Videostudio x3 does not create proxy files

[eisp]

Hi,

Corel videostudio does not create proxy files. I've added information about my version and how i've tried below.

I bought pro x3 in february, but did not install it before yesterday. I installed the version linked in the purchase email from february 2011. I have not installed any updates or patches, so the version i use is Corel VideoStudio Pro 13.6.2.36

Settings:
- Corel is installed on c drive
- proxy folder is set to a folder on my d-drive
- Just to be sure to create proxy files, i've set: "Create proxy when video size is above 352 x 240"
- I have checked "auto generate proxy teamplate"
- i have checked settings-smart proxy manager-enable smart proxy

I have created a new project and added 2 files.
file1.AVI
video compression: MJPEG compressor
attributes: 24 bits, 1280 x 720
total frames: 340
file size: 41 738 KB

file2.AVI
video compression:Microsoft DTV-DVD Video Decoder
attributes: 24 bits, 1920 x 1080
total frames: 222
file size: 13 061 KB

I select both files, right click and choose "create smart proxy file"
I open the "smart proxy queue manager" and i see the two files dissapear. However, they just fly through as nothing is really done with the files
When the files are gone from "smart proxy queue manager" i open "smart proxy manager", and there's no files here. There is neither files in the proxy folder i've chosen.

I've also tried to play the video, hoping the files will be created automatically.
I've tried to create the proxy files after installing the patch for pro x3.
I've tried to reinstall videostudio.

I still can't get the proxy files, which means i can't edit the video either. When i preview with the editor, it stops all the time. The thing is, i managed to create the proxy files a year ago when i first tried the x3-version, and that's why i bought the product.

Any ideas how i can make it work?

regards,
Eirik

[Trevor Andrew]

Hi

Having allocated a new proxy folder I think you may be best to clear/clean your proxy folders

Your video frame size of 1280 x 720 will cause Smart Proxy files to be created automatically without changing the default sizes.
Proxy Files are automatically created after inserting a clip to the timeline.
Or manually created by right click “Create Proxy Files”

Once created a UPX file is saved to the Proxy Folder, Also a small double icon shows within the clip in the library and timeline.

Try this...............
Close Video Studio X3

For Windows XP my default X3 Default Proxy Folder is here:-

C:\Documents and Settings\User Name\My Documents\Corel VideoStudio Pro\Corel VideoStudio Pro\13.0\

Locate this folder and delete all UPX type files
Navigate to the new folder on your D:Drive and delete all UPX type files.

Launch Video Studio X3
Add a video file to the top timeline.
View Settings – Smart Proxy Queue Manager, when complete View the Smart Proxy Manager
Now view the actual Proxy File on your D:Drive, does it contain the proxy files.

Eirik….Can you fill in your profile to include your computer specification, this will show to the right of this post, certainly quite useful Thank You

[eisp]

Hi,

Thanks for your reply. I've added my details and tried what you suggested without luck. I've also tried a trial version of pro x4, and the same thing happens.

But i've noticed a new thing. If i have the proxy folder opened in a file explorer, and i drop a few files into videostudio, i can see the upx-proxy file for a second in the file explorer, before it dissapears again, and the next proxy file is created and then deleted. Seems like videostudio prosesses the files i've dropped, but doesn't really make the proxyfile.

Is there any other software i HAVE to have installed on my computer for videostudio to work?

[Trevor Andrew]

Hi

Very strange, if it happens with both X3 and X4 then I would suspect your computer rather than it be directly a Video Studio problem.
If you see the file pop into the folder then disappear, where does it go?
Have you looked in the computers “Re-Cycle Bin”

There are no other additional corel software to install that is causing this, update packs should not that affect this, especially as its happening with both versions.
I haven’t heard of this being posted before

However……

Direct X
Manually updating Direct x has cured some strange issues with Video Studio.
This is the latest Direct X file

1 / Download file
2 / run to extract files, create a folder on your desktop to hold these files.
3 / Run the DXSETUP.exe file

---------------------------------------------
My only other thoughts are if its an administrator/user issue with Windows 7 not allowing the user to change save/files.
Unfortunately that would be getting a little advanced for my brain.

[eisp]

Hi again,

Now i've also tried to upgrade directX but it still didn't solve the problem. BUT, i've found the problem most likely occurs because of my videofiles-format.

I tried to create proxyfiles from my videofiles, but never tried with any of the Videostudio examplefiles. The VS-example files create proxyfiles, which is viewable in proxy file manager and windows explorer window.

