VS8 Was Great For MPEG-4 to MPEG-2 Conversion, VS9 Isn't

[rinkwide]

I've been trying to convert my MP4 files (from a Sanyo Xacti) to make them DVD ready but VS9 is pixelating the heck out of the finished MPEG-2 video. The problem is most noticable when the camera is panning or moving quickly. Upon frame-by-frame inspection of the finished video, every 13th frame contains huge pixels and then the 14th and 15th frames share an identical image. After that the cycle repeats (all the other frames seem fine). The net effect is an unwatchably jagged playback of scenes with even moderate action.

This does not happen at all when I use VS8 to do the conversion but I sure like the new features of 9 and don't want to have to keep going back.

Tech support thinks it's a bug and sent me an escalation form.

Anyone else experiencing MPEG-4 to DVD conversion problems?

[elliot]

Hi,

waht settings do you currently use in vs8 for producing dvd'd. Mine are ok but a little jerky. Does the field order have any effect, ie lower field/upper field first? I generally compress at about 6Mbits onto DVD vbr.

Do you keep everything 4:3 produce it at 16:9.

Generally my results are OK but the jerkiness as compared to playing the native file in mediaplayer annoys me>

Thanks for your help.

[nshaines]

I've been experiencing the same 'white blockiness / compression problems' for a couple of months now using the MPEG4 codec and VS v. 9. My video files were shot using an Xacti C4 and had no compression artifacts whatsoever originally (using VS v.8 ). I've spoken to technical support several times about the mater and they've offered no working solution as yet, and will not suggest when a patch will be available - which I feel shows a real lack of customer service after I forked out a lot of money for sub standard software!

Anyway, here's the responses that I got from technical support, maybe they will help someone out there, until Ulead finally bring out a fix...


1st email reply
1) Clean up temp files from\Start menu\Programs\Accessories\System
Tools\Disk Cleanup.
2) Uninstall VideoStudio 9 from control panel Add/Remove programs
3) Delete following folders
=>C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Ulead
Systems\Ulead VideoStudio
=>C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\SmartSound
Software Inc
=>C:\Documents and Settings\[Username]\My Documents\Ulead VideoStudio
=>C:\Program Files\Common Files\Ulead Systems\
4) Reinstall VideoStudio 9 again and all the components and the
plug-ins.


Be sure that DMA is enabled for IDE hard disks.
1. Control Panel: System: Hardware tab: Device Manager.
2. Click "IDE ATA/ATAPI controllers"
3. Double click on Primary IDE Channel: Advanced settings.
4. Be sure Current transfer mode is DMA. (Transfer mode should be DMA
if available in default.)


Download the latest version of DirectX and other necessary updates from
Microsoft:
http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/


2nd email reply
Can you please try the following suggestions:
1) Defragement HD. If you haven't done defragment for a long time, it's
better to do it before the operation.

2) Please make sure this video file is ok, I suggest you check it.

3) Be sure that there are no other running applications.

If you have some hardware devices that are currently connected via USB
port like compact flash card reader, removable drives, etc., then
please just unplug them and close all running applications like screen saver and memory-resident applications (system monitor, anti-virus
application, etc.) as they may cause error as well before performing a data write/system conflict.


3rd email reply
Please terminate all other unnecessary programs on stand-bye. Press
CRTL+ALT+DELETE to open the Task manager and terminate programs including
all that is on TSR (Terminate and Stay Ready).

Run msconfig and disable all unnecessary start-up
applications/programs.

Also, you may try to run some anti-spyware utilities.

[rinkwide]

I think we need to demand a refund for the MP4 codec. Losing revenue is probably the only thing that will get them working on a patch.

[Klaus Christo]

I have exactly the same problem with the pixelation of the mpg4 clips, dont know why I bought the extra add on. Luckily I still have vs8 to do that job, how ridiculous.
Also had heaps of trouble with the smart download grrr
I want my money back too!

[rinkwide]

...I still have (to use) vs8 to do that job...

That's exactly what I ended up doing.

I converted to MPEG-2 in VS8 and then edited that in VS9. It worked OK. Next time I'm gonna try converting the MP4 files to AVI. I think that might be a decent (but still ridiculous) work-around until they patch up this mess.

[jjmiller]

I never used version 8. But it sounds to me like it does what the VIDEO TOOLBOX product does now. The conversion product... maybe they are taking that functionality out of VS 9 and putting it in this seperate product.

JJ Miller