12) in the main
interface of MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10.
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Standard picture length
Here you can adjust the default display duration of the selected photo. This
can be changed again at any time.
Display
Video Mode
Compatibility Mode (Video for Windows)
This mode works on all systems. Activate this mode if there are problems with
playback.
Hardware Acceleration (Direct 3D)
This mode offers extreme increase in speed by calculating mixing, effects, and
various transitions the the graphics card directly. Depending on the graphics
card, performance can increase by 300%. The graphics card will not be used
during export.
Note! To use this mode the graphics card must possess at least 128 MB
memory. You will need to install Direct 3D 9, or higher, and the graphics card
driver must support "High Level Pixel Shader Language 2.0". MAGIX
PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10 checks the corresponding properties when this
mode is selected and switches it off if necessary.
Alternative Mode 1 (Mixer Overlay)
This mode performs hardware-based deinterlacing for output onto a PC screen
or a projector, whereby the playback quality is significantly better than with
interlaced analog video recordings.
Alternative Mode 2 (Video Mixing Renderer 9)
This mode uses the hardware de-interlacing function of modern graphics cards
together with DirectX 9. Make sure that you are using the most recent version
of your graphics card driver, which must be compatible with DirectX 9 to
function properly. This mode is only superior to "Overlay Mixer" mode with a
limited number of graphics card models.
De-interlacing
The DirectShow modes "Overlay mixer" and "Video mixing renderer 9" enable
activation of hardware de-interlacing for the graphics card. For general
information about de-interlacing and the options "Top/bottom field first",
please read the corresponding article "De-interlacing (view page 203)" in the
manual.
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Image formation in Vertical Blank Intervals (VBI)
The image formation takes place in the vertical blank intervals of the monitor
signal (or the connected TV signal). This helps avoid image interruptions.
Warning: Because of waiting time required for the next VBI, this process adds
significant computational time!
For digital displays like the TFT monitors you can deactivate the option. In the
Overlay mode image formation occurs exclusively in VBI.
Use high resolution for fullscreen playback
Note: This option is available only in the standard mode (hardware acceleration
Direct3D) (view page 121).
If the option is activated, image resolution during preview will be increased.
This demands more computer resources, but is not a problem for most
graphics cards. You should deactivate this option only if you have problems
with fullscreen playback.
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Project- and slideshow-relevant settings
New project - Settings
When creating a new disc project, you can specify multiple settings that will
continue to apply to the related slideshows.
Load existing project or slideshow: Select from the last projects and
slideshows you were working to start working from where you previously left
off.
Create new project:Give your disc project a name. This name will be used as a
preset title for the disc you are going to burn. The slideshows will also be given
this name.
Use 16:9 aspect ratio for current project: This option lets you edit the
slideshow from the very beginning in 16:9 format. The video monitor's size
adjusts to correspond to this.
Advanced
Display time for each photo: By default, photos are displayed for the time
entered here. Of course, you can change the time each photo is displayed
later.
Fade photos automatically with effects: When loading photos, they will
automatically fade from one into the other using effects. These fades can be
changed or removed later.
Cut new images to fit screen automatically: Images that do not correspond to
the slideshow's ratio are adjusted automatically. The zoom factor is set in such
a way that there are no black bars to the left or right or top to bottom.
Presets for the capacity display: Set the disc type you prefer here. MAGIX
PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10 estimates how much space a disc project will
occupy on a corresponding blank disc. This display can be found below the
slideshow.
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Movie properties
The dialog with the settings for the current slideshow are displayed here. The
dialog can be opened via the "File" menu (view page 155).
Automatically select preview image
MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10 uses an automatically-selected preview
image.
Use image file
Clicking the folder button opens a dialog to load image files. In this dialog, you
can navigate to the directory where the image file is found and select it by
double clicking.
Use preview image from movie
Use the fader to select a frame from the current slideshow.
Burn disc
Switch to the "Burn" screen first by pressing the
corresponding button.
You can burn your movies (including a selection menu) onto CD, DVD, Blu-ray
Disc, or upload them to MAGIX Online Album.
All movies loaded into the project will be included. If you want to remove some
of the movies, switch back to the "Edit" screen and delete some of them from
the project. To do so, switch to the corresponding movie, open the "File" menu
and select "Manage movies -> Remove movie".
Note: The program display changes at a screen resolution of 1280 x 1024.
This makes the program more manageable and easier to use. The work steps
remain the same despite the different display.
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Preview and editing
MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10 provides two different modes for
designing and previewing the disc menu.
The preview mode is mainly intended to behave like a DVD
player or Blu-ray player for checking the disc menu under
realistic conditions.
Only templates may only be used; more detailed editing of
the disc menu is not possible at this time.
During editing, you may adjust many features of the disc
menu. There are many templates available for this that may
be changed flexibly once loaded.
Remote control
The virtual remote control is an important helper when it comes to checking
how the disc will perform later.
When you later insert the CD or DVD with your disc project into your player,
this remote control will control the preview picture just like a "real" remote
control controls the picture on a monitor or TV. The DVD menu navigation can
now be initiated with the arrow keys or the "OK" button. Activated buttons are
highlighted.
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The number keys select the corresponding entry on the
menu page. All menu entries are marked with a
corresponding number. Within a chapter menu, playback is
started from the particular scene. In the movie menu, the
corresponding chapter menu (if available) is changed or
movie playback is started.
Navigation keys: These help you move from one section to
the next in the menu of the CD/DVD being burned. You can
switch between individual entries and confirm the switch by
pressing "OK". The remote control works just like the
remote control for your home DVD player.
Skip/Move forward/back: This allows you to skip to the
next or previous scene while playing back your movie. In
the menu, you can skip forward or back from one menu
page to another.
Play: Starts the first entry in the menu. In case both the
scene menus and chapter menus are available (see menu
mode), the scene menu will be displayed first.
Press the play button again to start playback at the beginning of the first scene
of the first chapter.
Pressing stop halts playback.
Disc switches to the first page of the film menu.
Sub switches into the chapter menu (if available) of the currently selected film.
Menu
MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10 can add graphical selection menus to
your movies. The menu is also burned to disc and appears when inserted into
the player. Just like with a purchased DVD or Blu-ray DiscTM, you may easily
select your movies with the help of preview pictures, or access particular
chapters within a movie.
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Menu templates
At the bottom of the screen, you'll see an array of preset menu templates. A
tree structure is located on the left-hand side for you to choose the type of
menu template.
Animated (DVD): These templates contain background and introductory
videos as well as music. The DVD menu tools are displayed in various modes
(selected buttons, for example). The templates can only be used for mini DVDs
and DVDs. If you burn a VCD or SVCD, then still pictures and normal tools will
be shown. Music can also be used.
Static (DVD, VCD, SVCD): Here you will find templates suitable for use with
DVDs, VCDs and SVCDs. They consist of normal background pictures and
tools
Unique: These templates adjust to your disc project; the photos you use are
integrated directly into the menu. Every menu is unique and matches the
project in its own way.
TV ShowTime DVD: Use these templates (suitable for miniDVDs and WMV
HD) to show your pictures, not as small preview pictures in the slideshow
menu, but rather as a full-size preview photo on every menu page.
This way you can use the "Skip" keys of the remote control to present the
photos like a slideshow - with the option of being able to start the slideshow at
any time from the current photo onwards.
Note: For these menus you have to leave the modes "slideshow and photo
menus" activated!
HD DVD, WMV HD, miniHD-DVD: These templates contain super-sharp,
high-resolution background images that are particularly noticeable on HD TV
devices.
Note: This function is only available in MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10
Deluxe!
If you selected a specific type of menu template, you can use the horizontal
scroll bar to view all the templates. There are several possibilities when using
the templates:
If you wish to apply a template to all menu pages, click on "Complete" in the
template bar and double click on the template of your choice. The complete
template will then be applied.
You can also combine the various elements of the individual templates. If, for
example, you wish to combine the text format of a template with another
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background, select "Text" and double click on the template with the desired
text. The preview in the middle shows you the results immediately.
You can load the template (or individual template elements) for the current
menu (slideshow or photo) as well as for all menus.
Click on this button to load the current selection for the
entire disc menu.
Clicking on the small arrow next to the button opens a menu containing
additional options for applying the current selection to the disc menu or current
menu page.
Edit disc menu
The preview pictures and the menu title can be moved freely in the preview
monitor. The menu may be edited very flexibly.
Activate the "Edit" button to do this.
Load an OnDisc editing from disc (only Deluxe version)
Use this button to load the DVD-/+RW in your drive for on-disc editing.
For more information on this, consult the On-disc editing section.
Edit menu elements
Hold down the left mouse button and drag text boxes or graphical elements to
the desired position. You can adjust the size by dragging out the corners and
edges of the frame.
You can undo the last steps you made. This means that you can easily
try out critical operations. If the result does not meet your
expectations, then you can simply "undo" it and return to the initial
status.
Keyboard shortcut: Ctrl + Z
This command cancels a previous "Undo" command.
Keyboard shortcut: Ctrl + Y
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Set aspect ratio: Avoid distortions by using this button to set the
page proportions of the menu elements.
Group: Menu elements, including the description text and number,
can be moved or scaled in size.
Fade in TV display area in the preview monitor: This option displays
the image borders of the television (view page 105) as lines in the
preview monitor.
Grid: You can precisely align the frame positions with one another
using the grid button. A dialog can be opened to set the grid more
exactly using the small arrow next to the button.
Navigation
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All movies are listed as first entries. The
corresponding menu level is the film menu.
All scenes are listed as second entries to the right.
The corresponding menu level is the chapter
menu.
Removing the red check deactivates the
corresponding entry in the photo menu. The scenes
are still played, but you can no longer select them
directly from the menu.
If you click a film entry, then the film menu will open
in the preview.
If you click one of the chapters listed, then the
chapter menu will open in the preview.
Disc options
You may deactivate the menus entirely or customize them here.
Intro video: Press this button to load videos to be used as introductions to
your DVD or mini DVD. The *.avi, *.mpg, *.mxv, *.vob formats are supported.
The intro is played immediately after the DVD has been inserted into the player.
The DVD menu will then appear. A check mark "Do not skip" ensures that the
intro video must be played completely each time the disc is inserted and that it
may not be skipped with the remote control or otherwise.
Slideshow & photo menu
The disc menu essentially consists of two layers:
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Slideshow menu: The upper layer includes the slideshow menu, which is only
used if a project contains multiple slideshows.
Photo menu: This is the lowest layer of the disc menu, which takes the photos
(in the first track of the timeline mode) into the slideshow as menu entries.
Warning: A photo menu may only contain up to 99 entries. If your slideshow
contains more than 99 photos, you should either burn the slideshow without
the photo menu or split your slideshow into several parts.
Note on SVCD compatibility
Some DVD players may have difficulty playing created SVCDs (despite
fault-free burning) if the disc contains a project burned in "Chapter and photo
menus" mode and contains several slideshows and/or a large number of
photos. These compatibility problems can be avoided by:
Using menu mode 1 or 2 for SVCD,
Only adding a single movie to the disc, or
Turning off the PBC (playback control) function, i. e. the menu navigation of
the DVD player.
Preview pictures: Shows/hides the preview pictures in the disc menu.
Numbering: The numbers beside the menu entries can be selected directly
using the remote control, but they might be disturbing sometimes. Use this
option to show/hide them.
Frame: A frame borders the preview pictures. If you think it gets in the way,
then you can easily remove it using this option.
Design page
Background graphic: You have three options in this case. You can either set a
certain "color value" for the background. Or, you can select an image file from
your hard drive. You can also select a certain frame from a video in your
project.
Animated selection menus
Audio-visual animations may also be added to the DVD menus. As required,
background videos are played as endless loops while the menu is shown on
the screen. Add background music in various formats or use any background
picture for each menu.
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Sound/music: Load an audio file into the preview monitor and use it as an
animation in the menu background.
Video: Load a video or graphics file into the preview monitor and use it as an
animation in the menu background. In addition to the options for the
background graphic (see above), you may also use a sequence from a loaded
slideshow or from a different video file.
Background video options:
Create animated menu buttons: The preview images for individual movies in
the movie menu are shown as small movie samples. Set the start point and
length of the animation using the sequence options faders.
Use video's audio track: The audio track of the background video is used
with the menu.
Play menu animation as a loop: The background video (audio and/or video)
is played back as a loop.
Length of the menu view is set by: Audio/video or whichever medium is
longer. You can specify how long the background video should be here. The
other medium will be played as a loop.
Design button
MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10 enables simple editing of any menu entry.
They will appear in the disc menu as buttons with preview images.
Only in the Deluxe: New menu pages may also be added or irrelevant pages
may be removed.
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Adds a new menu entry.
Removes the selected menu entry.
Tip: If you would simply like to deactivate unused menu entries, this may be
done via the navigation.
Note: Undesired menu entries may be deactivated in Navigation.
Pressing this button or double clicking the menu entries allows
menu entries you have created to be edited. The dialog with
the properties of the menu entries (view page 132) will open.
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Edit in MAGIX Photo Designer: These buttons open
MAGIX Photo Designer for further editing of your
background pictures or the selected menu elements.
Jump to linked page
To test the targets of menu entries, select the desired
menu entry and click the button.
Menu entry/menu page properties
Double clicking the preview picture or a menu entry opens an editor for you to
adjust the preview picture or menu entry.
Menu text
In the text input field, you can enter any text to match the chosen menu entry.
Set the vertical direction of the text (upwards, centered or
downward).
Set the horizontal direction of the text (left, centered
or right).
Font size: Set the height of the text in pixels.
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Font color: Define the foreground color of the text.
Font: Set which font and which style (bold, italic, etc.) should be used.
Shadow: Set the color and size of the shadow that will appear underneath the
text.
3D effect: If you would like to make your text appear three-dimensional, you
can set the width, height, and color of the 3D effect.
Apply to all: Except for the text, all settings are applied to all entries in the
current menu.
Menu image
Use frame from movie: Use the fader to set which frame should be used in the
video as a preview picture. The numerical input fields are sorted as follows:
Hours:Minutes:Seconds:Frames.
Use different graphic: You can also load your own bitmap images to be used
as menu pictures.
Hint: It may be the case that there are no menu pictures in some menu
templates, so changing the menu picture won't have any noticeable effect.
Actions at the end of the slideshow (Slideshow menu only)
Here, you can enter which action should be carried out once the slideshow has
finished playing. You have the choice of:
Stop playback: This option depends on the DVD player being used. Most DVD
players show the DVD player's own menu (or background picture) after
playback.
Jump to slideshow menu/photo menu: Jumps back to the previously shown
menu.
Tip Should one of the two options not be available, then check which menu
mode is set.
Jump to next slideshow: The next slideshow will be played without having to
do anything else.
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Play slideshow as an endless loop: You can burn every slideshow onto a
miniDVD or DVD as a loop as well. This means that the slideshow is played as
an endless loop until the next menu entry is accessed using the remote
control, or until playback is stopped. This way you can transform your TV into
an aquarium, a train journey, a fireplace, or anything that you could watch over
and over again.
Note: This option only works with DVDs or miniDVDs.
Edit your own menu entries
There is another view in this dialog to edit menu entries you have created.
Menu links can be edited here. This makes it possible to link a menu entry with
a certain action, menu page, or a certain position in the slideshow.
No link: The menu element cannot be selected and has no function other than
to display menu text.
Link to page in current menu: Jumps to a a menu page in the current
slideshow or chapter menu in the current slideshow.
Link to another menu: Opens another slideshow or slideshow menu.
Link to chapter in a slideshow: If this option is selected, enter the slideshow
and photo where playback should start.
Note: For DVDs, only chapters within the current slideshow may be jumped to.
Link to slideshow start: The entered slideshow will be played from the start.
OnDisc Editing
With OnDisc Editing you can burn more slideshows onto disc at a later stage
and customize the menu accordingly. It's also possible to just rework the
menu.
In order to use OnDisc Editing, the “Prepare disc for OnDisc Editing” option
has to activated. You will find this option in the "Burn disc" dialog (view page
124).
To put a slideshow onto a DVD, first load the slideshow and switch to
the "Burn" interface, insert the DVD-/+RW and click this button.
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MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10 will ask you if you wish to add the
slideshows loaded into the Edit Slideshow Monitor to the disc. If you answer
"Yes", the entries will be added to the existing menu.
It is not possible to retroactively edit already burned slideshows in Edit
Slideshow Monitor. (For this, use the Recover backup project function). You
may only make changes to the menu.
In addition to the standard options of menu design (see “Burn” interface), you
can remove existing slideshows from the menu in OnDisc Editing mode, in
order to replace them by new reworked versions.
Select the slideshow in the navigation structure
and press the "Del" key.
To re-insert the slideshow, press the "Shift + Del" keys.
Note! Deleting certain parts of your DVD-/+RW is not possible. Every new
version of the menu will be burned additionally to the disc, reducing the
available disc space by the size of this addition.
It is impossible to delete slideshows from a DVD. If you remove a slideshow
from the menu, it will still be played, providing “Actions at the end of the
movie” is set up accordingly. To find out more see “Menu entries and preview
images”.
With "Burn disc" you can create your "new" disc. Here, only the new
slideshows and the adjusted menu will be encoded and burned to disc.
136 Burn disc
Burning wizard
Click "Burn" to open the screen where you create DVDs, Blu-ray
Discs, or another video medium, including a menu.
Here you can select what kind
of disc you would like to create.
Under "Additional options" you
will find other disc formats that
are used more seldom.
Note: For each disc format there are different limitations. For example, with
many formats animated menus are not possible or no menus and transitions at
all are possible. You can find an overview of these limitations in the PDF
manual or in "Help" under "Appendix: Digital videos and storage media“.
Disk space
Disc type Storage media Menu Quality Length (optimal
quality)
DVD DVD Yes *** 98 min.
WMV HD CD/DVD Yes ***** 107 min./DVD
15 min./CD
Blu-ray DiscTM
(view page
213)
Blu-ray DiscTM Yes ***** 110 min.
AVCHD (view
page 213)
DVD/Blu-ray
DiscTM
Yes ***** 30 min./DVD
160 min./Blu-ray
DiscTM
Multi Disc CD/DVD Yes **** 45 min./DVD
7 min./CD
MiniDVD (view
page 216)
CD Yes *** approx. 20 minutes
JPEG DISC CD/DVD No ***** This depends on the
original images and
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the DVD player*
* The set duration for some DVD players may be determined by this table. The
amount of image material that can be put onto a CD or DVD depends on the
sizes of the picture files.
You may also use the menu templates from the category "TV Showtime DVD"
for the disc types MiniDVD and DVD. Each picture of a slideshow is displayed
fullscreen on its own menu page (without having to playback the slideshow).
For the MPEG-2 encoder especially, which is used for SVCDs, DVDs, and
MiniDVDs (i.e. CD-ROMs written in DVD file format), it can be difficult to supply
reliable relating to the required memory space. If the "variable bit rate" of the
MPEG-2 encoder is activated, encoding will occur according to the
movements in the picture. The required memory depends on the film material;
an action film would need more memory than a drama, for instance.
If you cannot save your disc project on a single blank CD, you will have to
divide it up into different sections.
Further information on MPEG compression and formats can be found in the
chapter "Attachment: video and data storage devices (view page 207)" of the
PDF manual.
Test series with variable encoder settings
If you would like to know how much memory space you require for various
encoder settings, you should run some simulations before burning.
So you don’t waste any blank CDs while testing, you should activate the
“Simulate first” option.
Then create, for example, a short (ca. 5 min.) disc project and simulate burning
in multiple cycles with various settings.
After every simulation you can access the created file on the hard disk to
check how large the file has become.
From the results, you can extrapolate how much disc space your disc project
will require. The memory requirements of a 5-minute disc project would have
to be multiplied by 20 in order to estimate the space required for a 100-minute
movie. You should also add buffer for the selection menu. (view page 126)
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Separate project onto multiple discs
Automatically: If the disc project requires more memory than is available on
the CD or DVD, a dialog will appear before burning asking whether the disc
project should be automatically segmented for multiple discs. Confirm this by
clicking “Yes”. The disc project will then be automatically divided into individual
disc projects and burned sequentially onto multiple discs. This is the easiest
method as everything is automatic and all you have to do is insert a new blank
CD when required.
Manual
Case 1: If several slideshows do not fit onto a single disc.
In this case, delete as many slideshows as is needed until the remaining
slideshows fit onto the disc. You can create a new disc project and load and
burn the other slideshows afterwards.
1. Return to the "Edit" screen.
2. All slideshows which shouldn't be burned at this time must be placed into a
project of their own. Save them separately to your hard disk (“File > Manage
slideshows > Export slideshow file, for example, as “Part 2” and “Part 3”).
3. Remove the desired slideshows (e.g. "Part2" and "Part3") from poject
(menu "File > Manage slideshows > Remove from project").
4. Switch to the "Burn" interface and burn the first slideshow ("Part 1") to CD
or DVD.
5. Create a new disc project (“New” button), switch to the “Edit” view and load
it into the second slideshow (“Part 2”).
