Okay folks,
I've yet to discover a way to import Sony HDR-SR1 .m2ts files from your hard-drive -- but we've figured out a way to get them to import directly from your SR1 camera.
1. Plug your SR1 camera into your computer using the supplied USB cable.
2. Turn on your SR1 camera, and click on the DISC <--> COMPUTER icon (the little cylinder with a two-headed arrow pointing to the word COMPUTER).
This will mount a new drive on your computer (like E: or F: or something).
3. Start up DVD MovieFactory, and click on the IMPORT DVD or DVD-FILES icon (the little CD with the plus sign next to it)
4. Click on the "IMPORT DVD FOLDER" button, then click on the PLUS sign next to the SR1 folder (It'll be called "Removable Disk H:" or something similar). Now click on the "AVCHD" folder that appears, and click on the OK button.
5. A complete list of your AVCHD files will appear. You can then select them individually to import to the timelime for editing.
DVD MovieFactory 6 - DOES Support Sony AVCHD files!!
I'd like to add this quick copy to those working with HighDefintion Video and MovieFactory for the first time.
I don't have that cam but have experience with MF and working with HighDefintion from my Sony-HC3 HighDef camcorder.
Anyway, I don't know why the imported files can't be reloaded back into MF.
I think they have to work on that maybe.
But, you can quickly create a HD-Mpeg2 file from your video that's on the timeline by going to "EXPORT" and selecting one of the templates.
HD-1920 or HD-1440.
Notice that these are generic templates.
The correct method is to create your own "Custom Template" that will match your imported videos.
Click on the bottom left icon and select "Disk Template Manager".
What you want to do is create a custom template that matches your AVCHD video. After you create the custom template you can use it set your project properties (GEAR ICON -> Change Mpeg Settings). You can also use template to EXPORT your video to the standard HD-Mpeg2 format.
Your source AVCHD files use a lower bit-rate than it's comparable HD-Mpeg2 equal. So when creating a HD-Mpeg2 video you would want to use a bit-rate of at least 18000kbs. I use 25000kbs because that's what my cam records at. 18000kbs should be good. Depends on the quality you recorded your AVCHD files at.
If the frame_size of the source AVCHD is 1440x1080 definitely stay with that frame-size for conversions. Other frame-size conversions will make re-rendering a new file very long with some additional loss of quality.
It's important to make your exported HD-Mpeg2 video the same properties as your source AVCHD in terms of frame-size, fielding (upper_field_first), aspect ratio.
Exporting your video to the HD-Mpeg2 editable format will take awhile. That will give you an example of how much compression this new AVCHD format is using. It is pretty neat for filesizes.
After you create new hd-mpeg2 files from the source AVCHD videos then import those and work with those. It's much easier for MF6 to work with the converted videos.
When first starting MF6 first setup your "Preferences" and "Project Properties"
Under Preferences (F6 Hotkey), set QUALITY = BEST.
Set your Assigned Working Folder to another drive if you have one, preferably formatted in the NTFS file system.
The Project Properties (GEAR Icon -> Change Mpeg Settings needs to be set for the proper HighDefinition video/audio settings).
I would reccommend to import a few AVCHD videos. Export them to HD-Mpeg2 files. Start a new project and insert the HD-Mpeg2 files to create your HD-DVD or whatever you want to create.
Make sure your Project Settings are correct for the HD Project.
I'll have to post back good project and file settings for the HD video.
Just make sure the fielding is the same as the source which is Upper_field_first, thats important so the video has good motion in it.
PS3 will playback the HD-Mpeg2 video files you created (exported) upto 25000kbs.
If someone's using the LinkPlayer2 to playback HD you need to use Variable_Bit_Rate=17500kbs or no higher than 18000kbs Video_Bit_Rate due to the limitation of the LinkPlayer2. Program Stream HighDef encoded at 25000kbs on my linkplayer2 studders and doesn't play smoothly, 18000kbs variabe does work on my LinkPlayer2.
etech
I don't have that cam but have experience with MF and working with HighDefintion from my Sony-HC3 HighDef camcorder.
Anyway, I don't know why the imported files can't be reloaded back into MF.
