Multi-Layer Editing

Multi-Layer is not Multi-Track

PiTiVi distinguishes between multi-layer and multi-track editing. In PiTiVi at 'track' is a separate channel of output. A layer is a separate input stream within a track. Multiple layers in a track combined into a single output stream. Layers within a track have the same media type as the track itself.

Tracks, on the other hand, may be retained as separate output streams in the final output. All sources in a track have the same media type, but different tracks can have any media type that PiTiVi supports. For example, a project might involve a DVD featuring multiple angles. The alternate angles are kept on separate video tracks. Or, a project might feature separate audio tracks in foreign languages. But there is no limit to what you can achieve with multiple tracks. For example, a plug-in might allow creating stereoscopic movies using two synchronized video tracks. But that's not all: future releases of PiTiVi will support other media types. Subtitle information could be kept on a subtitle track, or midi data used to control synthesizers and/or lighting systems could be kept on a score track and edited alongside the video.

Multi-Layer Editing

Multi-layer editing is how the notion of priority is handled in the UI. Numeric priority is mapped to the vertical position of an object in the timeline. The higher the source, the higher the priority. The lower the source, the lower the priority. The object with the highest priority is the output for the track. This object will frequently be a source, but it may also be an effect. So, for example, two sources can be mixed together with a superimpose effect.

The user can change the priority of an object by moving it up or down. A new visual layer will be created if necessary.

Multi-Track Editing

The current implementation supports a limited form of multi-track editing: there is one audio and one video track per project. Future releases will support not just multiple audio and video tracks, but other media types as well. The key concept of tracks is linking. Linking allows sources within separate tracks to work together. Individual tracks can also be enabled or disabled for preview and project rendering. Also, Moving sources between tracks is not ordinarily possible.

Linking and Brothers Objects

Linking means that two sources are associated so that whatever is done to one source is also done to the other. A source can have one linked source for every separate output track in the project. Currently this means that video sources can be linked to audio sources, and audio sources can be linked to video sources. Along with support for variable numbers of tracks will come support for multi-clip linking. Finally, one track can be linked to another track, in which case everything that is done to one track is also done to in accordance with the brother principle. This is the case, for example, between the default audio and video tracks.

A single file might provide audio and video streams, but these are each handled separately within PiTiVi. In order to maintain some coherence between the two streams, we use the concept of a brother. There is a familial link between the two sources: some piece of genetic information is shared. An object with siblings always knows how to create or find its siblings. When an objects siblings are cerated, they are automatically linked together. So, for example, if a video source is added to a video track which is linked to an audio track, the video source's brother(s) are created, and then linked together.

Linking in the UI

To link sources, the sources must first be selected. Each source must be in a different output channel, or the link tool will not be active. Once active, clicking on the link tool links sources together. If any property common to both sources does not match, the difference between them will be preserved across multiple edits. So, for example, if an audio clip leads a video clip by a few seconds, both sources will move together when dragged, but the offset will be preserved. If one source is of higher priority (i.e. lower in the timeline), the relative priority difference will be maintained if one source changes priority.

To unlink sources, select one or more sources. If it is linked, the unlink tool will become active. Clicking the unlink tool will break the link between it and any sources to which it is linked. If the sources to which it is linked are in turn linked to other sources, they're links will be left intact (unless they too are in the current selection).