Greg,

I tried usiing Windows Movie Maker a few times on Sat after your post, but it kept crashing for some reason. I'll play with it on another machine at some other point.

Bud

Reaper,

Thanks for all the info...I created one and it looked really good. I have two questions though. In Blender I could not figure out how to make the top line of text taller. I made it bigger, but it kept going over the top line. Is there an easy way to stretch the top line of text to make it appear as big as the "Welcome to the" as you have it?

Also, I was trying to figure out how to make the audio 5.1 surround sound. Anyone have any luck doing that?

Next project??? How about a THX startup but with initials? The surround sound too.

Thanks again!
ekaplan1020

You can make the text bigger in any direction. When you hit s to stretch it, you can simply hit x, y, or z to lock the stretch to that axis only. If you do not lock it to an axis, it stretches all dimensions of the text. Glad you're getting it to work for you.

Regarding the THX logo:

I am considering setting up a completely original logo that I could modify for people as they wish and I like your suggestion. However, The only way I'd spend the time and energy to create an entire model and animation from scratch like that was if I thought there was some demand for it and I could get some small form of payment once I finished it. This one is being freely distributed since this project is unique in that someone else built the model. So far I have received a few donations from some generous forum members... but not enough to convince me that people would be interested in another one and that they'd pay for it.

But I am sure I could create a similar model of my own design that would meet your THX expectations. Post a link to a still image of one you had in mind. We can continue discussions and/or I'd be open to any other suggestions that people might like to see.

reaper

http://img267.echo.cx/img267/2733/kresic5xn.th.jpg (http://img267.echo.cx/my.php?image=kresic5xn.jpg)

Apparently... beggers *can* be chosers :)

http://img280.echo.cx/img280/3677/kresic24mf.th.jpg (http://img280.echo.cx/my.php?image=kresic24mf.jpg)

(This may or may not be the permanent mounting place for this. I have not yet completed the WAF test. :p )


What did the wife think? :eek: Did she make you move or remove it?

How's this snake? I didn't put the accent mark for 2 reasons:

1. It wouldn't show unless I made the letters smaller or possibly lower case.
2. I don't know how.

Would you prefer it is in there? I know I saw an accent mark on the Colon theater a while back. Care to share how you tossed that in there? I rarely use accent marks in my day to day life..

http://img153.echo.cx/img153/6446/dum2ty.th.jpg (http://img153.echo.cx/my.php?image=dum2ty.jpg)

What did the wife think? :eek: Did she make you move or remove it?
She liked it! It's kind of an odd mounting spot - but we both think it looks cool there. :)

Reaper,

I'm dying to let my computer take another 48 hours to render. If possible, would you mind changing the word "theater" to cinema?

If it's easy to do in Blender, I can do it since I still have the file you emailed me.

How's this snake? I didn't put the accent mark for 2 reasons:

1. It wouldn't show unless I made the letters smaller or possibly lower case.
2. I don't know how.

Would you prefer it is in there? I know I saw an accent mark on the Colon theater a while back. Care to share how you tossed that in there? I rarely use accent marks in my day to day life..

http://img153.echo.cx/img153/6446/dum2ty.th.jpg (http://img153.echo.cx/my.php?image=dum2ty.jpg)


I would prefer that the accent mark is in there (I think that one (in Khazad-dûm) is called a "caret" or a "Circumflex"), but I don't know how to get it in. I tried for about 2 hours to just get a stupid punctuation text character in and I couldn't. If you can figure it out, fantastic! If you can't............I'll have to get a prescription for Zoloft to help with my Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Either way, I appreciate all of your assistance reaper.

I think latntekky's (the Colon Theater) punctuation mark was just a simple apostrophe, ' , which blender seems to recognize, but I don't know if blender recognizes a caret as an actual text character or not. When I tried to cut & paste "Khazad-dûm", it pasted as "Khazad-dm" in blender, missing the "û" character. If blender won't recognize a caret, I'll either have to use a different punctuation mark that it will recognize instead :( , or I'll simply have to live without it :mad:

Like I said reaper, you've already gone way above and beyond the call of duty for all of us. Thank you again for all of your hard work. PAP is right.......you are a freaking machine!!!!!

Like this?

http://img281.echo.cx/img281/3702/dum26hm.th.jpg (http://img281.echo.cx/my.php?image=dum26hm.jpg)

Wait... that's not a tilde is it!? Hahaha... I'm an idiot!

http://img75.echo.cx/img75/6990/dum33mk.th.jpg (http://img75.echo.cx/my.php?image=dum33mk.jpg)

How did you do it reaper? I tried for 2 hours. Please tell me before I break my hand on my monitor!!!!

Do you think it would look good/bad with "The Bridge of" in lowercase as well?

http://img273.echo.cx/img273/8831/sugar0mp.th.jpg (http://img273.echo.cx/my.php?image=sugar0mp.jpg)

I just dupliated the text and deleted all the letters. Then, I inserted a "^" and positioned it into place. I think there's a better way but I couldn't get it to work right...

http://www.blender.org/modules/documentation/htmlI/x3917.html

I tried making the top into lower case. But the problem there is that the g then has a thing that hangs down and cuts through the platform below it. I think it looked pretty bad that way...

reap

Reaper,

I'm dying to let my computer take another 48 hours to render. If possible, would you mind changing the word "theater" to cinema?

If it's easy to do in Blender, I can do it since I still have the file you emailed me.

I changed yours and fixed 2 small issues I noticed in the model I originally provided you. I removed the name that was in there. Also some of the text needed to be sized a bit better. I fixed both of those and got this...

reaper

http://img278.echo.cx/img278/4509/november28qv.th.jpg (http://img278.echo.cx/my.php?image=november28qv.jpg)

Ah yeah, I see what you mean about the "g" hanging down into the line. You've given me several options to play with now. Thanks again reaper.

Wow, what an amazing act on reaper's behalf! I am surprised more people haven't chimed in on the custom THX idea. I think it is a great idea, but certainly understand the hesitation. Keep me in mind if the project takes off and count me as a $uporter!

Also, if the offer is still valid:

Top: Welcome to
Middle: The McLaughlin's
Bottom: Home Theatre
Request: Still Image & Video Blender flie

I'll PM you an e-mail address.

Thanks!

Drew

http://img268.echo.cx/img268/1124/gipson7lv.th.jpg (http://img268.echo.cx/my.php?image=gipson7lv.jpg)

http://img196.echo.cx/img196/4882/mclaughlin7ry.th.jpg (http://img196.echo.cx/my.php?image=mclaughlin7ry.jpg)

Does this look ok or did you want the version w/o "!!"

reap

http://img267.echo.cx/img267/8499/byatt3mt.th.jpg (http://img267.echo.cx/my.php?image=byatt3mt.jpg)

Thanks Reaper! Will give it a try and report back.

You da man Reaper. Now I'm just dreading the thought of rendering again....

Beware THX products and copyright issues...

Thanks for the warning. If I were to do anything, it would be a completely original animation only slightly inspired by THX.

reaper

Since it is for personal use and he is not charging for it, they wouldn't have a leg to stand on in court. If this were a commercial venture, then that would be another story.

