Can anyone tell me why an animation Rendered in Bryce using Quicktime format runs smooth and the AVI format is all chopy? I have a very simple animation, 3 objects and three lights, 15 seconds long and I have tried multiple frame counts up to 40/second. I need an AVI format, or a way to convert Quicktime to a format that will open in Windows Movie Maker. Thanks for any help.

I would suspect its the compression your using. I use divx for avi's and they run smooth but if you can't use that you'll have to try the various formats that come with your OS. Hope this helps.

Sounds like it could be down to the amount of compression.

Maybe your AVI file isn't as compressed as your QuickTime file, and your system is stuggling more with it as a result. Just a though.

Len.

Ooops! Crosspost ;-)

OK rookie question here I know but I'm just getting into this. Whats the compression and how do I toy with it to get the results I'm looking for?

When you output from Bryce, the best thing to do is output as an uncompressed AVI.

Then, use some other program to compress the animation, so you can set the compression level and get the best compromise of quality/performance.

Basically, compression is used to make the file smaller, and in doing so, the higher the compression, the lower the quality - but the better the performance.

Len.

When I said rookie I meant rookie, sorry to have to keep asking but what other program would I use to compress the file?

No prob's, ask away. Well, there's loads of programs (probably some free ones as well). Basically though, just go for a Video-editing package. I mean if you're getting into animation it's a 'must-have' requirement anyway. I would recommend only two packages: The first is MAGIX MOVIE-EDIT PRO-PLUS; Which handles very impressively, and is 'very' tweakable when it comes to exports, among other things. Price 60 The second is PREMIERE ELEMENTS; Which doesn't handle as well on low-spec hardware, but wins hand's-down in the editing ability stakes. Price 70 or Price 100 If bought as a bundle with PHOTOSHOP ELEMENTS; Which gives you PREMIERE and PHOTOSHOP for a great price. Of course there's other stuff, but do yourself a favour and get something that'll give you the tools you need to do the job efficiently. Len.

Oh, and if you wan't to keep your system performing well, I'd steer well clear of anything that bears the name 'Pinnacle' if I were you. They have the most pathetic and OS destructive setup I've ever seen, and their after-sales support is... well... I won't say it, but you get the idea.

The a*sholes even wanted to charge me for an updated driver to make the thing run on XP, and the amazing thing was - it was DESIGNED for XP (even said so on the box).

Cut short, Pinnacle now know where they can shove their DC10 - 'cos pumeco, like many others, told 'em where to stick it ;-)

Len.
(Stick with MAGIX or ADOBE)

Message edited on: 04/02/2006 16:06

Man I sure wish I had talked to you about a month ago. I purchased Pinnacle studio for edditing and took it off my computer about 3 days after I installed it. It is by far the worst 110 bucks I have ever spent. Thanks for all the info.

The only other app I might suggest is Ulead MediaStudio Pro.
The full version is often bundled with inexpensive firewire/DV cards and IMO in some respects it gives Premiere a run for its money. It has a ton of transitions and effects, but I taught myself a great deal of its functions without having to crack open the manual. It's very easy to use. It also has a pretty nifty paint/rotoscope module that can add some neat effects to video or animations. I love Premiere Pro, and I'm sure the Premier elements program is a great one too.

Raddar, I'd send it back to where you purchased it - and demand a refund or exchange.

Don't settle for any of that "Oh sorry, you can't return software" crap either. If it doesn't give you what they say it does, or it causes things they never said it would - they have no argument!

You can then use the money or exchange it for one of the other packages.

Len.
(Kick up a stink and you'll get your way soon enough)

Danamo, do you know if it's possible to apply Photoshop filters in that PremierePRO of yours?

After getting to grips with PremiereE a bit more, it seems to be the only thing I'm left wanting in it. Other than that, yes, the Elements version in great - love it :-)

Len.

Attached Link: http://www.free-codecs.com/download/K_Lite_Mega_Codec_Pack.htm

For a shipload of compression filters to try out, check out the k-lite codec pack (the free one, dont let that one site that asks money for it trick u into payin for it). To add to Pumi's comment about exchanging or askin ur money back. If the cashier doesnt give in, ask for the manager. If he doesnt give in, keep buggin, if neccesary make sure to raise ur voice enough for clients in the store to hear u. (without making it look like you're acting it out too much) BTW, this works better if u return the software shortly after buying. P.S: why cant u use .mov's?

Actually Len, a lot of PhotoShop filters can be used with Premiere, though sometimes some experimenting is in order to determine if a plug will give you the effect that you want. I quite often render my animations as a series of bitmaps,(seq. files) so it is easy to batch process them using "actions" in PS before importing them into Premiere which makes it a bit of a moot point for me. Working in this manner I am able to maximise the use of my filters or plugs. Luce is a free plug that will work with both apps, though they make specific ver. for each.

Damn, cheers for that!

I've been wondering if I could 'batch process' in Photoshop but I gave up on it.

For some reason, my screen looks as if I can only process the resolution and the output format. I've been ripping my hair out trying to figure how to configure it to use the plugins :-/

Hang on... gonna swap drives and grab a screen-shot, I want you to explain something...

Well, here's what the 'batch processing' screen looks like in the Elements version of Photoshop. How on earth do I set this up to make use of the plugins? Len. (Really anxious)

Hmmm, we might have a slight problem here Len because of the difference in workflow and functionality between PS Elements and the full ver. of PS. PS has an "Actions" palette that allows you to record a macro of the sequence of applications of filters, rotation, size adjustment, or anything else you do to alter your images. After you've recorded the steps in your action in PS you would go to the File menu and select Automate>Batch from the list.
Then you would select the source folder to be processed and a destination folder for the output. I don't know that PS Elements has an actions palette, but I may be incorrect on this. Maybe we can get some of the true PS gurus here to weigh-in on this.

Can't say I've seen an 'actions' palette.

Interesting though, I never thought of going about it like that. I'll have to read the manual, see if I can find 'actions'.

I'm over the moon it can be done in the application though - I really need to do that (even if it means upgrading to the version you're using).

Len.

I must admit that I've only recently started using the "Actions" palette, but I love the fact that you can automate a process that would otherwise take a great amount of time and repetition.:)

Looks like I'm stuffed - I'll have to upgrade :-(

I've searched the manual, and there's not a thing 'bout actions in it.

Len.
(Aaarrrggghhh!!!)