VS X7 Pro keeps freezing...

[Frankehr]

When I insert video files from a Canon SX700HS into the video track for editing, there are no problems, however as soon as I try to edit the sound using the sound mixer, the program crawls to a halt while it tries to locate the wave data and put it on the screen for editing. At times this is when VS X7 freezes. Other times it will find the wave data and place it on the screen, but when I try to manipulate audio fades, etc., it freezes. I have spent several hours on this problem. I have tried several versions of QuickTime, as well as changing the settings, but I have not come across the correct combination of settings/programs.The camera produces Video in MVI file: mpeg4, h.264 High Profile, 1920x1080 and Audio: mpeg AAC 4800 Hz 16 bit stereo, 128 kbps. I have been using Video Studio for many years, but this version is giving me fits! Perhaps there is a conflicting program on my computer? But I don't think so ( other than the wrong QuickTime?) I even reformatted the hard drive to try it fresh--same conflict. I have tried using different proxie settings, but seem to have no effect. If anyone can help me, I would greatly appreciate it!!

[Ken Berry]

.MVI is a not a format listed in the Corel compatibility list for Video Studio -- even though I realise it is only a wrapper for what appears to be fairly standard AVCHD video. In fact, on the Canon information sheet for your camera, it shows the format as MP4... There are converters out there for MVI files as other people have had difficulty importing and editing it successfully with software other than VS. But have you tried just changing the extension from .mvi to, say, .mp4 or even .mov?

[Frankehr]

Thanks for answering so quickly! I'm not sure of the meaning of all the file types/extensions, but when the a file is in Windows explorer, it says "MVI_0046" before I drag it to the VS timeline. Once in the timeline or VS folder, the properties are listed as Mpeg4. Is MVI just a wrapper they have put the mp4 into? I have tried to rename by typing ".mp4" after the files, but I saw no improvement. I will try some other extensions and see what happens. Is there any way to get rid of the MVI wrapper? Do I have to convert the file?, and if so, convert it to what without losing quality? Which conversion programs are suggested? !

[Ken Berry]

I have to confess that I know almost nothing about .mvi... but in Windows File Explorer do the files appear as "MVI_0046.mvi" or "MVI_0046.mp4" or something else. I know that recent Canon still cameras use .mvi for their video output but as I don't have one of those cameras, I know nothing more than that, as I said above, there are converters which convert it into formats more readily recognised by VS. A simple Google search for "MVI converter" will reveal several.

A relevant question in this regard, though, is whether the camera came with any software of its own for transferring the video to a computer? If so, did you install and use it? I ask since it might make the video more readily acceptable to VS and other editing packages that don't natively accept .mvi...

As far as I can see, the video itself is pretty standard AVCHD which is mpeg-4 produced with the H.264 codec. The Canon might just insert a few extra flags which VS has difficulty recognising. But if you do use a converter, choose AVCHD or mp4 as your output, and if the converter allows it, set the properties manually to mimic those of the .mvi originals.

[canuck]

Thanks for answering so quickly! I'm not sure of the meaning of all the file types/extensions, but when the a file is in Windows explorer, it says "MVI_0046" before I drag it to the VS timeline. Once in the timeline or VS folder, the properties are listed as Mpeg4. Is MVI just a wrapper they have put the mp4 into? I have tried to rename by typing ".mp4" after the files, but I saw no improvement. I will try some other extensions and see what happens. Is there any way to get rid of the MVI wrapper? Do I have to convert the file?, and if so, convert it to what without losing quality? Which conversion programs are suggested? !

What is the extension of your "mvi_0046"? Is it "mvi" or some other?

If it is a "real" mvi file you will propably have to get a 3rd party converter to convert to a useable format. A google search shows that very few video editors accept this format

[Frankehr]

Thank you for all your help! I have found that Canon seems to put their video files into an MVI shell of some type. If I change the name of each video ( just to be safe, "MVI_0032" to "0032"), and run it through a video converter, but without changing any of the properties, the clip is able to be edited with no problems at all. The result seems to be an exact duplicate, with the same properties, that has no problems with VS7. I do not know why it works, but it does. I would not have thought of this without your help! Thanks Ken and cunuck. I hope this helps others with Canon problems...


























'MVI_0032

[Ken Berry]

As I said above, I suspect Canon inserts some extra 'flags' or bits of code into their codec which VS has trouble interpreting. The converter strips those out and presents you with a 'standardised' version of the same format and properties.

[canuck]

Changing "MVI_0032" to "0032" will not have had any effect on it working since that is simple a change in filename. You never did post what the actual extension was for that file.

Often the files may contain certain metadata which is not compatible with VS but when run through a converter this data is stripped and the file is acceptable in VS

[lata]

Hi

Windows folder – view options defaults to hiding extensions for known file types.

Unless that option is changed then the files extension will not show and I don’t think can be re-named.

Tools – Folder Options – View Tab – Show/hide extensions for known file types.

Viewing the video clips properties from the timeline, right click video clip – properties - will show the extension as part of the file name.