Problems with Corel Videostudio X7

[victor67]

Hi Trevor, I have no problem with Smart Proxy and have always used it on all my projects. I always check the Smart Proxy queue manager. All the video clips in the Library and timeline of the test project show the Smart Proxy icon so we can rule that out. Although the loss of sound occurred on the test the project it still rendered ok to a DVD.
What I am going to do is delete all the video clips and then download them again from the SD card into a new folder. Then download them again into the Library and Timeline.
Then I will play the project without any editing, not even transitions, to see if the project plays from start to finish. If it plays ok I will then add transitions, then photos and then music. If everything is ok I can then start adding filters, adjusting volume and do all the things you would do to edit.
We will have to wait and see if any problems occur at each stage. It's going to take a long time but I can't see any other way forward.
Incidentally, as I said previously, I have tried to re-install X5 on my old computer. That wouldn't download so I tried to install X4 that didn't download either but then X3
loaded ok. Although it obviously won't play projects created on other versions.
Thanks again for all your help it is very much appreciated. Without people like you us old duffers would be lost.

[lata]

Hi Victor

Ok, just one thought when you play the project / clips make sure you play in Project playback.

I doubt that Smart Proxy affects the Clip playback mode.

Installing X3, 4 and 5.

Were X4 and X5 five upgrades from the earlier X3, if so you will need proof of purchase for X3, easiest way is to install X3 first, then the others should install ok.

[victor67]

Hi Trevor, All versions X3,X4 and x5 are full version discs none are upgrades and I have all the installation codes but I can't get that far. X4 and X5 start menu appears but when you click to download the menu minimises to the task bar and nothing happens. Left it like that for about an hour the other day thinking it might be working in the background but nothing happens. Opened Task Manager and it was showing no CPU Usage so it was obviously not loading.
Have started a new project. Downloaded clips from SD card to new folder and then inserted them into the Library and Timeline. Started playback and after about 30 minutes playing ok I stopped playback and adjusted the volume of internal speakers. But when I started playback again all sound had disappeared from the project. Closed the project and then opened it again. I set the playback going and monitored it for an hour ( Total project size 1 hour 20 minutes) and all seemed fine. I left it running and had some tea. When I returned it had completed playback of the project but when I tried to play a clip all sound had disappeared again. I was wondering if there is a conflict between the internal speakers and the external speakers.
I have added a few transitions, 2 photos and 2 pieces of music to the new project to test and everything appears to be OK. I will do some editing over the weekend to see how it goes. At least the playback does not freeze any more.
Best wishes
.

[lata]

Hi Victor

If your video files are the same as recorded with my Canon 7D then I have similar playback problems.
Usually normal video Clip playback is ok with problems with project playback especially after applying effects. Smart Proxy will improve Project playback

I have to use Smart Proxy on all my canon clips, that only improves Project playback.
Clip playback is quite poor.

I do not have a solution other than converting all video to a more editable format.
Maybe Mpeg2 as you are intending to burn a DVD, that will mean additional renders that could reduce quality, whether one extra render will be noticeable is debatable.

[victor67]

Hi Trevor, how do I change the file format ? At present they are QuickTime movie files or MVI MOV whatever that means.
The guy from Corel Support changed the video clips in the storage folder to play using Windows Media Player. Is that the best play media?
Regards.

[lata]

Hi Victor

I do think the problem of playback only affects Clip mode, Project playback + smart proxy should help with editing.

The Corel guy probably changed the files association allowing Windows Media to be the default player, that should not be a problem.
VLC Media Player is free and will play most things you throw at it, many on this forum use that player.

Converting your files….
When you burn a DVD the files / project is converted to Mpeg2, that format is used to burn a dvd disc.

I was suggesting you convert your Canon files to Mpeg2 then edit these files.
You could try this as a test to see if it works for you.
Batch Convert may be your best option.
I have attached a VSP to the post, open with VS X7

Victor Batch Convert.zip

(13.74 KiB) Downloaded 138 times

[victor67]

Hi Trevor, I've done a batch convert of my video clips and stored them in a new folder as you suggested.
I've loaded these clips into a new project without editing, no transitions etc , and it plays from start to finish without any freezing or losing sound so hopefully editing should not cause any problems. Editing the project will take sometime but I will let you know how I get on later or if any problems occur.
The only thing I've noticed is that there does seem to be a slight loss of picture quality during playback . The clips are now small enough not to require Smart Proxy.
Is the slight loss of picture quality something I will have to put up with or when I eventually download the project to DVD will the picture quality be as good as the original clips?

Regards Victor

[lata]

Hi Victor

Converting the HD video to Standard Definition DVD Mpeg2 is gonna reduce quality simply by changing the frame size and data rate.

The quality should be acceptable, if your tv /dvd player has a usb, transfer the mpeg2 file to USB memory stick, then play on the tv, is the quality ok?
Timeline playback does not always show the full quality.

I cannot see your clips so cannot comment on the “slight loss in picture quality”

Final renders to burn the dvd should be ok with little or no noticeable reduction in quality.

[victor67]

Hi Trevor, I've edited over a quarter of the total test project and everything seems ok..
The editing includes transitions, volume adjustment, import of still pictures, FX filters, Titles, colour correction, sound mixer and import of music and I have not had any problems so far so fingers crossed.
As long as I can download the project onto a DVD to show, then I will be satisfied.
Regards