Backgrounds
The first step to making a countdown is choosing a background. Click the "green plus arrow" and choose your background. It will load into the program. You can choose a picture file (jpg, gif, or bmp) or a video file (mov, avi, or wmv). Only videos sized standard definition (720 x 480) can be imported. A workaround for videos sized smaller or larger is to use a third-party video editing program like Adobe Premiere or Apple Final Cut to export a video at 720 by 480 resolution, for insertion into Countdown Creator.
Clock Settings
The next step is to adjust the clock settings to fit the background and your preferences. Use the horizontal and vertical clock sliders to get the countdown in the right position on the screen. Next, you can adjust the size, rotation, font, color, and shadow. Depending on the font, length, and size of your countdown you may need to re-adjust the clock position.
Music
One option is to export a silent countdown depending on the length and how the countdown will be used. Some people play music through a sound system for more live options. However, if you want to link music to your countdown you can use this feature. Click the lower "green plus arrow" to import music to your countdown. You can import a mp3, wav, or wma file. Importing a .wav file will allow you to activate the sound fade option for greater transition control. You can type the number of seconds you want the music to fade and choose fade in or out or both. A free mp3 to wav converter is available by visiting www.mp3fe.com and there are a number of additional free converters available online.
Loop The Video
If the video you import is shorter than the length of your countdown timer you have the option of looping the video. If using a loopable video, you will need to check the “loop the video” box under the “output media” options. This will make the video run seamlessly throughout the length of the countdown.
Exporting
The last thing you will do in the process is exporting your countdown. You will need to select what kind of video format you want your final countdown to be. "WMV" exports a windows media file that is compatible with PowerPoint. "MOV" exports a video format for use with QuickTime and can be used with Mac computers. "MPEG2" exports a video format used for DVD players. There is no limit to the number of countdowns you can export, so you can make tweaks, adjustments, or start from scratch.
Getting Creative
The Bonus folder contains a loopable video made using Adobe After Effects and Adobe Photoshop. It also contains graphics made using Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. You can use these to make countdowns, and to get ideas for how to make additional countdowns.
By using graphic and photo software you can add personalized messages to your countdowns, making them even more effective. By using video editing software you can animate graphics, and create videos for use with Countdown Creator that are really creative and fun.
Resources
Jumpbacks are the name of video loops available from Digital Juice. These make excellent backgrounds for use with Countdown Creator. You will need to use the included "Juicer" software to export standard definition (720 x 480) jumpbacks. Visit www.digitaljuice.com for more info.
iStock has a wide-variety of standard definition loopable videos available for download. Visit www.istockphoto.com for more info.
Stock Exchange has a variety of free images available for download that make great background pictures for use with Countdown Creator. Visit www.sxc.hu for more info.
Free Play Music has a wide variety of downloadable instrumental music of various styles and lengths. Visit www.freeplaymusic.com for more info.
