Problems with jumpy DVD

[VidKid]

Hi all,

This is my first time on the site. Great forum! The posts and "stickies" are very informative! I wish I'd found them BEFORE I created my last DVD.

My problem is that my DVD stutters backwards and forwards when viewed on TV. This is evident when checking it frame by frame. I've since read a few articles on how frames work. I suspect a field order problem but I'm not sure.

My questions are:

1 Is the stuttering a field order problem?
2 Can it be fixed without having to re-download the original files?
3 Under what circumstances can field order be reversed?
4 In the "Capture" preferences, what does the "Detect field order" option actually detect. i.e., where does it get its info from?

I'm using Video Studio 9.0 and have downloaded the most recent patches. The original video files were from a Panasonic NV-DS15A camcorder via a TV Excel Syntek DC-1 tuner. The files were downloaded as interlaced PAL-B, Mpeg 2, Lower Field First, LPCM audio, 6500 Kbps (my DVD won't play anything over 6000).

I created a separate mpeg file from the original project using the "Create Video" option. The file was the same as the original except for the compression (70%), lower bit rate (6000), and audio (mpeg audio).

I then opened a new project with an empty timeline, changed the settings to that of the video file, and used the "Create Disc" tab. I added the new mpeg file and followed the prompts throught to the burn settings. I made the "Change Mpeg Properties" the same as the project and file settings.

"Antiflcker" and "Non square pixel rendering" was on, "Do not convert compliant files" was off. The file was burned to a DVD+R disc.

I tried the disc on a different DVD player and the stuttering was still evident.

I also tried burning several test files and discs in various formats. The annoying part is, I have three of four "succesful" burns out of about 20 unsuccesful ones, but I can't pin down the exact cause of the problem or the solution to it!

Can anyone point me in the right direction?

[TDK1044]

Assuming that all your values are the same from capture to editing to burn, and that your rendered file plays back perfectly prior to the burn, what background processes are running on your computer during your burn? You need to make sure that all unnecessary background programs such as screensaver, antivirus, spamblocker and others are disabled during the burn so that there is no interruption to the data stream.

[Ron P.]

Adding to what TDK stated above (actually I was busy typing when he posted)...

Hi Vidkid, welcome to the forums, however it's obvious you have been around for a little while. I'm impressed by the diligence you have exercised in researching your problem, and having a lot of pertinent information available..

First I must ask if your camcorder is capable of Firewire (iLink, IEEE1394) transfer? If so why not use it? I know you have read about that is the best format to capture and edit to.

I'll try to answer as many of your questions as I can, I'm no expert, but rest assured they will be along to help.

1 Is the stuttering a field order problem?

Generally this is a good indication of a field order problem. Did you try to change the field order to see if the results were better?

2 Can it be fixed without having to re-download the original files?

Yes you should be able to. Go to the File menu>Preferences and make sure the Show Message when inserting first video clip box is checked. Then VS will prompt you when it finds that your project settings and the video file properties are different. But you can right click on a video clip, choose properties, jot them down, then change your project settings to match those of your video clips. You want to maintain the properties throughout your workflow.

3 Under what circumstances can field order be reversed?

I don't know of any situations where it is recommended or advised to reverse the field order. Doing so generally results in problems. The best practice is to always capture analogue to Upper Field First, DV-AVI to Lower Field first, and to use Frame Based for Images or it can be used for video that is only going to be viewed on a computer/internet. Computer monitors do not use fields to display image or video. whereas TVs do.

4 In the "Capture" preferences, what does the "Detect field order" option actually detect. i.e., where does it get its info from?

I don't find this anywhere. Do you mean under File>Preferences on the General tab Default field order ? You set that, so in your projects if you work most of the time ( or all the time) with DV-AVI or Analogue, or Images your field order for your projects will automatically be set, AND so VS knows that when you drag a clip, or insert one what to look for. For example you capture analogue video (upper field first), and you have your project settings for DV-AVI (lower field first), then VS would see that they do not match and prompt you, asking if you want to change the properties to match...

One definate indicator that your properties do not match is when you go to burn to folders or a disc and you get the warning "...This is going to take some time to render..."

Hope that helps, some anyway..

Regards..

Ron P.

[sjj1805]

I'm using Video Studio 9.0 and have downloaded the most recent patches. The original video files were from a Panasonic NV-DS15A camcorder via a TV Excel Syntek DC-1 tuner. The files were downloaded as interlaced PAL-B, Mpeg 2, Lower Field First, LPCM audio, 6500 Kbps (my DVD won't play anything over 6000).

There are 2 errors in the above statement (all highlighted)
1. Try and connect your camcorder to the computer by way of an IEEE1394 (Firewire / i-Link) cable and then you are able to transfer your video to the computer in our preferred DV type 1 (AVI) format. this will be Lower Field First.
2. Capturing via a TV card is normally in Upper field first.

Regarding reversal of field Order. It is better if posible to capture again so that you avoid re-rendering the video which can cause a slight deteriation - especially as you've captured in MPEG2 which is meant for viewing and not editing.

Having said that I have successfully re-rendered an AVI file by reversing the field order when I accidentaly captured with the field order the wrong way round and didn't notice before I had already re-used my original camcorder tape.

[VidKid]

Hi guys,

Thank you for all your replies. Much appreciated! From your comments it sounds like field order is the most likely cause, so I'll focus on that.

The reason why I'm not using firewire is that I can't find a suitable driver for the Panasonic NV-DS15A camcorder. Hence the TV Excel external tuner card. The tuner software is "Power VCR II", and has options for capturing from TV, DV, VCR etc. It's set to capture DV. The card is an additional variable, but I'm stuck with it until I find a suitable driver for the camcorder. If anyone knows of a suitable driver please let me know! Last time I checked, Panasonic didn't have one.

My reason for rendering to Mpeg 2 as opposed to DV was to reduce file size and rendering time.

I've recently defragged and cleaned the hard drive. ULEAD is on C drive, the files are on a separate D drive. C drive is NTSC, D is FAT32. I"ve enabled DMA on both drives and disabled write-behind cache on C.

The "Detect Field Order" option I was asking about is under "Capture / Options / Change Field Order, which requires the camcorder to be connected. Would I be right in assuming that this option automatically detects the field order based on the attached device, e.g. lower field first for a DV camera and upper field for a VCR?

The video playback in the "Create Disc" DVD simulator is smooth providing the timeline is empty before the video is added.

"Show message when inserting the first clip" is enabled. I've also checked the clip properties prior to creating the video file from the project, and the "media clip" properties again when creating the DVD.

I suspect that the solution to the jumpy video is a simple one, but as you can see I don't have a good enough handle on all the variables at this stage.

Once again, thanks for all the help.

Cheers,
Steve.

[sjj1805]

Have you tried using the firewire, My Sony Camcorder connects by firewire and I found that all the drivers were built into VideoStudio/Windows XP
I didn't have to acquire any more.

[VidKid]

I tried the firewire with XP service pack 2 when I first bought Ulead, with no success. I haven't tried it since.

Thanks,
Steve M.