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New Graffiti Video created with trakAxPC Version 4

Friday, January 20, 2012

Hey Everyone,

Firstly, we would like to take this opportunity to thank all our users for their commitment, support and patience over the last number months. It has been a long slog for everyone involved and we are delighted to announce that the beta version of trakAxPC 4 is almost ready for testing. We are currently implementing our Nalpeiron protection software and support tutorials and once we have validated the beta version, we will be announcing the release date for the full version shortly afterwards.

With the release of the beta version of trakAxPC 4 imminent, I have created a new video to highlight some the new features available, as well as demonstrating the quality and professional output one can achieve with trakAxPC.  I also hope to prove that one can create a great looking HD video with very little money. The video was shot with a Kodak Zi8 ($179, .MOV), a tripod ($20) and edited with trakAxPC 4 (Beta). Below, I have provided a detailed description of the video creation process and hopefully it will provide some ideas and inspiration when creating your next video.

Background & Preparation

The reason I created this video was due to a conversation I had with a friend of mine. He is a talented graffiti artist and was telling me that they had a big project coming up and wanted to record the process to share with his friends and peers in the graffiti scene. Up until now, he had created some simply videos using time-lapse photography and photos, so I asked if I could get involved and create a video with him. He agreed and so it began.

Before I began any filming, I took it upon myself to do a bit of research. I spent some time browsing through graffiti style videos on Vimeo and bookmarked videos that I liked. By doing this, I was able to analyse each video and choose certain elements that I wanted to incorporate into my video, for example, the type of text used, angles and positions footage was shot at, cuts and transitions between different scenes, etc. This research gave me sufficient ideas and from there I was able to plan out my video and the shots I wanted to record.

Soundtrack

I knew I wanted to keep the video fast placed and did not want to make it too long. Most experts suggest a video should last between 2-4 mins at most; anything longer and you will begin to lose the interest of the viewer. Firstly, I began looking for a soundtrack that would be suitable (TIP: I believe it is much easier to edit videos when you have a soundtrack chosen, as you can edit and cut scenes to the tempo). The track needed to be up-tempo so that it would facilitate quick cuts and transitions. I would also suggest having a couple of soundtracks selected on standby and try different ones out. You will know when you have selected the correct track as it will just feel right.

Filming

As I had done some research, I knew the type of shots I wanted to record. I had hoped to give the video a bit of a storyline which is highlighted in the opening sequence and gives a location and background to the video. I also wanted to show the wall gradually building up from a blank wall to completion. Most of the shots in the video are close-ups of the artists themselves (well their hands anyway) as I wanted to highlight their skills and talent, as well as give a more personal touch to the video. The rest of the shots are more mid-range and long shots with pans which helped to build up the picture and show the progress on the wall. I also took some footage of the pub (who owned the wall and had given permission to use) and some street shots which I used to build the introduction and add to the story.

Editing

The editing process should take you as long as necessary; there is no point in rushing it. I had recorded a lot of footage so it took quite a while to go through and select the shots I wanted to use. I created different folders and sub-folders with category names to help organise the shots for ease of use. I also revisited some of the videos I bookmarked to refresh my memory with the type of edits the professionals used. This helped the editing process and inspired me to add straight cuts between the segments instead of automatic crossfades (I only used 2-3 fades between transitions). I also decided to keep each segment relatively short which I hoped would add to the concept of a fast paced, up-tempo video. To further enhance this impression, I placed the start of each segment to align with the beat of the song so each cut / transition was in sync with the soundtrack. Finally, at the very end of the video I added a transparent PNG trakAxPC logo to help promote our company (if you have a small business, this is an ideal way to promote your company).

This description is not a strict guideline on to how edit your video. These are just some simply tips which I believe may help you when editing videos.  I hope you find them useful and hope you will enjoy using the new version of trakAxPC 4. You can also view some of our other tips and tricks videos by clicking here.

Remember trakAxPC can be used for all your video editing needs. Take advantage of our special price - buy trakAxPC today for just $24.95.

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Posted by Colm in Tips & Tricks  TrakAx News  Development Roadmap   |  3 comments

Sneak Peek of trakAxPC 4

Tuesday, August 09, 2011

In anticipation of the release of the new version in trakAxPC, we are delighted to present to you this sneak peek video which highlights some of the exciting new features in trakAxPC 4.

It would be fair to say we are working around the clock to get this update out to everyone. The testing is going great and we will have a confirmed release date asap.

If you have purchased trakAxPC, you will be eligible for this upgrade FREE!

