Video graphics are meant to be seen on a video device. Otherwise a whole slew of issues can’t be seen. It is essential to check for color, interlace flicker, and readability on a television or video monitor. Fortunately Adobe builds this into both applications starting with Photoshop CS2 and Adobe After Effects 6.5.
In Photoshop: (CS2 and later)
1. Make sure the video device is connected and powered on BEFORE launching Photoshop.
2. Choose File>Export>Video Preview… The pop-up window will present you with logical choices (you can rollover an item for a detailed description).
3. Click OK. For subsequent previews, just choose File>Export>Send Video Preview to Device.
In After Effects: (6.5 and later)
With After Effects 6.5, preview out support is cross platform (and greatly improved). It is possible to preview the contents of a Layer, Footage, or Composition window on an external video monitor. All you need is a FireWire device such as a deck, camera, or DV Converter box.
1. Press Cmd+Option+; (Ctrl+Alt+;) to call up your preferences screen.
2. From the Video Preview area, check the following options:
3. Select an Output Device – This will be FireWire for most users.
4. Choose an Output Mode – Pick which format your device supports. After Effects can output a DV50 signal if you have an appropriate device hooked up.
5. Choose one or more of the following interaction types.
• Previews: Both RAM preview and standard (i.e., using the spacebar) preview load on the external monitor.
• Interactions: Interactive previews, such as scrubbing and dragging in the Composition window on the external monitor.
• Renders: Each frame is shown the external monitor during a render. All renders are also mirrored.
You can toggle video output by pressing forward slash ‘/’ on the numeric keypad. This is a great way to turn this handy feature on and off.