Hi Jason -

Yes, you will find many references to snapshot resolution throughout these forums - here & here for example.

I believe what you've raised is an issue with PDR15. Using a 2.7K clip (2704x1524) PDR15 generates a snapshot of 1920x1080. PDR14's is 2704x1521, as with previous versions. Similar findings with UHD clips.



Cheers - Tony
Visit PDtoots. PowerDirector Tutorials, tips, free resources & more. Subscribe!
Full linked Tutorial Catalog PDtoots happily supports fellow PowerDirector users!

Hi Tony,

Thanks for the helpful reply letting me know that this is a known issue with PDR15. I'll use VLC for snapshots for the time being.

Thanks again, and happy holidays!


Jason PowerDirector 15 Ultimate 15.0.2309.0
Dell XPS 8700 w/Core i7-4770 4 core @ 3.4 Ghz
16 GB RAM
NVidia GeForce GTX 645 driver 358.91
256 GB OS + programs SSD; 1 4 TB mirrored data volume w/ReFS file system (2 x 4 TB "green" hard drives in Storage Spaces pool)
Windows 10 Pro Build 14393

<deleted>

PD15 removed the "Use original video size as snapshot image quality whenever possible" from pref so who knows what it might now be doing.

Jeff

Hi Guys,

Thanks for the analysis.

This issue has been reproduced in CL and is now with the Development Team.

Cheers,

PowerDirector Moderator

For customer support related issues, please contact:
- Customer service: https://membership.cyberlink.com/support/customer-services.do
- Technical support: https://membership.cyberlink.com/support/service/technical-support.do

Hi Guys,

The information that has come back from CyberLink is as follows :

The behavior [of the snapshot function] has been refined in PowerDirector 15.

In PowerDirector 15, the behavior has been simplified :

• The snapshot resolution from the media room will be the same as the original source resolution.


• The snapshot resolution from the timeline will follow the timeline preview quality setting.

The reason to change the behavior is to eliminate the confusion behavior [observed] in the PowerDirector previous version.

The testing in the topic is not completely correct . Actually, in PowerDirector previous version, the snapshots taken from timeline “track 1” only, will be the same as the source original resolution.

It confused users that the snapshots taken in timeline track 1 and other tracks are different.

That’s the reason to refine the behavior in PowerDirector 15.

So, if you would like to test that for yourselves ..............

Cheers

PowerDirector Moderator

For customer support related issues, please contact:
- Customer service: https://membership.cyberlink.com/support/customer-services.do
- Technical support: https://membership.cyberlink.com/support/service/technical-support.do

That looks funny! "Solved by ynotfish" followed by "The testing in the topic is not completely correct" (love the euphemism).

I happily accept that I may have made errors in testing, but I cannot see where. The table posted is simply the facts in front of me.

Yes - true - in PDR15 (as in previous versions) the snapshot resolution from the media room will be the same as the original source resolution

Quote: Actually, in PowerDirector previous version, the snapshots taken from timeline “track 1” only, will be the same as the source original resolution

Yes - that's exactly what was reported in the table above.

Revised table to include 4K & media library/timeline comparison.



In PDR 14, 13 & 12, resolution of snapshots taken in Track 2 is dependent on media in T1 (i.e. snap takes on resolution of T1 media "behind it"), but in PDR15 resolution is 1920x1080 (whatever the resolution of the videos in T1 or T2).

With nothing in T1, resolution of snapshots taken in Track 2 is 1920x1080 (whatever the resolution of source video). This applies to PDR15, PDR14, PDR13, PDR12

Sorry, PowerDirector Moderator - I'm not trying to be argumentative (really). I'm only reporting what's in front of me.

I understand why the developers simplified snapshot resolution because of observed confusion, but the most common workflow would require snapshots at a point in the timeline.

Cheers - Tony
Visit PDtoots. PowerDirector Tutorials, tips, free resources & more. Subscribe!
Full linked Tutorial Catalog PDtoots happily supports fellow PowerDirector users!

Quote
So, if you would like to test that for yourselves ..............

Cheers

PowerDirector Moderator

PowerDirector Moderator, since CL implies this is a refined snapshot approach released in PD15 work with them and post us a video on how to achieve a high resolution snapshot of timeline content during editing, which as ynotfish wrote, is the most logical use of snapshots. We could obtain high resolutions pics from the timeline in previous PD versions be it from track 1, 2, 3, the method to do such was clearly shown here http://forum.cyberlink.com/forum/posts/list/42972.page#post_box_221878 which ynotfish reechoed the results thereof. Should not a refined PD15 approach make the ability to get high resolution timeline snapshots easier vs maybe removing the capability?

