PowerEncoder MPEG-4 AVC Edition

Transcription

1 CyberLink PowerEncoder MPEG-4 AVC Edition User s Guide

2 Copyright and Disclaimer All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise without the prior written permission of CyberLink Corporation. To the extent allowed by law, CyberLink PowerEncoder MPEG-4 AVC Edition IS PROVIDED AS IS, WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION ANY WARRANTY FOR INFORMATION, SERVICES, OR PRODUCTS PROVIDED THROUGH OR IN CONNECTION WITH PowerEncoder MPEG-4 AVC Edition AND ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, EXPECTATION OF PRIVACY, OR NON-INFRINGEMENT. BY USING THIS SOFTWARE, YOU AGREE THAT CYBERLINK WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, OR CONSEQUENTIAL LOSS ARISING FROM THE USE OF THIS SOFTWARE OR MATERIALS CONTAINED EITHER IN THIS PACKAGE. The terms and conditions here under shall be governed and construed in accordance with the laws of Taiwan. CyberLink PowerEncoder MPEG-4 AVC Edition and other company and product names mentioned in this publication are registered trademarks used for identification purposes only, and remain the exclusive property of their respective owners. Ltd. International Headquarters Moonlight is a registered trademark of Moonlight Cordless Mailing Address Web Site CyberLink Corporation 15F, #100, Min Chuan Road, Hsin Tian City Taipei County, Taiwan Telephone Fax Copyright 2004 CyberLink Corporation. All rights reserved.

3 Contents Introduction... 1 The CyberLink PowerEncoder MPEG-4 AVC Edition Program... 2 Main Features... 3 File Conversion... 3 DV Capture... 3 Register Your Software... 4 Upgrade Your Software... 5 System Requirements... 6 Encoding... 7 Convert Files... 8 Preview Files... 9 Manage Converted Files Play a File in Media Viewer Rename a File in the Converted Files Pane Delete a File from Hard Disk Remove a File from the Converted Files Pane View File Properties Profile Setup Create a New Encoding Profile Edit a Profile Delete a Custom Profile View Profile Details i

4 CyberLink PowerEncoder MPEG-4 AVC Edition DV Capture DV Capture Window Preferences File Preferences View Preferences Capture Limit Options Capture from DV Camcorder Capture a Single Scene Batch Capture Manage Converted Files Profile Setup Reference Technical Support Web Support Fax Support Telephone Support Hotkeys Copyright Notice Index ii

5 Chapter 1: Introduction CyberLink PowerEncoder MPEG-4 AVC Edition is the first H.264 (MPEG-4) video application, offering both conversion and capture functions. Using CyberLink PowerEncoder MPEG-4 AVC Edition, you can now enjoy the full benefits of MPEG-4 video. This chapter introduces the CyberLink PowerEncoder MPEG-4 AVC Edition program, including how to register and upgrade your version of the program. This chapter contains the following sections: The CyberLink PowerEncoder MPEG-4 AVC Edition Program on p.2 Register Your Software on p.4 Upgrade Your Software on p.5 System Requirements on p.6 1

6 CyberLink PowerEncoder MPEG-4 AVC Edition The CyberLink PowerEncoder MPEG-4 AVC Edition Program When you first open CyberLink PowerEncoder MPEG-4 AVC Edition, the program appears as follows: Preview Window Converted Files pane About Batch List pane A/V Information pane 2

7 Chapter 1: Introduction Main Features CyberLink PowerEncoder MPEG-4 AVC Edition offers two different functions: file conversion and DV capture. These two functions are described below. File Conversion The file conversion function allows you to convert video files to the new H.264 MPEG-4/AVC format. File conversion features include the following: Converts video files to MPEG-1, MPEG-2, DivX, or the new H.264 file format. Produces highly compressed video files, best for transferring videos over the network. Retains high video quality. Supports batch mode file conversion for increased efficiency. DV Capture The DV capture function allows you to capture video in the new H.264 MPEG-4/AVC format. DV capture features include the following: Captures video from DV camcorder and other video sources directly into H.264 Also captures DV files in H.264 and DV-AVI, MPEG-1, and MPEG-2 if desired. QuickScan feature in DV Capture 3

