What is wrong with VS 11 Plus???

[MRG]

HI EVERYONE!

OK, so here are couple of results I find "interesting". I use the word "interesting" not "faulty" or "error" or "problem", because the Ulead guys would deny any problems anyway....

All the tests indicate 16:9 settings/environment/output with HI-DEF!

I. - WMV format.
- The clip clearly came out as a 4:3 ratio clip, resolution was OK 1440/1080. (one notebook wasn't able to render Hi-Def WMV files, only a tiny little nothing sized clip...)
- My 'solution': Creating a custom WMV output form using the "Movie Template Manager", and selecting the 16:9 output in it with the same 1440/1080 option. This way the clip rendered as it was supposed to do by itself in the program's available option for WMV Hi-Def!
Why isn't it working correctly and why doesn't it create 16:9 output in 16:9 projects and 16:9 environment by itself? Good question... I, as a simple user, I would think and assume that it would create 16:9 ratio clips in this environment, but it doesn't! So I do consider it an 'interesting thing'. GO AHEAD AND TRY IT!

II. - MPEG format.
- The HD DVD format clips could not be played back on WMP, as everybody says, because of the SD (Standard Definition) codec playing it back. Let's assume for the moment that it is 'normal' and 'acceptable' explanation. You'll see why I agree soon...
- The HDV clip rendered as Hi-Def, does plays back on WMP, though it has the 'TV Stripes' and indicates 1088 instead of 1080. But what I find strange and again, 'interesting' is, that we just agreed that the same Windows Media Player 11 could not play back Hi-Def MPEG-2 clips because it uses SD codec, right??? So, then how on Earth can it play this version back now??? And how is it capable of playing back Hi-Def clips that were created with VS10+ ??? I'm still using the SAME Windows Media Player 11 and yet, suddenly it plays back MPEG-2 Hi-Def files.... Gee, look, a miracle!
So, that's exactly what I would expect from the above HD DVD clip as well, to be able to play it back on Windows Media Player 11, but it doesn't do that!!! It just loves one Hi-Def MPEG-2 file format and hates the other.... Isn't it 'interesting'?...

III. - DivX. This was really funny....
- Output pixel aspect ratio set to NTSC 16:9. The clip was rendered in the 1st video track. The result: a horizontally stretched and badly distorted clip with the hated 'TV Stripes' on top and bottom... in short; it looks stupid!!!
- Output pixel aspect ratio set to NTSC 16:9. The clip was rendered in the 2nd video track. That's right, same clip, same setting, only put into the 2nd video track! The result: A vertically stretched and distorted clip without the 'TV Stripes'. Almost looks nice... almost, but not exactly....

- Output pixel aspect ratio set to SQUARE 1:1. The clip was rendered in the 1st video track. The result: No distortion of any kind, only problem is that the stupid 'TV Stripes' are there, so it can not be played back as a full widescreen, edge-to-edge clip.
- Output pixel aspect ratio set to SQUARE 1:1. The clip was rendered in the 2nd video track. All the same, the clip was just put into 2nd track! The result: Vertically very badly distorted clip.

In short: NONE of them created the result as were supposed to, a nice widescreen edge-to-edge clip without a distortion! NONE!

My solution: Good old 'cutting' in DivX setting and then it finally produced what I wanted, a nice, edge-to-edge widescreen clip without the stupid 'TV stripes'.... but it is an 'imperfect solution, because the resolution comes out as 1440/810, and not 1080, but all considered, I can settle for that...

I know, there will be ton's of explanations for this as well, like for all the other 'interesting' things, but I for one, from the user's point of view, take it as it is, that there is something 'interesting' in this software.

So, here they are, basically NONE of the pre-set options in this program produce the kind of OUTPUT that I expected and took for granted to have at the end. NONE!

With my newly found "wiz" buddy I was able to play back the unplayable clips with bunch of codecs and different players on one of the machines, but then again, he's just one in a million who's got every existing codecs and plug-ins installed, most users don't have that, only their basic player and that's it. And even then, there were examples when the clip info indicated 1088s instead of 1080s. I know, a couple of numbers here and there, who cares, it is 'just a programming thing'...

A very 'interesting' one at that...

[MRG]

Hi!

I put out a couple of the clips for all interested parties to examine or archive as examples. The results "GOOD / BAD" indicated as how they played back on Windows Media Player11!

