12 Replies Latest reply: Oct 3, 2009 8:22 AM by Steve Grisetti

Where Are the Prism Converter Aspect Ratio Settings?

A.T. Romano Sep 30, 2009 2:18 PM

Steve Grisetti or frequent users of the Prism Converter Software

Steve Grisetti has at least 2 FAQs that suggest the use of the Prism software for file conversion to DV AVI to work with particular problem video formats.

http://forums.adobe.com/thread/415317?tstart=0

http://forums.adobe.com/thread/437535?tstart=0

And he seems to recommend the use of Prism more and more frequently in the recent threads. The guidelines that he offers for use of the Prism software for the conversion to DV AVI process are the same in each of those links. And, both of the standard (4:3) and widescreen (16:9) have the same frame size and frame frate.

In Prism, there are three essential sets:

Output Format, where I can set .avi

Encoder Options, where I can set NTSC DV Encoder (DirectShow)

Edit Options, where I can set frame size and frame rate

But, where is the option for 4:3 and 16:9 aspect ratio? I cannot find them in any of the three setting areas cited above nor in any of the software menus. What I am missing here? I am stuck with a converted file as NTSC DV AVI 4:3 with this choice of converter?

ATR

1. Re: Where Are the Prism Converter Aspect Ratio Settings?

Steve Grisetti Oct 1, 2009 5:59 AM (in response to A.T. Romano)

Good questions, Tony.

I'm continuing to search for a converter that will work with 16:9 footage but haven't had much luck yet.

Please let me know if you turn up anything!
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2. Re: Where Are the Prism Converter Aspect Ratio Settings?

A.T. Romano Oct 1, 2009 6:21 AM (in response to Steve Grisetti)

SG

Thank you for that information. When I could not find an aspect ratio in Prism, I thought that I was suffering from too much Premiere Elements 8 first looks and decided it was time to ask you this question.

MPEG Streamclip has an aspect ratio choice option and is great once you get passed decision making about "it and Quicktime Alternative" versus "it and Quicktime with the purchased MPEG2 Playback Component". And, it does offer a large file supported list, hopefully with one for the file format that you have and want converted to DV AVI or whatever is supported and you want.

Now I can go back to Premiere Elements 8, trying to read between the lines of what is possible and not possible.

ATR
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3. Re: Where Are the Prism Converter Aspect Ratio Settings?

Bill Hunt Oct 1, 2009 7:42 AM (in response to A.T. Romano)

ATR,

I have used DigitalMedia Converter for years. To date, it has been 99% for everything I have thrown at it. However, it is not freeware, costing about US$50, so it's not for everyone. Also, I have to admit that I have not used it with HD material, so I cannot comment. There is a new version available, and I need to upgrade from my 2.7 version. I do not know all that the new version will offer, but will report. Still, at US$50, it's not for everyone.

Because it works so well for me, I've not really explored other conversion programs, so only go from recs. of others, on fora, such as this one.

Good luck,

Hunt
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4. Re: Where Are the Prism Converter Aspect Ratio Settings?

A.T. Romano Oct 1, 2009 9:22 AM (in response to Bill Hunt)

Hunt

Thank you for the additional information.

My issue here is with the FAQ and its omission of that significant detail about lack of an option for aspect ratio in the Prism software cited in the FAQ which is a popular reference for user with Flip Video problems.

I would hope that the current FAQ can be edited to include a mention of that limitation, namely aspect ratio 4:3 only for DV AVI.

ATR
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5. Re: Where Are the Prism Converter Aspect Ratio Settings?

Bill Hunt Oct 1, 2009 9:31 AM (in response to A.T. Romano)

ATR,

I'll bet that Steve G. can be persuaded to make changes/corrections to the FAQ. Maybe it'll take a "pretty-please," or two, but bet he'll do it.

Hunt
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6. Re: Where Are the Prism Converter Aspect Ratio Settings?

A.T. Romano Oct 1, 2009 10:03 AM (in response to Bill Hunt)

Hunt,

I appreciated the time that Steve Grisetti took to try to catch up with the FAQs that were liquidated in the Forum's restructuring. So one omission in one FAQ (which drove me crazy) is not to be faulted. And, in keeping with his profile, I am sure that he will continue to do the right thing by those FAQs. The issue here was not misinformation, but rather omission. So, as a fellow Premiere Elements user, backseat driver for Premiere Elements related matters, and one of the troops in the trenches, I would ask Steve Grisetti to please include the aspect ratio option comment in the FAQ in discussion.

ATR
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7. Re: Where Are the Prism Converter Aspect Ratio Settings?

Steve Grisetti Oct 1, 2009 10:47 AM (in response to A.T. Romano)

Thanks for the research, guys. I've updated the FAQ. Please let me know if you think more needs to be said.

http://forums.adobe.com/message/1872436#1872436

Much appreciated!
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8. Re: Where Are the Prism Converter Aspect Ratio Settings?

A.T. Romano Oct 2, 2009 8:29 AM (in response to Steve Grisetti)

SD

Thank you. But, when do you expect the change to be reflected in the FAQ? As of this writing, the FAQ is as originally written without mention of the aspect ratio limitation.

Also, when you get a chance, take a look at your FAQ on Proxy Editing that was great for Premiere Elements 7 but can be lethal for anyone with Premiere Elements 8 applying it to that version. (See Ozpeter thread where we were looking for a user custom project preset feature in Premiere Elements 8.)....maybe stick a note in the Proxy Editing FAQ, "FAQ applies to Premiere Elements 7".

Your work is very much appreciated.

ATR
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9. Re: Where Are the Prism Converter Aspect Ratio Settings?

Steve Grisetti Oct 2, 2009 10:28 AM (in response to A.T. Romano)

It's there, Tony. A sentence right after the discussion of the settings for Prism.

Please let me know if you think more needs to be said.
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10. Re: Where Are the Prism Converter Aspect Ratio Settings?

A.T. Romano Oct 3, 2009 8:14 AM (in response to Steve Grisetti)

SG

I just discovered why I could not find your Prism add on about aspect ratio limitation. You put the add on in
http://forums.adobe.com/thread/501214?tstart=0
The FAQ about
“What tools can I use to convert my video to DV-AVI?”
That was great, but…

I was looking for that same add on in
http://forums.adobe.com/thread/437535?tstart=0
The FAQ about
How can I edit video from a Flip camera?
The only fix given there is the Prism software with no mention of the aspect ratio limitation.

Thanks.

ATR
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11. Re: Where Are the Prism Converter Aspect Ratio Settings?

Steve Grisetti Oct 3, 2009 8:22 AM (in response to A.T. Romano)

Thanks, Tony. Fixed.
http://forums.adobe.com/thread/437535?tstart=0
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12. Re: Where Are the Prism Converter Aspect Ratio Settings?

A.T. Romano Oct 3, 2009 8:33 AM (in response to Steve Grisetti)

SG

Many thanks.

ATR
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