Video layers

[k2np818]

Need some help.....
I have broken my screen into four quadrants. Each one has a photo. I want to expand and contract each one in sequence. And when it expands I want it to overlay the other three. Here lies my challenge. The first overlay(video track one) overrides the other three. But when I expand the second one it does not over lay the others. Is there a way to mark a layer on "top" as you can in Photoshop.

Any assistance would be appreciated.

Ken

[Bobby]

HI Ken.

I have run across the very same issue, and you can't solve it easily. The way I did it was to create a SINGLE image with all four panes, and use that as the background (track 1). Then put the four you want to expand on higher tracks, each starting on the screen at the exact same position as its counterpart in the background and then expand and contract it. Do each in term. You may or may not use more than 1 more track depending on how you need to show the images.

Does that make sense? I did something similar in...

http://muvipix.com/cpg/displayimage.php?pos=-2339

Let me know if you need more detail.

[Chuck Engels]

As you move down the timeline you will need to move the current image you will be enlarging to the top track.
The same image can be placed on more than one track, just always place the one you are currently working with on the very top track. I think this is pretty much what Bobby is saying too.

[RJ Johnston]

This is how I would do it: Take a freeze frame of how it all looks in the beginning, a view with a still in each quandrant. Now rearrange: put the freeze frame on track 1, and sequentially put the 4 stills on track 2. Extend the length of the freeze frame on track 1 so it's the length of the overall sequence. Now you can easily work with each still on track 2.

[momoffduty]

There are many ways to do this including the suggestions above. Another option:

Keyframe all of your pics and don't worry at this point about what is on top. When you finish keyframing, go back and split the clip right before the enlarge motion and place the second half of that split clip on a track above the others. Repeat for each pic. You can turn off the eye temporarily the tracks of the above pictures while you are keyframing to see better.

[Chuck Engels]

That's what I was trying to say too Cheryl, you explained it a bit better

[momoffduty]

That's what I was trying to say too Cheryl, you explained it a bit better

Can't take credit, this is one of Beth's tips.

[Chuck Engels]

Might be worth watching the Brady Bunch Effect tutorial

[momoffduty]

Might be worth watching the Brady Bunch Effect tutorial

Remember that now, very good for this effect. Is the grid still available?

[Chuck Engels]

NTSC SD 4:3 Black and White Grids in one zip file
http://muvipix.com/cpg/displayimage.php?pos=-2966

[k2np818]

Everyone:

Thanks for the ideas, suggestions and examples.
It got me pointed in the right direction.
Here is what I got so far...

http://muvipix.com/cpg/displayimage.php?album=346&pos=0

Building a clip of my balloon ride. Will eventually be combo of pics/video.

I have another question, I want my final output display in one of those
digital pic frames. I can't seem to figure out what format the file should be
in order to play. I had one exmaple working but now none work. I must of
change some setting/selection but for the life of me I can figure out what I did.
At a loss.... Anyone have any ideas/ thoughts/ suggestions?

Thanks:
Ken

[Chuck Engels]

Hi Ken,
What is the model of the frame and what formats does it support?

By the way, the video is coming along just great

[k2np818]

Chuck:

The manual says it supports "the Motion JPEG video formats".

[Barb O]

k2np,

Thanks for posting the info that the frame supports the Motion JPEG format. However, I suspect that the knowledgeable people on this forum may need more information in order to help you with the Premiere Elements output parameters.

So I suggest that you also

1-- post the screen size dimensions (resolution) of that specific model frame. (Many of the photo frames are widescreen but I have seen some that are the 4:3 Full Screen format. Providing the screen resolution will be relevant to choosing output parameters in Premiere Elements.

2 -- post the make and model (because it my help forum participants identify any unique characteristics of that frame)

[Steve Grisetti]

For creating a MJPEG, I'd recommend using Prizm Video Converter, free from this site:
http://www.nchsoftware.com/

Add your file and then select AVI as the output format. Then click Encoder Options and select LEAD MCMP/MJPEG.