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FrameSync Editor

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Juan edited this page Nov 14, 2025 · 1 revision

FrameSync Editor

FrameSync Editor, introduced in AfterScan 1.20, provides a real-time view of the stabilization process and allows manual frame alignment when AfterScan struggles to stabilize frames automatically—typically due to overexposure or unclear sprocket holes. Below is an explanation of each element in the FrameSync Editor popup window.

Elements of the FrameSync Editor Popup

  • Vertical Frame Slices (Left Panel): These three graphical elements illustrate the stabilization process:

    • Template: Displays the current stabilization template (user-defined or default). This static reference aids manual alignment when needed (using the two horizontal green lines aligned with the hole edges, reaching to the middle slice with the stabilized image).
    • Stabilized Frame: Shows a left-side slice of the current frame post-stabilization. If successful, its sprocket hole aligns with the template; misalignment indicates detection issues. A colored rectangle is positioned around the area where the template has been detected:
      • Green: Identified position is precise
      • Orange: Position is not exact
      • Red: Position is clearly wrong
    • B/W Frame Before Stabilization: The same slice pre-stabilization, converted to black-and-white to highlight sprocket holes. Poor conversion quality (e.g., due to lighting) can prevent automatic alignment, prompting the creation of FrameSync Editor. Since AfterScan 1.20, fewer frames require manual adjustment, making this task manageable.

  • Misaligned Frames: Displays the number and percentage of frames AfterScan couldn’t align properly out of those processed.

  • Corrected Frame Count: Tracks frames manually adjusted by the user.

  • High-Accuracy Alignment: Enables AfterScan to perform dynamic threshold search when trying to match the stabilization template. Output frames will be better alignment, bu twill have a cost in terms of longer encoding time.

  • Enhanced Sensitivity Detection: When checked, includes slightly misaligned frames in the detection list (default settings flag only obvious misalignments). This increases the detected frame count significantly but remains workable—try it to see the difference.

  • Beep When Misaligned Frame Detected: Moved from AfterScan’s main UI to FrameSync Editor in 1.20, as it’s more relevant here.

  • Misaligned Frame Selection: After encoding, navigate misaligned frames using:

    • Single arrows: Move ±1 frame.
    • Double arrows: Move ±10 frames.
    • Keyboard: PgUp (previous), PgDn (next).
    • Numbers beside controls show frames before (left) and after (right) the current frame.

  • Manual Threshold Controls: Modify the B&W conversion threshold to make sprocket holes visible:

    • Single arrows: ±1 unit.
    • Double arrows: ±5 units.
    • Keyboard: Home (+5), End (-5).
    • AfterScan auto-calculates thresholds, but manual tweaks help in tough cases.

  • Manual Frame Shift Controls: Adjust misaligned frames to match the template:

    • Buttons: Shift 1 pixel per click (fine-tuning).
    • Keyboard: Arrow keys shift 20 pixels (alone), 10 pixels (with Ctrl), or 5 pixels (with Shift).
    • Tip: Adjust the threshold (below) before shifting for optimal results.

  • Delete All Collected Frame Info: Clears all misaligned frame data, including user edits. Use cautiously—a confirmation popup prevents accidental clicks.

  • Re-generate Collected Frames: Updates output frames with manual corrections, overwriting originals. Caution: Re-running AfterScan’s “Start” or “Start Batch” overwrites these unless the internal list is preserved (re-generation is then possible). A confirmation popup appears if corrected frames exist.

  • Close: Closes FrameSync Editor (also via the window’s close button). If AfterScan is encoding, a confirmation popup ensures you don’t lose data mid-process.

Important Notes

  • Source Frame Quality: High-quality captures are critical for success:

    • Roller-Pinch: Essential for consistent frame capture, accounting for friction-based deviations versus traditional sprocket mechanisms.
    • Cleanliness: Clean the capstan and pinch-roller every 20,000 frames. Consider spare sets for quick swaps. Monitor wear—replace as needed (see ALT-Scann8 FAQ #9).
    • Materials: Tennis racket grip tape (e.g., Torulf’s recommendation) works well—opt for a reputable brand for durability.

  • Use threshold first: When manually editing a misaligned frame, try to use first the threshold controls, to allow the automatic AfterScan alignment to kick-in once the sprocket hole is recognizable. Only for extreme cases where adjusting threshold does not clearly identify the hole, you can revert to manually shifting the frame in the required direction.

  • Misalignment Detection: Only active while FrameSync Editor is open. Since AfterScan 1.20’s improved stabilization, this avoids unnecessary popups for users skipping FrameSync.

  • Persistence: Misaligned frame data (including edits) is saved to a per-directory file, allowing session breaks without data loss.

  • Generating Video with Adjusted Frames: Follow this three-step process:

    1. Encode frames only (uncheck “Video”).
    2. Adjust frames in FrameSync Editor and re-generate them.
    3. Generate the video with “Video” and “Skip Frame Regeneration” checked to preserve manual edits.

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