So About Burning Mp4 Videos...

[Ron90069]

It would be nice if this program would let me burn MP4 videos to a DVD, but they don't show up in the file list box. Maybe it's me, but I don't see anywhere on this site or on the box anything saying MP4 files can't be burned. Roxio used to create solid, well-supported and well-documented software. I never thought I'd say this, but I'm going back to Nero. Bah.

[Brendon]

It would be interesting if someone installed the latest version of Quicktime or to use GSpot to see if the right codecs are installed for those mp4 files.

 

For the tests I got a clean install of Windows XP, installed Easy CD & DVD Burning, -MP4s NO GO

-Another clean install of Windows XP, installed EMC 10, -MP4s GO

-a clean install of Windows 8, installed Easy CD & DVD Burning, -MP4s NO GO

 

The Windows clean installs did not have any extra codecs added, so it would seem that whatever was needed was provided by EMC 10, or prohibited by Easy CD & DVD Burning.

 

I'll go back and run GSpot for you, but please be aware that simply installing extra codecs is unlikely to fix the situation. As an example, Easy CD & DVD Burning prohibits the use of the AC3 audio codec and the DivX video codec even when AC3 and DivX have been independently installed.

 

Regards,

Brendon

[Ron90069]

My apologies...I've been out of town this week...

 

Also apologies for not including my OS: Win 8 Pro with Media Center.

 

I have not tried it on XP (my XP PC is used only for running old 16-bit financial records software, and the machine is way too slow to even try.

 

-- Ron

 

[Brendon]

Oh, My Goodness! That's version 14.0.49.2 - that's a whole 'nuther animal from 10.3.104 - all bets are off, although all tests carried out on the earlier version are still valid.

 

Hoo! Here we go again. I'll have to try to locate one of those so I can test it.

 

Regards,

Brendon

[Jim_Hardin]

Yes it seems they have "updated" the Red Box for their Retail Customers and left us in the dust

 

I am only speculating, but I would not be surprised if the same inconsistencies results that Brendon is uncovering still exist in 14.0.49.2...

[PeterVIPComputers]

You are completely correct Sknis!!!!

 

It is the Quicktime codecs. I just installed it and all is reading

[Brendon]

I'll tell you if/when I manage to get one to work on, Jim.

 

Thank you for your information, Ron. You've been quite splendid.

 

Regards,

Brendon

[Jim_Hardin]

I'll see what I can locate Brendon

 

Ron - I hope you realize this is frustrating to all us! I pull up my Red Box, grab an MP4 file and it goes in...

 

So I assume it should work for all

 

I hope it wasn't too frustrating for you and I want to thank you for enticing us to revisit this

[Brendon]

Yes, I thought it was needed for the Apple codecs. but I looked and all that was needed was

• Windows Media Player 9, 10, 11 or 12
  
• Microsoft Internet Explorer 7 or 8 or higher
  

It would be interesting if someone installed the latest version of Quicktime or to use GSpot to see if the right codecs are installed for those mp4 files.

 

Hi Steve,

 

I went back and installed the latest Quicktime in my version 10 Easy CD & DVD Burning - NO CHANGE.

-Easy CD & DVD burning V10 in fresh Windows. MyDVD Express won't accept MP4s, with or without Quicktime installed.

-EMC 10 in fresh Windows without Quicktime installed handles MP4s without any problem.

 

I then tried the latest version, Version 14 Easy CD & DVD Burning [14.0.49.2]

-Easy CD & DVD burning V14 in fresh Windows. MyDVD won't accept MP4s, with or without Quicktime installed. [Listed filetypes don't include MP4]

-Creator NXT [14.0.36.0] in fresh Windows without Quicktime installed, MyDVD handles MP4s without any problem. [Listed filetypes DO include MP4]

 

I guess that confirms that loss of the ability of Easy CD & DVD Creator to handle MP4s [among others] is a management policy decision, and not the lack of Quicktime.

A way to get around it would be nice.