I believe PAP is not referring to the current project I am freely distributing. He is talking about a potential second project wherein I would build a completely new intro video that I could spin for forum members at a cost. One idea that was suggested was a THX intro knock-off that may use our initials or something like that. Obviously, I couldn't design anything that had THX logos are copyrights used within it. But, I could certainly design a logo that displayed some words or letters and contained some animation of them in some way... perhaps being attacked from several directions and then exploding into chunks that audibly fly all around the room. Something cool and ridiculous like that.

So, the question was raised earlier, would I be willing to create a new intro logo similar to described. The answer was, I am considering it, trying to get a feel about whether there is any interest since it may be considerable work and also trying to come up with a concept for the intro sequence so I could roughly judge what work would be involved.

reaper

Reaper,
I'll chime in... always looking for new things to add

Best regards
Don

http://img268.echo.cx/img268/9999/sanctuary8pw.th.jpg (http://img268.echo.cx/my.php?image=sanctuary8pw.jpg)

http://img268.echo.cx/img268/9999/sanctuary8pw.th.jpg (http://img268.echo.cx/my.php?image=sanctuary8pw.jpg)

reaper,

Here's an attempt at making everything lowercase and moving the top line of text so the "g" does not hand into the line between text rows. I also tried to make the text "explode out" a little bit since the lowercase made it smaller. Damn you reaper, you've got me addicted to playing around in blender all day now..........

http://img268.echo.cx/img268/6579/khazaddum9dt.th.jpg (http://img268.echo.cx/my.php?image=khazaddum9dt.jpg)

:) :) :) :) :)

http://img97.echo.cx/img97/4894/clews5ui.th.jpg (http://img97.echo.cx/my.php?image=clews5ui.jpg)

Thanks Reaper it looks great !

I suppose I should have asked for "Theatre" to be spelt the right way:)

Surely I can work out how to edit this myself........or maybe not.

http://img267.echo.cx/img267/6541/patrick9bf.th.jpg (http://img267.echo.cx/my.php?image=patrick9bf.jpg)

Blimey!!!

http://img279.echo.cx/img279/2933/byatt27mk.th.jpg (http://img279.echo.cx/my.php?image=byatt27mk.jpg)

Reaper thats excellent, I think it may be some time before I can work out how your doing these changes!

As for the spelling of theatre it's just the wife doesn't want our son to be as bad a speller as his father and "theater" won't cut in an Australian school.

I think it has something to do with you fighting a war for independence and us just getting let out of jail.

Reaper,

You spelled "theater" wrong on that one... :D :D :D :D :D :D

*snicker*

Hahah... ur killin' me! :)

reaper,

I can't thank you enough. It looks great!

Psylocke,

How's this?

http://img288.echo.cx/img288/8518/arruda6rk.th.jpg (http://img288.echo.cx/my.php?image=arruda6rk.jpg)


Looks fantastic!!!!

Reaper, you da man! Grand Opening in two weeks, and this will really blow them away.

A token of my appreciation is on its way. I hope others show their esteem in substantive ways as well. You have the kind of attitude and spirit that ought to be encouraged and rewarded.

Cheers!

Greg

http://img276.echo.cx/img276/2927/arruda29no.th.jpg (http://img276.echo.cx/my.php?image=arruda29no.jpg)

Much thanks for the donation, Greg, and to the others who have remained anonymous! You guys are helping me make my home theater dreams come true.

reaper

If this is good enough, I will send you the model tonight, hstewart.

reaper

http://img229.echo.cx/img229/5686/stewart6ec.th.jpg (http://img229.echo.cx/my.php?image=stewart6ec.jpg)

Wow this is amazing work.
If the offer is still valid:

Top: Welcome to
Middle: The Wink's
Bottom: Home Theater
Request: Still Image & Video Blender file

Also could I have
Top: Welcome to
Middle: The Old
Bottom: Elm Theater
Request: Still Image & Video Blender file

I'll PM you an e-mail address.

Thanks!

Dave W.

I've added your requests to the list but you might wish to re-think the second. Havin "the" on the middle line by itself will probably not look quite right.

reaper

Ok I changed it up a bit.

I can give that a try.... if it were me, I'd do this:

Top: Welcome to
Middle: The Old Elm
Bottom: Theater

Yea That sound and looks better...

Thanks Reaper

I can give that a try.... if it were me, I'd do this:
…

Wow! Not only are you a whiz with Blender, you're the first person I've seen correctly use the past tense of the subjunctive mood in 20 years! ;-)
-H.

http://img276.echo.cx/img276/2927/arruda29no.th.jpg (http://img276.echo.cx/my.php?image=arruda29no.jpg)


Excellent reaper. You are the best!!!

http://img127.echo.cx/img127/3918/winks4ge.th.jpg (http://img127.echo.cx/my.php?image=winks4ge.jpg)

http://img127.echo.cx/img127/3918/winks4ge.th.jpg (http://img127.echo.cx/my.php?image=winks4ge.jpg)


Looks Great...
Thanks Again

http://img225.echo.cx/img225/2827/elm9nt.th.jpg (http://img225.echo.cx/my.php?image=elm9nt.jpg)

http://img225.echo.cx/img225/2827/elm9nt.th.jpg (http://img225.echo.cx/my.php?image=elm9nt.jpg)


Perfect

http://img86.echo.cx/img86/4875/rotsten3zd.th.jpg (http://img86.echo.cx/my.php?image=rotsten3zd.jpg)

http://img281.echo.cx/img281/6113/kresic31po.th.jpg (http://img281.echo.cx/my.php?image=kresic31po.jpg)

http://img213.echo.cx/img213/2986/generous3us.th.jpg (http://img213.echo.cx/my.php?image=generous3us.jpg)

http://img281.echo.cx/img281/6113/kresic31po.th.jpg (http://img281.echo.cx/my.php?image=kresic31po.jpg)

Reaper did a couple of versions of this for me. Each one was done with very prompt service. I can't believe he does this for free. I have purchased a couple of the 'professional' DVD intros that are out there and this one ranks right up there with them. This is a tremendous service that he is providing to the HT community. To echo many of the other posters on here, it is greatly appreciated.

Reaper, check your PayPal. I was happy to make a donation to your HT equipment cause.

Regarding the instructions for turning the .blend file into a DVD playable on your DVD drives, the instructions others have posted on here are quite accurate and easy.

I downloaded the stable version of Blender and clicked the ANIM button. The rendering took in the neighborhood of 20 hours to complete. I forgot exactly when I started it.

I then used the virtualdub program to include the audio file. Worked like a champ and very quickly. Note that neither the vid-only or the vid+audio versions played well on my pc at this point. (uncompressed avi format).

Next, I used Nero to burn the vid+aud file. This took 15 minutes or so. The resulting DVD played beautifully in my DVD player and looked very crisp and had smooth animation.

What a cool surprise this will be for guests at my theater! Two thumbs up!

Reaper, check your PayPal. I was happy to make a donation to your HT equipment cause.

I feel like a kid on Christmas morning! I immediately went off to see what I got. Thanks a bunch for the donation! Much appreciated.

It'll be great if you or anyone is able to continue to share some experience. I'd love to hear about the reaction of your guests or see more of these printed out or see more screenshots of them on an actual HT system. Always fun to participate in the results.