WMV - 1. Program generated - BAD! - Right Click - Save to Download
WMV - 2. My Custom Setting - GOOD! - Right Click - Save to Download

----------

DivX - 1. Program generated - BAD! - Right Click - Save to Download
DivX - 2. Program generated - BAD! - Right Click - Save to Download
DivX - 3. Program generated - BAD! - Right Click - Save to Download
DivX - 4. Program generated - BAD! - Right Click - Save to Download

DivX - 5. My Custom Setting - GOOD! - Right Click - Save to Download
DivX - 6. My Custom Setting - GOOD! - Right Click - Save to Download

-----------

Regular DVD - NOT Hi-Def MPEG-4 clip, I just did it for a test: Right Click - Save to Download


Well, I hope some will find them useful. If not, then sorry...

[Bignosetw]

Hi MRG

Ok well I am stumped but I still think that starting the chain with your camera not being recognized by the software, and having to do a workaround, is definitely muddying the waters.

Please send me your email address to my personal adress: tobieopenshaw@corel.com, and I will arrange for a download of another version of the software for you. Then you can check whether that (1) recognizes the camera and (2) outputs correctly.

So what was the result after you installed WinDVD 8 as I suggested?

Best regards

Tobie

[etech6355]

MRG
etech wrote:

Whatever the case, it sounds to me this is one of the main problems, you need to be able to import from the cams harddisk directly. Maybe copying the contents of the cams harddisk to your computers harddrive and importing from the copied folder would work.

MRG Wrote:

BUT: Now I gave it another try, to not only copy the video files themselves, but the entire directory structure with everything on the camcorder's HD, and FINALLY I was able to capture/convert the files with VS11s import feature from *.MTS to *.m2t from my computer to my computer.
I still don't get it though, that when I try to do pretty much exactly the same and import the files from the camcorder's HD directly, why would it give me an error message and shut down???

I don't think there is anything wrong with VS11+. I think there are to many issues related to your computer system, your workflow, your methods, your understanding of the video/audio field and you.

I looked at the converted files you posted. You encoded them wrong using the wrong settings, and the ones that you say are good are encoded wrong.

[Svuppe]

I saw some strange things yesterday. I tried to make a short DVD, just for evaluating the workflow in VS11. This was on my computer at work, and was at standard def (720x576 PAL). After VS was done, I tried to play it with WMP, but to my big surprise it played it in 1920x1088, and the movie itself was nothing but a badly distorted stamp-size thing in the upper left corner of the screen. I then went to a colleague, and on his PC the result was the same.
Opening the VOB file with VirtualDub-MPEG2 worked fine. It said it was the expected 720x576.

Then when I got home, I tried the DVD on my home PC, and WMP there worked perfectly, as did PowerDVD and three different standalone DVD players/recorders. The WMP both places are exactly the same version.
Now I don't trust WMP as a reference for playability anymore.

[Bignosetw]

Hi there

So according to the VideoStudio PM and development engineer, the following:

1. We have had one other user describe the crashing on trying to import from AVCHD. We are trying to replicate the problem here.

2. Your source files almost certainly have lost some of their aspect ratio inormation. Please upload a clip of your SOURCE material so that we can analyze it.

3. 1440 x 1088 is part of the HD spec and is most commonly found in broadcast HD. You can do a Google search for "1440 x 1088"HD to find out more. I do not believe that Windows Media Player is correctly reporting your stats.

4. PLEASE TRY WinDVD! On my machine, most of your files play fine on WinDVD.

5. Support for native .m2ts files is in the works and will probably be released as a patch later.

6. Try again to UNcheck Non-square pixel rendering.

The PM also gave me some new WMV 16:9 templates for you to try - please let me have your email, so that I can forward it to you.

Best regards

Tobie

[MRG]

Hi MRG

Ok well I am stumped but I still think that starting the chain with your camera not being recognized by the software, and having to do a workaround, is definitely muddying the waters.

Please send me your email address to my personal adress: tobieopenshaw@corel.com, and I will arrange for a download of another version of the software for you. Then you can check whether that (1) recognizes the camera and (2) outputs correctly.

So what was the result after you installed WinDVD 8 as I suggested?

Best regards

Tobie

Hi!