Looking forward to learn from the posted video.

Jeff

I just found a strange anomaly in PDR15

Insert a 2.7K (2704x1524) clip in Track 1 - take snapshot = 1920x1080. Apply "Freeze Frame" (effectively an inserted snapshot) = 2704x1521

Insert a UHD (3840x2160) clip in Track 1 - take snapshot = 1920x1080. Apply "Freeze Frame" = 3840x2160

Insert a 4K (4096x2160) clip in Track 1 - take snapshot = 1920x1080. Apply "Freeze Frame" = 4096x2304 (results vary depending on source clip)

Same thing happens in other tracks.

So Freeze Frame works differently to Snapshots.

Cheers - Tony

P.S. I guess that covers my "resolution" for 2017
Visit PDtoots. PowerDirector Tutorials, tips, free resources & more. Subscribe!
Full linked Tutorial Catalog PDtoots happily supports fellow PowerDirector users!

...resolution... what???.. you wanted to open only one can of worms for the year... dang you're done kinda early? lol... JUST joking TOny. Great observation/s.

As Jeff has stated... would love to see a CL posted video/Tutorial regarding this.



CS PD13 Ultimate - Build 3516, WIN 8.1, 64 Bit, 16G RAM, Intel Core i5 4460, CPU @ 3.2GHz, NVIDIA GeForce GT720, Graphics Memory(total avail.)-4093MB
LG WH14NS40 Blu-Ray Drive

Quote

Quote
So, if you would like to test that for yourselves ..............

Cheers

PowerDirector Moderator

PowerDirector Moderator, since CL implies this is a refined snapshot approach released in PD15 work with them and post us a video on how to achieve a high resolution snapshot of timeline content during editing, which as ynotfish wrote, is the most logical use of snapshots. We could obtain high resolutions pics from the timeline in previous PD versions be it from track 1, 2, 3, the method to do such was clearly shown here http://forum.cyberlink.com/forum/posts/list/42972.page#post_box_221878 which ynotfish reechoed the results thereof. Should not a refined PD15 approach make the ability to get high resolution timeline snapshots easier vs maybe removing the capability?

Looking forward to learn from the posted video.

Jeff

I guess I’ll infer from the total lack of PDM response for over a week to a simple request to show how this newly refined and simplified PD15 snapshot feature is capable of creating high resolution timeline content snapshots means the PD product team realizes that more work is required to support previous snapshot capability and the released PD15 refined snapshot approach was a coding flop from a user functionality perspective. A sincere thank you, once again, for a well thought out refined improvement, implementation and full functionality evaluation through QA. Maybe with any luck CL can release a patch with a functional refined snapshot feature.

With forum support like that to a simple request, I too see my small voluntary contributions dwindling, I’ll check back again in several months when maybe some of the many release and longtime bugs might be corrected.

Jeff

What is this 'Freeze Frame' Tony? Is that just a feature in PD15? I do not see it in PD13.

From what you and Jeff have stated... do I understand this right........ SO CL thinks that when we want to 'take a snapshot' we are NOT IN THE TIMELINE???? Ummmm That's exactly how I've been working with dertermining where and at what moment or frame I wanted the snapshot to take place.

From CL : "The snapshot resolution from the media room will be the same as the original source resolution."

How can I tell from looking at the clip in the media room ... how can I tell at what point during the clip that I want to take a snapshot? Just looking at the clip icon in the media room does not let me pick where IN THAT CLIP... where I want a snapshot.

Am I missing something here? Please straighten me out if I am. And apologies if I'm beating a dead horse by asking this.

CS PD13 Ultimate - Build 3516, WIN 8.1, 64 Bit, 16G RAM, Intel Core i5 4460, CPU @ 3.2GHz, NVIDIA GeForce GT720, Graphics Memory(total avail.)-4093MB
LG WH14NS40 Blu-Ray Drive

Hi CS -

This screen capture shows the Freeze Frame option. In making it, I also discovered another anomaly (sorry)...

Using Freeze Frame in the timeline provides a full resolution snapshot, but using Freeze Frame in the Action Camera Center gives 1920x1080, even if the video is 4K/UHD/2.7K.

Jeff - the screen capture also shows a reasonably easy way to get a full resolution snapshot from a point in the timeline.

1. Timeline marker at desired point


2. Apply Freeze Frame


3. Ctrl+Z to undo - snapshot in Media Library

Cheers - Tony
Visit PDtoots. PowerDirector Tutorials, tips, free resources & more. Subscribe!
Full linked Tutorial Catalog PDtoots happily supports fellow PowerDirector users!