I think they have to work on that maybe.
But, you can quickly create a HD-Mpeg2 file from your video that's on the timeline by going to "EXPORT" and selecting one of the templates.
HD-1920 or HD-1440.
Notice that these are generic templates.
The correct method is to create your own "Custom Template" that will match your imported videos.
Click on the bottom left icon and select "Disk Template Manager".
What you want to do is create a custom template that matches your AVCHD video. After you create the custom template you can use it set your project properties (GEAR ICON -> Change Mpeg Settings). You can also use template to EXPORT your video to the standard HD-Mpeg2 format.
Your source AVCHD files use a lower bit-rate than it's comparable HD-Mpeg2 equal. So when creating a HD-Mpeg2 video you would want to use a bit-rate of at least 18000kbs. I use 25000kbs because that's what my cam records at. 18000kbs should be good. Depends on the quality you recorded your AVCHD files at.
If the frame_size of the source AVCHD is 1440x1080 definitely stay with that frame-size for conversions. Other frame-size conversions will make re-rendering a new file very long with some additional loss of quality.
It's important to make your exported HD-Mpeg2 video the same properties as your source AVCHD in terms of frame-size, fielding (upper_field_first), aspect ratio.
Exporting your video to the HD-Mpeg2 editable format will take awhile. That will give you an example of how much compression this new AVCHD format is using. It is pretty neat for filesizes.
After you create new hd-mpeg2 files from the source AVCHD videos then import those and work with those. It's much easier for MF6 to work with the converted videos.
When first starting MF6 first setup your "Preferences" and "Project Properties"
Under Preferences (F6 Hotkey), set QUALITY = BEST.
Set your Assigned Working Folder to another drive if you have one, preferably formatted in the NTFS file system.
The Project Properties (GEAR Icon -> Change Mpeg Settings needs to be set for the proper HighDefinition video/audio settings).
I would reccommend to import a few AVCHD videos. Export them to HD-Mpeg2 files. Start a new project and insert the HD-Mpeg2 files to create your HD-DVD or whatever you want to create.
Make sure your Project Settings are correct for the HD Project.
I'll have to post back good project and file settings for the HD video.
Just make sure the fielding is the same as the source which is Upper_field_first, thats important so the video has good motion in it.
PS3 will playback the HD-Mpeg2 video files you created (exported) upto 25000kbs.
If someone's using the LinkPlayer2 to playback HD you need to use Variable_Bit_Rate=17500kbs or no higher than 18000kbs Video_Bit_Rate due to the limitation of the LinkPlayer2. Program Stream HighDef encoded at 25000kbs on my linkplayer2 studders and doesn't play smoothly, 18000kbs variabe does work on my LinkPlayer2.
etech
-
rjf1976
new things along the avchd road
yes it works
if got the sony hdr-sr1 and ulead dvd moviefactoy 6
but when i want to export selected clip, i'm missing in the list of templates the hd-1920 hd-1440 profiles
when i want to created them my own, some fields are grayed out(user define) and the max. res. from what i can chose is 720 * 576 pal.
it does not matter what kind i use qua disc type in template manager
i can not chose a higher res.
(when imported avchd file could not here sound maybe local problem )
if got the sony hdr-sr1 and ulead dvd moviefactoy 6
but when i want to export selected clip, i'm missing in the list of templates the hd-1920 hd-1440 profiles
when i want to created them my own, some fields are grayed out(user define) and the max. res. from what i can chose is 720 * 576 pal.
it does not matter what kind i use qua disc type in template manager
i can not chose a higher res.
(when imported avchd file could not here sound maybe local problem )
It depends how you started MF6, and what project mode.
Right now your in the DVD Project Mode.
While on the Timeline if you hover the mouse over the Project/disksize selection (small drop down box in left hand corner of timeline) it will say "Current Project Type"
Click on that dropdown box, select HD-DVD -> HD Standard 15Gig OR HD Standard 30Gig.
Then when you go to Export the list of HD Formats will be displayed INCLUDING any HD Templates you have previously created.
