Video Setup
Video Solutions
For audio for picture, there are two things needed to keep the video and the synced audio in sync: Timecode for position and clock for speed.
These two signals are the biggest concern so far, and the reason that it is not possible to take just any videocard and put the video out through it’s outputs. Timecode isn’t necessarily a problem, but clock is. Without proper clocking, chances are big that video and sound drift apart. Most cheaper cards do not have a way to sync themselves to another clock, the reason direct support from Nuendo takes a long time.
So what options do exist at this moment?
1.Using an external hard disk video player/recorder, controlled by 9-pin. Examples are the Doremi V1 series, the Steenbeck VMOD series, or the dps Reality video editing PCI card (W2K).
2.Using the video card to capture the video, and route the video during editing to an external monitor/beamer. Examples are the Pinnacle/Miro DC30 (Win98/WinME/Mac), the Dazzle or Aurora DV cards (Mac) or similar.
3.Capture the video with any videocard and route the video during editing through the Matrox G400/450/550 series graphics cards (PC).
4.Capture the video with a videocard (or let the video editor do that) and play it back on Nuendo’s (second/third) monitor (Mac/PC).
How to set up these methods:
add 1:
- Safest is to have a house clock sending a sync signal (blackburst and/or wordclock) to every device. All devices run at the same speed.
- VTR sends video and LTC/VITC to the videoplayer, as well as audio to Nuendo’s audiocard. LTC should also be sent to the Timelock pro or another synchroniser, which sends MTC to Nuendo and wordclock to the audiocard. A video/blackburst signal is sent to the Timelock Pro for clock. This will be used to create wordclock. Nuendo can remote control the VTR by 9-pin commands.
<<<< Set in Nuendo’s [sync setup] “Timecode Source” to “MIDI Timecode”. In “MIDI Timecode Settings”, set the appropriate port where the MTC comes in. Set “Machine control” to “9-pin device 1”. In [Device Setup], set in [9-pin device 1] the correct COM port (serial RS 232) to which the 9-pin adapter/cable connected to the VCR is attached. Use “Try to recognise device”. Go online [T]. >>>>
- After the video is captured on the videorecorder, and audio in Nuendo, set the second 9-pin device active in Nuendo, which is controlling the video player. The video player sends LTC/video (VITC) to a synchroniser, which sends MTC/wordclock to Nuendo’s MIDI interface and audiocard.
<<<< Set in Nuendo’s [sync setup] “Timecode Source” to “MIDI Timecode”. In “MIDI Timecode Settings”, set the appropriate port where the MTC comes in. Set “Machine control” to “9-pin device 2”. In [Device Setup], set in [9-pin device 2] the correct COM port (serial RS 232) to which the 9-pin adapter/cable connected to the VCR is attached. Use “Try to recognise device”. Go online [T]. >>>>
<<<< If you are using the dpsReality videocard/software in another PC, use a null-modem cable instead of a 9-pin adapter. If you are using the dpsReality videocard/software in the same PC as Nuendo, also use a null-modem cable, but press [online] in Nuendo before pressing F12 to go online in the dps. The Reality board will install serial drivers, which block Nuendo’s access to the serial port. Go online in Nuendo first, then the Reality, and the Reality will only install the driver for it’s own serial port. This only needs to be done once, when the serial driver options are left default in the Reality Deck Emulation setup. The dps will not use more then 10% extra cpu on a 1GHz system, so it is very usable. >>>>
- Sync and cut all audio in Nuendo, favorably using [Edit Mode]. Nuendo’s cursor will follow nudge, slip content (ctrl-shift-drag), fade handles, drag and drop into project from the pool or Windows Explorer, trim and selection switching. The video will be scrubbed by 9-pin commands.
- When all editing is done, set “Machine control” to “9-pin device 1” in [sync setup]. Go online [T]. Arm the appropriate audiotracks on the VTR in [9-pin device 1]. Set in and out points with the left and right locator in Nuendo. Use [Autoedit] when supported by the VTR, or press [I] and [O] for autopunch in/out. Make a preroll of a few seconds (depends on VTR). Press [play].
The audio in Nuendo will be laid back on tape.
