[Bob Cole]

[Roadkill] “It is better to import an uncompressed PCM, 48KHz, 16 bit audio file and let Encore convert it to Dolby Digital (AC3) at 192 or 224Kb/s.”

Thanks. I tried to follow this advice but ran into a problem.

I captured a file via Digital Rapids card and Stream software, set to PCM audio.

When I tried to import the .pcm file Adobe Encore wouldn’t recognize it.

What am I doing that Encore dislikes?

— BC

[Bob Cole]

Michael,

I’m trying to relate the light output of your lights to that of a Mole biax or Kino Flo Parabeam. I’m looking for a fluorescent that can handle the famous talking-head-with-window-background shot.

I don’t know how to translate your spec’s. The KinoFlo ParaBeam 400 Studioline 32, with the same wattage, is rated as 1669 lux at 8 feet. Is your unit that much brighter?

The bulb design is intriguing, but I’m wondering why you chose it, aside from compactness. It appears that the inside part of the spiral is producing light which is wasted — shielded by the coils that are closer to the outside of the fixture.

“Enlighten” us further please?

— BC

[Bob Cole]

[jana] “Is this possible in Encore?”

Yes. When you import the first clip into the project it should automatically be set as “First Play.”

— BC

[Bob Cole]

Actually the two additional channels for the beeps are not going to be routed to speakers, only to a circuit board that “listens” for them to actuate a mechanical device, first in one direction (beep on Channel Three), then back to original position (beep on Channel Four).

So it doesn’t matter that they aren’t audible.

BUT – that is a very clever idea, and I will run it past the engineer to see whether we can avoid the additional channels (and the expensive decoder) in the future.

Thanks!

— BC

[Bob Cole]

Thanks. You are right; I didn’t give you all the parameters of my situation. But you guessed right anyway.

I will give it a whirl and see what happens. The DVD is set up for 5.1, and the beeps can be audible. We’ll see what happens!

Thanks again!

— Bob

[Bob Cole]

Here is a bit of a hit-and-miss approach, but when it hits, it’s very authentic.

I just shot a fireworks display, and the families watching it. When I turned the camera around on the families, the only light was from the fireworks themselves, and it captured the mood beautifully, as the lighting changed colors, and brightness. I used +18 gain, which ordinarily is terrible, but the graininess accentuated the effect nicely.

If I were to use any auxiliary lighting (and I wouldn’t) I’d try minimal front lighting, and something from the back and side, just to define the facial contours, and I would still let the fireworks act as the “key.”

There probably is a more “professional” approach if you are staging the whole thing. I believe the Shadowmaker device has a fireworks setting. https://www.magicgadgets.com/mg_ol_04.htm

Good luck.

— BC

[Bob Cole]

Thanks so much!!!! I am back in business and have a fighting chance of making a deadline thanks to your help.

I am in AE 5.5, so I had to use Control, as the article you linked said.

I appreciate your help!

— Bob

[Bob Cole]

Thanks. I am a single-user and haven’t really set up any other user accounts.

— BC

[Bob Cole]

I’m not an expert, but until an expert answers…

Sometimes programs like Nero will install utilities like DirectCD, which can cause all sorts of problems. I’d look for those utilities and remove them if possible. Clearly the “uninstall” process didn’t uninstall everything that Nero added.

Good luck.

— BC

[Bob Cole]

I’m looking to stay in the PC realm, using Premiere Pro.