Thanks again. Glad you enjoyed the intro. :)

reaper

Well it seems I may have the record for longest time taken to get the video rendered. Started just after 9 PM on 26th, and as of 10 PM Friday it was at image #343, so I'd say I'm leaving Jerrodshook's 2 day time in the dust. Time to upgrade for sure!! :eek: :o

An extra special thanks to Reaper for creating the custom blender file for me and to Latntekky, without whom I could have never have gotten this onto a DVD. I learned a lot in the process and downloaded and installed quite a few programs:

Blender
FFDSHOW
MP3toWAV
Virtualdub
TMPGEnc
Pegasys
Nero

FYI: I rendered the file on my wife's Apple G4 powerbook and created a 624mg file that took over 35 hours to render. I thought these were supposed to be graphics machines! Anyway, the final output is truly awesome and will be a part of my HT for a long time!

Also, Latntkky, is there a major difference in the 192k file versus the one I D/Ld from the link? If so, please PM me the link. Thanks!

Drew

Just to let you guys know... I'll be (*gAsP*) away from the computer for the weekend. If anyone still wants a blender model, feel free to PM me but don't expect a quick response.

reaper

http://img213.echo.cx/img213/2986/generous3us.th.jpg (http://img213.echo.cx/my.php?image=generous3us.jpg)
Thanks Reaper!!! These look great!

--curtis
p.s. What's reaper's PayPal address?? couldn't find it.

Just to let you guys know... I'll be (*gAsP*) away from the computer for the weekend. If anyone still wants a blender model, feel free to PM me but don't expect a quick response.

reaper

http://photobucket.com/albums/y247/DonRC/th_reaperleft.jpg (http://photobucket.com/albums/y247/DonRC/?action=view&current=reaperleft.jpg)

:D :D :D :D :D :D :D

Wowwww..... great job...

Must be very busy making this for everyone, but if you find some spare time...I would love a package as well (unless you are overloaded)

Arno P
Top: Welcome to the
Middle: Fennix Luxor
Bottom: Home Theater
Request: Still Image & Video
Status:

Thanks in advance

Arno

http://img215.echo.cx/img215/4582/breaston5sc.th.jpg (http://img215.echo.cx/my.php?image=breaston5sc.jpg)

LOL @ DonRC

http://img243.echo.cx/img243/6378/schaffer3jn.th.jpg (http://img243.echo.cx/my.php?image=schaffer3jn.jpg)

So I am very impressed. I've custom made a HT intro in Adobe After Effects and created a 5.1 surround sound intro -- but this animation is kinda what I always dreamed of. I have a couple powerful machines--plenty of time to render--what do I need to install to render this kind of stuff? Also where do I find the blender forums?

I'll try to post my 5.1 intro if anyone is interested.

cg

So I am very impressed. I've custom made a HT intro in Adobe After Effects and created a 5.1 surround sound intro -- but this animation is kinda what I always dreamed of. I have a couple powerful machines--plenty of time to render--what do I need to install to render this kind of stuff? Also where do I find the blender forums?

I'll try to post my 5.1 intro if anyone is interested.

cg

Thinker,

I think it's safe to speak for everybody and say we're all interested in seeing your intro!!! :) :) :)

You need to install blender:

www.blender3d.org

You can find blender forums in a number of places. I like www.elysiun.com

reaper

Arno,

I need an e-mail address...

http://img50.echo.cx/img50/3981/fennix2uw.th.jpg (http://img50.echo.cx/my.php?image=fennix2uw.jpg)

Arno,

I need an e-mail address...

http://img50.echo.cx/img50/3981/fennix2uw.th.jpg (http://img50.echo.cx/my.php?image=fennix2uw.jpg)

I just sent a PM, did you get it?

yeah... u should have the model by now

Reaper,

Can you add me to the list?

Top: T-Bone's
Middle: Cinema
Bottom: Enjoy The Show
Request: Still Image & Video

I'll PM my email address to you in a bit. Thanks in advance.

-T

Thinker,

How did you get the 5.1 sound? did you do that in after effects?

ekaplan1020

yeah... u should have the model by nowRendering now...before I go off to work... ;) (or ready after I get back from work... :D ) I will let you know the result...

Thanks for the work

Arno

http://img82.echo.cx/img82/6480/tbone7ze.th.jpg (http://img82.echo.cx/my.php?image=tbone7ze.jpg)

Hey Joe,

I think that your should hang your gloves up, you have done a AMAZING job. :cool:

How about writing a "how to" , so we can do this ourselves??
A Step by Step would be great.

Otherwise I think we all could keep you busy for the next couple of years :D



Cheers
Steve

Still need an e-mail address for this one...

http://img194.echo.cx/img194/9860/breaston2sf.th.jpg (http://img194.echo.cx/my.php?image=breaston2sf.jpg)

I think you might be right about that. I was enjoying it when a few donations came in. But it is slowing my work on a completely new intro video. I came up with a concept idea over the weekend that seems pretty dang cool to me. So, I'll let you guys see it when I've made some progress. Looks like there might be some people in the the thread that can do some of the changes as well. If they could offer to toss in some support, that would be great.

reaper

Excellent ! You have a message.

well, maybe not

Okay, it won't let me send you my email address.

post here one more time and then try again. get ur post count up to 5

I don't have Reaper's technical expertise, but if it just simple modifications to the existing text that people want, I'd be happy to step in and help generate some of these to take a bit of the load off. (My motivations, sadly, are purely selfish. I want to see the new intro... ;) )

Oh, and as a side note, I would also like to see the 5.1 surround intro that Thinker created.

Don

YAY!!!
NOW you have a message. :D

By the way, were did you get the audio track from?

I posted a link to the audio way back in this thread... maybe page 3 or 4.

reap

http://www.mp3search.ru/album.html?id=25121



Cheers
Steve

i could get the ac3 track of this off of a fox dvd, and it would be worlds better.

Worlds better would be good... :D

Still need an e-mail address for this one...

http://img194.echo.cx/img194/9860/breaston2sf.th.jpg (http://img194.echo.cx/my.php?image=breaston2sf.jpg)
Could you make me one simalar to this but with

welcome to/the
Pilipczuk family
cinema

and make welcome a bit smaller so the to/the fits good, with no !!!, please.

Could someone possibly post a copy of the ac3 track? I haven't had any luck getting any 5.1 surround.

Thanks,
ekaplan1020

Could you make me one simalar to this but with

welcome to/the
Pilipczuk family
cinema

and make welcome a bit smaller so the to/the fits good, with no !!!, please.

How's this?

http://img83.echo.cx/img83/8172/pilipczuk9rd.th.jpg (http://img83.echo.cx/my.php?image=pilipczuk9rd.jpg)

(Edit: Image replaced with update to reflect current state of file. Psycho, the new one is the one I sent you.)

(Additional edit: Image now hosted at imageshack.)

http://s14.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=0AEGE9L75ALIA0OUVXDRV4S65B
http://s18.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=2UGWZYCS2N8430AAFKZ6Z1NISI

my webspace isn't working so if someone else could host it

How's this?

http://photobucket.com/albums/y247/DonRC/th_Pilipczuk.jpg (http://photobucket.com/albums/y247/DonRC/?action=view&current=Pilipczuk.jpg)
That great, thanks, I'll pm you my email, and I posted the ac3 tracks, one is 5.1 and the other is 2.0 dolby surround

Great job Reaper, check is in the email....

Thanks,

Brian

Can't post the link to mine, to much of noob on the board :(

Thank you for the generous donation, Brian :)

DonRC: I cannot see your results. :(

reaper

Thank you for the generous donation, Brian :)

DonRC: I cannot see your results. :(

reaper
Hmmm... I don't know why? I can email it to you if you want me to, but it seems that psycho saw it okay. Weird...