8 CyberLink PowerEncoder MPEG-4 AVC Edition Register Your Software After you install the program, a registration window opens, prompting you to register your product. It is important to register your software in order to receive technical support or other information from CyberLink. To register your software, do this: 1. Enter your personal information in the First Name, Last Name, and entry boxes. Check one or both of the options to receive information from CyberLink, or uncheck if you do not wish to receive this information. 2. Click Register Now. If you have previously registered this product, click I Have Already Registered. The registration box will no longer open when you run the program. If you would like to register this product at a later time, click Remind Me Later. The registration box will open each time you run the program until you register. 4

9 Chapter 1: Introduction Upgrade Your Software Software upgrades may be periodically available from CyberLink. To upgrade your software, click in the row of buttons across the top of the window. A web browser window opens to CyberLink s website, where you can upgrade your program as well as receive other information about CyberLink and CyberLink s products. Note: You must be connected to the Internet to use this feature. 5

10 CyberLink PowerEncoder MPEG-4 AVC Edition System Requirements The system requirements listed below are recommended as minimums for using this program. Minimum System Requirements OS Memory CPU Screen Resolution Capture (Optional) Windows 98SE/ME/2000/XP 256 MB RAM DV AVI: Pentium III 800 or Athlon 1G MPEG-1: Pentium 4 1.2G or Athlon 1.2G MPEG-2: Pentium 4 1.8G or Athlon XP 1800 DivX: Pentium 4 1.8G or Athlon XP 1800 H.264: Pentium 4 2.2G or Athlon XP x 600 pixels, 16-bit color DV camcorder connected via OHCI-compliant IEEE

11 Chapter 2: Encoding CyberLink PowerEncoder MPEG-4 AVC Edition s encoding function allows you to preview video files, then encode them in MPEG-1, MPEG-2, DivX, or the new H.264 MPEG-4/AVC file format. Once you have encoded files in the MPEG-4 format, you can manage them from within the CyberLink PowerEncoder MPEG-4 AVC Edition program. You can also configure encoding profiles to better suit your specific encoding needs. This chapter contains the following sections: Convert Files on p.8 Preview Files on p.9 Manage Converted Files on p.10 Profile Setup on p.13 7

12 CyberLink PowerEncoder MPEG-4 AVC Edition Convert Files CyberLink PowerEncoder MPEG-4 AVC Edition converts video files to MPEG-1, MPEG-2, DivX, or the new H.264 file format. You can convert the following video file types: avi, dat, mpe, mpeg, mpg, vob. To convert a video file, do this: 1. Open CyberLink PowerEncoder MPEG-4 AVC Edition. The File Convert tab opens by default. 2. In the Batch pane, click, then open the files that you want to encode. (You can also drag and drop a file from Windows Explorer.) Select a file, then click to remove it from the list. Select a file, then click to move it up one row in the list. Select a file, then click to move it up one row in the list. 3. Set your encoding profile. For more information, see Profile Setup on p Click to start encoding. Click if you need to stop encoding before the process is completed. 8

13 Chapter 2: Encoding Preview Files To preview a file, select it in the Batch pane, then use the playback buttons to control your preview. Playback controls Timecode box Opens CyberLink s website The playback controls are as follows: Button Name / Play/Pause Stop Previous Frame Next Frame Fast Forward Volume / Mute/Unmute 9

14 CyberLink PowerEncoder MPEG-4 AVC Edition Manage Converted Files You can manage files in the Converted Files pane. Right-click a file, then select one of the following: Play in Media Viewer Rename Delete from hard disk Remove Properties Play a File in Media Viewer To play a file in the Converted File pane in the Media Viewer, do this: 1. Right-click the file in the Converted File pane, then select Play in Media Viewer. (You may also double-click on the clip.) The Media Viewer opens. 2. Use the playback controls to view the file. 10

