Please Help - importing Video into Sonar

Upfront - I have limited knowledge in video, and even less knowledge about macs.
I do know there are issues with mac video formats in Sonar 64bit, but I need a work around.
I need to score music for a mp4 clip about 40 seconds long done of an animation at 24fps (HD 720). How do I import/convert this so I keep frames intact (smpte) so the the time is not distorted?
I have been trying all sorts of conversion software: mpg distorts, accurate avi won't import. Please help!

@ LP - thanks, haven't tried that one yet

@Jimbo - AVI isn't working when converting from some mp4 files. Just won't import.I have no issue purchasing solid video software, but Quicktime is so intrusive and tries to install itunes.

@Eric - Thanks for all the info. So it seems to me then that my issue in converting these files is not the "container" but the Codecs within it. Many of these conversion programs have a lot different options for both the audio and video.
So what would be the best set of options in MEEncoder for the following criteria:
1) source file is mp4, 24 fps, 720HD
2) I need lossless conversion. Need to make sure time is not compressed or stretched so that smpte from the original is the same frame to frame - that way I can export audio back to video editor with out issue.
3) Processor power is not an issue. Do the settings default 1:1 when you first load a file?
What I don't understand is why is it I can play any of these files on my PC with WMP but can't import them to Sonar X1? Doesn't that imply that I have the right codecs installed on my system for the files in a windows format?
Thanks again!

What I don't understand is why is it I can play any of these files on my PC with WMP but can't import them to Sonar X1? Doesn't that imply that I have the right codecs installed on my system for the files in a windows format?

 
Same issue here.  I asked Cakewalk this question and they sent me a link for some codecs (purposing my system did not have them) I trusted the link against my better judgement and it downloaded a virus and a handful of bloat programs I had to manually go through and take out of my system.  When I emailed them back informing them of the horrid link they sent me their reply was "it worked for me".  So just a heads up if you contact Cake for this issue be wary of whatever link they send you.
 
Again, WMV is the only format that works for me consistantly.  I have scored many videos converting the files from QT to WMV...scoring video in Sonar then sending music off or even importing the finished music back into QT via QT Pro.  No syching problems here.   

i have sonar and vegas. truthfully, i would never try to use sonar to do audio for picture, it just doesn't handle video well enough. i'd use vegas. vegas has its roots as a multitrack audio editor - unlimited tracks, audio busses, plugins... everything you need to edit audio to picture. it's intuitive and easy to get up and running. if a given track needs more, i can always export it, edit with sonar (or sound forge), bring it back into vegas. works for me.

Eric,
That was a very helpful post! Thank you.

.

@Mike - thanks, always looking for more info. Documentation on this stuff is slim to none. Strangely enough everything runs great on my machine outside of Sonar.
Questions:
1) Whats the best way to down convert to DV25 ?
2) Tell me more of this Cineform Codec - how are you using it? Which version are you using? Their site lists Studio(free), NeoScene, and Neo. (I refuse to use Neo3D and become part of the machine that feels the need to make everything 3D).

Thanks again!

It would be nice to work with 720 in house. I can always export as broadcast wav and sync to SMPTE outside of Sonar for 1080. Honestly I used Eric's settings above (640) and it looks good but runs like crap.

I am really looking for a solid solution to work into my current workflow, so I don't have to do this Trial & Error = Epic Fail x 4 Days

@Digital Archivist - beware: Expression requires install of MS Net framework, which uses resources and can't just be turned off.
I installed it on my office computer to convert files, but won't install it on my Studio PC - cause I keep that box clean...

Thanks RevBob. I already have the .NET framework installed. My machine is a two-year old Gateway desktop with a 1st gen i5 processor & 8GB of RAM running Win 7 Home Premium 64-bit. I only used the Expression Encoder to convert the MP4 to WMV following the very helpful specs that Eric provided and then exited the program. It actually gave me a more accurate conversion, probably because my settings were off originally, than what Windows Live Movie Maker gave me. Of course all my existing markers are off now so I'm adjusting them.

One tip I got from Cakewalk Support because of some crashes I was experiencing was to reset the audio configuration file. This is what I was told (I think this info is available through their knowledgebase too).

With SONAR closed:

1) Hold down the [Shift] and [Ctrl] keys.
2) Double click on the SONAR icon.
3) When prompted to re-personalize settings click [Yes]
4) SONAR will now open. Do not load a project.
5) Go to Edit | Preferences
6) Locate the section labeled Audio | Configuration file.
7) Click on the [Reset Config to Defaults...] button and then click [Yes] to proceed.
8) Click the [Apply] then [Close] buttons.

At this point please open your project and test.


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