Now i simple don't understand why my files can't create proxyfiles. I've put an example file here (about 10 mb):
Googledocs-link: https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0B4eUu8 ... j&hl=en_US
Example file information collected from VLC-player:

• filename extension: AVI
• codec: H264 - MPEG-4 AVC (part10) (H264)
• Solution: 1920x1080
• frame rate: 25
• Codec sound: MPEG Audio layer 1/2/3 (mpga)
• Sample rate: 48 000 Hz
• Bitrate: 256 kb/s

I made my project with Pro X2, and then i was able to add all my files similar to the example file. When i opened the project in Pro X3, it was accepted. Now, after installing the operating system win 7 all over again, and then installing Videostudio Pro x3, the VS don't accept the files if i drop them into the software unless i rename them to .mov from .avi. But after renaming to .mov, they still don't create proxyfile. And i'd prefer not to have to rename all the files in the project file as i have a few hundred.

(And i've verified that i can create proxy files from the VS example-files .wmv and .UVP. after reinstalling)

Well, i've added the example file, about 10 mb, so if anyone would care to load it into the Videostudio (Pro X3 or X4), create a proxyfile, and see if it appears in the proxy manager and the filesystem, i'd be thankful. Last summer i spent quite some time turning 120 hours family film into 1 hour 15 min film, and that's the project i want to finish.

Regards Eirik

[Trevor Andrew]

Hi

I am having big problems with the video file 00296_2.avi.

Both X3 and X4 slowed to a stop, the files were inserted to the timeline then VS crashed.
I was able to insert to X2 but very slow.

Back to X4
I turned “Off” Smart Proxy then managed to insert the video to X4 without crashing, again very slow to the point of freezing.
These are the details from X4

click to view larger image

eirik2.jpg (19.92 KiB) Viewed 10926 times

The program is very, very slow to react to any mouse clicks.
I turned on Smart Proxy and successfully created the proxy file.

Interestingly the program has speeded up to mouse commands and I don’t seem to be having problems.
Very Strange.

I believe the problem may be the Video Compression using “ffdshow”

Where did you get these video files from?

I have tried converting to other “shall we say” more suitable video formats, but having all sorts of problems.

What are you intending to make with your files, this determines what you will be converting to, and whether there will be any problems in converting.

[Ron P.]

I'm not sure this has everything to do with the slowness and problems but FFDSHOW is a a VFW & Directshow codec. When Vista was released back during VS 10, Corel dropped support for VFW and Directshow. So VS may be having problems using FFDSHOW correctly. Also Wikipedia says this about FFDShow being used with AVC H. 264:

For playing transport stream files such as AVC(H.264) an additional mediasplitter should also be installed. There are several free mediasplitters available such as the Haali Media Splitter

I realize that they're referring to being able to play AVC h.264 video encoded using FFDSHOW, but it seems that it and/or the media players need the help of an additional utility.

Also where you get the FFDSHOW codec may be important. It is a free open source codec from Source Forge (GPL). There's a ton of others offering it to, and may not be the same.

[eisp]

Hi,

This is how i do it:

• Transfer .mts files from my canon Legria HFS100
• Split videofiles to extract the parts i want to make my video from. Have clips up to 20 minutes i just want 10 seconds from. That's why i don't transfer the whole file into VS and mark here which parts i want to make the movie from
• I use AVS video converter to split the files, and then they also get converted. See pictures for how i do it

  

• I put my clips together in a VS-project

Question 1:
Trevor, you mention more suitable formats, what are these? I want to transfer my canon files into a family video. I want to create an 1,5 hour HD dvd-movie for HD-tv's in 16:9-aspect. Editing movie is not my area, so i'm thankful for information on the subject. Especially with all those existing video-formats, i'm quite confused.

Question 2:
Is there any way to "save" my VS-project with files similar to my example file in my previous post. Like convert the file into an other avi-file using some other compression so VS accepts it? In that way VS should just recognise my files by name? Or do i have to convert them to another type, MPEG, WMA, MOV, 3GP or similar, and relink in VS? In the last case, which type should i convert to, to get best possible result for HD-tv 16:9 aspect.

thank you for answers so far, i don't feel everything is to hopeless when competent people look into the problem

regards Eirik

[Trevor Andrew]

Hi Eirik

Why are you using AVS converter to pre-render the video file when video studio should be capable of editing these video types.

Are you having problems inserting an original video file to Video Studio.?
Insert the original file into Video Studio ........ from D:\00013.MTS, what happens.?

When you say you want to make a HD DVD – Movie, are you intending to make a BluRay disc.
Do you own a Bluray Burner, do you own a Bluray DVD Player?
Or are you intending to make a standard DVD?

[eisp]

Trevor,

I use the AVS-converter to get only the parts of the files i want to keep on my backupdisk. And then i make a movie of a subset of these files again.

Out of 150 hours movie i only wanted to keep about 10 hours for backup, and out of this i made 1,5 hour movie. I could just insert the MTS-files, but since i've already done the work of extracing the importent parts of my videos, i use these.

At this point i want to burn a DVD with best possible quality. No, i don't want to burn a blueraydisk at this point, but as i keep the VS-project-file, i would like this option in the future. If i make the project with best quality, it will downgrade making a dvd i suppose. While i can't make a dvd-project, and expect better quality burning it as a blueray, so i might as well create the project with best possible quality?