If you click on it, it should show up full size in a separate window, too. Does it not?

will changeing the frame rate to 24 frames pre second screw up the a/v sync?

I believe it will. I think the video model is set up to run through the animation in 650 frames with the expectation of 30fr/sec. That results in 650/30 = 21.67 seconds. if you change the frame rate, the video will still render 650 frames, but the animation will run for 27.08 seconds and your audio will not be in time with the video. I am not super advanced at creating video in blender yet. There may be a way to tell it to maintain the same run time with the change in frame rate. But I do not know how as of yet.

reaper

ok so if you guys want true wide screen set the x aspec to 117 and the y aspec to 100, then render it at 720x480 and tell the mpeg encoder it a 16:9 video, other wise it renders at a 1.5:1 aspect ratio

I downloaded Blender and the generic blender file but for the life of me I cannot figure out how to render the animation portion of the file. I can render individual images but none of the animation render work...Is there something I am missing??? Can someone give out a quick tutorial on how to render this...thanks...

Reaper:

Waters
Edge
Cinema

Image & Video please

What is an appropriate donation?

I'll PM you with my email address.

I downloaded Blender and the generic blender file but for the life of me I cannot figure out how to render the animation portion of the file. I can render individual images but none of the animation render work...Is there something I am missing??? Can someone give out a quick tutorial on how to render this...thanks...

Tutorial according to Don:

1) Open .blend file.
2) Click on "ANIM".
3) Wait 28 hours (plus or minus) while computer focuses all it's energies on rendering.
4) If computer fails to focus, scratch head in puzzlement while staring at screen.

(Note: Somebody else may have a more helpful tutorial... :p )

I see it now, using IE. I notice some problems with it, DonRC. The "The" hangs off the right side and is too short, the "To" is obviously longer than the "THE". Also, when I kick ou the still, I do 1:1 aspect ratio at 1280x720.

You did a nice job there though. I just thought I'd mention it before someone spends 20 hrs rendering a video and then wishes they had these issues addressed. Don't take it personally please.

reaper

Far be it from me to take it personally. I appreciate the feedback.

I actually wound up remaking it because I failed to save my initial effort. I'll go look to see if I still had those issues.

(Edit: I uploaded the new version in place of that other one. I think it addresses the issues you raised, but I'd appreciate further feedback.)

In all things, please note my (far too accurate) signature. :p

Tutorial according to Don:

1) Open .blend file.
2) Click on "ANIM".
3) Wait 28 hours (plus or minus) while computer focuses all it's energies on rendering.
4) If computer fails to focus, scratch head in puzzlement while staring at screen.

(Note: Somebody else may have a more helpful tutorial... :p )


Got it thanks...problem was that I was trying to change the Codec used and Blender would not work with anything other than AVI Raw...thanks.

That 28 hours??? Is that for a 720x480??? I am going to render a 720p (1280x720) so we will see how long that takes.

I see it now, using IE. I notice some problems with it, DonRC. The "The" hangs off the right side and is too short, the "To" is obviously longer than the "THE". Also, when I kick ou the still, I do 1:1 aspect ratio at 1280x720.

You did a nice job there though. I just thought I'd mention it before someone spends 20 hrs rendering a video and then wishes they had these issues addressed. Don't take it personally please.

I'm just doing a rough render, only shadows, see how the folks like it, it's less then 15 seconds a frame.

Okay Iv'e learned how to manipulate the text using blender, but how do you add text and make it the right color and all? :confused:

so reaper could you repair mine? I would still like the welcome a little small if possible. I'll pm you with my email if you want.

Well, after waiting 42 hours for the video to render, I tried saving it using the F3 key and I kept getting an error message saying I need to hit F10. Still wouldn't save, now I can't find the file at all. Guess I need to start over again. What did I do wrong? I hot 'render', then F3 thinking that should save it but it wouldn't. Any suggestions? Also, is virtual dub to be used after this save process to add the audio, then use ffdshow to compress it all?

Could I get one if it's not to late
THANKS STEVE

Top: WELCOME TO
Middle:THE RAZ
Bottom: HOME THEATER
Request: Still Image & Video

Okay Iv'e learned how to manipulate the text using blender, but how do you add text and make it the right color and all? :confused:

This is a tutorial unto itself. Try just copying the text that is already there. Right click it and hit shift-d to duplicate it. Then, move it around and scale or change the letters as you already know how.

reaper

Well, after waiting 42 hours for the video to render, I tried saving it using the F3 key and I kept getting an error message saying I need to hit F10. Still wouldn't save, now I can't find the file at all. Guess I need to start over again. What did I do wrong? I hot 'render', then F3 thinking that should save it but it wouldn't. Any suggestions? Also, is virtual dub to be used after this save process to add the audio, then use ffdshow to compress it all?

Did you look in c:\render as I told you to in the e-mail? The video should be there. You should not need to *save* it at that point. Check it out.

Virtual dub should be used to add the audio and ti can compress it. But I recommend against that. Take the uncompressed video with audio into your dvd burning software and let it do the compression as it changes it into a dvd.

reaper

Could I get one if it's not to late
THANKS STEVE

Top: WELCOME TO
Middle:THE RAZ
Bottom: HOME THEATER
Request: Still Image & Video

you've been added to my list on page 3

so reaper could you repair mine? I would still like the welcome a little small if possible. I'll pm you with my email if you want.

You've been added to the list as well..


reaper

Could I get one if it's not to late
THANKS STEVE

Top: WELCOME TO
Middle:THE RAZ
Bottom: HOME THEATER
Request: Still Image & Video
If you don't want to wait, you can have this one:

http://img144.echo.cx/img144/8536/theraz4uj.th.jpg (http://img144.echo.cx/my.php?image=theraz4uj.jpg)

If you just want to wait for Reaper, that's okay, too. :)

(Note: Photobucket won't let me post the picture in original resolution, since it's too big. If you want it, let me know and I'll email it to you.)

Don

(Edit: Now hosted by ImageShack, at Reaper's request.)

DonRC, Can you try imageshack. It's super easy to use. Just go to imageshack.us and click browse. Find the image on your PC and click Host-it. They give you links you can put right into this forum. I'd hate to have to use IE to see your renders :(

reaper

DonRC, Can you try imageshack. It's super easy to use. Just go to imageshack.us and click browse. Find the image on your PC and click Host-it. They give you links you can put right into this forum. I'd hate to have to use IE to see your renders :(

reaper
Done. I went back and edited the posts of images I had provided (except the "Reaper Has Left the Building"...) to point to ImageShack instead. Hope that helps.

Don

Reaper,
Did you get my pm?

Yeah... I did. I cannot access personal e-mail @ work. The model will be sent this evening assuming I can get the grass cutting done and have some time left over. It's coming.. :)

So, I was planning to keep my new logo idea quiet as I develop it. But then, I started thinking that might not be the best idea. I don't want to spend a lot of time making something that no one wants. So, perhaps I can bounce an idea off you guys and see if it sounds like something people would actually be interested in owning. What I have in mind is too difficult to distribute as I have done here. So, I was thinking I could pre-render the entire sequence and put it on DVD for people. Of course, I'd have to charge something. So, take that into account when giving me any feedback. So, here's the idea...