I just sent you one of my email addresses you can send the download link, but:
- I've had no issues during download.
- I've downloaded the program several times just to make sure.
- The guys on your forum verified the correct sizes of the files.
- I've had no problems of any sort during installation.
- I've had no problems with the basic operation of the software, except that it won't import the files from my camcorder, and the Hi-Def output files in *.mpeg format SUCK! Your *.mpeg encoder/decoder is wrong, faulty, full of errors, etc... (now I've got about a dozen tests on about a dozen different computers and more are on the way to prove it...)

So, I don't think that it is a 'corrupt file' issue, it is more like a serious software issue, which also means, that probably your own multimedia player is faulty too (WinDVD) and translates the data incorrectly, plays back seemingly OK with the same faulty decoders that are used in the editing software, so it is impossible for you to see the problem.

On my opinion it's 1 in a 1000000 chance that I've downloaded a corrupted file three times, but hey, you never know... (just like a lottery... )

We will see.

[MRG]

I don't think there is anything wrong with VS11+.

That's the main problem. Denial of the obvious....

I think there are to many issues related to your computer system, your workflow, your methods, your understanding of the video/audio field and you.

It's actually a bunch of computers not one, the workflow is pretty much set, there is not much I can do about that:
- First I have to open the program (do you know another way or 'workflow' to start?)
- Then I either have to import files, or if I've got them already, then I go to editing. (Again, is there another 'workflow', like let's save the nothing?)
... and so on...

your understanding of the video/audio field and you.

I don't have to understand! I am the consumer, this company is the producer of the software! The company makes the program and the consumer gives money for it. The user then selects the pre-created options to create the video and he/she expects it to work perfectly with the pre-set factory options. But they DO NOT WORK properly, do they? Now, it is the customer's fault, because he/she just don't get it how difficult and complicated the whole thing is with the video/audio fields???.... Who cares!!!??? The company's job is to make it easy and useful, that's why they get their nice paychecks and big bonuses!

The "... and you." part is getting a little bit personal, don't you think? Let me guess, somebody is in trouble (probably identified the same problem inside the house...) and now let's start the corporate cover-up with the usual tactics to save face, and of course, to avoid pulling a faulty product from the shelves....

First denial of the problems, then insults, then discrediting the whistle-blower, then come the fairytales, like that guy overthere who had an issue with a regular definition clip that played back super-high resolution on his WMP (which is a complete technical impossibility) but forgot to put-out the clip itself to prove it, or you, who claimed that something was wrong with the clips I claim to be good without specifying anything, like which clip was that, using which player, what way was it incorrect by looks, parameters, etc.. (which I am testing on 3 computers here and who knows how many via my friends... ).

If all you've got is that the 'problem is with me', then I feel a great deal of sorry for you, whoever you are...

We are here to discuss problems and find solutions, at least, that is what I am here for, nothing else... are you?

[MRG]

Hi there

So according to the VideoStudio PM and development engineer, the following:

1. We have had one other user describe the crashing on trying to import from AVCHD. We are trying to replicate the problem here.

In this case, with this particular issue, namely the IMPORT function, I am open for the possibility that a small hardware/software conflict may cause this problem (I've seen such things before...), so I will do some testing on other computers (I've never tried to import onto another machine, only my own, so there is the chance that the problem with the IMPORT is here, I agree...).

Recently I re-formatted my camcorder's HD, so that should be OK, back to factory specs. Now I'm going to remove-reinstall the Sony software. If the IMPORT problem was caused because of that, it may very well solve this problem. I'll be back with this result later.

2. Your source files almost certainly have lost some of their aspect ratio inormation. Please upload a clip of your SOURCE material so that we can analyze it.

As far as I can tell, the source files are all OK! But again, I am open for the possibility that something might have happened to them, so here is one for you to see: Right Click - Save to Download

3. 1440 x 1088 is part of the HD spec and is most commonly found in broadcast HD. You can do a Google search for "1440 x 1088"HD to find out more. I do not believe that Windows Media Player is correctly reporting your stats.

I do, and the more tests I run, the more convinced I am that the problem is not with WMP.

