Virtual Dub is a program that is used for video capture and video processing. Its main functions include: re-compression and filtering. However it is not a complete video editor as it is not capable of performing some of the operations found in most standard video editing software applications Yet, it is still a useful and reliable program to employ for some degree of video editing. The article will highlight a few techniques that will enable you to use Virtual Dub effectively.
What You Will Need
- A Functioning Computer
- Virtual Dub
Instructions
- Download and install Virtual Dub. This should run perfectly once you are using a Windows operating system.
- If you desire to change the video format it requires only a few steps. Open a video file with the program. Go to [File] and select [Open] video file.
- Once the file is open go to [Video] tab and select [Compression].
- Under the compression field select the required format for video compression and press [OK].
- You can also select the portion of the video that you wish to compress. Click on the two arrows that will allow you to do this at the bottom right of the screen next to the frame details.
- Save the video by going to file and selecting [Save AVI]. Once the window is displayed configure your parameter simply by typing the file extension into the required field. It will be compressed into this format.
- The program will begin to compress the video. Allow it to finish before attempting to carry out any other operations. For larger file sizes compression will be noticeably longer, this is normal and should not be mistaken for an error or possible system freeze.
- Once the compression is completed you are now able to open the altered file and watch it or perform further editing.
- You can also capture a still image using video dub by cutting a scene from a video file and then transforming it into an image file. A few simple steps are required to complete the process.
- Choose the scene from the video file you desire to make into a new image file. Place the slider at the start of the scene and press the [Mark In] button. After that has been completed place the slider at the end of the scene and click the [Mark Out] button.
- Then go to [File] and select the [Export] option. The [Image output] filter will be displayed at this point. You may choose the image format and the directory where the file will be saved. In general most image files are saved as Jpeg files.
- Click on [OK] to initialize compression. Wait for it to finish and then check the directory to see that the image has been saved to the allocated directory.
Do’s and Dont’s
- For better performance do not run any other applications while the program is compressing files.
- Familiarize yourself with the layout by clicking on all the tabs and learning how their keys function. By experimenting with Virtual Dub you will gain a better appreciation of the editor.
