Quick Start Guide
This Quick Start guide will familiarize you with ProCoder 3’s basic features. You will learn how to select files for transcoding, choose output formats, and convert files. You will also learn how to use ProCoder 3’s “Watch Folder” capability to run ProCoder 3 in an automated mode. For a more complete description of each feature, please consult the corresponding section later in this manual.
The ProCoder 3 Interface
Each time you start ProCoder 3 you will begin at the home screen. First, there are three tabs – Source, Target, and Convert which are located on the left side of the screen. These tabs control the basic functions that allow you to add source files, set the target conversion format, modify input and output details, and begin the conversion processes.
Below these tabs are three buttons – Queue, Manage, and Watch. These buttons allow you to queue a job for transcoding, manage the transcoding queue, and set up watched folders for automated operation.
You will notice that the content in the center of the home screen changes depending on the tab you have selected, but generally this area displays the files you are working with. After selecting a particular file, you will see its properties on the right side of the screen. This is the Source Parameters window and it shows you the details of your original file and allows you to change certain aspects of that file.
And finally, if you need assistance or more information for any feature, there is a help icon on the bottom left that provides general instructions on each area of the product. There is also a Help menu item that has detailed, searchable information.
The basic process of performing a transcode is:
1. Select the Source Tab to add the file(s) you wish to convert.
2. Select the Target Tab to choose which format(s) you want to encode to.
3. Select the Convert Tab to encode your file(s) and complete the process.
Adding Source Files
To begin, you will need to add a source file. A source file is the file you want to convert into another format type. You can add one source file for a single file conversion or you can add multiple source files for easy batch conversions.
1. Select the Source Tab.
2. Click the Add button to choose the file you want to convert. Clicking the Add button will bring up the Open File dialog where you can select the file you want to convert.
3. Select a single file and click the Open button.
4. You will now see the selected file in the Source List.
The Source Parameters window on the right displays the properties for the source. The purpose of the Source Parameters window is to both show you the details of your original file, as well as allow you to change certain aspects of that file. For example, you might want to change the interpreted pixel aspect ratio of the source or choose a different audio source file rather than the one embedded with the source file. If you click on any item, you will see a more detailed description in the lower right window pane.
To the left of your source list, you will also see a button for Advanced functions as well as a Stitch checkbox. These give you more controls that allow you to, for example, select only a segment of your video for transcoding or to “stitch” a number of input files into a single output file. These functions will be described in detail later in the manual.