4. PLEASE TRY WinDVD! On my machine, most of your files play fine on WinDVD.

I am a bit hesitant with that WinDVD program of yours, assuming the obvious inherent problem that player has, but my "wiz" buddy run a few tests because he's got your WinDVD player installed. Well:
- WinDVD was unable to play any DivX clips. - while Windows Media Player played them back perfectly!
- WinDVD improperly played and distorted the WMV clips, which played back perfectly on the official player of WMV files, the Windows Media Player 11 (in Hi-Def).
- WinDVD played back the MPEG-4 file distorted (vertically stretched). - again, while Windows Media Player played them back perfectly!
- WinDVD wasn't able to play back one of the custom/test Hi-Def MPEG-2 files at all, which WMP played back just fine... Right Click - Save to Download

Not exactly a perfect score, is it? .... - or, ... so much for this WinDVD thing you insisted upon to test...

5. Support for native .m2ts files is in the works and will probably be released as a patch later.

Sounds great! A fully AVCHD certified and advertised software eventually WILL be able to handle ALL AVCHD files. Phenomenal!

Would you make a note to create a patch for *.MTS files as well, so all who purchase the latest Hi-Def camcorder models from Sony will be able to open these files directly? That would be so nice! A fully AVCHD compatible software that actually works... a dream come true...

(sorry, I couldn't help it...)

6. Try again to UNcheck Non-square pixel rendering.

I'm running tests with this setting/uncheck right now. So far, NONE of the final clips came out as they were supposed to. NONE! All distorted one way or another... but the Track1 - Track2 problem disappeared, others came instead.... More info later...

The PM also gave me some new WMV 16:9 templates for you to try - please let me have your email, so that I can forward it to you.

Please send them over or better, post them here, I am open for running some tests, I am sure that others would do as well.

Thank you!

[MRG]

IMPORT FUNCTION UPDATE - IT'S GOOD NEWS, READ IT!!!

Hi!

OK, so I was able to import a clip on another computer, but there are a couple of things worth mentioning:

- The computer immediately recognized Sony HDR-SR1 as a camcorder and as a USB Mass Storage device when I connected it.
- After it recognized it, I've opened VS11+. Keyword: AFTER!!!
- First VS11+ was UNABLE to recognize the Sony as a HardDrive! It didn't list it at all!
- While the program was open, I minimized it, then opened My Computer and scrolled down to find and open the Sony HardDrive to see if it's listed and working properly. It did!
- Went back to VideoStudio's import feature, and then unexpectedly it indicated the Sony as Drive F:\. Before, there was no such drive!!!
- For those who are less experienced (didn't suffer enough with VS yet...), you have to open your camcorder's drive letter and then the AVCHD directory as well, otherwise it won't be able to import the files!!!
- and finally I've got the import working....

BUT:

I don't have the Sony software installed on this laptop!

I went back to my machine, removed and re-installed the factory Sony software, but then the IMPORT of VS11+ shut down again when I've tried to import video clips directly from Sony's HardDrive with the usual 'intervideo experienced a problem and needs to shut-down' message! Then I just removed the darn Sony software all together (I figured the other machine doesn't have that and is capable of importing...) and guess what? NOW I am able to import the files from the Sony HardDrive directly!!! FIRST TIME EVER!!!

The question now, whether is it an isolated incident/example that I can only import with VS11+ WITHOUT having the factory Sony Software on my computer, I don't know, that's for everybody's individual problem to find out, 'cause quite frankly at this moment I am so happy that I just simply don't care...

I've struggled with this thing so much that I just about had enough!

Good luck with the IMPORT everyone! I've got more serious problems to solve now, like making an undistorted, working video clip (in real and full widescreen 16:9 ratio, edge-to-edge without the stupid TV-Stripes and in Hi-Def 1440/1080 format) with this thing... and so far it seems to be an almost impossible task to achieve....

The fun ain't over yet....

[etech6355]

Do you have a HDTV?
The best method to use is playing back on the consumer hardware devices such as PlayStation_3, Xbox360, LinkPlayer2, HD-DVD Player, Blu-Ray Disk Player.

The only format WMP will playback consistently on most machines is the wmv format in standard definition mode. If your distributing the hd videos in hd compressed formats to clients may be a problem. Right now most distributions for pc viewing is Standard Definition video.
The average computer today cannot playback highdef video.

