TrakAx WeblogNews and Updates from TrakAx.com2013-04-03T15:52:09ZCopyright (c) 2013, ColmExpressionEnginetag:trakax.pmhclients.com,2013:04:03Some new GoPro videos created by our Userstag:trakax.pmhclients.com,2013:index.php/6.19192013-04-03T15:05:01Z2013-04-03T15:52:09ZColmcolmbarry@iol.iehttp://www.trakAx.com
We are getting very excited about some of the new features that will be included in the next update of trakAxPC. We are currently working on this update and it will be available soon and will include features such as chroma-key/green screen and new cropping tools. In the meantime, we thought we would share some of the excellent GoPro videos created by some of our users. If you have questions or queries about using your GoPro, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Check out these videos and remember to click on the “HD Settings” icon on the videos for the best quality image.
]]>Why is there letterboxing in my YouTube or GoPro videos?tag:trakax.pmhclients.com,2013:index.php/6.19182013-03-20T14:10:01Z2013-03-20T17:05:21ZColmcolmbarry@iol.iehttp://www.trakAx.com
Why is there letterboxing or pillar boxes in my videos? This is a question we have seen and heard many times and is one users can find quite confusing. It basically comes down to two things: the aspect ratio your original footage was taken in i.e. the resolution setting chosen on your camera, and the aspect ratio you choose when exporting and uploading your video file. For example, I often see videos taken with a GoPro camcorder which contains video images, as well as still images. As the video is playing, you will notice the video images uses the full width of screen and when a picture enters, there will be pillar boxes on the sides of the image. This is because the GoPro camera only shoots still images in a standard 4:3 aspect ratio, while the video was shot at a popular widescreen resolution such as 1080p or 720p (16:9 aspect ratio) (see example video below).
YouTube now uses only 16:9 aspect ratio for its media player. If you are uploading a non-16:9 file, it will be processed and displayed correctly as well, with pillar boxes (black bars on the left and right) or letter boxes (black bars at the top and bottom) provided by the player. If you are using trakAxPC to export a video and you want it to fit the player perfectly, export your videos at the following resolutions:
The YouTube player automatically adds black bars so that videos are displayed correctly without cropping or stretching, no matter the size of the video or the player. For example, the player will automatically add pillarboxing to 4:3 videos in the new 16:9 widescreen player size. If the player is re-sized (i.e. when embedded on another website), the same process takes place so that 16:9 videos are letterboxed when the player is sized to 4:3. Similarly, anamorphic videos will be automatically letterboxed when shown in either 16:9 or 4:3 sized players. The player can only do this if the native aspect ratio of the video is maintained.
If letterboxing is added to a video before it is uploaded (i.e. in the case of creating a 4:3 video from a 16:9 master), the widescreen player will add pillarbox bars too, resulting in black bars all around the video (windowboxing) and a bad viewing experience (see the diagram below).
In trakAxPC, before you create your video you can choose your target frame size and aspect ratio for your video using the “Target Frame Size” drop down menu in the Mixing screen. Target Frame Size can be changed at any time before the mix is exported. To learn more about selecting Target Frame Sizes, please click HERE
]]>Getting in the festive mood - St. Patrick’s Daytag:trakax.pmhclients.com,2013:index.php/6.19172013-03-15T12:55:00Z2013-03-15T13:15:50ZColmcolmbarry@iol.iehttp://www.trakAx.comWith St. Patrick’s day on this Sunday, we thought we would get into that festive spirit early and show you a video we shot of St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin a couple of years ago. What will you be getting up to this Paddy’s Day? If you’re out and about, or heading to a parade with your family, why not grab your camera or camcorder and take some footage of the memorable day. Plus, as we are Irish, we would love to see St.Patrick’s Day from another perspective.
]]>New Cropping Tools Coming Soon to trakAxPC V4tag:trakax.pmhclients.com,2013:index.php/6.19162013-02-25T10:11:00Z2013-02-25T11:11:29ZCormaccormacbarry@iol.ieWe are really excited about some of the new features and tools that we are working on for the new update of trakAxPC V4. We are currently developing new panning and zooming options as well as a new Ken Burns Effect. Also, we have listened to our users and yes, we are now going to incorporate new sophisticated cropping tools to take your split screen and collage videos to the next level. Have a look at the video below to see some of the cropping tools in action. This update will be free to current paid users and available to download shortly!!!!!!!