Background:
Over the years I have been a member here, I have seen numerous threads about how much better home theater is than actually going to a theater. Some common examples of problems include ringing phones, chatting, crying babies, etc.

I liked the old THX logos based on the T2 metal melting thing. So, I thought it'd be cool to keep that in mind somewhat.

Idea:
I thought it would be cool/funny to show an external view of theater with some nice movie like music playing in the background. The music is unceremoniously interrupted by a ringing cell phone.. and then a crying baby etc. Finally, a whistling is heard as a bomb falls from the sky and blows the entire building into hundreds of pieces that fly right past the camera/viewer! Next, an overhead view of the pieces is shown and they begin to re-assemble. However, they are not re-assembling into the original theater. They re-assmble into the logo of your home theater! Some holy music plays and lights shine upon the new logo from a cool angle.

This idea is copyright reaper!

What do you guys think?

reaper

reaper,

I think you need to let the grass grow a few more inches and get to work on that idea RIGHT NOW!!!!!!!!

Better yet what's your address I'll come cut your grass.....................
Well my kids will.

Idea:
I thought it would be cool/funny to show an external view of theater with some nice movie like music playing in the background. The music is unceremoniously interrupted by a ringing cell phone.. and then a crying baby etc. Finally, a whistling is heard as a bomb falls from the sky and blows the entire building into hundreds of pieces that fly right past the camera/viewer! Next, an overhead view of the pieces is shown and they begin to re-assemble. However, they are not re-assembling into the original theater. They re-assmble into the logo of your home theater! Some holy music plays and lights shine upon the new logo from a cool angle.

This idea is copyright reaper!

What do you guys think?

reaper
Uhhhhmmm............ Do you work at your job?
btw ... excellent Idea!

Somewhat... quiet down you! I came up with the idea over the weekend. Just spent 5 minutes typing it in. I am in front of a PC at work all day. So, I commonly take short breaks to check in... :P~

(...)

This idea is copyright reaper!

What do you guys think?

reaper
I think that sounds like a very cool idea.

In fact, you have my permission to use "Carter Castle Cinema" as your test case... :D :D :D

you know I was kidding right?

yeah... I feel bad about taking breaks though... so I can over-explain myself sometimes I guess.

http://img145.echo.cx/img145/6764/waters8ix.th.jpg (http://img145.echo.cx/my.php?image=waters8ix.jpg)

Finally started the rendering... 1 minute 20 seconds average time per frame... at this rate, I'll be done in 14 hours 30 minutes. Just sharing.

-T

How's this? I need an e-mail address still..

http://img233.echo.cx/img233/5449/pilip2nk.th.jpg (http://img233.echo.cx/my.php?image=pilip2nk.jpg)

reaper

RAZ ATACK,

You taking DonRC's?

reap

Quick question about the audio files (5.1 that was posted earlier): How do I add the audio? Are the instruction the same as for adding an mp3?

-T

How's this? I need an e-mail address still..

http://img233.echo.cx/img233/5449/pilip2nk.th.jpg (http://img233.echo.cx/my.php?image=pilip2nk.jpg)

reaper
Could the welcome be alot smaller, I'm going to render in a 2.35:1 aspect ratio, and iit will get cut off if that size. But other then that, it looks great.

Quick question about the audio files (5.1 that was posted earlier): How do I add the audio? Are the instruction the same as for adding an mp3?

-T
you can add then in virtual dub, the lengths are different, so you might have to add black to the beginning of the video (just render a blank screen in blender, about 48 frames, open it first in virtual dub, the ammend the rendering)

Quick question about the audio files (5.1 that was posted earlier): How do I add the audio? Are the instruction the same as for adding an mp3?

-T
I was look into this also. Only thing i could find was expensive, $500 plus, software that worked with .AC3 sound files.

virtual dub will handle the ac3 files, just click streams>stream list> add> and then select the ac3file.

Psycho,

I am having trouble importing the audio into virtualdub...I am using virtualdub 1.66. Where do I find the Streams option? Also...does it match up perfectly or do I have to do anything besides just import the avi and the .ac3? How do I finally save it so it will work on DVD. Sorry...never used this before :)

Thanks,
ekaplan1020

i'll try to make a nice guide in the next couple days, including encoding to DVD compliant mpeg2, including the ac3 5.1 and 2.0 tracks

That would be great!!!

Thanks,
ekaplan1020

http://img137.echo.cx/img137/3838/pilip25lk.th.jpg (http://img137.echo.cx/my.php?image=pilip25lk.jpg)

great thanks, I'll post a guide soon for everyone else for encoding to mpeg 2

The picture looks great!!
more details please...
What resolution and format did you render in?
what type of paper did you print on, and what type of printer did you use?

Thanks!

Okay... here we go. I printed out and framed the shot. It is now hanging up outside my HT (or, more accurately, my HT-to-be). For those that are interested, here are a couple of pictures:

First, just a closeup of the printed picture in its frame on the wall (the bottom shadow looks a little strange because it's mounted across a corner):

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/DonRC/HT%20Pictures/CCCCloseupPicture.jpg

Second, here is a picture from farther back so that you can see the picture in relation to the double doors that are the entry to the theater. (This may or may not be the permanent mounting place for this. I have not yet completed the WAF test. :p )

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/DonRC/HT%20Pictures/CCCPicturewithHTdoors.jpg

Edit: Sorry. Those were really big. You can just click on the links to see the pictures.

reaper
Could the welcome be smaller
like the one in post # 398
thanks steve

Sure it could...

http://img248.echo.cx/img248/6339/raz3tu.th.jpg (http://img248.echo.cx/my.php?image=raz3tu.jpg)

gimme your e-mail address...

reaper

*yawn* I'm sleepy. Off to bed with me. Night.

Thanks for the donation, MoG. Much appreciated.

reap

The picture looks great!!
more details please...
What resolution and format did you render in?
what type of paper did you print on, and what type of printer did you use?

Thanks!
I wasn't sure what kind of resolution I needed to make the picture look good when it was printed, so I used a rigorous TLAR method to get it right. :p

I wound up taking the original 720x480 and quadrupling each dimension (thus bringing the resolution to 16 times the original). I rendered it as a JPEG. I printed it on glossy photo paper with my Canon i960 photo printer (which, as an aside, I really like).

you can add then in virtual dub, the lengths are different, so you might have to add black to the beginning of the video (just render a blank screen in blender, about 48 frames, open it first in virtual dub, the ammend the rendering)

I could add 48 frames to the blender project too, right? I think it had 650 by default, so making it 698 frames will have the same effect?

-T

Adding frames to the animation this way will cause the animation to run for 1.6 seconds longer and it will show up as additional time at the very end of the camera fly-by. Only problem I see with it is that it is likely that no animation will be taking place for 1.6 seconds... no camera movement, no light movement, nothing. I haven't checked, but I would presume that is the way the animation it set up... defined till 650 frames and everything goes still afterwards.

reaper

Reaper,

There were two edit boxes that contained 650... the one under the model, and another that tells the app the number of frames to render. I increased the edit box value located under the model, and as I did, the light beams continued to move (but the camera was still, meaning no flyby at that point?), so it looks like if I increase to 698, and also increase the render frame quantity to 698, it might work.

Anyway, I made the change, and am rendering it now. I currently have the original file rendering at home, so I'll have two versions... the 650 frame, and the 698 frame. Worst case is I have to render 48 frames of black.