If/when you convert your avchd to hd-wmv format you choose CBR for both the video & audio, maximum bit-rate of 8000kbs. Make sure in the windows encoder to use "Non-Square Pixel Rendering" with 16:9 aspect ratio. This will maintain the 1440x1080. If you don't use "Non-Square Pixels" then the video will be "Square Pixels" and the frame_size will be set exactly (square pixels), so 1440x810 would be the result. For computer only viewing there is nothing wrong with this anyway. Before saving and creating the wmv video double-check the encoder settings in the window to make sure they are correct to match your custom settings. I make custom wmv templates and use them.

Another thing you will come across is HD-WMV does Not support interlaced video. Your cam (all consumer cams) records interlaced video so the windows encoder will de-interlace the video (the smoothness setting in the windows encoder). When there is a lot of motion in the video after conversion the video will appear to be jerky or not smooth. This is the effect causes by de-interlacing. Your cam shoots 60 pictures per second. De-Interlacing reduces this to 30 pictures per second. Conversion from interlaced video to frame-based can be very tricky to retain the original motion in the video. This is a known problem when converting hd-video recorded on consumer cams into the HD-WMV Format.

When you convert to Divx do not use Wav(pcm) 5.1 audio. Playback will choke. In the Options Screen select MP3 as the audio for Divx before you go into the Divx Encoder Settings. Also use 6000-8000kbs as the max_bit_rate for HD-Divx Encoding. I convert my AVCHD files to HD-Mpeg2 format before doing any conversions to other formats. So I import the avchd video and immediately export the hd-mpeg2 (hdv). Then start a new project and use the hd-mpeg2 video to edit or file conversions. This is a more reliable method to use because the hd-mpeg2 video is easier to read/edit compared to the H264 video.

The standard method would be import the avchd video(s). Export them to hd-mpeg2 format. Start a new project and use the hd-mpeg2 for any future projects.

[MRG]

Do you have a HDTV?
The best method to use is playing back on the consumer hardware devices such as PlayStation_3, Xbox360, LinkPlayer2, HD-DVD Player, Blu-Ray Disk Player.

- First you were talking about me drinking beer, which I don't.
- Then you insulted me that the problem is with me not the program, a very 'professional' attitude toward one of the consumers who actually paid for the program...
- Now you want to know if I have HDTV?

Do you want to move in or something??? get a date! or a dog!

The only format WMP will playback consistently on most machines is the wmv format in standard definition mode. If your distributing the hd videos in hd compressed formats to clients may be a problem. Right now most distributions for pc viewing is Standard Definition video.
The average computer today cannot playback highdef video.

Thanks for clearing that up for me, especially because Windows Media Player 11 played back my own custom-made/cut DivX Hi-Def videos just fine (fullscreen mode, edge-to-edge with no TV stripes, very good quality, etc...), as well as the VS10+ generated Hi-Def clips (on all of the computers we've tested) just fine! Except of course is VS11+ HD-DVD type MPEG-2 format that we already discussed to be faulty among many other things related to its MPEG encoder/decoder...

I was just thinking... poor bee, if he only knew that 'scientifically' he can't even fly, he probably would stop trying... lucky for the bee and lucky for us he doesn't read the experts' opinions and conclusions...

If/when you convert your avchd to hd-wmv format you choose CBR for both the video & audio, maximum bit-rate of 8000kbs. Make sure in the windows encoder to use "Non-Square Pixel Rendering" with 16:9 aspect ratio.

I've tried it many times in all variations, with or without. The result was a one way or another, distorted clip.

This will maintain the 1440x1080.

And creates the usual "TV Stripe" thing too! Just what everybody with a modern widescreen digital video-recorder/camcorder wants... Isn't it obvious by now that the entire VideoStudio is based on priparily the 4:3 ratio Standard Definition editing, that's why there is all this problem with the edge-to-edge rendering and the Hi-Def clips???

If you don't use "Non-Square Pixels" then the video will be "Square Pixels" and the frame_size will be set exactly (square pixels), so 1440x810 would be the result.

NO! Wrong again! The result is the same 1440 / 1080, but the picture is distorted and stretched vertically very badly!!! It became 1440/810 only if I cut it with the custom settings of DivX!

For computer only viewing there is nothing wrong with this anyway.

Oh, but there is ............ and I'll demonstrate it later!

Before saving and creating the wmv video double-check the encoder settings in the window to make sure they are correct to match your custom settings.

