VideoStudio 9 - Trying to import from a DVD

[monalua]

Hello! I'm a newbie who just downloaded a trial version of VideoStudio 9. I'm very excited about it and want to buy it, however, I'm not sure if it is going to work for me.

I want to edit some video footage that is on a DVD - it's not copyrighted - it's footage a friend took at my wedding last year. When I try to import it, Ulead finds and and I can even watch it in the import box, but the "import" and "stop import" buttons are both greyed out. I have not been able to figure out how to import this footage. What am I doing wrong?!

Thanks for and advice!

[monalua]

Forgot to add - the files on the DVD are VOB files.

[GeorgeW]

is there a little checkbox next to the tree structure of the dvd files? If so, put a checkmark into the chapter/title you want to import.

[monalua]

Thanks George. I don't see a checkbox. The video is there, I can play it and watch it, but for the life of me I cannot import it! I have several different DVDs with footage and have tried them all - no luck yet.

[Ken Berry]

Have you tried using Windows copy/past function to copy the relevant VOB files to somewhere on your computer. Then all you do is change the VOB extension to MPG, and you should be able to open them in VS and edit them.

[monalua]

Hi Ken, I tried that - copied some of the files to my PC, then changed the name and added a .mpg extension. Under properties, it still shows as a VOB file. I'm still not able to import it. I also tried changing the extension to .avi.

[Ken Berry]

No the extension must definitely be .mpg. Have you tried it without changing the name of the file, but only the extension? Otherwise, I am surprised since I have followed this procedure quite a lot with no problems...

[monalua]

Hi Ken, I don't understand why it won't work for me! I copied one of the files and pasted it, storing it on my desktop. I changed only the extension to .mpg. Went to Ulead, did import from DVD. The window it gives you to browse and find your file doesn't even show my new file! Shows everything else on my desktop though and the original DVD. Sorry to be such a pain. I'm frustruated!

[Ron P.]

Hi Ken, I don't understand why it won't work for me! I copied one of the files and pasted it, storing it on my desktop. I changed only the extension to .mpg. Went to Ulead, did import from DVD. The window it gives you to browse and find your file doesn't even show my new file! Shows everything else on my desktop though and the original DVD. Sorry to be such a pain. I'm frustruated!

When you changed the extension to .mpg can you open and play it in a media player like Windows Media Player? Importing a DVD, will not see ".mpg" it looks for the VOB files. What Ken was saying is that you can then open and edit the file in VS. Just load it onto the timeline in VS or to create a DVD click on the Add Video and import it that way...

[monalua]

Thank you Vidoman. I am so confused. When I change the file extension to .mpg, I do it by right-clicking on the file, then adding .mpg to the end. Is this correct? I was able to open it and play it in PowerDVD, which is the software that came with my burner. In PowerDVD, I notice at the top, it has the name as Wedding.VOB.mpg. ???? When I click in the properties of the file, the name is only Wedding.mpg, although it still says VOB in the file type. When I try to add it to the timeline, I get the error "File format mismatch." If you have any other advice, I would appreciate it. I'm ready to give up!

[monalua]

Fairly unbelievable - downloaded something called Xilisoft DVD Ripper, ran it, and it put a copy of the files in mpeg format on my PC. I am now able to import them on VideoStudio! Do you see any problems with doing this??

[Ken Berry]

Using the file whose extension you changed to .mpg, open VS9 and on the right hand side of screen you should have the Video library showing. Right click on a clear area of the library pane. Choose 'Insert Video'. Navigate to where your renamed .mpg file is stored and choose that file. It should now appear in the VS9 video library pane. You can then drag it into the timeline and edit to your heart's content.