2. Create Media for Production
2.1 File Formats
Virtual Studio 1 can process images, videos, and audio files.
Images
File Formats: JPG and PNG (with transparency support)
Aspect Ratio: 16:9
Optimal Sizes: FullHD (1920 × 1080 pixels) or 4K (3840 × 2160 pixels)
Videos
File Formats: MOV and MP4
Supported Video Codecs: ProRes and H.264
Aspect Ratio: 16:9
Optimal Sizes: FullHD (1920 × 1080 pixels) or 4K (3840 × 2160 pixels)
Required Frame Rate: 30 frames per second
Audio
File Formats: MP3, WAV, and AIFF
Required Bits and Sample Rate: 16Bit, 48 kHz
Note: Importing media files with different aspect ratios may cause distortion. Videos with different frame rates may lead to synchronization issues. Audio data with different bit depth or sample rate may result in distortion or incorrect playback speed. Movies with HEVC codec might be displayed incorrectly; consider converting them to ProRes or H.264.
2.2 Managing Media
It's best to create a new folder on your computer for your project, where you gather all related media. For better organization, you can create subfolders for actor, display and overlay clips. This folder can also serve as an archive for your edited project later on.
2.3 Video Recordings of Performers
To feature a person in the virtual studio, you must first record a video of the person against a green background. The easiest setup is an upper-body recording as shown in the image.
Setting up the Green Screen
For upper-body shots, an optimal green screen area is 3.00 meters wide and 2.50 meters high. You can use green fabric such as green stage molton or dedicated green screen fabrics. The fabric can be attached to a wall or hung on a suitable stand. For frequent use, a wall painted with special green screen paint is also an option.
Lighting
For clean green screen recordings, it's crucial to ensure even lighting on both the person and the green background.
For excellent results, three 60 cm LED tube lights with a color temperature of 4700K can be used. Two lights should be set up vertically on the right and left of the person to illuminate the green screen and the person from the sides, and another light should be set up horizontally in the middle above to illuminate the person in front of the green screen.
Ensure no external light or light from other sources falls into the recording area. A darkened room provides the best conditions to minimize unwanted light interference and ensure even illumination. Adjust the lighting to avoid shadows, especially on the green screen area.
Audio Recording
Professional audio recordings are best achieved with lavalier or lapel microphones. Here are some tips:
Microphone Placement: Proper placement involves attaching the lavalier microphone close to the performer's mouth, ideally about 15-20 cm below the mouth. Ensure it's securely attached to minimize unwanted noise or movement.
Avoiding Friction Sounds: Ensure the microphone is securely fastened to the clothing to avoid friction sounds. A microphone windscreen can be helpful.
Clothing Impact: Choose clothing carefully to avoid friction sounds or obstructing the microphone. A microphone placed under clothing may result in muted audio quality.
Avoiding Interference: Keep the lavalier microphone as far away as possible from electronic devices like mobile phones to minimize interference.
Freedom of Movement: Consider movements; if the performer moves a lot, ensure the microphone is secured to follow movements without creating disruptive noises.
Audio Monitoring: Before actual recordings, monitor audio quality to ensure no unwanted noises or disruptions occur.
Room Acoustics: Choose a room with minimal background noise and little echo for clear and clean voice recording.
Batteries and Rechargeable: If using battery-powered microphones, ensure batteries or rechargeable batteries are adequately charged to avoid interruptions.
Recording: Connect the microphone, preferably to your camera, to record both video and audio simultaneously.
By following these tips, you can ensure the performer's voice recording in the virtual studio is of high quality and optimal for editing in your project.
Setting up the Camera
Assembly: For optimal results in Virtual Studio 1 recordings, use a stable tripod for the camera. A stable tripod ensures the camera remains securely and steadily positioned throughout the recording, minimizing possible shake and contributing to consistent image quality and adherence to recording guidelines. Ensure the tripod is securely anchored to prevent any unwanted camera movements.
Zoom and Focus: During Virtual Studio 1 recordings, the zoom on the lens should not be changed. Camera settings should remain stable throughout the entire recording.
Composition: Ensure the person is centered in the frame for a balanced representation in the virtual studio.
Recording the Person: The recording should capture the person without any head-to-waist cuts. Ensure the person stays within the frame.
These guidelines are crucial to ensuring consistent and high-quality recordings for Virtual Studio 1. Please note that any changes to zoom, focus, or positioning should be avoided during the recording.
Clothing and Hairstyle
For green screen recordings, the choice of clothing and hairstyle is crucial to achieving optimal results. Here are some key points to consider:
Clothing:
Avoid Green Tones: Do not wear clothing in green tones to prevent interference with the green screen. Green clothing can blend with the background, leading to invisible areas.
Choose Contrasting Colors: Opt for clothing with contrasting colors compared to the green screen. This facilitates the separation between the person and the background.
Avoid Shiny Materials: Shiny or reflective materials may reflect light and create unwanted glare effects. Matte materials are often more suitable.
Match the Greenscreen: If possible, match the clothing color to the greenscreen. This can help ensure uniform background removal.
Hairstyle:
Avoid Green Reflections: Ensure the hairstyle doesn't capture green reflections from the greenscreen, which could lead to undesirable effects.
Avoid Complex Hairstyles: Complex hairstyles with many details can pose challenges when combined with the greenscreen. A simpler hairstyle often makes editing easier.
By following these guidelines, you contribute to achieving clean green screen recordings and facilitate later editing in Virtual Studio 1 or other applications.
Detailed information about this topic can be found here.
2.4 Displaying Media on the Virtual Display
You can enhance your video with images and video clips displayed on a large 16:9 screen in the virtual studio. Import JPG and PNG image files; PNG files with transparency will also display as transparent on the screen.
2.5 Overlays and Downstream Keyer
In Virtual Studio 1, you have the capability to overlay your video with additional media, allowing you to incorporate titles or subtitles seamlessly. Moreover, the Downstream Keyer feature enables you to make black areas transparent, providing the opportunity to mask and showcase graphics and videos from other applications in the foreground effortlessly. This powerful combination enhances your creative possibilities, making your video production process even more dynamic and engaging.
2.6 Media for Studio Design
To enhance the visual appeal of your virtual studio, Virtual Studio 1 allows you to import images and videos specifically designed for studio decoration. Whether it's a branded backdrop or captivating visuals, integrating these media elements will add a professional touch to your virtual environment. Ensure that the images are in JPG or PNG format for optimal compatibility, and feel free to experiment with various designs to create a studio setting that suits your content and style. Some elements can be individually adjusted in aspect ratio, so make sure to match it with the aspect ratio of the imported images. Additionally, for elements that are displayed in larger sizes, use high-resolution images (up to 8192 × 8192 pixels) to ensure crisp and detailed visuals. Elevate your production values with Virtual Studio 1's versatile media integration for a polished and professional look.