Film Restoration Software: Authors: Roland LARDERAZ / Gilles HOUSSARD
Film Restoration Software: Authors: Roland LARDERAZ / Gilles HOUSSARD
Film Restoration Software: Authors: Roland LARDERAZ / Gilles HOUSSARD
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Click on the title to go directly to the Chapter
INSTALLATION:…………………………………………………………….. Page 05
MAIN_INTERFACE:……………………………………………………….. Page 11
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AMENDMENTS TO THIS
(A history of all versions since V2.1 is given at the end of this document)
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INTRODUCTION
FILM9 is a software for the restoration of old films, films and
cassettes. It is developed based on the use of AVISYNTH and
VIRTUALDUB.
And so, FILM9 was developed to allow to use the fabulous powers of
these 2 tools, but in an affordable way by the greatest number. Its
interface is intended to be as intuitive as possible.
FILM9 is offered for free for personal or family use, but any
professional use is prohibited without the permission of the authors.
contact@film9.org
You can also share your comments and suggestions on the "Film
Transfer" French website which is at the origin of FILM9:
Site "FILM9"
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INSTALLATION
In the homepage of the FILM9 Site, there is a button to download
the software. This file is named "SetupFilm9.exe". Once
downloaded, just launch it and FILM9 will install automatically.
All configuration options are made from ONE form, grouping together
all the possible choices. In particular:
But before looking at this detail, we must clarify the following point.
Recent Windows updates have forced us to review the installation of
operating system libraries, such as Microsoft C ++ Runtime.
The main DLLs associated with these Runtime are now checked and
installed (if necessary) when FILM9 is started. There is no longer any
need to deal with it separately.
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So, once FILM9 is open, click on Preferences
- Whether or not to display all of the Help icons found on the FILM9
interface. These icons which allow to have a local
explanation.
6
- To give a background color to the interface (Black by default).
No automatic shutdown
Automatic shutdown
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- The "Application Reset" button. This button allows FILM9 to be
reset as when it was first opened. All settings, all projects will be
disabled.
- K-Lite Codecs Mega Pack : If FILM9 detects that the x264 Codecs
are already present on your PC, you can, if necessary, skip this step.
But, in case of non-detection, you can also authorize the installation
of K-Lite Mega Codecs Pack. FILM9 will launch this application
automatically. You just need to follow and authorize the possible
steps.
This pack of Codecs will install many codecs and in particular all those
who are under the standard H264 (MTS, M2TS, MPG, etc ...)
Of course, K-Lite will install other tools that are not essential for
FILM9, but which you may have the benefit of elsewhere (like the
MPC-HD player).
But if you do not want to install K-Lite, you can refuse the installation.
In this case, reading files encoded in x264 may not be possible.
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- Cedocida : If FILM9 detects that CEDOCIDA is already
present on your PC, you can skip this step. In case of non-
detection, you can authorize the installation. FILM9 will launch
this installation automatically.
This software will allow the decoding of captured files with the SD
Codec called "dvsd". This codec is mostly used when capturing
tapes, but also when capturing movies with SD format (AVI / DV -
720x576). This codec is very strongly recommended for its
effectiveness. If its installation is chosen, it will replace a possible old
codec "dvsd".
But if you do not want to install K-Lite, you can refuse the installation.
In this case, reading files encoded in x264 may not be possible.
==========
UPDATE
WINDOWS COMPATIBILITY
FILM9 works with all Windows versions since Windows 7-SP1 and
Windows 8.1. Older versions are no longer supported, such as XP,
Vista and Windows 8.
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As indicated in the Introduction chapter, this FreeWare software has
been offered free for several years.
CLIC
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MAIN INTERFACE
When opening FILM9, you have access to this main interface which
will be located at the bottom of your screen. This will give way to
VirtualDub which will open just above when loading a Clip.
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MAIN MENU
This Menu is located at the top of this Interface and includes the
following tabs: Preferences / Treated Clips / Help / About / FR or EN
- Preferences
In the previous chapter, we have just seen that this command allows
you to select different parameters for the functioning of FILM9. It is
to be opened during the first use. But you can modify certain
parameters during other uses.