Really? No kidding??? I, for one, thought that in 16:9 settings, 16:9 environment, using 16:9 clips, when I select the output to be WMV Hi-Def, then it would create the 16:9 WMV clip by itself... which this program DOESN'T DO!!! I know, it's one of those 'programming things'...

I make custom wmv templates and use them.

Congratulations! Now you are going to create an entire seminar for all your buyers named "Our VS11+ software doesn't work, but I can teach you how to make it work, because there is a way... sort of... hmmm.... yeah... whatever... "

Nice title! No doubt, an instant bestseller! I can hardly wait!!!

Another thing you will come across is HD-WMV does Not support interlaced video. Your cam (all consumer cams) records interlaced video so the windows encoder will de-interlace the video (the smoothness setting in the windows encoder). When there is a lot of motion in the video after conversion the video will appear to be jerky or not smooth. This is the effect causes by de-interlacing. Your cam shoots 60 pictures per second. De-Interlacing reduces this to 30 pictures per second. Conversion from interlaced video to frame-based can be very tricky to retain the original motion in the video. This is a known problem when converting hd-video recorded on consumer cams into the HD-WMV Format.

BLA-BLA-BLA... Who cares! Make it work! You guys are the pros! Go back to the drawing board and re-design the whole thing to MAKE IT WORK without all the technical mambo-jumbo that the consumer doesn't understand and couldn't care less! Keyword again: MAKE IT WORK!!!

When you convert to Divx do not use Wav(pcm) 5.1 audio. Playback will choke.

Not for me, at least not during any experiments on any of the computers so far...

In the Options Screen select MP3 as the audio for Divx before you go into the Divx Encoder Settings.

Actually, go and select "MPEG Audio Layer3" and not "MP3", because first of all there is no such option, second, there is an "MPEG Layer-3" option which offers such a bad audio quality that even your great-great-great grandma would start spinning in her grave listening to that sound...

Also use 6000-8000kbs as the max_bit_rate for HD-Divx Encoding.

I would recommend to set it to the best available quality and be done with it. It plays back beautiful on Windows Media Player 11! (WinDVD can not play it back as it was determined!)

I convert my AVCHD files to HD-Mpeg2 format before doing any conversions to other formats. So I import the avchd video and immediately export the hd-mpeg2 (hdv). Then start a new project and use the hd-mpeg2 video to edit or file conversions. This is a more reliable method to use because the hd-mpeg2 video is easier to read/edit compared to the H264 video. The standard method would be import the avchd video(s). Export them to hd-mpeg2 format. Start a new project and use the hd-mpeg2 for any future projects.

Well, it all depends. If you want to create a true AVCHD disk (you don't need a blu-ray disk or disk-writer, just a regular one in this format) to play back on your blu-ray disk player, then stick to the original format and don't convert! You'd be better off! Don't believe me? Try and convert, then create a disk like that, then make one using the original format, then sit down, watch and see! The quality difference is OBVIOUS!!!!

I know why, beside the VS11+ MPEG encoder/decoder error/problem/fault, but I won't tell... at least not for now....

PS: I'm not an expert! These guys are!!!

[MRG]

Hi!

OK, so we've settled that as far as MPEG-2 Hi-Def files and editing goes in 16:9 widescreen without TV-stripes, VS11+ has nothing but issues....

Now I've checked out something else, namely, the RealVideo conversion.

I know, it's an outside software, but since it is included and I need that too, I've checked it out and run a few tests.

The short version would be: IT IS HORRIBLE!!!!

Here comes a little more detailed explanation:

There are 6 options to choose from:
- 28K modem
- 56K modem
- Single ISDN
- Dual ISDN
- xDSL/Cable Modem
- Corporate LAN

Well, first of all you start thinking; This is a brand new editing software for the XXIst Century, for the future, for years to come, right? Then why are these 28K, 56K and Single ISDN options listed at all in the first place??? ... I mean, let's go back in time, back to the caves, up to the trees! That's what I call progress....

OK, then, of course, I didn't want to waste time with all the junky qualities, so I went for the best and highest, "Corporate LAN" option. But the quality was so bad, that I couldn't believe my eyes!!! I said: NO WAY!!!

So, then I tested the DSL/Cable option, right? Guess what?! This 'sub' category option has been set to render with higher encoding rate than the one supposed to be the most superb of all!!!! Gee! What a screw-up!!! ... or, just another one in a very-very-very long line of this software....

