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Gentlemen,
Thanks for the feedback. For the third time, I'm uninstalling and reinstalling the suite. This time, I used the Revo Unstaller very aggressively. Hopefully it got everything. Also, I noticed that, in addition to the PhotoDirector patch, there was a PowerDirector patch that I had not installed. After the main install, I'll install the patches and see how it goes.
If it's still broken, I'm not sure what I'll do. Maybe get a another video card and try that, or maybe give this up as a lost cause. ![]() I don't want to do the latter for multiple reasons, but I'm getting very frustrated.
Again, thanks and regards,
Dan.
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Tony,
Yes, all three formats. In my other video editor, where all is well, the .MOV formatted file seems to have a slight edge in quality. Since I just got the GH3 a few weeks ago, this is the first .MOV format I've ever shot. I'd like to work with it more.
And yes, I'm pretty sure I can predict the outcome. ![]() Now if I know why...
Just for grins, what video card are you using? Other folks, what video cards are you using?
Thanks,
Dan.
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And here is a screen shot of the previewed video. FYI... As of about 10 minutes ago, the MP4 preview started showing the same low quality. This is beyond bizarre.
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Dafydd,
Attached is the 5-second .MOV file as promised.
Thanks,
Dan.
Quote:
Hi Dan,
Following our excellent PM exchange. I'll jump into this thread and see what can be done to assist you.
1. Thank you for the diagnostic file and your images.
2. Looking through your diagnostic. Which drives do you draw/store your video and image files from/on? I have noted that large drives have caused PDR11 problems with response times.
3. I'd like to have some samples from your Panasonic GH3 please. I don't have any images or footage to work with to assist/check out.
3-1. MOV file 5 seconds long, unedited please.
3-2. A few image files, might be useful to have.
I don't believe Dan is doing a comparison test (poorly titled Topic) in the way he's posting here. He is stating quite clearly that Adobe Premiere (which he is experienced in) will play his MOV and PowerDirector 11 isn't (etc). The aim here is to address the MOV file in relation to PDR11. Many quality still cameras (such as a Canon 7D) produce video create to a very high bitrate and that does cause display issues on some systems. Dan's system is specifically designed for video editing and should not be encountering display or useage issues. I'd like the sample files to find out if my system (or any other editor's) can cope with the MOV.
Dafydd
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Another tidbit of information... The preview mode doesn't seem to be act "rationally". When I change the Preview Mode and Preview Quality, sometimes it doesn't take. For example, when changing the video quality from "HD Preview Resolution" to "HD Full Preview Resolution", the preview quality does not change. And sometimes when changing the Preview Mode to non-realtime, the video does NOT slow down.
And about 30 seconds ago, it threw a new curve at me - PD11 hung completely! Windows Task Manager is showing CPU activity, but PD11 is totally hung. No response at all. I'm pulling my hair out! (Since I'm 66 and somewhat "follically-challenged", that is NOT a good thing!) Arrrgh!
Any additional help would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Dan.
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Cranston, Tony,
Thanks for the feedback.
Perhaps the error message is not related to the .MOV issue. At this point, I'm grasping at straws.
The .MOV file is a 50MBps file from my Panasonic GH3. 50MBps is a bit higher than your .MOV files, but not that much higher. And my system (a PC with 32GB of memory and a fast disk subsystem) was designed and built (by me) specifically to perform photo and video editing on high resolution images and clips. It should not have this issue. For reference, the same clips preview perfectly in my other video editor (which will remain unnamed ![]() )
Regarding the file... It is an unmodified file - never touched by any editor. This afternoon, I took a 5 second clip to upload for DafyDD's use. No change in the strange behavior. To summarize that behavior:
- Sometimes it jitters and stops, or lags way behind the audio.
- Other times, it displays at a very low resolution.
- Still other times it does both - displays at a low resolution AND jitters and stops.
I just want my .MOV clips to preview properly at full resolution in PD11. I do NOT want to raise a ruckus and compare PD11 to other products.
Thanks and regards,
Dan.
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PIX,
Thanks, I'll check out Revo.