- Treated Clips
Attention : With this version 3.10, the Processed Clips will be stored
in different "Projects" directories. Those that you will have identified
in the PROJECTS window that we will see below.
To play a clip, you must use your Media Player. The one you have
determined in Windows. It can be one of these drives: Windows
Media, MPC-HC, VLC, etc ...
- Help
This button open this document that can be completed as and when
comments by users.
That being the case, there are 2 other places where you can find
Help:
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- On the Interface, all the little blue icons allow you to have
explanations.
- On the FILM9 Site, in the FAQ page, there are also explanations.
This page is also present at the end of this documentation.
- About
This small window simply recalls the version number and some
indications and links. And the possibility of making a donation for this
software :
Clic
- FR or EN
This tab allows you to change the language of the interface, either in
French or in English. During a change, you must restart the
application for it to be taken into account.
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- Interface Commands
At the end of processing, the Clips / Actions grid will display all the
clips again (see the Clips/Actions section).
Without shutdown of PC
With shutdown of PC
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PROJECTS WINDOW
This window is located to the left of the interface and will allow you
to select, modify or delete your projects.
Help
================
Each line of the grid will therefore have a small image of the Clip, its
name, if the clip is waiting or ready to be processed and the setting
pattern that has been adopted.
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Above the grid, there is a "Presets" button to access this option (see
below).
======================
SETTING ZONE
All the right part of the Interface is occupied by the different buttons
to access Pre-Settings, Settings, Options and Tools.
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PROJECTS
A project lets you specify the capture method used, the
characteristics of the original movie, and the format you choose to
produce your video files.
For example, a first project may contain your shots of B/W film shot
in 18 frames/second and a second project your Color film shots shot
in 24 frames/second. You can move from one project to another in
one click from the main interface.
Attention : With Version 3.10, each Project has its own directory in
the Destination Directory that you have chosen. This simplifies the
name of the Clips processed and provides a more appropriate
classification.
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The Projects window is divided into 2 separate parts :
- Capture Type
- The orientation of the Source Clip
- The filming speed of the original film
- If the Movie is in Colors or Black and White
Capture Type
This command specifies the type of capture that was used to scan
movies :
- WITHOUT SYNCHRO :
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- WITH SYNCHRO :
- VIDEO TAPE :
IMPORTANT :
This time, it's not a video clip anymore, but a series of still images
captured one by one. These images are in a specific directory.
The following photo formats are taken into account: TIFF, BMP, JPEG,
PNG.
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4 possible choices :
4 possible choices :
- 16 images/second
- 18 images/second
- 24 images/second
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==========
The 2nd Zone of the Projects window concerns the choices to make
for the Clip to be processed.
Here you must indicate in which directory you want to keep all the
clips that will be processed. You can create it after you have chosen
the location or you can add it to an existing directory.
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This directory will break down into subdirectories :
- "Project xxx" directories in which the Clips which have been fully
processed will be stored. As previously indicated, this version 3.10
now allows you to store the Clips processed in a specific directory
bearing the name of your Project.
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These Dimensions (Origin or News) will be applied on the last
Processing.
This function allows you to choose a VIDEO Codec to encode the Final
Clip.
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- AppleProres : This codec developed by Apple was mainly
designed for video editing and not for a final broadcast.
It will encode in 4.2.2 with a bitrate of 35 Mbs. It is a rather
professional use.
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Choice AUDIO Format
This function allows you to choose the type of AUDIO format that will
complete or not the VIDEO encoding.
- With Audio : 3 AUDIO Codecs are proposed for the Final Clip
MP3 : The bitrate is 320 Kbps. Which makes it possible to
preserve the Audio with a very good compression.
AC3 : As for MP3, the bitrate is 320 Kbs.
This "high-end" value for Compressed Audio makes it possible
to maintain a very good quality.
PCM : This Codec is Uncompressed and therefore non-
destructive. But it is not accepted by all Video Containers, like
the MP4.
- Extract WAV : This function allows you to extract the Audio part
of a Clip Source without attaching it to this Clip. The WAV file will
then be available in the "Completed Clips" directory of your
Destination directory. It will be identified with the name of the
Project and the name of the Clip.
