Lee,
Crucial information is a sample file of the video and the source (camera).

I've come across this before with a Jazz hdv178

You can attach a 5 second video.

Dafydd

Thanks for the reply.

Well the camera is a Canon VIXIA HF R11 that records in .mts format, so i don't know if that has anything to do with it.

This is all on my pc at work.

I use PD at home and never have an issue with it.

I've tried messing about with various settings in PD with no luck. Maybe i'll try using the camera on my pc at home at see what happens.

Hi Lee,
1. Really could do with a sample from that camera.
2. I'd like to see the popup which you deleted with your workaround.
3. I'd like you to attach a diagnostic file - PART B.
4. Supply a screenshot see PART F and E below in the guides.

If you make a sample and the information available, the senior editors here have much more to go on and get an answer for you.

I don't have a sample from an R11 - you give info and sample, we test, we resolve, you smile.

Dafydd

Guide information:
********************************
You can not pinpoint the issue BUT you can give more detail of content and provide a visual image as well as a diagnostic of your set up. Please note that 3 (x100kb) images/files can be attached to your reply.

http://forum.cyberlink.com/forum/posts/list/7958.page
Subject: PowerDirector - information we request and tasks to carry out.
PART A - name it
PART B - provide it
PART F - use them
PART E - an alternative
PART D - presentation is important

********************************

I think this is my issue. The source 1080i mpg files are perfectly fine and I was able to split, title, etc. just fine. At some later point, after reopening the project, I realized that video for some of those clips is black. Audio is fine and titling intact, but no video. Original video that was used in project can still be played fine. I used two source videos for this project and it appears the clips for the first video are still able to be previewed. Also, I don't think it's permanent, since I was able to reopen the project and it's fine. The only thing I do, after opening the project, is compress the timeline.

I understand that the workaround here is just to reopen the project, but it keeps happening and it's annoying. I'm on an i7 860 box running 64-bit Windows 7, with tons of HD space and 8 GB of memory, so resources shouldn't be a factor. Ideas?

Answer 1. http://forum.cyberlink.com/forum/posts/list/12519.page#58444

Answer 2. http://forum.cyberlink.com/forum/posts/list/12519.page#58487

Nothing will be done without a sample file in either case. It doesn't matter what you're experiencing or viewing. Unless you provide the information requested then no video editors can assist you.

Dafydd

Quote: Hi Lee,
1. Really could do with a sample from that camera.

Assuming you mean video, they can be seen at www.youtube.com/kessiltube

Quote: 2. I'd like to see the pop-up which you deleted with your workaround.

So this is the sequence, occasionally, for it seems no particular reason, the preview screen goes black when attempting to play the clip...



If i double click on the clip, i get...



I then click "cancel" on that pop up screen and the preview screen comes back to life.

Quote:
3. I'd like you to attach a diagnostic file - PART B.
4. Supply a screen-shot see PART F and E below in the guides.

If you make a sample and the information available, the senior editors here have much more to go on and get an answer for you.

I don't have a sample from an R11 - you give info and sample, we test, we resolve, you smile.

Dafydd

Guide information:
********************************
You can not pinpoint the issue BUT you can give more detail of content and provide a visual image as well as a diagnostic of your set up. Please note that 3 (x100kb) images/files can be attached to your reply.

http://forum.cyberlink.com/forum/posts/list/7958.page
Subject: PowerDirector - information we request and tasks to carry out.
PART A - name it
PART B - provide it
PART F - use them
PART E - an alternative
PART D - presentation is important

********************************

How do i get the "diagnostic file" of which you speak?

I am having the same or a similar problem. I dont think it is related to the image file - sometimes it plays correctly, other times the same clip plays a black screen with audio only. The problem occurs for me only when in edit mode - after rendering the clips into a final movie there is no issue - intuitively it doesnt seem as if the problem is with the format of the clip.

My workaround is as follows - you can view a clip in 3 ways while editing - embedded in the top right of the edit panel, in a preview window and in a full screen preview. If a clip is showing black, I just flick from full scrren to windowed or vice versa and I usually get it back.I have noticed the problem more often when playing back several clips in movie mode - each time it flows from one clip to the next, the video turns black, and I use the above workaround. It is just annoying, and obviously something is not right.

I use m2Ts files from a Sony Cx116 recorded in HD FH mode. I edit using PD 8.00.1930 running on a Lenovo T400 laptop.
If I was to hazard a guess, I would say that the laptop struggles in terms of cylces and/or memory. Still doesnt make it right though - a black screen !

LJSearles:
1. I was after a sample of the video you are using - not a youtube posted video. RE: Canon VIXIA HF R11 about 5 to 10 seconds would be good and can be attached to your post here for me to download. Samples from cameras are essential to have to make sure PD works with all video sources.
2. From the images you have posted I see you have Shadow Edit files being generated.
a) i could do with knowing what your PC is.
b) Please supply a diagnostic file
http://forum.cyberlink.com/forum/posts/list/7979.page#34439
PART B
3. I note in your attached image you have not allowed PD to generate the shadow edit file (Yellow Icon showing) before you atarted editing. You should have.

Shadow edit files should be generated before starting to edit as interference with the file will prevent the task being completed. The audio section is generated separately as a "temp text" file and this is the reason you can hear the audio.

Solutions: Depending upon the capability of your computer you can shut down shadow file creation and edit without the use of them. If you have a low end PC this isn't feasible. I've asked for a diagnostic to assess your PC. Shutting off shadow files is easy see: http://forum.cyberlink.com/forum/posts/list/9621.page#41702 I don't use shadow Files - I know the limitations of my PC. Of course you should upgrade your PC if you intend editing HD files.

Steve,
You need to upgrade your version of PD with the latest patch. 1930 build has issues. http://www.cyberlink.com/downloads/support/powerdirector/patches_en_US.html
FYI Anonymous posts can not be contacted by PM.

Dafydd
[Moderator]

Thank you for the tips - in my case I will update build - and I am proud to step out from cloak of anonymity - thanks for advice on that too.

cheers

Quote: LJSearles:
1. I was after a sample of the video you are using - not a youtube posted video. RE: Canon VIXIA HF R11 about 5 to 10 seconds would be good and can be attached to your post here for me to download. Samples from cameras are essential to have to make sure PD works with all video sources.

Attached.

2. From the images you have posted I see you have Shadow Edit files being generated.
a) i could do with knowing what your PC is.

b) Please supply a diagnostic file
http://forum.cyberlink.com/forum/posts/list/7979.page#34439

Attached

PART B
3. I note in your attached image you have not allowed PD to generate the shadow edit file (Yellow Icon showing) before you atarted editing. You should have.

Shadow edit files should be generated before starting to edit as interference with the file will prevent the task being completed. The audio section is generated separately as a "temp text" file and this is the reason you can hear the audio.

Solutions: Depending upon the capability of your computer you can shut down shadow file creation and edit without the use of them. If you have a low end PC this isn't feasible. I've asked for a diagnostic to assess your PC. Shutting off shadow files is easy see: http://forum.cyberlink.com/forum/posts/list/9621.page#41702 I don't use shadow Files - I know the limitations of my PC. Of course you should upgrade your PC if you intend editing HD files.

Done

Dafydd
[Moderator]