<<<< Set in Nuendo’s [sync setup] “Timecode Source” to “MIDI Timecode”. In “MIDI Timecode Settings”, set the appropriate port where the MTC comes in. Set “Machine control” to “9-pin device 1”. In [Device Setup], set in [9-pin device 1] the correct COM port (serial RS 232) to which the 9-pin adapter/cable connected to the VTR is attached. Use “Try to recognise device”. Go online [T]. >>>>
add 2:
- Easiest is to have a house clock sending a sync signal (blackburst and/or wordclock) to every device. All devices run at the same speed.
- VTR sends video to the videocard, as well as audio to Nuendo’s audiocard. LTC should also be sent to the Timelock pro or another synchroniser, which sends MTC to Nuendo and wordclock to the audiocard. A video/blackburst signal is sent to the Timelock Pro for clock. This will be used to create wordclock. Nuendo can remote control the VCR by 9-pin commands.
<<<< Set in Nuendo’s [sync setup] “Timecode Source” to “MIDI Timecode”. In “MIDI Timecode Settings”, set the appropriate port where the MTC comes in. Set “Machine control” to “9-pin device 1”. In [Device Setup], set in [9-pin device 1] the correct COM port (serial RS 232) to which the 9-pin adapter/cable connected to the VTR is attached. Use “Try to recognise device”. Go online [T]. >>>>
- The videocard should capture in a for Nuendo and the OS readable format. Nuendo on Windows uses Video For Windows (VFW), DirectShow (DS) or Quicktime (QT) to play back video. Use one of these methods. Nuendo Mac only uses Quicktime, and Quicktime sends DV to the Firewire port. Any functional Firewire/DV device should be able to capture and play back the video correctly. Also the fileformat should be readable for Nuendo, i.e. Quicktime movie (.qt, .mov), MPEG 1 (.mpg, .mpeg), or AVI (.avi). At last, the correct codec. It needs to be on the Nuendo system, installed properly, used during capture and the same during playback from Nuendo. It needs to be compatible with one of the playback methods mentioned above.
- In Nuendo, choose the correct playback method in [Device Setup]. Import the movie. When selecting it in the import dialog, Nuendo should give information about the resolution, amongst others. If it says 0 x 0, either the wrong playback method is selected, the codec cannot be found/used, the file is set to “read-only” (properties in Windows) or the file is corrupted. In case #1, select a different video playback method in [Device Setup]. In case #2, try capturing with a different codec, in case of #4, try capturing again. “Read only” can be unchecked by rightclicking on the file and unchecking the “read only” checkbox under “properties”.
- Play back the video. If the videocard is set up properly, it should give out the video on an external monitor. Sync and cut all audio in Nuendo, favorably using [Edit Mode]. Nuendo’s cursor will follow nudge, slip content (ctrl-shift-drag), fade handles, drag and drop into project from the pool or Windows Explorer, trim and selection switching. The video will be scrubbed.
- When all editing is done, set “Machine control” to “9-pin device 1” in [sync setup]. Go online [T]. Arm the appropriate audiotracks on the VTR in [9-pin device 1]. Set in and out points with the left and right locator in Nuendo. Use [Autoedit] when supported by the VTR, or press [I] and [O] for autopunch in/out. Make a preroll of a few seconds (depends on VTR). Press [play].
The audio in Nuendo will be laid back on tape.
<<<< Set in Nuendo’s [sync setup] “Timecode Source” to “MIDI Timecode”. In “MIDI Timecode Settings”, set the appropriate port where the MTC comes in. Set “Machine control” to “9-pin device 1”. In [Device Setup], set in [9-pin device 1] the correct COM port (serial RS 232) to which the 9-pin adapter/cable connected to the VTR is attached. Use “Try to recognise device”. Go online [T]. >>>>
add 3:
- Easiest is to have a house clock sending a sync signal (blackburst and/or wordclock) to every device. All devices run at the same speed.
- VTR sends video to the videocard, as well as audio to Nuendo’s audiocard. LTC can also be sent to the Timelock pro or another synchroniser, which sends MTC to Nuendo and wordclock to the audiocard. A video/blackburst signal can also be sent to the Timelock Pro for clock. This will be used to create wordclock. Nuendo can remote control the VTR by 9-pin commands.
