My problem involves pictures skipping during DVD playback. My workflow is as follows:
1. Capture footage from my Mini DV camera using a firewire cable in DV Type 2 file types using the WinDV program (which I have seen recommended elsewhere on this forum).
2. In VideoStudio 11 I then render the DV Type 2 file into AVI files (Share > Create Video File > DV > NTSC DV (4:3).
3. I then insert said rendered AVI/DV file into a new project timeline and create and burn a DVD (Frame Type: Lower Field First; Frame Size: 720 x 480; Compression: 100 quality; Video Data Rate: Variable/8000; Audio: Dolby Digital / 2/0[L,R])
When playing back the burned DVD I'm experiencing a skipping picture.
In the past I have used this work flow and have not had a problem with it. But I would like to add that recently I have had bugs when capturing DV footage. I started to experience a lot of dropped frames whilst capturing with VS11 (not always a problem, just started happening out of the blue). I then started capturing with Nero (started off great, but then the Frames dropped started to get bad). And now I'm capturing with this WinDV program.
(What's the deal with the dropped frames problem starting from out of nowhere...?)
Just throwing this out there... Although I should have probably tried this before posting this question, could the problem be that I'm capturing DV Type 2 files rather than DV Type 1 (which I assume I've been using up until this point. I looked at the settings on WinDV shortly before posting this and it's set to Type 2).
DV/AVI/DVD/Skipping Pictures Woes...
Moderator: Ken Berry
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Ken Berry
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Since you don't seem to have a computer, it is difficult to say! Please fill in your system button so we don't have to guess! 
Unfortunately, your guess about Type 1 and 2 could be correct -- but that will depend on your computer configuration. Hence the need to have those details.
Put basically, Type 2 (which VS seems to set up as the default too) is the more difficult to capture smoothly if you don't have enough computer resources. Choppy or erratic video and/or distorted sounds can be the result. Even though VS seems to install the default as Type 2, traditionally VS is regarded as "preferring" Type 1. And people with less powerful computers have found this too.
You can in fact change the type settings in WinDV. In the main screen (which I think you will agree is not large!) click on the Config button, and on the new screen which appears, up in the top left corner, you will see that Type 2 is set by default, but you can click on Type 1. Ignore the little bracketted descriptions which are hardly helpful. You can also change it in VS -- in the capture screen, click on the Options button.
While that may be your problem, the thing is that if you have managed to capture and edit, and didn't notice any jumping in the video at that stage, then the problem may be elsewhere. The most common would be that either your burner or stand-alone DVD player doesn't like the type of DVD disc you are using (brand, type +r or -R, even the dye colour). But often it is the burning speed you used. We generally recommend that you use a low burning speed, and not the highest rated speed for that disc. So if, say, you are using 12x rated discs, try to burn at 4x if the burner will allow that speed. For higher rated discs, you probably will find that the minimum speed possible is 6x, so use that in such a case.
The idea is that a lower speed allows the burning laser more time to embed the signal more strongly in the disc, thus allowing the later reading laser more certainty of being able to read the signal fully and not jump over the parts it can't read. High end brand-name DVD players are notorious for being particularly finicky about such things. I should also note for the sake of a balanced response that some of our users argue that they use much higher or the highest rated speed for their burning and have observed no problems. But give a lower speed a go and see if that improves things...
The other thing I should comment on is your workflow which reflects a little misunderstand about DV video. DV, whether type 1 or 2, in fact already uses the .avi extension. Hence your step 2 is unnecessary -- depending on your computer resources as discussed above, and depending on whether your "conversion" from DV > AVI uses Type 1 instead of Type 2. It is not an important thing as DV/AVI is essentially lossless so you can recode it quite a few times without any loss of quality. However, if you are converting Type 2 DV to DV and the conversion process still uses Type 2 as the default (which it may very well do if you have not changed the Capture > Options button to type 1 as the default), then you have simply added an unnecessary step to the workflow which merely reproduces what you started out with!!
The real problem as far as I can again guess, is in your step 3. It appears you insert your "new" DV/AVI into the Editing timeline, do your editing and -- here's the guess -- then you jump straight to the burning module (Share > Create Disc > DVD). If you are indeed doing this, then I recommend you try this following workflow as an alternative...