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Finally, at the bottom of the Project window, there are 3 buttons:
- Exit : This button allows you to close the Project window simply
by keeping the previously chosen options.
Attention : this deletion will also eliminate all Clips involved in this
Project. A message allows you to cancel this command or not.
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CLIPS / ACTIONS
This is where you can load each clip to be processed. Just click on a
free line of the grid to choose your clip in your Source directory.
When you have chosen, the clip is installed on a line of this grid.
Immediately, an image identifies the clip and if you approach the
mouse of this image, a window gives you the main information of this
clip (INFO CLIP).
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When the Clip is selected, the line is highlighted, and this
automatically opens VirtualDub with a dual screen.
When the clip is installed, you can choose a Preset in the Preset
column or go to the Settings area to select the ones you want.
Then, the column Process will allow to indicate and to see the
situation of the Clip. Just click on the box and a choice is proposed :
- Standby : means that the Clip is Waiting for Settings or the "To
Process" Order
- To Process : means that the clip can be taken into account when
processing is started.
You can also declare ALL "To be processed" clips by clicking on the
word "Treatment" at the top of the column.
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- And, of course, you can create your own personal settings
preset.
You can also declare ONE Preset for ALL clips in the grid by clicking
on the word "Preset" at the top of the column. Then choose a preset
from the list.
All details concerning this PRESET option are given in the paragraph
of the same name. And we have already seen that the "Preset" button
opens this Preset window.
Clip in IMAGES
Of course, all these images in succession must have the same name
and with a numbering following (from 0 to xx).
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To import a clip that has been captured with this method, just click
on the 1st frame or on an image of the beginning. The clip will be
immediately recognized in FILM9 as if it were a video stream.
Start Processing
Before starting the Processing, check the clip grid to see which clip
are "To process". Anyway, a message will remind him if no clip is
reported "To Process".
If a Clip has already been processed and you want to treat it again,
at launch, a message will suggest you either :
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- But you can also confirm this choice for similar cases
During Process
- an intermediate phase
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During the processing of the previously selected Clips, the grid of the
Clips will be modified to reveal only the Clips concerned by this
Processing.
And the current Processing can be stopped with this command. This
is the “Start Render” button that has the name "Stop" during
Processing:
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PRE-SETTINGS
This area contains buttons that will allow access to preliminary
settings. They are not mandatory, but strongly recommended before
starting the other Settings. Each of these buttons will open a window
in which you will find other explanations.
- TRIM : Keep only the sequence that interests you. This makes it
possible to work only on this portion of selected clip.
- FINAL FRAME : Version 3.0. This new window includes the ability
to clean the edges of the image, to have a Final Framing Preview and
add artifices such as Round Corners or Blurred Background.
Attention : For these presets, you must close each window before
using the next one.
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TRIM
This function cuts the beginning and end of the movie. To remove,
for example, white primers or start / end of capture with freeze
frames.
The button "Exit" will close this window with the taking into account
information IN and OUT.
And in the new VirtualDub screen that opens, you can see that the
movie has a number of images corresponding to the cuts that have
just been made.
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FINAL FRAME
This function has been modified in Version 3.0 to regroup the cleaning
of the edges of the image with the final framing.
Movie captures often show image edges that are not very sharp. In
particular on captures made with sensors in 16/9.
This function is, therefore, intended to clean the edges of the Image.
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If desired in the Project, these black edges will be restored clean at
the end of processing to maintain a consistent image size.
With a few details, film-films are standard 4/3. It's the same for
conventional video cassettes.
On the other hand, Standard Video has 2 standards: 4/3 and 16/9.
In your clip, when cleaning the edges of the image is needed, there
is a good chance that the Width/Height ratio will be slightly different
from the 4/3 standards.
For the final 16/9, the entire image will be centralized without any
top and bottom edges.
For 4/3, the image will be centralized to keep the full width, but it
may happen that black edges up and down are added to keep the
proportions of the original image.
First of all, in Projects, you have to define the final clip format you
want:
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If the edges of your Clip need to be cleaned, just click on one of the
sliders. At this point, a new screen appears with gray edges.
