16:9 mask?

[Perrywaz]

errm, When I say “mask” I mean those Letterbox ribbons on top and bottom of the frame.

I think. :/

[Michael Duff]

I usually just make the mask. I think Magic Bullet has a preset with different formats, but it would be an expensive way to just mask the frame. If it something you are likely to do alot, maybe make some templates in photoshop that are always the exact dimensions.

Michael Duff –
Bearcage Productions, Australia

[Perrywaz]

Thanks Michael.

Ok, what do you think about this: I make a Comp that is 720 x 372. Then put my 4:3 footage in it. Now I’m able to re-frame the footage a little up or down.

So when I render, this will give me the black bars on top and bottom. Or is there some glitch I’ve overlooked?

😕

[Michael Duff]

hmmm – well this certainly would give you a render that is widescreen, but it wouldn’t have the black letterbox on the actual render.And it would no longer be a TV standard, so a lot of NLEs and DVD authoring programs will not recognise the size.

If you are planning to output to TV (rather than web/CD) I’d suggest keeping your comp TV standard, (PAL 720×576 or NTSC 720×486) then masking a black solid over the top. You will still be able to reposition your footage on the layers underneath the solid.

Michael Duff –
Bearcage Productions, Australia

[Perrywaz]

Thanks. The Solid sounds safest.

By the way, when I use the 720×372 Comp, the production monitor from the Kona displays the black bars correctly. I guess the Kona is adjusting it?

Also, I notice the Comp preset in AE is 720×480. Should I start a new Comp and make it 720×486?

[Michael Duff]

yeah the Kona must just be centering it. Probably safest to stick to the standard sizes. I’m not sure about the comp size as I’ve only ever worked in PAL. Maybe just do a google search or search the COW archives and I’m sure you’ll find which one you should use.

[Perrywaz]

Ok, thanks. Yep, I want to make sure it’s safe.