After editing, you first convert the project to DVD compatible mpeg-2 as part of the Editing process and before you even think about opening the burning module: Share > Create Video File > DVD. The default for this will probably reflect pretty closely the properties you have set anyway. If not, then select 'Custom' instead of 'DVD' in the drop-down menu and change the settings there to reflect the properties you want.
Once you have your mpeg-2, save your project, then open a new one. Don't worry about a name for it -- the objective is just to clear the timeline.
Then you go to Share > Create Disc > DVD, insert your new mpeg-2 into the burning timeline, make your menu and burn. Also, make sure 'do not convert compliant mpeg files' is ticked in the middle of the three icons in the bottom left of the burning screen. You should not have to adjust any of the properties in the burn module.
As it is, if my guess about your workflow was correct, and if your computer is not overly well resourced, you are expecting the conversion from DV to mpeg-2 to take place during the burning process, which is already complicated and demanding enough of computer resources without that extra demand being thrown in. A lot of people -- and believe me, a lot -- find that converting to mpeg-2 during the burning process will often not be smooth and if you get to the end of it (which many don't as the process often crashes), then the resulting DVD may not be optimal.
Unfortunately, your guess about Type 1 and 2 could be correct -- but that will depend on your computer configuration. Hence the need to have those details.Put basically, Type 2 (which VS seems to set up as the default too) is the more difficult to capture smoothly if you don't have enough computer resources. Choppy or erratic video and/or distorted sounds can be the result. Even though VS seems to install the default as Type 2, traditionally VS is regarded as "preferring" Type 1. And people with less powerful computers have found this too.
You can in fact change the type settings in WinDV. In the main screen (which I think you will agree is not large!) click on the Config button, and on the new screen which appears, up in the top left corner, you will see that Type 2 is set by default, but you can click on Type 1. Ignore the little bracketted descriptions which are hardly helpful. You can also change it in VS -- in the capture screen, click on the Options button.
While that may be your problem, the thing is that if you have managed to capture and edit, and didn't notice any jumping in the video at that stage, then the problem may be elsewhere. The most common would be that either your burner or stand-alone DVD player doesn't like the type of DVD disc you are using (brand, type +r or -R, even the dye colour). But often it is the burning speed you used. We generally recommend that you use a low burning speed, and not the highest rated speed for that disc. So if, say, you are using 12x rated discs, try to burn at 4x if the burner will allow that speed. For higher rated discs, you probably will find that the minimum speed possible is 6x, so use that in such a case.
The idea is that a lower speed allows the burning laser more time to embed the signal more strongly in the disc, thus allowing the later reading laser more certainty of being able to read the signal fully and not jump over the parts it can't read. High end brand-name DVD players are notorious for being particularly finicky about such things. I should also note for the sake of a balanced response that some of our users argue that they use much higher or the highest rated speed for their burning and have observed no problems. But give a lower speed a go and see if that improves things...
The other thing I should comment on is your workflow which reflects a little misunderstand about DV video. DV, whether type 1 or 2, in fact already uses the .avi extension. Hence your step 2 is unnecessary -- depending on your computer resources as discussed above, and depending on whether your "conversion" from DV > AVI uses Type 1 instead of Type 2. It is not an important thing as DV/AVI is essentially lossless so you can recode it quite a few times without any loss of quality. However, if you are converting Type 2 DV to DV and the conversion process still uses Type 2 as the default (which it may very well do if you have not changed the Capture > Options button to type 1 as the default), then you have simply added an unnecessary step to the workflow which merely reproduces what you started out with!!
The real problem as far as I can again guess, is in your step 3. It appears you insert your "new" DV/AVI into the Editing timeline, do your editing and -- here's the guess -- then you jump straight to the burning module (Share > Create Disc > DVD). If you are indeed doing this, then I recommend you try this following workflow as an alternative...
After editing, you first convert the project to DVD compatible mpeg-2 as part of the Editing process and before you even think about opening the burning module: Share > Create Video File > DVD. The default for this will probably reflect pretty closely the properties you have set anyway. If not, then select 'Custom' instead of 'DVD' in the drop-down menu and change the settings there to reflect the properties you want.