15 Chapter 2: Encoding Rename a File in the Converted Files Pane To rename a file in the Converted File pane, do this: 1. Right-click the file in the Converted File pane, then select Rename. The Rename dialog box opens. 2. Enter a new name, then click OK. Delete a File from Hard Disk To delete a file in the Converted File pane from hard disk, right-click the file in the Converted File pane, then select Delete from Hard Disk. The clip is removed from both the Converted File pane and from your hard disk. Remove a File from the Converted Files Pane To remove a file from the Converted File pane, right-click the file in the Converted File pane, then select Remove. The clip is removed from the Converted File pane. However, you can load the clip into CyberLink PowerEncoder MPEG-4 AVC Edition at a later time. 11

16 CyberLink PowerEncoder MPEG-4 AVC Edition View File Properties To view the properties of a file in the Converted File pane, do this: 1. Right-click the file in the Converted File pane, then select Properties. The Properties dialog box opens. 2. Click Close to close the dialog box. 12

17 Chapter 2: Encoding Profile Setup An encoding profile is simply a set of attributes (such as bitrate, and audio output type) that determine the quality of the final project file that your audience will see (and/or hear). You can use default encoding profiles or create your own custom profiles. Create a New Encoding Profile To create a new encoding profile, do this: 1. Click. The Profile Setup dialog opens. 2. Click New... 13

18 CyberLink PowerEncoder MPEG-4 AVC Edition 3. Enter a name, then click the Video tab. 4. Modify the profile s video attributes as necessary: GOP Structure: GOP is the group of pictures, commonly 12 or 15 frames in length, composed of I-frames, B-frames, and P-frames. The ratio among these three types of frames is determined by the original video, but may be modified during encoding. Length is the length of the GOP; that is, the number of I-/B-/P- frames in the group. B-frame (bidirectional predicted frame) is a frame used in compression that is compared to neighboring frames for similarity. Enter the number of B-frames per I-/P-frame you wish to use in each GOP during compression. Setting a larger number of B- frames may increase encoding time. Entropy Coding: CABAC (Context Adaptive Binary Arithmetic Coding) is a more powerful compression scheme than CAVLC (Context Adaptive Variable Length Coding), which can reduce bitrate by 10-15%. 14

19 Chapter 2: Encoding Rate Control: If the Mode is set to Constant Quantizer, the encoder uses 4 I-frames, 8 P-frames, and 12 B-frames. In this case, the average and maximum bit rates are uncontrolled. Use the slider to specify an encoding Quality. If Mode is set to VBR (Variable Bit Rate mode), you can manually set the average and maximum bit rates. Average bit rate is the average number of Kbits/sec of the encoded video. Maximum bit rate is the maximum number of Kbits/sec of the encoded video, as determined by the playback media. (The maximum bitrate for DVD movies is 10.4 Mbit/sec.) Resolution: You can keep the video size of the original file or resize the video during encoding. If you resize the video, select the new resolution from the drop-down menu. (Note for High Definition Video users: PowerEncoder MPEG-4 AVC Edition can convert videos that have a resolution higher than 720 x 480 (NTSC) or 720 x 576 (PAL) to 1280 x 720 (720p). To convert a 720p MPEG, select the Keep Original Size option.) Miscellaneous: The Use I-frames to mark scene changes option compares video frames, then marks each scene change using an I-frame. Encoding video based on I-frames (regardless of the original GOP structure) improves compression but may require a longer encoding time. (Using your original frame rate, you can obtain better video quality. Using the original quality, you can obtain a smaller file.) The Use deblocking option filters out video block artefacts, making video appear clearer, while simultaneously reducing bitrate by 5-10%. Target frame rate is a read-only field that displays the frame rate of the video to be encoded. Advanced: Rate-Distortion optimization sets the ratedistortion mode used in encoding. Setting Rate-Distortion to Off speeds up encoding time. Lossy is a compromise between quality and speed, and Lossless provides the best video quality, but at the cost of increased encoding time. When the Rate-Distortion is set to Lossy or Lossless, the Enable partitioning option becomes available. Use this option to allow the encoder to use macroblocks of up to 8x8 15