6. Switch to the "Burn" interface and burn the second slideshow to CD or
DVD.
7. Repeat the last two steps for each separately saved slideshow.
Case 2: If a long slideshow doesn’t fit onto a disc.
In this case, the slideshow has to be split into two or more parts that will be
burned separately onto disc.
1. Switch back to the "Edit" view and place the start marker to the position at
which you wish to divide the movie. In the "Edit" menu, select "Cut ->
Separate slideshow".
2. All passages behind the start marker will be removed from the slideshow
and made into a smaller slideshow. Both slideshows can be moved using
the "Select to edit" menu in the Arranger. Save both of them separately to
your hard disk (“File > Manage slideshows > Save slideshows” menu
option, for example, as “Part 1” and “Part 2”).
3. Remove one of the two slideshows (for example, "Part 2") from the disc
project ("Manage slideshows -> Remove from project" menu option).
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4. Switch to the "Burn" interface and burn the first slideshow ("Part 1") to CD
or DVD.
5. Create a new disc project (“New” button), switch to the “Edit” view and load
it into the second slideshow (“Part 2”).
6. Switch to the "Burn" interface and burn the second slideshow to CD or
DVD.
Edit DVD menus featuring MAGIX Photo & Graphic
Designer 6
Customizing menu templates:
Export menu template: Export desired template as a PSD file from MAGIX
PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10 and import into graphics program.
Change font: Create a new text layer, assign a new name, and add it to the
correct layer set.
Create new background/button graphics: Import newly created button
graphics into the graphics program, scale and move them until the size and
position are correct. Rename the created layers and add them to the correct
layer set.
Create a custom new DVD menu: We recommend adjusting an existing menu
template using a graphics program beforehand. This exercise will help you
learn about the functions and structure of a DVD menu as a PSD file to create
menus without using any templates.
Export menu
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The transfer of the menu templates to the graphics program takes place in one
of two ways:
If a complex, longer edit is required or if you have created a menu
without a template, then use the PSD import/export function in the
menu editing functions.
Next, open the PSD file in the graphics program of your choice.
For smaller changes, you can also shorten this process: click the button "In
external editor" in the "Disc options" on "Design page".
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A temporary PSD file will be added and opened in the program that has been
selected in the program settings as the menu editor. After editing has been
completed and saved in this external program, the temporary PSD file will be
imported again and the menu page will be updated immediately.
Menu text with external menu editing
Menu elements are transferred as a bitmap during PSD export as well as
during import of the edited PSD. This also applies to the text displayed in the
menu. This text may also normally be changed in the "Menu entry properties"
dialog. The menu text are adjusted if movies or chapters are added or
removed.
The PSD contains these texts as a bitmap and cannot be changed. During
importing, the bitmaps replace the original text entries. By the way, this is
maintained, and the font will only be set to a size of 0 so that texts are not
displayed in duplicate; the menu will therefore look identical after external
editing.
It is important that no more movies or chapters are added to the menu.
Otherwise the preview images, that have also changed along with the menu
structure will no longer match the bitmap text, since the bitmap text will not
match the changed references in the menu structure!
An example
A chapter with two entries is present. Entry 1 is named "travel preparations".
Entry 2 is named "arrival". A chapter named "the trip" is going to be added
between chapter 1 and chapter 2. The second chapter now becomes chapter
3 and moves to the next menu page.
Normal text behavior: The second entry (now with preview image for the newly
inserted chapter) receives the new title "the trip". The next menu page features
chapter 3 as the first entry with the name "the trip".
Text after external menu editing: The second entry will feature the title "arrival"
(as a bitmap, as a component of the button), but the preview image will feature
the new chapter "the trip"! The next menu page now features the preview
image for chapter 3 (formerly chapter 2, "arrival"), this is now called "travel
preparations"! The name is a component of the button as a bitmap for the first
menu entry on the page, and this is "travel preparations" on the first menu
page. Completely out of order!
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If the number of menu entries displayed is increased, this results from copying
the layer groups in the PSD (see below). Of course, the rendered text layers
are also copied into the layer groups, which results in incorrect text again.
The best way to proceed is to edit the text entries at the very end, since
changes normally will not follow at this point. If changes are required
nevertheless, then proceed as follows:
1. Restore the "correct" chapters or movie names by resetting the font size in
the dialog "Menu entry properties" to the default value. Two texts will be
displayed; the incorrect bitmap and the correct one.
2. Export the menu template as a PSD.
3. Delete the incorrect bitmap object in the corresponding layer and re-import
the PSD.
Of course, the menu text may also be added from the start via an external
graphics editing program only (in order to take advantage of the additional
options provided in this case). Delete the corresponding bitmap objects in the
PSD immediately after export and replace these with your own text objects.
Structure of a PSD file
MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10 produces a PSD file during export that
contains a layer for each object of the menu entry. This uses a naming scheme
that enables assignment of the objects in the file to their contents. Individual
layers feature mathematical signs that indicate their function. This naming
scheme is similar to that featured in Adobe Premiere and which is only
expanded occasionally in MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10 to describe
additional mechanisms.)
This is how these mathematical characters are used:
Characters for layer groups
(+-) or (+) Play button/start film
(++) Chapter menu button
(+>) Next page
(+<) Previous page
(+^) Root menu button (jump back from chapter menu)
(+*) Menu title:
(^^) Layer group is ignored
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Characters fro individual layers
(-) Layer contains text
(=1) Layer contains a bitmap with a highlight of the menu element.
(%) Preview image/thumbnail from the movie to be referenced
Bitmap information will be ignored during import and only the
size and position will be exported.
Edit externally
Step 2: Edit menu in MAGIX Photo & Graphic Designer 6: The created PSD
file will now be loaded in the external applications.
Editing a menu for 3 to 5 movies
Once the PSD file has been loaded in MAGIX Photo & Graphic Designer 6, the
pages & layers gallery will open. Each layer of the PSD file will be created with
the contained objects via the corresponding Photo & Graphic Designer layers.
The layer groups are represented by the names of the individual Photo &
Graphic Designer layers, with PSD layer names separated by backslashes (\).
Find the layers of the group, which you would like to duplicate. In the example,
this refers to the 4 layers on the movie button ad two layers of the chapter
menu button. You will have to work a little to ensure visual assignment of the
objects to the work area, since the program does not select the corresponding
objects when a layer is selected, and conversely it doesn't select the layer
when the work area with objects is selected. Open a layer in the pages &
layers gallery and select the contained object. The selection is displayed in the
work space.
Clicking "duplicate" copies the 6 layers individually with the corresponding
objects in the pages & layers gallery. The created layers will always be placed
at the top position, so it makes most sense to copy the existing layers from the
lower level to the top. Otherwise, the correct order of the new layers may be
restored using drag & drop.
Next, select all of the button's objects while holding the "Shift" key to move
them to a new position. Normally, the frames and chapter menu objects
behind the highlight layers also need to be selected and dragged.
Multi-selection in the object gallery is not possible since the objects are in
different layers, and the program will prevent you from selecting them together.
These steps must be repeated for each additional button.
Finally, the changes must be saved as a PSD file. Select "Export" in the "File"
menu to do this ("Save as..." does not allow this).
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Add new font to text
In MAGIX Photo & Graphic Designer 6, activate the text tool after loading the
PSD file, and write the desired text next to the movie button.
Next, localize the existing text layer for the individual movie buttons (page &
layer gallery, see above). Drag and drop the text object from the background
into the desired layer and delete the previous text object ("Del" key or "Delete"
in the pages & layers gallery). Since naming takes place in the surrounding
layer and the objects in program themselves don't have names, you don't have
to rename anything.
Repeat this process for every movie button and "Export" the result.
Adjust background and buttons
In this case, MAGIX Photo & Graphic Designer 6 features a workflow similar to
creating new texts.
For example, when the menu template is open, drag and drop two graphics for
navigation buttons into the existing PSD. Two new layers will appear in the
menu template with two new graphics objects. Drag these into the layer with
the bitmap graphics to be replaced. Renaming them is unnecessary, since the
surrounding layers take care of this.
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Localize, scale, and move as follows: Create graphics for your new menu, e.g.
for "Prev" and "Next" buttons, by dragging them into the open PSD. This
includes a total of 4 layers, two button graphics, and two highlights. The
highlight layers must be renamed and scaled and placed on the screen using
the mouse. Move the layers into the "(+>) next button" or "(+<) prev button"
layer set using drag & drop.
Play back menu in MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10
After editing, a PSD file is created, which is imported into MAGIX PhotoStory
on CD & DVD 10 again and must then be assigned to a menu page as a
template.
If access takes place via "Edit externally" see above (view page 139), this
is done automatically during saving and closing of the graphics program.
Otherwise, use the button "Import PSD" to do this.
This imports and converts the PSD (saved to an automatically generated folder
in the folder Content\DVD\Layouts, with TPL files and the generated bitmap
files).
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Create DVD menus without a template
It is recommended that an existing menu template is adjusted first with a
graphics program. This exercise will help you learn about the functions and
structure of a DVD menu as a PSD file to create menus without using any
templates.
You can create PSD files without templates if the following is observed.
MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10 can only use bitmap layers from the
menu PSD file. Text layers are read as a bitmap (graphic) so that MAGIX
PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10 cannot make any changes to the text. Layer
effects, etc. cannot be read by MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10. For this
reason, all layers featuring additional features in the graphics program need to
be reduced/combined to bitmap level.
The correct naming of layers is very important! MAGIX PhotoStory on CD &
DVD 10 assigns the layers and layer groups to the menu items via their
names, which makes their correctness important. The characters added in
front (view page 139) of the layer names should therefore be observed.
A correct menu PSD contains the following elements:
background
menu title
x movie buttons with preview image, frame bitmap, text for menu, text for
numbering, highlight
one chapter menu button per movie button with bitmap and highlight
3 navigation buttons: in front, in the back, and the root menu
Background: The background utilizes all layers from the PSD file from the very
back to the foremost "usable" layer groups. All of the layers up until this are
combined via alpha layering. If the appearance of the background in the
graphics and in MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10 is different, then this step
may also be made in the graphics program. In Photoshop, all associated layers
would be combined with the background layer.
Menu titles: In the next step, the layers of the menu title are added and
combined into a single layer group. This must feature a name that begins with
"(+*)". Besides the text layer, additional layers such as text background,
shadows, etc. may be present. All layers are unified as a single layer via alpha
layering.
Film buttons: Layers for film buttons are each combined as a layer group that
features the prefix "(+-)" or "(+)" at the beginning of its name. The layers
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themselves have different functions that are kept together via this naming
prefix.
Preview image: The name of the layer for the preview image begins with "(%)".
In this case, MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10 only reads the position and
size of the layer and uses this range to generate the preview image. In case
multiple preview images are present, their right corners will be combined
during importing.
Text layer: This includes text layers beginning with "(-)". "(-) index text" serves
as an identifier for the naming, all other text layers will bear the name of the
button label.
Highlight layer: The highlight layer is the top of the layer groups. Its name
begins with "(=1)". This should contain a highlight version (e.g. altered color) of
the frame bitmap.
All other layers will be combined into a frame bitmap.
Chapter menu buttons: The last portion features the layer groups for the
chapter menus and navigation buttons. These are named variously ("(++)" or
"(+>)","(+>)", and "(+^)"), by they feature the same principle the structure. All
highlight layers (beginning with "(=1)") become the highlight bitmap; all other
layers become the buttons bitmap via alpha layering.
The sequence of the layer groups from the PSD file is basically not considered
by MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10. Characterization in the program takes
place in the order outlined here, even if the associated layer groups in are
saved in a different order in the PSD file.
An exception is formed by movie and chapter menu buttons: arrangement in
MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10 takes place in the sequence featured by
the PSD file. The first chapter menu button detected belongs to the detected
movie button, the second to the second movie button, and so on.
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Burn dialog for DVD player
Here you can select your
burner, the type of disc,
the encoder settings. For
video CDs it is MPEG-1,
for Mini DVDs, Super
Video CDs and DVD, use
MPEG-2. Mini-HD DVD
and Blu-ray disc uses
MPEG-2, and higher
bitrates are employed in
order to reach the higher
HD resolutions.
Proceed as follows to burn a disc:
Set up burner and burn speed: If multiple burners are installed, you may
select which device you wish to use in this menu.
Encoder settings: Use the "Encoder" button to access the selection dialog to
specify settings for the MPEG encoder (memory requirements, quality, and
duration of the MPEG conversion). "Advanced settings" accesses a dialog
featuring additional options. You can adjust all the fine settings for the MPEG
encoder here.
Burning disc/starting video encoding: The button "Burn disc" starts the disc
burning process. Every time you burn and every time a simulation is carried
out, the disc project is encoded. Please note that the MPEG file is not deleted
from the hard disk after the burn process has finished. Depending on the
length of the project, encoding and burning may take some time. The time
required can be seen in the dialog.
Creating an ISO image
The simplest way to create an ISO image is to select "Image recorder" under
"Burner". When starting the "Burning process", you have to specify a name for
the image file you wish to create.
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Options
Simulate first: If you are not sure about the write speed or memory
requirements of the selected disc, you can simulate the write process before
burning.
Add project backup: Use this option to add additional project data to the
CD/DVD together with the selected video format. You can then load the disc
project from the finished disc to re-edit it and create a changed version.
Activate buffer underrun protection: Many burners support techniques that
prevent "buffer underrun". Use this option to activate this protective feature
and burn your files at higher speeds (without risking making a coaster out of
your blank disc).
Completely format DVD/CD-RW media: This option reformats the RW media
and deletes all existing file material.
Prepare disc for OnDisc editing: With a DVD±RW, it is possible to add more
slideshows to the disc, or to edit the menu at a later date. The disc has to be
burned with the option "Prepare disc for OnDisc editing" activated.
Shutdown computer after burning: Activate this option to automatically turn
off the computer after encoding and burning has been completed. You could,
for instance, start the encoding and burning process in the evening, and then
you don't have to wait for the process to finish to switch off your computer.
Activate the burner's defect management option: If a certain section of the
disc is defective, then this will be recognized by the burner and labeled as
such. No content will be saved there as a result.
Burn standard video DVD onto same disc: On a WMV HD disc you can use
this option burn an additional normal DVD video onto disc. This ensures that
your discs can also be played back on standalone DVD players. See Multi disc.
CD/DVD title: This is the title of the DVD as displayed as disc name on the PC.
The disc project name is displayed here by default.
Encoder settings
Use the "Encoder settings..." button to access the selection dialog to specify
the properties of the MPEG encoder (memory requirements, quality, and
duration of the MPEG conversion
Preset: This features useful settings for the selected disc type. Here are
several sample DVD presets:
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Long-play video DVD DVD with extra-long playing time. The bit rate is
reduced, which compromises quality.
Long-play music DVD DVD with extra-long playtime for music. The bit rate
for the soundtrack remains at the highest quality level.
Standard DVD Normal DVD
Widescreen DVD Normal DVD in 16:9 format
Note: NTSC (USA and Japan) or PAL (Europe) may be selected for all settings.
Bit rate: The bit rate determines the memory required for the completed video.
The higher the bit rate, the larger the file, and the shorter the maximum playing
time of the movie that fits on a disc.
Adjust bit rate: The expected file size of the finished video is estimated,
depending on the set bit rate. If the movie does not fit onto the disc, the bit
rate is corrected accordingly.
Quality: Specifies the quality of the encoding process. The higher the quality,
the better the finished video will look; however, encoding will take considerably
longer.
Smart rendering: Smart rendering considerably reduces the load of encoding
processing for MPEG files. During the production of MPEG files, only those
parts of the movie that were changed in the program are re-encoded. Please
note: The MPEG files contained in the movie must have the same format, i.e.
the bit rates (variable or constant), audio formats, image resolutions and video
formats must match.
Anti-interlace filter: This option should only be activated for playback on a TV
screen, since it is intended to reduce line flickering.
3D mode: In case your project features 3D material that has been edited with
Stereo 3D, a mode may be selected here for burning the material to disc. 3D is
switched on as a standard.
To return to the standard settings, press the Reset button.
The "Advanced" button opens the "Advanced settings" dialog. You can adjust
all the fine settings for the MPEG encoder here. Details about the "MPEG
encoder settings (view page 183)" are available in the PDF manual and in the
help file.
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Burn WMV HD
WMV HD (Windows Media High Definition Disc) is a type of disc optimized for
playback of slideshows on PC. The slideshow(s) are converted in a
high-resolution format into the Windows Media 9 format and a menu is added,
like with DVDs. You must have Windows Media Player 9 or higher installed on
your PC. Video encoding will be preset for HDTV resolution (1280 x 720, also
known as "720p"). To select different resolutions, click on the button “Encoder
settings” and in “Presets” choose the following:
Standard PAL (720x576) or NTSC (720 x 480)
Standard PC resolutions (1024 x 768 or 1280 x 1024)
HDTV 720p (1280x720) or 1080i (1920x1080)
Burn JPEG disc
The JPEG disc is a special case. No video file is created to be burned, but
rather every photo in the disc project is exported individually with effects and
burned to CD or DVD. Many modern DVD players can play JPEG files directly.
If a project contains several slideshows, a subfolder will be created for each
one, and the corresponding images will be placed into each one.
This means that there are no menus, no sound, no animated effects or
transitions – although it does offer the best possible quality available for
playback on TV.
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Create PC show
Press this button to create a presentation optimized for your PC in the
WMA format.
First, enter a path where the slideshow will be located and then click "OK".
Create webDVD
Here you can create an online presentation which can be uploaded to
MAGIX Online Album and opened there. To do this, you must first
register on MAGIX Online Album.
First you have to create and save the online presentation on your computer,
after which it can be uploaded. Indicate a location to save the file. Usually the
suggested folder needs no alteration.
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Export
The button "Export" opens the export wizard, which features the most
important export settings for your slideshow. Note that only export the current
slideshow may be exported. Other slideshows in the project and the disc menu
are not included.
Save slideshow as video on your computer
This option recalculates a slideshow including all objects, effects settings,
fades, texts, and other features into a video file and saves it on your computer.
Simply select a certain quality (e.g. DVD quality) and a file format (e.g. MPEG
-4). The dialog provide further information about the properties of the selected
medium.
Note: Only the most familiar and most often used formats are listed as options.
"File -> Export slideshow (view page 159)" features many additional file
formats.
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Export as 3D video (Deluxe version only)
This option recalculates a slideshow including all objects, effects settings,
fades, texts, and other features into a 3D video file and saves it on your
computer.
Simply select a certain quality (for example, DVD quality) and a file format (e.g.
MPEG 4). The dialog will provide further information on the properties of the
selected medium.
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Note: Read the chapter "Stereo 3D (view page 106)" for more information
about 3D video.
152 Export
Publish directly on the Internet.
This option uploads your movie directly to YouTube®, Vimeo, or Facebook
(Deluxe version only). YouTube® is likely the most famous portal for
homemade clips. Vimeo is becoming more popular as a platform for more
demanding videos.
Community: Select the desired platform: YouTube, flickr, or Facebook.
Title: Enter the name of the slideshow.
Description: Add a short description of your slideshow to describe its contents
to other community members.
Category: Select the category for your movie here.
Send: Select whether the film should be private, accessible only to you and
authorized persons, or public, meaning freely accessible.
Export settings: Set various quality settings.
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Publish via MAGIX Online Album
This accesses the MAGIX Online Album login dialog directly. Next, present your
photos together with videos and music in custom-designed online albums.
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154 Export
Export for mobile device - export video/audio
This dialog enables you to transfer your finished video onto external devices. In
this case, MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10 offers settings for a number of
playback devices, including mobile phones, mobile video players,
smartphones, PDAs, or games consoles.
Export to mobile devices
Most devices require certain format settings (file format, resolution, bit rate,
picture repeat rate, etc.) to be able to play a video.
The menu is divided into various device classes (mobile phones, organizers
and PDAs, games consoles, and video players) to make it easier to select your
device. The last three selections are saved as favorites in the top part of the
device list if you have more than one device or want to present your movies to
your friends.
If your device is listed here, you won't have to worry about the format settings,
because the necessary settings of the export dialog are automatically
customized to the target device. Simply select your device, and then click the
"OK" button - that's all.
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Menus
In this chapter you'll find the full menu list of your copy of MAGIX PhotoStory
on CD & DVD 10 and the corresponding functions.
File Menu
New
Project
This menu item creates a new MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10
project. You can also open this feature via the "New project" button
above the video monitor.
Keyboard shortcut: Shift + N
Slideshow
This option creates a new slideshow. The default name for a new slideshow
can be specified in the program settings.
Keyboard shortcut: Ctrl + Alt + N
Open
This menu item loads a previously saved MAGIX PhotoStory on CD &
DVD 10 project. Please note that the related files must be accessible.
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MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10 searches for the used sounds, pictures
and videos under the path to where you last saved the disc project.
Keyboard shortcut: Ctrl + O
Open automatically saved project...
This option loads an automatically created slideshow backup. This type of
automatic backup gets the file extension MV_ (underscore). This command is
only intended for use in emergencies, e.g. if you unintentionally saved your
change and wish to return to the previous version of the project.
