241

CHAPTER

 

Using Video FX,

14

Compositing, and

 

Masks

Video plug-ins in Vegas® software include effects and generators. Effects cover a broad range of electronic modifications that can be used to improve substandard video or artistically enhance a production. Generators can be used to create custom video events such as credit rolls or gradient overlays.

A variety of options are provided in compositing video and using masks. Compositing involves mixing visual elements together into a final output. Multiple compositing modes are provided from which to choose. Masks, which are used extensively in television and movies, are an important part of creating overlays. Together, these professional tools can help you polish your productions.

Note: The compositing model in this version of Vegas software differs significantly from the Vegas 4.0 model. To reproduce the Vegas 4.0 parent/child masking behavior, set the compositing mode of the parent track to Multiply, and then apply the Mask Generator plug-in as a track effect on the parent track.

Using video effects

A great variety of video effects plug-ins are provided that are ready for you to drag-and-drop onto your projects, media files, tracks, and events. Previews of the different effect presets appear in the Video FX window. In addition to the presets, each plug-in has individual controls that allow you to customize the effects in precise detail. You can also animate video effects using keyframes. For more information, see Using keyframe animation on page 273.

The mix of video effects applied at different levels (to events, tracks, files, etc.) is important to the final mix of a project. For more information, see Video signal flow on page 40.

In general, effects are applied in the following order:

•to files in the Project Media window

•to events

•to tracks

•to the project (video output effects)

CHP. 14

USING VIDEO FX, COMPOSITING, AND MASKS