These gray edges are intended to approach closer to the Left and
Right edges of the image without being hindered by the black
background.
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Reminder: if you want to keep the original dimensions in Projects
and you need to clean the edges, these original dimensions will be
modified in the end by the number of pixels removed at the edges.
This button allows you to have a final overview of your framing WITH
the restoration filters that you have, possibly, selected.
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Zoom Function
Custom Framing
Two options are available to have a Custom Framing. It's either one
or the other. It is not cumulative.
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- Blurred Background : for clips in 16/9, this option makes it
possible to replace the Black Edges by fuzzy edges coming from
the central image. This presentation is very "trendy" currently on
our television screens. There is the possibility to put a black
boundary between the central image and the fuzzy edges.
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AUDIO SETTINGS
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In the Settings window, there are several indications to indicate :
If the Audio is Stereo, there is nothing more to do. Each channel will
be preserved as the original.
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Volume and Tone Settings
And so, you can check the hearing of all these settings by starting
playback on the VirtualDub TimeLine.
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SETTINGS
This Zone provides buttons that will open Image Settings windows.
And view the influence of each setting on the VirtualDub screen. You
can use these settings in the order you want. Each setting is kept in
memory until a Reset is done.
All these Settings windows can be opened at the same time. You can
position them wherever you want on the screen. Their position is
remembered for the next opening.
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COLORS BASE
In this window, all basic settings are combined. Each setting can be
enabled or disabled.
Contrast : Change between the bright and dark parts of the image.
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AutoGain will automatically expand the spectrum of each color. This
is especially valid for low light captures.
In this version 2.1, this function has been improved to obtain a more
efficient balancing.
================
COLORS BALANCE
- a Minimal Setting
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- a Strong Setting. This setting completes the Minimal Setting.
There is also a possibility of Color Analysis. This option tells you the
values of each color to evaluate if the settings are correct.
====================
DEGRAIN
Degrain Function
This function makes it possible to reduce the Grain of the image. The
grain can be brought by the type of film, but also and sometimes
reinforced by the means of capture of the film.
This grain can alter the sharpness. But it can also be very subjective,
because this grain gives a certain truth to the film. An image that is
too smooth will remove the authentic side of the film.
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The Simple Action filter will reduce the Grain in a light way.
The Double Action and Triple Action filters will repeat the
calculations 2 or 3 times for better efficiency. But, it will increase the
calculation times a little more.
A slider will allow to adjust the force of the setting. And this slider
is usable with each Filter. The setting value is indicated.
AddGrain Function
Moreover, on some videos, such as those coming from the Tapes, the
smoothing removes from the sharpness to the image and can thus
alter the sharpness. Even if it may seem paradoxical !
The addition of Grain, and this time in a uniform way, will give sharp
to the image.
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A button is used to select this function which is not operated by
default. And a slider adjusts the strength of this grain.
=========================
BRIGHTNESS
This function has different sliders. Sharpness sliders and blur sliders.
And why in duplicate ?
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In fact, the 2 Net/Blur sliders "Presets" intervene BEFORE the
Degrain function. And the 2 sliders "Final Settings" intervene
AFTER the function Degrain.
FINENESS Function
- Single Action : this filter already has a very good efficiency on the
Sharpness and is sufficient in many cases.
This function will simply automatically adjust the Black / White levels
of the image according to the broadcast mode.
The indication "TV to PC" on the button indicates that the levels will
have a high adjustment (an image with a stronger light).
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The "PC to TV" indication on the button indicates that the levels will
have a lower setting (an image with less light).
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OPTIONS
These 3 buttons named Options will also affect the quality of the
image. But their interaction on a direct vision of the image is not
necessary, because this action will be done in Time Mode, that is to
say by using several images to perform a calculation.
All these Settings windows can be opened at the same time. You can
position them wherever you want on the screen. Their position is
remembered for the next opening.
STABILIZATION
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Two sliders allow you to play on the stabilization intensity.
A Reset button is used to find the default value (3 for each cursor)
======================
CLEANING
- Remove Dirt
- Scratches Cleaning
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Remove Dirts
This function allows you to delete tasks on a single image. This filter
works so frame by frame throughout the Clip.