Keyboard shortcut: Alt + O
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Manage slideshow
Remove from project
This option removes the current slideshow from the project.
Keyboard shortcut: Shift + F4
Rename
You can enter a name for the current slideshow here.
Attach
This function attaches an opened slideshow to another one. This attaches it to
the end of the opened slideshow and automatically applies the original
slideshow's settings.
Attach an opened slideshow: An already opened slideshow can be selected
from the list and attached. This option is only available if your project contains
multiple slideshows.
Attach the last edited slideshow: All of the slideshows that were last edited
are listed. This option is only available if other slideshows have been previously
edited.
Load and attach a slideshow: Click a folder and a dialog will open to select a
slideshow. Navigate like in Windows Explorer to the folder that contains the
desired slideshow. Double clicking on a slideshow file (*.mvm) opens it and
attaches it to the current slideshow.
Import slideshow file
Use this option to load a slideshow into your project.
Please note that all related photos must be accessible. MAGIX PhotoStory on
CD & DVD 10 searches for the used sounds, pictures, and videos from the
path to where you last saved the slideshow.
Keyboard shortcut: Ctrl + O
Export slideshow file
A dialog opens where you can specify the path and name of the slideshow.
The slideshow can then be imported again into other projects.
Note: The slideshow file (*.mvm) contains all information about the used media
files, cuts, effects, and titles, but not the picture and sound material itself. This
is found in the recorded or imported media files that remain unchanged during
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the entire MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10 editing process. To save the full
slideshow into a dedicated directory, for instance to continue editing on a
different PC, please use the function "Copy movie and media into directory".
Wizards
This menu entry contains different aids for different tasks in MAGIX PhotoStory
on CD & DVD 10.
Slideshow wizard
This wizard makes creating great slideshows (view page 25) child's play. You
will be led through the necessary steps automatically.
Clean-up Wizard
The Clean Up Wizard helps you delete disc projects from you hard drive,
including all slideshows and the audio, video, and picture files used in them.
Use this function to free up disk space for future projects.
Caution: If the files you used in the slideshow have also been used in other
slideshows (like trailers, opening music, for example), then you should make
backup copies of these files beforehand.
Keyboard shortcut: Shift + I
Delete specific files
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Choose this option if you would like to select certain files for deletion. You can
select the desired files in the "File selection" dialog. In the next step, the Clean
Up Wizard automatically looks for other files which belong to your selection.
Using this method you can delete an entire slideshow with all of its
accompanying media, help, project, and backup files. Before they are deleted
you receive relevant information in a dialog and a confirmation request.
Search and delete superfluous files
Choose this option if you would like to find unnecessary files or free up some
space on your hard drive. The Clean Up Wizard then automatically looks for
extraneous files created during use of MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10.
Before they are deleted you receive relevant information in a dialog and a
confirmation request.
Slideshow Maker
This is where to open Slideshow Maker.
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Soundtrack Maker
This command opens the MAGIX Soundtrack Maker (view page 115).
Adjust music to section
If you have edited your background music with Tempo and beat recognition
and a musical tempo was provided, then you can adjust the cuts to change
automatically in time with the beat using this command. All hard cuts (edits
without transitions) will be moved to occur on the musical quarter notes.
Keyboard shortcut: Ctrl + Shift + U
Save
The current disc project is saved with the name displayed in the project
window. If you have not yet specified a name for your project, a dialog
will open wherein MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10 asks you to do
so.
Keyboard shortcut: Ctrl + Alt + S
Save Disc Project as
A dialog opens where you can specify the path and name of the Disc Project.
Keyboard shortcut: Alt + Shift + S
Import
A dialog for importing media files opens. Choose between "Search" and
"Automatic import".
Search: A dialog for selecting media files opens. The selected files will be
imported into the current slideshow after "Open" is clicked.
Note: Media files can be dragged and dropped into the slideshow from the
Media Pool much more conveniently.
Import automatically: To copy photos from a digital camera to the computer,
the accompanying MAGIX Photo Manager program will open. As soon as the
program is ready, connect the digital camera with the computer. The imported
photos can be conveniently dragged from the Media pool into the slideshow.
Please also read the MAGIX Photo Manager help file by pressing "F1" from
within the program.
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Scan image
Scan photo externally...
Opens MAGIX Photo Designer for scanning photos. This function is required if
there are problems when scanning with MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10.
Keyboard shortcut: Alt + Shift + A
Twain scanner
Select source
The TWAIN interface connects MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10 with nearly
all modern scanners or digital cameras. To scan, please proceed as follows:
1. Install the TWAIN software for your device.
2. Restart you PC.
3. Start MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10.
4. Click on "File > Twain Scanner/Camera > Select source" if the scanner
works with 32 bit software.
5. Select your device from the dialog. This step is only required once and only
has to be repeated if you want to change the device.
Scan with
The scan window of your scan software will appear. Specify the resolution and
color depth in this window. When the scan is complete, the TWAIN software
should close automatically and MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10 should
now contain the newly created image file. It's possible that the TWAIN window
remains open. You can then scan multiple pictures one after the other.
Recording
Select between Audio recording (view page 74) and Single image recording.
Export
This provides all export formats supported by MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD
10 that aren't covered by burning. Refer to "Exporting" for more information.
Video as AVI
When exporting to AVI video, you can set and configure the size and frame
rate of the AVI video and the compression codec for audio (audio
compression) and video (codec).
Please also note the general info on AVI videos (view page 209)!
Keyboard shortcut: Alt + A
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Video as MPEG video
MPEG is short for "Motion Picture Experts Group" and is a very powerful
compression format for audio and video files.
MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10 is equipped with the high performance
Ligos GoMotion encoder. In the MPEG export dialog you can fine tune the
options for the MPEG encoder. MPEG files are created when you burn a
CD/DVD. Usually standardized MPEG-1/-2 is used for creating (S)VCDs or
DVDs. However, many DVD players can also process (S)VCDs with
non-standard bit rates, so there is room for experimenting here.
Simply export your movie to MPEG via the File menu. When burning the disc
the program recognizes that the file is already available and uses this instead.
Details on the MPEG encoder settings can be found in the MPEG Encoder
help!
Shortcut MPEG-2 (DVD) Alt + H
MPEG-2 (miniDVD) Alt + I
MPEG-2(Super Video CD) Alt + J
MPEG-1 (Video CD) Alt + K
MAGIX video export
Exports the movie in MAGIX video format. This format is used for video
recording by MAGIX video software and is optimized for digitally edited
high-quality video material.
Keyboard shortcut: Ctrl + Alt + M
Video as Quicktime Movie
Exports the movie in QuickTime movie format. This enables streaming
playback of audio and video files over the Internet.
As with RealMedia export, appropriate adjustments can also be made for video
site, frame rate, and codec settings. However, the export dialog does not
permit you to add commentary to the video.
For QuickTime files (*.mov) you have to install the QuickTime library.
Keyboard shortcut: Ctrl + Alt + Q
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Windows Media Export
Exports the arrangement in Window Media format. This audio/video format is
optimized for the Internet.
You can also use it to archive your movies in high-quality when compared to
MPEG-sized files. Windows Media is an alternative if you would like to view
your movies primarily on your PC. Pocket PC and Smartphone movies are also
created with the Windows Media Format.
Depending on your requirements you can choose between different profiles. If
the Windows Media Encoder 9 is installed (which can be downloaded free of
charge from Microsoft) you can edit the profiles or add your own.
Two pass: The video is compressed in 2 stages in order to export
highly-compressed videos for the Internet optimally.
Slideshow: Lets you create slideshows with audio soundtracks. The created
files are very small despite their high image quality, since only still images (no
transitions or movement effects) are displayed.
In the dialog you can add the author name, copyright details, and a
description.
Keyboard shortcut: Alt + F
Advanced settings
Here you'll find more on the advanced settings in the Windows Media Video
Export section. You can enter precise details for the format you wish to create.
Profiles from the system or from another file can also be imported.
Real Media Export
Exports the arrangement in RM format.
RealMedia enables streaming playback of video files via the Internet. This has a
very high compression rate, but the quality is noticeably reduced. After
choosing a name for your file you can specify the bit rate of the transmission
speed (modem, ISDN, etc.) at which the audio file can be played without
errors.
There are many embedding options for meta information for this format.
Audio settings/Video settings: Here you can select the presets for the quality
of the audio or video material. An additional dialog is opened via the
"Advanced" button. In advanced video options you can select the frame rate
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per second (fps). The lower the rate, the less data will be transferred and the
poorer the quality of the picture will be.
Clip information: Enter the author, video name, etc. to appear in the
RealPlayer during playback.
Clip meta information: Enter keywords for search engines. If the RealVideo clip
is loaded onto a homepage, then search engines will find it. However, these
search engine tags can be deactivated.
Video preprocessing: The "2-pass encoding" field is of special interest, since
you can improve the quality (audio and video files are compressed separately).
Furthermore, you can select various filters.
Video size: Set up video sizes between 160x120 and 720x576 pixels.
Profile: Select the bandwidth for the video, i.e. over which data connection it
will be played in real time ("streamed"). The settings selected may limit the
other selections as files for 28k modems cannot be created at high quality.
Streaming videos require a server application that must be installed on the
server for the video to be played ("streamed") in real time. If you don't have this
application it has to be downloaded. "RealServer" is a server application that
enables streaming video in RealVideo format.
Key: Alt + G
Video as MPEG-4 video
Hint: In order to use the MPEG-4 video export feature, you will have to activate
this function first.
MPEG-4 is the most advanced video format available at the moment. Unlike
others, it can provide high-quality pictures at the same file size.
Behind MPEG-4, you'll find a highly complex "academic" standard that
operates and is supported variably according to make. To go into detail on
these differences and parameters would be beyond the scope of this
documentation. For this reason, indications, along with the operational manual
of your device, are given that should help create executable MPEG-4 files. For
more experimental users, the complete setup options of the MPEG-4 codec
can be found behind the "Advanced settings..." buttons.
Video/Audio: The MPEG-4 format and the advanced AVC format are also
available but have, as of yet, only been used in a few devices. MPEG4 video
can be combined with AAC or AMR sound, the latter mostly in conjunction with
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mobile phones. The combination ACC/AAC doesn't appear very often (Apple
iPod Video), ACC with AMR in contrast, not at all.
Multiplexer: Here you can find the so-called container formats and special
options for Apple iPod and Sony PSP. MPEG-4 is usually used as an output
format, mobile phones mostly use 3GPP.
Keyboard shortcut: Ctrl + Alt + G
Animated GIF
The video will be exported as an animated GIF file (also called "AniGIF). This file
format is supported by many mobile phones.
Keyboard shortcut: Ctrl + Alt + F
Single frame as BMP
Exports the image at the position of the start marker and displayed on the
video screen as a BMP file.
Keyboard shortcut: Ctrl + Alt + B
Single frame as JPG
Exports the picture located at the current start marker and displayed in the
video monitor as a JPG file.
Keyboard shortcut: Ctrl + Alt + J
Internet
This is a list of menu entries regarding all of the services that are available
directly from within MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10.
Send slideshow as email (Deluxe version)
With this option selected in the File menu a compressed file in Windows™
Media Format will be created. Your email program will be simultaneously
activated and the file created will be added as an attachment of a new
message. Any slideshow can be compressed without intermediate steps and
sent as an email immediately.
Keyboard shortcut: Shift + U
Transfer to external device
Most devices require certain format settings (file format, resolution, bit rate,
picture repeat rate, etc.) to be able to play a video.
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The menu is divided into various device classes (mobile phones, organizers
and PDAs, games consoles, and video players) to make choosing your device
easier. The last three selections are saved as favorites in the top part of the
device list if you have more than one device or want to present your movies to
your friends.
If your device is listed here, you won't have to worry about the format settings,
because the necessary settings of the Export dialog are automatically
customized to the target device. Simply select your device and click "OK".
Download presets for new device
The selection of playback devices is constantly changing. New devices or
versions are coming on the market every day. The list of supported devices
may therefore not be up-to-date and may not (yet) contain your specific
device. MAGIX continuously maintains updated preset lists for the available
devices (available online for download). Internet access is required.
The command "Download presets for new device" opens a website containing
an up-to-date list of all supported devices and device versions. Just search for
the desired device and click the corresponding link. The settings for the device
will be downloaded and made available to you in MAGIX PhotoStory on CD &
DVD 10.
Warning: Some browsers display a warning if you try to download an
executable file (.exe). You can ignore this warning.
If your device is not listed on the website, you can report your unsupported
device so that it will be included in later updates.
Output to device
This command opens the dialog for outputting the completed video or its
soundtrack to analog or digital video recorders/camcorders or various mobile
devices such as smartphones, PDAs, video players, or games consoles.
Please read the chapter "Output audio/video (view page 154)".
Keyboard shortcut: H
Backup copy
Files must be saved to be able to be easily retrieved in case of a hard drive
crash or some other error.
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Copy project and media into folder...
The project and all of the files it contains are saved together in one folder. Use
this function to transfer an entire project to another computer.
Keyboard shortcut: Shift + Q
Copy slideshow and media into folder...
The slideshow and all necessary files can be saved in any folder.
Keyboard shortcut: Shift + R
Projekt, Fotoshows und Medien brennen
Use this option to burn the project with all relevant slideshows and their files to
CD or DVD.
Even larger projects can be burned straight to disc. The project, if necessary,
will be split up and burned automatically to multiple discs. A restore program
which is burned to the first disc of this type of backup, guarantees easy
re-recording of the backup.
Burn slideshow and media to CD/DVD
Use this option to burn the slideshow and all relevant files to CD or DVD.
Even larger slideshows can be burned straight to disc. If necessary, the
slideshow will be split up and burned automatically to multiple discs. A restore
program which is burned to the first disc of this type of backup guarantees
easy re-recording of the backup.
Keyboard shortcut: Alt + Shift + R
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Restore data backup from (S)VCD/Video DVD
Use this menu command to restore a project backup that has been saved onto
a CD/DVD. The disc has to be burned with the option "Add project backup
data" (see "Burn disc dialog (view page 124)").
You can choose which of the slideshows contained on the disc should be
restored by selecting it from the list and highlighting which directory. In this
folder a subfolder Backup_xx will be created for each restored backup where
all project files of the disc will be stored. All restored slideshows are then
loaded into MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10 and can be edited.
If you select the option "Restore image files only", only the original image files
contained on the disc are restored.
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Burn project (image) again
All necessary files, menus, and encoded video files needed to burn a CD/DVD
will be temporarily stored on your hard drive. After your disc is burned, these
are not automatically deleted. Use "Burn disc project (image) again" enables
you to burn as many discs as you would like without having to encode the files
again.
In the dialog, choose the image you want. All necessary files are then
transferred to the MAGIX Speed burnR.
Tip: For more information on using MAGIX Speed burnR, read the help file of
the program.
Settings
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Slideshow...
Opens the settings for the current slideshow.
Project...
Project name:Give your disc project a name. This name will be used as a
preset title for the disc you are going to burn. The slideshows will also be given
this name.
Use 16:9 aspect ratio for current disc project: This option lets you edit the
slideshow from the very beginning in 16:9 format. The video monitor's size
changes to correspond to this.
Cut new images to fit screen automatically: Images that do not correspond to
the slideshow's ratio are adjusted automatically. The zoom factor is set in such
a way that there are no black bars to the left or right or top to bottom.
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Program Settings
This menu item opens the Program Settings (view page 117).
Keyboard shortcut: P
Slideshow effect settings
This menu item accesses the slideshow's effects settings (view page 85, view
page 58). The settings made here apply to the entire slideshow.
Keyboard shortcut: M
Change the program interface
Here you can switch between various designs, in which MAGIX PhotoStory on
CD & DVD 10 can be represented.
Reset Program Settings to Default...
Use this function to reset all program settings (view page 117) you made in
MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10 to their original settings.
Exit
Closes MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10.
Keyboard shortcut: Alt + F4
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Edit Menu
Undo
You can undo the last steps you made. This means that you can easily
try out critical operations. If the result does not meet your
expectations, then you can simply "undo" it and return to the initial
status.
Keyboard shortcut: Ctrl + Z
Redo
This command cancels a previous "Undo" command.
Keyboard shortcut: Ctrl + Y
Cut
This function deletes the selected photo (or the selected object in the
Timeline mode) and copies it to the clipboard. You can then use the
"Paste" command to copy it into any slideshow.
Keyboard shortcut: Ctrl + X
Copy
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This command copies the selected scenes (or the selected object in Timeline
mode) to the clipboard. From there you can paste it into any other slideshow
using the "Paste" command.
Keyboard shortcut: Ctrl + C
Insert
This command inserts the clipboard material (photo or object) at the
current position of the start marker.
Keyboard shortcut: Ctrl + V
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Delete
Delete
This command cancels the selected photo (or the selected object in Timeline
mode).
Keyboard shortcut: Del
Objekt austauschen
Replaces the selected object with an object selected in the Media Pool.
Length adjustment moves the objects following it correspondingly.
If photo objects are removed/exchanged, then the display duration will remain.
Split object
This command cuts a scene at the point where the start marker is positioned.
This way, two free-standing objects are created.
You can isolate a part of an object in order to delete it:
1. Place the start marker where you'd like to have it by left clicking in the
timeline.
2. Select the video object by clicking on it and click on the cut button.
3. Place the start marker at the end of the part you wish to remove and click
on the cut button again.
4. Select the middle object that was created and press the "DEL" key.
5. Pull the object at the back to the front; it should automatically snap into
place. All subsequent objects will be moved along in unison so that no gaps
appear.
You can also use this function to apply effects to a certain part of an object
only.
Keyboard shortcut: T
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Effects Menu (FX)
Image optimization
This places the image material in the right light, sharpens shaky recordings,
and corrects tint, all conveniently from the Media Pool.
TV picture
This submenu item performs various adjustments for the TV picture. Besides
interlace and anti-flickering filters, you will find the option to adjust the image to
the real proportions of the TV picture. A special algorithm ensures an optimal
ratio between image size and image borders (anti-cropping).
Interpolation for interlace material
Choose this option to remove interlace artifacts from your video image. If, for
instance, you extract freeze frames from a video, ridge structures appear in
sequences which feature movement.
Anti-flicker filter
Choose this option for still pictures with detailed structures and high contrast.
This filter reduces line flickering during TV playback.
Border cropping adjustment
Select this option if the edges are cropped during playback on your television.
Values stored in "Slideshow effects settings (view page 105)" will be applied.
Distortion
Image material can be transformed in various artistic ways; a broad palette of
effects is available to you for this in the Media Pool.
View & animation
These effects allow properties like section, image size, position, and rotation of
image and video objects to be specified in the Media Pool.
Design
Add different decorations, speech bubbles, and animations to photos directly
in the Media Pool to add life to your slideshow.
Rotate 90°
Rotates the image 90° clockwise/counterclockwise.
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Shortcuts: Ctrl + Alt + F to the right
Ctrl + Alt + G to the left
You can also turn a photo in Storyboard (view page 44) mode via
the rotation buttons on the photo box.
Automatically cut to fit monitor
This option enables photos to be adjusted to suit the current format. In this
case, the picture is zoomed in to such an extent that the upper and lower parts
of the photo are hidden and the annoying black bars to the sides disappear.
The consequence of course is that portions of the image will be missing.
Keyboard shortcut: Shift + A
Display duration...
Enter the display duration for the current photo here in
[Minutes]:[Seconds]:[Frames].
Tip: The display duration for photos may also be set in the Media
Pool. To do so, click on the desired photo and select the "Effects"
tab.
Apply to area between the start and end markers: Applies the settings to all
photos located between the start and end markers.
Apply to all: The settings are applied to every photo in the current movie. The
settings will not be applied to photos in additional movies in the project.
Edit image (external)...
The command "Edit image (external)" enables photos to be edited with the
MAGIX Photo Designer graphics program. The command appears in the
context menu for every image. The context menu opens by clicking the small
FX button at the top edge of the photo box.A dialog window of the MAGIX
Photo Designer wizard appears. This is a clever little helper that recommends
several typical photo tasks from which you can simply select the specific task,
mark with a cross, and then send your picture to MAGIX Photo Designer.
MAGIX Photo Designer opens and loads the selected picture.In MAGIX Photo
Designer you are supplied with the necessary instructions for editing your
photos. Have fun experimenting!
After editing has been completed, the modified picture will be used instead of
the original material.
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Retouch redeye, select clippings, apply creative distortions ("flowing color"),
enhance Internet photos, and much more. The integrated MAGIX Photo
Designer makes it possible. Even unsuccessful recordings can be fit for
presentation in the blink of an eye. Read more on this in the MAGIX Photo
Designer help.
Create panorama image...
With only a single click you can create a panorama (view page 114) in MAGIX
PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10. You can do this fully automatic or manually; try
experimenting with it.
Picture-in-picture collages
These work similarly to normal picture-in-picture effects, but more objects are
used. Depending on the collage, arrange the selected objects one after the
other and drag the collage onto the first object.