[Ron90069]

Thanks, both of you, for replying. None of that changes my original point that this lack of support isn't documented anywhere in the sales literature nor in the program itself nor anywhere I've found on this site. And - I'm sorry - but why should I purchase anything from this company when even the quickstart manual says something like "Note: not all features or capabilities listed here may be present in your version of the program"??? Is Roxio/Corel trying to sell subsets of their once-leading software at cheap prices and eliminating any/all company support for it? And, no, I'm not just some bitchy grumpy old man...I started writing code back in 1967 and have worked with computers all my life. My focus has always been in interface, usability and customer support. And now I find out this program doesn't even allow burning in HD??? Does anyone from a Roxio or Corel management team read this? Have any of the officers of the companies bought and used this? Are the higher-end video products from R or C any better designed? I suppose I won't be finding out - why throw more money at them? Like I said, I'm not "grumpy" - just very disappointed at the downslide of another once-quality name in software. -- Ron

[Jim_Hardin]

Nice rant!

 

The FULL version is around $100 and you found a bargain for around $35. And you really thought it would be the same...

 

You mentioned Nero earlier - Full Version $135 - cut down $35 ~ think they are the same as well???

 

You didn't do your research and made a mistake. That isn't Roxio's fault...

 

They do sell a HD editing software for $50! That would have a better one for your needs.

 

HOWEVER!!! Not all is lost

 

A DVD Movie is not HD so anything you can feed it, will be reduced to Standard Definition.

 

Sooo why not use one of the many free converters to make your MP4 clips into SD???

 

Here are a few:

 

AVS4YOU Converter:

AVS

 

Any Video Converter

HERE

 

Freemake Video Converter:

HERE

 

 

Handbrake:

Handbrake

[Brendon]

Brendon: You may want to update that old post to bring it up to date...

 

The Red Box version will load any and all MP4 files that are DVD Quality or less:

 

However, it will not load Any File that Exceeds DVD Quality...

 

I am guessing that the 'Line' is 720 X 480 (720 X 576 PAL)

 

I am glad you posted that, it made me go back to revisit this

 

Thanks Jim, but the confusion seems to have grown even deeper.

 

I've been working on this for the last couple of days, with an installation of 10.3.104 on a virgin copy of XP-SP3 and an array of MP4 files which I renamed to match their dimensions.

320x180.mp4

320x240.mp4

384x256.mp4

620x350.mp4

634x356.mp4

640x360.mp4

640x480.mp4

720x404.mp4

768x432.mp4

820x460.mp4

960x544.mp4

 

On my machine, none of the files was accepted by MyDVD Express.

 

This might be accounted for by a version difference, but we have the same version.

 

I installed EMC 10 on another virgin XP in the same computer, and all those files were accepted, tending to rule out any hardware consideration.

 

The question now is the difference between your system and mine? Has any similar software ever been installed on your system? Which OS are you using? [i must go and try the same files on my Win8/Redbox machine]

 

Does Ron get the same results as me, or as you? [The plot thickens, as they say] This is very interesting.

 

Regards,

Brendon

[Jim_Hardin]

Interesting!

 

My systems: Win7 & XP - 2 different HDD's, but on the same PC...

 

Mine work in all 4 cases provided they are not HD.

 

Only other difference is that all 4 OS's have had or have a full Creator Suite installed.

 

Unless I missed it, Ron does not have XP? Still good to test there although it is becoming less relevant these days.

[Brendon]

Only other difference is that all 4 OS's have had or have a full Creator Suite installed.

 

Unless I missed it, Ron does not have XP? Still good to test there although it is becoming less relevant these days.

 

Aha! Perhaps other suites left useful DLLs or other working files behind and gave you that functionality that Easy CD & DVD Creator 10.3.104 doesn't provide. Fresh Windows installs are a good test-bed, because there's no chance they have been contaminated by other Roxio software.

 

I think you may have put my finger on the cause there, Jim.

 

I didn't see that Ron said anything about what O.S. he is using, but I started in XP and I will also check it [and report] under a clean Windows 8.