To create an HD Template
Settings & Options (Lower Left Hand Corner) -> Disc Template Manager
In the Disc Template Manager use the top right hand Dropdown box that says
"Disc type" - Change this to HDDVD - Standard content
Now when you click on "New" you will be able to make HighDef Settings.
A standard HighDef Template would be similar to this:
General Tab - "Frame type" = "Upper Field First", Frame size = 1440x1080
Compression Tab - "Media type" = "NTSC HDDVD" or "PAL HD-DVD"
"Quality" = 90, "Video Format" = MPEG-2, "Video_data_rate" = Variable 18000kbs
"Audio settings" - "Audio format = Mpeg or Dolby, Audio Type = your choice
"Audio Bit Rate" for Dolby 5.1 should be at set at least 384kbs - 448kbs
That's an example, many of my videos are Constant 25000kbs, Mpeg Audio 384kbs.
etech
Right now your in the DVD Project Mode.
While on the Timeline if you hover the mouse over the Project/disksize selection (small drop down box in left hand corner of timeline) it will say "Current Project Type"
Click on that dropdown box, select HD-DVD -> HD Standard 15Gig OR HD Standard 30Gig.
Then when you go to Export the list of HD Formats will be displayed INCLUDING any HD Templates you have previously created.
To create an HD Template
Settings & Options (Lower Left Hand Corner) -> Disc Template Manager
In the Disc Template Manager use the top right hand Dropdown box that says
"Disc type" - Change this to HDDVD - Standard content
Now when you click on "New" you will be able to make HighDef Settings.
A standard HighDef Template would be similar to this:
General Tab - "Frame type" = "Upper Field First", Frame size = 1440x1080
Compression Tab - "Media type" = "NTSC HDDVD" or "PAL HD-DVD"
"Quality" = 90, "Video Format" = MPEG-2, "Video_data_rate" = Variable 18000kbs
"Audio settings" - "Audio format = Mpeg or Dolby, Audio Type = your choice
"Audio Bit Rate" for Dolby 5.1 should be at set at least 384kbs - 448kbs
That's an example, many of my videos are Constant 25000kbs, Mpeg Audio 384kbs.
etech
Well I am very happy that this got sorted out (and even happier that those who were using words like "Ulied" and "Uscam" in the previous thread went back and edited their posts - thank you 
I am really sorry that several people had trouble getting this to work, I have spoken to the relevant people here and we will make sure to make the process more clear in our manuals next time.
I would also like to say a big thank you to etech who spent so much time and effort on helping out those who were having trouble.
All the best
Tobie Openshaw
Manager: MarCom Dept
Corel Digital Media
I am really sorry that several people had trouble getting this to work, I have spoken to the relevant people here and we will make sure to make the process more clear in our manuals next time.
I would also like to say a big thank you to etech who spent so much time and effort on helping out those who were having trouble.
All the best
Tobie Openshaw
Manager: MarCom Dept
Corel Digital Media
-
po'duser
Using the above method I can import from my Sony HDR-SR1 and everything seems to work well...except...I have encoded several avchd (.m2t) files taken from the camcorder directly. The video encodes very well into WMV-HD and I can stream it nicely to my xbox360. Simple editing works pretty smoothly as well. However, the audio does not encode for me. The WMV file properties show that the exported file is windows audio codec 10 and even identifies it as 5.1, but there is simply no sound present. I have also encoded to WMV9 stereo, and also found no audio in the output file. More correctly, there is an audio track encoded, but the volume is 0. Yet when I play the source file (m2t) in MF6 preview window it plays fine with full audio. THe other remaining issue is that you still cannot import .m2ts files which were previously taken off the camcorder using the Sony Software and stored on my computer. I am not sure what the difference is between m2t file (as found on the camcorder) and m2ts file (which is the format they are converted to when you transfer them to computer using the SOny software), but it seems to make a big difference to MF6. I would strongly recommend you do not us the Sony software to import files from the camera as this is when the conversion to m2ts occurs. You can simply copy the m2t files from the avchd directory of you camcorder by simply browsing to it once it is connected. It should show up as a removable drive.
Until there is a patch allowing native support of m2ts, keeping the file in m2t format seems to be a solid workaround.
