Video effect question

[Santacarl]

Hey All,

I'm not sure if this is the correct place to ask this but since it is about inserting a video clip using the video effect it seems at least related.

Is there a source of short clips available some place to download from or are most people using existing videos and clipping their own?  If making your own is the case I would be curious as to what software is available to make them.  I'm sure there is some expensive stuff out there so I need to weigh the value versus a few seconds of a video.....since I don't have the resolution to do just any video I don't use the effect often....most often where there is little background 'clutter'.....  So since I don't use video a lot it seems cost prohibitive to buy an expensive video setup/software that I might use in <1% of my sequences.....  But it would be good to have for those special moments.....

[Gilrock]

This website has some nice video animation packages you can buy.  I bought 3 of them that were Christmas related.
https://www.motionloops.com

[Santacarl]

Thanks Gil,

Should have known you would have a source..... As usual you're on top of your game!   

[Gilrock]

Someone else pointed me to them last year.

[Santacarl]

Gil....I notice that these are at 15, 25, 29.97 and 30 FPS.  Since all my stuff is at 20 FPS will any of those work?

[gerry]

How do you determine which resolution should be used for P10 panels - there is a range there ie 320 x 240 , 640 x 480 , 720 x 576 , 720 x 486 , 1280 x 720 , 1920 x 1080 )  - and each of the them corresponds to an fps value .
Does it depend on the size of the matrix ie number of panels ? 

[Gilrock]

I never saw any FPS values.  I just bought the 320x240 because I was putting them on a 128x80 matrix which is a smaller resolution.  You have to decide for yourself based on how big a model you plan to stretch or shrink the video onto.  Don't they have free samples you can try out to get a feel for it?  We use ffmpeg so it's going to resample the frame rate to match your sequence.

[gerry]

Thanks Gil . I don't understand the resolution stuff much . Since my panel size is 128 * 64 , I guess the smallest one . Yes  they do have free items , but that download had 3 diff options - PAL , NTSC or 1080P.
 

[Santacarl]

I never saw any FPS values.  I just bought the 320x240 because I was putting them on a 128x80 matrix which is a smaller resolution.  You have to decide for yourself based on how big a model you plan to stretch or shrink the video onto.  Don't they have free samples you can try out to get a feel for it?  We use ffmpeg so it's going to resample the frame rate to match your sequence.

Yeah they have freebies...wasn't sure if they're the same FPS as the collections....  I suppose they would be the same though after thinking on it...

That being said....I remembered that I have an old video capture card I checked and found that it 'snags' clips at 29.97 FPS and they do play using the video effect....soooooo I guess I have an answer that was right under my own nose.... 

[Gilrock]

I just downloaded the 1080P version of the free one called Cross Stage 5.  Placed it on a 32x42 matrix using the video effect set to "Loop" and it works great.  No processing of the downloaded file was required.

[Gilrock]

Here I just downloaded 2 free videos and played them on my P10 matrix model in Preview:
http://gph.is/1Zp9RfF

[gerry]

Thanks Gil,

I have just finally got on P10 panels (bigger config from last year) working after > a week of effort. One row had some of the text/effects from another row duplicated and reversed . Spent much time (like really much time) eliminating everything to do with my xlights config/setup and the FFP setup. Finally found that one of the data panel cables from Ray seems to be dodgy. Replaced it and magically everything worked.

So now I can try this out.
 

[Santacarl]

You guys talking about P10 panels got me to thinking.  I really haven't had a need for them to this point and I really don't fully understand....  Are they basically used for tune to signs and such or are they used in large matrix situations?  Where can I read up on them?

[jnealand]

P10s are just an economical matrix.  Use them for whatever you want.  I for one prefer my tune to sign as a static always on element.  I do not want my tune to sign to be part of my "show".  YMMV

Look in the wiki here and in DIYC.

[gerry]

You guys talking about P10 panels got me to thinking.  I really haven't had a need for them to this point and I really don't fully understand....  Are they basically used for tune to signs and such or are they used in large matrix situations?  Where can I read up on them?

Look for 'panels' here , on the fb page , the falcon form especially or the auschristmaslights forum. Most people use them as a matrix. many (Gil , Phil etc) have posted pictures of their setup and construction. Also look at beaglebone on the falcon forum which is/was the default option to drive the panels.