Regards,
Dan.
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Quick update... When I tried PhotoDirector, it imported my raw images with a pink cast. So I deinstalled everything, manually cleaned out the files, folders, and registry entries that the deinstaller failed to remove, and reinstalled everything. That fixed the PhotoDirector problem. But the .MOV preview problem still exists. However...
When I drop the .MOV clip to the timeline, a very strange message pops up indicating that the imported file frame rate of 59.94 FPS does not match the project frame rate of 59.94 FPS. ??? (See screen capture attached.)
I suspect that this has something do with the .MOV problem, but I'm not sure how to fix it. Any ideas? Has anyone else seen this before? Know the cause? Any solution?
Thanks,
Dan.
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I just got everything cleaned out manually and reinstalled again. At first the raw photos imported, looked good for a second, and then went pink. Then I noticed that I had not installed the latest patch. When I installed the latest patch, it worked fine.
Note that after my first install I had the "pink" problem even AFTER installing the latest patch. Very strange.
At this point I'm more than a little leery, but it looks OK now. At least I can eval it fairly and make a decent decision about switching from Lightroom.
Thanks for your help.
Regards,
Dan.
P.s. I'm a professional contract software developer (been doing it for more than two decades). I've written installers/deinstallers professionally. It's a difficult challenge to keep track of all of the files, folders, and registry entries to ensure that deinstalls and reinstalls are smooth. After looking at the "mouse droppings" left after the CyberLink deinstall, my professional opinion is that the their installer/deinstaller code needs some serious work.
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PIX,
I've heard of both of those cleaners. Which one do you prefer most? Or both?
Thanks,
Dan.
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PIX,
That's strange. I'm using the latest version. (I downloaded and installed the latest patch just after I installed it.). That said...
I had the trial version of PowerDirector installed before buying the full suite. And I have a current issue with .MOV file previews in PowerDirector that is strange too. I wonder if they are related?
Unless you can suggest something else, I'm going to deinstall everything and then check the registry for any "old" stuff. Then reinstall. Any other suggestions before I splat everything?
Thanks,
Dan.
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I just purchased the Director Suite. Since PhotoDirector is very similar to Adobe Lightroom it is very easy to figure out. Or so I thought. All of the RAW files from my Panasonic GH3 display with a very pink cast (see attachment).
The original RAW file shown in PhotoDirector is also attached for reference.
Since I have 30 days to return the Director Suite, I'm not particularly worried. I can replace the Director Suite with PowerDirector Ultimate Suite and continue to use Lightroom. But I'd like to use PhotoDirector because it should integrate better with the other CyberLink products.
Is there a setting in PhotoDirector that I'm missing (I looked carefully)? A known bug?
Any help appreciated.
Thanks,
Dan.
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I purchased and installed the full Director Suite. No change in the .MOV preview. Still broken.
I'd like to resolve this. If we can figure out a solution, or if CyberLink finds a bug and commits to fix it, then it becomes a non-issue. I can live with not using .MOV format for a while.
I'll post a thread in the PhotoDirector forum, but my first impression with PhotoDirector is very poor. When it imported all my GH3's RAW files they imported with very bad pink cast. I'm not pleased with PhotoDirector so far.
Dan.
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Quote:
Hi Dan,
Thanks for the additional information.
Mov sample can be attached/uploaded here just as you've done with the other files.
You can change the title - excellent idea.
I'm loathed to remove content at the best of times, invaribly someone will get upset. Let's just carry on and keep going with the mov issue.
Please clarify what I'm sure you've stated already, you're using the Trial version of PDR11, correct? There are user limitations with the trial for HD files. I will be checking your MOV using the FULL version of PDR11 as will other forum members.
Just so you know, please read the FAQ: http://www.cyberlink.com/support/faq-content.do?id=2317
and
https://asknet-en.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/2215/kw/refund
Dafydd
Dafydd,
I modified the thread title, provided a quick summary at the top, and pointed readers to the start of the issue posts dated, "23/06/2013 21:37:21".
