How To Break "IMPORT FROM DVD/DVD-VR" Plug-In

[Jerry Jones]

Here's how to break the VideoStudio 11 Plus "IMPORT FROM DVD/DVD-VR" capture plug-in on my system:

1. I rolled back my computer to the point prior to installation of any Ulead video programs.

2. I installed VideoStudio 11 Plus.

3. I checked to make certain the "IMPORT FROM DVD/DVD-VR" capture plug-in was working properly (and it was).

4. I installed MediaStudio Pro 8 and all updates.

5. I opened VideoStudio 11 Plus -- again -- and checked to make sure the "IMPORT FROM DVD/DVD-VR" capture plug-in was working (and it was).

6. I installed DVD Workshop 2.0 and all updates.

7. I installed Kaspersky.

8. I then opened VideoStudio 11 Plus -- again -- and checked to see if the "IMPORT FROM DVD/DVD-VR" capture plug-in was working. SURPRISE. Now the plug-in's drop-down list fails to see my DVD drive.

Doesn't that suggest that either DVD Workshop 2.0 + Patches and/or Kaspersky somehow break the plug-in?

To fix it, I simply uninstall VideoStudio 11 Plus and then reinstall and the plug-in works again.

This is irritating.

Why?

Because it is my opinion that no computer user should be forced to uninstall and reinstall to regain functionality.

Too much of that usually results in a wrecked Windows registry.

So I wish Corel would take a look at this and figure out why the plug-in gets broken by the installation of other programs.

And this leads me to ask myself how many times this sort of thing happens on the Windows platform and the user can *never* figure it out.

Jerry Jones
http://www.jonesgroup.net

[Jerry Jones]

Note to Corel:

You can do better than this.

Jerry Jones
http://www.jonesgroup.net

[BrianCee]

While I understand your frustration Jerry I am a little surprised to see your post - I would have thought that you - more than anyone else on this forum knew the futility of directing posts at Ulead/Intervideo/Corel.

Do you not still have any contacts at Ulead - they surely would listen to you if you spoke to them directly.

**

[videocatcher]

Hi Jerry, I've just read your posting.To help me understand what you are saying, are you having the same problem as i am in that when you load a DVD-RW, OR DVD-( previously recorded in VR mode )disc into Video Studio 11 Plus program, the program won't let you accept or capture the content off the disc and bring it into said program.I am having this problem, and i can't find a way to solve it.Because i have Ulead Movie Factory 4 installed on my computer already, i 'm sure this is creating conflict problems between the two programs. Any advice you or anyone could give would be most helpful. Regards, Videocatcher.

[Jerry Jones]

Brian,

Ulead -- which has always been a company that I have admired -- has always been a diverse company comprised by diverse individuals.

My employment was actually directly with one of the Ulead co-founders.

After he and the other shareholders decided to sell the company and after my contract expired, pretty much *all* of the Ulead employees that I met in Torrance left the company.

And I've tried to e-mail certain Taiwan staffers with whom I was acquainted and they're gone too!

So it's quite a different company today -- in 2007 -- than it was in 2003/2004.

In my opinion, the company has always been weak -- too weak -- in certain support areas.

Amazingly, the great volunteers who contribute to this board -- John in the UK and so many others whose names I don't have time to list -- have provided a great service by formatting so much helpful information for users.

They've helped keep this company's products from taking a real beating due to the weaknesses in the area of support.

So -- if Ulead/Corel hasn't thanked them -- I thank them.

In addition, I believe the beta testing needs to be completely reorganized to allow these products to undergo more rigorous testing prior to release.

My two cents.

Jerry Jones
http://www.jonesgroup.net

While I understand your frustration Jerry I am a little surprised to see your post - I would have thought that you - more than anyone else on this forum knew the futility of directing posts at Ulead/Intervideo/Corel.

Do you not still have any contacts at Ulead - they surely would listen to you if you spoke to them directly.

**

[Jerry Jones]

VideoCatcher,

Yes, you may have experienced the same issue I've noted in this thread.