<<<< Set in Nuendo’s [sync setup] “Timecode Source” to “MIDI Timecode”. In “MIDI Timecode Settings”, set the appropriate port where the MTC comes in. Set “Machine control” to “9-pin device 1”. In [Device Setup], set in [9-pin device 1] the correct COM port (serial RS 232) to which the 9-pin adapter/cable connected to the VTR is attached. Use “Try to recognise device”. Go online [T]. >>>>
- The videocard should capture in a for Nuendo and the OS readable format. Nuendo on Windows uses Video For Windows (VFW), DirectShow (DS) or Quicktime (QT) to play back video. Use one of these formats. Nuendo Mac only uses Quicktime, and Quicktime sends DV to the Firewire port. Any functional Firewire/DV device should be able to capture and play back the video correctly. Also the fileformat should be readable for Nuendo, i.e. Quicktime movie (.qt, .mov), MPEG 1 (.mpg, .mpeg), or AVI (.avi). At last, the correct codec. It needs to be on the Nuendo system, installed properly, used during capture and the same during playback from Nuendo. It needs to be compatible with one of the playback methods mentioned above.
However, the Matrox needs DirectShow. So make sure that:
a: the video is captured in a DirectShow compatible format, or
b: you have a filter that converts the stream into DS compatible.
This filter depends on the codec used and may introduce latency. However, you might use MPEG2 videos, converted to AVI this way (Nuendo doesn’t support MPEG2 videos). Ask tech support of your video card if these options exist.
Also, if you get the video files from the video editor, ask him/her to take this into account. Please test with some files before actually working with this setup on a project with a deadline.
- set the G400 series Matrox graphics card to DVD MAX option. The second output can be connected to both a monitor and a beamer, or any other combination. the video signal will be sent out to both outputs automatically. Please check the Matrox documentation how to set up DVD MAX correctly. It may vary on the driver/software version how to set this up.
- In Nuendo, choose the correct playback method in [Device Setup]. Import the movie. When selecting it in the import dialog, Nuendo should give information about the resolution, amongst others. If it says 0 x 0, either the wrong playback method is selected, the codec cannot be found/used, the file is set to “read-only” (properties in Windows) or the file is corrupted. In case #1, select a different video playback method in [Device Setup]. In case #2, try capturing with a different codec, in case of #4, try capturing again. “Read only” can be unchecked by rightclicking on the file and unchecking the “read only” checkbox under “properties”.
Play back the video. Sync and cut all audio in Nuendo, favorably using [Edit Mode]. Nuendo’s cursor will follow nudge, slip content (ctrl-shift-drag), fade handles, drag and drop into project from the pool or Windows Explorer, trim and selection switching. The video will be scrubbed.
- When all editing is done, set “Machine control” to “9-pin device 1” in [sync setup]. Go online [T]. Arm the appropriate audiotracks on the VTR in [9-pin device 1]. Set in and out points with the left and right locator in Nuendo. Use [Autoedit] when supported by the VTR, or press [I] and [O] for autopunch in/out. Make a preroll of a few seconds (depends on VTR). Press [play].
The audio in Nuendo will be laid back on tape.
<<<< Set in Nuendo’s [sync setup] “Timecode Source” to “MIDI Timecode”. In “MIDI Timecode Settings”, set the appropriate port where the MTC comes in. Set “Machine control” to “9-pin device 1”. In [Device Setup], set in [9-pin device 1] the correct COM port (serial RS 232) to which the 9-pin adapter/cable connected to the VTR is attached. Use “Try to recognise device”. Go online [T]. >>>>
add 4:
When getting a video tape:
- Easiest is to have a house clock sending a sync signal (blackburst and/or wordclock) to every device. All devices run at the same speed.
- VTR sends video to the videocard, as well as audio to Nuendo’s audiocard. LTC can also be sent to the Timelock pro or another synchroniser, which sends MTC to Nuendo and wordclock to the audiocard. A video/blackburst signal can also be sent to the Timelock Pro for clock. This will be used to create wordclock. Nuendo can remote control the VTR by 9-pin commands.