Fades
This features all fades sorted into the various categories. One click on a
category displays all of the blends that are contained.
To load a fade, click it and drag it onto the object that should be faded into.
Alternatively, you may select the object that you would like to fade into and
double-click on Fade in the Media Pool.
Background design
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Select a color, a picture, or any video on your hard disk which you would like
to serve as the background for the photo displayed. This function is especially
useful when photos have black bars around them or if they are reduced in size.
Video Stabilization
Opens the video stabilizer dialog to help you correct shaky footage. Read more
on this topic in "Video Stabilization".
Keyboard shortcut: Shift + K
Title Editor
Title Editor
Keyboard shortcut: Ctrl + T
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Save as title template...
If you have designed special titles, these can be saved as a template. Titles will
be saved in the titles folder in MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10 to make
them easier to find in the Media Pool (under "Titles).
Keyboard shortcut: Shift + E
Convert to 3D titles...
The title object will now be turned into a MAGIX 3D object. If you have also
installed MAGIX 3D Maker, the program will open for you to work on the text.
Fade in date as title
MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10 can add a time or date ("timecode") to the
picture material. To add a timecode, right click the image and choose the
"Fade in date as title" option from the context menu.
If a photo file is involved (i.e. a photo created with a digital camera that
contains EXIF data), then the date the picture was taken will be added. If a
different kind of file is involved, the creation date will be used as the timecode.
Next, the title editor opens for you to customize the entry.
Sound optimization
The "Audio cleaning (More Informationen can be found in the section "Sound
optimization" on page 91)" dialog will open to help you remove noise.
Keyboard shortcut: Shift + W
Adjust music to section
If you have edited your background music with Tempo and beat recognition
and a musical tempo was provided, then you can adjust the cuts to change
automatically in time with the beat using this command. All hard cuts (edits
without transitions) will be moved to occur on the musical quarter notes.
Keyboard shortcut: Ctrl + Shift + U
Reset Effects
This is not really an "effect", since it actually deactivates all current effects.
Show/Hide
Hides or shows the selected object.
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Properties
This function displays all the information about the currently selected objects
such as file name, position on the hard-drive, tempo, etc. The Object Editor
also defines the foreground and background color of every object in the
arrangement.
More information is available under Object properties.
Online menu
This is a list of menu entries regarding all of the services that are available
directly from within MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10.
Tasks menu
In this menu you will find direct solution and short video explanations on how
to perform tasks in different topics. Not only will you find step-by-step
instructions for sound and pictures here, but you also find quick access to
many of functions.
If you click on an entry with a camera symbol, then you will open a short
tutorial video which displays a solution. Entries without camera symbols offer a
solution to the problem immediately.
Help Menu
Help
This command is available for almost every feature of the program, and it
opens the "Help" file for the corresponding topic. Use this command to get
help on any of MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10's functions.
Keyboard shortcut: F1
Content
Use the command "Content" in the "Help" menu to open the start page of the
help file. You can read through the help file step-by-step and jump to specific
sections via the tree structure on the right hand side.
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magix.info
Help and get help - Directly from within the program, you'll be able to access
magix.info, the new MAGIX Knowledge Database. You'll find answers to all the
most frequently asked questions about MAGIX products and multimedia in
general. Couldn't find an answer to your particular question? No problem – just
ask the question yourself!
You can access magix.info online at http://www.magix.info
Start introductory video
The introductory video shows you how all the most important features work.
Specific topics are explained in detail in additional tutorial videos.
Keyboard shortcut: Ctrl + F1
To play the introductory video you may have to insert the program CD.
Display Tool Tips
Tooltips are small information windows that open up automatically if the mouse
pointer stops briefly on a button or some other area. They provide information
about the function of the button. These information boxes can be switched on
or off with this option.
Keyboard shortcut: Ctrl + Shift + F1
MAGIX Screenshare
This function makes it possible for you to offer assistance to other users
directly via the Internet, or to get help from others. To do this, you have to
register MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10 first.
Hint: To inform the screensharing guests of exactly what is being shown, it is
also a good idea to telephone or chat simultaneously.
Register as host for a screen transfer
1. If you want to start a screenshare instance yourself, then you have to
register as a host first. To do this, open the menu "Online" and then select
"Screen transfer as host...".
2. In the dialog you can enter a name for the screen session. Your user
account name is used here by default.
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3. Now click on "Start session". A small window will now open in the bottom
right corner which displays the status of your screen session. A number will
also be displayed (session ID) which serves as a password for your guests.
4. Start the screenshare instance.
Register as guest of a screen session
1. You have to register as a guest to view a screensharing instance. To do
this, open the menu "Online" and then select "Screen transfer as guest...".
2. Enter the password you received from your host (8-digit session ID).
3. Now click on "Start session". A window will open displaying a smaller
version of your host's screen.
Register online
This option opens the MAGIX homepage for online registration where you can
register yourself as a MAGIX user.
Registration grants you access to the MAGIX support website
http://support.magix.net (see support) where various program updates and
help programs can be downloaded.
With the registration form supplied (start menu under "MAGIX PhotoStory on
CD & DVD 10 -> Service and support -> Register") you can register via post or
fax. Simply print it out, fill it in, and send it off!
Online Update
Connects directly to the online update page where you can get the latest
version of your program.
About MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10
Displays copyright info and version number of MAGIX PhotoStory on CD &
DVD 10.
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Activate additional functions
You can activate encoders/decoders for various file formats as required.
Why does it have to be "activated"?
To import (decode) or export (encode) certain video and audio formats, you will
require a specific codec. MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10 will ask you if
you want to activate the codec as soon as you need it. The integration of
decoders and encoders from third parties into programs usually costs money.
These codecs are integrated via additional, voluntary activation in MAGIX
programs which, according to usage and degree of prevalence, can be free or
fee-based for special high-quality codecs. This way, MAGIX can continue to be
able to provide you with optimum value for money for your software.
Free activation (MPEG 2 codec)
To be able to use the MPEG-2 codec, you will have to first activate it for free.
Activation can be done online via telephone or via post/fax. The quickest and
easiest way to order an activation code is via the Internet.
Order activation code online
Click on "Order online..." (Field 1). Your Internet browser will open. Once you
have registered, the activation code will be sent to the email address you
supplied upon registration.
If your computer has no Internet access, you have the following options for
activation:
Order activation code in MAGIX Service Center
Use this option to conduct activation from a different computer which has
Internet access.
Order activation code via telephone
The telephone number and necessary details you will need to call to receive
activation by telephone are displayed here.
Order activation code via post/fax
After clicking on "Order via post/fax" (field 2), your user code will appear. This
automatically assigns your personal activation code to your PC. Click on
"Continue to order form" to transfer your user code automatically to the
post/fax form. Now send the completed form as a print out to the address/fax
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no. mentioned. Your activation code will be sent to you in just a few days via
post or fax. It can also be sent by mail if an email address is state d.
Enter activation code
After receiving your personal activation code, you can use the activation dialog
for the corresponding file format to start exporting for the respective format. if
you receive the activation code via email, then copy it into the input field in the
dialog and click "Activate...".
Fee-based activation (MPEG-4)
The MPEG-4 codec requires a fee-based activation. This can be done online,
via telephone, or via post/fax. The quickest and easiest way to order an
activation code is via the Internet. Ordering the activation code takes just a few
minutes via email. Ordering your activation code via post/fax requires a few
days for processing.
Order activation code online
Click on "Order online..." (Field 1). The web browser will open for you to
register MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10 first (if you have not already done
so). You will then be forwarded to a website where you can request the
corresponding activation.
If your computer has no Internet access, then you have the following options
for activation:
Order activation code in MAGIX Service Center
Use this option to conduct activation from a different computer which has
Internet access.
Order activation code via post/fax
After clicking on "Order via post/fax" (field 2) your user code will appear. This
automatically assigns your personal activation code to your PC. Click on
"Continue to order form" to transfer your user code automatically to the
post/fax form. Now send the completed form as a printout to the address/fax
no. mentioned. Once payment has been processed successfully, your
activation code will be sent to you in the post/via fax in just a few days.
Optionally, it can also be sent by email if an email address is stated.
Enter activation code
After receiving your personal activation code use the export or burn function to
reopen the activation dialog for the corresponding file format. Type or copy the
activation code into the input field in the dialog and click on "Activate...".
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Activation problems
Problem: The entered code is incorrect (telephone activation)
Make sure your entry is correct; in most cases a typo is to blame.
If the code is entered correctly, dial the number of our Call Center. Our support
staff will help you personally.
The MAGIX website won't open
Check your Internet connection; you may have to use manual dial-up.
The form for ordering via post/fax won't open
Check that an adequate text editing program is installed and activated (for
example, MS Word).
I still haven't received an email with the activation code
Check that your inbox isn't full.
Have a look in your spam folder.
You can always send questions via email to our support whenever you like.
Please have the following information at hand so that we can assist you as
quickly and as specifically as possible.
Complete product name
Exact version number (to be found in the about box in the "About" menu item
of the "Help" menu)
Encoder/Decoder name
Your user code (accessible via the "Activate via post/fax" dialog)
Problem: I have installed MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10 on a new
computer, installed a new hard drive in my old computer (sound card,
memory...), or installed it multiple times on the same computer. My activation
code is no longer accepted!
If the program cannot be activated again after it has been activated multiple
times, please contact the MAGIX customer service (view page 7).
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Problems and solutions
File will not load
If files cannot be loaded, this means that the format is either not supported by
MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10, or the corresponding codec must be
activated first. Read the sections "Import and export formats" and "Activate
additional functions".
In case of AVI files, it is possible that the necessary codec in not installed. For
this, read the section "General tips for AVI videos" (view page 209) in the
"Digital video and data carriers" supplement of the PDF manual or help (F1
key).
Tip: To find out which codecs are used in the movie file, different help
programs are available. An example for this is "GSpot" or "AVIcodec".
Choppy or uneven playback
Don't panic if the picture on your screen is choppy or uneven. The finished
product will look perfect and play smoothly. Don't forget that MAGIX
PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10 calculates all effects in real time. This lets you see
for yourself what sort of influence each of the effects will have on your video
footage. Some effects make even today's high-performance PCs work quite
hard, and often, a steady, continuous video stream is simply not possible on
your PC. The final product, free from previous choppiness, is only available
after rendering it to DVD or exporting it. For that reason, you should first edit
the movie in its raw version without effects. The preview generally delivers a
steady picture, allowing you to work quickly and quietly. Towards the end, you
can add effects to your movies to give them a special touch of Hollywood!
Activation problems
Problem: The entered code is incorrect (telephone activation)
Make sure your entry is correct; in most cases a typo is to blame.
If the code is entered correctly, dial the number of our Call Center. Our support
staff will help you personally.
182 Problems and solutions
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The MAGIX website won't open
Check your Internet connection; you may have to use manual dial-up.
The form for ordering via post/fax won't open
Check that an adequate text editing program is installed and activated (for
example, MS Word).
I still haven't received an email with the activation code
Check that your inbox isn't full.
Have a look in your spam folder.
You can always send questions via email to our support whenever you like.
Please have the following information at hand so that we can assist you as
quickly and as specifically as possible.
Complete product name
Exact version number (to be found in the about box in the "About" menu item
of the "Help" menu)
Encoder/Decoder name
Your user code (accessible via the "Activate via post/fax" dialog)
Problem: I have installed MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10 on a new
computer, installed a new hard drive in my old computer (sound card,
memory...), or installed it multiple times on the same computer. My activation
code is no longer accepted!
If the program cannot be activated again after it has been activated multiple
times, please contact the MAGIX customer service (view page 7).
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Encoder
Appendix: MPEG Encoder Settings
General settings
MPEG type: Set the output type of the created MPEG file. You can adjust the
encoder settings freely (to export your video in the corresponding format, for
instance) for further use in other programs or on your own website.
If you open the encoder from a burn dialog, or intend to use the exported
material for VCDs, SVCDs or DVDs, then select the corresponding option. This
will adjust the settings of the encoder according to the standards required for
the corresponding discs to be played in a compatible player.
Video format: Automatically specifies the video format, aspect ratio, and frame
rate (see video settings (view page 184)). You can choose between PAL or
NTSC.
Interlace mode: The movie is encoded interlaced (i.e. in two half-screens,
so-called fields). This is essential for later playback on TV screens. If you want
to view the exported movie on your PC only and like a "cinemascope" view,
you can also encode by frame (progressively). Some video projectors also
support playback of progressively encoded image material. See Interlace (view
page 203).
Bit rate: The bit rate determines the memory requirement by the completed
video. The amount of data available can be used differently for different display
modes. 20 MB can be 4 seconds of DVD video, or 5 minutes of Internet
streaming at the thumbnail size. The quality of an MPEG video is measured by
the width of the created data stream, i.e. the bit rate. This is the amount of
transmitted data per time unit and is indicated in kBit/s or bit per second.
Quality: Determines the quality of the encoding process, or the quality of the
movement (view page 201) to be more precise. The higher the quality, the
better the finished video will look, but encoding will take considerably longer.
The preset value "10" is a good compromise between speed and quality.
Smart Rendering: Smart Rendering can considerably reduce the
encoding/processing strain of MPEG files. The production of MPEG files
re-encodes only those parts of the movie that were changed in the program
(e.g. by video cleaning or effects). Please note: The MPEG files contained in
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the movie must have the same format, i.e. the bit rates (variable or constant),
audio formats, image resolutions, and video formats must match.
Quick, GOP-precise copying: This special Smart Rendering mode enables
MPEG material to be transferred without having to encode it for the target
medium, thereby greatly increasing the encoding speed. The video material
cannot appear to have been altered in any way; only hard cuts (without fades)
are permitted. These won't be executed precisely to the frame, but will rather
take place at the next GOP borders. For this reason, cuts should be set
somewhat more generously.
To burn DVDs in original 5.1 Surround Sound (Dolby Digital Audio) without
having to re-encode, this option has to be activated.
Allows you to rip the necessary settings from an existing MPEG file. This can
be useful if you want to merge MPEG files together without re-rendering via
Smart Rendering.
Video settings
Frame rate: PAL requires 25 frames/sec, NTSC 29.97 frames/sec. Please
note: encoding NTSC material as PAL or vice versa may be possible; however,
it will result in jittery images.
Aspect ratio: Lets you set the image side or pixel ratio. With MPEG 2 the
image format is displayed as image ratio; correspondingly there is 1:1 (square
screen, not recommended), 4:3 (regular video) an 2.21:1 (cinemascope). This
applies irrespectively of the selected video format.
With MPEG 1 the pixel format is specified instead. There is 1:1, CIR601
(corresponds to regular video) for 625 lines = PAL and 525 lines = NTSC and
the same in 16:9. When selecting the output format Video CD the pixel format
is automatically adjusted to the selected video format. Use with caution, even if
you only want to export MPEG 1.
The option Auto is set as default. Here you can adjust the Movie settings
accordingly.
Resolution: Width and height of the video corresponds with the settings in the
export dialog.
GOP structure: Here you can change the settings of the GOP (view page 203)
sequence, i.e. the number of P frames per I frame within a GOP. Please note
that the total length of the GOP must not exceed 15 frames, which
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corresponds to the default setting (1 I frame + 4 P frames + 5*2 B frames = 15
frames).
However, you can reduce the length of the GOP sequence (while
compromising the image quality at the same bit rate). This speeds up the
encoding process considerably as the motion estimation while encoding P and
B frames requires high CPU performance. The speed of decoding, i.e.
playback, is also increased.
If I frame is set to 1, each frame is an I frame. If the value is set larger, the
setting describes the total length of the GOP.
Auto GOP: Closed GOPs do not contain relations to frames from subsequent
GOPs. MPEGs where all GOPs are closed, make MPEG editing easier as the I
frames only can be edited alone if the GOP is closed. Auto GOP closes GOPs
at scene changes, whereby two different and complex procedures ("fast" and
"VSCD") are used.
Bit rate mode
In "constant bit rate" mode a bit rate that constantly remains the same is used.
This option should be used for Video CDs, as it is only required here. With a
constant bit rate the full power of MPEG compression can not be used
properly as bandwidth for non-moving scenes is lost.
"Variable bit rate" mode attempts to adjust the available storage space to the
requirements of the video you want to encode. The actual bit rate fluctuates
around a mean value. During calm sections of the video it may drop to a
minimum value, if there are movements in the scene it may rise to the
maximum value. There are two different regulation processes (mode 1 and
mode 128).
Advanced video settings
MPEG profile and level: The MPEG-2 standard defines so-called "profiles" and
"levels". For creating SVCDs and DVDs you can use "Main profile and Main
level". The high profile adds additional properties to the data stream like the
option to display an image at a reduced resolution for restricted transmission
quality (SNR-scalable profile), or locally scaled, for instance an HDTV data
stream on a standard TV set. The 4:2:2 profile is used if the image data is to
be encoded for alternative chroma scanning. However, these profiles are
supported by very few encoders, and mainly only for professional use.
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These levels define the restrictions to the image resolution and the maximum
data rate. Low level can only reach a reduced resolution (352x2888 = CIF);
high level, or High 1440, enables encoding in HDTV format.
Estimate movement: These parameters are controlled via the quality controller
(see General Settings).
Other
Noise sensitivity: This factor defines how sensitive the encoder will react to
noise in the source material. If the source material only contains a little noise
(digital recordings, computer animations, or material already de-noised by
video cleaning), then you don't have to change the default value 4, or you can
even reduce to increase the quality further. However, if you want to encode
noisy material, then too low of a factor will considerably increase the encoding
time at the cost of quality. For an unedited analog video you can increase the
factor to 8-14.
Noise reduction (click on noise sensitivity): A noise filter is used with adjustable
settings from 1-31.
Advanced parameters
Additional expert settings are available in the tree to the right of the window.
These should only be changed by experienced users. They have been
optimized for general applications to such an extent that changes are only
necessary in exceptional cases.
Audio settings
Audio type: You can use MPEG Layer 1, 2 or PCM (WAV) audio. Select "No
audio" in the export dialog.
Sample rate: You can set a sample rate of 32, 44.1 or 48 kHz for the audio
track. VCDs and SVCDs require 44.1 kHz, DVDs require 48 kHz. To reduce the
size of audio data it is recommended to lower the bit rate instead of the
sample rate.
Mode: You can use Mono, Stereo, Joint Stereo or Dual Channel.
Bit rate: Here you can set the bitrate of the audio signal. The higher the bit
rate, the better the playback quality. VCD requires 224 kBit/s, and for SVCDs
and DVDs select a value between 384 kBit/s and 448 kBit/s.
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MPEG-4 encoder settings
Behind MPEG-4, you'll find a highly complex "academic" standard that
operates and is supported variably according to make.
Tip
: First, check if there is a suitable preset in the export dialog for your
purposes. Before changes are made in "Advanced settings", the effects and
interplay of the different parameters should be familiar.
The "Advanced settings" are divided into "Video", "Audio", and "Multiplexer".
Under "Video", there is a choice between "MPEG-4 (view page 187)" (H.263)
and "AVC/H.264 (view page 192)". Depending on the purpose of application of
the material to be exported, both of these encoder settings can be selected for
compressing the video material. It is important in this case to know how the
material will be played back.
Under "Audio", there is a choice between "AMR (view page 198)" and "AC
(view page 198)". The AMR format is more suitable for mobile devices that
don't necessarily require high playback quality. ACC is more flexible, on the
other hand, but it is supported by fewer mobile devices.
For material that is not exactly specific, encoder qualities recommend AVC
image and AAC sound, since these encoders are equally suitable for all source
material.
The option "Export as website" also creates an HTML page in an integrated
Flash player that can play back the video created. Read the topic "Embed
Flash videos into your own web site".
MPEG-4
The MPEG-4 (H.263) codec is especially useful for video material with little or
only slower movements.
Generic
MPEG-4 preset
Different presets located within the encoder.
(A)SP@L0-L5: (Advanced) Simple Profile in Level 0-5
(Q)CIF (Common Intermediate Format): CIF is a video format produced as
soon as 1990 with the video compression format H.261. At that time, the
format was used for video telephone conferences.
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The "Q" in QCIF stands for "Quarter", and since resolution is halved in terms of
height and width compared to CIF, the entire size is only a quarter of CIF.
QCIF was popular with mobile telephone manufacturers, since the resolution of
176 x 144 pixels was sensible for the first affordable SmartPhones (144 x 176).
(Half)D1: D1 corresponds with MPEG-2 DVD. HalfD1 has exactly half of the
entire number of pixels, meaning that the pixel number of the height and
weight is 2/3 of D1.
720p: Video stream with a resolution of 1280 x 720p (progressive).
Apple iPod: Apple iPod-compatible stream.
Sony PSP: Sony PSP-compatibler stream.
Profile/Level
So that profile and level are conformant with the other settings, pay attention
to the minimum and maximum values in the following tables.
Note! In case the settings are not included in this information, problems playing
back the encoded videos can lead to problems.
