Description: Apple II Video Overlay Card: Tips (11/96)
Header: Apple II Video Overlay Card: Tips (11/96)

 Article Created: 03 April 89
 Article Reviewed/Updated: 18 November 1996

 TOPIC -----------------------------------------------------------

 Here are some helpful tips and hints for using the Apple II Video Overlay
 card.

 DISCUSSION ------------------------------------------------------

 As you plan your video presentation, think about how the overlay will enhance
 your presentation. Do you want to include:

 - Opening title and closing credits?
 - Highlight information presented in the video?
 - Dazzle the audience with special effects?


 Planning For Computer Graphics
 ------------------------------
 Try to determine where the computer graphics would be useful only where
 appropriate. You may find yourself overusing computer graphics. Consider
 whether you should highlight your video with computer graphics, narration, or
 a combination. Your overlays will be more effective if you use them
 judiciously.

 Decide on a workable design for your graphics, and use it consistently
 throughout your presentation. For example, always use the same font for the
 text, the same colors for the graphic elements, such as line and boxes, and
 the same kind of special effects. Consistent use of computer graphics will
 make your presentation seem more unified and easier to follow.

 Use high-quality video equipment and software that allows high resolution
 graphics. Clean the heads on your VCR if you haven't cleaned them lately. The
 better the video equipment and computer images, the better your overlays will
 look.

 When shooting a video for an overlay, try to anticipate where your graphics
 will fit into the shot and leave enough space for them. For example, if you
 plan to superimpose someone's name below a close-up of their face, leave
 enough room in the lower third of the screen. Treat the graphics as an
 integral part of the composition, not as an afterthought.


 Designing For The Screen
 ------------------------

 Keep it simple, don't try to cram too much into a single overlay. If your
 video has lots of motion, use simple graphics. If your graphics are complex,
 consider using a still scene for the video portion.

 Limit the information in each overlay to one or two points. Presenting too
 many facts in one overlay will not help the viewers remember them. Television
 viewers may not be able to flip back to review something they missed.

 Use readable fonts for text. Bold, simple fonts seem crisp and are easily
 read on the screen. The color of your text should contrast with the video
 colors. If you plan to record the overlay, make the text at least 16 point.


 Special Considerations for Composite Video
 ------------------------------------------

 Avoid using computer graphics that are extremely bright. If the colors in
 your graphics are too intense, especially if they are hot colors such as
 bright red, the graphics may appear to vibrate along the edges. You can
 correct the problem by using a less intense color, like off-white instead of
 white. You can also reduce the intensity of a color by allowing some of the
 video image to blend in, using VideoMix.

 If you are recording your overlays, view them on a composite monitor or a
 television.

 Colors displayed on an RGB monitor are more stable than colors displayed on a
 composite monitor as they are less likely to shimmer or bleed into another
 color. If you are recording your overlays on tape, a composite monitor or a
 television will show you a better representation of the overlay's appearance
 during playback. By viewing your overlays this way, without an RGB monitor,
 you will be better able to see, and correct, problems before they are
 recorded on the videotape.


 Article Change History:
 18 Nov 1996 - Reviewed for technical accuracy, revised formatting.
 Copyright 1989-96, Apple Computer, Inc.
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