How do you cut out frames?

[someoney3000]

I'm attempting to create clips out of virtual dub. The problem is that when I create clips, they leave in frames that I cut out. Does this have to do with the key frames I keep hearing about? Is there any way to selectively remove frames?

What is the best file format for creating clips from?

[guns1inger]

Virtualdub only cuts on keyframes in Direct Stream Copy mode, as this mode does not re-encode video. If you want to do frame accurate cutting in virtualdub then you have re-encode the entire video.

I believe the current beta version of virtualdub has implemented the begins of a smart render capability that will only re-encode the open GOP created by the edit, much the same as mpeg-2 editors do it, however the results seem to be mixed an inconsistent.

You might try AVIDemux, which isn't quite as pretty to look at (not that virtualdub is any prize pig itself) as it does have automatic smart rendering which seems to work a little better. Mark your start and end points, and if smart rendering is required, AVIDemux will ask you if you want to use it.

[someoney3000]

Ah, so in direct stream copy mode Virtualdub cuts based on key frames and if I want more accurate frame cutting then I have to re-encode? I see...

Thank you!

[DarrellS]

I would try using the smart render in Virtualdub 1.7.1 before recoding the file.

If you use the same settings in the codec as the original file, you should be able to exact frame edit with no problems at all. If the file is DivX 5.0.3 then try default settings in the DivX 5.0.3 codec. If it is XviD, try Single Pass, Target Quanizer.

You can use fast recompress or full processing mode to smart render your file.

I use filters in blend mode and use the curve editor to add transitions where I've made my cuts and smart render to the finished file using full processing mode.