Quote


I guess I’ll infer from the total lack of PDM response for over a week to a simple request to show how this newly refined and simplified PD15 snapshot feature is capable of creating high resolution timeline content snapshots means the PD product team realizes that more work is required to support previous snapshot capability and the released PD15 refined snapshot approach was a coding flop from a user functionality perspective. A sincere thank you, once again, for a well thought out refined improvement, implementation and full functionality evaluation through QA. Maybe with any luck CL can release a patch with a functional refined snapshot feature.

With forum support like that to a simple request, I too see my small voluntary contributions dwindling, I’ll check back again in several months when maybe some of the many release and longtime bugs might be corrected.

Jeff

Hi Jeff,

We apologize for the delay, just a miscommunication on our team here.

We actually disscovered that there was also a misunderstanding in the email content that was copied in this thread, which was written by a non native speaker.

Currently in PowerDirector 15, 4K snapshots can only* be achieved when the video file is in the media library. The feature was removed because of the reason noted in the email:

"in previous version, the snapshots taken from timeline “track 1” only will be the same as the source original resolution. It confused users that the snapshots taken in timeline track 1 and other tracks are different."

* The fact that 4K snapshots are still available in Freeze Frame is a "bug" (it wasn't changed as well). RD and PM are currently discussing revisiting this feature because of this discussion.

Cheers

PowerDirector Moderator

For customer support related issues, please contact:
- Customer service: https://membership.cyberlink.com/support/customer-services.do
- Technical support: https://membership.cyberlink.com/support/service/technical-support.do

Quote
Hi Jeff,

We apologize for the delay, just a miscommunication on our team here.

We actually disscovered that there was also a misunderstanding in the email content that was copied in this thread, which was written by a non native speaker.

Currently in PowerDirector 15, 4K snapshots can only* be achieved when the video file is in the media library. The feature was removed because of the reason noted in the email:

"in previous version, the snapshots taken from timeline “track 1” only will be the same as the source original resolution. It confused users that the snapshots taken in timeline track 1 and other tracks are different."

* The fact that 4K snapshots are still available in Freeze Frame is a "bug" (it wasn't changed as well). RD and PM are currently discussing revisiting this feature because of this discussion.

Cheers

PowerDirector Moderator

Thanks for the follow-up and the mention of CL to revisit what was done to the snapshot feature at PD15. To me what seems most appropriate for the end user editing needs of snapshot would be the following characteristics:

1) Each snapshot should maintain the same video resolution from which it's taken
2) Proper snapshot resolution for the video in any track number regardless of other track content
3) Maintain the higher resolution snapshot for any overlaid video track content of multiple resolutions videos
4) Proper snapshot resolution for any FX, Title, PIP, Particles, or Transitions or any other editing feature that may have been added and in effect at the current scrubber position
5) Snapshot has to be achievable from current timeline scrubber in both "Clip" and "Movie" mode
6) When “shadow files” are utilized, snapshots should be of the original video resolution, not the “shadow file”
7) Snapshot resolution should not follow “Preview Quality” (unless you provide a opt out setting in preferences) as many edit high resolution video content but can’t have the current timeline fluidity burden of a Full HD “Preview Quality”
8) Snapshot resolution should not follow any current monitor display resolution
9) Snapshots from the media library are interesting but not my normal use. In fact, I can not think of a single instance I've done that in my editing. I use timeline snapshots very often.
10) Some user aspect needs I've maybe overlooked brought forth by another forum contributor

To me, if a snapshot feature achieves the above with simplicity, it would be a very welcome feature for many editors, be it for tutorials, family activities, sports, game replays, or those small film enthusiast.

From what I see, contrary to dev note, "in previous version, the snapshots taken from timeline “track 1” only will be the same as the source original resolution." was not really how it worked. The track 1 only aspect was not really correct, one could always achieve snapshot of the current resolution of video in any track with PD14. Yes one needed a very minor workaround but at least it was possible. That workaround was clearly documented here: http://forum.cyberlink.com/forum/posts/list/42972.page#post_box_221878

Freeze frame is no substitute for the simplicity of snapshot.

Thanks again for the revisit of the snapshot functionality.

Jeff

I think a snapshot from the timeline should be the same resolution of the PROJECT from any track and I should have a choice to take a snapshot from any point on the timeline that includes ALL tracks, effects, text, or transition.

Snapshots from the Media Library should be the same as the file chosen. Intel i7 4770k, 16GB, GTX1060 3GB, Two 240GB SSD, 4TB HD, Sony HDR-TD20V 3D camcorder, Sony SLT-A65VK for still images, Windows 10 Pro, 64bit
Gary Russell -- TN USA