Importing Video Files

[REDWAGON]

Program installed fine, registration went O.K. and became a member with no problems. However, when I try and "import" any video files I have saved on my computer (avi, mpeg, wmv) they won't insert when I make a slide show. Photos no problems but how do you insert a video clip in a slide show that also has photos ???

 

Frank...

[David de Roxio]

I'm sure you're right Jess. I sent David a PM asking for some assistance with this particular problem regarding video files etc. Also opened a problem ticket on the Roxio Photoshow 5 website.

 

Frank...

 

 

Hi everyone!

 

This is an excellent topic but it does not have an easy answer.

 

PhotoShow 5 can import AVI, MOV and some MPEG-1 files (although I would not guarantee all MPEG -1 files). It can play video for up to one minute per clip within a Show.

 

AVI and MOV are considered "wrapper" formats as they can use many different types of codecs and levels of compression. Some still cameras and video capture software can save video in unusual codecs or apply security settings (like DRM) that prevent PhotoShow from importing or editing the clip.

 

Many camera manufacturers will change their encoding during production of the same model camera. We have tried to test cameras and compile a list of acceptable models and video formats. Unfortunately this information can actually change monthly. If you update the firmware on your camera, the codec and compression of video could change drastically.

 

Also, PhotoShow 5 uses the ffdshow decoder to play and edit video. There have been a few problems with this process. Some 3rd party programs have been known to take complete control of ffdshow or change it slightly so that no other program can use it. In these cases, PhotoShow will not import a video or will not allow it to be edited.

 

Your best chance is to try to re-encode your video in MOV or AVI using the different forms of compression available to you. Video editing programs have too many and varied codecs to mention all of them here. If this does not help, try reinstalling PhotoShow and retry the video file. This may help PhotoShow gain access to ffdshow.

 

At the end of the day, some video just won't work. Some security settings and proprietary formating may be so difficult to remove that if it does play, the video has been re-compressed into unwatchable "artifact-oblivion" (my term).

 

The next version of PhotoShow will not be dependent on ffdshow and will avoid many of these issues.

 

[REDWAGON]

Many, many thanks David for your imput regarding Video files for Photoshow 5. Somehow I just knew there was an answer to all this video file topic and find it very interesting as to how the program does use some files and not others. Can't wait for an update to Video 5

 

BTW, thanks for all the other replies in this forum. It has been much help to all of us !!!

 

Cheers

Frank...

[David de Roxio]

Many, many thanks David for your imput regarding Video files for Photoshow 5. Somehow I just knew there was an answer to all this video file topic and find it very interesting as to how the program does use some files and not others. Can't wait for an update to Video 5

 

BTW, thanks for all the other replies in this forum. It has been much help to all of us !!!

 

Cheers

Frank...

 

 

no problem!

 

This is a big, nebulous area in digital media in general. PhotoShow's main focus is on photos (thus the name) however we are working diligently to provide a rich, multi media experience. Unfortunately, the main methods of capturing video for most of our users does not always lend itself to a completely streamlined one-click fix.

 

 

[Patty]

Program installed fine, registration went O.K. and became a member with no problems. However, when I try and "import" any video files I have saved on my computer (avi, mpeg, wmv) they won't insert when I make a slide show. Photos no problems but how do you insert a video clip in a slide show that also has photos ???

 

Frank...

 

Frank, do you have the program settings to enclude the folders that include video. I am not sure how you have your videos set up, are they in MyVideo folder.or are they mixed with stills?

[REDWAGON]

Thanks Patty for the reply. I have made a special folder (after having tried other folders on the c: drive and an external drive) that has all my photos (jpg) and also includes my video files. The video files are MPEG-2 (DVD) and some AVI files that I captured with my camcorder.

 

Now I think that might be my problem as I am beginning to believe that the Photoshow progarm will not be compatible with MPEG-2 files, just MPEG-1. And most probably the avi files I have it won't pick up either. That's just a guess though. If anyone knows if this is the problem, I would sure like to know.

 

Frank...

[malatekid]

Thanks Patty for the reply. I have made a special folder (after having tried other folders on the c: drive and an external drive) that has all my photos (jpg) and also includes my video files. The video files are MPEG-2 (DVD) and some AVI files that I captured with my camcorder.