Since there may be an issue with the trial version, I just ordered the "Director Suite". Although I was not originally interested in PhotoDirector, the minimal cost increase over the "PowerDirector 11 Ultimate Suite" seemed worthwhile and I may not have to buy Adobe Lightroom when I cancel my Adobe CC subscription.
Also, I logged a bug report with CyberLink. Hopefully we can resolve this by working inside and outside the company.
I'll report back after I get the full version installed. If the issue still exists, I'll upload screenshots and a 5 second .MOV video.
Best regards,
Dan.
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Quote:
Hi Dan,
Following our excellent PM exchange. I'll jump into this thread and see what can be done to assist you.
1. Thank you for the diagnostic file and your images.
2. Looking through your diagnostic. Which drives do you draw/store your video and image files from/on? I have noted that large drives have caused PDR11 problems with response times.
3. I'd like to have some samples from your Panasonic GH3 please. I don't have any images or footage to work with to assist/check out.
3-1. MOV file 5 seconds long, unedited please.
3-2. A few image files, might be useful to have.
I don't believe Dan is doing a comparison test (poorly titled Topic) in the way he's posting here. He is stating quite clearly that Adobe Premiere (which he is experienced in) will play his MOV and PowerDirector 11 isn't (etc). The aim here is to address the MOV file in relation to PDR11. Many quality still cameras (such as a Canon 7D) produce video create to a very high bitrate and that does cause display issues on some systems. Dan's system is specifically designed for video editing and should not be encountering display or useage issues. I'd like the sample files to find out if my system (or any other editor's) can cope with the MOV.
Dafydd
Dafydd,
Many thanks for looking at this. Hopefully my response here will make sense (it's 3:20 am here).
Regarding the drives (#2):
- The system and all apps are installed on a 256Gb Samsung 830 Pro SSD.
- The projects and source media are on a 5TB, six-disk, Raid 5 drive with a seventh disk as a hot backup. The disks are Seagate Constellation, 7200 rpm, 1TB enterprise-level SAS drives.
- The PD11 export folder is on a 600GB, two-disk, Raid 0 drive. The disks are Western Digital Velociraptor, 10K rpm, 300GB SATA drives.
- The SSD system/app drive is connected to a 6GB/second motherboard SATA port.
- The Raid 0 and Raid 5 arrays are connected to an Areca Raid 1882-12 Controller with 1GB ram cache. This is a PCIE 3.0 raid adapter card that supports a combo of SAS and SATA drives: http://www.areca.us/products/1882.htm.
Regarding PD11's issues with large drives, I'm surprised to hear this. In any case, this issue is limited to 1) previews only and 2) .MOV clips only. After rendering the final output, the video plays fine in Windows Media Player - no problems with the .MOV portion. Also, the original .MOV clips are fine when played standalone (PD11 not running) in Windows Media Player and the Quicktime player.
Regarding the sample files (#3):
- I will create some additional screen shots showing the fuzziness.
- At twenty seconds, the .MOV clip is too long, so I'll create a new five-second clip. At about 30MB, one issue with this new clip is how to transfer it to you. I can FTP it up to my web server (an MDD Hosting Linux server that I use for my weather website) and then figure out how to give you FTP access. If you have a better option, I'll be happy to use that because I'm not much of a Linux jock.
Regarding this thread, I agree about the title (not the best) and there are several issues munged together. If you're willing, please snip out the relevant posts and create a new thread with a title something like, "Preview Issue With .MOV Clips". Or, if you prefer, I'll be happy to do that. Please let me know.
Thanks again,
Dan.
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Quote:
Has anyone seen preview issues with high bit rate (50 MBps) MOV files?
I have a PC laptop and a MacBook Pro using FCPX.
I'll give you three guesses what computer works best with the MOV files ![]()
As MOVs are related to Apple ensure that you have the current Quicktime time installed - here's the link:
http://support.apple.com/downloads/#quicktime
Happy editing ![]()
Neil,
Thanks for the feedback. Regarding MOV preview...
I think the MOV preview issue is specific to PD11. This same clip previews fine in <another product>. My version of the quicktime driver is up to date, but I "repair"ed it anyway. No change.
