User guide

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Creating a custom mask DVE effect
When you first apply a mask DVE effect, the Default pattern is selected as your
mask pattern, which is the same as the
Cottony Square pattern. If you want
another mask pattern as your default, simply make a copy of your chosen pattern,
and rename it to Default.tga to overwrite the current one.
¡ImportantTo create your own mask patterns for use in a widescreen
production, create them with a 16:9 aspect ratio. For more information, see
“Creating a production in 16:9 format” on page 77.
Creating your own mask patterns in Adobe Photoshop LE
To create a mask pattern using Adobe Photoshop LE:
1 Start Adobe Photoshop LE, then choose File > New.
2 In the New dialog box, define the size of your image:
$ For an NTSC image, select 720 pixels for Width and 480 pixels for
Height.
$ For a PAL image, select 720 pixels for Width and 576 pixels for Height.
¥Tip If you want to create a mask pattern for use in a widescreen (16:9)
production, create your image at 853 ×480 (NTSC), or 1024×576 (PAL). After
you’ve created your image, resize only its width to 720. When you do this, your
graphic will appear elongated on your computer screen.
3 Choose Image > Mode, then select Grayscale and 8 bits/channel.
4 Create your mask pattern using any of the tools in the toolbox. You may
want to apply a
Gaussian Blur filter to your pattern to soften its edges and
give you a more professional looking mask.
5 When finished, choose File > Save As, name your file, select Targa [*.tga,
*.vda, *.icb, *.vst]
as the file type, and select your Mask DVEs folder to
save your pattern. The next time you apply a Matrox mask effect, your new
pattern will be available from the
Mask list.
¦NoteWhile these instructions are for creating mask patterns with Adobe
Photoshop LE, you can use any image-editing software—as long as you specify
the correct image size, select 8-bit grayscale, and save your pattern as a .tga file.
If your program provides the option of saving your .tga file as
Compressed or
Uncompressed, make sure you select the Uncompressed option.