Here's what I've learned so far.

1. VideoStudio 11 Plus's "IMPORT FROM DVD/DVD-VR" capture plug-in *can* be made to work, but one must understand that its functionality can be broken by the installation of other software programs.

2. I'm not certain which program, in particular, breaks VideoStudio 11 Plus's "IMPORT FROM DVD/DVD-VR" capture plug-in, but I suspect it may have been DVD Workshop 2.0 or -- more likely -- Kaspersky Internet Security 6.0.

3. I've learned the ORDER OF INSTALLATION is important. For example, I just finished rolling back my computer's software installation -- using an image file created by Acronis True Image 10 Home -- to the point immediately prior to installing any Ulead video programs and prior to installing Kaspersky. So -- as a test -- I installed the Kaspersky software and the Ulead video programs in this order:

A. Kaspersky Internet Security (which I temporarily turn OFF)
B. Sony Picture Motion Browser
C. DVD Workshop 2.0
D. MediaStudio Pro 8
E. Video ToolBox
F. VideoStudio 11 Plus

A few minutes ago, I finished testing VideoStudio 11 Plus following this order of installation and this order works!

In previous tests, I learned VideoStudio 11 Plus -- if installed first -- will be compromised by the subsequent installation of either DVD Workshop 2 or -- more likely -- Kaspersky.

Is it possible that Kaspersky may see something in VideoStudio 11 Plus as a potential security threat?

Is it posssible Kaspersky might somehow alter VideoStudio 11 Plus's "IMPORT FROM DVD/DVD-VR" capture plug-in (if VideoStudio 11 is installed first)?

At any rate, if I install VideoStudio 11 Plus *after* I install Kaspersky, then VideoStudio 11 Plus's "IMPORT FROM DVD/DVD-VR" plug-in works as advertised.

If your IMPORT FROM DVD/DVD-VR capture plug-in isn't working, and your post suggests that it isn't, then you might try uninstalling and then reinstalling VideoStudio 11 Plus.

Then try again.

Jerry Jones
http://www.jonesgroup.net

Hi Jerry, I've just read your posting.To help me understand what you are saying, are you having the same problem as i am in that when you load a DVD-RW, OR DVD-( previously recorded in VR mode )disc into Video Studio 11 Plus program, the program won't let you accept or capture the content off the disc and bring it into said program.I am having this problem, and i can't find a way to solve it.Because i have Ulead Movie Factory 4 installed on my computer already, i 'm sure this is creating conflict problems between the two programs. Any advice you or anyone could give would be most helpful. Regards, Videocatcher.

[heinz-oz]

I think it is totally unacceptable that the installation of another program should or could break the functionality of VS 11+.

Thus far I haven't even downloaded the trial nor am I going to after reading all this. Sure, ULEAD has been weak in the support area thus far but, under the "leadership" of Corel seems to have taken a nose dive.

I, for one, have been a fierce defender of the programs I use and love, namely PI and MSP and, to some degree VS, even though I chose not to use the latter. I still thought that VS was a great program for many a user out there who doesn't need the functionality of MSP. I stood up for these programs because I had my problems with them initially but always found that my hardware somehow contributed to my woes. That is no longer the case.

Since my trials with VS 10+, which I have removed from my systems again, I will not stand up and defend VS any longer.

If MSP shall go the path into oblivion and no new version be released, I will stick with MSP8 for as long as it will work for me. The same goes for PI. After that, who knows.

I'm very frustrated with all of this.

[Jerry Jones]

I understand the frustration.

For me, Windows may really be at the heart of the problem.

Why?

All of the security concerns that make anti-virus software a necessity.

I find it difficult to financially justify buying a second computer that can be devoted specifically to a few video editing programs.

I need to use my computer for more than just video.

Consequently, I need to have security software.

In a perfect world, I suppose it might be best to dedicate a computer for video editing to that task alone -- with only limited internet connectivity -- so that security software wouldn't be needed.

It seems to me the really aggressive security software programs sometimes do interfere with Ulead programs.

