Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

Question

Video Editing (AVI) adding text

Dec 28, 2012 12:05AM PST

I have a project where I need to add text to video. The video was capurted from a vehicle driving along a 10 miles stretch of road (AVI). I need to label power poles, signs, and other structures along the route.

Example: As the video starts and the first power pole comes into view, I would like to tag it with text, and as each frame comes up, have that tag move with the power pole. As the next pole comes into view, i need to tag it as well, as the pole moves through the scene, the tag (text) follows it, smoothly.

I would like to be able to edit the video, then provide our client with the video for them to view, having the tags (text) show up as they view it, either frame by frame, or in full motion.

I know there are video editing software that will let me add text, but is there anything out there that will allow me to tag something in a video and then have the tag follow that object in the next frames. Could I tag it in the first frame, and again in the last frame, and let the software move the text... Any help on this would be greatful.

Bryan

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
Answer
My cheap idea is HARDSUB
Dec 30, 2012 2:40AM PST

I leave it to you to research HARDSUB. I don't offer a tutorial but I know what you are trying and this may be one way.

Then create a closed caption text file and put the text you want in there with the appropiate flags. This is a FULL MANUAL PROCESS!

-> The tag follow an object is something I see in near million dollar software systems. Most folk I know don't have the budget for that.
Bob

- Collapse -
Answer
Now for Sony Vegas.
Dec 30, 2012 2:47AM PST
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-2vbVbu85jw is a good example but I've had folk immediately ask me for a cheap solution. Sony Vegas is not a bad price for what it does but in the million dollar solution the client had harsh requirements and there was only one way to get there. Money.

What the video and be aware it's not a perfect solution.
Bob
- Collapse -
Answer
And now about AVI
Dec 30, 2012 2:50AM PST

AVI is a container. New to video editing folk blow a gasket when they discover this and then the million CODECs. As they get more seasoned they learn to transcode and "deal with it."

Your new to video editor is usually quite upset.
Bob