Adding graphics using Flash to video.

[OM2]

I've added graphics to my video using SWF files I created in Flash.
I've used Ulead.
Results: don't look to good when I output to DV avi.
Looks perfectly fine when optmised and outputted in Flash video.

Where am I going wrong?

What's the best way to add graphics to video?
A lit of software and methods would be appreciated.

Thanks.


OM

[thecoalman]

Depends on what you're trying to import but you should be importing the graphics directly into the editor using an appropiate image format, there is no reason to use flash.

If for example you wanted to import a text overlay, use an image editing application to export the text as a TGA with alpha channel. When you import it into Ulead the background magically doesn't appear and you'll just have the text. Use Ulead to manipulate the text positioning if you can (you don't specify what program you're using so it may not be possible with what your using). Or if for example your using something like Uleads Cool 3-D you can create an animation in there and export as TGA image sequence.

There's lots of ways to do it but it depends on what software you have to create the images and what the capabilities of the video editor is. Whatever the case flash isn't the way to go about it.

[OM2]

hmmm... well i know flash well.
i saw that ulead already had existing flash animations u could add.
so i thought: brilliant!
u r saying: don't use flash... and instead use other dedicated software for video that will create tga's?

i've got photoshop available to me.
i assume this will do the job for creating still pictures?

for more advanced animations...
starting from simple things like graphics and titles sliding across the screen...
to other things where graphics are involved: you are saying i need to use other software?

can u give me a list so that i can look up and compare?

thanks.

[thecoalman]

hmmm... well i know flash well.
i saw that ulead already had existing flash animations u could add.

I never used the flash capabilities in Ulead programs except for maybe exporting some tests. You may very well get them to integrate nicely but I really have no idea, what I do know is just skipping flash entirely will produce very good results. The point is if you have the right tools and work within the normal formats used for video you don't have to worry about whether it integrates. I'd post that question on Uleads forum as there are a lot of dedicated users there. Now if your program was capable of exporting as sequential TGA with alpha channel you're set. Many animation programs have this option instead of being dedicated solely to flash. The program I mentioned can export to multiple formats, SWF , .gif, sequential TGA, avi with alpha channel etc.

for more advanced animations...
starting from simple things like graphics and titles sliding across the screen...
to other things where graphics are involved: you are saying i need to use other software?

Not necessarily, you still haven't said what Ulead program you are using but using Ulead Media Studio Pro you can import graphics and manipulate them any way you want. Not sure if you can do that with Video Studio. For advanced animation again you're better off using something that can export a foramt used for video.