-
rjf1976
I could not find the hd-dvd preset in the dropdown box in in moviefactory 6 it only says dvd,vcd,svcdetech6355 wrote:It depends how you started MF6, and what project mode.
Right now your in the DVD Project Mode.
While on the Timeline if you hover the mouse over the Project/disksize selection (small drop down box in left hand corner of timeline) it will say "Current Project Type"
Click on that dropdown box, select HD-DVD -> HD Standard 15Gig OR HD Standard 30Gig.
Then when you go to Export the list of HD Formats will be displayed INCLUDING any HD Templates you have previously created.
To create an HD Template
Settings & Options (Lower Left Hand Corner) -> Disc Template Manager
In the Disc Template Manager use the top right hand Dropdown box that says
"Disc type" - Change this to HDDVD - Standard content
Now when you click on "New" you will be able to make HighDef Settings.
A standard HighDef Template would be similar to this:
General Tab - "Frame type" = "Upper Field First", Frame size = 1440x1080
Compression Tab - "Media type" = "NTSC HDDVD" or "PAL HD-DVD"
"Quality" = 90, "Video Format" = MPEG-2, "Video_data_rate" = Variable 18000kbs
"Audio settings" - "Audio format = Mpeg or Dolby, Audio Type = your choice
"Audio Bit Rate" for Dolby 5.1 should be at set at least 384kbs - 448kbs
That's an example, many of my videos are Constant 25000kbs, Mpeg Audio 384kbs.
etech
I downloaded the plus version and now it has the hd-dvd option in current project type. Can somebody confirm this finding "that you need the plus version of this program to export to hd-dvd mpeg 2"
thanks
Here's a list of some of the differences: MF6 vs. MF6 Plusrjf1976 wrote:I could not find the hd-dvd preset in the dropdown box in in moviefactory 6 it only says dvd,vcd,svcd
I downloaded the plus version and now it has the hd-dvd option in current project type. Can somebody confirm this finding "that you need the plus version of this program to export to hd-dvd mpeg 2"
Regards,
George
-
rkgibbons
-
zephyr73
Re: DVD MovieFactory 6 - DOES Support Sony AVCHD files!!
I have the same camera, and I've been trying this. First up, I'm in Australia, so I'm using PAL format. I hope that isn't part of the problem.rkgibbons wrote:Okay folks,
I've yet to discover a way to import Sony HDR-SR1 .m2ts files from your hard-drive -- but we've figured out a way to get them to import directly from your SR1 camera.
I get to step 4, click the OK button (finally, it's enabled!), then a wide window pops up with a progress bar and the program crashes (and closes) almost immediately.
I don't mind having to convert to a less compressed format for editing, but I just can't even get that far. The software that comes with the camera is lousy - it will convert to MPEG2, but only standard resolution, as far as I can work out. I'd like to work with HD video in MF, and feel I should be able to one way or another, given how much money I've forked out already...
On the PLUS side... I have discovered that if I recreate the directory structure from the camera (ie, AVCHD -> BDMV -> etc...) on the computer's hard drive, it will allow me to choose that AVCHD directory, and enable the OK button to start importing. Still crashes though.
I have just now discovered the crash doesn't happen if I remove the INDEX.BDM file (on the computer HDD, I don't want to mess the camera up!). Instead, I just get a dialog saying "Unspecified error", and I'm back to square one.
As others have tried, I just get the "File format mismatch" if I try to open the video files directly. So that's no good.
This is pretty frustrating. I know the format's new and there are bound to be problems, but I'm beginning to wish I'd tried the trial version first. Aside from all this crap, it does seem like good software. I just want to get the most out of my expensive camera.
One other thing - I don't have a huge amount of free space on C drive (maybe about 7 GB at the moment), but there's over 20 GB worth on the camera. Could that be anything to do with it?
Low disk space on the folder assigned under "Preferences" Working Folder can absolutely cause problems. That may not be your case. It definitely will come into play when you attempt to convert to an editable format (hd-mpeg2).
Maybe backing up the cams harddisk, reformatting it. Record a video and try to import will correct any index files or repair the containers on the cams harddisk. Others have reported to dup the cams harddisk to the harddrive and import from it's mirrored directory on the harddisk.