 

Now I think that might be my problem as I am beginning to believe that the Photoshow progarm will not be compatible with MPEG-2 files, just MPEG-1. And most probably the avi files I have it won't pick up either. That's just a guess though. If anyone knows if this is the problem, I would sure like to know.

 

Frank...

I don't think you can add mpeg or wmv in your slideshow. I believe Photoshow is meant to create slideshows using photos only. However, you can export your Photoshow projects to any of those three format (avi, mpg, wmv). The "competitor" manual says it will import mpeg-1 and some form of avi(s).

[REDWAGON]

Thanks Jess Yeah, I ahve read that same informatioin inthe competitors manual. I did capture a video as an MPEG-1 file. Then I transfered it to the folder that I used in my "Preferences". Now when I open that and start a show, that video actually shows along with the photos (jpg's), so I know now that it will pick up a MPEG-1 file.

 

However, when I start a new show and just click on one photo and that mpeg-1 video as my show, it will play the show using that one photo but stops after that and ends the show without showing the video.

 

And what's even more odd is that if I click on that video and then click on the "watch" option, it actually plays O.K. One would think if it lets you include it in the preference folder and you can actually watch (or play it), that it would also play in the productionshow you are making... Darn funny to me

 

Frank...

[Patty]

I don't think you can add mpeg or wmv in your slideshow. I believe Photoshow is meant to create slideshows using photos only. However, you can export your Photoshow projects to any of those three format (avi, mpg, wmv). The "competitor" manual says it will import mpeg-1 and some form of avi(s).

 

Jess, I have added video to my slideshow, however, they are ones I took with my digital camera, even though they are called avi, I don't believe they are an actual avi file. I think they are some sort of mpg file.

[malatekid]

And the avi played back properly? I attempted to add an avi file (imported from camcorder) last night and the playback just showed it for maybe 3 or 4 seconds (actual avi duration is longer than that). I guess the reason for the disclaimer about only "some form of avi files" can be imported to the project.

 

Jess

[Beerman]

And the avi played back properly? I attempted to add an avi file (imported from camcorder) last night and the playback just showed it for maybe 3 or 4 seconds (actual avi duration is longer than that). I guess the reason for the disclaimer about only "some form of avi files" can be imported to the project.

 

Jess

 

I had a similar problem with the video I added. It was small but longer than the slide duration and stuttered back and forth longer than the duration but not long enough for the video. I didn't play with it too much to figure out what to do but wondered if it was a limitation of the program.

[REDWAGON]

Jess, I have added video to my slideshow, however, they are ones I took with my digital camera, even though they are called avi, I don't believe they are an actual avi file. I think they are some sort of mpg file.

 

I assume that when you say "digital camera" Patty, that you don't mean a "camcorder". I have tried using true avi video files that I took with my camcorder (captured via a "firewire cable) and they don't work at all, None of them. I have also tried MPEG-2 (DVD) video files and they too don't work. The only video files that I can get to even show up in my "Preferences" folder are MPEG-1 video files. But they don't play in the show, but do play fine when I click on the "watch" option, after clicking on that particular file.

 

Frank...

[Patty]

And the avi played back properly? I attempted to add an avi file (imported from camcorder) last night and the playback just showed it for maybe 3 or 4 seconds (actual avi duration is longer than that). I guess the reason for the disclaimer about only "some form of avi files" can be imported to the project.

 

Jess

 

I tested wmv and mpg and neither would even show up in the left panel that shows your computer folders, but avi do and I have used the avi that come from my digital still camera and I don't believe those are actually a true avi. The clips I used where not long clips and I had no problem playing them. I haven't tried a long video. I just looked at my camera manual it says the clips are mpg-4 even though they say avi in file form. That must be why they are accepted.

[malatekid]

I'm sure David de Roxio can enlighten us on the type of avi file that is supported by Photoshow as well as the limitation, if any, on using such video clips.

 

 

[REDWAGON]

I'm sure David de Roxio can enlighten us on the type of avi file that is supported by Photoshow as well as the limitation, if any, on using such video clips.

 

I'm sure you're right Jess. I sent David a PM asking for some assistance with this particular problem regarding video files etc. Also opened a problem ticket on the Roxio Photoshow 5 website.

 

Frank...