Ratty Looking Videos

[robert_0901]

I recently posted a video to YouTube that I wasn't proud of. The video looked choppy and low resolution even though it was rendered in 4K.

I am seeing the same thing again as I try to edit my new video.

Everything looks good when I edit a still image, even when I manually drag the cursor along. However, when I hit the play button everything looks ratty. I have Premiere Elements 2020. I have a Dell 8940 with a 4K monitor. 

Robert 0901

[Steve Grisetti]

What are the specs (resolution and frame rate) of your source video and where did this video come from?

Premiere Elements does not work with 3840x2160 video at 60 or more fps.

[robert_0901]

Thanks for your reply.

I'm seeing this issue even on the slideshow portion of my video.

My video capture is Flashback Express MPEG 3728x1880 60fps. It never looked this bad before.

Is there a newer version that supports 4K?

[Bill Sprague]

My video capture is Flashback Express MPEG 3728x1880 60fps. It never looked this bad before.

By @robert_0901

Screen capture for video editing can be tricky.   To get viewing quality the capture settings, video project settings, output settings and YouTube's requirements need to match.    A very good standard is to have it all in 1080p60 using the H.264 codec.   Without knowing I'm going to guess that your capture setting might also be "interlaced" and it needs to be "progressive".   

Sorry if it may seem a "technical" but it is necessary in all video editing programs.  

[Steve Grisetti]

Premiere Elements can edit 4K, but only at 3840x2160 30p. Your video capture is a very non-standard resolution. I'm not sure what would make it more editable -- or even any editor that work with that resolution and frame rate.

[robert_0901]

Thanks for your replies. The odd thing is that I have been using the High resolution setting (4K) on the Flashback since I installed it. My older videos (in 1080p) have always looked fairly clean; certainly much better than my last video posted. I tried rendering my last video in 1080p, but I can't say it looks much better. What concerns me is that even still photos look low-res as I try to edit them.

[robert_0901]

I just checked. My Capture Setting is WPM Cap- I can only toggle it on-off. My general settings are HD1080i  29.97 fps with no option to change.

[Steve Grisetti]

I'm  not sure what you're saying. Are you saying you're capturing video at 1920x1080 or in 4K?

Also, what is the resolution of the video in your camcorder? I've never heard of video at 4K that needs to digitized through a capture device. 

[robert_0901]

Sorry, I was looking at the settings in my Premiere video editor. It says the Capture Format is WPM capture. The general setiing says the editing mode is 1080i at 29.97 fps. Is the fact it isn't 30fps exactly a cause for concern?

I do not use a camcorder. I am using the Flashback Express screen capture program.

[Steve Grisetti]

Premiere Elements is not the best program to use for editing screen capture. In fact, it's one of the worst.

I'd recommend CyberLink PowerDirector Ultimate. Not only does it edit screen capture but it includes screen capture software right with the program.

[robert_0901]

The funny thing is that it has worked just fine for the last 8 years. I get a new monitor and it suddenly looks awful. I would be happy if I could just get it back to how it was.

[Bill Sprague]

The funny thing is that it has worked just fine for the last 8 years. I get a new monitor and it suddenly looks awful. I would be happy if I could just get it back to how it was.

By @robert_0901

You wrote, "The general setiing says the editing mode is 1080i at 29.97 fps. Is the fact it isn't 30fps exactly a cause for concern?"   The 1080i may be the problem.   The "i" means "interlaced" with is a concept left over from the tube TV years.   It needs to be 1080p where the "p" means progressive.   Premiere Elements (and other editors) are not good at interlaced footage. 

[robert_0901]

Thank you for your response. Apparently, I can't change the video mode after it is set. The selector is greyed-out. If I have to start over to select 1080p, How do I know what is the best format under the alphabet-soup of options? It looks like the first and best option is 1080p AVCHD? 

[robert_0901]

My earlier videos are 1080p. I am curious how the default could have been changed?

Thanks