The options are limited, who knows why, because REAL's "Helix" encoder with much more options and variety is widely available and I'm convinced that if Ulead could put this junkyard ancient Real encoder into its product, it could have very well put the much better Helix into it too!

But even then, let's have the junky version, OK, (actually it's not OK) but what kind of a technical genius at Ulead would set up the highest quality "Corporate LAN" encoder to a much lower encoding rate option than the DSL one??? Please, explain that to me!!!

OK, here we go with the encoding results:

- VS generated Real Clip: BAD! ... and of course HAS the stupid/annoying TV-stripes as well, just to prove that in fact, even in 16:9 settings we are actually always going to end up with a 4:3 looking clip, made for regular type TVs, not widescreen ones! - Right Click - Save to Download
- MY Custom rendered one: GOOD! ... and doesn't have the TV-stripes either, nice widescreen. Of course, I had to make it outside VS11+, because what it 'creates' inside is just horrible! - Right Click - Save to Download

OK, obviously we don't broadcast in Hi-Def over the internet, so it is good that you can scale down the clip to a usable format, but even then, with VS the RealVideo quality with the best available option is still unbelievably bad!

- VS generated: BAD! ...and don't forget those stupid TV-stripes either... - Right Click - Save to Download
- My Custom Setting: GOOD! ... and nice edge-to-edge widescreen format - Right Click - Save to Download

This technology, as all can see, with the right encoding method, is very-very good for online broadcast! The quality can be very high, enjoyable and also, very efficient, because:
- Original WMV file size used for encoding this clip: 28,631 KB
- My Encoded RealVideo file size output: 773 KB

THAT'S ABOUT 97% COMPRESSION!!!

Good thing to consider if you want quality and also want to save on your bandwidth!!!

So, the first 3 options are useless, the quality of those are just beyond description, the other 3 has only 1 useful option, the other one, which was supposed to be top quality is actually worse than #2 (which is setup to be pretty bad itself all together...), so at the end you conclude that it is one more thing that VS11+ has, as far as "issues" go.....

[Cufon]

Unfortunately I don't know how to make ulead read your post but I experience problems with m2ts and VS11+, too. I recently bought a Sony HDR-SR1 and since then I am looking for a reasonable NLE software. I have to admit though, that when it comes to camcorders, video editing etc. I am a compete ignorant.

VS11+ advertises full AVCHD support so I thought I give it a spin. Fortunately I only downloaded a trial, because when I tried to open one of my m2ts files I didn't get very far. For starters there was not even a preset filter for m2ts files in the "Open Video File" dialogue. Not that this is a major issue but for a product that advertises full end-to-end AVCHD support this raised my suspicion. Sure enough when I try to open a media file for editing with the "All Files" filter a "File format mismatch" error message pops up.

Of course I can't rule out that this is all due to my ignorance or due to it being a trial version. But it seems strange to me that for a software whose main purpose it is to edit (AVCHD-) videos it should be any harder than to point and click in a file open dialogue to start working.

I have the same problem as you and my sentiments are also identical. I have searched this forum, I have downloaded the manual(which I find useless) and nowhere can I find a simple answer to this simple problem. HOW DOES VS11+ CONVERT m2ts FILES TO m2t? If I've missed it please direct me to the post. What is ironic is that I've spent the last few days on a project that resulted in a 17 minute HD DVD complete with titles, transitions, music that will only play in my HD-DVD Toshiba player. The result is nothing short of SPECTACULAR, MAGNIFICENT. So I don't think there's anything wrong with the program. If anything it lacks simple detailed instructions to include how to convert these m2ts files. For the life of me I cannot remember how I did it for my project. And so until I solve this problem I cannot go on to my next project.

[MRG]

I have the same problem as you and my sentiments are also identical. I have searched this forum, I have downloaded the manual(which I find useless) and nowhere can I find a simple answer to this simple problem. HOW DOES VS11+ CONVERT m2ts FILES TO m2t? If I've missed it please direct me to the post. What is ironic is that I've spent the last few days on a project that resulted in a 17 minute HD DVD complete with titles, transitions, music that will only play in my HD-DVD Toshiba player. The result is nothing short of SPECTACULAR, MAGNIFICENT. So I don't think there's anything wrong with the program. If anything it lacks simple detailed instructions to include how to convert these m2ts files. For the life of me I cannot remember how I did it for my project. And so until I solve this problem I cannot go on to my next project.

