Render + Print to tape problem
 

Hi.

I'm working on an 80 minute project (3 video tracks, 9 audio tracks, the works)
I tried printing to tape but the program locked and gave me an error when it was about done with the render (half the files are stored in the PCs hard disk, the other half in a WD external HD - I'm not sure, but I suspect the external HD goes into standby during the render - I've already shut hibernation off)
To solve the problem, I rendered the project to an AVI file (actually 4 separate avi files), then opened the files in a new project and printed to tape with no problems this time (although the project got rendered a second time).

My questions are:

1) Does anyone know why Vegas errors out during the render, on a print to tape?
2) If I've already rendered the project, is there a way to print to tape without re-rendering it?
3) Is AVI + print to tape the best choice if I plan to transfer to VHS?

Thank you.

gamut errors
 

THis might not be strictly Vegas related, but is there any way to discover gamut errors within Vegas?

DVDA2 recompressing my PCM audio...why?
 

I specifically want to use PCM (uncompressed) .wav as my audio format for a dvd I'm trying to build. I'm finished all the menus etc..but when I got to prepare and burn it says my audio is going to be recompressed. I specifically chose PCM to be my audio format for the DVDA project...and it was indeed rendered at the PCM (uncompressed) 48kz 16bit .wav setting which SHOULD be compliant.

Why is it forcing a re-render/recompress?!

Figured out what I did- I accidently rendered my video portion as a non-DVDA template. Even though I rendered the audio separately. Now I have to go back and re-render the video using the DVDA template...but I'm worried my menus are all going to be messed up....expecially my sceen selection menus. I doubt it will re-link all the links to the chapter point in the new video file! UGH what do I do?...short of re-building the sceen selection menus. BAHHHH!

Changing speed
 

When I change speed to a clip (slower or faster), it does not resize itself on the timeline, i.e. remain the same length. Is there a way to do it?

replace ur original video with ur newly rendered format using teh EXACT same name in the SAME directory.. DVDa will use that file instead :)

You can just manually tell it to use the WAV file for the audio.

Hold down the CTRL key and resize it to the new length. This will also change the speed.

If you want to use a velocity envelope for varying speeds, you'll have to resize the event manually afterwards.

Alternately, you can use the Velocity Wizard in Excalibur to both change the speed using the velocity envelope AND resize the clip (positive speeds only - besides, how long would a 0% clip be???).

I fixed it though I DID have to rebuild the project. Didn't take as long the second time. I re-rendered the MPG2 and overwrote the old one...then opened the project and chose "select replacement media' when it prompted me.

Problem was my chapter points were off by a about 3-4 seconds. So I had to scrap the project and start fresh.

It's finished now- btw....the menus turned out great- probably my best authored DVD to date. I'm very happy with DVDA2.

I deliver this wedding friday to the couple- I'm looking forward to their response. Now I have to hustle and finish the DVD surface and box art.

"Problem was my chapter points were off by a about 3-4 seconds. So I had to scrap the project and start fresh. "

If you move your mouse over the markers/Chapters, your assow will change, u can then drag them across the timeline with frame accuracy.

Could have saved re-authoring layout ..

Glad to hear it al worked out though, let us know the reaction!

1) Does anyone know why Vegas errors out during the render, on a print to tape?

It's usually a memory buffer or HDD management error. You should receive an error message regardless of the issue.

Head off to Sony Media and drop them a print screen via email and ask and they should tell you exactly what the problem is


2) If I've already rendered the project, is there a way to print to tape without re-rendering it?


Yes, but you mentioned 4 seperate avi's, were these layered, or played back in sequence? it depends on the clip management, filters etc etc etc because what vegas usually does is build a buffer with that pre rendered "output" before it plays out. You'll notice on Tape output the buffer will fluctuate
Best thing to do is have ONE AVI and ONE STEREO track (ie, 1 Avi2 compliant dv avi) throw it either on the timeline, or just output to tape with VidCap.

3) Is AVI + print to tape the best choice if I plan to transfer to VHS?

Not really. It'll work.. but a relatively high variable bitrate dvd (8000 high, 6000 average, 192 ) should suffice as a playback source. Also saves where and tear on your tape heads, and when your done, you'll have a dvd archive of the job.

Anyone?

Simon, if you mean color gammut errors (differences) in reference to the original pic the answer is no. Unless color space conversion is being applied, gammut is a camera/display/printer issue.

Ahh right.

1) Does anyone know why Vegas errors out during the render, on a print to tape?

This can be caused by a multitude of reasons. Two common ones:
a) Low hard disk space on the pre-render folder drive
b) CPU overheating


2) If I've already rendered the project, is there a way to print to tape without re-rendering it?

Assuming you've rendered to a DV-AVI, just put it on a new timeline and choose print to tape. The only "rendering" that will happen is the audio to a W64 file.

If you don't want to create the W64 file, try playing it back using the capture program or some other program such as Scenalyzer.


3) Is AVI + print to tape the best choice if I plan to transfer to VHS?

That will work fine. As Peter said, you could create a DVD but it is not necessary. Personally, I use the pass-thru capability of my deck to feed the footage straight from the computer to the VHS decks. If I need a DV tape backup, I'll record on the deck at the same time.