20 CyberLink PowerEncoder MPEG-4 AVC Edition blocks of pixels to predict pixel motion across frames. The Use motion estimation option searches among neighboring frames in order to estimate the motion of blocks of pixels. Encoding the motion of this block (and not the individual pixels that have moved) reduces temporal redundancy (a pixel s location measured over video frames). This option is most effective when blocks of pixels (such as a background) are not affected by camera motion. Search range specifies the size of the search range used in motion estimation., Sub-pixel accuracy refers to the level of motion estimation in fractions of pixels. The H.264 compression scheme uses quarter-pixel accuracy (compared to only half-pixel accuracy in MPEG-2) in estimating horizontal and vertical motion. Specifying a more detailed level of accuracy results in smoother video but increases encoding time. 5. Click the Audio tab. 6. Modify the profile s audio attributes as necessary: Audio Compression Rate: select an audio compression rate from the drop-down menu. 7. Click OK. 16

21 Chapter 2: Encoding Edit a Profile You can edit the default encoding profiles in order to create your own, customized profiles. To edit an existing custom encoding profile, do this: 1. Click. The Profile Setup dialog opens. 2. Select the video format, compression scheme, TV format and profile name as necessary. Note: You must select Custom in the Compression drop-down menu. 3. Click Edit..., then modify the profile s description and video and audio attributes as necessary. 4. Click OK. Delete a Custom Profile To delete a custom profile, do this: 1. Select the video format, compression scheme, TV format and profile name as necessary. Note: You must select Custom in the Compression drop-down menu. 2. Click Delete... The profile is removed. 17

22 CyberLink PowerEncoder MPEG-4 AVC Edition View Profile Details To view a profile s details, do this: 1. Click Details... The Details dialog box opens. 2. Click OK to close the dialog box. 18

23 Chapter 3: DV Capture CyberLink PowerEncoder MPEG-4 AVC Edition offers a DV capture function in order to allow you to capture video in the new MPEG-4 file format. This chapter contains the following sections: DV Capture Window on p.20 Preferences on p.21 Capture from DV Camcorder on p.23 Manage Converted Files on p.28 Profile Setup on p.28 19

24 CyberLink PowerEncoder MPEG-4 AVC Edition DV Capture Window When you open the DV Capture function, the window appears as follows: Preview window Captured Files pane Capture Options pane A/V Information pane 20

25 Chapter 3: DV Capture Preferences CyberLink PowerEncoder MPEG-4 AVC Edition provides file and view preferences that allow you to configure the program to best suit your working needs. File Preferences CyberLink PowerEncoder MPEG-4 AVC Edition s File preferences allow you to set how the program manages captured and converted files. Import Directory: sets the default director that CyberLink PowerEncoder MPEG-4 AVC Edition opens when you import files. Directory for Captured Files: sets the default director where CyberLink PowerEncoder MPEG-4 AVC Edition saves captured files. Directory for Converted Files: sets the default director where CyberLink PowerEncoder MPEG-4 AVC Edition saves converted files. Captured Video Filename Prefix: sets the default filename prefix of captured files. Converted Video Filename Prefix: sets the default filename prefix of converted files. Merge converted files: merges all converted files into a single file. Automatically load most recent project: automatically opens the most recent project file whenever you run CyberLink PowerEncoder MPEG-4 AVC Edition. 21

26 CyberLink PowerEncoder MPEG-4 AVC Edition View Preferences CyberLink PowerEncoder MPEG-4 AVC Edition s View preferences allow you to manage viewing options within the program. TV Format: sets the default TV format (NTSC or PAL) of converted and captured files. Preview video during conversion: check this option to watch video files as they are converted. Capture Limit Options You can set limits on the size or duration of video that CyberLink PowerEncoder MPEG-4 AVC Edition captures. When the limit you set is reached, capture automatically stops. To set a maximum capture length, check Time limit, then enter a time in the timecode box. To set a maximum captured file size, check Size limit, then enter a size limit (in MB). 22

27 Chapter 3: DV Capture Capture from DV Camcorder DV camcorders are popular among video hobbyists, as they record in a digital format that does not require conversion before being used on a computer, and often provide a number of advanced recording options. You can capture a single scene or a number of scenes in a batch from your camcorder. Procedures for both methods are described below. Capture a Single Scene You can capture a single segment of video from your camcorder. This function is particularly useful, for example, if you want to acquire a long video segment in its entirety without skipping over sections. To capture video from a DV camcorder, do this: Note: Make sure your camcorder is in VCR mode before capturing. 23