I've seen it before and -- in fact -- I've read documentation prepared by Ulead that warns some security software programs have been known to interfere with the installation of Ulead programs.

So Ulead has observed this problem in the past.

I suppose it could have been DVD Workshop 2.0, also.

After all, I "assumed" after testing the VideoStudio 11 Plus plug-in following the installation of MediaStudio Pro 8 -- and it worked -- that it would continue to work.

But I'm suspicious of Kaspersky.

It's good to find out, however, that if I install Kaspersky first and then save the installation of VideoStudio 11 Plus for last that all is well here.

Maybe that tidbit of information will be helpful for some other user.

In the days ahead, I'll be testing VideoStudio 11 Plus with even more frequency.

I'll defend it if it passes these tests, but -- for now -- I would suggest to anybody who experiences problems with the IMPORT FROM DVD plug-in to be aware that -- in my experience -- the order of installation may indeed have a bearing on whether the plug-in will work or not.

Jerry Jones
http://www.jonesgroup.net

[Black Lab]

I find it difficult to financially justify buying a second computer that can be devoted specifically to a few video editing programs.

I need to use my computer for more than just video.

In the June 2007 edition of Videomaker Magazine a reader wrote in about his computer set-up.

He installed a removable hard-drive-tray unit as his system drive. "One tray holds a boot-drive that is bully loaded with browsers, programs, anti-spyware, anti-virus, etc. This is his "default" tray - the one that is normally inserted into the dock. It configures the computer for typical use by family."

"A second tray holds the dedicated system drive that he uses for video editing. It runs XP but connects to the Internet only to download updates from MS and trusted vendors. There is no extraneous software installed on this drive. When this drive-tray is inserted into the dock the system is not exposed to online evildoers, so editing software runs unencumbered by anvi-virus software. Performance is remarkably improved."

Very interesting. I think Steve has mentioned he has a set-up similar to this. Might be worth looking into.

[etech6355]

If Kaspersky were the problem then I would think that re-installing VS11+ again would still be broken.
When you install workshop 2.0 or one of the WS 2 updates it will install and replace file(s) in the "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Ulead Systems\DVD " Directory
I think the files that get replaced causing the error are:
uImportDVD.dll, uImportDVDRC.dll & uImportDVDRC.dll
there are other files installed as well in the update patches but these 3 are directly related to importing dvd's.

but, this depends on how the script file was written for the patch.
Seems to me that who ever programs MediaStudio Pro checks for these compatibility issues, while other patches may not.

If you want a list of the files in the \common files\Ulead Systems sub-directories that are replaced by patches then backup this complete directory, remove only the files. Run the patch updates, all of them, then look in the subfolders and you will see the files that were installed with the patch(s).
(Of course, restore the backup)
I have a few versions of the 3 mentioned files above for this reason.

videocatcher's problem could be completely different. He could have MF4's packet writing software installed, don't know.
The biggest non-ulead software culprits that conflict with importing dvd's is the Roxio "Drag2Disk" Nero InCD" Sonic DLA, all packet writers. Seems they take control of the drives and won't release control when another program tries to access the device.

I think they should put this common files directory structure and files in with the normal program and eliminate the common files thing.

[etech6355]

I'll defend it if it passes these tests, but -- for now -- I would suggest to anybody who experiences problems with the IMPORT FROM DVD plug-in to be aware that -- in my experience -- the order of installation may indeed have a bearing on whether the plug-in will work or not.

Not just the DVD/DVD-VR plug-in, can have other issues.

Just to add, imagine trying to beta test a piece of software and duplicate the possible conflicts that could occur in the common files directories with all the ulead software have been sold along with all the programs updates.
Seems almost impossible to me, much easier to test if their isn't any other ulead applications installed.

Well, so far the only issue I've come across with VS11+ is files in the TS format. This Transport Stream editing is a new feature in VS. Previous versions edited in the PS format.
So far I like the program. They will fix this issue and most users will not experience this issue because most users equipment is program stream format.