-T

I believe your analysis is correct given your description. Your animation should allow the camera to sit in the final position for a little longer with the lights panning...

Another thing you might consider doing is just changing the "Start" frame on the new animation to 650 and the end frame to 698. Then, you would only render those final 48 frames. You could quickly do that, see how it looks and then later tack it on to the animation with an external tool, right? Not sure how seemless those tools would make the final product, but it may save you some serious render time.

reaper

That's a good idea! Psycho (in post #391) mentioned that I'd be able to append one rendering onto another inside VirtualDub.

I'll try that tonight with the rendering I have at home... that one is based on 650 frames.

Thanks again.

-T

I'm new to this forum and have been lurking a few months while I build my own Home Theater. This is actually my first post, that is an awesome idea, I would be interested and would of course contribute for the Dvd.

Feel free to make a request in this format:

Top:
Middle:
Bottom:
Request:

See page 3 for several examples.

Also, I typically provide a still image and a model over e-mail. It is up to you to render it, add the audio and then burn it to a DVD. Instructions for these 3 steps are rather easy and contained within this thread. I might consider making the DVD for you but would expect some payment for it as it incurs shipping costs, rendering time, DVD costs, etc. Let me know if you need that. Otherwise, just post your request and PM me your e-mail address for the model.

reaper

Top: Welcome to
Middle: the Ruiz
Bottom: Theater
Request: Still Image & Video Blender file

Thanks, I'll PM my email address. This forum is absolutely great. Thanks again!

Reaper,

Wonder if you can help me out with a request for a friend. I'd modify mine myself for him, but I'am afraid it'll take too long to modify/render... need it complete by this Friday... he's leaving town, and it's my going-away gift. If not, I'll understand.

Top: Hance
Middle: Home Theater
Bottom: Enjoy The Show
Request: Still Image & Video

Same email address that I PM'd before.

-T

I can try to do that as well. I'll add you to the list.

reaper

virtual dub will handle the ac3 files, just click streams>stream list> add> and then select the ac3file.
Where is this in Virtual dub. I am running the latest version 1.6.5. I dont see the streams listed anywhere for me to choose the ac3 file.

Hi Reaper,

I think it's great what you're doing here. It's a realy great intro for any HT, especially (as i'm planning) with AC3 surround sound. Could you please, please add me to your list aswell?

Top: WELCOME to the
Middle: BLACK HOLE
Bottom: THEATER
Request: still and blenderfile.

I'll PM you my email-address. Thanks very, very much for your time and effort.

Kind regards,

Where is this in Virtual dub. I am running the latest version 1.6.5. I dont see the streams listed anywhere for me to choose the ac3 file.

Same problem here... so I used the mp3 file instead.

No matter, I watched my rendered image last night for the first time on my 110" screen: very cool. The wife and kids will think I am a God... well, until I mention that a guy named Reaper on AVSForum did all the hard work.

-T

Reaper,

As a token of my appreciation, I'd like to make a donation ... what exactly do I have to do to make that happen? Someone said you had PayPal? I have a credit card.

-T

http://img144.echo.cx/img144/640/hance5so.th.jpg (http://img144.echo.cx/my.php?image=hance5so.jpg)

I moved this request to the top of the list since he needs a rendered video by friday. Hope no one is upset about that.

reaper

Reaper,

As a token of my appreciation, I'd like to make a donation ... what exactly do I have to do to make that happen? Someone said you had PayPal? I have a credit card.

-T

Very much appreciated! I included my paypal address in the e-mail I sent. Actually, anyone who has received an e-mail from me with a blender model in it, has my paypal address. It's the address from which I sent the model. [Unless I accidentally used my hotmail account but I am pretty sure I didn't do that 99% of the time].

reaper

http://img135.echo.cx/img135/3983/ruiz9nu.th.jpg (http://img135.echo.cx/my.php?image=ruiz9nu.jpg)

http://img107.echo.cx/img107/2559/blackhole6ah.th.jpg (http://img107.echo.cx/my.php?image=blackhole6ah.jpg)

Ok I found the streams section for the ac3 files. You have to use VirtualdubMod instead of virtualdub. Virtualdubmod is another build of virtualdub that some more programming has been done to it.

Hey Reaper!

Man, that was quick!!!
Posted the request, went shopping with my wife, and on return i had an email with the blender file. And the JPG on AVS!!! I'm now rendering it, and according to my calculation it will take about 35 hrs. to render.

Thanks very, very much... i couldn't be happier...
I've sent you a PM aswell... :)

I didn't receive any PMs from you since the 1st with your e-mail address.

[Unless it was via my e-mail address which I cannot check at work]

reaper

I just wanted to post a big "Thank You" to reaper for the files and to latntekky for the instructions. Using both I now have a beautiful custom intro.

Thanks, guys!

reaper, thanks for this whole topic... I downloaded blender and your generic template, and with your instructions about how to edit and resize things I was able to customize it after some experimentation.

Now here's a question for you that is probably stupid... I wound up with a c:\render folder that contained TGA files, one for each frame, it looks like. I have now located the settings to adjust the output format, and am outputting an "AVI Raw" right now. It looks like it's going to take another 15 or so hours to render this, so I was wondering (here's the question :)) if there was a shortcut to convert those TGA files into an AVI. I am guessing no, but I figure I'd ask!

Here's an image from the animation, but I'm thinking of editing the whole thing some more, so my question above is probably moot... I am thinking that the middle line should be taller:

There are tools that will assemble images into avi files. Look around on sourceforge.net or google. I cannot confirm that they will read in TGA files though. I have used the tools with jpg files before to create an animated gif. But that's the extent of my knowledge there. Can't even remember the name of the tool. I might be able to find it over lunch though.

Glad you got it to work out for you. Looks good :)

reaper

Where is this in Virtual dub. I am running the latest version 1.6.5. I dont see the streams listed anywhere for me to choose the ac3 file.
sorry, you need virtual dub mod.

There are tools that will assemble images into avi files. Look around on sourceforge.net or google. I cannot confirm that they will read in TGA files though. I have used the tools with jpg files before to create an animated gif. But that's the extent of my knowledge there. Can't even remember the name of the tool. I might be able to find it over lunch though.

Glad you got it to work out for you. Looks good :)

reaper
Thanks, just thought that there was a slight chance that blender could do it... now that I'm thinking of re-editing it though, I will probably not worry about it.

Thanks again!

I was in Mexico all weekend, and did not get to see the rendered file until today.

The animation looks awesome, but about half way through the screen flickers then goes to snow for a second, then proceeds fine to the end.

Any idea what happened or what I can do to fix this? If I have to render again, no biggie since I need to have it in 16X9 anyway. It looks widescreen in my media player, but from an earlier post I gather the default render is more like 1.5:1, right?

Thanks,

Greg

When I click on the Ruiz theater it appears that the link is not working. The Black Hole comes up fine. Thanks alot for the quick response, you are fast!!!

Sorry about the last post, either it got hung up or you fixed it already. Again thanks alot!!!

Just a thought: what about a short sequence that says "Intermission", "Break or "Pauze" or something, which can be played as a continuous loop (so it can be played for an indefinite amount of time)? I'm sure you all get the idea... :)

I don't know how hard this is in Blender (cam would just stay still in one position, only lights moving, and the ending point should also be the starting point for the loop to be seamless).