<<<< Set in Nuendo’s [sync setup] “Timecode Source” to “MIDI Timecode”. In “MIDI Timecode Settings”, set the appropriate port where the MTC comes in. Set “Machine control” to “9-pin device 1”. In [Device Setup], set in [9-pin device 1] the correct COM port (serial RS 232) to which the 9-pin adapter/cable connected to the VTR is attached. Use “Try to recognise device”. Go online [T]. >>>>
- The videocard should capture in a for Nuendo and the OS readable format. Nuendo on Windows uses Video For Windows (VFW), DirectShow (DS) or Quicktime (QT) to play back video. Use one of these formats. Nuendo Mac only uses Quicktime, and Quicktime sends DV to the Firewire port. Any functional Firewire/DV device should be able to capture and play back the video correctly. Also the fileformat should be readable for Nuendo, i.e. Quicktime movie (.qt, .mov), MPEG 1 (.mpg, .mpeg), or AVI (.avi). At last, the correct codec. It needs to be on the Nuendo system, installed properly, used during capture and the same during playback from Nuendo. It needs to be compatible with one of the playback methods mentioned above.
From here, getting a videofile from the video editor is the same routine:
- In Nuendo, choose the correct playback method in [Device Setup]. Make sure the movie isn’t write protected (after copying from a CD, for example; open properties, uncheck “read only”). Import the movie. When selecting it in the import dialog, Nuendo should give information about the resolution, amongst others. If it says 0 x 0, either the wrong playback method is selected, the codec cannot be found/used, or the file is corrupted. In case #1, select a different video playback method in [Device Setup]. In case #2, try capturing with a different codec, in case of #3, try capturing again.
Play back the video. Sync and cut all audio in Nuendo, favorably using [Edit Mode]. Nuendo’s cursor will follow nudge, slip content (ctrl-shift-drag), fade handles, drag and drop into project from the pool or Windows Explorer, trim and selection switching. The video will be scrubbed.
- When all editing is done, set “Machine control” to “9-pin device 1” in [sync setup]. Go online [T]. Arm the appropriate audiotracks on the VTR in [9-pin device 1]. Set in and out points with the left and right locator in Nuendo. Use [Autoedit] when supported by the VTR, or press [I] and [O] for autopunch in/out. Make a preroll of a few seconds (depends on VTR). Press [play].
The audio in Nuendo will be laid back on tape.
<<<< Set in Nuendo’s [sync setup] “Timecode Source” to “MIDI Timecode”. In “MIDI Timecode Settings”, set the appropriate port where the MTC comes in. Set “Machine control” to “9-pin device 1”. In [Device Setup], set in [9-pin device 1] the correct COM port (serial RS 232) to which the 9-pin adapter/cable connected to the VTR is attached. Use “Try to recognise device”. Go online [T]. >>>>
Some general points to have in mind:
SYNC:
- [Sync Setup]; “Lock Time”: here you set how many frames of correct timecode should come in before Nuendo locks. With some devices/signals, a longer lock time is nessesary. During editing with a HD based videoplayer, you can set lower values.
- [Sync Setup]; “Drop Out Time”: especially with tape, timecode dropouts may occur. Here you set how many frames without TC may come in before Nuendo stops. Nuendo will “freerun” for that amount of frames. When dropouts occur longer then the value set here, Nuendo will stop play/record.
- There are many MIDI interfaces on the market. It is very system/configuration dependent which protocol works fine. Parallell port MIDI interfaces might get trouble with the dongle. USB MIDI interfaces should give no problem, but it depends on the USB controller and the chipset. Most newer mainboards have no known problem with USB MIDI interfaces. Our Midex8 and Midex3 interfaces perform very well on good configured systems, and will allow no drifts of more then + or - 1 ms. Please check
www.rme-audio.com for test results on different mainboards, or ask a pro-audio dealer.
VIDEO:
- For being able to play back Quicktime movies on a Windows system, you must have installed Quicktime. You can download it from
www.quicktime.com. You don’t need the QT Pro version, the free version is ok.
- Nuendo allows you to cut, copy and paste video frame accurate. However, two exceptions: DirectShow does not support more then one video event on the timeline. Please do not make cuts in the timeline.
