VideoStudio 11 Plus Problems - Timeline -

ffxdean · Post by **ffxdean** » Sun Oct 07, 2007 3:10 am

Hi

when i import a video using the Vfapi plugin/codec the timeline seems to be non-responsive (when i edit 2 or 3 short segments).

What i mean is the preview slidder is not responding any more. It just doesnt slide. Do you think i have a bad copy of the program? I bought it at JBHIFI (my local retail store for $119) about 4 weeks ago.

ffxdean · Post by **ffxdean** » Sun Oct 07, 2007 3:13 am

and also when i use the vertical scroller not only do the timeline freezes but the entire programs freezes and then an error message appears stating that ulead has encountered a problem and needs to close.

Ive never had this problem before even with my other software: WMM, Magix Pro 12 and Premiere CS2

Clevo · Post by **Clevo** » Sun Oct 07, 2007 4:30 am

I had to look up what Vfapi does.

If you could read the the post above "read this forst before posting" and answer the questions we might be able to pin point the problem.

To me it sounds liek if you have to use Vfapi you must be converting from a source not suitable for editing.

we simply need more information than what you have given

ffxdean · Post by **ffxdean** » Sun Oct 07, 2007 5:30 am

oops i forgot to read that thread. Here I go again:

Describe your problem:
well to cut the story straight, the timeline freezes when i edit 3 or more clips, and when i mean the timeline freezes i mean that the preview slider wont slide, and when i scroll using the vertical scroller the whole program freezes and closes automaticaly stating that there was something wrong with program and needs to close.

Properties of your source files (format, file size, where did you get it?):
Ripped from a DVD Source -----> (MPEG-2) then i converted it using the Vfapi Plugin/Codec (which by the way creates a fake avi which has a link to the MPEG-2 and any filters you wish to put on it, for instance i only use the AVISynth Filter ---> Convertfps(25) which changes the fps to 25 PAL as my original was from a NTSC Source (29.97fps)

Project Settings (important):
AVI ----> PAL ------> 25fps ------> Codec DV -------> sound PCM Stereo
Output format (file, DVD, VCD, SVCD):

PAL or NTSC:
well im editing from a NTSC source but its been filtered to a PAL source (The source where the plugin reads from is NTSC but the filter changed it to a PAL source by doubling some of the frames)

Hope that helps

Product Version: e.g. VS10 or VS11+

Post by **lancecarr** » Sun Oct 07, 2007 6:21 am

Are you sure that plugin is rated to work with VS?

Clevo · Post by **Clevo** » Sun Oct 07, 2007 6:23 am

I think what you need to do is use VS to import from DVD edit with the mpeg2 NTSC files...output to NTSC file then covert it from NTSC to PAL. I dont think VS converts from NTSC to Pal (which is more than just converting the frames/sec rate)

I don't undertsnad why you go through all those coversions.

Post by **lancecarr** » Sun Oct 07, 2007 6:31 am

1. That plugin is not rated in any way to work with VS. It may or may not work, in your case it doesn't.
What are you intending to do?
You are importing NTSC MPEGs and then you are going to do what?
What will be the final output?

ffxdean · Post by **ffxdean** » Mon Oct 08, 2007 4:56 am

You are importing NTSC MPEGs and then you are going to do what?

edit them and make a music video with mixed sources (PAL and NTSC Sources).

What will be the final output?

PAL DVD (Australia = PAL)
MPEG-2 Bitrate - 9800
Audio - Dolby Digital - 256
Quality 100

(If i edit with mixed sources the video will appear to be jerky, thats the only reason why i want to convert them. Btw I dont have enough disk space to convert them to loseless AVI

Post by **lancecarr** » Mon Oct 08, 2007 5:26 am

The only way I know of to effectively change the properties of video from NTSC to PAL is by going up around the $500.00 mark and getting Canopus Procoder. Of course you are free to go higher to the truly Pro software!
Alternately you can convert the NTSC MPEG files to DV AVI Type 2 and pay about $100.00 for DV Converter from Pure Motion software. That gives very good results. Once done you can load the DV AVIs to the timeline with your PAL MPEGs and all should go fine but you may lose a little quality in the converted files due to the transcoding.

Believe me when I tell you I have tried EVERY method of conversion including all the avisynth scripts and even tried to write a few of my own. All the free programs and methods will give you jerky crap. Anything up to about $80.00 will give you jerky crap.

Bottom line is this. The NTSC is at a frame rate of 29.97 and the PAL standard is 25fps. Don't worry about the frame size that is the least of your problems. Somehow any conversion software has to decimate that frame rate down to 25 and this ALWAYS results in choppy motion unless you are using very sophisticated (read expensive) software..
If the whole project was NTSC, these days, you can just instruct most PAL players to play it and it will be fine. Increasingly there are NTSC players around that will play PAL.
HOWEVER, you want to mix the two types into one project and that will be either difficult with less than happy results or expensive!

Just with the resources you have available try loading an NTSC MPEG on to your timeline and then render it with PAL properties. Take a look at it and see if you can live with it. Better still get someone else to take a look at it and see if they notice. you will always be more critical as you know what you are looking for!
If the shots don't have too much motion or panning in them you may get away with it. If so convert all the NTSC stuff to PAL create you masterpiece.

ffxdean · Post by **ffxdean** » Mon Oct 08, 2007 5:49 am

Actually I cant afford to get anymore expenisve sotware as i already gone over 1000 dollars just for editing software. I decided I'll stick with the free AVIsynth method. I'll just edit the mixed sources (using the PAL properties) and when it comes down to output i'll just relink all the files with fake avi ones (Vfapi plugin/codec) and export them.

thanks for all your help.