My video editing story

tvenvy

Newbie Location: LONDON Joined: Mar 10, 2011 14:56 Messages: 7 Offline

Solved by

Mar 10, 2011 17:38

I have a few issues with PD9, one is the hopeless customer service. No less than 3 days to respond to any inquiry , then they ask for a DX DIAG file and then another 3 days later just to tell you to do what is effectively a re-install. I do not have tons of knowledge or really much passion for things like video editing or PC issues. I am actually a musician in a band and have only decided to learn this software to make a SIMPLE promotiomal video for our music.

It all started back in November when I purchased a Panasonic HD camcorder. I had absolutely no experience in editing anything, only an idea what I wanted to do. The band had already recorded the music in a professional studio so I had the sound tracks. Now I wanted to simply film the band playing from diferent angles and combine with one of the already completed sound tracks. I first discovered and purchased Coral editing software but the software would struggle to even open and editing anthing was imposible. After much time spent reading peoples experiences I began to realise the enormous computing power required to perform HD Video editing. So I hunted down and purchased a high spec computer, I7 quad core, 1Gig graphics, 6Gig ram, bla bla bla and was gutted to discover it barely improved the problem and was still unworkable. As soon as I added a music track onto the timeline it froze up and was intermittent at the best of times. Customer service was bollocks and they must think people are all stupid, they were telling me to disable hyperthreading in my BIOS! I just purchased a PC with hyperthreading capabilities and they say disable it. It turned out you could not disable it anyway and I returned the coral software for a refund.

Determined not to give up I searched further and discoverd PD9. With the Coral experience still fresh in mind I downloaded the trial version and was ecstatic when I placed the music track down and began adding video clips with apparent fluidity. My faith had been restored and I purchased the full version. Over the next couple of weeks I learnt the software pretty good, good enough to put something half decent together. I managed to match up the sound and video perfectly and was happy.

Then the first of my problems - PD9 would hang during rendering, and always right at the start of a scene change or a transition. This is what took 6 days for Cyberlink to tell me to re-install, It did solve the problem, but the preview playback was a bit jerky in places, especially in high Q HD. So I lowered the preview resolution and got on with it. I dont understand why it was perfect before and it isnt now. Anyway I finshed a basic video and uploaded it to you tube. Great!

But I wasnt happy and wanted to improve it by adding more effects and transitions and other bits and bobs. Then the second of my problems - would not upload to You Tube, it did before but now it wouldnt. Now I could upload to you tube from another source like windows editor but not from PD9. I tried a re-install but it didnt help. So I contacted Cyberlink to ask them. I sent them the DXDIAG file at the same time, thinking I was being smart. FOUR DAYS LATER they respond with a link directing me to YOU TUBE help page. Thanks Cyberlink, Dont you think I already tried that?!!

Anyway it so turned out that the latest patch was released on 08-03-2011 so I downloaded and installed it, I read on this forum it solves a lot of issues. What it did for me was lock me out! I kept getting the message "incorrect activation code". I eneterd it over and over but it would not accept it. So I contacted Cyberlink, should hear from them next week sometime, OH YES THEY DONT RESPOND WEEKENDS, so today is Thursday, I expect a reply next tuesday, probably asking for a DXDIAG file......

Anyway tonight I resored my PC to an earlier point and it seems to have got me back working again and guess what I can upload again aswell. But I dont have an answer to the activation code problem and now I am afraid to install any new patches, does anyone have any ideas or suggestions.

I have waffled on quite a lot here but wanted to share my story with anyone sad enough to be interested and wondered if I am alone in thinking this software is a bit tacky, and is not the smooth flowing ecstacy it's advertised to be.

This message was edited 3 times. Last update was at Mar 15. 2011 17:54

All vodi

Senior Contributor Location: Canada Joined: Aug 21, 2009 11:24 Messages: 1431 Offline

Mar 10, 2011 18:06

Your problems have been repeated several times in this forum and in PD8. It comes with learning the ropes about not just PD9 but the industry's poor standards in both video and audio formats. And it can be frustrating. HD editing more so - but you already know that. If you read the various threads you'll notice that we are constantly asking fellow users for "basic" information as per the front page of the forum. It is a beginning. For instance, it would be helpful if you could provide info on the type of files you are using and what format it is that you are trying to render to. And it would be nice to know what the original release number of PD9 was.

I use 2 other HD editors and guess what - they have issues as well with HD.

Good to know that you were able to revert back to your original install. Your activation problem can be avoided by using Win7's control panel to remove all of PD9 and then re-installing the main application first, followed by the content pack. At this point you should use your key to activate the installation. Once PD9 is running then you can install the update. And yes the new release does fix a large number of previous bugs. Win 10, i7

tvenvy

Newbie Location: LONDON Joined: Mar 10, 2011 14:56 Messages: 7 Offline

Mar 11, 2011 17:29

Firstly thank you for taking the time to reply. I’m astounded! This is miles better than the customer service from Cyberlink, thank goodness I’m actually talking to someone, and so quickly!!!

