Please Suggest Correct Workflow Process

[KeithC]

I am so glad there are "helpers" out there for people just learning VS.

I need help now to keep VS from locking up. I've created 25 discrete project files that were converted from Small Wonder Camera xvid to DVD Mpeg files using VS. There will be 6 chapters made up from among the 25 smaller files, each being 1 to 4 minutes long. I want to create a DVD, but before I do, I need to add some audio clips, titles, transitions, etc. to the discrete project files.

My brain says to modify each of the smaller files first. But I tried creating one project file using the 25 discrete ones so I could see everything in proper order. That worked until I tried to move a slider or basically do anything that put a load on the computer. VS freezes! Tried it several times with the same results.

The mpeg files are relatively large (100 to 600MB each), I have virtual memory set to twice my RAM as VS recommends, virus protection off, and write-back cache disabled.

My computer is new and powerful (see details below). Can anyone suggest a solution. Am I asking too much of the hardware? If I modify the smaller discrete projects first and then gang them together, won't I run into the same problem when I prepare to burn a DVD?

HELP!

Keith

[GuyL]

Is anything in your system overclocked?

[Black Lab]

What are the properties of the clips? What are your project's properties?

[KeithC]

Answers:

1. Standard Specs - No overclocking

2. Project Properties - all the same

NTSC drop frame (29.97 fps)
MPEG files
24 bits, 720 x 480, 29.97 fps
Lower Field First
(DVD-NTSC), 4:3
Video data rate: Variable (Max. 8000 kbps)
LPCM Audio, 48000 Hz, Stereo

[GuyL]

The software doesn't freeze under normal use so I'm thinking it is a configuration, corrupted file, or hardware related.

Try running memtest (www.memtest.org) to see if your RAM is working properly.

Try editing the original smaller files to see if it crashes with those. Just do random edits to simulate working on a project.

Make sure all your hardware has the latest drivers and that windows is up to date.

Try reinstalling VS.

[KeithC]

Guy,

Those are all good suggestions, but everything seems to be working fine and all the drivers are up-to-date.

However, I approached the project in a different way. Instead of inserting all the files into one project as before, I create my six projects, using anywhere from 2 to 8 files per project. That compiles my 25 discrete files into sets that I can use for chapters. The software and computer work very well and I can hardly tell I that I'm working with up to 8 files, or 20+ minutes of video when the largest project is open.

NOW, after I finish editing the segments, how should I handle the DVD creation? Should I combine these six sets into one project? I tried that, but the program either refuses to read a project file as an INSERTION or simply replaces the previous project with the new one when I ask it to OPEN PROJECT.

I know I missing something... I'm using the manual, but it doesn't give me specific information about combining files, except to gang them all together in one project.

Keith

[GuyL]

Do you want the files to be distinct videos on the DVD or all as one? If you want them to be distinct videos I believe you can insert projects at the DVD creation stage. I've never done it but I remember the option being there.

I can insert projects into the timeline without issue. What message are you getting?

[KeithC]

Guy,

First, I don't get a message when inserting a second project into the time line. It simply replaces the first one.

Second, I learned since my last message that if I moved ahead in the process to creating a DVD, that I could, in fact, add VSP files at that point with no problem. However, and there's always a "however" with me lately, it turns out that my overall project exceeds one hour. So everything is fine until I add the project file that takes me over the one-hour mark and then the software crashes.

So! Is there a limit? That would explain why VS locked up when I inserted all the clips. The manual doesn't mention a limit, but I suppose in a practical sense there is, of course.

Can someone lay this out for me... and tell me if this behavior is normal?

Thanks,
Keith

[GuyL]

There is a limit to a physical DVD but I am not aware of any limit to a project.

[KeithC]

Well, I went ahead and stopped short of filling out a full hour. The program worked fine and I produced a very nice looking DVD. I need to go back and add trim the videos, add titles, etc, but it sure looks like VS doesn't want to play above one hour of project files.

I'll bet there's a setting somewhere???

Keith

[Clevo]

I do recall there being a section where you can set the duration of a project and force it to be that time during the burn stage...make sure that that section is not enabled in any way...

Not at home at the moment (yep...working on NYE but almost home time)

[Ron P.]

Clevo,

The only option I can find that closely resembles that, is in the Create Video, where you can set a Preview Range, and only render that range. Nothing in the burn module, (which is independent of the editor) settings will allow changing the duration, and nothing in the Preferences or Project settings of the editor.

[KeithC]

When you Share and Create a DVD, the program that comes up (VS11+) has recording options at the bottom-left of the screen. Here you can match the file size of your project to a standard DVD. 60 min/4.7 or 90 min/4.7, etc. That crambed my 80 minutes onto one DVD.

Hey guys, now I'm contributing!

Keith