Flip Video Ultra

[garyb1966]

Does anyone know if VS 11.5 Plus will handle files from the Flip Video Ultra? They are encoded with the 3ivx codec. If I install this codec will I have no problems? Anyone tried it and had success?

I'm sold on the Flip - gonna buy one tonight. The small size makes it perfect for what I do (short, simple vlog-type videos on YouTube). I'll be able to carry it anywhere without hassle.

However, I'm hearing that getting a Windows-based video editor to handle the files it produces is somewhat difficult. Apparently installing the 3ivx codec will cause PREL3.0 & 4.0 to crash. This is a documented bug.

I want something more powerful than the built-in editor that comes with the Flip. I'm hoping VS will work.

[sjj1805]

No idea, never heard of that format before.
However I do not quite a bit about computers and so I would suggest that you get your system backed up - and make sure that system restore is turned ON before you try anything.

If it all goes wonky at least you can then get your computer back to where you are now. A Good method is to use a Hard Drive imaging program such as Norton Ghost or Acronis True Image - there are a few others as well. Using a hard drive imaging program is like taking a photograph of your hard drive. If you mes things up it will restore the hard drive in minutes (rather than hours) to the exact state it is in when you created the image. In fact you can even replace the hard drive with a new unformatted one and be up and running again within a very short period of time.

[rguthrie]

Gary,


I suggest that you go to 3ivx.com as they sell an encoder and so that you can learn more about this codec.

Steve, correct me if I'm wrong but we can use other codecs with VS if they're installed on our systems? Yes? Maybe? Sometimes?

[Ken Berry]

Only if it is recognised by VS as an acceptable codec/format... i.e. one that it is programmed to process as long as the codec is there. If, as I think it is, the 3ivx codec is a spin-off similar to DivX or XVid, there will probably not be any trouble selecting DivX but then, hopefully, as a sub-set of that, 3ivX video will be seen and accepted by VS for import purposes. Ditto possibly with output as well...

[garyb1966]

Just a follow up to my original question. I just took a chance and bought the camera to see if it would work, and it did - flawlessly! The trial version of VS11.5+ imported the 3ivx videos with no problem. And they look great! I'll be buying the full version of VS soon.

BTW, if anyone wants an inexpensive way to produce quality movies, I highly recommend the Flip camera. $130, and it shoots video that rivals many "real" camcorders. Runs off 2 AA batteries, records up to 60 minutes at once. No tapes to mess with.

I know many in this forum are using more high end equipment, but for my purposes (vlogging with short videos on YouTube), it is perfect. Just thought I'd let you all know. Here's their website:

www.theflip.com

And, no, I don't work for them. Just a happy customer!

[Black Lab]

I'm not sure that importing those files would be the problem. If there are going to be problems it's going to be when you try to edit them or convert them to another file type.