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mpg2 rendering really darkens footage
I used levels to adjust tonal values of clips. I bring the input end slider to the left to lighten and the input start slider to the right to increase contrast. I get it looking just like I want in the video preview window, but when I render to mpg2 (any template)and watch in the player, on the same monitor, it darkens and increases contrast a lot more so it looks terrible.
Does this always happen? Is there anyway to compensate aside from trial and error on each clip?
thanks much,
Mary Waitrovich
UW-Madison -
3 Replies
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I never check exposure or color levels on the computer monitor as it’s not really a true test of either. The best answer is to either use a calibrated production monitor OR a small TV (12 inch or so) that is calibrated as close as possible using the Vegas Color bars (color and B/W to be sure) that way you know the reds are red and the blacks aren’t crushed and the whites aren’t blown out. Also using the Vectorscope in Vegas helps quite a bit but again the best way is on an external montior as I mentioned above.
Don
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Mary, Don is right about using an external video monitor to accurately correct anything.
I’ve used (and successfully recommended to a lot of folks) the JVC TMH-150CGU. It’s only $465 at B&H and has all the pro features you’d want such as a blue gun only switch, underscan, 4:3 and 16:9 switch, NTSC/PAL capable. At 750 lines, it’s also a high resolution model.
And to get it properly set up, follow the article Color Bars and How To Use ’em. -
Yes the captured video always is darker on your computer monitor. It took me quite a while to figure that out and get used to it.
Like the two replies above, get a TV (NTSC or whatever you’r using) monitor. I’m using a 13″ sony Trinitron TV through my Canopus ADVC-100 box into the computer. Now a calibrated monitor but it works for me.
Most of my technical stuff is produced for computers only CD-ROM or DVD-ROM so then I have to set the colors and brightness for the computer monitor. My DVD’s for set-top playback, I use the TV monitor and NOT my computer screen.
Allen
ASX Media Productions
https://www.asxvideo.com
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