Would anyone else be interested in such a sequence?

You just simply want those letters? No animation, no other effects or anything? That would be extremely simple...

reap

And, on a side note and a little off topic maybe: why isn't rendering offloaded to the graphics card? Most of us have these state of the art (well...) 3D graphics cards that can render game screens in milliseconds. Why on earth is this taking up to 3 minutes per screen (at a lower resolution at that!)?

I'm sure there is a perfectly good explanation. If someone could just enlighten me...

Yeahhh...rendering for the second time...and now half way after 24 hours :D ...

By the way...did I miss a 5.1 file or is the mp3 the only one available at this moment?

Yes, there would be animation. The lights should be moving, and (that may be the hardest part) the last frame should be exactly the same as the first frame. That way when looping the video it would seem like and endless loop, without any hickups...

I've tried playing with Blender before, but can't make head or tails of it. Please, don't start working on it before others chime in aswell... I'd hate you do this just on my account... I'm perfectly happy with the Blender file you sent me (which is now at frame 85...).

And, on a side note and a little off topic maybe: why isn't rendering offloaded to the graphics card? Most of us have these state of the art (well...) 3D graphics cards that can render game screens in milliseconds. Why on earth is this taking up to 3 minutes per screen (at a lower resolution at that!)?

I'm sure there is a perfectly good explanation. If someone could just enlighten me...
I don't think blender has been written to take advantage of the fancy GPUs that we all have. I'm guessing that it makes generic calls to the CPU and GPU to render the scene and doesn't even know that we have powerful rendering engines. I'm sure the professional (=$$$$$) packages can detect and take advantage of these cards. Perhaps there is a plug-in.

You guys may want to try this out. http://www.elysiun.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=17626&highlight=blender+intel+compiled

I tried this and reduced my render times by almost 50 percent.
Just download the zip file and extract it into your blender folder.

Nice find. I will have to try that out :)

reap

Great find, i'll try it out after finishid my current render. There's no telling what an off topic remark can lead to!

I'll see if i can make the AC3 file from the original intro tomorrow, and make it available on my website for a limited time if it's not too big...

I tried to dub in the ac3 file that was posted here earlier but after the dub the volume of the audio is very low. I had to crank up the volume to hear it.

I realy recommend using the Intel compiled version txbigguy posted. I decided to restart rendering with the Intel compiled Blender. Frame renders were previously between 1.5 and 3.5 minutes. Now, they are between 50 seconds and 2 minutes.

Very nice!

http://img98.echo.cx/img98/1644/middleton5tz.th.jpg (http://img98.echo.cx/my.php?image=middleton5tz.jpg)

Top: ALLEN"S
Middle: HARLAN STREET
Bottom: CINEMA
Request: JPG and Blender File

PM to follow

Reaper,

I downloaded Blender and the Fox.blend. Played around and was able to change the text. Instead of bothering you, I rendered it but the background and lights didn't render. When I play the original Fox.blend the background doesn't show up either under <view <playback animation. Any ideas.

Also, did you take the name of the guy who designed the animation off of that file because I clicked on every little yellow dot in the area and couldn't find it, or see it for that matter.

Also, When I select the word "ENCORE" it is not treated as the other text as there is no prompt and I can't delete (well, actually, I can) but I can't add new text.

Probably easier to let you do it :)

Thanks,

John

http://img141.echo.cx/img141/9353/bone0ky.th.jpg (http://img141.echo.cx/my.php?image=bone0ky.jpg)

http://img141.echo.cx/img141/9934/harlan9ft.th.jpg (http://img141.echo.cx/my.php?image=harlan9ft.jpg)

Whoops... didn't see your request in the thread... guess I need to re-do the Harlan one.

Reaper,

I downloaded Blender and the Fox.blend. Played around and was able to change the text. Instead of bothering you, I rendered it but the background and lights didn't render. When I play the original Fox.blend the background doesn't show up either under <view <playback animation. Any ideas.

Also, did you take the name of the guy who designed the animation off of that file because I clicked on every little yellow dot in the area and couldn't find it, or see it for that matter.

Thanks,

John

One idea I have is that the file is composed of many layers. You may have turned off the layers in your file before animating it accidentally. Try hitting ~ to see if they come back in the model.

Another idea is that they might not show up when playing it through blender. Try playing the avi through another player.

I did not remove the name from the original logo. If his camera was set up differentyl, it's possible... though unlikely, that it may not show up in the original.

reaper

OK, am I the only one who got a couple of bad frames after rendering their animation? I'm not an animator and I don't know what to do with this.

The entire thing plays back perfectly except for a couple of frames in the middle of playback that flicker and go to complete snow, then back to perfect.

Can I go in and rerender the bad frames and insert them?

Do I need to rerender the whole thing?

Any idea what caused this so I can avoid during the rerender?

Thanks again,

Greg

Heh, I love people saying 15 hours is a long time to render. Back in the days of POV-Ray on a 386 it could take a week to render a scene with 3 different colored/textured balls in it!

Back in college on my Pentium 400 it took 3 days to render some of these (http://www.happyapplefarm.net/gallery.php).

Good work Reaper. I may have to check out Blender, as I used to use Bryce quite a bit.

If it were me, I'd just do it over. But lets see what the others think.

Reaper,

Also, When I select the word "ENCORE" it is not treated as the other text as there is no prompt and I can't delete (well, actually, I can) but I can't add new text in its' place with proper texture.

The first renderI did left a render folder with tga files. I don't see an avi file. What did I do wrong???

Probably easier to let you do it

Yes, the model has a different methodology for producing text on the top line. I'd recc getting rid of it as it is a tut unto itself to properly modify it. Simply right click the text below it, hit shift-d to copy it, hit z to lock vertical movement and drag it up.

You need to change the output format to avi raw to get an avi file. There should be a button in the lower right of the screen that says targa.

reap

I can try to do it for you if you'd like.

reap

Just out of curiosity....Do you havea different template to work off of besides the Fox.blend that was in the zip file.

I cannot get the animation to run correctly with spotlights and background. Although, thanks to your help, I got the text down.

Thanks,

John

Yeah, I believe GPowers is hosting the generic theater intro that just says Welcome to Our home Theater. Search back about 5-8 pages or so to find it.

When I open Blender I get a DOS window stating import site failed.....Some scripts may not run. May be my problem. Where do I install python files???

OK, am I the only one who got a couple of bad frames after rendering their animation? I'm not an animator and I don't know what to do with this.

The entire thing plays back perfectly except for a couple of frames in the middle of playback that flicker and go to complete snow, then back to perfect.

Can I go in and rerender the bad frames and insert them?

Do I need to rerender the whole thing?

Any idea what caused this so I can avoid during the rerender?

Thanks again,

Greg

If you have to re-render, you might want to render it in separates chunks, i.e. frames 1 - 100, 101-200, ... 601-650. This way, if there are more bad frames, you'll just have to re-render a small portion.

You can append the chunks in VirtualDub.

-T

You don't need python... don't worry about that.

Ok guys,

I ripped the music from the original Fox trailer from my AOTC DVD. I hope i did everything ok, because the size of the file is only 1400 KB. VirtualDubMod and AC3Tool both say the file is fine (384Kb/s), so i guess it is...

For those of you interested: go to my website, click "HT Art -> Dolby" and on top of the right side you should see a link "Download Fox.ac3". From there you know what to do...