Once you have your mpeg-2, save your project, then open a new one. Don't worry about a name for it -- the objective is just to clear the timeline.
Then you go to Share > Create Disc > DVD, insert your new mpeg-2 into the burning timeline, make your menu and burn. Also, make sure 'do not convert compliant mpeg files' is ticked in the middle of the three icons in the bottom left of the burning screen. You should not have to adjust any of the properties in the burn module.
As it is, if my guess about your workflow was correct, and if your computer is not overly well resourced, you are expecting the conversion from DV to mpeg-2 to take place during the burning process, which is already complicated and demanding enough of computer resources without that extra demand being thrown in. A lot of people -- and believe me, a lot -- find that converting to mpeg-2 during the burning process will often not be smooth and if you get to the end of it (which many don't as the process often crashes), then the resulting DVD may not be optimal.
Ken Berry
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Ken Berry
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I've filled out my profile (please excuse the mistakes, I'm sure there are plenty 
)
Here's a little more info on my problem:
As I said before, this is pretty much a new problem. The workflow of burning from AVIs in the timeline has not been a problem before and has only just reared it's ugly head over the past few days...
Granted, my PC is old and seriously needs updating, but it just doesn't make sense to me that these problems have come from out of nowhere...
)Here's a little more info on my problem:
It's probably not a problem related to this. I've always used Sony DVD-Rs to burn onto, and (from the excellent advice found on this forum) I use a 4x burning speed.The most common would be that either your burner or stand-alone DVD player doesn't like the type of DVD disc you are using (brand, type +r or -R, even the dye colour). But often it is the burning speed you used.
The reason I have been doing the DV > AVI conversion is that I use VS is to run a semi-professional sports DVD business. Each show is taped with two cameras (one handheld/one hard cam) and I use VS to acheive the two camera composite edit. I basically capture the footage from each angle, then edit them together. I then create an AVI file of the finished product and then delete the individual file (mainly for space reasons!). That way I have an AVI file file of events that I can pull from at any time.The other thing I should comment on is your workflow which reflects a little misunderstand about DV video. DV, whether type 1 or 2, in fact already uses the .avi extension. Hence your step 2 is unnecessary -- depending on your computer resources as discussed above, and depending on whether your "conversion" from DV > AVI uses Type 1 instead of Type 2. It is not an important thing as DV/AVI is essentially lossless so you can recode it quite a few times without any loss of quality.
I tried this tonight and have to admit I wasn't too impressed with the results. That's the way I used to do it a while back. It kind of leaves the picture looking undefined and muddy. In order to shift DVDs I have to have the picture looking as good as possible. That's the reason I've been using AVI files and then burning from them in the timeline. The picture has been great, almost like real TV than amatuer stuff!!!After editing, you first convert the project to DVD compatible mpeg-2 as part of the Editing process and before you even think about opening the burning module: Share > Create Video File > DVD. The default for this will probably reflect pretty closely the properties you have set anyway. If not, then select 'Custom' instead of 'DVD' in the drop-down menu and change the settings there to reflect the properties you want.
Once you have your mpeg-2, save your project, then open a new one. Don't worry about a name for it -- the objective is just to clear the timeline.
As I said before, this is pretty much a new problem. The workflow of burning from AVIs in the timeline has not been a problem before and has only just reared it's ugly head over the past few days...
Roger that, but it didn't seem to help maintain/enhance the picture.Also, make sure 'do not convert compliant mpeg files' is ticked in the middle of the three icons in the bottom left of the burning screen.
Granted, my PC is old and seriously needs updating, but it just doesn't make sense to me that these problems have come from out of nowhere...
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Ken Berry
- Site Admin
- Posts: 22481
- Joined: Fri Dec 10, 2004 9:36 pm
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- motherboard: Gigabyte B550M DS3H AC
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- ram: 32 GB DDR4
- Video Card: AMD RX 6600 XT
- Hard_Drive_Capacity: 1 TB SSD + 2 TB HDD
- Monitor/Display Make & Model: Kogan 32" 4K 3840 x 2160
- Corel programs: VS2022; PSP2023; DRAW2021; Painter 2022
- Location: Levin, New Zealand
Thanks for filling in the System details -- though as you guessed, I think you need to amend a couple of items. Operating system is Windows of some kind... I am guessing XP??? And RAM is the little stickie things of which you might have, say 512 MB, 1 GB or 2 GB... not 80 GB (with 30 GB free). That would be your hard drive which you have described in the last item, but should instead substitute the above sizes!
If the correct properties are chosen, then the mpeg-2 should look no different from the end result on your burned DVD. But that begs the question of what properties you use to produce the mpeg-2. Assuming, as you say, you want the highest quality DVD compliant mpeg-2, then you would use properties in Share > Create File > DVD along the following lines: 720 x 480, 16:9, Lower Field First, VBR Max. 8000 kbps, Dolby dual channel, 224 kbps. But you could also check the properties used in the screen that appears when you click on the middle of the three icons in the bottom left of the burning screen, and make sure the properties in Share > Create File are the same. With the above properties you could fit around 75 minutes of video on a single layer disc and produce a high quality DVD with it.
And RAM is the little stickie things of which you might have, say 512 MB, 1 GB or 2 GB... not 80 GB (with 30 GB free). That would be your hard drive which you have described in the last item, but should instead substitute the above sizes! That's the way I used to do it a while back. It kind of leaves the picture looking undefined and muddy.
If the correct properties are chosen, then the mpeg-2 should look no different from the end result on your burned DVD. But that begs the question of what properties you use to produce the mpeg-2. Assuming, as you say, you want the highest quality DVD compliant mpeg-2, then you would use properties in Share > Create File > DVD along the following lines: 720 x 480, 16:9, Lower Field First, VBR Max. 8000 kbps, Dolby dual channel, 224 kbps. But you could also check the properties used in the screen that appears when you click on the middle of the three icons in the bottom left of the burning screen, and make sure the properties in Share > Create File are the same. With the above properties you could fit around 75 minutes of video on a single layer disc and produce a high quality DVD with it.
Ken Berry
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Trevor Andrew
Hi
When you capture via firewire from a Mini DV type camera use DV format.
Choose Dv-Type 1 from the options cogwheel.
After the initial editing Share Create Video File
Choose ¡¥Same as First Video Clip¡¦
This option will keep create a new Avi using your captured properties.
(it is best not to change the properties, where possible that is)
Continue to edit this new Avi file.
Then Share Create Video File¡XDVD
If the project is longer than 60 minutes, I would use the Make Movie manager to create a new template, reducing the bit rate.
Use the resultant Mpeg video file to burn a DVD
When you capture via firewire from a Mini DV type camera use DV format.
Choose Dv-Type 1 from the options cogwheel.
After the initial editing Share Create Video File
Choose ¡¥Same as First Video Clip¡¦
This option will keep create a new Avi using your captured properties.
(it is best not to change the properties, where possible that is)
Continue to edit this new Avi file.
Then Share Create Video File¡XDVD
If the project is longer than 60 minutes, I would use the Make Movie manager to create a new template, reducing the bit rate.
Use the resultant Mpeg video file to burn a DVD
Fixed my profile Ken. A PC running off of 80 GB RAM would be quite the machine wouldn't it?
First off I want to points out my error/realisation...
It IS best to transfer my AVI project into an MPEG2 Before burning. The reason I was experiencing a diminished picture is that although I had checked the "Do Not Convert Compliant MPEGs" box, I was then going on to push the "Change MPEG Settings" button and trying to maximize the picture, not realizing that all I was doing was lessening the picture by making an MPEG out of an MPEG (creating a 2nd gen MPEG).
I am now able to burn the MPEG to disc with a great picture, but it appears it's not the DV/AVI/DVD/MPEG issue I'm dealing with. I'm still experiencing a picture that frequently distorts. VERY frustrating and I have no clue as to what to do.
So the question is: Why am I getting a distorted/skipping picture when playing back my burned projects?! (And I hope somebody doesn't suggest getting a new DVD drive, I'm stony broke right now!!!)