]]>trakAx MovieExpress for Android Coming Soon.tag:trakax.pmhclients.com,2013:index.php/6.19152013-02-18T10:21:00Z2013-02-20T10:01:05ZColmcolmbarry@iol.iehttp://www.trakAx.comtrakAx MovieExpress is the first truly interactive, intuitive and fun multimedia creation app developed for Android. Designed specially for Smartphone and Tablet devices, trakAx MovieExpress allows users to be creative on the move. Gone are tiny timelines and controls that are difficult to adjust when on the move. So whether you are on a bus, a train or having a coffee, you can create quality videos quickly and easily.
The application has all the advanced features that you would expect on a desktop application - text and credits, Pan and Zoom Effect, Photo Cropping, Audio and Video Editing, Effects and Transitions, just to name a few. This brief video demonstration gives an overview of the app and highlights some of the key features within the application.
The team is heading to the Mobile World Conference in Barcelona on the 25th February and we should have an announcement on a release date shortly after our return. In the meantime, if anyone has any questions or queries, please send an email to colm@trakax.com.
]]>Creating a Photo Light box for your Product Shotstag:trakax.pmhclients.com,2013:index.php/6.19142013-01-24T10:58:00Z2013-01-24T11:04:54ZColmcolmbarry@iol.iehttp://www.trakAx.comIn this short video, I show you how quick and easy it can be to create a simply, yet effective photo light box for your product shots. This photo light box will help present your products in their best light and is perfect for anybody wishing to take simply shots that will be displayed on your website, in your shop or on promotional material such as brochures, newsletters, flyers, etc. The video demonstrates step by step how to create this light box and displays some example product shots at the end.
Make sure you use a tripod when recording your footage and capturing your shots. If, perhaps, you are not overly happy with your photos or your lighting, you can always retouch them using a free photo editing application such as Google’s Picasa and administer any edits that maybe required.
For the video itself, I simply used our Nikon CoolPix P7700 camera and a tripod. I kept moving the tripod around to try and keep the video interesting with different angles and shots. For the text, I simply downloaded this free ”YummyCakes” font from dafont.com to give the text that handwritten feel. Finally, I used our transparent PNG title bar which is available to download free here.
So why not give it a go and see how this simply contraption can really improve your product shots!
Here is a list of what you will need for creating your own light box -
Cardboard box
2-4 sheets of white tissue paper
1 piece of matte white poster board
1 piece of matte black poster board
Scotch tape
Packing tape
12” (30cm) ruler
Pencil or pen
Scissors & Box cutter
2 Lamps
]]>Guest Blog featured in Design Spongetag:trakax.pmhclients.com,2013:index.php/6.19132013-01-22T15:53:00Z2013-01-22T16:49:38ZSysAdminfeedback@trakax.com
I’ve been a fan of Grace Bonney and Design Sponge for a really long time - if you’re new to the site, it is a perfect mix of design, culture, food, DIY and tips for anyone who would like to be creative. Grace also runs a series called Biz Ladies on the site, which gives practical advice on all elements of running a small business.
I have a Guest article today on the Biz Ladies area discussing tips for creating a compelling video for your small business. Hopefully you’ll find the article interesting and if you own a small business, give you the inspiration you need to start making your own videos to promote your products and services. You can read the article from the link below. I’d love to hear your feedback, so leave a comment!
]]>Excellent Fitness Promo Video (help increase post Christmas Sales).tag:trakax.pmhclients.com,2012:index.php/6.19122012-12-19T16:21:00Z2012-12-19T16:34:03ZColmcolmbarry@iol.iehttp://www.trakAx.com
With the Christmas fast approaching, people will soon be filling up on Christmas dinners, chocolates and pudding. Now is a great time to create a quick promotional video of your gym and facilities to help entice those post Christmas clients. It can also be a great way to seduce active members into renewing their memberships.