As another test outside of DP11, I opened the raw .MOV file by double-clicking it. Windows Media Player popped up and started playing the clip just fine. No slow down, starts and stops, or fuzziness.
So the issue looks like it's specific to PD11 - a setting or maybe a bug. I'd like to get this resolved. Anything else you can think of to resolve this MOV preview issue? Any settings I can change?
Thanks and regards,
Dan.
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Because of the rude comment by Xerox , I just went through this thread and replaced any mention of another company's product with "<another product>" to protect his sensibilities. The whole thread now reads poorly, but that's tough. the breaks.
Right now I have a queasy feeling about CyberLink's products. I think they are pretty good, but being treated rudely is the sign of a very bad forum and reflects badly on the products. Are there any other PowerDisplay forums around where new users will not be attacked?
Dan.
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I found part of the issue - TV Format was set to "NTCS (60 FPS)". I reset that to "NTCS (60 FPS)" and that resolved the screen fuzziness issue with the AVCHD and MP4. That said...
MOV still seems to have some random issues from preview to preview. Sometimes it's fuzzy. And sometimes it's clear but the video stops and starts. Setting the "Enable HD video processing..." did not seem to have any affect, so I left it off.
My video card is a GeForce GTX 470 (couple years old). I just updated the drivers, but no change. I think it's a pretty decent card, but maybe I need to upgrade it.
Has anyone seen preview issues with high bit rate (50 MBps) MOV files?
Dan.
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Quote:
A more significant issue that I'd like to resolve is that the PD11 preview window shows a lower level resolution while the <another product> window is crystal clear. Screen shots of each are attached. The preview window was set to 75% zoom and HD/Full resolution. Any way to improve this in PD?
Hi
Try using 'Fit' instead of 75%. You can also undock the preview window.
The limitations you are experiencing might be because of the trial version.
Happy editing ![]()
Neil,
Thanks for the info. The eval version has all of those options. I set the Preview to the top-most option - Full Preview. And I tried "Fit" and "100%", and then used "75%" to capture the screen to ensure that the images were comparable.
FYI... I noticed another thread that mentioned something about shadow copies (I think that was it). I'll try that option. If I can resolve the preview issue, I'll buy PD11 because it has all the features I need and the output is very comparable. (Actually, I can't see any difference in the output, even using source files with three different formats on the same timeline.)
One interesting feature that PD11 has but <another product> does NOT have is that PD11 can import and convert RAW files (I have a Panasonic GH3). I wasn't surprised that PD11 had that feature. I was very surprised that Premiere did not have it. Nice feature.
Regards,
Dan.
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Quote:
It is really bad taste to mention non Cyberlink products on this forum. I won't be surprised if this thread doesn't get locked, but it should.
Are you having a bad day?
I'm trying to determine if PD11 can meet my needs. How the @!#$ can you eval a product is you can't discuss it and post the results?!? If you can't get information PD11 AS IT COMPARES TO OTHER PRODUCTS here, where can you get it?
If your attitude is the norm for this forum, then it's nothing but a gathering place for clueless fanboys! Further, it means that the PD11 is garbage. If a product cannot stand comparison, it's a failure. It's obvious that you have a low opinion of PD11 and feel the need to protect this "low quality" product. Keep your insecurity to yourself. I don't share your low opinion of PD11 and don't want to hear your @#$@.
Since I'm not a clueless fanboy, I evaluate products to see if one meets my needs better than another. Since I'm spending MY hard-earned money, I have the right to ask questions and evaluate the product.
Here's a news flash FANBOY... PD11 compares VERY well with <another product> . In many ways it's better. However, the vast majority of people consider PD11 a prosumer product and consider <another product> a professional product. How is it possible that a prosumer product can compare with a much more expensive, professional product? It does!
Your attitude will drive many people away from PD11. Get lost!
Dan.
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Gentlement,
Thanks for the feedback and for the suggestion to keep the thread on track. To that end, I moved the PD11 issues to this thread: http://forum.cyberlink.com/forum/posts/list/28871.page
Regards,
Dan.
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