What kind of computer are you using (CPU, RAM, video card) and what version of PD are you using? High definition is difficult to edit even with a fast computer. You may also want to make sure you hard disk is defragmented. Q9300 2.5 GHz
4 GB Ram
Nvidia 9800 GT

I am using PowerDirector 7

My computer:
CPU: Intel Quad CPU Q9550
Memory: 4GB
Graphics cars: tried both GeForce 8800GTS and ATI Radeon HD 4870X2.

There was no difference when using the 2 video cards. I think it is some software issue. I have looked around, and will try installing ffdshow. It seems to solve a similar problem with Sony's Vegas video editing software. I will post an update with my findings.

I was thinking about mentioning ffdshow as well, but I don't know enough about how PD incorporates the codecs. My computer is slightly slower than yours and it plays back high definition files fine. I also have ffdshow installed as well. Q9300 2.5 GHz
4 GB Ram
Nvidia 9800 GT

OK, after you've done the ffdshow install, please let us know your results.

1. Ffdshow is available with other free extras for PD editors from:
http://seemyworldonvideo.com/pages/extras-news-items.html (you'll need to join)

2. Now if you'd like either James or myself to try out your avi file on our systems I can give you an upload location where you can put a sample clip - about 10 seconds max would be fine. [PM me Roland your email contact details]

2-1 If we encounter any issues, I will pass on the clip to CyberLink Tech Support.

Dafydd
[Moderator]

PS Hope you don't mind being "volunteered" on that try-out James, thought you'd like to have a play.

Hi again,

Here's an update. I have installed ffdshow and now PD7 is much more stable and I can import and edit AVI (H264) video files without it crashing. The software is running faster than before, but not as fast as when I import WMV files. Anyway thanks to you all!