Bitrates?!!??

[blitsy]

Just starting out VJing...got a load of luscious content...editing with Premier, using Modul8 live.

What is an acceptable bitrate to use when converting AVI to MOV?

I am using a MacBook Pro First Edition...2ghz CoreDuo)...is MOV an acceptable format to use as standard?

Thanks,

[vanakaru]

What AVI, what MOV, what bitrate? Go to Modul8 forum and search for codec.
It is Apple PhotoJPG 85% quality.
BTW, do not expect great performance with your old mac. I would not try anything larger than 640x480. And forget Alpha channel. You can run 1 layer PNG+ with it - maybe.

[blitsy]

I am guessing that you didn't read the 'Just Starting' Forum tagline...'don't be afraid to ask dumb questions'.

I asked a (possibly dumb) question and i got a pretty terrible answer.

I have no idea what you are trying to explain with the few barked words per sentence back at me.

I didn't think i asked how well my laptop was going to run, but congratulations on your scathing assessment, as it happens Modul8 is working just fine for what i am using it for right now. Your sentences are so short, and are packed with terms i barely understand. You must be some sort of VJ guru, blasting all new VJs with a broadside words and numbers meant to confuse and disorientate. This Guru quality shines through in the detailed descriptions you have graced me with. I had no idea what Alpha channels are, or PNG+, or AppleJPG before i posted...and with your help i feel that my eyes are now open to the possibilities that lay ahead.

Thanks so much for your thoughtful, and informative post. I will refer back to the information you have given me regularly. You have given me a fantastic taster as to what i shall now expect from the friendly folk here at vjforums.

[vanakaru]

Maybe, but welcome anyway.
It just shines through that you have not searched the question much before asking. Please, do go to

http://forum.garagecube.com/

and search for the word ”codec” and all Modul8 related questions first.
As I said the only recommended one is Apple PhotoJPG 75-85% quality in MOV container(AVI is not mac native container) and there is no bitrate you can set. However many other codec work good too only I would stay away from H.264.
If you search now for all these words you do not understand you will get the basic there is to know about rendering for VJ clips.
I started using Modul8 with Powerbook G4 867mhz and was able to do some cool visuals. So, yes you can do some, but start with restrictions.

[PCProject]

Hi and welcome to the forum.
Alpha layers show as a black solid where your content isnt and until such time you put it over something else and the black instantly vanishes - basically a nicer way of blending clips than using chroma or luma keys.