Add a running timer to a video using Time Clock from NewBlue Video Essentials IV.

Anyone tried to drop newbluefx timer control on empty a/v track so it can span multiple video clips?  Can't seem to get the control to load on empty track.

thanks

Hi Jeff,

Yes, you should absolutely be able to use Time Clock like you describe. What currently happens when you try to place it on an empty video track?

Are you able to use it if you place it directly on a clip?

Thanks for the quick reply Marcus.  Yes - the effect works when placed directly on a clip; however, when applying to an empty track, it simply will not load.  The reason I am applying to an empty track is an attempt to apply the timer to multiple video clips so the timer counts down from beginning to end across the entire project.  Thanks - Jeff

Jeff, when you say that it won't load, do you mean that you just can't see the time? Or, that you're not able to see the effect applied at all on your timeline?

Also, can you please tell me what Media Composer version you are using, and is it on a Mac or PC?

Hi Marcus,

I am using AVID Studio on PC and the effect simply won't "stick" to the empty A/V track when dragged onto it.  No problem dragging onto a track that already has video loaded on it whether it's a single clip or multiple clips.  The issue is that it has to be applied to each clip individually and there's no way to have it span all clips whith contiguous time from beginning to end.  I have see a tutorial that suggests what I am attempting can be done, but not enough detail in the tutorial to really determine if a specific media editor is needed to accomplish this task.

Here's the link to the tutorial.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Slns9XiI05o

Thanks,

Jeff

Marcus,

Doh - just realized you actually posted the video I referenced.  I guess you are definitely the person who can tell me how you accomplished this task.

Thanks,

Jeff

Try putting an add edit on the empty track. Avid (sometimes) ignores effects on an empty track. Yes, you could put an add edit at the very end.

And if it works, (or not) let me know?

thx

JG

Thanks for the reply.  As best I can tell, there is no option to put an add/edit on a track in Avid Studio.  I suspect I am working with a tool that simply can't do what I want.  I am in the process of reviewing tools before buying one and want certain capability.  I suppose Avid Studio just can't do what I need.  Many thanks anyway.

JES

Jeff Smith:

I suppose Avid Studio just can't do what I need.  Many thanks anyway.

Jeff,

I think there are some wires crossed here.

You are using Avid Studio - this is an Avid Media Composer Forum.

Others are thinking that you are asking about Media Composer.

You should move over to the STUDIO Forums and ask the question again.

Regards,
Douglas

PS. you are not alone in making this mistake about forums!

Okay, yes, that explains a lot. This forum is just for Avid Media Composer / Symphony so I assumed that's what you were using. No, there's no way to apply an effect to an empty track in Avid Studio.

That being said, with Time Clock, what you can do is place a video clip (any video clip) on the top track that covers the amount of time that you need. Then apply Time Clock to that clip and make sure "Overlay" is checked. That top video will be keyed out and you will just see the timer applied to your video clips on the lower track.

Many thanks to all who commented.  Sorry for stirring up any confusion regarding which forum I should be on.  mea culpa ...

Thanks Marcus - that is a great workaround.  I tried it successfully.