VirtualDub Tutorial:
Converting a sequence of image files into an .AVI digital video file
This tutorial explains the basic steps involved in converting a series of image files such as those rendered by POV into a digital video file of the .AVI type. To do so, we recommend using VirtualDub, an application of the type known as "video processors". These kind of tools are the equivalent of the swiss-knife in the desktop video world: they allow basic (but not necessairly simple) manipulations such as chopping, resizing, filtering, etc. of video files.
Intro
Digital video files offer a wide range of possibilities for the user. In this tutorial, we cover the process involved in converting a large number of chunky files into a streamlined file that moves and plays sounds! In the introductory article to the post-processing section ("Making movies"), I briefly discussed the pros and cons of large collections of still manages. It is important to understand that while video files offer great advantages, we should not necessarily consider the conversion into video files as a necessary step.
That said, the ability to convert images sequences should quickly become part of the skill set of any animation crafstman. Video files are the best way to distribute moving images and sound. They can also make our life easier while manipulating or even archiving them. In any event, VirtualDub can also be used as a viewing tool.
Because they are very flexible, digital video files are necessarily complex beasts. Luckily, the initial learning curve only requires understanding a few concepts, the ones addressed in this tutorial. With that knowledge, you will be able to generate digital video files for different purposes. You will also get a glimpse of areas which might be worth exploring for extra tweaking.
It is well beyond the scope of this tutorial to even begin to answer the many questions that might arise in your dealings with digital video files. VirtualDub is a trusty piece of kit, though. And hopefully you will find that the method described here works quite well in getting good use out of it early on.
To best follow this tutorial, you should already have a sequence of rendered images (preferrably 30-60) following a numbered name combination. And VirtualDub installed and running, of course.
Step 1:
Open VirtualDub
Step 2:
In the file menu, select the option Open video file...
Step 3:
In the Open video file dialog, select the first image file of your sequence. Images generated by POVray will be numbered starting from 1 (preceded by a number of zeroes)
Step 4:
The sequence will now be loaded into VirtualDub, which displays it on two screens. The screen on the left shows how your input file looks like. The one on the right shows what you output file will look like. For some tasks, like the one described here (convertign sequences of images into video files), this dual-screen set-up is irrelevant - don't let it confuse you!
Step 5:
Using the controls at the bottom, you can play, rewind and move back and forth along the sequence. If you find that it plays too fast, don't worry: we address precisely this issue a couple of steps later.