I noticed your VS used fddshow decoder, and after some google i found windows 7 uses it's own codec for h.264, Microsoft DTV-DVD Video Decoder. I forced win 7 to use an other decoder and experienced the same problems you described loading the file. But at least i managed to create proxyfile from the .avi file.

So then
1. Is there any h.264 decoder i should use so VS works with .avi files.
2. Should i use some other video compression/format that preserve the HD-quality from my MTS-files making VS-projects. Mpeg2 etc ?

Eirik

[Trevor Andrew]

Hi Eirik

I still don’t really understand why you have to use the AVS video converter.

However using AVS, you input video files properties look incorrect, if they are HD H.264 1920 x 1080 then the bit rate looks very low. A bit rate of 16000kbps would be more in keeping for HD.

Can you add an original video file to Video Studio, right click the clip and select properties, what are they? Or does the VCL Player show the bit rate.

Using Avs you should convert to MPEG not Avi, this will create a compatible video file.

You have the choice of keeping the original HD properties or converting to Standard Definition.
Your Aspect Ratio is incorrect it should read 16:9, 1920 x 1080 is the frame size not the aspect ratio.

Typical HD Settings
MPEG Transport-Stream Files
24 bits, 1920 x 1080, 25 fps
Upper Field First
(HDMV-PAL), 16:9
H.264 Video or Mpeg2
Video data rate: Variable (Max. 16000 kbps) set as original
Audio data rate: 256 kbps
Dolby Digital Audio, 48 KHz, 2/0(L,R)


When you finally burn a DVD the video file has to be converted to standard Mpeg2 DVD compliant files

Typical Standard DVD Settings
MPEG files
24 bits, 720 x 576, 25 fps
Upper Field First
(DVD-PAL), 16:9
Video data rate: Variable (Max. 8000 kbps)
Audio data rate: 256 kbps
Dolby Digital Audio, 48 KHz, 2/0(L,R)

A bit rate of 8000kbps will allow for 60 minutes of movie per disc.
Reduce this if your movie is longer than 60 minutes

As far as I can tell the downloaded sample is corrupt in some way, certainly the properties are unsuitable.
You may be able to re-code these using one of the templates above.
But I would advise that you import them again, if you have to use AVS then so be it.


We need to know the exact properties of your original video files before any conversions, then we will be able to give accurate details of the conversion settings.

[Ken Berry]

I want to create an 1,5 hour HD dvd-movie for HD-tv's in 16:9-aspect.

If by this you mean you want a high definition video burned as such on a video DVD, the only way of doing this is a hybrid AVCHD disc. That burns AVCHD in a Blu-Ray BDMV folder on a standard DVD. But it can only be played on a Blu-Ray player rated to play such hybrid discs.

As for the bitrates you mention, I agree they are abysmally low, even for a good quality, standard def DVD -- but hopeless for high definition. And for a standard def, single layer DVD, even burning with Trevor's suggested bitrate of 16 Mbps, you would have trouble fitting much more than 30 minutes of HD video onto the disc -- and nowhere near your hoped-for 1 hour 50 minutes...

[eisp]

Hi again,

And thank you for your answers. Seems like i have a long way to go learning about video formats and editing, but at least i understand more now than before. Well, for the project everything started with, i'll convert my avi to mpeg and relink in VS And then i'll have to make my future movies based on your information here.

Here's a file collected directly from my camera into VS. Video Studio properties from the orginal file:

While AVS videoconverter gives these details:

ScreenShot003.jpg (11.32 KiB) Viewed 10904 times

Eirik

[Trevor Andrew]

Hi Eirik

One of the golden rules to video editing is to try to use the original video properties throughout your editing.

Your original properties are High Definition and would be suitable for burning a HD disc.
MTS are in-fact a form of MPEG
There is no point in using AVS to convert the 1440x1080 to 1920 x1080

However you do not own a Bluray DVD Player and as far as I am aware are intending to create a Standard DVD.
As I mentioned earlier a standard DVD uses Mpeg2 files, at some point your video will be converted to Mpeg2 in order to burn a disc.

You are best to use Video Studio to edit the original files, the project would then be rendered/converted to your chosen output file.

For some reason I get the impression that you are using the camera’s as a removable drive without transferring to the files to the pc. ( I am probably completely wrong in that assumption)

So how are you transferring the files from the camera to the computer?

[eisp]

Hi Trevor,

Well, then i'll start using my originalfiles in my future videos.

But i'd like to save my project in a format so i can burn the project to a blueray later if i want to. It's so that i have a blueray-player, but my family which i also make a dvd for, don't. So i guess i can make the project from the original files, save my project for later, and burn a dvd or a blueray out of it when i want to.

I transfer my files by connecting the canon-camera to my computer, and then i simple cut-paste the mts-files from the camera to my computer.

Eirik