What use are virtual inputs? What would you use them for? I know how to set them up, just don't understand why they would be useful.

Any responses most appreciated.

Virtual Inputs have proved to be a VERY useful, and time saving feature. I have 96 VT's, each VT has a series of triggers, positions, and transforms. Instead of having to set up every VT input separately, I created on VT input, set it all up with the correct triggers, positions and transforms. I then created 95 copies of it using Virtual Inputs, and then just went through each one, changing the input file to the correct file. I did not have to sett loads of triggers, positions and transforms to each individual input, and thus probably saved my self many hours of work.

I have also found them very useful when setting up multi view inputs, where I have had several 'similar' requirements - maybe just one element being different, but I can create a whole second virtual input, and then just change the single element in that composition, without having to set up the whole multi-view layout a seconds time.

All The Best

Keith

I see virtual inputs as a way to combine "master elements" in varying ways, without requiring each to be a separate instance of the item.

Example #1 - Sponsor logo

For example, let's imagine a sponsor logo. It's one shot in the project. Then I use a handful of virtual inputs to offer that logo re-positioned in various ways around the frame.

When the sponsor changes I change the master shot, replacing the old logo with a new one. All places where that logo appeared are updated automatically. That's a tremendous time saver.

Example #2 - Animated background (MP4)

Similarly, I have an animated background that I use a lot. It's loaded to one shot on it's own. There after it appears as a layer in many virtual shots. If I change the master background all instances of it in the various virtual shots change.