Table 1: The levels of the MPEG-4 simple profile (SP)
Level Typical
visual
session
size
Max.
numbe
r of
objects
Maximum
number
objects per
type
Max.
unique
quant.
tables
Max. VMV buffer
size
(MB)
L0 QCIF 1 1 x simple 1 198
L1 QCIF 4 4 x simple 1 198
L2 CIF 4 4 x simple 1 792
L3 CIF 4 4 x simple 1 792
Continuation of table 1
Level Max.
VCV
buffer
size (MB)
VCV
decode
r rate
(MB/s)
Max. total
VBV
buffer size
(units of
16384
bits)
Max. VOL
VBV
buffer size
(units of
16384
bits)
Max.
video
packet
length
(bits)
Max.
bitrate
(kbit/s)
L0 99 1485 10 10 2048 64
L1 99 1485 10 10 2048 64
L2 396 5940 40 40 4096 128
L3 396 11880 40 40 8192 384
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Table 2: The levels of the MPEG-4 advanced simple profile
(ASP)
Level Typical
visual
session
size
Max.
numbe
r of
objects
Max.
number
per type
Max.
uniqu
e
quant.
tables
Max.
VMV
buffe
r size
(MB)
Max.
VCV
buffe
r size
(MB)
VCV
decoder
rate
(MB/s)
L0 176x144 1 1x AS or
simple
1 297 99 2970
L1 176x144 4 4x AS or
simple
1 297 99 2970
L2 352x288 4 4x AS or
simple
1 1188 396 5940
L3 352x288 4 4x AS or
simple
1 1188 396 11880
L4 352x576 4 4x AS or
simple
1 2376 792 23760
L5 720x576 4 4x AS or
simple
1 4860 1620 48600
Continuation of table 2
Level Max.
percentage
of intra
MBs with
AC
prediction
in VCV
buffer
Max total
VBV
buffer size
(units of
16384 bit
s)
Max. VOL
VBV
buffer size
(units of
16384 bit
s)
Max.
video
packet
length
(bits)
Max.
bitrate
(kbit/s)
L0 100 10 10 2048 128
L1 100 10 10 2048 128
L2 100 40 40 4096 384
L3 100 40 40 4096 768
L4 50 80 80 8192 3000
L5 25 112 112 16384 8000
Picture type
"Picture type" specifies which parts of a frame should be used as the basis for
the encoding:
Frame: A frame is a single image from a video sequence, also called a full
image.
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Field: A half-image, two of which combine to produce a frame. Read more
about this explanation regarding "Interlace (view page 203)".
Field order
Note: This parameter is only available if the setting "Field" is selected for
"Picture type".
In case of interlaced streams, the half-image sequence is set. Read more
about this explanation regarding "Interlace (view page 203)".
Pulldown
Note: This parameter is only available if the setting "Frame" or "MBAFF" (only
for AVC/H.264)" is selected for "Picture type".
In normal cases, an image playback rate of 24 (or 23.976) frames per second
is use; the NTSC system however requires 30 (or 29.97) frames/s, and there is
a special algorithm for converting the video's frame rate. For compilations or
test purposes, switch this option to "No". In normal cases, the setting can be
set to "Auto".
Slice count
A frame can be divided into multiple slices for encoding. Specify the maximum
number of slices are permitted. If set to "0", then the number will be
determined automatically.
Bit rate control
The bit rate indicates how much data per second is saved in the video
(playback speed). This makes the bit rate the deciding parameter for the video
to be encoded.
Mode
Constant bit rate: The constant bit rate should only be used if the device used
to play the video supports constant bit rates.
Variable bit rate: The bit rate varies. For faster movements in the video, the bit
rate increases, and for still images or slow pans, a lower bit rate is sufficient for
creating the video in constant quality.
Constant quality: Similar to the "Variable bit rate" mode, the bit rate varies
according to the video material. The quality depends on the selected profile
and can be changed.
Constant quantizer: In this mode, a fixed colour quantization is used for the
macro blocks. Under Advanced settings, a value between 1 and 32 can be set
independent of the respective frame (I-Frame (view page 203), P-Frame, or
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B-Frame (view page 205)). The higher the value, the stronger the quantization:
small values produce qualitatively high-quality images and the data rate
increases, and larger values produce a reduction in data, but the quality
suffers.
Bit rate (Bits/s)
In "Constant bit rate" mode: Exactly those values entered are applied to be
able to calculate the size of the video precisely.
In "Variable bit rate" mode: The values entered here are applied to the video
as an average as a guideline. The size of the video to be exported can only be
approximated.
Max. rate
This is the maximum bit rate that should be present in the video stream, i.e.
maximum number of bits that may be transferred to the decoder.
Note: This option is only available in "Variable bit rate" mode.
VBV buf. size
VBV is the abbreviation for "Video rate buffer verifier definition" and the size of
the buffer (storage area) that is applied to the encoding.
The larger the buffer is, the better the results will be, but the processing will
also take much longer. The smaller the buffer is, the more parallel processing
can take place at the same time in RAM.
Pixel aspect ratio
Specifies the page ratio of the individual image points (pixels).
Meaning: Different television norms and the standard pixel ratio. Select a
setting and the results are displayed as "X" and "Y".
X/Y: The actual pixel ratio. If under "Meaning" the setting "Custom" is selected,
then a custom ratio can be set.
GOP structure
Max key interval
Determines the maximum GOP (view page 203) length. High values mean
improved compression. Lower values create stronger security protection and
enable improved access to individual frames for processing the video.
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B-frames count
The number of B-Frames (view page 205). Several applications, e.g. video
conferences, require a setting of "0" for this, i.e. no B-Frames, in order to
enable the shortest possible reaction times for transfer.
Scene change detection
If this option is activated the scenes will be detected during encoding, thus
allowing you to insert an I frame (view page 203) after a scene change.
Input info
Information about the incoming video stream is displayed here during live
recordings.
Statistics
Information about the encoder activity is displayed here during live recordings.
AVC / H.264
The H.264/AVC codec is suitable for all types of material; however, it requires
relatively higher CPU power for later decoding.
In the advanced encoder settings of the AVC encoder the "Generic" options in
"Main Settings" are mainly interesting.
The AVC preset and video format can be adjusted here. For instance, if DVD
quality is desired you should select "DVD". The video format should be
selected specific to the country so that the material can be played on the
devices most commonly available in these countries. For instance, you should
select PAL for Germany, SECAM for France and NTSC for the US.
Generic
AVC preset
This is where the actual video stream that will be exported is selected.
Baseline: According to ISO/ICE 11172-1/2 standard
CIF: Corresponds with MPEG-1 VideoCD
Main: Corresponds with ISO/ICE 13818-1/2 standard
SVCD: Corresponds with MPEG-2 Super VideoCD
D1: Corresponds with MPEG-2 DVD
High: HIGH profile 1920x1080i
DVD: DVD video
HD DVD: HD DVD video
Blu-ray: Blu-ray Disc
Blu-ray HD: Blu-ray Disc in high definition
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Sony PSP: Sony PSP-compatible format
HD 1280 x 720p: High profile with a resolution 1280x720p (progressive)
HD 1440 x 1080i: High profile with a resolution of 1440 x 1080i (interlaced)
Apple iPod: Apple iPod-compatible stream.
Video format
Specifies where the video to be exported should be. The encoder optimizes
video material for the selected mode of playback.
Auto: The format from the MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10 project.
PAL: Phase Alternating Line, or PAL, is a process for color transmission for
analog TV that is primarily used in Europe, but also in Australia, South America,
and many African and Asian countries.
The image repetition rate for PAL is 25 Hz.
NTSC: NTSC stands for "National Television Systems Committee". This is a US
institution that defined the first color carrier system for TV which is now used in
most of America and some East Asian countries.
The image repetition rate for NTSC is 29.97 Hz.
SECAM: SECAM is a TV norm in France and eastern Europe for transferring
analog color video signal.
MAC: The MAC process (Multiplexed Analogue Components) involves TV
norms developed for satellite TV. They have also been developed for an HDTV
standard (HD-MAC).
Unspecified: This setting does not make any special optimization.
Tip: The best results are achieved with the setting "Auto", since this
automatically uses the project settings as a basis by MAGIX PhotoStory on CD
& DVD 10.
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Profiles
Defines which profile is applied in the AVC/H.264 stream.
Baseline profile: The basis of applications with limited computing
performance, especially for video conferences or videos on mobile telephones.
Main profile: This profile was originally intended for the broadcast industry
and for backup purposes. The process has however retreated somewhat from
use, since "High Profile" has been developed for these purposes.
High profile: This profile is used for broadcast and backup applications, and it
is also used sometimes in the HDTV industry (High Definition Television). For
example, this profile for HD-DVD and Blu-ray Discs.
Level
H.264 defines different levels. The higher the level, the larger the video's bit
rate. In this table, you can see the maximum permitted values for the
respective level in relation to the selected profile.
Level Max.
macro
blocks
per
seconds
Max.
image
size in
macro
blocks
Max. video
bit rate
(VCL) for
baseline
and main
profile
Max. video
bit
rate (VCL)
for high
profile
Examples
(Resolution /
image rate in Hz)
1 1485 99 64 80 128 x 96/30.9
1.1 3000 396 192 240 176 x 144/30.3
1.2 6000 396 384 480 320 x 240/10
1.3 11880 396 768 960 320 x 240/36
2 11880 396 2 Mbit/s 2.5 Mbit/s 320 x 240/36
2.1 19800 792 4 Mbit/s 5 Mbit/s 352 x 480/30
2.2 20250 1620 4 Mbit/s 5 Mbit/s 352 x 576/25.6
3 40500 1620 10 Mbit/s 12.5 Mbit/s 720 x 480/30
3.1 108000 3600 14 Mbit/s 17.5 Mbit/s 1280 x 720/30
3.2 216000 5120 20 Mbit/s 25 Mbit/s 1280 x 1024/42.2
4 245760 8192 20 Mbit/s 25 Mbit/s 1920 x 1080/30.1
2048 x 1024/30
4.1 245760 8192 50 Mbit/s 62.5 Mbit/s 1920 x 1080/30.1
2048 x 1024/30
4.2 522240 8704 50 Mbit/s 62.5 Mbit/s 1920 x 1080/64
2048 x 1024/60
5 589824 22080 135 Mbit/s 168.75
Mbit/s
1920*1080/72.3
2048 x 1080/67.8
2560 x 1920/30.7
5.1 983040 36864 240 Mbit/s 300 Mbit/s 1920 x
1080/120.5
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4096 x 2048/30
The setting "Level auto" specifies the encoder levels automatically, among
other things for the resolution of the video format specified under "AVC preset"
and the set profile bit rate. If a level is manually set in this case, then other
parameter values may not exceed the permitted maximum values.
Picture type
"Picture type" specifies which parts of a frame should be used as the basis for
the encoding:
Frame: A frame is a single image from a video sequence, also called a full
image.
Field: A half-image, two of which combine to produce a frame. Read more
about this explanation regarding "Interlace (view page 203)".
MBAFF (macro block adaptive frame field): A macro block consists of 16 x
16 pixels. The encoder creates a "frame field" on this basis for encoding.
Field order
Note: This parameter is only available if the setting "Field" is selected for
"Picture type".
In case of interlaced streams, the half-image sequence is set. Read more
about this explanation regarding "Interlace (view page 203)".
Pulldown
Note: This parameter is only available if the setting "Frame" or "MBAFF" (only
for AVC/H.264)" is selected for "Picture type".
In normal cases, an image playback rate of 24 (or 23.976) frames per second
is use; the NTSC system however requires 30 (or 29.97) frames/s, and there is
a special algorithm for converting the video's frame rate. For compilations or
test purposes, switch this option to "No". In normal cases, the setting can be
set to "Auto".
Slice count
A frame can be divided into multiple slices for encoding. Specify the maximum
number of slices are permitted. If set to "0", then the number will be
determined automatically.
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Bit rate control
The bit rate indicates how much data per second is saved in the video
(playback speed). This makes the bit rate the deciding parameter for the video
to be encoded.
Mode
Constant bit rate: The constant bit rate should only be used if the device used
to play the video supports constant bit rates.
Constant quantizer:
Variable bit rate: The bit rate varies. For faster movements in the video, the bit
rate increases, and for still images or slow pans, a lower bit rate is sufficient for
creating the video in constant quality.
Pass
Single pass: The encoder process takes place without prior analysis. This
requires the least amount of time, however quality suffers.
Multi-pass analysis: The first encoding is carried out at the same time as the
analysis for the second encoding is calculated.
Multi-pass encode: The first encoding is carried out at the same time as the
analysis for the second encoding is calculated and updated. This produces
the best results, but the process requires the most time.
Bit rate (Bits/s)
In "Constant bit rate" mode: Exactly those values entered are applied to be
able to calculate the size of the video precisely.
In "Variable bit rate" mode: The values entered here are applied to the video
as an average as a guideline. The size of the video to be exported can only be
approximated.
HSS rate
This is the maximum bit rate that should be present in the video stream, i.e.
maximum number of bits that may be transferred to the decoder.
Note: This option is only available in "Variable bit rate" mode.
CPB size
This sets the size of the "coded picture buffer“ in bits. This is the buffer where
the encoding is carried out. The larger the buffer is, the better the results will
be, but the processing will also take much longer.
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Aspect ratio
In the film industry, this is an indication of the ratio between width and height
of a rectangle, monitor, or screen.
There are 3 different sizes available:
Picture Aspect Ratio (also Display Aspect Ratio, DAR): This indicates the
desired aspect ratio of the video to be exported. Here are some examples of
typical aspect ratios: at home 4:3, 16:9 (typical for TV sets) or 16:10
(widescreen-flatscreens, widescreen notebooks), 3:2 for 35mm films and
photos. In cinemas you mostly find 1.85:1.
Pixel Aspect Ratio (PAR, pixel aspect ratio: Indicates the aspect ratio of
individual pixels. The majority of computer monitors have quadratic pixels
(PAR=1:1), for analog television monitors (PAL at 4:3) 128:117.
Sample Aspect Ratio (SAR, also Storage Aspect Ratio): Aspect ratio of the
saved resolution (number of pixels), e.g. 720:576 at PAL. It also calculates
picture aspect ratio and pixel aspect ratio: SAR = DAR / PAR.
Note: In the standard case, the "Aspect ratio" remains set the way it is. You
should only change the settings if the resulting video is exported distorted or
stretched or if you need to correct the video because it is in the wrong aspect
ratio.
GOP structure
Max GOP length
Determines the maximum GOP (view page 203) length. High values mean
improved compression. Lower values create stronger security protection and
enable improved access to individual frames for processing the video.
Max b-frames count
The maximum number of b-frames (view page 205). Several cases of
application, e.g. video conferences require "no b-frames" in order to achieve
the shortest possible reaction times during transfer.
Scene change detection
If this option is activated the scenes will be detected during encoding, thus
allowing you to insert an I frame (view page 203) after a scene change.
Input info
Information about the incoming video stream is displayed here during live
recordings.
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Statistics
Information about the encoder activity is displayed here during live recordings.
AMR
AMR involves a parametric codec with different data rates between 4.75 and
12.2 kbit/s. The 12.2-kbit/s setting roughly corresponds with the GSM-EFR
codec in terms of algorithm and audio quality.
This audio format is used by mobile telephones for transferring the
conversation and is optimized for encoding conversation (voices). Low bit rates
provide compensation for mobile phones in case of transfer errors, i.e. bad
reception. Depending on the signal strength, the compression increases or
decreases to enable the best possible quality for a conversation. The AMR
sound, on the other hand, encodes a fixed sample rate of 8,000 Hz compared
to AAC sound.
The advanced AMR audio menu includes the following settings options:
The bit rate can be set between 4.75 and 12.2kbit/s. The higher the bit rate,
the greater the file size and the higher level of audio quality. The standard
settings provide a bit rate of 7.4 kbit/s. The highest bit rate for this format is
more suited for transferring conversations.
AAC
The AAC audio was developed by MPEG, the Moving Picture Experts Group
(Dolby, Fraunhofer Institut für Integrierte Schaltungen in Erlangen, AT&T, Nokia,
Sony) as an audio data compression process, that was specified as a further
development of MPEG-2 Multichannel in the MPEG-2 standard.
It's also a further development of MPEG-2 audio. This format is equally suitable
for encoding general audio information and not especially optimized for certain
types of audio material. As with video material, the audio format should be
considered for playback later.
AAC audio can be encoded with a sample rate of 8,000, 16,000, 24,000,
32,000 or 48,000 Hz and in mono and stereo sound, respectively. By default,
the sound is set to 48,000 Hz stereo. The higher the sample rate is, the larger
the resulting file and higher the audio quality.
The advanced AAC audio menu includes the following settings options:
The bit rate can be set between 6 and 512 kbit/s. 160 kbits/s is active by
default. The higher the value is, the larger the resulting file and higher the audio
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quality. After a certain limit, additional improvements to audio quality will not
be perceived. Bit rates under 64 kb/s are not recommended.
As an MPEG version, set MPEG-4 or the older, proven MPEG-2 format.
For the File Header Type, choose either RAW or ADTS. The "Header"
indicates an explanatory head for the beginning of the file segment, which in
fact takes up extra space, but is required for decoding under circumstances.
- RAW indicates material which does not include a file header in audio
format. The audio material is therefore transferred directly without any
special additional information (raw).
This requires that decoding routines are able to process the material
without the explanatory file header. Especially in case "exotic" sample
rates are set, this can lead to problems during RAW encoding.
- ADTS indicates a file header type which contains information for
encoded audio material. In case of doubt, select this file header type,
since fewer problems can be expected in this case.
Object type: This provides selection between "Main" and "Low complexity".
Low complexity: Data is present in a form that hinders different decoding
algorithms (noise replacement), but enables others (temporal adjustment noise
formation).
Main: This sets other focuses in the encoding, and other decoder algorithms
can be used.
Note: For example, Apple iPod requires "low complexity encoding". However,
you don't need to worry if you select the right preset for Apple iPod in the
export dialog.
Multiplexer
The multiplexer is a component of the encoder which combines audio and
video streams.
Output format
MPEG-4 file: This is an MPEG standard (ISO/IEC-14496) with the original goal
of supporting devices with less computing performance. Currently, MPEG-4
has reached a wide bandwidth of application, from HD video to support for
mobile telephones.
JPEG2000 file: DCI (Digital Cinema Initiative) has been replaced by the
JPEG2000 format for encoding movies. The current distribution and
presentation of films has been taken over by digital projectors that play back
high-resolution Mj2 streams in outstanding image and sound quality.
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3GPP file: A standard supported by plenty GSM and UMTS mobile telephones.
3GPP is very similar to the MPEG-4 standard, but also supports formats that
are not permitted by MPEG-4.
ISMA compatible
The "Internet Streaming Media Alliance" combines video codec standards (e.g.
MPEG) and continuous transfer within computer networks (e.g. RTP Real-time
Transport Protocol) to ensure that videos available online can be correctly
transferred and played back.
Note: This option can only be activated, if under "Format“ the entry "MPEG-4
file" has been selected.
For Sony PSP
Switch on this option if the video should be played back with the Sony PSP.
Note: This option can only be activated, if under "Format“ the entry "MPEG-4
file" has been selected.
For iPod
Switch on this option, if the video should be played back with the Apple iPod.
Note: This option can only be activated, if under "Format“ the entry "MPEG-4
file" has been selected.
Live mode (get times from samples)
This option is only important for live transfers and is therefore not required in
MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10.
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MPEG glossary
Motion estimation
Motion estimation is a further element for reducing data used in MPEG
encoding.
Motion estimation also occurs in the B and P frames. The image difference that
still exist after prediction (view page 205) are examined. Complex algorithms
are used to search for an original occurrence of the macro block in the
reference frame of each macro block of the P or B frame (these are units of
2x2 blocks specially combined for this purpose), which have been moved
either by movement or by camera pan. They can then be left out in the P and B
frame. Only the information by how far and to where the macro block has been
moved is saved instead. This vector is called the motion detector.
In the General encoder settings (view page 183), you can specify the quality of
the final MPEG video. This factor also influences the time required for
encoding. The longer it takes, the better the quality.
Bit rate
MPEG is a format used for storage and transferring. With older formats (e.g.
AVI) you could predict that 20 seconds of movie would result in 20 MB of data.
The file size is this a direct measurement of quality.
This is different for MPEG: The amount of data available can be used differently
for different display modes. 20 MB can be 4 seconds of DVD Video or 5
minutes Internet streaming in thumbnail format. The quality of an MPEG video
is measured by the width of the created data stream, the bit rate. This is the
amount of the transmitted data per time unit; it is stated in kBit/s or bit per
second.
Bits, not bytes are used, since the data word width has to address the
transmission restrictions.
The file size can be calculated from the average bit rate, if its length is known:
F = (BRV + BRA) * t
F=File size BRV=
Video bit rate
BRA=
Audio bit rate
t=Length in s
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Block
For almost all image file editing techniques the image is subdivided into 8 x 8
pixel blocks (image points). This should be noted if you would like to used
user-defined image resolutions (width/height), and they should always be a
multiple of 8.