Other software installed can also interfere with the process.
Do you have any other ulead software products installed.
I would eliminate the cam as the problem first before going through the endless process of re-installing / un-installing other programs etc. Most of the time that is not necessary to do.
Backup the cams drive and re-format it. Record some video and try to import.
You should try to gain some more free disk space on the working drive, 7 gigs is low. Make sure your home directory (user space) is on your local drive and not assigned to a network drive or MS Server Directory.
Maybe backing up the cams harddisk, reformatting it. Record a video and try to import will correct any index files or repair the containers on the cams harddisk. Others have reported to dup the cams harddisk to the harddrive and import from it's mirrored directory on the harddisk.
Other software installed can also interfere with the process.
Do you have any other ulead software products installed.
I would eliminate the cam as the problem first before going through the endless process of re-installing / un-installing other programs etc. Most of the time that is not necessary to do.
Backup the cams drive and re-format it. Record some video and try to import.
You should try to gain some more free disk space on the working drive, 7 gigs is low. Make sure your home directory (user space) is on your local drive and not assigned to a network drive or MS Server Directory.
-
zephyr73
I only just formatted the brand new camera a few weeks ago, before I went on my trip. I guess I can do that as a last resort, though.etech6355 wrote:Low disk space on the folder assigned under "Preferences" Working Folder can absolutely cause problems. That may not be your case. It definitely will come into play when you attempt to convert to an editable format (hd-mpeg2).
Maybe backing up the cams harddisk, reformatting it. Record a video and try to import will correct any index files or repair the containers on the cams harddisk. Others have reported to dup the cams harddisk to the harddrive and import from it's mirrored directory on the harddisk.
Other software installed can also interfere with the process.
Do you have any other ulead software products installed.
I would eliminate the cam as the problem first before going through the endless process of re-installing / un-installing other programs etc. Most of the time that is not necessary to do.
Backup the cams drive and re-format it. Record some video and try to import.
You should try to gain some more free disk space on the working drive, 7 gigs is low. Make sure your home directory (user space) is on your local drive and not assigned to a network drive or MS Server Directory.
I've tried changing the working directory to an external drive (I'm using a laptop) with about 30 GB free. Same deal.
As far as I know the only Ulead stuff I have is the bonus/extra stuff that was with the Plus download. The thought of uninstalling and reinstalling a whole pile of stuff on the slim chance it will make a difference really puts me off.
I guess it's my own stupid fault for not trying the trial version first. But it really shouldn't be this difficult or unreliable. Unless there's some way to get a refund, I feel I've pretty much been ripped off and just have to wait a bit longer for something that actually works.
No, that's the first you do. Doesn't matter if you recently formatted the drive.I only just formatted the brand new camera a few weeks ago, before I went on my trip. I guess I can do that as a last resort, though.
You need to eliminate the camcorder as a problem first. I don't understand why you would say as a last resort....
Backup the cam, format the drive, record a video, put the cam into Computer mode, open up MF6 and give it a try.
Make sure your working directory is valid. Many times on laptops you can lose a connection because a device will use it's auto-disconnect feature.
But I would really eliminate the cam's drive first before blaming the software.
Also on the Laptop try to plug the cam into a separate port if possible with no other devices sharing that same port.
-
ckaboose
Thanks for leading me to the right direction etech6355 and zephyr73. It seems that the problem is indeed a corrupted index. Each time it tried to parse the INDEX.BDM file to read the contents of the camcorder, MF would crash a horrible death much like what Zephyr73 was experiencing.
Here's how I was able to sucessfully import the files in MF and this workaround worked for me.
Here's how I was able to sucessfully import the files in MF and this workaround worked for me.
- I created a copy of the HDR-SR1's AVCHD directory locally on my PC.
- I then unpluged the camcorder from the PC and then formatted the HDR-SR1's drive from the camcorder's menu.
- After the HDR-SR1's drive was formatted, I reconnected the camcorder to the PC and copied the newly created INDEX.BDM file from the camcorder to the AVCHD directory I copied earlier in step 1.
- Follow posted instructions on how to import the files but point it to the PCs local version of the AVCHD directory.