Video help

Does your PC/Video card play other MP4's OK?  What version of Windows?  Are you using MS Media Player or a different player?  Some more info on your PC might also help.  How much RAM?  What processor do you have?  Motherboard or PC manufacturer.  etc. 

I don't have the specs right now as the computer is in for repair. All I know is runs on Vista Home Basic. I tried running the videos on a few different programs. It wouldn't even open in WMP. One had sound, no video (VLC I think). I did eventually find one to play it, but the video was messed up.

I tried my laptop this morning and it is playing in WMP. It was choppy at times, but I closed everything down but the player and it seems okay. The laptop runs on Windows 7 and is new this year. My desktop is a few years old. 

Annette

Hi Annette,

Often times the video from the camera needs to be converted before it will play smooth on a computer. This is usually because the camera uses a very specific and cpu intensive codec to squeeze as much info into the recording as possible. The camera has a processing chip that is made just for the task of recording and playing back that codec.

For example; If I shoot HD on my HDSLR I have to convert the video I get from that camera to something else before it will play smoothly.

In other words... you may have the correct codec and simply be pushing the playback engine too hard on your system.


Final Cut pro has a feature known as Pro Res whereby the video you shoot with a camera is converted to an expanded size file that takes more storage space but is easier to play back with your computer cpu.

I occasionally use Premiere. When I do I transcode to intermediary codecs made by a third party company named Cineform to playback and edit the video.

Vegas probably has a good work flow for SONY HD too. :-) I'm just not familiar with it.

If you want to play back or edit with systems that don't have built in transcoders you will need to figure out a free standing workflow.

I know... it's a pain and it should be easier... or at least explained better in the camera manuals.

The thing is... cameras use many different codecs and there are a variety of solutions as reflects each circumstance... so it is hard to give specific advice with out more info.

What exact camera do you have? Maybe someone can suggest an easy transcoding solution.



best regards,
mike

Thanks guys.

Here is the link to the camcorder http://www.staples.ca/ENG/Catalog/cat_sku.asp?CatIds=&webid=911915&affixedcode=WW

As for my computer problems, it was taking forever to reboot. The tech guy said he had no problems with it, but it would take hours to restart for me. He did say that the windows update isn't working and can't fix it other than doing a complete reinstall.

Cheers,
Annette

Oops and it's a Samsung, not Sony. See how challenged I am! Let's try this link...it's a Samsung HMX T10 Samsung

Thanks for your patience.

Annette

As Mike stated, H264 is very cpu intensive for decoding and editing.  As an alternative, you may want to pull the video to your computer in DV format.  Most cameras have the option (look in the manual/menus) to transcode on the fly during transfer.  This way, you will still have the HD original in the camera but for working purposes you can have DV quality on your computer. This will let you fully enjoy your videos until you get a computer that can handle H264.