simultaneous split screen video?

stingray · #1 (**permalink**) 05-01-2007, 03:21 PM

Hi all, I'm new to video recording/editing. Here's what I'm wanting to do:

Record a video (with audio) of me playing guitar. Then record a second video of me playing another guitar part. Then, create a new video file that has a split screen of both parts being played simultaneously (with audio). Does anyone know if this is feasable, and if so, what software I would need to do it?

Any help is greatly appreciated!

Alan Mills · #2 (**permalink**) 05-01-2007, 03:46 PM

You can use any s/w that allows you to mask off an area of one layer showing the second through. If your masking allows feathering of the mask then all the better.

Short of functionality called masking you could achieve the same thing with a 'crop' function.

This is not a difficult effect to do but it can be quite hard to get 'just right'. The trick is to make sure the lighting is exactly the same on both takes or it will be noticable. Hence, only do this using artificial (i.e. controlled) lighting and not natural light.

stingray · #3 (**permalink**) 05-01-2007, 03:55 PM

thank you for the quick reply. Would something as simple as Windows Movie Maker have these features?

Alan Mills · #4 (**permalink**) 05-01-2007, 04:03 PM

Originally Posted by stingray

thank you for the quick reply. Would something as simple as Windows Movie Maker have these features?

Dunno. Never used it. Sorry.

bert6280 · #5 (**permalink**) 05-01-2007, 08:39 PM

Originally Posted by stingray

thank you for the quick reply. Would something as simple as Windows Movie Maker have these features?

Unfortunately no.

miwhel · #6 (**permalink**) 05-02-2007, 11:26 AM

Bert is right usually no.

But there is a site out there that I saw on a youtube vid that allows you to download xml files and add functionality like green screen, so it may be possible.

I'm sorry I can't be more precise.

Alan Mills · #7 (**permalink**) 05-02-2007, 04:04 PM

Originally Posted by miwhel

Bert is right usually no.

But there is a site out there that I saw on a youtube vid that allows you to download xml files and add functionality like green screen, so it may be possible.

I'm sorry I can't be more precise.

interesting stuff. Adding 'effects' by downloading and installing XML.

If the 'fix' is down at this level though then I respectfully suggest our original poster invest a few ££$$s in a 'real' video editor and just do the job properly.

torby · #8 (**permalink**) 05-02-2007, 04:33 PM

I see a barage of Mike Oldfield clones appearing on Youtube and google now....lol....used to be you only heard the music...now we'll have clones playing all the parts on video...

miwhel · #9 (**permalink**) 05-03-2007, 07:16 AM

Originally Posted by Alan Mills

interesting stuff. Adding 'effects' by downloading and installing XML.

If the 'fix' is down at this level though then I respectfully suggest our original poster invest a few ££$$s in a 'real' video editor and just do the job properly.

I agree totally,

Stingray

If you are to be serious about editing then money will need to be spent on more advanced software. MM is fine for cuts and transitions, but judging by the question, it sounds like you may be moving beyond simple editing, if only creatively and not through editing experience.