Apple Motion 2 - Manual (Page 118)

118 Chapter 1 Getting To Know Motion
Note: For example, a 720p frame (1280 x 720) showing in raw mode on an 800 x 600
display only shows 800 x 600 of the image.
To view Motion video output on a computer display connected to your
computer:
1 Choose Motion> Preferences.
2 In the Output settings, choose one of the display options from the Video Output pop-
up menu.
Options: When a Video Output module is turned on, the Options button becomes
active. For monitors connected via FireWire, there is no need to adjust the options. For
monitors connected via third-party hardware, the options may have applicable
settings.
Update during playback: Plays the project out to the external video monitor while the
project plays back in the Canvas. This option severely degrades performance.
Update dynamically on parameter change: Sends a new video frame out to the
external video as you adjust parameters (instead of only after releasing the mouse
button). This option may severely degrade performance.
Video Output in Motion
If you’re creating work that is intended to be viewed on a TV monitor (such as
broadcast design or DVD menus), it’s imperative that you see your design on such a
monitor before finalizing your Motion project. While you can do a great deal of layout
and color adjustments on your computer screen, you might be surprised how
different things may look when they appear on a TV screen.
First, whether you’re working in NTSC (the American and Japanese TV standard) or
PAL/SECAM (the European TV standard), colors are going to look quite different from
the way they look on your computer monitor. (NTSC has been affectionately referred
to as Never Twice the Same Color.)
Furthermore, TV signals are interlaced, meaning that the vertical resolution is cut in
half and displayed at twice the rate. This can mean that thin horizontal lines in your
design (such as font serifs) may buzz or flicker when played back on a TV screen.
Fortunately, Motion allows you to view the contents of your Canvas directly on a TV
monitor that is connected to your computer. You can connect a monitor to your
computer using a FireWire device such as a DV camcorder or deck, or by using a third
party video capture card. For accurate results, you should use a professional grade
monitor with calibration controls.
01112.book Page 118 Sunday, March 13, 2005 10:36 PM