- Simple Action Filter : this filter will remove all the tasks of your
rather dark tone. In the majority of "not too dirty" movies, this
filter is enough.
- Clear Dirts Filter : this filter also works in Double Action but is
more specialized on tasks with a clearer tone.
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Scratches Clean
The Single Action will remove scratches on a film that does not have
too much traces.
The Enhanced Action is more powerful, but it can alter the image
on vertical lines. So use with caution.
=======================
INTERPOLATION
But beware, the interpolation also has some flaws, like some artifacts
visible on fast movements. And so, there may be a choice to make
on risky sequences.
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This is the reason that justified the addition of a "Duplicate" function.
- Interpolation
- Duplicate
Interpolation
"Smooth" can make softer tweens, but it will require a little longer
computing time.
Duplicate
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A complementary function associated with "Duplicate" has also been
added : this is the "Mixing" function.
Then, you can overlay the 2 files in your editing software (NLE) and
choose the sequence that is best.
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TOOLS
These buttons will open histograms near screens to check color
settings.
These histograms will allow you to better adjust the Bases and Color
Settings.
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PRESETS
In this window, you can program and then store the settings of
your choice. After opening this window, you can create, edit, or
delete a preset.
Process :
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- Create a new PRESET.
The settings that will be stored are those of the active clip.
And, Validate :
His name fits in the grid Preset and in the grid of Clips. Then you can
associate this Preset with other Clips in the Clips grid.
- PRESET Modification
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You can then modify its description. This applies to all clips that have
the same preset.
- To Delete a PRESET
If you want to delete a Preset that is already used by a clip, you must
make a new setting or reset in a setting window.
This will cause the information "Custom Settings" and eliminate the
preset associated with this clip. Then you can delete it. Then you can
delete it by right-clicking. A window offers the deletion.
But if this preset is used by a clip, you will not be able to delete it. A
message appears. To do this, repeat the procedure indicated above.
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QUESTIONS ABOUT
POSSIBLE PROBLEMS
Can I install the Film99 directory anywhere on my computer?
- No, it is strongly discouraged to install it on your desktop.
- On the other hand you can install it either in "program files", or on
a fast hard disk other than the system disk "C:"
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- Check option marked with a red arrow
- Then open the explorer on your own username and open "AppData":
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After Film9 processing of my video, I get a clip or the action
is accelerated. How to slow down my movie ?
- This is a misconfiguration done in the "Project" window
- We recommend that you read the "Project" chapter of this manual
carefully.
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CHANGE HISTORY
VERSION 2.1
- Using VirtualDub2
- Update and Replacement of various DLLs
- Remove the mandatory installation of QuickTime, Xvid packages
- Update K-Lite Pack
- Deleting default settings when opening the clip
- Added Extensions for Decoding (.MXF, .VOB, .TS)
- Modification of the Decoding System
- Remove Xvid Encoding (replaced by H264)
- Choice of the output container (mp4, mov, avi, mkv)
- Choice of Output Codec (H264, ProRes, FFV1 Lossless, Lagarith, No
Compression)
- Choice of an output bitrate for the MP4
- Added various Encodings for Audio (PCM, AC3, MP3)
- Improved process for AutoWhite (White Balance)
- Attenuation of the AutoGain
- Simplification of the procedure to display the completed clips
- Replacing video tutorials with downloadable .pdf Documentation in
two languages
- Improved Audio Track Detection
- Added a 16/9 Framing Function (blurred edges)
- Changing Color Balance Settings
- Minor changes to the Presentation
- Bug fixes and code optimization
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- Implementation of a modification to allow future updates without
erasing the settings (Presets) of the user (effective from the next
version)
- Improved H264 Encoding
- Operation of the list of clips simpler and more fluid.
- Fixed a bug displaying: "No active clip ..." when accessing a setting
or changing a clip.
- Fixed a bug on wrong values in the form "Color Balance"
- Fixed the bug triggering the message "" UpdReg | Delete:
ClassSQLReglages ClassReg 39 "and blocking the application.
- Fixed a bug modifying the Gamma value after calling a preset.
- Fixed a bug preventing the display of blurred background.
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