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08/08/2004 |
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VideoFactory 2.0 Iain Laskey investigates a bargain priced video editing package
Sonic Foundry are usually better known for their audio tools. However, they also do a mean line in video editing software with their Vegas Video line being well respected in the industry. However, they also do a cut down version called VideoFactory that can be bought off the shelf or downloaded from their web site at a quite a tidy saving. The program is quite large though so this option is only of use to broadband users or those with unlimited access and a lot of time. This review is based on the download version. VideoFactory can grab footage from whatever sources you have available. I successfully grabbed footage from a DV camera via a Firewire card and from a Pinnacle DC10+ analogue capture card. Footage goes in to a ‘Media Pool’ from where the clips can then be dropped on to the time line to specify the playback order. As well as video, the Media Pool can contain photos, clips from CDs and more. You can open up a trimmer tool to fine tune the start/end points of individual clips. A Small tip – the trimmer function has been hidden since version 1 as a newer but to my mind less intuitive way of working has been provided. To get it working again, select Preferences from the Select menu but with the shift key pressed. This will reveal an extra set of options marked ‘Internal’. Scroll down to ‘Show Trimmer’ and set it to ‘TRUE’. Features VideoFactory contains the usual range of editing features such as twin video tracks, along with voice, music and effects tracks. Each track can be muted and the audio tracks can have effects applied to them such as Equalisation, or Delay.
Another powerful feature is that the playback speed of individual clips can be modified. The slow motion works particularly well although it only goes down to 25% of normal speed. If you want to get that Chariots of Fire slow-mo feel, you need look no further. The titling overlays include scrolling as well as static styles. You can even add gradient colour changes and other backgrounds to footage to make things more interesting.
In Use One of the hardest things when editing is keeping track of everything. VideoFactory allows you to assign the numbers 1-9 to specific points in the timeline allowing you to quickly and accurately move around the project. You can also add ‘Command Markers’ which are effectively notes as to what is happening at a given place. Beginners are well catered for with an excellent ‘Show Me’ function that allows you to select a task such as ‘How to create an audio crossfade’ and then be shown a step by step explanation that shows you where to click and what to type in. The main editing screen is clean and attractive with symbols indicating any effects or transitions making it clear what is going on. VideoFactory includes a multilevel undo system so several changes can be undone if needed. Making Movies The Make Movie option lets you choose between creating a file, printing to DV tape, writing to Video-CD and more. Each of these then has different options including the ability to create RealMedia files. The final output size will depend on the compression method used and the quality chosen and can thus vary wildly. Most people will just print to DV tape though. Conclusion For the price, this is a superb package. The highlights are the video effects, 3D transitions and countless options and ease of use features. The range of facilities is large and many users will be tempted to try new kinds of video projects just to try some of the features out. My only reservation is that the titling is a bit basic but that apart, I can’t think of much else Sonic Foundry can add in any future updates. VideoFactory 2 has everything most amateur video editors could wish for. |
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A
full range of imaginative transitions including some nice 3D ones
such as page curl helps provide interesting scene changes. For added
control, a range of excellent video effects can be used to modify
the clips. The more interesting ones are in the film effects
category that can make footage look like old black and white movies
complete with dust, scratches and shakes. Other ones can blur, pinch
or add coloured glows. A little work with these can produce some
stunning results that get the creative juices going.
The
various audio levels can be adjusted during the duration of a clip
allowing you to fade background music during dialogue or make
adjustments according to the source audio levels if needed.