23 replies to this topic

[dslwhittaker]

As a little background, my JVC-HD Camcorder creates AVCHD videos with the file entension of mts.  Using Windows XP SP3, quad processor and all software/hardware meet the requirements established on the Creator 2010 product web page.

I have been able to capture these raw mts videos into Roxio where they show as follows:
frame size: 1920x1088, frame rate: of 29.97, and Compression: Sonic AVC/H.264 Video Decoder.
I can view thumbnails within the VideoWave media selector screen and also 'preview' the captured full video using the small screen in Media Selector as well as view the captured video in the 'Source' section of 'Copy & Convert'. (Several other areas as well.)

When these videos are included in a Creator 2010 Video Production, the audio plays well but the screen is black.  After talking to one of the Flagship Support folks, I'm attempting to CONVERT these mts videos into MPEG2 (or actually any of the higher end resolution file types).  I am still getting black screens with audio for every 'converted' video.

Can anyone offer suggestions for handling these mts videos within Roxio while still retaining the high quality of the original files?  Thanks in advance!  Debbie

[Jim_Hardin]

How do you capture???

What are you using to ‘convert’ these files? They are usable, as is, for VideoWave/MyDVD.

I don’t recall the details but I seem to recall one solution was simply changing the ‘mts’ extension to ‘mpg’. Try it…

Make & Model of your camcorder would be of use?

[dslwhittaker]

How do you capture???

What are you using to ‘convert’ these files? They are usable, as is, for VideoWave/MyDVD.

I don’t recall the details but I seem to recall one solution was simply changing the ‘mts’ extension to ‘mpg’. Try it…

Make & Model of your camcorder would be of use?

Thanks for the reply, Jim.  I'll answer in the same order as asked.

1 - I've captured these AVCHD files (MTS extension) several ways.  All of which appear to be successful because the thumbnails appear properly in
   a - Media Selector Section when using Roxio's Capture/Import Tool within VideoWave
   b - The Storyline/Timeline section of the VideoWave when adding one of the MTS files using the Add Photo/Video
   c -  The Add Photos/Video button from CineMagic

   As I stated, they appear to be OK until you preview the 'production'.  Then it's just a black screen with audio.

2 - Actually, the MTS format of the files does NOT seem to be required for the VideoWave or Cinemagic.  In fact, CineMagic actually does pull clips out for the 'intro'.  However, neither application will render a correct video with audio - just the black screen.
     After a call to the Flagship Support Group, They said that 'MTS' is not valid as AVCHD because it's not included in the list (from the System Requirements web page).  (News to me!)  I needed to convert all of the MTS files using Roxio's 'Copy & Convert' to change the files to one of the 'listed' types.  The results of these many attempts once again resulted in black video screens with proper audio.

3 - I tried changing an extension change test (mts to mpg) as you suggested and then tried to 'add photo/video'.  Creator 2010 Pro asked if I would like to convert the file for use.  Yes - even thought I wasn't offerred choices of what to convert it to...  After conversion, now a black thumbnail with proper audio appears.  Oh well... it was a good try and at least I can see that the resulting production will be a black screen.

4 - Camera: JVC HD Camcorder, Model GZ-HD300BU.

Aside - I've been testing this with other video files on my pc, including m4v and mpeg2 & 4 files generated by other conversion programs BEFORE bringing the videos into RC 2010.  Those tests have been successful; so I don't think it's an install problem.  The resolution is GREATLY diminished from the original.  I had thought that RC 2010 Pro would be my answer to tedious repitition and poor quality.

Anyway, I appreciate any assistance.  This certainly isn't the first time mts files have been used in the application.  I must be hosing something - somewhere along the way.

Thanks!  Debbie

[ggrussell]

What video card do you have?  Someone who was having a similar issue with still images just changed software render to hardware render and that worked.  Try that.

Open Videowave or MyDVD
Click on menu TOOLS / Options
At the top of that dialog box, click the 'dot' beside hardware and the OK.
Now check your project.

Note:  If your video card does not support some DirectX functions, it may cause rendering to lock up.  You can also try the Graphics Test button.

[Jim_Hardin]

As Gary suggests, try the Software Render. Even the “Test” will often produce False Positives, claiming you can use Hardware.

I do not know why support would say that the format is unsupported??? You may have caught the words but not the context…

In any case, you can see from this screen cap for adding files to VideoWave that MTS is one of my files and it is listed in that cluster of file types at the bottom:



I want to assure you that your Output Quality will match your Input Source. If it is less it is because you set it to be less. Now that can be inadvertent, such as going from a HD source to output as a SD DVD. But for the moment let’s address the file issue.