Chroma format
The color value of each image point consists of the color values for the primary
colors red, green, and blue (RGB), and for traditional and technical reasons it is
transformed into one brightness value (Y = 0.299*R = 0.587*G + 0.114*B) and
two color difference values (U = R - Y, V = G -Y).
The Y value alone produces the black and white picture. These signal
components allow brightness and color information to be handled separately.
The first data reduction occurs when single rows comprising a picture are
read. Because the human eye has a lower color resolution than a brightness
resolution, the color components are recorded only for every other point of a
row (4:2:2) for each four pixels grouped (4:1:0), i.e. color signal under-reading.
4:2:2 This corresponds to the established TV standard. One piece of color
information is transmitted per row for two pixels which corresponds to a 2/3
compression of the output data.
4:1:0 This is the color coding used for DVDs and most other consumer video
applications. For each 4 pixels grouped together on two rows, one unit of color
information is saved. This corresponds to a output data compression of 1/2.
Field
A half-image, i.e. two halves which combine to produce a frame (see
de-interlacing (view page 203)).
Frame
A frame is a single image from a video sequence which also called a full image.
PAL video, for example, contains 25 frames per second, NTSC 29.97 frames.
Video recordings, with the exception of computer animations and still frames,
don't contain full images. Instead, they have double numbers of half-images
(fields) which are transmitted in an interlaced state. However, we still refer to
frames, since many predecessors of MPEG compression are based on such
frames. Video editing literature usually refers to frames.
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GOP
Group of Pictures: The sequence of I frames and the P and B frames that
belong to them.
e.g. I B B P B B P B B I ...
(This GOP has a length of 9, with 2 P frames and 2 B frames)
I frames contain the entire image information of a frame, while P and B have
part of the information. So-called prediction (view page 205) and movement
approximation are methods used for reduction.
The combination P B B is called a subgroup.
I frames must appear in regular intervals in the data stream for image and
sound to be synchronized. Between the I frames only a limited count of P and
B frames is allowed. This explains a few things: Since P and B frames contain
only differential information, these differences will be larger with time, since
more and more changes takes place from frame to frame. A large count does
not make much sense, since GOP has a maximum length of 15 (4P, 2B) in PAL
and 18 (5P, 2B) in NTSC. (More than 2 B frames between P frames is not
allowed).
In a closed GOP, B frames of the last subgroup may contain only backward
predictions or references to the preceding P frame, but no references to the
following I frame, since it belongs to the next GOP.
I frames
Intra-frames: In these pictures, the entire image information of a frame is saved
and only information from this frame is used ("intra-frame encoded"). In
contrast to the I frame, P and B frames save only the differences between the
current frame, and preceding and/or following frame are also found in MPEG
video (P frame = "predicted frame", B frame = "bidirectional frame", see
Prediction (view page 205)).
Interlace
For historical reasons, pictures in a movie are always recorded and transmitted
in the form of two fields; first the lines with even numbers and then those with
odd numbers. These fields are alternatively displayed with double the frame
rate. The (lazy) eye of the viewer or the processing of the TV tube puts the two
frames together to form one.
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The output image First field Second field
You normally don’t have to worry about field processing. The video material
goes through the entire processing chain as fields and is exported again as
fields or burned onto DVD or shown on TV when played back on a DVD as a
full picture. Only in certain rare conditions is it necessary to go deeper into this
process. Two problems can occur:
1. Interlace artifacts
To be displayed on a computer monitor (during recording, in your TV/VCR, and
in the arranger during editing), the two fields must be combined to form a full
screen.
These two fields are not the same, since two fields are created during the
recording between which a 1/50 of a second gap is evident. Moving objects
can therefore produce artifacts on vertical edges.
Typical interlacing errors
You can use so-called de-interlacing to avoid this type of artifact.
De-interlacing places a picture in between the two fields (interpolated). If you
want to create stationary pictures from movies, then you should definitely use a
de-interlace filter.
In the system settings ("File" menu -> Program settings) you can set the
preview monitor display to use hardware de-interlacing during video recordings
for the video recorder and for display in the arranger.
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2. Incorrect field rate
If you move around the series of fields in a movie data stream, then you will
see strong jitter and flicker effects. Picture objects move in a backward
movement – two steps forwards, one back – since a delayed field is shown
before the previous one. This can happen in the processing chain if you export
video material improperly with the wrong field order and then import it into
different material. We use MXV or MPEG "Top field first" format for all analog
recordings ("odd" in other programs).
DV-AVI on the other hand is saved with “Bottom Field First”.
You can correct the field series for each video object in its object settings. See:
"Menu -> Effects -> Object properties"
P frames and B frames
P frames save only the difference between the current picture and the
preceding I frame. The "P" comes from the term "prediction" which describes
this process.
B frames save the differences between the current picture and the I or P frame
preceding and following. This includes the information that was the same
before and remained the same after the current frame. Both directions are
analyzed (indicates the "B" in the name, i.e. "bidirectional-predicted"). You can
read more under prediction (view page 205).
Prediction
Prediction is a method of data reduction used by the MPEG format. The image
elements already known from the previous or following frames are removed
from the data stream.
How does it work?
The encoder has a precisely defined GOP, for example IBBPBBPBB. This
sequence is transmitted together with the encoder, which always knows
exactly which kind of frame comes next. I, P, and B frames are differentiated.
Hint: When we talk about pictures, we mean frames of the video output, and I,
P an dB frames are the frames of the encoded video. Just as in movement
approximation, blocks (8x8 pixels) are united into macroblocks (16x16 pixels)
during prediction.
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The first frame is always the I frame. It is completely encoded from the first
picture. Afterwards, the 4th picture is analyzed for the creation of the first P
frame. (As already said, the encoder, and later the decoder, will know that two
B frames belong between them.) This image will also be completely encoded,
and afterwards all macroblocks that haven't changed in comparison to the I
frame will be deleted. They will be replaced by corresponding references for
the decoder that tell it "you already know what should be shown here, and you
can get it from the last I frame".
Now, the 2nd will be completely encoded, and all macroblocks identical to the
first I frame and the following P frame will be removed. References to previous
frames are called backward predictions, and references to following frames
are called forward predictions. The third picture will be edited in exactly the
same fashion.
The fourth picture we have already explained, and now we need the next P
frame, or picture number 7. Pictures 5 and 6 are B frames again, which are
compared to P frames to both sides of them (picture 4 and 7); these are
followed by the last two B frames. These have a special place, since in closed
GOPs, they may contain only backward predictions, and no references to the
next I frame, because it belongs to the next GOP.
Something else: Since the decoder is no prophet, the P frames are always
transmitted before the B frames! The GOP explained above will be encoded
and transmitted in the order it is written.
Original
GOP
I0 B01 B02 P01 B11 B12 P02 B21 B22 I1
Data
stream
I0 P01 B01 B02 P02 B11 B12 B21 B22 I1 ... for closed GOPs
I0 P01 B01 B02 P02 B11 B12 I1 B21 B22 P11... For open GOPs
Due to this nested structure, it is easy to see that during direct editing of
MPEG material, complicated computations have to take place! These are
made easier using a frame table. A frame table contains a list, where the
information of every frame in the data stream is found, identifying the type of
frame it is.
Using Movement prediction (view page 201) P and B frames are likewise
reduced.
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Quantization scaling
The single pictures in MPEG are saved using a compression method
comparable to JPEG with bitmaps and associated with quality loss. For this
single images are divided into 8 x 8 blocks (view page 202).
Each one of these blocks is then transformed into an 8 x 8 matrix (a table with
rows and columns) using a DCT (discreet cosinus transformation)
mathematical method. Each of these values is produced using all 64 individual
pixels of the block, but the values in the matrix are ordered in such a way that
the image information is ordered according to its importance.
This matrix will then be multiplied by another matrix, i.e. the quantization
matrix. Exactly how and why this matrix must be created is the biggest secret
of encoder programmers, since this determines the quality of the whole
encoding process. What is known is that the result should contain as many
zeros as possible! These zeros correspond to the "unimportant" image
elements mentioned and will not be transmitted in the data stream.
Depending on the encoder parameters regarding the target bit rate, fewer or
more values of the matrix will be declared unimportant by dividing the
quantization matrix by the quantization scaling factor. Since only whole
numbers are used, a division can produce a zero is the remainder is discarded.
This factor is also a direct measure of the sought image quality of the MPEG
data stream, since the "Q" in "Q" factor stands for quantization and quality.
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Annex: Digital Video and Data Storage
Video Editing on the PC
Digital video processing with the PC is comparable to audio processing. The
analog medium that is video must first be digitized before it can be processed
by the computer.
Digital video processing functions quite similar to recording via a sound card.
The signal flow is measured in very short, regular intervals, and the values
resulting from it can then be processed by the computer. The accuracy of each
individual measurement results in the resolution, and the frequency of the
measurements results in the frame rate. The more precise and frequent the
signal is measured, the higher the quality of the digitized video, but also the
higher demands on the capture performance and the required storage space.
The Windows standard format for video files is AVI (audio and video
Interleaved).
Digitizing video adopts either the camera or the graphics card, a TV card (e.g.
Miro PCTV), or a video card (e.g. Fast AV Master). However, video handling
makes much higher demands upon the hardware if good image quality is
required. In order to be able to reasonably process video files on today’s PCs,
they must be compressed. Digital audio, on the other hand only uses
compression for saving storage space.
HDTV
This acronym stands for "High Definition Television.
High definition television is a general term applied to a series of television
norms that differentiate themselves from normal television by increased
resolution and an altered aspect ratio (16:9). This type of digital television offers
cinema-like image quality and impressive sound quality. With doubled
horizontal and vertical resolution the image quality of HDTV is approximately
four times as sharp as previous standards (PAL, NTSC, SESAM).
At this time MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10 supports two resolution
standards:
720p (1280x720 pixel)
1080i (1920x1080 pixel)
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MPEG Compression
MPEG means "Moving Picture Experts Group" and defines a workgroup which
cooperates with the International Standards Organization (ISO) as well as the
international Electro Technical Commission (ETC) to develop standards for
video and audio coding.
Generally, the graphic data rate of the digital video standard is 167 megabits
per second, which, when not compressed, requires a far higher storage
capacity than a DVD can offer. A one-sided DVD 5 with 4.7 GB storage
capacity is enough for 4 Minutes. For this reason, the available pictorial
material must be effectively compressed – a function which is achieved with
the MPEG procedure.
This procedure is based on the simple fact that up to 96% of digital video data
consists of repetition and can be compressed without visible degradation of
the pictorial quality.
Each MPEG compression is, however, a data reduction and as such
connected with information loss. If the video consists of very extensive details,
or if the content changes very fast, then the picture may blur (dependent on
the strength of the compression and the quality of the encoder).
Errors can also result from so-called compression artifacts such as small color
defects or images that are too dark.
At average compression rates under 3 megabits per second it is probable that
you will notice reduced quality. At rates around 6 megabit per second the
degradation in quality becomes almost invisible.
General notes on AVI videos
The AVI format (Audio Video Interleaved) isn't actually a proper video format!
Rather, it is a so-called "container", where the conventions for transferring
audio and video files to the program are only loosely defined. The codec
(coder/decoder) actually defines what storage format is used. A codec
compresses audio/video data into its own unique format which can only be
read by the codec itself and is decoded when the film is played.
In concrete terms, a computer-generated AVI file can only be loaded by and
played on a different computer if the same codec is installed on it.
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Many codecs (e.g. Intel Indeo® video) have now become standard components
of the Windows™ installation. Others like the popular DivX codec are not
standard. If you are generating an AVI file for future play on another computer
using one of these codecs, you should first install this codec on the other PC.
The best method available is to copy the codec installer to your export
directory and burn it every time you create a video disc (slideshow disc) for
play on computers.
You may encounter some problems when using older video editing cards with
codecs which only function with the card’s hardware. Such AVIs can only be
used on the computer which was used to create them. Try to avoid using this
kind of codec.
Capacity and quality of different disc formats
In MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10, a number of different disc formats are
available.
This chapter will explain which formats can be best employed in different
cases, the differences in quality, and how much space each format requires.
The following table summarizes the relationship between space requirements
and quality. For further information please read the chapters on the individual
disc formats.
Disc format Quality Approx. length Purpose
VCD * Approx. 70 minutes/CD Slideshow for TVy
SVCD ** approx. 30-40
minutes/CD
Slideshow for TV
DVD *** approx. 2 hours/DVD Slideshow for TV
miniDVD
(view page
216)
*** approx. 20 minutes/CD Slideshow for TV
JPEG DISC
(view page
215)
**** Depends
on original
images and DVD
player*
Slideshow on TV
without sound,
effects, or
transitions
Slideshow
Disc
**** Dependent on the
original pictures and
music length
Slideshow on PC
with some effects,
or as a backup
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WMV HD **** Depends from resulting
material, prediction is
difficult, approx. 3
hours/ DVD, approx.
30 min./ CD
Slideshow on PC/TV
with specialized
players that support
Windows Media 9
format
MultiDisc
(view page
216)
***/**** approx. 1 hour/ DVD Slideshow on TV
and PC, highest
quality on PC
* The display duration for some DVD players may be set in this menu. The
number of photos that can be burned onto a CD or DVD depends on the sizes
of the picture files.
Note: For all disc types with menus, you can use the menu templates from the
"TV ShowTime DVD" section. Each picture of a slideshow is then displayed in
full screen on its own menu page without having to play the slideshow.
Digital Versatile Disc (DVD)
Quality
Featuring a resolution of 720 x 576 (PAL) and encoded with MPEG-2, 25
frames per second provides very good results.
Writable data storage formats
The recordable DVD market is currently split into three types: "DVD-RAM",
"DVD+RW", and "DVD-RW".
DVD-R/+R: This medium may only be written to once. The DVD-R may be
specified with file structures for DVD video, DVD audio, or DVD-ROM.
DVD +RW: +RW drives allow re-writable DVDs to be created which may be
read by almost any commercial DVD-ROM or DVD player. The companies
involved are mainly Philips, Sony, HEWLETT PACKARD (as well as Ricoh,
Yamaha and Mitsubishi).
DVD-RW: This is a write/erase DVD technology promoted by Pioneer and
Sharp. This format was developed by the Pioneer company and should be
compatible with existing DVD players.
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DVD-RAM: DVD-RAM technology is based on either Phase Change, MOs, or
hard disks, etc. and is now almost 100% incompatible with all available
players.
Due to the small storage capacity and incompatibility with DVD players, setting
on this standard is not recommended.
Note: MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10 supports DVD±R and DVD±RW,
but not DVD-RAM.
Blank discs: Single-sided recordable blank discs featuring a capacity of 4.7
GB and a duration of approx. 2 hours.
Copy Protection
Macrovision (APS): The movie industry claims that even DVD-ROM drives and
decoders or diagram cards with composite outputs or s-video outputs must
support the Macrovision analog copy protection (APS). Only some older DVD
players do not possess APS.
APS adds additional signals to a DVD’s stored graphical data. The data is
almost unchanged. These supplementary signals disturb the synchronization
and the automatic recording regulation of most video recorders to prevent
recording of the video. They are not noticeable on the television or the monitor,
however.
Content Scrambling System (CSS): CSS prevents saving and duplication of
DVD video tracks to hard disk. The VOB streams of DVDs without CSS can
otherwise (like other video files) be loaded via the Import Video button
There are further types of copy protection besides APS and CSS which ensure
that retail DVDs cannot be copied without distortion
WMV HD
WMVHD (Windows Media High Definition Disc) is a disc type for optimum
slideshow playback on your PC. The slideshow(s) are converted in a
high-resolution format into the Windows Media 9 format and a menu is added,
like with DVDs. The minimum requirement for playback is Windows Media
Player 9 (or higher). The slideshows are encoded, by default, in HDTV
resolution (1280 x 720, also known as "720p").
However, a powerful PC with Windows Media Player 9 installed is required for
playback.
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The values "720p" or "1080i" describe the vertical resolution in pixels. The total
resolution of the "PC slideshow 720p" is 1280 x 720 pixels, the "PC slideshow
1080i" has 1920 x 1080 pixels.
Unfortunately, there are currently now DVD players for sale that can handle this
format as the jump in quality from DVD to WMV HD is greater than from VHS
cassettes to DVD.
However, players that support this format may be available in the near future,
although we cannot guarantee that discs created with MAGIX PhotoStory on
CD & DVD 10 can be played in these players. TV sets that can handle such
high resolutions are already available from retailers.
Blu-ray Disc™
Since early 2008, Blu-ray Discs are viewed as successors to DVDs and offer
especially high storage capacity of up to 27 GB in a single layer (double-layer
up to 54 GB) with very few write errors.
The term Blu-ray Disc comes from the blue color of the laser. Because a color
cannot be registered as a trademark, the letter "e" was removed from the word
"blue".
The high storage capacity of the Blu-ray Disc suits high definition videos and
slideshows in high quality perfectly, since these are characterized by large file
sizes (depending on material approximately 40 MB/sec) and very high memory
use. The MPEG-2 codec is used to create video.
Companies that were involved in developing Blu-ray technology have united
themselves into the Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA).
Blu-ray Discs come in three varieties:
Only readable BD ROM (comparable to DVD video),
rewritable BD-RE (comparable to DVD±RW or DVD-RAM),
and as a disc that can be written to only once BD-R (comparable to DVD±R).
AVCHD disc
Use this format to create a high-resolution video. You can burn Blu-ray
(BD-R/RE) blanks as well as conventional DVD±R/RWs. In contrast to Blu-ray
Discs (view page 213), MPEG-4/AVC codec (view page 187) is applied as the
video format, which requires less memory at a comparable image quality.
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Compatibility
AVCHD disc on Blu-ray blank: Since this is a BD-conformant format, the disc
created can be played back in any conventional Blu-ray player. Playback
problems can almost always be traced to incompatibilities between Blu-ray
blanks and Blu-ray players. In this case, consult the instructions for your
Blu-ray player or ask the manufacturer which blanks are compatible with the
device.
AVCHD disc on DVD blank: The DVDs created with AVCHD video are not
supported by all Blu-ray players. The behavior of the devices is quite different.
Normal DVD players cannot replay AVCHD discs, since the AVC format is not
supported.
Super Video CD (SVCD)
The Super Video CD (SVCD) is a technological advancement of the video CD.
SVCDs are also like VCD-specified CD-ROMs which can be played using either
a Super Video CD player (connected to the television), or directly with the
CD-ROM drive of a computer. Many DVD players can also play SVCDs.
MPEG-2 and the increase of the data transfer rate makes it hard to tell
videos from videos in DVD quality apart.
Resolution: SVCDs use the better MPEG-2 encoder in a standardized
resolution of 480 x 576 (PAL). The MPEG-2 format offers a maximum
resolution of up to 720 x 576 points and improved compression methods
characterized by excellent image definition and homogeneity.
Hard disk capacity: An average 90-minute movie must be spread across 3
CDs. On one SVCD you can get about 30 minutes of good-quality movie.
Encoder setting: Compared to the VCD with 1.3, the data transfer rate is
doubled to 2.6 Mbit/s.
MPEG-2 format introduces the so-called variable bit rate (VBR). In contrast to
the constant bit rate (CBR) of the MPEG-1 encoders, this encoder has the
option of using more bits for movement-intensive sections, as well as saving
bits if picture content remains the same.
Video CD (VCD)
Video CDs are specific CD-ROMs for storing videos in certain forms.
Compression takes place using the MPEG-1 codec. VCDs can be played on
either a video CD player attached to a television or directly via the computer's
CD-ROM drive. Most DVD players can play VCDs.
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Resolution: VCDs can play movies with a maximum resolution of 352 x 288
pixels (PAL) or 352 x 240 (NTSC) at 25 pictures per second. The resolution of
a VHS cassette offers for instance 300 x 360 pixels. More important than the
resolution is the use of a good MPEG-1 encoder. Since video images
constantly change, errors cannot always be perceived by the viewer.
Hard disk capacity: A VCD can store about 70 minutes of video. A typical
motion picture must therefore be stored on two VCDs. In order to get as much
video data on a normal CD as possible, one must forego correction information
on VCD/SVCD formats within the individual sectors (sub-ranges) of a CD. You
can therefore fit 720 MB of video data on a 650 MB blank CD. Due to
improved burning and scanning technology it is now possible to burn up to
985 MB video data on a 99min blank CD.
Encoder settings: Normally the video CD data is played at a data rate of 1150
kBits video and 224 kBits audio. By increasing the video bit rate to 3000kBits
you can get the same resolution and an better-quality audio bit rate. Movement
artifacts disappear almost completely at approx. 2000 kBits with the picture
appearing a little less sharp. This pre-supposes, however, that the player can
also play back such a bit rate. The fact that many DVD players can handle an
increased data rate is due to well written player software.
Experiment with higher data rates: If you do not need the full running time of
the VCD, then you can experiment with space to improve the quality of the
video!
JPEG disc
This type of disc is intended for use in case your photos have been optimized
and you want to display them on a DVD player at the highest quality.
Each picture will be exported individually with the corresponding photo
cleaning effects and burned onto a CD or DVD in a format which is recognized
and played by most DVD players.