Ok guys,

I ripped the music from the original Fox trailer from my AOTC DVD. I hope i did everything ok, because the size of the file is only 1400 KB. VirtualDubMod and AC3Tool both say the file is fine (384Kb/s), so i guess it is...

For those of you interested: go to my website, click "HT Art -> Dolby" and on top of the right side you should see a link "Download Fox.ac3". From there you know what to do...

I don't seem to get to your site... :rolleyes:

Worked fine for me... had to wait forever for all the java to load though.

Same Here. I am going to add this tonight to my render and see what happens.

Worked fine for me... had to wait forever for all the java to load though.


Could be java thats missing

Yep after installing java it worked

Same Here. I am going to add this tonight to my render and see what happens.

Please let us know if the volume issue that someone else mentioned occurs. By the way, does anyone know if the .mp3 sound file will work with ProLogic or will it be simply a 2-ch feed?

Yeah, I believe GPowers is hosting the generic theater intro that just says Welcome to Our home Theater. Search back about 5-8 pages or so to find it.

Generic Theater intro (http://www.stargateunofficial.com/HT_Downloads.asp)

Reaper,

If you are still sending files out I would appreciate it. Also check your PM.

Top: Welcome To The
Middle: McLay
Bottom: Theater
Request: JPG and Blender File

PM to follow

Has anyone else added these ac3 files to the animation. Each time I do it thru virtualdubmod the sound is very very muted... If I pic the mp3 file its nice and clear. It may be my system on playback but I wanted to see if anyone else is having this problem as well.

http://img154.echo.cx/img154/4810/harlan1re.th.jpg (http://img154.echo.cx/my.php?image=harlan1re.jpg)

http://img110.echo.cx/img110/3375/aldo6na.th.jpg (http://img110.echo.cx/my.php?image=aldo6na.jpg)
http://img110.echo.cx/img110/8938/snitch8pg.th.jpg (http://img110.echo.cx/my.php?image=snitch8pg.jpg)

need an e-mail address for these...

reaper

http://img183.echo.cx/img183/273/mclay3ej.th.jpg (http://img183.echo.cx/my.php?image=mclay3ej.jpg)

http://img201.echo.cx/img201/1641/posa4sl.th.jpg (http://img201.echo.cx/my.php?image=posa4sl.jpg)

That's all for tonight. Nighty night.

reaper

txbigguy,

I don't have a problem with the AC3 file being muted, but i don't use VirtualDubMod to insert the Ac3 into the AVI.

I used Adobe Encore 1.5 to create a VOB from the AVI (from blender) and the AC3, and have no problems whatsoever with the sound. The only problem i had was that Encore would not import the Blender AVI (not an NTSC framerate, not a PAL resolution), so i first used Premiere Pro to lengthen the AVI (make it as long as the AC3 and add a fade at the end) and change the resolution to PAL widescreen. After that, Encore did not have a problem with it, and created a VOB :)

http://img295.echo.cx/img295/7006/grasso7gr.th.jpg (http://img295.echo.cx/my.php?image=grasso7gr.jpg)

http://img294.echo.cx/img294/3489/borkin6kk.th.jpg (http://img294.echo.cx/my.php?image=borkin6kk.jpg)

reaper..how much would you charge me to make my logo into something like this?? I made my own logo http://www.imagestation.com/album/pictures.html?id=2127824919&idx=50
check it out

link did not work for me... said I had to sign in before I can view images.

-T

clcik on "minton theater" below my post..my logo is pic #50

reaper..how much would you charge me to make my logo into something like this?? I made my own logo http://www.imagestation.com/album/pictures.html?id=2127824919&idx=50
check it out

What... you want a 3d version of that with the same music and animation as shown in the model being distributed freely?

reaper

Been rendering a lot lately...different codecs avi jp raw...etc...

What would be the best selection for rendering ?

To Reaper for helping me trouble-shoot my attempts at editing and rendering myself. Came out great!.

Also thanks to GPowers for hosting the generic blend. I had many moments of teeth gnashing and hair pulling trying to mod the initial fox blend.

What... you want a 3d version of that with the same music and animation as shown in the model being distributed freely?


LOL.. YES..WOULDN'T THAT BE COOL??? I was thinking after seeing the dolby intro with the helicopter flying through the city and passing the marquee, that maybe I could do something much more simple with my marquee. As life can be cruel I evidently don't have the knowledge to do such a thing and am not sure I could even if I had the tools..

Would you allow me to change the text on it and use it for other forum members as well after I modelled it or would you prefer it remain solely yours? Is it a requirement that the DD, DTS, THX signs, etc get modelled as well or just the main logo?

reap

How is everyone making DVDs out of the AVI files that you have created?

Most DVD burning software, like Nero, allows you to read an AVi file and produce a DVD from it.

Reaper, strangely enough, I used WMP to mix the audio and video I rendered ( including the 16:9 version I re-rendered which took 47 hours LOL ) and ended up with a video that is about 670KB. This is alot more compressed than the 5-6MB most people are reporting. Is this normal? I am yet to transfer it to cd as a VCD but will shortly. Trying to find some more images I can add or make a logo first.

I say again...THANKS for all your help as well as the other posters for input, suggestions and experiences. I printed out the 2 jpeg images and mounted them in 8X10 frames. Will post pics when time permits.

Wow, that's a long render time!

My typical AVI raw files are ~650MB, not KB.

I don't know who is reporting 5-6MB. First time I heard that number.

Not sure what is going on with your rendering there. I'd love to see the framed images though.

reaper

need an e-mail address for these...

reaper


I got the Aldo/Snitchler files.

Thanks,

Brian

The 670 Kb I quoted was for after using WMP to produce the final product of audio and video. The original avi raw was 650MB. I remember a poster (China dog) stating an after- compression size of 5.8MB using ffdshow. So the "movieclip" looks fine when I watch it, both of them actually, just wondering if it will be ok if the file size is that small or if I missed something why its so small.

On a side note, can Blender be used to create an animated logo? If it can...how difficult would it be to create?

Reaper, strangely enough, I used WMP to mix the audio and video I rendered ( including the 16:9 version I re-rendered which took 47 hours LOL ) and ended up with a video that is about 670KB. This is alot more compressed than the 5-6MB most people are reporting. Is this normal? I am yet to transfer it to cd as a VCD but will shortly. Trying to find some more images I can add or make a logo first.

I say again...THANKS for all your help as well as the other posters for input, suggestions and experiences. I printed out the 2 jpeg images and mounted them in 8X10 frames. Will post pics when time permits.


Ditto for me on the 670KB windows file.

Brian

I may have the psp file I used to make it. Then you could have the layers...I don't care if you change it at all.

What do you mean, "Can blender be used to create an animated logo?" You just witnessed it!

The small compressed movie was only to be used to watch it on your PC and see how it turned out. When you create the DVD, use the uncompressed AVI with audio.

reaper

I just noticed you are in Fishers IN. Heck I am in your backyard , CICERO, IN

As for how difficult it would be, the answer is... that depends. Do you want tyour animated logo to be a spinning cube? Very easy. Do you want it to look Like what you just rendered? Very challenging first project.

Wow, we are close. That's about 6 forum members in the Indianapolis area if I remember correctly... I've personally met 1 so far.

reap

just sent ya an email with the psp

I don't have paint shop pro :(