To read the full article and view the video, please Click Here.
]]>How Fill Shots & J and L Cuts can improve your Video Production.tag:trakax.pmhclients.com,2012:index.php/6.19112012-12-05T11:53:01Z2012-12-05T12:07:50ZColmcolmbarry@iol.iehttp://www.trakAx.comAn important part of the video production process is what we call recording “Fill Shots”. “Fill Shots” are the shots which lead from one scene into another or can be faded in over a narration. Basically, every piece of footage you shoot (other than a direct interview) is a fill shot. You can never really have enough “fill shots” and probably most of the footage you record will end up on the editing floor. However as a rule, it is always best to take more footage than you think you need. For example, you may have recorded some of footage which you think was fine on the day but during the editing process, you noticed that the camera or tripod wobbled or the light suddenly changed ruining your shot. This is why it is important to have extra back-up footage which can help when editing the final video. Below, I’ve attached a video which gives an example how fill shots can be used to connect an interview and link the video together as a whole.
If you watch the video from the start, you will see the first four video clips are our “Fill Shots”. These are shots recorded from different angles, cut together with no fades and followed by a J Cut (this where you hear the narrators voice before the corresponding video enters the frame). We then see Dan talking and been interviewed while working at his desk. For this shot, the camera has stayed in the same position throughout the entire interview process. The video is centralised on this main shot and interview, with all fill shots being edited around it. After this segment, we have an L Cut (where a new video clip enters yet we still hear Dan talking over the videos).
The video continues to be edited in this way, with fill shots being implemented between shots of Dan working and talking at his desk (basic J and L Cuts). This is a simple process which all aspiring videographers can implement and will instantly improve your video production and give it that professional look. To learn more about J and L Cuts and other tips and tricks, please Click Here.
]]>Black Friday / Cyber Monday Special Offer on trakAxPC Video Editing Softwaretag:trakax.pmhclients.com,2012:index.php/6.19102012-11-22T11:37:00Z2012-11-25T13:05:33ZSysAdminfeedback@trakax.com
Firstly we hope all our American friends are having a great Thanksgiving and enjoying spending some quality time with friends and family. As part of the Black Friday / Cyber Monday tradition, we are delighted to offer our customers an Extra 10% off trakAxPC - that’s nearly 40% off the original price. To take advantage of this offer, please enter the coupon code below at the checkout:
Use the Coupon Code Below to Avail of the EXTRA 10%:
TRAKAXPCBLACKFRIDAY
]]>Quick tips and tricks video tutorial - How to use slide effects in trakAxPCtag:trakax.pmhclients.com,2012:index.php/6.19092012-11-07T11:27:00Z2012-11-08T13:36:15ZCormaccormacbarry@iol.ieHi Everyone,
We have noticed that the collage feature/split screen is very popular with our users. So I decided to do a quick tips and tricks tutorial to show how the new slide effects in our video editing software trakAxPC V4 can really enhance your creations, giving them a sense of movement and fun.
I have broken down this slide effects tutorial into two examples.
In the first example, using the collage feature, I show how you can slide a video into a split screen video whilst sliding a video out. I also show how you can change the direction and speed of the slide effects.
In the second example, I wanted to show how you can use the slide effects with text credits and transparent PNGs to give your creations a professional touch.
You can download the transparent title bar PNG I used in the making of this video in the resources area of our site www.trakaxbusiness.com for free.
Tutorial
I have also added a little video that I created which demonstrates how you can use the slide effects to create cool fun family videos.
]]>Great Videos by trakAxPC Userstag:trakax.pmhclients.com,2012:index.php/6.19082012-11-05T14:25:00Z2012-11-06T11:20:55ZCormaccormacbarry@iol.ieHi All
Everyday, users are creating really cool and exciting videos using trakAxPC 4. We always get excited when users send in videos and songs or tag the video in YouTube. Below, I am going to show you some recent videos that were truly exceptional and really show the video editing capabilities of trakAxPC. We are delighted that the application we created is helping users in their creative process.