But I am very curious now with Jerry being able to Import his mini-dvd's if he can see any fielding information for the imported videos.... yes/no?

[Jerry Jones]

Sorry it's taken so long to answer on this point.

No, the Ulead VideoStudio 11 Plus software fails to report any field/frame information here.

I didn't have much time to test at home before I was due back here at work.

But I did check the properties in the timeline; no field/frame info.

I'll try importing a clip into the DVD authoring module and then I'll check the properties there to see if there's any information given.

I suspect not.

You know, this has me wondering about something related.

Remember how we could activate that ADVANCED option button for MPEG encoding (in other Ulead programs)?

It involved adding a line to the .INI file (ADVANCE=1).

I wonder if one can do this in VideoStudio 11 Plus.

If so, would any field/frame information be visible there?

Just a thought.

Jerry Jones
http://www.jonesgroup.net

But I am very curious now with Jerry being able to Import his mini-dvd's if he can see any fielding information for the imported videos.... yes/no?

[Jerry Jones]

Valid point of view.

However, I was a Ulead beta tester in the distant past.

I thought the experience was flawed.

I remember numerous incidents that I found disturbing.

I did not participate in the VideoStudio 11 Plus testing.

However, an individual who apparently was a beta tester asked me for some sample AVCHD clips for testing.

Now I don't have all the facts.

And I know I can't assume too much based on that request.

However, if this latest beta test was similar in any way to past beta testing experiences, I would not be surprised if the beta testing team for VideoStudio 11 Plus failed to include a single individual with an AVCHD camcorder.

I would be interested to find out if anybody who participated would be willing to confirm this (privately).

But as I said before, I observed some incidents during past Ulead beta testing that I considered to be very disturbing.

In my opinion, there were serious management problems that begged for attention.

And they were not being resolved to my satisfaction.

But I was just a consultant; I was not a manager.

If I were a manager, I can state without hesitation that I would not tolerate certain practices and behaviors that I observed in the past.

Jerry Jones
http://www.jonesgroup.net

Just to add, imagine trying to beta test a piece of software and duplicate the possible conflicts that could occur in the common files directories with all the ulead software have been sold along with all the programs updates.

[Jerry Jones]

Well, I suppose you could be correct.

DVD Workshop 2 does have the IMPORT FROM DVD feature.

I had forgotten about that being in that program as I confine my DVD Workshop 2 activities to burning discs -- not capturing from them.

The reason I originally installed DVD Workshop 2 + patches -- last -- was due to the fact I wanted to make certain that the "subtitle bug" patch would work.

In the past, I've observed situations where I would apply the "subtitle bug patch" to DVD Workshop 2 and the patch would work at first and then it would stop working again.

My theory was that some other program installed afterward might have been interfering with that! Ha!

So when I get home tonight, I'm going to open DVD Workshop 2 and check to see if the subtitle bug patch worked.

Knock on wood.

Jerry Jones
http://www.jonesgroup.net

If Kaspersky were the problem then I would think that re-installing VS11+ again would still be broken.
When you install workshop 2.0 or one of the WS 2 updates it will install and replace file(s) in the "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Ulead Systems\DVD " Directory
I think the files that get replaced causing the error are:
uImportDVD.dll, uImportDVDRC.dll & uImportDVDRC.dll
there are other files installed as well in the update patches but these 3 are directly related to importing dvd's.

[Jerry Jones]

It is as I feared.

Now, DVD Workshop 2's subtitle truncation bug is back.

This -- in spite of the patches!!

So the order of installation -- it would seem -- sets up a fundamental conflict between DVD Workshop 2 and VideoStudio 11 Plus.

If you want the functionality of the "IMPORT FROM DVD/DVD-VR" plug-in in VideoStudio 11 Plus, then you must install that software last.

If you want the functionality of subtitles in DVD Workshop 2, then you must install that software last.

Is it possible the conflict stems from the DVD Workshop 2 patches???

I've paid a lot of money for these programs; they should be able to play with each other nicely if they're from the very same company.

Jerry Jones
http://www.jonesgroup.net