This format does not support menus, dynamic effects, transitions, or sound.
The display length of each picture is not burned onto the disc either and will be
determined by the DVD player. There are DVD players which allow the display
duration for each picture to be set. Please refer to the manufacturer's
instructions for your DVD player.
This format is usually known as "Photo CD" or "JPEG CD".
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miniDVD
The miniDVD is nothing more than the DVD data format burned onto a
CD-ROM. Thus the MPEG-2 encoder and all other specifications of the DVD
data format are used, and only the data carriers are different. Because the
CD-ROM can only save about a sixth of the quantity of data a DVD can hold,
the capacity of a miniDVD is accordingly limited to approx. 20 minutes of
movie.
MiniDVDs are particularly suitable for playing on the computer. For stand-alone
devices they must be tested on an individual basis as to whether the device
can handle the DVD format on a CD-ROM.
Multi disc
A multidisc is a combination of different disc formats on one DVD. It consists of
3 parts and offers the following advantages:
Maximum quality when played on a PC with WMV HD (Windows Media High
Definition Disc) (view page 149)
Fully compatible with DVD players due to a DVD part (Digital Versatile Disc)
(view page 211)
Greatest possible safety as a data backup of the project is added (burn option
(view page 147)).
Backup disc
Use this option to compile all movies in the current disc project, including all
connected media and burn them to disc.
Even larger projects can be burned straight to disc. The project, if necessary,
will be split up and burned automatically to multiple discs. A restore program
which is burned to the first disc of such a backup, guarantees easy
re-recording of the backup.
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MAGIX Online Album
Impress your friends and family in minutes with your own photos and videos as
your own your personal photo & video website:
http://first_name.last_name.magix.net.
MAGIX Online Album lets you put your favorite photos online directly from
within MAGIX products like MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10, or mobile
phones with built-in cameras, and then send a link to them to your friends via
email. All photos are immediately available from anywhere in the world on a
professionally-designed photo website, in well-organized photo galleries, as
full-screen slideshows, or in the form of a personal photo e-card.
Personalized album website in many designs,
unique Internet address (URL),
upload your pictures directly from a camera phone, send the link, and share
the picture with other camera phone users,
full-screen online slideshows with fade effects and music,
send individual designer e-cards with your own photos,
Share your photos with friends, including address management and password
protection for private albums.
MAGIX Online Album is available in three versions, of which the smallest (the
FREE album with 500 MB webspace for your photos) is entirely free.
The larger versions (CLASSIC or PREMIUM) are available for a monthly charge,
but also come with many handy features, such as a faster website, 2 GB or 5
GB storage space, more website designs or access by mobile phone/PDA.
More information about prices and features is available at
http://www.magix-photos.com http://www.magix-photos.com.
Upload images from slideshow
1. Select still image and place the start marker at the position of the image
which you want to upload from your slideshow.
2. Then, select "Online -> MAGIX Online Album -> Load image from
slideshows" in the menu.
In order to upload photos to your MAGIX Online Album, simply log in using
your email address. Naturally, access is protected via your personal password.
If you still don't have a password, click on "Register now".
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Using your MAGIX Online Media Manager, you can quickly manage your
photo website, upload photos and music, create new albums, add designs
and text, and much more.
Using "Upload movie as video" you can present your slideshow with fades,
music, and all other effects as a playable video in the Internet.
1. Design your slideshow.
2. Save your movies, and then under "MAGIX Online Album" select "Online ->
Upload slideshow as video".
Now you just have to follow the instructions on the screen to finish the upload
process.
Upload slideshow as audio: With this option, you can present only the audio
of your slideshow in your online album.
1. Design your slideshow.
2. Save your movies, and then under "MAGIX Online Album" select "Online ->
Upload audio from slideshow".
Now you just have to follow the instructions on the screen to finish the upload
process.
The following options are also available:
Send e-cards and photo emails
Send your photos as unique ecards with great designs or as a photo email to
your friends and family.
Order photo prints and gifts
Order paper prints or great photo gifts from MAGIX Online Album and have
them delivered directly to your home, or pick them up from a photo lab in your
area. Delivery time is usually just 2 - 3 days. More about MAGIX Online Print
Service
MAGIX Community
MAGIX Community is the place to exchange photos, videos, and music with
friends and the world. As soon as you have registered for free, you can use all
of its great features.
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MAGIX Blog Service
With MAGIX Blog Service, YOU make the news! Share your thoughts,
experiences, and news with a worldwide audience in no time using your own
interactive online multimedia journal. Invite family, friends, and acquaintances
to join in and enter their comments! A free MAGIX Online Album belongs to the
MAGIX Blog Service so that you always have full control over your
contributions.
Catooh – the Online Content Library
Catooh provides you with high-quality photos, videos, and music for every
theme, expanded by intelligent iContent with professional Soundpools, DVD
menu templates, and brilliant MAGIX ShowMaker styles to help you make your
photo, video, and music projects reality. All of this is available directly from
your MAGIX software.
Just choose "Online" from the menu "Catooh" to set up an Internet connection.
Browse through the thematically sorted categories or view the results directly
by entering a keyword. After downloading, you can drag the objects from the
Media Pool directly into your arrangement.
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Youtube / Flickr
This is a direct connection between MAGIX and different communities like
YouTubeTM or VimeoTM. The Menu entries listed below may be fond in the Online
menu.
Upload current movie as video
Uploads the current film to the selected portal or to the selected community.
Enter the data for video into the fields provided, so that the search function for
this portal can also find this video.
MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10 partially uses the H.264 format for this,
which is a component of the MPEG-4 codec. Since Flash supports this format
directly and most communities and portals use the format, the film does not
need to be re-rendered on the corresponding server. This avoids loss of
quality.
When HD material is uploaded, a resolution of 720p is used for the HD format.
Upload all selected media in Media Pool
Uploads the media selected in the Media Pool to the corresponding portal or
the selective community.
Note: To import and export AVC(HD) and MPEG-4 files, the MEPG-4 codec
must first be activated. A dialog will open if the codec is required.
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If You Still Have Questions
Task assistant
The task assistant is your information center. It helps you complete your tasks
and provides support at every step. Not only will you find clear videos with
step-by-step instructions, but you'll also find quick access to a lot of functions.
The task assistant chapters can be found in the "Tasks" menu (view page 175).
Tips for program help
The "Help" file features hints on how to use the program and additional
information. Many important terms are indicated in the text in italics and an
explanation to them is reached by clicking on them.
Context help: Press the "F1" key at any point in the opened program and the
help file will open with the matching topic (context help).
Search function: Use the search function to find out information about specific
words. Enter either the individual word or use logical operators (OR, AND,
NEAR) to refine your search if you have several search words.
"OR" (between two words): All topics which contain both words or one of the
words will be listed.
"AND" (between two words): Only those topics will be listed which contain
both words.
"NEAR" (between two words): Only those topics will be listed which contain
both words. A maximum of six other words may be added between the search
terms.
"NOT" (before a word): Topics which contain this word will not be listed.
Print: Use the help program's print function to make a printout of individual
topics or entire sections. The print button is located at the top of the help
window in the toolbar.
We hope you have fun using MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10 and enjoy
hours of entertainment with your slideshows! Your MAGIX Team.
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Glossary
A
AudioID
Audio ID is a process used to determine the title and artist name base on
musical properties. An Internet connection is required to access the AudioID
database.
AVI
The AVI format (Audio Video Interleaved) isn't actually a proper video format!
Rather, it is a so-called "container" for which the conventions for transferring
audio and video files to the program are only loosely defined. More in this topic
can be found in General notes on AVI videos. (view page 209)
B
Browser
A browser (also known as web browser, or Internet browser) is a computer
program that displays websites. The best-known browsers are Internet
Explorer, Firefox, Safari, and Opera.
Button
Refers to an element of the graphic user interface of a program. The button
initiates an action in the program via left mouse click.
Button
Refers to an element of the graphic user interface of a program. The button
initiates an action in the program via left mouse click.
C
Cache
Simply stated, this is a temporary folder where frequently accessed files are
saved so that they can be quickly launched while you are working.
CC
CC stands for "Connectivity Co-ordination" and describes how the change of a
domain name from one provider to another occurs (domain transfer).
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CDA
Short for "audio CD" produced in accordance with the so-called "Red Book"
standard. It contains audio files (music) and can be played in CD-ROM drives
as well as in regular CD players in stereos.
Clip level
Signifies the volume level at which the recorded signal is overmodulated, or
"clipped".
Clipboard
The clipboard is used to temporarily store objects during execution of
commands like "copy" and "cut".
Clipboard
The clipboard is used to temporarily store objects during execution of
commands like "copy" and "cut".
Context menu
Context menu can be reached by right clicking on a selected object. It offers
functions which are available and can be expected in the given context.
Copyright
Protection of intellectual and creative property against unauthorized copying.
Copyright
Protection of intellectual and creative property against unauthorized copying.
CPU
Central processing unit: The name for the main processor of the computer
(CPU). Modern computers have even two or more processors, or one
processor with several cores.
D
Dialog
A dialog opens in a new window and lets the user interact with the program.
This means that the dialog can present information to the user and/or expects
to receive input from the user.
A dialog can contain various user elements which can be manipulated by a
simple mouse click. Keyboard entries are also possible.
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Disc project
A project includes everything that you want to put on your CD and DVD. This
normally contains one or more slideshows and includes a menu
structure/menu design which allows you to choose a slidehsow later on the CD
or DVD.
Disc types
The disc types determines the format and medium (CD, DVD, Blu-ray disc,
etc.) to which the current project will be burned.
DNS
The abbreviation DNS stands for Domain Name Service and refers to a
provider of Internet services that registers domain names for customers.
Domain
A domain is the website's Internet address. It consists of the name of the
Internet protocol (usually http://), the computer or network name (such as
www), the second-level domain (such as magix), and the top level domain (like
.com, .net).
Altogether we have:
protocol://networkname.second-level-domain.top-level-domain (such as
"http://www.magix.com").
Domains are allocated by a country's so-called NIC (Network Information
Center). In Germany the DENIC is responsible for the release of domains.
Domain transfer
See CC. If you already have a domain, you can move it from your previous
provider to another provider.
Drag & drop
Enables files and objects to be moved freely between various applications (or
within an application) by dragging the object and letting it drop using the
mouse cursor.
F
Fader
Used for visual input of values. Similar to volume control on a mixing board,
you can control various parameters by sliding the fader. A very common
example for this is the zoom slider that lets you see a picture in more detail.
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Field
A half-image, two of which combine to produce a frame (see interlace).
Flip menu
Drop down menus create menus consisting of lists of selectable choices. They
look very similar to text input fields, but have a button with a
downward-pointing symbol on the right-hand side.
Frame
A frame is a single image from a video sequence which also called a full image.
A PAL video contains 25 frames per second; NTSC contains 29.97 frames.
H
Handles
Handles are the five little rectangles at the edges of selected objects. All curve
points can be moved by holding down the left mouse button.
Length handles: Bottom right and bottom left. You can use them to change
the length of an object.
Fade handles: Top right and top left. These can be used to softly fade an
object in or out.
Volume/Brightness handle: Above-center. You can use it to adjust the volume
or the brightness.
Hard disk
Storage medium with the largest storage capacity where the operating
system(s), programs, and files are saved. A hard disk can be built into the
computer, but there are also external hard disks which can be used with
different computers via a USB connection (portable drives or external hard
disk).
Hard disk drive
Storage medium with the largest storage capacity where the operating
system(s), programs, and files are saved. A hard disk can be built into the
computer, but there are also external hard disks which can be used with
different computers via a USB connection (portable drives or external hard
disk).
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Hardware
The all-encompassing name for all internal components of a computer. For
example hard disk, graphics card, mainboard, etc. External peripheral devices
are also considered hardware, i.e. printer, scanner, monitor, etc. The
synchronization of single hardware components is coordinated by the
software.
HDD
Storage medium with the largest storage capacity where the operating
system(s), programs, and files are saved. A hard disk can be built into the
computer, but there are also external hard disks which can be used with
different computers via a USB connection (portable drives or external hard
disk).
HDTV
This acronym stands for "High Definition Television.
HTTP
Stands for Hyper Text Transfer Protocol and is used for transferring websites
onto the Internet (from web server to the browser). For this reason, the
abbreviation http:// always comes before the Internet address. This is
automatically inserted and does not have to be entered when entering the
Internet address.
Hyperlink
Hyperlinks (or in short "links") are references to other websites/online
documents (or other computer networks). They build the base of the World
Wide Web (WWW) as it is only via these hyperlinks that networking or
interlinking between the billions of website out there is actually possible.
I
ID3 tags
ID3 tags contain title information that can be added to a music title. This
includes the title, artist, album, as well as the genre, year of release, and other
criteria that can help searching through a database. The database is created
using this information.
Info: Title information will only be saved for MP3s in the so-called ID3 tags
(Identify an MP3), but other formats offer similar possibilities, like "Vorbis
comment" for the OGG Vorbis format, for example.
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Image
An image is a representation of a CD, DVD, hard drive, or another storage
medium that is saved as a file.
The difference from a copy or backup is that an image contains information
about the structure of the original storage medium, and not just individual files.
This enables 01:01 copies of complete storage media to be created.
Caution! Copyright laws forbid copying of commercial CDs/DVDs, and for this
reason, this process can be prohibited by copy protection.
IMAP
Stands for Internet Mail Access Protocol and is an advanced procedure used
for receiving emails.
Interlace
Describes the creation of a full image from 2 half-images (fields).
In this process, even and odd lines are alternately assigned to one of the two
fields.
The human eye perceives both of the projected half-images as a single full
image, so that despite the slow image repetition rate (25 Hz for PAL, 29.97 for
NTSC) a subjectively fluid image is seen.
Intro
"Intro" means the introduction or opening credits of a movie.
J
jpx
A format developed by MAGIX which is used for photo editing. It enables free
experimentation with effects without altering the original file. The effects
settings are also displayed when the photos are opened using a different
MAGIX program.
M
Menu
Menus contain practically all function of a program. They can be opened using
a simple mouse click on the corresponding menu. Keyboard shortcuts, if
available, are also found at the end of menu entries.
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The graphical surface of a CD/DVD will also be represented as a menu.
Menu bar
Almost every program has a menu bar. It can normally be found underneath
the title line of the program. A simple mouse click opens a corresponding
menu.
MIDI
MIDI files do not contain the actual sounds like audio files, but only the note
control information which can be interpreted during playback by the
synthesizer chip on the sound card or an external synthesizer.
Motherboard
This is the centerpiece of hardware components of a computer. All other
hardware components like CPU, RAM, hard disk, additional drives, graphics
cards, as well as other cards for specialized uses are connected to the
motherboard.
Motherboard
This is the centerpiece of hardware components of a computer. All other
hardware components like CPU, RAM, hard disk, additional drives, graphics
cards, as well as other cards for specialized uses are connected to the
motherboard.
Motherboard
This is the centerpiece of hardware components of a computer. All other
hardware components like CPU, RAM, hard disk, additional drives, graphics
cards, as well as other cards for specialized uses are connected to the
motherboard.
MOV
MOV is a video and audio format developed by Apple, which has since
become widely used with Windows. QuickTime supports lots of compression
technology, which make it possible to optimize audio and video and even
graphics for the Internet and multimedia/video applications. Conventional
(hardware) DVD players are not able to play this format.
MP3
MP3 (actually MPEG-1 layer 3) is currently the most important standard for
compressing audio files.
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MPEG
MPEG is short for "Moving Picture Experts Group" and refers to a committee
concerned with the standardization of video and audio data compression as
well as container formats.
MS audio
A process developed by Microsoft for compressing audio files with properties
similar to those of MP3.
MXV
This is the MAGIX video format for quicker processing with MAGIX products. It
offers very low loss of quality, but it cannot be played via conventional DVD
players.
N
Noise Sample
Sample of a noise that is to be removed
NTSC (USA, Japan)
NTSC stands for "National Television Systems Committee". This is a US
institution that defined the first color carrier system for TV which is now used in
most of America and some East Asian countries.
The image repetition rate for NTSC is 29.97 Hz.
Numeric keypad
Also known as the numpad, or the number block.
O
OGG VORBIS
This is a new, royalty-free format with similar properties to MP3.
P
PAL (Europe)
Phase Alternating Line, or PAL, is a process for color transmission for analog
TV that is primarily used in Europe, but also in Australia, South America, and
many African and Asian countries.
The image repetition rate for PAL is 25 Hz.
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Play marker
The play marker is a red vertical line which moves from left to right during
playback. It indicates the current play position.
Playlist
Arrange your songs in playlists from various sources in different formats and in
whatever way you like, sometimes updated daily.
Important: Playlists are only links to songs on your hard drive or in your CD
drive.
When you add a song to your playlist whose real source is a CD in your
computer's drive, the song will no longer be playable when the CD is removed
from the drive.
Similarly, when you move a folder on your hard drive, the playlist will no longer
be able to play the song, since the link is no longer valid.
For the latter, however, there is a simple solution: If you know where the song
has been saved, then you can redefine the path. A corresponding dialog
window is provided for this purpose. You can reset the path by navigating
through the Explorer folders. The playlist is now correct once again.
Plug-in
Plug-ins are additional programs that expand the functionality of the main
program. They are inserted into the main program.
Podcast
Think of a podcast as something like a radio station on the Internet. Regular
Internet radio stations "transmit" in real time, which means that you can simply
listen to the program that's playing and edit it. Podcasting is different. The
programs are preproduced and loaded to an Internet server for downloading.
As a listener you can subscribe to the podcast and the files will be downloaded
at a specified time for you to listen to them whenever you like, for example on
the go via your portable player.
Podcasting
Podcast is the name for a relatively new Internet transfer form. It is made up of
"pod" from "iPod", the name of a popular portable MP3 player, and the term
"casting" for broadcasting content to a wide group of listeners/viewers.
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A podcast is therefore something like an online radio station. "Broadcasting"
web radio stations means you can only listen to and record the currently
broadcast radio station. Podcasting is different. You as the listener can
subscribe to the podcast and the files will be downloaded at a specific time
and you can listen to them whenever you like, for example, on the move with
your portable player. The shows are pre-produced and placed on an Internet
server for download.
POP3
Stands for Post Office Protocol (version 3) and is used in standard email
programs for receiving email (for example, Outlook Express). POP3 enables
email to be collected by the provider's email server and loaded into your email
program.
Project
A project includes everything that you want to put on your CD and DVD. This
normally contains one or more slideshows and includes a menu
structure/menu design which allows you to choose a slidehsow later on the CD
or DVD.
Project
A "Disc project" includes everything that you want to put on your CD and DVD.
This normally contains one or more movies and includes a menu
structure/menu design which allows you to choose a movie later on the CD or
DVD.
Provider
A provider or ISP (Internet Service Provider) offers Internet services like
webhosting or domains (DNS). In relation to the MAGIX Website Service,
MAGIX is the provider.
R
RAM (Random Access Memory)
This is a hardware component of a computer. RAM is needed to temporarily
save files. This type of storage is erased when the computer is shut down or
reset. The larger this storage is, the faster you can work with programs to
change and save files.
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Ratio
The aspect ratio is the ratio between the height and width of a rectangle. In
practice these are photos, screens or projection screens. This method can
also be used to describe the aspect ratio of pixels.
Here are some examples of typical aspect ratios: at home 4:3, 16:9 (typical for
TV sets), or 16:10 (widescreen flat screens, widescreen notebooks), 3:2 for 35
mm films and photos. In cinemas you mostly find 1.85:1
Red Book
Specific standards have been established for the different CD types in order to
unify their data structure and to make them compatible with the different CD
drives. Their names refer to the color of the books where these standards were
written.
The term "Red Book" is common language for the Compact Disc Audio
Standard. The requirements listed here have to be observed for industrial CP
production. Audio CD players only read CDs created according to the Red
Book format. It is therefore necessary to first convert PC files into this format
before writing them onto an audio disc compatible with any audio CD player.
Restore
Restoration of files originating from a backup will be called "Restoring".
RM
RealMedia includes all of the media formats from software developer
RealNetworks. RealMedia especially refers to the "RealVideo" video format and
the "RealAudio" sound format. The quality of RealVideo files is comparably
good at high compression rates, but does have some loss of quality. These
formats cannot be played back by (hardware) DVD players.
S
Screenshot
A screenshot is an image composed of all visible screen elements (messages,
open dialogs, etc.) at a certain time. By pressing the "Print screen" key on the
keyboard, this image is saved into the clipboard. Next, open a program which
can edit images and select "Insert" (shortcut "Ctrl+V") in a new document to
add the screenshot for editing and saving.
Note: Press "Alt + Print screen" on the keyboard to capture the active window
only.
Glossary 233
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Slider
Used for visual input of values. Similar to volume control on a mixing board,
you can control various parameters by sliding the fader. A very common
example for this is the zoom slider that lets you see a picture in more detail.
Slideshow
An arrangement of various objects (photos, text, sound, etc.) is called a slide
show. Slideshows can be saved separately as "MVM" files.