I did not initially provide any basic information because as I said last night it was back and working, well sort of. Once I got past the activation code problem with the system restore, I discovered that my tool bar at the top of the PD9 screen was all squashed up with some things missing..messy. So I did the full re-install again and now things are back to normal, for now......

My build version is 2316. Regarding files, I’m not sure what you mean but the camcorder creates AVCHD files which I then copy to my PC. I import them to PD9 and edit from there. The formats I render to are usually .wmv, .mov & mpeg 4 or what you see on PD9. More recently I find .wmv set to the xDSL setting gets good results. Anyway the rendering issues were solved a while back and it seems the uploading was alright on the last attempt. I just wish everything worked and wasn’t such a headache! I was annoyed during my original post because of the LACK of smooth sailing. Just what is the normal expected number of re-installs per week for this type of product?

I did consider the proper uninstall from the control panel, as you said, but was worried I might lose any saved projects. I have saved the main ones to a new folder but wasn’t sure if something might be lost and I end up with a useless shortcut or an unusable file. Like I said I get by, but I’m no expert.

Finally I am new to forums, this is the first one I have ever used and never paid much attention to them in the past. The ideas of them being a source of USEFUL information didnt really occur to me and I went the old fashioned customer service route. I have since looked and see you respond to many editing issues, along with a few other "contributors". So it’s a bit like editorholics anonymous and you give the support. I don’t know where you find the time but I hope Cyberlink appreciate it.

This message was edited 3 times. Last update was at Mar 11. 2011 17:34

Pax 123

Senior Member Location: Miami, Florida Joined: Feb 25, 2010 06:35 Messages: 282 Offline

Mar 11, 2011 18:51

Hi tvenvy,

You may have intended your thread to simply be a public rant, but it is actually a serendipitous opportunity. You are to be congratulated in being able to combine, edit and publish your video by using very complex software. Make no mistake, the art of video editing with PD9 is gratifying because it allows, and involves, a very creative application of very sophisticated software. Skill and knowledge are required to bring your talents and intelligence to fruition through PD9.

Go to the top of this forum and actually read and learn and do the things that Dafydd and others set out there for your benefit. Soon, you will learn that there are several other additional resources, such as Director Zone and PDToots to assist and guide you. These are in addition to the help of many willing experts on this forum.

Read again what HDedit said about going to the top of the page and providing information. You must be willing and able to communicate hard facts to these guys. They are not just being tiresome or merely curious in their requests. They actually apply the information for a solution to your problem. They enjoy it and take pride in it. They are not employees of Cyberlink. This is a hobby for them. They love it!!

PD9 is a superb application and this is a superb forum. Be at peace, enjoy and take advantage of this opportunity. Welcome to the forum. If you stick with it, you will not be allowed to fail.

Pax

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at Mar 11. 2011 18:53

Laptop PC, ASUS
Core i7 Q 720
Win 7, 64-bit
RAM 8GB DDR2
Graphics, NVIDIA GeForce GTS 360M 1GB DDR5

tvenvy

Newbie Location: LONDON Joined: Mar 10, 2011 14:56 Messages: 7 Offline

Mar 11, 2011 19:55

Im overwhelmed, and humbled by such wisdom and support. And please realise, despite my rantings, I do appreciate what magic PD9 makes possible. Not so long ago such things were only done by a selected few with reels of tape and a pair of scissors...

Thank you for the warm welcome.

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at Mar 11. 2011 19:56

Pax 123

Senior Member Location: Miami, Florida Joined: Feb 25, 2010 06:35 Messages: 282 Offline

Mar 11, 2011 20:33

OK. Now, get started. We'll be watching for your posts.

Pax Laptop PC, ASUS
Core i7 Q 720
Win 7, 64-bit
RAM 8GB DDR2
Graphics, NVIDIA GeForce GTS 360M 1GB DDR5

tvenvy

Newbie Location: LONDON Joined: Mar 10, 2011 14:56 Messages: 7 Offline

Mar 13, 2011 17:53

I actually started many weeks ago, the result is already on You Tube. See "tv envy - here we go!".

I have explained a few problems I was having on this forum and HDedit responded asking for build version and type of files etc.., still waiting for his response.

Although still much to learn I’m sort of okay with the basic editing. I probably need to work a lot more on the actual filming and getting the lighting correct. Don’t take me wrong, your encouragement is noted and appreciated but enough of the chit chat, here are a couple of things I would like some advice with:

1) Why does my preview/playback not run smooth through transitions and effects. Remove all these so its straight scene after scene and its fine. Some effects are worse than others. Also the higher the quality preview I select the worse it is. Is this PD9 or my computer?

2) Why does the sound and video of the uploaded You Tube video seem to be out of sync compared to the edited version before uploading.

Solving these annoying little irritants for starters would make the process a whole lot more enjoyable.