[ggrussell]

Debbie - could you post a sample .mts file at UpforDown or YouSendIt?  I have many sample files, but no JVC HD files.  We can see if it happens on our computers.  Just shoot 3 or 4min out the window. LOL  Thanks

[dslwhittaker]

Thanks to you both!  While I'm waiting for one of my JVC files to upload to UpForDown... (FINISHED:  http://www.upfordown.com/files/download/5844/R-00431.MTS  )  I was already set to 'Hardware Render' and ran a test.  Not knowing what I should see when I run a test, I received no error warnings.  Ran a 'Software Test' and again no error warnings but the selection reset to 'Hardware' at the end of the 'Software' test.

I've uploaded one of my test files to UpForDown and you should be able to grab it at http://www.upfordown.com/files/download/5844/R-00431.MTS
This particular file was captured from within the internal Roxio application (thus the naming R- ).  Would love to know if either if you see the same Black Screen problem at your end.  

I'd include a screen shot of what I'm seeing if I knew how.  I have a small jpg file of the screen shot but upfordown wouldn't allow the upload of 'this file type'.  Oh well...

Thanks again!  Debbie

[ggrussell]

That's just a graphics test.  If it ends up on 'hardware',  the app is saying your video card supports the commands needed.  To force it to one or the other, don't press the test button.  Just click on hardware or software and then OK in lower right.  Try both.

By the way, both files have the same file name. Do you have one directly from the camcorder?  Technically, you don't need to use Roxio to 'capture'.  Just connect the JVC to the computer. You should hear a sound when you turn it on. Open My Computer and the camcorder should be listed as an external hard drive.  Just double click on that. Navigate to the .mts files and copy to your internal hard drive.
-----
Definitely something funny going on with the file.  I loaded it into Videowave and started preview.  Audio was fine but video froze.  Thought it might be a proxy file being created.  Waited about 30sec.  Then it played video with no audio.
---
Oddly enough, I closed Videowave, rebooted, relaunched Videowave and your file loaded fine this time. Video and Audio.  Cute Miss Cassie. LOL

Edited by ggrussell, 17 October 2009 - 09:12 AM.

[dslwhittaker]

It looks like my earlier 'reply' was hosed.  Here goes again...
The R-00431.mts and the 00431.mts are identical.  I reattempted to upload 00431.mts (raw from the JVC HD) 3 times for comparison but my internet connection is not that stable today.

I'm somewhat glad you had some issues with the file also.  I tried closing everything, rebooting, even turning off TrendMicro and everything else.  Then started fresh with a new production.  Same black screen results 100% of the time.

Accessed one of the files within the 'trimming' process, was able to view the file there and do some minor trimming.  However, the then trimmed video still showed as a black screen in the production preview part of the window.

Also took several new test videos on the JVC to see if the different resolutions (UXP, XP, SP, EP) behaved differently within RC2010 Pro.  (Previous videos were all recorded in XP.)  Unfortunately, all of these new mts files behaved identically with black screens and good audio.

Added Text screens in between each of the videos and output to a video file (came out of Roxio as MPEG-4).  I was hoping that the black screens would output correctly.  Ran the resulting video in QuickTime.  The text screens were just fine but the black screens with good audio still appeared in between the new text screens.

Ran the test again with OLD 'mts files converted to M4V' outside of Roxio.  Added these M4V files to yet another new RC2010 Pro production, output to video (MPEG-4), and reviewed in QuickTime.  Good results given the reduced quality of the M4V files.  However, it does show that my installation does support some video files - just not the mts that I want and need.

Are we back to installation issues?  Plain reinstall? Remove then reinstall? Clean reinstall?
- - - -  OR - - - -
Are we down to possible card, driver, hardware related issues?  I have a call in for my PC tech to discuss future ATI Stream - NVIDIA CUDA, DirectX, and Blu-ray burners.  Didn't think I would need answers this soon because I'm just looking to get the editing done now with burning performance and Blu-ray burning a lot further down the line.

Your advice???  Thanks ever so much! Debbie

PS:  And Cassie knows it too!  ;-)  What a puppy!

Edited by dslwhittaker, 17 October 2009 - 04:44 PM.

[ggrussell]

Did you try the different settings - software vs hardware?   Every time we've seen the 'black' preview, it's usually a video card issue. Makes sure you have the latest drivers for your video card.

