Can I render a finished work that retains an alpha channel?

607Andy

Newbie Joined: May 22, 2017 15:16 Messages: 3 Offline

Solved by

Aug 09, 2020 18:20

I own Director Suite 365 and one of the few things I would really like to be able to do is produce videos or image sequences that retain an alpha channel so that I can use the finished video as a "Stand Alone" Stinger transition in my streaming software. The streaming software I use (vMix) layers the stinger on top of other graphics and to give the desired effect, the stinger must have an alpha channel (transparency) mixed with RGB so that it artistically reveals the video layers behind it.

I have no problem setting transparency in layers within PowerDirector, but I have never been able to get the deepest (background) layer to be and stay transparent.

I know that AVI and MOV both can support an alpha channel, but I get the feeling that CyberLink doesn't support using MOV for this purpose.

Does anyone know PowerDirector (or ColorDirector) will do what I'm looking for, or if I make the background a keyable color, is there some other software that will convert it to an alpha channel?

I am starting to believe that I need editing software from another company (Adobe or SONY) to do what I want....

Thank you in advance!

optodata

Senior Contributor Location: California, USA Joined: Sep 16, 2011 16:04 Messages: 8630 Offline

Aug 09, 2020 19:59

Color Director and PowerDirector can both import and work with true alpha transparency clips, but there is no alpha channel support when producing. Neither product produces to QuickTime/.MOV, and .AVI clips produced with PD are typically limited to 480i or 576i DV-AVI resolutions and don't support alpha channels.

In other words, any alpha clips you work with on the timeline will be overlaid on whatever backround images or videos you've used and would be "consumed" after producing. You will need another editor to create/edit/produce alpha channel content.

3POINT

Member Location: Germany Joined: Oct 01, 2015 03:52 Messages: 149 Offline

Aug 10, 2020 06:52

Unfortunatly, even exporting to an image sequence in png format doesn't preserve alpha channel. It would be an usefull future feature for PD when implemented. Recware: DJI Osmo Pocket, GoproHero7Black, PanasonicFZ300/HCX909, Sony PXW-X160.
Software: Vegaspro365+Vegasaur/PowerDirector365
Hardware: i910900k,32GB,GTX2080s, 1920x1200 display
Playware: Samsung Qled QE65Q6FN, Philips 55PFL7108

optodata

Senior Contributor Location: California, USA Joined: Sep 16, 2011 16:04 Messages: 8630 Offline

Aug 10, 2020 14:05

Quote Unfortunatly, even exporting to an image sequence in png format doesn't preserve alpha channel. It would be an usefull future feature for PD when implemented.

The best way to let Cyberlink know that you'd like to see that functionality is to use Rate Us & Provide Suggestions under the File menu.

607Andy

Newbie Joined: May 22, 2017 15:16 Messages: 3 Offline

Aug 15, 2020 16:30

Thank you for your response.... I can stop banging my head against the wall!!

Quote Color Director and PowerDirector can both import and work with true alpha transparency clips, but there is no alpha channel support when producing. Neither product produces to QuickTime/.MOV, and .AVI clips produced with PD are typically limited to 480i or 576i DV-AVI resolutions and don't support alpha channels.

In other words, any alpha clips you work with on the timeline will be overlaid on whatever backround images or videos you've used and would be "consumed" after producing. You will need another editor to create/edit/produce alpha channel content.

SoNic67

Senior Contributor Joined: Sep 27, 2014 14:14 Messages: 1308 Offline

Aug 15, 2020 19:48

AVI is just a container, not a video format per-se.
MOV is an Apple format that allows Alpha channel, but for licensing reasons has limitations under Windows programs.
For example Corel 2020 can export in that format, but is limited to max 1980x1080/30p (32 bit).

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at Aug 15. 2020 19:48