 

Regards,

Brendon

[Ron90069]

^{You are correct about one thing: yes, it was a rant. Unfortunately you missed my entire point. My expectations are simple: Sell a product that does what it says, but be honest about what it does and doesn't do. If it only does HD, say so. If it won't work with HD clips/files, say so. If there is a known issue with a certain DX file, add an appropriate reference to (if nothing else) the FAQ/KnowledgeBase. And make the KB user-friendly - don't return 20+ screens of non-applicable answers to a simple missing-dll query (such as when I entered the full name of the missing DLL (xxxxxxx.dll) but only find applicable answers when I reenter it as "xxxxxx" without the "dll"?? The truth is, I bought this only when Fry's offered a full rebate for it (still not received, btw). And Nero? I bought it also when there was a 100% rebate offer. So it's not about MY money; it's about misleading sales info, defective installation routines, missing and/or misleading documentation and a website that could "make it right" but doesn't. I did not buy this program expecting it to be the same as the $100+ programs, but I did expect it to install, provide documentation of its included features, and of course error messages that have some degree of helpfulness. I remember all too well talking with Adaptec (prior owners of Roxio) and immediately being connected with upper-level support techs, who had the right answers. That didn't have to happen often though, because the documentation on and in the box was correct and useful. I mean, Wonder Bread is great for sandwiches, but imagine if for whatever reason you couldn't make triple-deckers with it, but that info wasn't on the package! Weak example, maybe, but I feel pretty weak as it is.}

[Ron90069]

 
[url="http://forums.support.roxio.com/index.php?app=forums&module=forums&section=findpost&pid=446180"][img=http://forums.support.roxio.com/public/style_images/Roxio_33/snapback.png][/url]Jim_Hardin, on 19 June 2013 - 04:12 AM, said:

MP4 files are fine...

Maybe after you finish your install properly, it will work??? 

And Jim, sarcasm doeth not become you.

[sknis]

I shouldn't get involved here but didn't the name of the program give you a hint? After all it is CD and DVD burning and NOT CD,DVD, AVCHD and blu-ray burning.

 

Didn't the side of the box tell you anything? Did you trust the people at Fry's? They are on commission and will sell you anything (even tell you you need Monster brand cables).

[Ron90069]

Thank you. And the name of one of the earlier FULL programs from Adaptec/Roxio was "Easy CD Creator 5" - and it had a complete 229+ page manual AND was even capable of burning DVD-RAM data discs.

The word "Easy" in the title means nothing more than a marketing hook.

Regardless, wouldn't you expect a program that is aimed, per your way of thinking, at new users, to state some limitations on its box?

Look at how many conflicting posts there are on this site about the program's ability to run under Win 7 or Win 8? And yet months-old misinformation still exists! Shouldn't there be a Roxio/Coral moderator here who pays attention to these issues (how many sales have they lost because people are told or led to believe it's not compatible with Win 7 or Win 8?

 

It should not fall to users to perform the major support functions of a merchant's implied warranty. If R/C are not proud enough of their product to acknowledge it and support it, what does that tell you?

 

And if you choose to take a negative approach (implying I'm a fool for believing what was said) to a user who is merely trying to let others know this is not all it seems to be, I think you need to re-examine your participation on this forum. Personal attacks/slurs are not a propos here, nor should they be. -- Ron

[sknis]

Ron, You were the one starting the attacks. I know you are angry but don't take it out on us volunteers. Have you tried contacting Roxio/Corel directly with your complaints?

 

Software is sold on what it will do. If the company would have to list everything it can't do, there would be a list a mile long.

 

Which consumer software have you bought recently that had a full manual? The current industry practice is to include a quick start guide and have you go to a manual on-line or to include a partial help guide in the program itself. I have bought various software from more than 7 companies in the last couple of years and none of them had a manual except for one that I had to pay extra for (it was not cheap). I don't like it anymore than you do. I have two folders on my computer where I've download the manuals. I have one for equipment (computer, projector, etc.) and one for software pdf files that I've downloaded so I don't have to be online to get to the manual. Perhaps something like that would be of help.

