I'm trying to import a video file, and no matter whether it's an .avi or a .wmv, Sonar tends to tell me that the file can't import do to an error of an invalid parameter. I know I converted the file correctly because I can play it in Windows Media Player. So why can't I import it into Sonar?

I am by no means up to speed on this situation - I rarely do anything with video, but I would think it is indeed something with the encoding and Sonar is not able to handle it, even though Windows Media Player is.
 
You might try converting to a different format, and then importing again into Sonar.  I would think that as long as it can end up playing within Sonar that it would be OK, since having the video in Sonar is just for lining things up while getting the audio tracks together for export - and then the exported Sonar audio would get merged with the real video in the actual video editing software.
 
I wish I knew more about the nuances of video formats that Sonar can handle.
 
Bob Bone
 

Are there specific encoders that have to be used with Sonar? I know the Video converter I used is a free one made by http://www.dvdavitools.com

Well, I think I recall AVI or WMV as being OK, but am still looking into it.
 
I found this thread - might be something in there (I only did quick scan of it):
 
http://forum.cakewalk.com/ATT-ERATU-Video-ImportPlayback-in-Sonar-851-x64-m1838003.aspx
 
I will follow up as soon as I get better info, are you running 32-bit or 64-bit Sonar?  AND, are you running 8.5.3?  (I ask because I think they did some slight tweaks/fixes of video in that update)
 
Bob Bone
 

I had success with .avi files but glitches and such with .wmv in 8.5. X3e that I am using now does a lot more formats though, I have only tried .avi.

Thanks for jumping in to help.
 
There was a $19.99 sale to upgrade to X3, but it looks like that ended, likely on 10/01.  A brand new customer can get the download version of the basic X3 for $69.99, or can upgrade from a prior version of Sonar for $49.99, if that helps.
 
To the OP, I DO agree that X3, even the basic version, has some better video handling - I think even the base version has the 2 video engine choices.  (sorry I am rushing around, or I would look things up to double check before posting - apologies to the OP).
 
But do try the AVI format and see if that works for you, 
 
Bob Bone
 

robert_e_bone
Well, I think I recall AVI or WMV as being OK, but am still looking into it.
 
I found this thread - might be something in there (I only did quick scan of it):
 
http://forum.cakewalk.com/ATT-ERATU-Video-ImportPlayback-in-Sonar-851-x64-m1838003.aspx
 
I will follow up as soon as I get better info, are you running 32-bit or 64-bit Sonar?  AND, are you running 8.5.3?  (I ask because I think they did some slight tweaks/fixes of video in that update)
 
Bob Bone
 

I run Sonar 8.5.3.282 64 Bit on Windows 7 64 Bit, and I use Caketalking 8.5 Accessibility Software with JAWS (Job Access With Speech) 10.0 64 Bit screenreader software..

Well now that I've got the import problem fixed, now it's not letting me export an .avi. Here's what is happening. I import the .avi file, normalize the volume, then export it. It succeeds exporting the Audio Stream, but in the middle of exporting the video with the Audio Stream, I get an error message that says, "The disk may be full or write-protected, or the file is incompatible with the compressor you're using. Access Denied". There's a problem with that message.
1. I'm not using any compression on the audio or the video.
2. The drive I'm using (An external hard drive), is not full.
3. The drive is not write-protected.
4. I know for sure that the file is not corrupt.

Annabelle
Well now that I've got the import problem fixed, now it's not letting me export an .avi. Here's what is happening. I import the .avi file, normalize the volume, then export it. It succeeds exporting the Audio Stream, but in the middle of exporting the video with the Audio Stream, I get an error message that says, "The disk may be full or write-protected, or the file is incompatible with the compressor you're using. Access Denied". There's a problem with that message.
1. I'm not using any compression on the audio or the video.
2. The drive I'm using (An external hard drive), is not full.
3. The drive is not write-protected.
4. I know for sure that the file is not corrupt.

I would give up on exporting video from Sonar 8.5. Its notoriously inefficient, plus if you do manage to export the video it will probably end up about 8-10gb and the video will stutter.
 
X3e comes with a new video engine (that still needs ALOT of work IMHO)
 
Always the best bet is to import your video successfully into Sonar (which you have done). Compile the audio, export the audio and then resync the audio to video in an external programme. A cheap and easy way to replace/add audio onto a video is with Quicktime Pro. Others use Vegas. (I personally use Premiere)....Even Windows Movie Maker isnt so bad depending on your target delivery.
 
Best of luck!

markyzno

Annabelle
Well now that I've got the import problem fixed, now it's not letting me export an .avi. Here's what is happening. I import the .avi file, normalize the volume, then export it. It succeeds exporting the Audio Stream, but in the middle of exporting the video with the Audio Stream, I get an error message that says, "The disk may be full or write-protected, or the file is incompatible with the compressor you're using. Access Denied". There's a problem with that message.
1. I'm not using any compression on the audio or the video.
2. The drive I'm using (An external hard drive), is not full.
3. The drive is not write-protected.
4. I know for sure that the file is not corrupt.

I would give up on exporting video from Sonar 8.5. Its notoriously inefficient, plus if you do manage to export the video it will probably end up about 8-10gb and the video will stutter.
 
X3e comes with a new video engine (that still needs ALOT of work IMHO)
 
Always the best bet is to import your video successfully into Sonar (which you have done). Compile the audio, export the audio and then resync the audio to video in an external programme. A cheap and easy way to replace/add audio onto a video is with Quicktime Pro. Others use Vegas. (I personally use Premiere)....Even Windows Movie Maker isnt so bad depending on your target delivery.
 
Best of luck!

Can Windows Movie Maker "normalize" audio?