Playing captured .mpg file from HDV source

GoHerdIBG · Post by **GoHerdIBG** » Thu Jul 27, 2006 6:16 pm

I have VideoStudio 10 Plus and an HDR-HC3 HDV camcorder. I also have 3 different HP Media Center computers throughout my home. A Z545, Z555, and an m5753c.

After capturing video off of the HC3, an .mpg file is created. If I share (render) the original file as either an .avi, .wmv, or .mpg file, the video is very "choppy" and is not smooth. It is clearly high definition, but is very "jumpy". However, if I play the original captured .mpg file on the m5753c, it is perfect....about as good as hooking the camcorder up to the TV and playing it. Impressive video qualities.

But....I can not play the original captured .mpg file on the other two Media Center computers. I get no errors but the video never plays. I usually have to power down the computers because they are locked up pretty hard. I have tried to play the video using Windows Media Player and the videos do not play again. However, the status bar of the WMP indicates it is attempting to download a codec (or something else). All three computers are running MCE 2005 and have all updates applied. Is it possible that the manufacturer of the video card in the m5753c supplied a codec that was not supplied by the manufacturer of the video cards on the other two systems. If that is a possibility, how can I determine what codec is being downloaded? Does anyone know of a specific codec needed to play the original captured file? More importantly, should I even be able to play the original captured file?

Thanks for any assistance.

jchunter · Post by **jchunter** » Thu Jul 27, 2006 10:47 pm

Windows Media Player fails badly during playback of high def video files. Download Media Player Classic from http://www.free-codecs.com/download/Med ... lassic.htm It handles high def video very well.

See high definition tutorial at http://phpbb.ulead.com.tw/EN/viewtopic.php?t=13872
This deals with converting to other formats using other codecs and deinterlacing for smoothest playback.

GoHerdIBG · Post by **GoHerdIBG** » Fri Jul 28, 2006 2:29 pm

Thanks for the reply. I went through the tutorial and still ended up with a "jittery" end file. I will keep trying different settings....it just takes so long to render.

As far as Media Player Classic, I do not want to install much third party software onto my Media Center computers unless absolutely necessary. I was hoping to be able to download a codec only to get the two MCE systems to work.

Thanks again.

jchunter · Post by **jchunter** » Fri Jul 28, 2006 3:10 pm

If you are getting jittery playback after rendering, it is most likely that the video properties are not being properly set/managed (manually) at every stage of the process. First, try creating (smart-rendering) a short (2 - 5 minute) mpeg2 HDV video file the following properties: Compression: Mpeg2, bitrate variable= 25Mbps, Frame Size =1440x1080, Field Order = Upper Field First, Audio Datarate - 384 Mpeg Layer 2 @ 48Khz.

This should be quick because you are not changing any properties. Then make another, changing only the Field Order to Frame Based. You should see less jitter when panning or with moving objects. This will take a bit longer but will give you some idea of timing.

I would avoid transcoding your video to WMF - my limited trials have not worked very well and properties are difficult to manage - a bit like trying to play a calliope. Good playback software is mandatory to correctly diagnose the source of the jitter.

After you get used to managing properties at every stage of the process, things will get a lot better and be more predictable.

GoHerdIBG · Post by **GoHerdIBG** » Fri Jul 28, 2006 3:19 pm

Thanks again for the reply. I am the farthest thing from a videographer there is

My last camera was a Sony Digital 8 camera which I plugged into my computer using firewaire and used many different pieces of software to capture and it worked fairly well....no need to get deep into the settings.

HD video is a whole new beast. I've read some of the posts on this and other boards and feel as though they are written in a foreign language

. Many new terms to learn.

Thanks again. I will try your suggestions and let you know how things turn out.

jchunter · Post by **jchunter** » Fri Jul 28, 2006 6:41 pm

Also worth while mentioning is high def. camera technique. Any camera unsteadiness is magnified in high definition and can make your audience seasick.

Also, pans that are too rapid or zooms that are too abrupt in very bright light can look a bit "staccato" because the shutter speed may be too high.

I never felt that I needed a tripod with standard definition camcorder but now I use one quite often, and am amazed at how much steadier and smoother the video is. I use a Sony VCT870RM tripod ($120), which has fluid head and LANC control, which permits VERY slow zooms (25 sec) with the HC1 and HC3 camcorders - you probably have noticed that the zoom rocker is only able to do a 10 sec zoom.

Also, beware of low light situations because the HC1 can lose resolution and become "noisy" as the gain goes up to max. I have started to use a video light, for the first time.

GoHerdIBG · Post by **GoHerdIBG** » Fri Jul 28, 2006 6:47 pm

You must have watched one of my videos......because everything you said about the non-tripod useage is 100% true

GoHerdIBG · Post by **GoHerdIBG** » Tue Aug 01, 2006 4:46 pm

Thanks for the advice on the settings. Changing the Field Order to Upper Field First made all of the difference. While the .mpg file rendered is not as smooth as having the camcorder connected directly to the TV, it is far far better than trying to render as a progressive video (which is what I understand Frame Based does).

Thanks again for the assistance.