AVI HD problems

[Black Lab]

As I said earlier in this thread I have been away from the Forum for some time and have lost track a bit but I seem to recall reading many posts here that suggested downloading and installing numerous codec packs was a bad idea as they tended to conflict with those that are automatically installed when we install video editing programs.

I believe you are referring to the following.

http://forum.corel.com/EN/viewtopic.php?f=63&t=29725

[mitchell65]

Yes Jeff, thanks! I knew I had seen it here somewhere. I think it has been mentioned in a number of posts where "strange" things happen whilst editing a clip! I am looking at ways to help with the uninstalling of unnecessary codecs but I think to do the job properly would probably me re installing the software, then each program, then just updating the DirectX. Seems a bit of a drastic measure really!

[pvreditor]

If the file Peter (peem) is trying to use is AVCHD-Lite, then it probably came from a Panasonic digital (still-image) camera. I have a Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS7, which is a 12-megapixel still-image camera with surprisingly good 720p video capability. I could not get AVCHD-Lite video from the DMC-ZS7 to work with VS2, and I also could not get the editing software supplied by Panasonic to work at all. My solution was to switch the camera to record video as M-JPEG files, which work perfectly with VS2. I have edited many videos from this camera with VS2, once I switched the camera to M-JPEG mode.

I've been meaning to try AVCHD-Lite now that I have VS4 but haven't gotten around to it yet. AVCHD-Lite is much more efficient than M-JPEG in terms of file size, but I use a 32GB SD card in the camera and don't worry about file size.

BTW, if you want a camera that costs less than $300, fits into a shirt pocket, yet can take both good stills and video, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS7 is a great choice. Video I shot with this camera has made its way into professional travel videos, and my most popular YouTube video (31,000 views and counting) was shot with this camera.

Bob Kovacs
http://www.bobkovacs.com

[mitchell65]

Hi Bob
If you look at the previous thread you will see that Peem has a Medion [Aldi] HD digital camera

[pvreditor]

Hi Bob
If you look at the previous thread you will see that Peem has a Medion [Aldi] HD digital camera

Ahhh... okay, so much for Panasonic!

That's what I get for checking these posts in between tasks at work...

Bob Kovacs
http://www.bobkovacs.com

[Peem]

John,

I take files directly from SD card in card reader to computer folder,which is one of the methods suggested by handbook. They now play OK on various video playing programs as well as in clip mode on VSX4. After first installing X4 only the sound on these clips played, with picture black. After updating codecs from specific sites suggested by Abiel Corel picture also played in clip mode but faultily in project mode - as [poorly] shown in my post on 13 Mar [with bars top and bottom of the picture that do not play]. If I convert files as reported in my post with 3 screen shots the play OK. I think Ken Berry and Abiel reported that, on a website that provide info about the codec X264 was a note about possible conflicts with 64 bit systems, and I also found that note in my research.

The camera came with Arcsoft Total Media HD Cam 2.0 which I have installed and it also plays the clips but its editing capability is laughable.

I don't have any other HD equipment so I have reservations about how much time should be devoted to this but it is infuriating!

Thanks, Peter.

[mitchell65]

Peter
Yes I can understand that you have something of a dilemma. Can only reiterate my findings though. I haven't yet tried VS X4 but have every reason to believe that it will work as well if not better than VS X3! I'm now going to stick my neck out and say that I think you have got a real conflict in the numerous codec packs that you have downloaded. I wouldn't, for one minute argue with the real experts here but if these clips work on my system with no 3rd party codecs installed I can't think of anything else to say!

[Peem]

Thanks John,
One thing I have not tried is actually making a video file for the project. Who knows? It may produce a perfect picture. I will keep fiddling but don't think I shoul expect others to devote much more time to this.

Thanks all who helped,
Peter

[Peem]

Just tried to follow my own suggestion above but VS froze with 'unspecified error- send dump file to Corel', so it might be a few days before I hear anything.
Peter

[Peem]

Hi,

This probably should be a new thread. Has anyone tried to send a .DMP file to Corel recently? I spent some time going round in circles, put in my password etc but could not find a way of attaching a file to any of the options provided on their new look customer help. I may not be a computer whiz but I would not be the least aware person likely to try this. Eventually I phoned the only number I could find and was given a direct email address.

Sorry if I sound a grumpy old man. I think the simple life is gone forever.

Peter

[mitchell65]

Hi Peter
Will be interested to hear what Corel say! Just another thought I have had. In an earlier post you said;

I take files directly from SD card in card reader to computer folder,which is one of the methods suggested by handbook.

In the manual does it also suggest connecting the camera to the PC with the USB cable using the software supplied to transfer the files to the PC? If so, try that, as most of the regular helpers on this Forum will confirm that this is the preferred option. It certainly works for me with my Canon HD camcorder!

[pvreditor]

Hi Peter
In the manual does it also suggest connecting the camera to the PC with the USB cable using the software supplied to transfer the files to the PC? If so, try that, as most of the regular helpers on this Forum will confirm that this is the preferred option. It certainly works for me with my Canon HD camcorder!

FWIW, I've never had any luck using the software provided with a camera. I did get some basic editing software with my Canon HD camcorder, and it does work for editing in a very basic way. However, file transfer software never seems to work for me. The good news is that I can plug the Canon camcorder into the computer with a USB cable and simply drag-and-drop the files. With other cameras, I pop the SD chip out of the camera, slip it into the computer and drag-and-drop the files. This is what I do at work for video editing with VS3.

I have a Panasonic camera (Lumix DMC-ZS7) that came with an elaborate file transfer/organization program that also included photo and video editing. I could not get it to work a lick, even after fussing with it for hours and performing all requested updates. And it was WAY more annoying to use than simply dragging-and-dropping files.

I guess those programs must work for someone, as manufacturers keep shipping them with the gear. But they've been mostly useless for me.

Bob Kovacs
http://www.bobkovacs.com

[mitchell65]

Hi Bob
Just out of interest was the file transfer software that came with your Canon HD camera "Corel Guide Menu"? Also are your files from your Canon .MTS files?

[Trevor Andrew]

Hi

All still cameras I own are connected to PC via USB
The computer recognises the camera and shows it as a “removable drive” when viewing my computer.

Some do come with software to help transferring the files. But no recoding during transfer takes place, what you have is what you get. The individual programs may organise the files in their own Image Viewer.
Where software is installed I always have the option to ignore and use the “removable drive” showing in My Computer.

Bob
I own a Lumix TZ9, replaced a damaged the TZ5.
In Europe TZ is used instead of ZS but they are the same beast, I do agree that they are a great camera.
My version does not do Avchd, when I upgraded I chose TZ9 mainly because it didn’t do Avchd. Photo Jpeg 1280 x 720 produces great video.
However I do not have any software to transfer images, I connect the camera via USB select PC from the camera screen, then use the removable drive option.

Drag and drop (Copy and Paste) is the easiest option.

Peter
I don’t think the way you transfers images will correct the playback problem.
Lets hope Corel finds the Dump files useful.

The ultimate fix of course would be to re-install the operating system.

[mitchell65]

Hi Trevor
All I can say from my own experience with HD Video is, when I drag and drop files from my Canon HD camcorder to the PC I frequently get small niggling problems. The files were .MTS. I now always use the software supplied with the camcorder to transfer the files and they appear on my PC as .M2TS. I haven't been able to ascertain what the difference is between MTS and M2TS but suffice to say I get no problems at all. So for me it definitely makes a difference. Of course we all have different experiences, that's what makes it interesting!