Quicktime does allow more then one video or cuts on the timeline, but you’ll have to “allow multiple streams” during setup, or activate it afterwards in the Quicktime Player, edit/preferences/Quicktime Settings/Connection speed. Enable the checkbox.
Multiple videos can be used on the timeline with VFW and QT, as long as the bitrate and resolution are the same.
- Using Quicktime with a dualhead graphics card: Using Nuendo’s Quicktime Video Player on the second monitor may slow down the refreshrate of this panel. Please open the Quicktime Player (after closing Nuendo), go to preferences/Quicktime settings/video settings/options: “enable DirectDraw On Secondary Monitor”. Please uncheck this one. The video will play smooth on both monitors now. Of course, this might have impact on performance in other situations, especially regarding QT.
- If you import a videofile to the timeline, the import dialog info box may claim:
“xx fps - 0 frames, 0 x 0 pixel, 0.000s - xxx.x MB.”
This means that:
a: the file is corrupt; please recapture the video, or ask the editor for a new one.
b: the wrong playback method is chosen. Go to Devices/device setup/Video Player/Playback Method, and choose another method. Quicktime plays most regular videofiles.
c: if [b:] doesn’t help, please try capturing with another codec, or try to install the codec with which this video is captured.
d: if the video is copied from a CD, the video files are write protected. Please select all the audio/videofiles you’ve copied from CD, rightklick, properties, uncheck “read only”. W2K and XP will asks if it should be done for all subfolders and files. Please do so.
- If a video file can not be read or imported by Nuendo, try to convert it to a usable format with the appropriate tool. There are a lot of usable free-and shareware video converters available on the web, as well as more professional tools.
- Microsoft did not provide a DV codec for use with Video For Windows. DV files captured with VFW cannot be used in Nuendo, since Nuendo will rely on VFW to provide a codec. Nuendo can only use DirectShow or Quicktime to play back DV files. The Pinnacle DV500 will always capture DV files with Premiere, so these files cannot be used with VFW in Nuendo without a conversion.
- Using the Matrox G400/450/550 to put out video might slow down your computer. This is because the decoding is done by software, using the main CPU of the system. There is no known workaround for this other then using a very fast system.
- The Matrox G400/450/550 control panel to set up the DVD MAX function may vary it’s structure when new drivers/software is installed for this card. Please refer to Matrox support how to set this up.
- Replace audio in video: Quicktime can only use AIF files. ALso, it will make a reference only, so the audio is not integrated in the videofile. Quicktime Pro f.e. can copy the audio in the videofile itself.
Nuendo works fine with most regular videofiles, using the codecs of Windows and Quicktime. If you need to convert your videofile, you might need a tool to do that, or a certain codec to install on your Nuendo system. A lot of video tools can be accessed from the web.
http://www.divx-digest.com/software/index.html has listed a lot of tools.
Steinberg can and will not take any responsibility for damage done by any 3rd party tool/codec, nor can we give active support for the use of them in any combination with Nuendo.
Have fun,
The Nuendo Team.
The purpose of this document is to provide a comprehensive guide to understand and optimize video utilization with the Nuendo Media Production System. The described steps are
proven techniques and are in agreement with video facilities worldwide. Since hardware and software technology is changing continuously, the author of this document cannot be responsible for system / hardware failures and/or program crashes or, the destruction of files.
Neither can this document cover all combinations of hardware, operating system upgrades, driver upgrades and installation scenarios. This document is not designed to eliminate or minimize the need for “turnkey” multimedia computer systems built by professional system designers. The author of this document cannot be responsible for system / hardware failures and/or program crashes as well as destruction of files. The guide provides details for each action item but is also written with the assumption that the reader is familiar with terminology and procedures for Computer / Video hardware and the Nuendo software. Since this document utilizes standard practices and software adjustments; it is rational to understand that certain items may be very similar in grammar and/or content to those found in other documentation. All items / steps in this document are written by the author utilizing
experiences with the involved technical devices and notes written over years of practice.
References to actual hardware & software products are for explanation, integration and optimization purposes only - names and products are under control of manufacturers
copyrights, patents and registered trademarks.