1. The Birdsongs - Will You Save Me? (Official Music Video)
Philip Birdsong edited his band’s The Birdsongs new song “Will you save me” using trakAxPC. We were blown away with the quality and dynamism of this video. Also, a big shout out to Philip who was a great help in the testing of trakAxPC V4.
2.Clarence Reed - City of Minneapolis
Clarence sent in this brilliant time-lapse photography video of the City of Minneapolis. He used trakAxPC in the editing of this video. Really cool visuals and very nice use of split screen
For the extreme sports an. Japanese User Susumu Kurokawa tagged us in this cool water sports video. Also great use of speed up/slow down and tranparent PNG’s. Looks like a fun day.
4.Bach - Air (cello quartet) by Onenaoko
The beautiful classical music of Bach played by the very talented Onenaoko. The video was created by using only an iPhone and trakAxPC. Using the split screen feature, I think she was able to create something quite simple and magical.
Ezekiël 1 (ORIGINAL) by jajawubs
Here is a great video and song by jajawubs. I think this video really shows his musical talent and creative mind. ‘Ezekiel 1’ is based upon one of his favourite parts of the Bible, where God calls the prophet Ezekiel. Great use of the splits screen functionality and the slide effect. Big thanks to jajawubs as well who was a huge help in testing the new version of trakAxPC. His help was invaluable.
[APH] | AmeBel | Love Like Woe | Audition for GOD studio by Judy Winsor
For you animation lovers out there, here is a video that Judy sent in that was edited in trakAxPC. Great use of the slide effect, text and transparent PNG’s in this video, giving it a real sense of movement and fun. I think the complexity and the creative endeavour is amazing.
Please keep sending in your videos to us via the forum or Facebook or just tag them in YouTube. We genuinely love seeing what users are creating in trakAxPC and really inspires us each day.
]]>A message to our American Users : Stay Safetag:trakax.pmhclients.com,2012:index.php/6.19072012-10-30T10:37:00Z2012-10-30T10:43:08ZCormaccormacbarry@iol.ieTo all our users and members from the east coast of the USA, we hope you and your families stay safe from Hurricane Sandy. We are thinking of you here in Ireland.
I asked the Principal, Chris Watts, why they chose trakAxPC:
“We have recently engaged the services of a qualified teacher (Jim) who makes a full time job of performing music, creating sound and video files, etc. We met at a venue when he was performing and we saw potential in reigning him in to work as an assistant. I now employ him in a Performing Arts School we’ve started, some early years music and with my secondary students up to IGCSE.
I wanted to make the experience for the children a real one and the only software I’d used was Windows Movie Maker which is not available on Windows 7. The problem with Windows software is the lack of compatibility PLUS we wanted children to use software that compared well with the industry-standard programs.
Jim mentioned trakAxPC to me so we downloaded it and worked with the trial version, introducing students to ‘envelope’, ‘transitions’, ‘effects’ etc etc. It seemed robust, they enjoyed it and we were able to export results to MP4. In the process I decided to download the software myself to my home machine and paid for two licenses, taking advantage of your 2 for 1 offer. It is affordable, high functioning, easy to use and best of all, it’s fun!
I have been using your software on an interactive white board and in our computer suite where we have good quality sound and the effects of our work have been very exciting. Students are now producing some promotional video for our meal service and to promote our school. I also have a vision for them to produce their own backdrops for musical productions etc. The opportunities offered by your software are only as limited as our imagination!”
]]>Refer a Friend to trakAxPC Video Software and Earn $5 for Each Referral!tag:trakax.pmhclients.com,2012:index.php/6.19052012-10-19T15:05:00Z2012-10-19T15:20:05ZSysAdminfeedback@trakax.com
We’ve always known that our customers are the best advertising that we could ever have. That’s why now we want to reward you for sharing trakAxPC with friends, family and colleagues. Refer a friend and they will receive 10% off trakAxPC. When they make a purchase you’ll earn $5 hard cash! You can refer a maximum of 10 friends, which is $50. It’s really that easy. To begin, simply sign up to our program from the link below:
