VS Pro X2 - 2 Problems - Help Please

[jjhgoodguy]

I have 2 problems with VS Pro X2 and 1 question
1) I can't import MP4 files into VS Pro X2 to edit and create a DVD. They were taken by my daughters HD video camera and she gave them to me on an SD chip from the camera. I don't know what make the camera is and don't know if its relevent anyway. I looked at the FAQ area and I tried downloading a suggested FREE video conversion program called SUPER. Only problem is it's not free!!! The "un-activated" free version put a watermark in the middle of the picture and doesn't convert the sound track. I converted the file to a .mov file, and it did import into VS Pro X2. Are there any truly free programs out there to convert the MP4 files to a file that can be imported into VS Pro X2 or will I have to spring for the new X3 version????

2) After I have completed editing a project, be it a slide show or home videos and burn them to DVDs, when I play them back thru the DVD player connected to my TV, the playback "hesitates" frequently. I have tried recording the DVD at a slower speed (8x rather than 16x) and the hesitation" doesn't seem to hapen as frequently. How can these "hesitations" be eliminated???

My one question - Is it worth upgrading to VS ProX3 - Are the new features that much better????

I would classify myself as a relative novice in video editing and really only use the program to create DVDs for family and relatives. I'd appreciate any help I could get very much. Thankyou.

[Trevor Andrew]

Hi

Welcome to the forum

You seem to have a few problems here.

First….Have you manually updated Direct X. There is a link at the top of this forum.
This update has cured some problems with VS X2

1 / I don’t know why you cannot import the mp4 files, I don’t think VS has a problem with these files.
How are you importing the files?, copy the files to your hard drive , then import to VS.

2 / Do you have problems with other video types or is it just the MP4 videos?

3 / The program Super is a free program, although I did find it difficult to find the free download, just ignore any other software as you scroll through……….
http://www.erightsoft.com/SUPER.html
Scroll to the bottom of this page and select ‘Start Downloading Super’

Scroll down this page a little and select ‘SUPER © is a FREE Multimedia software to download and use’

Scroll down to bottom of page to ‘Download SUPER © setup file’ from our 5th dedicated server
they dont make it easy do they..............

3 / upgrading to X3 probably wont cure your problems, I would stay with X2 to sort the problems……..

I thought you said one question!!!!!

[Ken Berry]

Unfortunately, in general terms I would say the opposite: X3 is definitely better at accepting a wider variety of high definition mpeg-4/AVCHD formats than X2. And this was improved still further by the recently released patches.

But (and there's nearly always a 'but'...! ) in fact it often *does* depend on the make and model of the camcorder. I note, for instance, that you very specifically refer to mp4, as opposed to AVCHD. I am thus sort of guessing that the video comes from one of those very small, light and (yes) cheap 'flip' type camcorders which tend to use a codec which is either specific to that camera, or one of the newer higher def codecs, viz. AVCHD 'Lite' (1280 x 720p). X2 had very definite problems with some of these, including AVCHD Lite... However, X3 certainly has no trouble with AVCHD Lite. I can't make a general statement, however, about how it deals with some of the other mpeg-4 high def codecs tweaked by the manufacturers...

Like Trevor, I too would like to know exactly how you are trying to import these files. Do you get any error message? Normally with those video files from an SD card, you either just do a Windows copy/paste to the hard drive, and then, in X2, right click in the library window or timeline, choose Insert Video and navigate to where the video files are stored. You will see in the format box a wide variety of permissible formats, including of course mpeg-4. If that doesn't work, you could also try right clicking in the timeline or library and choosing 'Insert Digital Media' instead. That should import from the SD card itself or from the folder you created to store the video files.

[jjhgoodguy]

Thankyou Trevor and Ken for your replys. Both have given me some direction.

To answer Trevors question about how I import the files. First, I copied the files from an SD card to a folder on my hard drive. I started VS, went to "Capture" / Video/, clicked the folder icon then browsed to the folder containing the files. I click on the file and get the message "Unable to open file (file location and file name) File format mismatch" The file names are shown as "HDV_0016.MP4"

I also read on the forum about a patch for VS Pro X2 and realized I had downloaded it some time ago. I checked the version in "About VideoStudio" and it is 12.0.98.1 Pro.

There was another thread on the forum that said to change the .MP4 to .MOV which I tried and it did work as far as importing the file went and I could even play it as a "clip" but when I moved it to the edit line and tried to play it the entire program automatically closed down and asked if I wanted to send a dump to microsoft.

I will try the SUPER download again as you described it and I will post the results.

BTW - Knobody answered my question about the hesitations in my burned DVDs?? Can you help me there?

[Ken Berry]

Regarding the hesitations in playback, I think you have already identified the problem -- burning speed! The slower the burn the more firmly embedded the signal is. This in turn ensures a wider variety of reading lasers can read a clear signal and not just skid and skip over uncertain bits. I tend to burn all my DVDs at around 4x if the rating of the disc allows you to go that low. Otherwise, I would have said that for a 16x disc, for instance, as you seem to use them, if they can go down to 4x then use that. Otherwise you may be stuck with 8x. There are a variety of other factors, mostly related to the disc itself, which can also affect playback. Some burners don't seem to like certain types of blank disc. Often this has something to do with the colour of the dye used in the production process. Some burners prefer -R discs while others might prefer +R. Unfortunately, it is often a matter of trial and error before you hit a good type for your burner. Me, I stick to Ritek 8x. They may not be fast, but I use them with a variety of burners (Pioneer, LG, ASUS, Matsushita) and never have trouble with them.

Going back to your 'capture' problem, I think your main obstacle is in your belief that the files have to be 'captured'. But with that type of video, this is not the case. In a sense, you have already 'captured' them to your hard disk simply by transferring them from the SD card. So they are there, just waiting to be edited! Forget about the Capture command in VS. All you do is right click in the timeline and choose 'Insert Video' as I have already described. Then navigate to where the video is stored and simply choose which ones you want to insert. Let us know if that works...

[Trevor Andrew]

Hi

Can be so confusing the terms Capture, Import, Insert.
Ken is of course correct and Right Clicking the timeline should work.
You can also insert the files to the library in a similar way. Then drag from library to timeline.

A little more info:-
Once the clips have loaded to the timeline/library they are generally known as virtual clips. They are linked to the main files on the hard drive.
Re-naming or moving these files will cause VS to literally loose the files and request a re-link. It should not be a problem, but just be aware, I’m sure it will crop up at some time.

Editing the clips in the timeline does not alter the files on the hard drive.
To create a new file of your timeline content we use the Share Create Video File option.

[jjhgoodguy]

Thankyou once again Trevor & Ken. You guys are great sticking with me reagrding this problem with the MP4 files.

Here is some information that should have been in my original post regarding the camera. It's a Samsung HD Model H100N. It's video recording format is H.264 HD and audio recording format is AAC. The specs say it is encoded with VBR Variable Bit Rate. Sampling Rate is 48kHz. I have no clue what all that means, I feel real stupid about these things.

Here's where I stand on my side - I was able to download the free SUPER file converter. After some trial and error conversions, I settled on the following settings that produce files I'm able to import into VS X2 and edit. (Haven't tried burning a DVD yet)
OUTPUT = MP4
OUTPUT VIDEO CODEC = H.264/AVC
OUTPUT AUDIO CODEC = AAC
These settings produce files that have the following names -
Assume the original file name is HDV_0004.MP4 the output file is named HDV_0004.MP4.MP4 I don't understand this but the new file can be imported without any trouble. Do you think this new file is still an HD Video file??? It's hard to tell just looking at the "clip" in edit mode.

With regard to your suggestions as to how to import the files without going through the formal import method and just right clicking in the edit timeline, that method didn't work either. I still got the same "File mismatch" error.

I go back to something one of you said regarding the fact that VS X2 shouldn't have a problem with these files. Do you think re-installing the program might help???