SMTP
Stands for Simple Mail Transfer Protocol and enables the exchange of emails
across computer networks.
Software
The name for all non-physical functional components of a computer. This
primarily includes computer programs and files that are meant to be used by
computer programs.
Submenu
Besides normal entries, a menu can contain submenus that offer additional
functions. This makes menus more comprehensive.
Super Video CD (SVCD)
The Super Video CD (SVCD) is a technological advancement of the video CD.
SVCDs are also like VCD-specified CD-ROMs which can be played using either
a Super Video CD player (connected to the television), or directly with the
CD-ROM drive of a computer. Many DVD players can also play SVCDs.
MPEG-2 and the increase of the data transfer rate makes it hard to tell
videos from videos in DVD quality apart.
Resolution: SVCDs use the better MPEG-2 encoder in a standardized
resolution of 480 x 576 (PAL). The MPEG-2 format offers a maximum
resolution of up to 720 x 576 points and improved compression methods
characterized by excellent image definition and homogeneity.
Hard disk capacity: An average 90-minute movie must be spread across 3
CDs. On one SVCD you can get about 30 minutes of good-quality movie.
Encoder setting: Compared to the VCD with 1.3, the data transfer rate is
doubled to 2.6 Mbit/s.
234 Glossary
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MPEG-2 format introduces the so-called variable bit rate (VBR). In contrast to
the constant bit rate (CBR) of the MPEG-1 encoders, this encoder has the
option of using more bits for movement-intensive sections, as well as saving
bits if picture content remains the same.
T
Toolbar
Here you will find small buttons that provide a function when clicked. For
example, you can cut out a selected object by clicking on the scissors.
Toolbar
All basic functions of the corresponding program can be found here. The
corresponding functions can be called up via mouse click.
Top-level domain
Top-level domains (TLD) are always those separated by a dot at the end of an
Internet address (for example, "http://www.magix.com" < here, .com is the
top-level domain). Among these are also country top-level domains, such as
.co.uk, .us, .de as well as so-called generic top-level domains like .net, .org,
.biz, and so on.
Traffic
Traffic (data transmission) occurs within your MAGIX Website Service as soon
as data is transferred across the Internet: for example, when uploading or
downloading files to your website or when someone else opens your website.
U
Universal Plug & Play; UPnP
Universal Plug ‘n’ Play (UPnP) is a network protocol which enables data
exchange between different devices (PCs, hi-fi systems, video cameras, PDAs,
and webservers). UPnP allows various devices to participate in network-wide
communication, i.e. the initialization of functions and other device functions.
Long-winded configuring or installing of drivers is not required as the devices
can handle their own functions and data sources by themselves. Find out more
at www.upnp.org.
Hint: To work with UPnP you have to activate it first. This can be found under
"Options" ("Y" -> UPnP).
Glossary 235
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URL
URL stands for Uniform Resource Locator and describes where a source can
be found online (for example, a website). The address or the path to the
storage location of a file on your computer is known as a URL. Often the term
URL is used as a term for the domain. The URL for the MAGIX website is:
http://www.magix.co.uk
V
VST and DirectX plug-ins
Plug-ins are additional programs that expand the functionality of the main
program. They are inserted into the main program.
Two standards exist for audio editing: VST (Steinberg) and DirectX (Microsoft).
VST has asserted itself stronger in the current market.
W
WAV
Wave (*.WAV) is a standard uncompressed audio format.
Wave
Wave (*.WAV) is a standard uncompressed audio format.
Wave file
Wave (*.WAV) is a standard uncompressed audio format.
Webhosting
This means that an Internet Service Provider makes domains and webspace
available to its customers. With the MAGIX Website Service, MAGIX provides
webhosting to its customers.
Webmail
Webmail enables the customer to view and receive the contents of their email
inbox without having to install email software on their computer. Customers of
the MAGIX Website Service can use MAGIX Webmail for this.
Webmaster
A webmaster is responsible for the administration and maintenance of a
website. Often, the webmaster is also the owner of the website as well as the
domain that belongs to it. Once you have registered a domain in the MAGIX
Website Service, an email account will automatically be set up, for example:
"mailto:webmaster@domainname.co.uk".
236 Glossary
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Webserver
Webserver refers to the computer on which your host saves your website's
pages and which makes your pages accessible on the Internet 24-hours a day.
WMA
A process developed by Microsoft for compressing audio files with properties
similar to those of MP3.
WMV
Windows Media Video (WMV) is a trademark video codec from Microsoft. If you
have Windows installed on your PC, then playing WMV files shouldn't be a
problem. Only a few (hardware) DVD players are able to play this format. Read
more about this in your DVD player's manual.
This video format is very good for web videos as it allows relatively high
compression rates.
World Wide Web (WWW)
WWW stands for "World Wide Web" and is the most used service of the
Internet. On the WWW, web browsers (for example, Internet Explorer) are used
to display information via websites. The process is colloquially called "Surfing
the Internet".
Z
Zip
ZIP is a file format for archiving your files. The original file is reduced and then
restored to its original size after it is unpacked without losing any quality.
Index 237
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Index
3
3D basics 107
3D series 84
3D text 98, 100, 113
3D transitions 82, 84, 119
A
AAC 187, 198
About MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10 177
Accept media after download 56
Actions at the end of the slideshow (Slideshow menu only) 133
Activate additional functions 178
Activation problems 180, 181
Add new font to text 143
Additional new features of the deluxe version 16
Adjust background and buttons 143
Adjust brightness/volume 50
Adjust music to section 158, 174
Adjust size of image material in higher quality (slower) 118
Adjusting the Signal Level 74, 75, 77
Advanced audio recording settings 75
Advanced configurations in the video capturing dialog 79
Advanced settings 99, 161
Advanced video settings 185
Align videos and pictures for 3D 111
All modes 40
Also in the deluxe version 19
Also in Timeline mode and Overview mode 41
Alternative Mode 1 (Mixer Overlay) 121
Alternative Mode 2 (Video Mixing Renderer 9) 121
AMR 187, 198
Angle & shape 70
Animate objects 72
Animated GIF 163
Animated selection menus 130
Animation 98
Annex - Digital Video and Data Storage 137, 208
Anti-flicker filter 171
Appendix - MPEG Encoder Settings 148, 183
238 Index
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Applying BPM and beat detection 102
Arranger 118
Artistic filter 62
Aspect ratio 197
Attach 156
Audio buffer size 117
Audio playback 117
Audio recording 74, 159
Audio settings 186
AudioID 222
Automatic preview when changing transition 120
Automatic Tempo Recognition 101
Automatically create frametable during import 120
Automatically cut to fit monitor 172
Automatically fade photos with effects 120
Automatically preview exported clips 120
Automatically select preview image 124
Autoscroll during playback: 118
AVC / H.264 187, 192
AVC preset 192
AVCHD disc 136, 213
AVI 222
B
Background 71
Background design 173
Background music 89, 90
Backup copy 164
Backup disc 216
Basic settings 26
B-frames count 192
Bit rate 201
Bit rate (Bits/s) 191, 196
Bit rate control 190, 196
Block 202, 207
Blu-ray Disc™ 136, 213
Border cropping adjustment 171
Brightness & contrast 58
Browser 222
Burn dialog for DVD player 146
Burn disc 124, 134, 166
Burn JPEG disc 149
Burn project (image) again 167
Burn slideshow and media to CD/DVD 165
Index 239
www.magix.com
Burn WMV HD 149, 216
Burning wizard 136
Button 222
C
Cache 222
Calculating the panorama image 114
Camera/zoom 67
Capacity and quality of different disc formats 210
Catooh – the Online Content Library 13, 55, 115, 219
CC 222
CDA 223
Change the program interface 168
Choose music style 115
Choppy or uneven playback 181
Chroma format 202
Clean-up Wizard 157
Clip level 223
Clipboard 223
Color 59, 104
Color shade 60
Compatibility Mode (Video for Windows) 121
Completely reworked Slideshow Maker 14
Compressor 95
Computer 53
Concentrated multimedia power 18
Connecting the source for recording 76
Content 175
Context menu 50, 223
Convert to 3D titles... 174
Copy 41
Copy keyframes 73
Copy project and media into folder... 165
Copy Protection 212
Copy slideshow and media into folder... 165
Copyright 2, 223
CPB size 196
CPU 223
Create a new slideshow with the wizard 26, 157
Create DVD menus without a template 144
Create multiple slideshows 33
Create panorama image... 173
Create PC show 149
Create slideshow 91
240 Index
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Create titles for 3D videos 113
Create webDVD 149
Creating an ISO image 146
Creating backgrounds 15
Creating CD/DVD menus 33
Creating titles using a template 96
Creating titles without a template 97
Creation of custom color spaces 15
Cut 41
Cut button and editing menu 37
Cut slideshow or objects 32
D
Declipper 92
decoration 70
Define the path for saving Internet media. 56
Dehisser 94
De-interlacing 121
Delete 40, 170
Delete keyframe 74
Delete specific files 157
Deleting, copying and moving files 56
Design 70, 171
Design button 131
Design page 130
Designing slideshows 28
Determining the start of a measure 102
Dialog 223
Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) 211, 216
Direction & time 67, 68
Disc options 129
Disc project 224
Disc projects, slideshows, and photos 25
Disc types 224
Disk space 136
Display 121
Display duration... 172
Display keyframes of individual parameters 73
Display Tool Tips 176
Distortion 62, 63, 171
DNS 224
Domain 224
Domain transfer 224
Download presets for new device 164
Index 241
www.magix.com
Drag & drop 224
Drag & drop onto a 81
Driver info 75
Driver selection 117
Duplicate objects 50
E
Easily 25
Edit bitmap externally 42
Edit disc menu 128
Edit DVD menus featuring MAGIX Photo & Graphic Designer 6 139
Edit externally 142
Edit Fotoshow 20, 36
Edit image (external)... 172
Edit Menu 169
Edit menu elements 128
Edit title 98
Edit your own menu entries 134
Editing a menu for 3 to 5 movies 142
Editing slideshows 30
Effects 58, 85, 89, 98
Effects from the Media Pool 85
Effects in menus 85
Effects Menu (FX) 85, 103, 114, 171
Encoder 183
Encoder settings 147
Equalizer 91, 94
Even more custom design options in menu design 16
Exchange object 41, 57
Exit 168
Export 150, 159
Export and burning 3D videos 113
Export as 3D video (deluxe version only) 151
Export for mobile device - export video/audio 154, 164
Export menu 139, 143, 144
Export slideshow file 156
Export to mobile devices 154
Exporting 17
Exposure 103
F
Fade in date as title 174
Fader 224
242 Index
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Fades 58, 173
Fee-based activation (MPEG-4) 179
Field 202, 225
Field order 190, 195
File Menu 26, 124, 155
File will not load 181
Film length 89
Finished panorama (2 images) 115
Finishing a new slideshow 28
Flip menu 225
Font 98
For iPod 200
For Sony PSP 200
Frame 202, 225
Free activation (MPEG 2 codec) 178
G
General notes on AVI videos 159, 181, 209, 222
General options 48, 75
General settings 117, 168, 183, 201
General use 103
Generate background music 116
Generic 187, 192
GOP 184, 191, 197, 203
GOP structure 191, 197
Grid 49
Group associated images together 90
H
Handles 225
Hard disk 225
Hard disk drive 225
Hardware 226
Hardware Acceleration (Direct 3D) 121, 122
Hardware acceleration for 3D effects 119
HDD 226
HDTV 208, 226
Help 175
Help Menu 175
Hide news 120
High output quality with dynamic zoom and combination effects 119
HSS rate 196
HTTP 226
Index 243
www.magix.com
Hyperlink 226
I
I frames 190, 192, 197, 203
ID3 tags 226
If You Still Have Questions 221
Image 227
Image formation in Vertical Blank Intervals (VBI) 122
Image material playback 118
Image optimization 42, 58, 85, 103, 168, 171
Image stabilization dialog 86
IMAP 227
Import 158
Import slideshow file 156
Importieren 17
Including video objects 89
Individual Frame Capture 78
Information on special program versions 10, 14, 21
Input info 192, 197
Integrated browser 55
Intelligent mouse mode 42, 51
Intensity 88
Interlace 121, 183, 190, 195, 202, 203, 227
Internet 163
Interpolation for interlace material 171
Intro 227
Introduction 14
Intros/Outros: 71
Invert image sequence for panorama image 114
ISMA compatible 200
J
JPEG disc 210, 215
jpx 227
Jump to linked page 132
K
Keyboard shortcuts 21
L
Level 194
244 Index
www.magix.com
Live mode (get times from samples) 200
Load an OnDisc editing from disc (only deluxe version) 128
Load CD tracks via record dialog 120
Load image material in the background 118
Load photos 27
Load pictures, texts and audio files 57
Load project 40
Loading Internet media 56
Lots of new templates 15
M
MAGIX Blog Service 12, 219
MAGIX Community 13, 218
MAGIX media 54
MAGIX Music Editor 16
MAGIX News Center 12, 120
MAGIX Online Album 12, 217
MAGIX Photo Manager 15
MAGIX Screenshare 176
MAGIX services in detail 217
MAGIX Soundtrack Maker 115, 158
MAGIX video export 160
MAGIX Website Maker 12
magix.info 176
Magnetic objects 71
Manage slideshow 156
Max b-frames count 197
Max GOP length 197
Max key interval 191
Max. rate 191
Media 52, 55
Media Pool 21, 39, 51
Menu 126, 137, 227
Menu bar 228
Menu entry/menu page properties 131, 132
Menu image 133
Menu templates 127
Menu text 132
Menu text with external menu editing 140
Menu view and menu navigation 33
Menus 20, 155
MIDI 228
miniDVD 136, 210, 216
Mirror 70
Index 245
www.magix.com
Mirror & Rotate 69
Mode 190, 196
More about MAGIX 12
More disc types 35
Motherboard 228
Motion estimation 183, 201, 206
Mouse mode for individual objects 42, 51
Mouse modes 50
MOV 228
Movement in direction 67
Movie properties 124
MP3 228
MPEG 229
MPEG Compression 209
MPEG glossary 201
MPEG-4 187
MPEG-4 encoder settings 187, 213
MPEG-4 preset 187
MS audio 229
Multi disc 211, 216
Multiplexer 199
Mute sound 43
MXV 229
My media 53
My music 54
My pictures 54
My videos 54
N
Navigation 129
Navigation buttons 52
Navigation in the browser 55
New 155
New project 39
New project - Settings 123
New Title Editor 14
Noise Reduction - Denoiser and Dehisser 92
Noise Sample 229
Note on SVCD compatibility 130
NTSC (USA, Japan) 229
Numeric keypad 229
246 Index
www.magix.com
O
Object cutting and fades 49
Objects 49
Objekt austauschen 170
OGG VORBIS 229
OnDisc Editing 134
Online menu 119, 175
Online Services 119
Online Update 177
Only in overview mode 42
Only in Timeline mode 42
Open 155
Open automatically saved project... 155
Open browser 55
Opening and closing credits 90
Optimize grid view 42
Optimize photo 42
Optimize picture 42, 85, 103, 168
Optional AVCHD support 16
Options 119, 147, 216
Other 119
Output device 117
Output format 199
Output to device 164
Overview mode 18, 20, 43
Overview of the program screen 20
P
P frames and B frames 191, 192, 197, 205
PAL (Europe) 229
Pass 196
Paste 41
Paths 118
Picture type 189, 195
Picture-in-picture collages 71, 173
Pixel aspect ratio 191
Play back menu in MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10 143
Play marker 230
Playback 117
Playlist 230
Plug-in 230
Podcast 230
Index 247
www.magix.com
Podcasting 230
POP3 231
Position 65
Prediction 201, 203, 205
Preface 3
Preparation - Setting the start marker and object end 100
Prepare 3D editing 109
Preparing animations 72
Prerequisites for using the beat recognition assistant 100
Present & share 19
Preview 57, 119
Preview and editing 125
Problems and solutions 181
Produce panorama pictures 114, 173
Profile/Level 188
Profiles 194
Program Settings 168
Project 25, 155, 231
Project- and slideshow-relevant settings 123
Project... 167
Projects 53
Projekt, Fotoshows und Medien brennen 165
Properties 17, 175
Properties & title 89
Provider 231
Publish directly on the Internet. 152
Publish via MAGIX Online Album 153
Pulldown 190, 195
Q
Quantization scaling 207
Quick start 25
R
RAM (Random Access Memory) 231
Ratio: 232
RAW support 16
Reactivate hint dialogs 119
Real Media Export 161
Record 74
Record 3D 107, 108
Recording 159
Red Book 232
248 Index
www.magix.com
Red/Green/Blue 60
Red-eye removal 60
Redo 169
Register as guest of a screen session 177
Register as host for a screen transfer 176
Register online 177
Remote control 125
Remove from project 156
Remove object end 38
Remove start 38
Rename 156
Reset Effects 174
Reset Program Settings to Default... 168
Restore 40, 232
Restore data backup from (S)VCD/Video DVD 166
Retroactively editing an effect's keyframes 73
Revised DVD menu design 15
RM 232
Rotate 69
Rotate 90° 171
Rotate 90° to the right 42
S
Saturation 60
Save 158
Save as title template... 174
Save Disc Project as 158
Save project 40
Save slideshow as video on your computer 150
Save/delete style template 88
Scan image 159
Scan photo externally... 159
Scan with 159
Scene change detection 192, 197
Screenshot 232
Search 52
Search and delete superfluous files 157
Section 66
Select background music 27
Select objects 50
Select pictures for panorama 114
Select source 159
Selective color correction (deluxe version) 61
Send slideshow as email (deluxe version) 163
Index 249
www.magix.com
Separate project onto multiple discs 138
Serial number 11, 17
Set keyframes 72
Set mood change 116
Set playback mode for 3D 84, 110, 111
Setting the manual and Onbeat/Offbeat 101
Settings 167
Sharpness 62, 105
Show/Hide 174
Simple crossfade in Timeline Mode 81
Single frame as BMP 163
Single frame as JPG 163
Size 65
Size & Position 65
Slice count 190, 195
Slider 233
Slideshow 21, 25, 155, 233
Slideshow & photo menu 129
Slideshow effect settings 168
Slideshow effects 103
Slideshow Maker 40, 88, 157
Slideshow wizard 157
Slideshow... 167
SMTP 233
Soft movement 73
Software 233
Sorting Photos 28
Sound in picture support 57
Sound optimization 75, 91, 174
Soundtrack Maker 115, 158
Specify effects 27
Speed 64
Split object 38, 170
Split slideshow 38
Standard picture length 121
Start and end markers 29, 43, 115
Start introductory video 176
Statistics 192, 198
Stereo FX 95
Stereo3D (deluxe version) 37, 70, 107, 151
Stereo3D in the Media Pool 70
Stereo3D transitions (deluxe version only) 84, 88
Storyboard mode 17, 20, 45, 85, 172
Straighten horizon 69
Structure of a PSD file 141
250 Index
www.magix.com
Style templates 88
Submenu 233
Super Video CD (SVCD) 214, 233
Support 8, 180, 182
System 120
System requirements 10
T
Task assistant 221
Tasks menu 175, 221
Templates 58
Tempo and beat recognition 100
Test series with variable encoder settings 137
Three views 17
Timeline 47
Timeline mode 17, 20, 47
Tips for program help 221
Title 58
Title editor 41, 96
Title Editor 173
Title object 99
Toolbar 39, 234
Top Toolbar 39
Top-level domain 234
Track damping options 76
Tracks 47
Traffic 234
Transfer to external device 163
Transitions 88
Transitions (fades) 46, 80, 120
Transitions in Storyboard Mode 80
Travel route animation 16
Turn camera movements into 3D videos 112
TV image size (Slideshow master effects) 99, 103, 105, 129, 171
TV picture 85, 171
Twain scanner 159
U
Undo 40, 169
Update preview images in the background 120
Upload all selected media in Media Pool 220
Upload current movie as video 220
Universal Plug & Play 234
Index 251
www.magix.com
Upright-format effects 71
URL 235
Use high resolution for fullscreen playback 122
Use image file 124
Use output and file cache 117
Use preview image from movie 124
User directory 53
V
VBV buf. size 191
Video as AVI 159
Video as MPEG video 160
Video as MPEG-4 video 162
Video as Quicktime Movie 160
Video CD (VCD) 214
Video Editing on the PC 208
Video format 193
Video Mode 121
Video monitor and transport control 36
Video options 119
Video playback 117
Video settings 183, 184
Video Stabilization 85, 173
Video standard 119
View & animation 65, 171
Volume curves 48
VST and DirectX plug-ins 235
W
WAV 235
Wave 235
Wave file 235
Webhosting 235
Webmail 235
Webmaster 235
Webserver 236
What is MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10? 14
What is Timeline mode? 47
What’s new in MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD 10? 14
White balance 59
Windows Media Export 161
Wizards 157
WMA 236
252 Index
www.magix.com
WMV 236
WMV HD 212
World Wide Web (WWW) 236
Y
Youtube / Flickr 220
Z
Zip 236
Zoom in video monitor 39
Zooming 48

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