We would love to hear your feedback on the new features and stay tuned for more info!

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Posted by SysAdmin in TrakAx News  Development Roadmap   |  27 comments

Network Support Coming in New Release

Thursday, October 07, 2010

Just a quick update on where we are with the new release. Over the last few months, we have had a lot of users asking for both network support and the ability to change the location of the cache folder when parsing files, as users wanted to use external drives and networks to store files.

In the forthcoming release, we have added the ability to access all the computers on your network. You can now also pick the location where you would like your files to parse.  For example, now you can cache your files to another location on your PC, an external hard drive or even another computer that is on your network or homegroup.

This can be extremely useful tool for schools, business and home users with multiple machines as you can use one machine or server to store all your media and then cache it to a dedicated folder. Other users on the network can access your machine through the media browser and load the file(s) immediately with no load times once their machine is directed to the dedicated folder.

With Network Support, you can also mix media on any machine within that network once you have set up the proper permissions within the Windows Environment.

We think it is pretty cool and as users obtain more PCs in the home, school or business, trakAxPC will be able to adjust and give users more flexibility with their media.

(See posts below for other features in the upcoming release – PNG transparent support, AVCHD and .Mov support, Thumbnails, Slide transitions, quicker parsing and more.)

As always, users who purchase trakAxPC today, will receive this upgrade free to charge.

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Posted by SysAdmin in Development Roadmap   |  Leave a comment

Transparent Image Support Coming Soon

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Another update on the development roadmap - support for transparent images (PNGs and Gifs) will be available in the upcoming release.

A few of our users who are tennis and golf instructors wanted to added circles / arrows etc. to highlight certain postures and moves when analysing their students’ performance. The short video below will show how quick and easy this will be with the new release.

If you purchase trakAxPC today, you will be eligible for this upgrade free of charge and remember trakAxPC Pro is only US$24.95!

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Posted by Catriona in TrakAx News  Development Roadmap   |  2 comments

AVCHD, .MOV and FLV Support

Tuesday, June 01, 2010

Just wanted to post a quick update to the development roadmap - I can confirm that AVCHD .MOV and FLV files will be supported in the upcoming release (importing only).

The new release contains some significant updates, which you can view below this post - improved transitions, faster parsing and thumbnail support. We have a bit more testing to do and hope to have a release date with you as soon as possible.

As always, anyone who purchases trakAxPC is eligible for this upgrade for Free.

Thanks!

Catriona

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Posted by Catriona in Development Roadmap   |  Leave a comment

Coming Soon - Slides and Offsets

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

We been working really hard on the forthcoming update to trakAxPC and I thought I would give a quick update on some of the new features. One area we have been concentrating on (thanks for your feedback!) is improved effects and transitions. I have attached a short video below to show the new Slide and Offset effects:

In case you’re worried, if you purchase trakAxPC now, you’ll be eligible for this upgrade when released.

Looking forward to hearing what you think.

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Posted by Catriona in Development Roadmap   |  2 comments

Development Update - Thumbnails and Quicker Parsing Coming Soon

Thursday, March 04, 2010

We have been working hard in the last few weeks since the launch on integrating some new features to trakAxPC Pro. Personally I am really excited about them and wanted to give you a sneak peak of what you can expect.

Video and Photo Thumbnails

If you are like me with thousands of photos and images (not very well organised), it can sometimes be difficult to find the footage or photo you are looking for. Currently I use the “View in Windows Explorer” function and drag the images directly from Windows Explorer into trakAxPC. We realise however, that this is not a perfect solution. That’s why for the next release, we have integrated a Thumbnail viewer. Whether you prefer the regular Explorer, Scan or Recent Files style Media Browser within trakAxPC, you will be able to view all your videos and photos as Thumbnails.

Although this is still a work in progress, I have attached some screenshots below:

We have a few more plans for how we deal with photos, but I’ll come back to that when I have something solid to show you guys.

In Track Parsing

Another feature we have been working on is ”In Track Parsing”. At the moment, when you drag in a large video track or open a large mix, trakAxPC must parse these files before placing them in the track. With our new In Track Parsing, you simply drag in your files and the parsing will take place in the background. This means that you never have to stop working on your mix and should lead to a much more productive workflow. To give you an idea of how this will work in action, please see the screenshot below:

If you buy trakAxPC, you are eligible to these features as a FREE UPGRADE once they become available - Visit our store today.

Would love to hear your feedback and comments on these upcoming features!

Catriona

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Posted by Catriona in TrakAx News  Development Roadmap   |  Leave a comment