Use two MP4s as "streams" into video source - cut between scenes and keep in sync

[bwhill]

Hi,
Let's say you recorded a podcast with video and have two MP4s, one for each guest.

Now, I want to playback those videos and use the scene transition in OBS to cut between guests, do overlays etc.

Yet, each scene in OBS studio treats the media sources as independent for the scene, so I don't have synchronization between scenes. I need to be able to start the videos and have them run continuously, without interruption or pauses from beginning to end and use the same MP4 in each scene.

In effect, I want to treat the MP4s as video sources.

In this way, I can record the video of podcast event in something like riverside.fm, then edit the recordings into something that is more pleasing with switching to different speakers etc, but using MP4s as source.

Can this be done?
Thanks,
Super Important!

 

[konsolenritter]

It could be done but difficult to explain: In the first scene you could add a reference copy of the second mp4 just as a one-pixel-sized overlay (on top of the other mp4 source, resized to one pixel size in the corner). So starting with the first scene both mp4s would start in common. In both scenes you have to set according switches in the sources properties so that the mp4's wont restart by any scene switch but play all thru. Got it?

Better you go with a normal (and real) video editing flow. There is plenty of software for free. With the free version of Davinci Resolve for instance you could have all interesting scene cuts and blendings you wish. A complete post production that even helps in case of audio issues during the podcast.

 

[bwhill]

I understand.
In this setup, would scene 2 begin where scene 1 ends?
I can test this easily enough I suppose.
Thanks.

 

[konsolenritter]

The idea is that both mp4 sources start to play at the very same moment and don't stop during following scene changes.

To get a clean start you should begin with a scene that does not contain any of these two mp4s.
Then switch from there to scene one (which contains both sources, one of them behind the other or "hidden" as described above). The other scene contains one or both sources in the other order or layout.

 

[bwhill]

The idea is that both mp4 sources start to play at the very same moment and don't stop during following scene changes.

To get a clean start you should begin with a scene that does not contain any of these two mp4s.
Then switch from there to scene one (which contains both sources, one of them behind the other or "hidden" as described above). The other scene contains one or both sources in the other order or layout.

Right, but what about scene 3 or scene 4?
For example, it would be common to have two people on the screen talking then when I ask a question of my guest, and they respond for a full 5 minutes, I don't need to be on the screen just nodding and looking intent for 5 minutes. so cut to the guest speaking full frame.
Scene 1 - intro (no mp4s)
Scene 2 - both people talking. Both MP4s starting at the same time
Scene 3 - Guest MP4 only (I could put the other MP4 as hidden, but I don't think it will start where Scene 2 leaves off, right?_
Scene 4 - Guest mostly full but me in a smaller square asking question or responding. The transitional scene for going back to Scene 3.
Scene 5 - outro

 

[konsolenritter]

Yes, that should work, too. Did you got it a try? You have the mp4s... ;)