[dslwhittaker]

Did you try the different settings - software vs hardware?   Every time we've seen the 'black' preview, it's usually a video card issue. Makes sure you have the latest drivers for your video card.

BOY OH BOY!!  Do I feel like a dummy or what??  I simply changed the options to 'Software' (without running a test because that seems to change it back to 'Hardware') and VOILA - No more black screens for the HD mts files.  I'm currently outputting to a video file to test that part.  The 'render' preview screens look good so far.  YEAH!  The output worked well, too!!

So for the further questions because I'm assuming that the 'hardware' might be a better performance solution going forward...  My videos do initially have a lot of meat (fat!) that will be reduced during editing.
What should I really be asking my tech when he opens tomorrow?

Here's the known info on my primary desktop PC used for Roxio videos:
WinXP Home Edition with SP3; 320gb HD; Intel Core 2 Quad CPU, Q8200 @ 2.33 GHz; 2.34 GHz, 2.96 GB RAM; Display Adaptor: Intel G45/G43 Express Chipset; ACER B223W LCD Monitor; display drivers are up to date, (I'm not seeing any part of my system hardware profile that talks about video cards),   some version of DirectX was installed as part of my Google Earth installation several months ago and added to by some part of the Roxio 2010 install, (what else?)

For now the Black Screen issue is resolved.  Thank you so much!
Should I move these further system questions to another forum?  I didn't see any that specifically addressed 'graphics cards' but there are mentions of Graphics Cards all over the place.

Ever so grateful for your help! Debbie

Edited by dslwhittaker, 18 October 2009 - 09:54 AM.

[ggrussell]

Sounds like you have a graphics chipset on the motherboard (Intel Express).  Have your tech person check to see what type of slots you have available. Most now have PCIe.  Buying a good graphics card will help.  Creator 2010 now supports nVidia CUDA and ATI Streaming so you may consider a video card that supports one of those.

Since you have WinXP, also get the latest DirectX update (Sep 09) here.  Windows Update doesn't do it so you have to download and install it manually.

Glad you're back working.

Edited by ggrussell, 18 October 2009 - 10:27 AM.

[dslwhittaker]

Sounds like you have a graphics chipset on the motherboard (Intel Express).  Have your tech person check to see what type of slots you have available. Most now have PCIe.  Buying a good graphics card will help.  Creator 2010 now supports nVidia CUDA and ATI Streaming so you may consider a video card that supports one of those.

Since you have WinXP, also get the latest DirectX update (Sep 09) here.  Windows Update doesn't do it so you have to download and install it manually.

Glad you're back working.

Thanks again!  I've installed the suggested DirectX just to make certain I'm up-to-date and will pass along your suggested graphics card info to Bret.  He built my desktop less than a year ago; so it'll hopefully have an available (and appropriate) slot.  I just don't do the hardware stuff well....

There's a new twist on the dreaded 'black screen' issue.  Setting to 'Software' did indeed solve the mts file problem.  Now I'm mixing in some regular old jpg's to the productions.  Gee...  Now I have black screens for them!  However, the jpg's are fine when I temporarily switch back to 'Hardware' for viewing these pieces of the production.  YIKES!!

Do you think that the 'Hardware' setting will work for BOTH the mts and jpg files once I get an appropriate graphics card?

Seems like I'm stuck in a perpetual loop from the Twilight Zone.

[ggrussell]

Yes, it should.   Updating the graphics driver might fix your problem, but you need to know which you have.  The G45 or G43. Here is the Intel support site. Click on GRAPHICS in first pane, desktop graphics controller in second,  the third pane lists G43 and G45 separately.  Intel Download pages are down for maintenance at the moment.

Edited by ggrussell, 18 October 2009 - 04:21 PM.

[dslwhittaker]

Yes, it should.   Updating the graphics driver might fix your problem, but you need to know which you have.  The G45 or G43. Here is the Intel support site. Click on GRAPHICS in first pane, desktop graphics controller in second,  the third pane lists G43 and G45 separately.  Intel Download pages are down for maintenance at the moment.

Because none of the 'non-invasive' tools seem to be able to tell me if it's G45 or G43, I'll wait until tomorrow when Bret comes by to install a new NVIDIA 9600 GT with 1GB ram.  Please keep your fingers crossed.  Will post the outcome.

[ggrussell]

According to nVidia website, that card should support CUDA.  You'll have to let us know how that goes.

[dslwhittaker]

According to nVidia website, that card should support CUDA.  You'll have to let us know how that goes.

