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pillar boxing on videos

Topic started on Jul 11, 2012 5:50 PM , last reply on Aug 8, 2012 1:33 PM

in Cameras and Photo Frames > Share Tips & Tricks
PEAWACK
PEAWACK
5 posts since
Jul 11, 2012

hi there,

when i use SONY DCR-SX33 camcorder for videos using windows live movie maker to upload to you tube i get pillar boxing, any help please folks?tried various programmes, i record in 16.9 and edit in 16.9 but video still has pillar boxing both before and after upload.

thanks


  • Mick2011
    Mick2011
    1,104 posts since
    Jun 15, 2011
    Written on Jul 11, 2012 11:37 PM

    Hi there, welcome to the Sony Forums

     

    If the pillarboxing is visible in Windows Live before you upload maybe you just need to edit them out.

     

    Have you tried using virtualdub to crop your videos?

     

    http://www.virtualdub.org/

     

    It's free download and very east to use.

     

    Cheers

    Mick


  • PEAWACK
    PEAWACK
    5 posts since
    Jul 11, 2012
    Written on Aug 6, 2012 6:59 PM

    Hi Mick,

    sorry for not answering sooner, i downloaded virtualdub, it doesn't support ASF files, so many forums my head is wrecked. the pillarboxing occurs when i shoot with screen showing in full length, if that makes sense?

    i an shooting myself playing saxophone so want the sax in screen.

    cheers


  • Mick2011
    Mick2011
    1,104 posts since
    Jun 15, 2011
    Written on Aug 7, 2012 11:43 AM

    Hi

     

    Sorry that didn't work for you.

     

    Have you tried editing with different software? It may be a setting in MM that's the issue. Videopad is pretty good, works with virtualdub too. Maybe try an import to that and if it's the same, we can start looking at camera settings

     

    It would probably help to see something you've uploaded, if you don't mind posting a link.

     

    Cheers

    Mick


  • PEAWACK
    PEAWACK
    5 posts since
    Jul 11, 2012
    Written on Aug 8, 2012 12:20 PM


  • PEAWACK
    PEAWACK
    5 posts since
    Jul 11, 2012
    Written on Aug 8, 2012 12:27 PM

    hi Mick,thanks for your time on this, much appreciated, obviously you can see my problem right away!

    If i want to show as mush saxophone as possible i need to move screen into vertical position, then my pillarboxing problems start.

    my pc is awash with downloaded software that all promise to convert movie for virtualdub,some of it is so heavy my heads done in and still no solution, no codecs,blah blah! other vids i did i just used camcorder in horizontal position but then lose out on sax shot.

    my wife'ssolution is to for me to buy laptop with built in camcorder to get desired movie, rather stay away from expence if i can.

    the joy from playing sax is countered by many hours trying to sort problem!

     

    Thanks again, peawack


  • Mick2011
    Mick2011
    1,104 posts since
    Jun 15, 2011
    Written on Aug 8, 2012 1:09 PM

    Ok, I see what you're looking for now.

     

    Are you setting the camera up on its side, so to speak, so that you fill the frame? I'm guessing you're rotating the video, which is when the letterboxing happens..? If you can explain the way you're setting it up I might be able to suggest an alternative method.

     

    Mick


  • Mick2011
    Mick2011
    1,104 posts since
    Jun 15, 2011
    Written on Aug 8, 2012 1:18 PM

    Sorry I missed your extra post there

     

    The problem starts when you shoot the video vertically. You need to keep the camera horizontal, and 'live with' the extra space you get either side of the main interest, ie you and your sax.

     

    If you do a Google video search on 'saxophone player' you'll find either the sax is missing (just the player's head visible, filling the frame) or there's alot of space either side, but you see the whole instrument.

     

    I'm afraid that's the way to shoot sax! It's the same with double bass, harp, etc – it's a tall instrument and space either side is inevitable if you want to see the whole instrument, especially in 16:9...

     

    Pull the camera back slightly, or zoom out. Make sure the background isn't too confused or distracting. Try shooting 3:4 and see if that helps. But keep the camera horizontal and you won't get letterboxing!

     

    Mick


  • PEAWACK
    PEAWACK
    5 posts since
    Jul 11, 2012
    Written on Aug 8, 2012 1:33 PM

    cheers Mick, guess i will have to ask wife to go halfs on new laptop! tried it on my daughters on sunday and you can get full length of sax in.

    Thanks for all your help again.


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