28 CyberLink PowerEncoder MPEG-4 AVC Edition 1. Open CyberLink PowerEncoder MPEG-4 AVC Edition, then click the DV Capture tab. 2. Locate the position at which you would like to begin capturing. You may do this in one of the following ways: Use the playback buttons. Drag the time slider. Enter a timecode, then click to seek to that timecode. 3. Set your capture options (if necessary). If you have more than one camcorder connected to your computer, click DV Setup, then select the device you want to use. 4. Click to begin capture. The video plays in the preview window as you capture. If you have not set a capture limit, click to stop capture. 5. Enter a name in the dialog box that appears. The clip appears in the Captured Files pane. 24

29 Chapter 3: DV Capture Batch Capture Batch capturing may seem intimidating, but in reality, it is an incredibly convenient method of capturing multiple video clips automatically. If you take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with batch capturing, you will save yourself loads more time when you capture video from your camcorder. CyberLink PowerEncoder MPEG-4 AVC Edition scans your DV for intervals, then allows you to batch capture from the clips created using intervals. To batch capture from a DV camcorder, do this: Note: Make sure your camcorder is in VCR mode before capturing. 1. Open CyberLink PowerEncoder MPEG-4 AVC Edition, then click the DV Capture tab. 25

30 CyberLink PowerEncoder MPEG-4 AVC Edition 2. Click. The DV QuickScan dialog box opens. 3. Set your capture options (if necessary). If you have more than one camcorder connected to your computer, click DV Setup, then select the device you want to use. Click Note for important information on how to use the DV QuickScan function. 4. Locate the position at which you would like to begin scanning for intervals. You may do this in one of the following ways: Use the playback buttons. Drag the time slider. Enter a timecode, then click to seek to that timecode. 5. Click Start Scan to start scanning for intervals. CyberLink PowerEncoder MPEG-4 AVC Edition scans for intervals. 26

31 Chapter 3: DV Capture 6. Click Stop Scan after all of the video segments you want to capture have been scanned. Scanned intervals appear as thumbnails in the Capture Clips pane. Click Back to return to the QuickScan function. 7. Check the thumbnails of the intervals you want to batch capture. To combine sequential intervals into a single interval, check the intervals, then click Merge. Click Auto-Merge to combine intervals to combine all checked intervals in sequence or to merge all of the clips in an interval that you can set. 8. Click Start Capture to begin batch capture. CyberLink PowerEncoder MPEG-4 AVC Edition rewinds your tape to the position of first clip, then begins capturing all of the intervals you have checked. The video plays in the preview window as you capture. The clips you have captured appear in the Captured Files pane. Click Stop Capture to stop the capture process. 9. Click Finished to return to Capture mode. 27

32 CyberLink PowerEncoder MPEG-4 AVC Edition Manage Converted Files You can manage files in the Captured Files pane. The options are the same as those in the Converted Files pane. For more information, see Manage Converted Files on p.10. Profile Setup You can set up a capture profile. The options are the same as those for encoding files. For more information, see Profile Setup on p

33 Reference This chapter contains reference information to help answer questions you may have about the digital movie production process or about using CyberLink PowerProducer. This chapter contains the following sections: Technical Support on p.30 Hotkeys on p.32 Copyright Notice on p.36 29

34 CyberLink PowerEncoder MPEG-4 AVC Edition Technical Support Before asking CyberLink for technical support, please refer to this user's guide or online help for more information. You may also contact the distributor/dealer where you bought this product for help. If your problem is still not resolved, the following sections provide ways to obtain technical support. Web Support Technical support is available 24 hours a day and at no cost at our support web sites: support.gocyberlink.com You may also find additional information at: (English) (Japanese) In addition to frequently asked questions, we provide troubleshooting techniques, the latest product news, and other information. Fax Support For fax support, please fax us at: (886) Note: Technical support is only offered to registered users, so please make sure to jot down your CD-key located on your CD case when visiting our Web sites or faxing. 30

