Remove black bars (matte) from the video

By default, for channels with only one layout and only one source, the Networked VGA Grid makes sure that the aspect ratio of input signals is preserved when the output is streamed. If an input video signal doesn't match the encoded frame aspect ratio, bars are added to the sides or top and bottom of the encoded stream when the output is streamed and recorded. The color of the bars (matte) is defined by the Background color selected on the Channel sources page. See Select the background color for your HD Encoder channel.

For example:

• Input signal resolution is 720×480 (a 3:2 aspect ratio)
• encoded resolution is 640×480 (a 4:3 aspect ratio that is narrower than the input resolution)

Borders are added to the top and bottom of the image to preserve the wider ratio of the input.

For example:

• Input signal resolution is 720×480 (a 3:2 aspect ratio)
• encoded resolution is 1280×800 (a 16:10 aspect ratio that is wider than the input resolution)

Borders are added to the left and right of the image to preserve the narrower ratio of the input.

The left and right side border are not guaranteed to be of equal width.

If you are seeing bars on your image but would rather have the image fill the whole screen you have to options:

1. Change the output frame size to match the aspect ratio of the input.
2. Stretch the image to fit the output frame size aspect ratio.

These two options are described below.

Match the output frame size to the aspect ratio of the source signal

The frame size is matched only for layouts that have only one source. Note that if you have layouts with different frame sizes, switching them while live streaming will cause an interruption and restart of the stream. The same thing happens if you change the resolution of your source while streaming.

To change the output frame size on custom local channels to match the aspect ratio of the source:

1. Make note of the resolution of the inputs attached to the VGA Grid HD Encoder.
2. Connect to the VGA Grid's Admin panel using your preferred connection mechanism. See Connect to the Admin panel.
3. Login as admin.

4. Select a channel; the menu expands.
5. Click Sources; the Sources page opens.
6. Find the name of the media source used for the channel.
7. Click this source under the Sources menu.

8. Make note of the input signal resolution.
9. Click the channel's Encoding; the Encoding page opens.
10. Scroll to the frame size parameter.

11. Look for the source aspect ratio in the list of aspect ratios provided.

    

    1. If the source resolution is on the list, choose another resolution on the same line (i.e. with the same aspect ratio).
    2. If the source resolution is not on the list, use a calculator to get a factor of the source resolution and enter it in the Frame size fields.

12. Click Apply.

Stretch the image

To remove the matte (black bars) by stretching the image to fit your output frame size:

1. Login to the Admin panel as admin. See Connect to the Admin panel.

2. Select a channel; the channel menu expands.
3. Click Sources; the Sources page opens.
4. Click the row for your layout; the layout appears in the layout editor.
5. Select the gear for your Item with your video source; the Source Settings box appears.
6. Deselect Keep aspect ratio when scaling in the Source Settings box.
7. Click and drag the source in the layout editor to stretch as desired to fill the frame.

8. Click Save.