Here is what I've learned by this whole experience.

FIRST and most importantly - This forum is terific and the two of you are fantastic and full of great advice and VERY patient with novices. THANK YOU SO MUCH

SECOND - My original problem has been solved, now that I got the SUPER software to do what I needed. Neither I nor anyone in my family have BluRay players so I'm not mandated to produce HD DVDs (YET). HOWEVER, What I don't know is that if I wanted to make a BluRay DVD, would these new files (with the 2 MP4.MP4 designations) be HD videos? Do you know?

AND FINALLY - Since I am retired and just doing this as a hobby, I'm thinking that I might wait for a while before I upgrade to X3.

Thankyou again for your help and suggestions.

[Trevor Andrew]

Hi John

Your original problem…………..
Again you should be able to import MP4 files and I think we should address this problem.

1 / Have you manually installed the Direct X software from the link at the top of this forum.
2 / There is a patch for X2 called VSX2PROPATCH.exe
Have you installed this patch?
The text message associated with this patch states:-

November 2008
To provide our customers with the best possible product performance, Corel is pleased to release the following update to Corel VideoStudio Pro X2:

Compatibility Improvements:
K-Lite codec pack now works properly when creating FLV files
Program now successfully converts JVC® GZ HD-30 files
JVC GZ HD-30 files now import correctly
MP4 file insertion now works as expected
Program now successfully plays clips captured by Sanyo CG65
Files captured by Samsung NV24HD can now be imported correctly
HDV now writes edited projects correctly
H.264(MPEG-TS) Audio now plays correctly
AverMedia volar MTV H.264 MPEG-4 files are now inserted as expected
H.264 file playback performance for AVCHD™ clips is enhanced
Program now includes support for Kworld USB capture device
User Experience Improvements
Imported DVD subtitles are now clearer
Painting Creator playback performance is enhanced
Some special characters no longer cause template errors in Spanish version
Movie Wizard Template errors are corrected


Your workround…..
As you intend to create a DVD then it will be best to use Super to convert the original video to this format. (Mpeg 2), eventually this is the format that is required to create the disc.
The only other format I would use is Dv-Avi.
If we knew your location we would know if you are Pal or Ntsc.

I assume Ntsc

NTSC drop frame (29.97 fps)
MPEG files
24 bits, 720 x 480, 29.97 fps
Upper Field First
(DVD-NTSC), 16:9
Video data rate: 8000 kbps
Audio data rate: 256 kbps
Dolby Digital Audio, 48 KHz, 2/0(L,R)

These are standard video properties allowing for 60 minutes of video to a single layer disc.
Try setting these in Super.
Use the resultant files to add to the timeline and edit your movie.
Your project properties should match your video files properties.

[jjhgoodguy]

Hello Trevor

Thank you for your reply once again.

First - My location is the USA. Thus, I assume NTSC is correct?

Unfortunately, your suggestions still haven't worked. I did make sure the patch VSX2PROPATCH was installed. It was, but I re-installed it to make sure. As far as I can see, the installation was successful and the "version" in the "About VideoStudio" is now showing as "12.0.98.1 Pro". As I noted in an earlier response, I did see the described change in version after the installation.

Next, I didn't see the link you mentioned to the Direct X software, so I went into Microsoft's website and found the Direct X download section. I downloaded what I thought would be the correct program, "dxwebsetup.exe" (dated February 2010 I believe) and installed it. I got the following message - "DirectX setup has determined that a newer or equivalent version of DirectX has been installed already. No installation is necessary." If there is another DirectX download I need, please let me know the name of it and I'll try it. After both of these downloads (patch and DirectX) were completed, I tried once again to capture those MP4 files and still got the "file mismatch" error.

As I noted in my previous post, using the "SUPER" settings I mentioned, I was able to capture and edit the files with the 2 MP4.MP4 file extensions. I took it a step further and burned those video files to a DVD (not BluRay) after adding a title page and a "The End" title, and they came out fine on the second try. The first try was unsuccessful because I didn't change the aspect ratio to 16:9 on the burn setup.

This brings me to another "problem" I haven't mentioned yet. Burning these projects to DVDs takes a long time. For example, this most recent burn took 1hr. and 10 min. start to finish for a 60 minute run time video. I've noticed that most of the time (about 45 min. on this burn, is taken by rendering the Title. A typical DVD I burn has a title at the beginning but also has a Title that appears when the DVD is loaded into the player, sometimes having a music background to it. You then need to press "play" and you see the other title I added before the video or slideshow starts. Is this normal? Can I speed this title rendering up?

Regards John

[Ken Berry]

Regarding your latest problem, I think there is a confusion of terms. You are thinking in terms of a title being something in words e.g. "My Latest Masterpiece" or even "The End". But in vide editing/authoring terms, including in VS, a title is in fact the main video(s).So in fact the title being rendered in the burning process is in fact your main video. So for a one hour video, your conversion/burning time of 1 hour 10 minutes in fact sounds rather fast. Apart from the conversion of your 'title', the menu titles are also converted to video, and the video and audio is also multiplexed. Then the burning itself takes a finite time -- at 4x burning speed, for instance, a one hour video on a single layer DVD takes just on 14 minutes to burn quite apart from the other processes listed above.

[Trevor Andrew]

Hi John

Just to add to Kens comments, there is two approaches that can be used to burn a DVD.

Option 1 / From the completed project Share - Create Disc
This opens the burner module, you check the properties to make sure they are correct, then create the Menu, press Burn
The project is rendered to a Mpeg 2 file (Convert Title), this new file is saved to temporary folders and used to burn the disc. The convert title stage is followed by Convert Menu, this can take quite a while depending on which menu template you used. Other processes are completed (multiplexing etc) to burn the disc.
as Ken said “your conversion/burning time of 1 hour 10 minutes in fact sounds rather fast”

Option 2 / From the completed project Share Create Video File.
The resultant video file is used to burn a DVD.
Start a New project-Share Create Disc –Add Video File.
There should be no Convert Title as the Mpeg file is already created.

Read my quick guide to Mpeg 2 and burn a disc
Written for earlier versions is still relevant for Video Studio.

[jjhgoodguy]

For Trevor and or Ken.

Once again I'd like to thank you both for your help. I've been away for a couple of days (mini vacation) and have come back to my issues. I've re-installed VSX2 and then installed the update download hoping that would solve the capture problem with the MPG4 file. It didn't. I believe you both said that the patch would correct the program and indeed the patch information said it would.

I have a suggestion. I have one of the files still on my computer that I would be willing to send to either of you (It only shows my grand children and some naration by my son-in-law) to see if it is my computer or if there is a problem with the file itself. I would trust both of you to try to import it into your versions of VS X2 (if you still have that version). Would either of you consider trying this?

[Trevor Andrew]

Hi John

Yes you can send the video file , but how big is it in mb?

[Ken Berry]

Thanks for taking that on, Trevor. I am currently travelling in outback Australia and only have a laptop and a limited and very slow dial-up connection. Moreover, the laptop doesn't have VS on it... So while I would have been interested, it would be a week before I am home and could download and test the file...

Ken

[jjhgoodguy]

Thanks Trevor for wanting to try this out. The file is 277,569 KB and the file name is HDV_0023.MP4

What e-mail address can I use to send the file?

One other piece of information. I downloaded another file conversion program because I needed to restore my computer to an earlier version without the "SUPER" program. Its name is MOVAVI Video converter and of course its a trial download and puts a watermark every few seconds. I converted this same file to an MP4 file. That is I used this MP4 file and converted it to an MP4 file. Guess what.... It imported into VS X2 without any problem whatsoever. This is strange. The converter program is obviously doing something to the file that is making it readable by VS. If you like, I could send you both files and perhaps you could determine what the difference is between both files. The converted file name is HDV_00231con.MP4 and the size is 813,668 KB, a little less than 3 times the size of the original.

Let me know where you want me to send the file or files. Thanks again for your help.