First off I want to points out my error/realisation...
It IS best to transfer my AVI project into an MPEG2 Before burning. The reason I was experiencing a diminished picture is that although I had checked the "Do Not Convert Compliant MPEGs" box, I was then going on to push the "Change MPEG Settings" button and trying to maximize the picture, not realizing that all I was doing was lessening the picture by making an MPEG out of an MPEG (creating a 2nd gen MPEG).
I am now able to burn the MPEG to disc with a great picture, but it appears it's not the DV/AVI/DVD/MPEG issue I'm dealing with. I'm still experiencing a picture that frequently distorts. VERY frustrating and I have no clue as to what to do.
So the question is: Why am I getting a distorted/skipping picture when playing back my burned projects?! (And I hope somebody doesn't suggest getting a new DVD drive, I'm stony broke right now!!!)
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Black Lab
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Just a few things to try:
Make sure that your burn properties match the properties of your video file.
Try burning at the lowest speed possible.
Try a different batch of DVDs. Maybe you got a bad one.
Make sure that your burn properties match the properties of your video file.
Try burning at the lowest speed possible.
Try a different batch of DVDs. Maybe you got a bad one.
Jeff
Dentler's Dog Training, LLC
http://www.dentlersdogtraining.com
http://www.facebook.com/dentlersdogtraining
Dentler's Dog Training, LLC
http://www.dentlersdogtraining.com
http://www.facebook.com/dentlersdogtraining
Okay, I'm back again to bump my thread.
Thanks for all the advice, it's all very much appreciated!!
I've done a little experimenting over the last day or so and have come to the conclusion that the problem is occurring whenever I'm converting my AVI files to MPEG2s.
I've conducted experiments like capturing in DV Type 1 AND Type 2 but have had the same problem with both.
I've ruled out the DVD Burner theory. I've tested this out by burning old MPEGs I have from the past. They record/play without any problem.
So my diagnosis of this whole sorry caper is that my PC is having problems creating MPEG2s from AVI files. Any ideas on how I can remedy this situation?!?!
Thanks for all the advice, it's all very much appreciated!!
I've done a little experimenting over the last day or so and have come to the conclusion that the problem is occurring whenever I'm converting my AVI files to MPEG2s.
I've conducted experiments like capturing in DV Type 1 AND Type 2 but have had the same problem with both.
I've ruled out the DVD Burner theory. I've tested this out by burning old MPEGs I have from the past. They record/play without any problem.
So my diagnosis of this whole sorry caper is that my PC is having problems creating MPEG2s from AVI files. Any ideas on how I can remedy this situation?!?!
-
Black Lab
- Posts: 7429
- Joined: Wed Dec 15, 2004 3:11 pm
- System_Drive: C
- 32bit or 64bit: 64 Bit
- Location: Pottstown, Pennsylvania, USA
Just out of curiosity, what are your clip (right click on a clip), project (File>Preferences), and burn (cog wheel in lower left of burn window) properties?
Jeff
Dentler's Dog Training, LLC
http://www.dentlersdogtraining.com
http://www.facebook.com/dentlersdogtraining
Dentler's Dog Training, LLC
http://www.dentlersdogtraining.com
http://www.facebook.com/dentlersdogtraining
PROBLEM SOLVED!!!
I'd just like to wrap up this thread. That way if people that have a similar problem this thread can perhaps be of help (via the search engine).
The problem was that my installed version of VS11 had become corrupt. I burned a copy of the same project in VS9 (never got around to uninstalling it) and it burned and played fine. That lead me to uninstall and reinstall VS11 and it turns out that the program had just become corrupt.
PHEW!!!
I just want to thank everyone that made suggestions during all my headaches!
I'd just like to wrap up this thread. That way if people that have a similar problem this thread can perhaps be of help (via the search engine).
The problem was that my installed version of VS11 had become corrupt. I burned a copy of the same project in VS9 (never got around to uninstalling it) and it burned and played fine. That lead me to uninstall and reinstall VS11 and it turns out that the program had just become corrupt.
PHEW!!!
I just want to thank everyone that made suggestions during all my headaches!
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Trevor Andrew