35 Reference Telephone Support You are welcome to call the CyberLink's Technical Support Hotline at: (886) Phone support hours are: Monday to Friday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (GMT +8:00) Taiwan local time, excluding holidays. When calling for support, please have your computer ready and provide us with the following information: your registered CD-key the product version Windows version hardware devices (capture card, sound card, VGA card) and their specifications detailed description of the problem and the circumstances under which it occurred warning messages displayed (if applicable) Note: Technical support is only offered to registered users, so please make sure your CD-key is ready when calling. 31

36 CyberLink PowerEncoder MPEG-4 AVC Edition Hotkeys Hotkeys are available for many functions in the CyberLink PowerEncoder MPEG-4 AVC Edition program. The tables below list the hotkeys and their function. System Hotkeys: Hotkey Alt + Space Alt + F4 Ctrl + V Function Open system command menu Close the program Adjust system volume Project Hotkeys: Ctrl + N Hotkey New project Function Ctrl + O Alt + Enter Ctrl + S Ctrl + Shift + S Open existing project Show project contents Save project Save project as 32

37 Reference Command Menu Hotkeys: Hotkey Alt + F Alt + E Alt + M Alt + P Alt + H Function Open the File command menu Open the Edit command menu Open the Mode command menu Open the Playback command menu Open the Help command menu File Conversion Hotkeys: Hotkey Insert Delete Ctrl + Up arrow Ctrl + Down arrow Ctrl + R Ctrl + / Ctrl + Enter Ctrl + P Function Add file(s) to batch list Remove file(s) from batch list Jump one row up in batch list Jump one row down in batch list Begin the file conversion process Start/Stop the file conversion process Play the selected video in Media Viewer Profile setup 33

38 CyberLink PowerEncoder MPEG-4 AVC Edition DV Capture Hotkeys: Hotkey Ctrl + R Ctrl + / Space Ctrl +, (comma) Ctrl +. (period) Ctrl + / Record Stop recording Play/pause DV Rewind DV Fast forward DV Stop DV Function Ctrl + U Start the DV QuickScan function Converted/Captured Files Pane Hotkeys: F1 Hotkey Open the help system Function Ctrl + + Ctrl + - Ctrl + Backspace Delete Shift + F12 F9 F10 Increase volume Decrease volume Mute/unmute Delete selected item Show hotkey list Switch to DV Capture mode Switch to Convert File mode 34

39 Reference Playback Hotkeys: Hotkey Ctrl + Enter Ctrl + Q Function Play video in Media Viewer Load a video file Preview Window Hotkeys: Space Ctrl + / Hotkey Play/Stop Stop Function, Previous Frame. Next Frame Ctrl + F Fast Forward 35

40 CyberLink PowerEncoder MPEG-4 AVC Edition Copyright Notice Moonlight is a registered trademark of Moonlight Cordless Ltd. Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories. Dolby, and the double-d symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories. Confidential unpublished works. Copyright Dolby Laboratories. All rights reserved. 36

41 Index B batch capturing 25 C capture batch 25 from DV device 23 single scene 23 size limit 22 time limit 22 video from a DV camcorder 23 Captured Files pane 20 convert video file 8 Converted Files pane 2 create a new encoding profile 13 D delete custom encoding profile 17 file from hard disk 11 DV camcorder, capturing from 23 E edit an encoding profile 17 encoding profile create new 13 delete 17 edit 17 view details 18 what are? 13 F file capture 23 convert 8 delete from hard disk 11 play in Media Viewer 10 remove 11 rename 11 view properties 12 H hotkeys 32 I intervals, scanning for 26 M Media Viewer 10 minimum system requirements 6 37

42 CyberLink PowerEncoder MPEG-4 AVC Edition N new encoding profile 13 P play a file in Media Viewer 10 playback controls 9 preferences 21 profile create new 13 delete 17 edit 17 view details 18 properties of a file, view 12 Q QuickScan 26 T time limit of captures 22 TV format 22 U upgrade your software 5 V video file capture 23 convert 8 view encoding profile s details 18 file properties 12 R registration 4 remove a file 11 rename a file 11 S scanning for intervals 26 size limit of captures 22 system requirements 6 38