Unfortunately... Bret is down with the flu and won't be over until Monday.    Small town and he's my main trusted source.  Hopefully I'll be able to respond with good news then.  Killing time testing out all of the other goodies.

[dslwhittaker]

Unfortunately... Bret is down with the flu and won't be over until Monday.    Small town and he's my main trusted source.  Hopefully I'll be able to respond with good news then.  Killing time testing out all of the other goodies.

Okay - New video card installed (GeForce 9500 GT with 1GB ram) this morming.  This is NOT the GT9600 I was expecting but this card also appears on the 'Supported' list for the Roxio NVIDIA CUDA requirements. Fewer CUDA Cores and a reduced relative graphics performance (4x not 10x).
No black screen problem with hardware rendering (both mts and jpg files in the test production) HOWEVER the videos have a 'flickering/flickering/slow motion' sound and slow screen during mts play back.  JPG files are fine.
I've updated the 9500 GT drivers and restarted the PC.  Restarted VideoWave.  Program showed a new video card acknowlegement and rendering test.  Same results even with a net new production test.

Tried a full uninstall and then clean reinstall.  Downloaded and installed SP1.
RESULTS:
Hardware Option: Still the same 'froggy/flickering/slow motion' video previews of the mts files.  jpg OK
Software Option:  mts files are just fine but the jpg's are just the old black screen.

What specifications am I missing?  Is there a minumum Graphics Performance, Relative Compute Performance, or CUDA Core requirements that I need for this new graphics card?   

What else might I try?
Thanks again!  Debbie

Edited by dslwhittaker, 27 October 2009 - 12:25 PM.

[ggrussell]

You can't go by the preview much as it is a low resolution.  It's the output that really counts.  That is why we suggest getting rewritable media for testing purposes.

As for the black JPGs, very puzzling.
---
Reading another thread, I found this.  Try clearing the proxy cache.  Open Videowave .  Select menu Tools / Options.  There should be a button there to clear the cache.  This will force Videowave to rebuild the JPG preview images.

Edited by ggrussell, 27 October 2009 - 09:08 PM.

[dslwhittaker]

You can't go by the preview much as it is a low resolution.  It's the output that really counts.  That is why we suggest getting rewritable media for testing purposes.

As for the black JPGs, very puzzling.
---
Reading another thread, I found this.  Try clearing the proxy cache.  Open Videowave .  Select menu Tools / Options.  There should be a button there to clear the cache.  This will force Videowave to rebuild the JPG preview images.

Thanks for your continued reply, Gary!

RE: Cache & JPG's - Following to your suggestion, I did clear the cache (each time I changed from SW to HW and back again).  I wish I could report that the trick worked, but not in this case.  The jpg's remained hosed in software rendering (but okay in hardware) and mts's remained with 'slow motion audio' in hardware but fine in software rendering.
     (Side Note: per Technical Support 'sgibson 10/27/2009', there is a known issue with jpg's and the rendering options.  I'm trying to get more info.)

I agree with you that the output counts and I do have rewritable media [hard drive space for testing is fine for right now - TONS of it ;-)].  FYI - I did run a test output of the 'audio slow motion' test production.  The NVIDIA/CUDA logo appeared in Preview screen of the Render screen showing that NVIDIA was indeed being used for the rendering.  Very quick by the way...  The resulting video file had both good video, audio and jpg content.

Adding a supposedly supported graphics card to my pc did improve the ability to SEE the VIDEO in the Hardware Rendering mode.  However, the related audio is now reduced to 'slow motion'.  Pre-graphics card, you'll recall that the video showed as a black screen but the audio was just fine.  Seems I'm stuck in a one-step-forward, one-step-back loop.  At least it's not two-steps-back!  LOL

However, the Production Preview screen is really a critical part of my personal production process that includes HD mts files, jpg files, editing of both, sound tracks, and transitions with other Roxio goodies.  Switching back and forth between Hardware and Software does appear to be a cumbersome work-around.  In the meantime, I'm trying to get some giood information about the tested requirements for a graphics card.  What really works with Roxio Creator 2010 PRO?  Relative Graphics Performance?  Relative Computing Performance? # of Cuda Cores? Core Clock? Memory Clock?  ???

Maybe something is getting hinked because I'm running with a quad processor or some software that's causing a conflict.  Everything else (including virus) is shut down when I'm in RC2010 but still the problems continue.

Suggestions?  Open to any and all.  Thanks! Debbie