Still Image With Alpha?

[ddemarco]

Is it possible to grab a video still (Control + T) and preserve the alpha channel?
I've tried changing the Still Image file type (System Settings-Import/export-Still Image-File type) and have not been able to retain the alpha.

Also, is there a suggested codec or Canopus setting that is best for PSD files?
Having a problem where the alpha appears to be bleeding through the image -
grayish colors. Working around that by getting graphics as After Effects movies, but that isn't a practical solution, nor is getting graphics as a separate matte & fill, nor is using a Time Effect to freeze, or a 0% speed playback. (I work in a TV station & we need faster turn around for graphics, previous edit system was Final Cut Pro and could import multi-layer PSD no problem and open in timeline all layers intact, extend layers to whatever length needed and then add effects/transistions). We're using Canopus HQ Standard setting for rendering. All work is exported to Aurora for use by other editors. Edius is running on a HP Z800 workstation, connected to a K2 server. Aurora is also installed on my PC.

Is it also correct that Edius can only work with a single layer PSD? When I try to import multi-layers it flattens the file to a single layer.

Any thoughts or suggestions? Thanks in advance

[antonsvideo]

I often bring in PSD with 4 layers or more

to change duration of layers and add transition to individual layers, you would need to save the PSD with 4 different file names, then stack them on top of each other in EDIUS, then turn off the required layers withing each PSD

Ctrl+Shift+P opens PS on selected PSD

[Glen]

Photoshop also allows for you to save each layer as a separate file. File>Scripts>Export Layers to Files.
If your other editors are using Edius then create your graphics as a title. You can share the title retaining the Alpha.

[antonsvideo]

yes, I forgot about the script export option, very fast

[Paranova Films]

but i guess (if my english is good enough) the post is about to Export from edius (using CTRL>T) and preserving the alpha...

[antonsvideo]

but i guess (if my english is good enough) the post is about to Export from edius (using CTRL>T) and preserving the alpha...

that was one of the questions and I said it is not possible

[antonsvideo]

also note that the deafult setting of images loaded to EDIUS is broadcast safe

so if your psd is using 0-255 then this could be your problem because EDIUS will change this to 16-235

alternatively, you can go to system settings and allow illegal levels by choosing super white still handling

but since you are in broadcast, I doubt that that would be a wise choice

[ddemarco]

The PSD File>Scripts>Export Layers tip has been a tremendous help.

My graphics dept had been rendering everything as an After Effects movie (in 5 sec clips) that was the only clean key with out bleed through. That is what I was trying to grab stills from - not for export to Aurora, but to get a longer
keyable graphic for use in Edius. All work exported to Aurora is finished, full screen - no keying done in Aurora.
There has also been an adjustment in the codec/settings the graphic artists here were using that has improved the PSD - I'm not certain of the change - will try to track down and post it, in case anyone else encounters the same issue (We've been a little crazy in Baltimore between the earthquake and Hurricane Irene).

Where exactly in system settings can I check the super white still handling?
I looked at Settings>System Settings>Import/Exporter>Still Images and did not see a choice for super white. The station I work for does have proc amps
that limit whites/blacks on air so broadcast safe maynot be an issue.(I know - horrible, but cheaper than digital waveforms/vectorscopes for 12 edit booths/vans...Thankfully Edius has scopes built in!)

Thanks for all your help.

[antonsvideo]

it is in User settings
http://www.videoproductions.com.au/e...superwhite.png

[Glen]

The PSD File>Scripts>Export Layers tip has been a tremendous help.

Glad to hear :)

[ddemarco]

also note that the deafult setting of images loaded to EDIUS is broadcast safe

so if your psd is using 0-255 then this could be your problem because EDIUS will change this to 16-235

alternatively, you can go to system settings and allow illegal levels by choosing super white still handling

but since you are in broadcast, I doubt that that would be a wise choice

I have checked the Super White setting - We did have Color Range for RGB clips set to White, and YCbCr clips set to Super White. I'm adjusting both to Super White, and will see how that works out. I did check with graphics - they are working in the 0 - 255 range so the automatic clipping to broadcast safe (16 - 235) may have been an issue.

on a side note - we've installed K2 Connect in Tools - much faster than bringing clips in through Add File in Source Browser. Great addition to Edius.