This message was edited 5 times. Last update was at Mar 13. 2011 17:59

All vodi

Senior Contributor Location: Canada Joined: Aug 21, 2009 11:24 Messages: 1431 Offline

Mar 13, 2011 18:32

1) Playback in the preview window is usually jerky because you are actually seeing PD9 at work, in real-time, When it runs into added effects such as a transition the rendering slows down by the amount of calculations PD9 has to make to translate the effect. If you have a slow PC this portion can get to be like molasses. That's why "shadow edit" files are used with slow systems. The only way to see a smooth run is in the viewing of the produced file.
2) The YouTube audio issue seems to be an ongoing thing in this forum. I have no answers (do not use youtube) only that you should perhaps search this forum for it. Win 10, i7

Bubba in TX

Senior Contributor Location: Central Texas Joined: Dec 12, 2009 21:32 Messages: 1332 Offline

Mar 14, 2011 00:58

I have deleted all my youtube videos but one. I never noticed a audio issue.... But reading in some of the youtube forums mostly it happens when youtube converts your video. Not always your video editing software.

To be honest, when I play your video (not bad I might add, you guys can rock) I do not see any lag between video and audio, not even when I download it and play it. How many takes did that take????

This message was edited 4 times. Last update was at Mar 14. 2011 01:05

__________________________________________
Windows 8 Pro 64 bit

CyberLink PowerDirector 10 Tutorials
PDtoots PowerDirector Tutorials

**NOTICE**
When you are asked to provide a DXDIAG you go the following link and do part "B". Your posted specs are NOT what we are looking for as they tell us nothing. The specs on the box of your computer mean nothing. The DXDIAG shows us how your computer is configured as it runs.

DXDIAG Link

Pax 123

Senior Member Location: Miami, Florida Joined: Feb 25, 2010 06:35 Messages: 282 Offline

Mar 14, 2011 07:29

Hi tv envy,

I must confess that I did not think so, but was not certain, whether you have a sync problem or not in your video. Then, I watched the fingers as they changed frets on the guitars. The new notes occurred precisely when they should. I suggest that the sync is fine. The singer probably gets his lips ready a little early to sing, sometimes.

In addition to Director Zone and PDToots, please also review http://seemyworldonvideo.com/
for guidance and ideas.

Also, do not overlook the benefits from referring to the profiles of specific members who seem to have special skills or knowledge which may benefit you. For instance, videocentricity is a software engineer currently hiding out in Scotland. He is interested in the arts, including music. I find his techniques to be very helpful and his ideas to be very refreshing and his application of PD to them to be excellent. You can review all of the posts he has originated through reversion to his profile and by using the search function.

You are going to love this place!

Regards,

Pax Laptop PC, ASUS
Core i7 Q 720
Win 7, 64-bit
RAM 8GB DDR2
Graphics, NVIDIA GeForce GTS 360M 1GB DDR5

tvenvy

Newbie Location: LONDON Joined: Mar 10, 2011 14:56 Messages: 7 Offline

Mar 15, 2011 18:22

To HDedit

I would not like to think my computer slow, just paid what is to me a lot of money, and solely for the purpose of being able to run this software. Put it this way, my PC is way above what Cyberlink call "minimum recommended requirements". My old computer had the minimum requirements and PD9 was unworkable.

Just what spec computer is required to run PD9 seamless?

Anway activating the "shadow file" does make a huge improvement and while its has the ocasional "jerk" during transitions and effects, like you say the final produced project is fine.

Thank you for the support.

tvenvy

Newbie Location: LONDON Joined: Mar 10, 2011 14:56 Messages: 7 Offline

Mar 15, 2011 19:14

Bubba in NV

Thanks for the positive response regarding the video. Strange that some have the video out of sync problem and others not, even the senior contributors dont seem to have a magic answer. Maybe its just the speed of the internet connection. Anyway glad you liked the video. I do find it realy dificult to be completely satisfied with a project. You can go on for ever making improvements, I suppose its okay for a first. The next one we want to make a bit less band and a bit more abstract.

Anyway regarding number of takes, are you talking about the music or the video?

The music was done in a recording studio. After a warm up, it took two takes for the main rythym section, bass, drums & rythym guitar, I snapped a bass string half way through the first take or it probably would have been done in one. Then the lead guitar was added and then the vocals after that.

The video was done in our rehearsal room. I set the camera up at various diferent angles and for each angle we played along with the CD which kept us in time. I then used the camcorders audio to help sync the clips to the main music track. Once was happy I unlinked the camcorders sound and deleted it..and so on..

tvenvy

Newbie Location: LONDON Joined: Mar 10, 2011 14:56 Messages: 7 Offline

Mar 15, 2011 19:35

Hi Pax

Im glad you thought thy video was okay, but it certainly looks a frame or two out when I look at the upload. Thanks for the link, it looks interesting. Maybe I will try uploading to that and see if its any better.

Now I gotta get on with the next one so thanks for the support again. Youre right Im gonna love this place!!!!!!!!!!!!!