 

I just have to ask. If you have a recent version of Nero, did it come with a full operating manual? Did the box list everything it can't do.

 

I apologize for my comments in the earlier post and in this one also if they offended you. We are just telling you the way it is and that this is the wrong place to vent. You are now taking it personally; that was not intended.

[Jim_Hardin]

You seem to have issues with anyone who doesn't cave in and points out your mistakes

 

No nothing completly wrong with trusting a sales clerk as long as thier answer doesn't seem completly outlandish. But when they are proven wrong, Learn from it and don't trust the next one

 

Creator 5 Could Not create or burn any DVD Movie!

 

You are right, personal attacks are not allowed here but we were trying to help you...

[Ron90069]

Jim and Sknis and all:

First, Jim, in another forum here you told a user he was "deluding himself" that a discounted program would (in effect) do what it claimed without exception. And both you and Sknis seem to believe that a low price on a program means it doesn't have to fulfill its box-cover claims.

I disagree. Software prices vary wildly; even the best sellers in any category are often discounted to almost pennies just as a new version is released. Say what you will about MS Windows, but you could buy Win 8 for $15 from Microsoft for months! And no, I don't rely on sales clerks to know all the details of software.

This MP4 crippleware has evidently been an issue for years (see Brendon's excellent discussion in his link above).

Jim states "You didn't do your research and made a mistake." Jim, I did the research I could, based on the box, on product info here, etc. No, I didn't read all through this forum; now that I've seen the number of complaints trailing back for years, I would be foolish to buy anything from today's iteration of Roxio/Corel and expect it to work as marketed.

 

As for manuals, I am well aware that very few programs come with them any more. As a result, the online FAQs are more important than ever. My experience with this install program was, from what I've seen, not at all uncommon, NOR was it even mentioned in the FAQs.

 

One need only look at the confusion here about Win 7 and Win 8 compatibility to see where Roxio's tech support people could have jumped in and supplied correct information. My original point wasn't that the package is worthless; my point was that company support was severely lacking, and that marketing materials were, in some ways, misleading.

 

If I see a new Lexus advertised for $20,000, I know something's not right about it. And if I buy a Lexus for $60,000, I don't expect to discover it doesn't include "Reverse" gear. But that's not the same as seeing discounted prices on software that claims to "do it all." Software discounts are a fact of life. "Crippleware" generally gives itself away in the packaging. And whether or not you agree with any of the points I've tried to make, the reality is that Roxio/Corel runs the real risk of alienating customers. And by not even acknowledging the issues themselves (but leaving it to volunteers who may or may not answer in ways that will retain customers), they are shooting themselves in the foot.

 

-- Ron

[sknis]

I have no argument with most of what you posted. The old Roxio people seem to have left and the new support people haven't run the program and they just read out of their support manual. Can we now close the thread because we are getting nowhere. (Windmills and all that).

[Brendon]

Hi Guys,

 

I tried it in a clean Windows 8 system and got the same results:

 

 

 

I think we can safely say that My DVD Express in Easy CD & DVD Burning 10.3.104 won't handle MP4 files without some sort of outside help.

 

Regards,

Brendon

[sknis]

Quicktime installled?

[Brendon]

Quicktime installled?

 

Not in my machine, but I installed EMC 10 on the same machine with an identical fresh Windows, and EMC 10 handled the MP4s without blinking.

So unless EMC 10 installs Quicktime, then I'm guessing QT isn't involved. Does that sound right?

 

Brendon

[sknis]

Yes, I thought it was needed for the Apple codecs. but I looked and all that was needed was

• Windows Media Player 9, 10, 11 or 12
  
• Microsoft Internet Explorer 7 or 8 or higher
  

It would be interesting if someone installed the latest version of Quicktime or to use GSpot to see if the right codecs are installed for those mp4 files.