Hi!

First, let's start with the first part of your question of how to get your *.M2TS files and convert them into usable *.M2T.

There are 3 ways (that's what I've got so far...)

1 - The way it supposed to work in the first place;
- Connect your camcorder to your computer. Of course, make sure it is powered up and on AC power, not on battery.
- On your camcorder, after you connected it to your computer's USB, select the 'HD <-> COMPUTER' sign,so your camcorder knows what to do and how to communicate with the device, in this case, your computer.
- Wait till it recognizes it as a camcorder and a USB Mass Storage Device and lists it at "My Computer"as a Hard Drive, such as F:\ for me.
- The file manager should automatically open up to indicate the contention of the new drive.
- Open it and check that you see the AVCHD directory. If you find it, then you are all set! Close the file manager.
- Go and open VideoStudio.
- Go to 'CAPTURE'.
- Select "IMPORT FROM DVD/DVD-VR". Don't even try the others if your camcorder doesn't connect with firewire. If it is, like mine, a HDR-SR1 with USB, then the "IMPORT FROM DVD/DVD-VR" is the proper selection.
- The windows will show you your DVD drive, ignore it, go for the "IMPORT DVD FOLDER" option.
- You will see your drivers over there, but don't expect to see your Camcorder's Hard Drive just yet.
- Click "Cancel" to this box.
- Open it again, click "IMPORT DVD FOLDER" again.
- Now you will see your Cam's HD listed. Why not before? Good question... (... it is one of those 'programming things' I guess....)
- OK, open your Cam's HD folder and select AVCHD.
- Congrast! You are ready to IMPORT files, which will be in *.M2T format!

2: OK, this didn't work for you (it didn't work for me either with the Sony software on my machine...), then do this:
- Power up, connect like before, make sure it is listed under "My Computer".
- Select the Cam's HD from the list.
- Edit - Select All, then Copy.
- Open C:\ drive, or wherever you want to copy your Cam's content, such as C:\Temp\ (if you don't have such directory, make one) and then Edit - Paste. This will copy the entire directory structure of your Cam's HardDrive to your computer's C:\Temp\ directory.
- Open VideoStudio, do as before, Import, Select "IMPORT FROM DVD/DVD-VR" then "IMPORT DVD FOLDER".
- Scroll down to the directory you pasted your Cam's content, in this case; C:\Temp\.
- Open/Select AVCHD.
- Done, you are ready to IMPORT in *.M2T format!

3: When nothing else works, here comes pain!
- Transfer all your video files using the Sony software.
- Burn the files to a DVD disk with AVCHD DVD creation.
- When done, put back the Disk and close the DVD drive. (after burning, it will eject the disk, so you have to put it back)
- Open VideoStudio, go to IMPORT and then select the same 'IMPORT FROM DVD / DVD-VR.
- Select "Import" and there you go, it will start importing, BUT, it will be a very slow and painful process to go through...

GOOD LUCK WITH THAT!

-

The other thing you said, that your project plays back very good... well...

... if it is a 16:9 project and you made it in *.MPEG format, then it may look very nice, until you just hook up your camcorder to your LCD or Plasma with the HDMI cable and check out the original version. Then you would say... hmmm.... what is that??? ... because you will see the quality difference immediately!

Unfortunately VideoStudio is NOT a "true" 16:9 editing software, only an imitation! It 'squeezes' the 16:9 video into the middle of the 4:3 environment, that's why there are those stupid Tv-Stripes on the clips all the time when played back with WMP, DivX, RealPlayer, even QuickTime (some...), and that is why Windows Media Player correctly indicates the aspect ratio to be "4:3 actual, 16:9 playback" but the average "Joe" is happy that his DVD player plays back a 'seemingly' widescreen video, which, in fact is just a stretched 4:3 one, losing at least 20% in the original quality due to the stretching!

But if you don't mind that, that's OK, but then again, why would anybody bother with this thing and pay for it in the first place if the final goal is not to have a TRUE 16:9 widescreen, edge-to-edge Hi-Definition experience at its best quality possible without conversion to MPEG and compression into a 4:3 and then streching to be a 'look-alike' widescreen????

My evidence is so overwhelming by now, that I am just shocked!