Complicated process to overlay GoPro footage

[SwedishGTR]

I have just managed to get my GoPro footage overlaid as PiP. But the process was lengthy and complex.
1) Empty the SD card in my GoPro to my MacBook to get the raw video files to the MacBook.
2) Convert the raw video files to a format (720p) that can be imported into my iPhone 4 later on.
3) Import the converted video files into iTunes to be able to add metadata to them (the linking to the HTP laps). This can be done with other SWs as well, but I chose iTunes since it seemed to be the only suitable option that I had already installed on my MacBook. In e.g. QuickTime Player, or even Finder, there is no possibility to add metadata to video files.
5) Move the converted and metadata-enriched video files to a specific sync folder on my MacBook. Reason being that I can't sync everything on my MacBook with my iPhone, I naturally don't have enough storing capacity on the iPhone.
6) Sync my iPhone and my MacBook via iTunes. The video files end up in the iPhone's photo library, from which the HPT app can fetch them.
7) From the HPT app, fetch the video and overlay it on top of the master video.

First question; am I doing it right or have I complicated it overly?

Second question; wouldn't it just make more sense to skip the whole idea of linking the GoPro video files with the la using the lap-ID? Instead I can simply add the video files (without the metadata) to the HPT lap as any stand-alone video files, and then manually sync the 2 video files (joined end). This way I could skip step 3) above, and thereby saving myself some time. Or am I missing something?

Thanks in advance.

[Harry]

Yes, that is the process necessary (and probably the best can do so far). The alternative approach is valid too but will add additional source for errors. Syncing is possible in case you are used to calculate time stamps across session videos and multiple laps. I had quite some discussions on this in the past (GoPro videos are overlaid for 1 or 2 years already) and found it to be very difficult for most users. In addition to getting the right sync point by the ID approach from the beginning, the benefit is you do not need to select the video for the lap - LapTimer will find it, wherever it is placed, by itself.

- Harry

P.S. Move both threads to "Using LapTimer"

[Daniel66]

Hi Harry,

I've got lost somewhere in the process of getting the footage from GoPro3+ to iPod for pip overlay. I'm not an Apple devotee so have very limited experience (mostly for HLT).

Footage copied onto MacMini and converted to iPod acceptable format fine, but unclear on the metadata enrichment. I took the overlay name 'Dan-D40E90CP-GP' and added it using vlc to the new video file properties in the 'Genre' box as "multicam://Dan-D40E90CP-GP" and saved it into the movie folder on the mac which I then sync'd over usb to the iPod. The video is on the iPod but I still don't get a link in HLT to the multicam footage.

Have I entered the wrong metadata?
Have I put it in the wrong folder?
Do I need to point HLT to it on the iPod?
Have I just got it all wrong?

Any help greatly appreciated.

Dan

[Harry]

Hi Dan,

Yes, it is a bit complicated... To get the MultiCam ID thing working please check two items frequently generating problems: make sure the metadata is saved. VLC does not give you a response in case it cannot save the meta data, so closing the file and opening it again is the way to check. Second, the video needs to be synced to the Photo Library, not the Video Library. The later is not accessible for 3rd party apps so the Photo app is the place to sync to (so please check Photo sync settings in iTunes - specifically the inclusion of videos). In case the metadata is set, and the video is visible in the Photo app, no action needs to be taken in LapTimer. It will just find and link it.

The latest version (17.5 / 17.5.1) offers a new option to re-link GoPro footage to LapTimer links. Please check the updated video documentation, in particular the last section of the "Experimental Support for GoPro HERO" chapter: http://www.gps-laptimer.com/LapTimerDoc ... hapter.pdf

- Harry

[Daniel66]

Thanks Harry,

I did finally spot that detail about the photo folder in another post and once changed it worked. The metadata either wasn't saved or what I entered wasn't correct as auto sync didn't work, however, as I had updated HLT, I used the re-link button and picked the correct video file.

The 'how to' linked from the app doesn't say to sync it from the photo folder. IOS regulars might know this detail already but worth adding to the howto. Also a slightly clearer explain of the metadata to be entered, particularly the path you enter with it.

Hopefully, gopro will provide you a way to make that automatic!

Thanks.

[Harry]

Correct, I just added this detail to the help text linked...

I ask everyone wanting a better HERO integration to bomb GoPro with requests to open up their API to 3rd parties. I have tried this using several channels already - with limited success.

- Harry