I have created a project in fcpx that is in 1080 format 1920x1080 resolution. It now needs to be played on a projector that is 4:3 what is the best way to convert it to ensure footage is not squashed or resized weirdly. I also don't really want it to have a letterbox ideally - but for pictures just to fit the frame. Any help really appreciated but in non techie language please - be gentle with me
iMac, OS X Mountain Lion (10.8)
If you drop your 16X9 video into a 4:3 Timeline, and you want to see all of the content of your frames without distortion, you will have to accept letter boxing.
If you want to fill the frame, go into the Inspector and for Spatial Conform, choose Fill. FCP will automatically zoom in just enough to eliminate the black horizontal bars. Or for more control over the framing, use Scale and Position and adjust maually.
Russ
kazackerman wrote:
I have created a project in fcpx that is in 1080 format 1920x1080 resolution. It now needs to be played on a projector that is 4:3 what is the best way to convert it to ensure footage is not squashed or resized weirdly. I also don't really want it to have a letterbox ideally - but for pictures just to fit the frame. Any help really appreciated but in non techie language please - be gentle with me
It is not possible to reformat a 16x9 image to 4x3 without cropping or letter boxing. Not possible.
Here's how I would do this the fastest and easiest and most reliable. Export/shore your original project in its native format to a self-contained movie.
Open a new thingy in FCPX, set it to be 4x3 in your chosen format and drop your 16x9 movie into it. Make sure it does not distort to fit the frame. Scale it appropriately so it fits edge to edge and is centered vertically. And apply letterbox mattes to the top and bottom. Export/share.
You can do this in Compressor at your peril. You can use almost any conversion app. You can also export/share out of FCPX and use some 4x3 format that will be pulled out by the player. Maybe. You might also simply rely on the player on the computer you're using to do the scaling and letter boxing for you and you will adjust the aspect ratio on the projector like you would on your TV set at home. This requires that you experiment using the equipment at the venue long before your performance. Best to have a 4x3 movie ready to play.
Thanks Russ,
Hugely helpful- and I appreciate your laymans language. One thing - though - at the risk of sounding totally dozy, how do I create a 4:3 timeline? I've always just created a timeline that is the same as the footage which is always 16:9
Thanks again
Thanks David.
I've used the title safe zones viewers and have made sure all titles and action is happening within the inner safe zone - should that work for a 4:3 projector even if the project is 16:9 or will it squeeze it down anyway?
Finally - although I appreciate your use of the non-technical term "thingy" -- I don't know how to create letterbox mattes - how do I do that? I am a TV producer who has self taught myself how to edit so not very technical
Thanks so much again
In the new project dialog, click on the Custom button. For Format, select either one of the SD choices and a resolution or choose Custom for Format and enter the desired values.
Russ
Brilliant- its so amazing to have you guys to answer questions. Its like having a technical support person sitting right here and its truly appreciated!!!
converting a project from 16:9-4:3 in fcpx
