How Do I Block Out A Number Plate In a Video?

[Wonky]

I asked this question over 3 years ago and never really got an answer but I'm hoping in the time since some of the newer free/cheap video editing software has added such functionality.

I have a few videos from the recent Shootout/Nats of various cars and would love to put them up but some of the people don't want their number plates displayed for various reasons.

Is there any free/inexpensive video editing software which will allow me to pixellate out or put a big black rectangle over number plates please?

[cali.ls1]

hey there
you could try a trial copy of adobe after effects (download a trial and its good for 30 days).

(add in the www)softpedia.com/progDownload/Adobe-After-Effects-Download-1558.html

You would have to import the video in and animate a black box over the timeframe of the video (ie track the number plates position to an animated box)? Could be alot of work though depending on how many/how long the videos are?

[jc_sv8]

There are two ways to do it...

1. Run along side the car holding a piece of cardboard to hide the plate whilst recording, but it sounds like it's already in the can.

2. Each video runs between 24-30 frames a second. Video editing software can de-construct each second into it's individual shots, blur each plate, then re-construct the video - lets hope it's not an hour long!

Google: "frame by frame video editing"

...and good luck!

[Wayne@GM Motorsport]

I asked this question over 3 years ago and never really got an answer but I'm hoping in the time since some of the newer free/cheap video editing software has added such functionality.

I have a few videos from the recent Shootout/Nats of various cars and would love to put them up but some of the people don't want their number plates displayed for various reasons.

Is there any free/inexpensive video editing software which will allow me to pixellate out or put a big black rectangle over number plates please?

I don't have an answer to your question wonks but... surely if anyone didn't want their number plates visible they would have taken them off before racing? I know the racerite, Hp heaven and full boost all have video from the event which will mostly likely end up on the net and YouTube etc.

Cheers
Wayne

[VYSHSV8]

Exactly Wayne thats what I was thinking

[blu ute]

Wonks they are right. I saw pic of my ute number plates are clearly visible.
I would ask if pol mind. I am not fussed my ute stands out so it would not be hard to pick it out.

[AndrewMSS]

Wonks it can be done with Vegas Pro - that's how I took the number plates out of Chev's dyne day video. You can apply a mask and move it frame by frame to follow the number plate.

[Wonky]

I don't have an answer to your question wonks but... surely if anyone didn't want their number plates visible they would have taken them off before racing? I know the racerite, Hp heaven and full boost all have video from the event which will mostly likely end up on the net and YouTube etc.

Cheers
Wayne

I guess you're right and I did take my plates off for that reason. However, on the sites you mention the cars are fairly anonymous in the sense that the cars on them could come from anywhere in Victoria. However, I'd like to get some up on for example Chev's website and guys in our area are having problems with one overly zealous prick, sorry, cop so I'd prefer not to advertise plates.

[Wonky]

Wonks it can be done with Vegas Pro - that's how I took the number plates out of Chev's dyne day video. You can apply a mask and move it frame by frame to follow the number plate.

You want to uninstall it so I can use it temporarily please? Or get BR to give you the four short clips he shot and do them for me please? There are two of you and two of Jeff.

[AndrewMSS]

Can do mate, I'll get BR to give me the clips and I'll mask them for you.

[racarb]

Put black tape over your number plate before you video it. I learnt the hard way and in hindsight i should have done it.

[Wonky]

My plates were off for the Shootout plus rego label and VIN were taped over. I'm nothing if not paranoid!! :lmao: (Mainly concerned about warranty. :))

[AGIT8D]

Wonks it can be done with Vegas Pro - that's how I took the number plates out of Chev's dyne day video. You can apply a mask and move it frame by frame to follow the number plate.

Details on how to do it? :)

[Wonky]

With further investigation I discovered that Pinnacle Studio v12 Ultimate, which I bought about 18 months ago for about $50, can do it!! :goodjob: I believe it has to be the Ultimate version though which contains extras.

The effect is called Blur. To get there go Toolbox/Add Video Effects/Studio Plus RTFX/Blur. It only took me a few minutes of playing around to work out how to use it. :)

City Software recently had v14 Ultimate on sale for from memory $48. I'm no power user but it does everything I need, including blank out number plates. See http://www.ls1.com.au/forum/showthread.php?p=1907565&#post1907565

[HEKYEH]

Sure u don't use it to blank out the girl's faces in your "special" videos......??

:jester: