Countdown timers are a useful resource for businesses that stream online media. A timer can help Web surfers pinpoint exact times to tune into live programming. Rendering the countdown as an AVI will allow you to use the timer with multiple types of streaming software and can provide a permanent countdown solution for your company. The timer can be implemented automatically in Final Cut Pro and Adobe After Effect, or you can add a countdown timer manually in other types of software.
Final Cut Pro
1.
Download the 'Too Much Too Soon' free plugins for Final Cut Pro from the Mattias.nu website (link in Resources).
2.
Copy and paste the downloaded plugins to the 'Plugins' folder. Access this on a Mac by going to 'Library | Application Support | Final Cut Pro System Support,' and then the 'Plugins' folder.
4.
Click on 'Effects.' Go to the 'Too Much Too Soon' folder and select the 'Clock' effect.
5.
Set the amount of time that you want the timer to count down. Select whether you want to 'Count Up' or 'Count Down' and click 'OK.'
6.
Play through the video to test the timer. The key frames will automatically animate through the video.
7.
Go to 'File' and 'Export.' Select 'AVI' from the 'Media Type.' Select a location and a file name. Click 'Render' and the countdown will render.
Adobe After Effects
2.
Right-click on the 'Timeline' window, then select 'New' and 'Solid.' Create a black solid and select 'OK.'
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Click on the 'Effect Controls' tab. Expand the 'Type' menu under 'Number Effect.' Select 'Time' and set the starting time.
5.
Click on the 'Keyframe' icon next to the 'Time' option. Scroll through to the end of the video and set the ending time. Press 'Enter' to render the countdown. View it on the screen and make any needed adjustments.
6.
Go to 'Window' and select the 'Render Queue.' Click on the 'Media Type' and select 'AVI.' Choose the 'Output Location,' then click 'Start Render.' A status bar will indicate when the process is complete.
Manual Countdown
1.
Open your preferred video-editing software such as Windows Movie Maker, Adobe Premiere Pro or Sony Vegas.
2.
Create a 'New Title' and type the start of the countdown. For example, type '30:00' for 30 minutes.
3.
Extend the title on the timeline to the exact 1-second mark.
4.
Premiere Pro Countdown Timer
Copy and paste the title. Drag the next title directly to the right of the first.
6.
Repeat the two previous steps until the countdown reaches zero. Change the second and/or minute mark as you continue the countdown. Play back the video to ensure that all of the titles were typed correctly.
Adobe Premiere Pro Countdown Timer
References (2)
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Resources (6)
Adobe Connect Timer
About the Author
Alan Donahue started writing professionally in 2003. He has been published in the Norwich Free Academy 'Red & White,' UNLV's 'Rebel Yell' and on various websites. He is an expert on wrestling, movies and television. He placed second in the NFO Screenwriting Contest and received filmmaking awards from Manchester Community College and Norwich Free Academy. He currently attends Academy of Art University.
Cite this Article
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Donahue, Alan. 'How to Create a Countdown Timer and Save As an AVI.' Small Business - Chron.com, http://smallbusiness.chron.com/create-countdown-timer-save-avi-46376.html. Accessed 20 September 2019.
Donahue, Alan. (n.d.). How to Create a Countdown Timer and Save As an AVI. Small Business - Chron.com. Retrieved from http://smallbusiness.chron.com/create-countdown-timer-save-avi-46376.html
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Donahue, Alan. 'How to Create a Countdown Timer and Save As an AVI' accessed September 20, 2019. http://smallbusiness.chron.com/create-countdown-timer-save-avi-46376.html
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