Video Editing Q's - Geeks and Nerds Needed

SAMI

Formerly Beardy McGee
Location
SLC, UT
I am trying to convert several MPG4 files to AVI format so that I can edit a video using Windows Movie Maker. I downloaded a free converter called Converter Lite, which is really simple to use. Once I get the video converted, my computer is not able to play the video due to a missing codec file. I did some troubleshooting on Converter Lite's website, found a new code to insert just before converting but still no luck. The video will not play in Windows Movie Viewer or in Movie Maker. What the hell?

On Converter Lite's troubleshooting list, the following is what I felt applied to my issue:

Won’t convert MKV to AVI
MKV files use an aac audio codec which can contain more than 2 audio channels. When you convert MKV to AVI you also convert the audio codec to mp3. Mp3 audio codecs can only hold 2 audio channels. So if your MKV file had more than 2 audio channels and you convert to AVI it may not play. This mans you need todo one of 2 things:

1) Force the number of audio channels to 2 (Will downgrade the quality of the audio)
2) Keep the audio codec as aac (We haven’t tested it yet)

Here’s how to do it:

1) When choosing AVI and the AVI quality, click settings and then you will see the ffmpeg arguments. Go to the end of the arguments and add a space. Then type the following, “-ac 2″. Then click convert and it should work fine.

2) When choosing AVI and the AVI quality, click settings and then you will see the ffmpeg arguments. Look for where it says, “-acodec libmp3lame”. This is what changes the audio codec to MP3. So what we want to do is change this to an aac codec. We do this by deleting the code “-acodec libmp3lame”, and adding instead, “-acodec libvo_aacenc”. (make sure there’s a space added before inserting “-acodec libvo_aacenc”.

Anyone have any ideas or recommendations?
 

Gravy

Ant Anstead of Dirtbikes
Supporting Member
I'm not that learn-ed in the file format land, but
GoPro cineform has a few converter options and is free on GoPros website.

Unless you plan on showing the video to someone with a good sound system lesser sound quality is acceptable.
Most places like YouTube and Vimeo ruin sound quality anyway.

Or save yourself the time and hassle of converting files with a better editing program.
 

sixstringsteve

Well-Known Member
Location
UT
ah... the wonderful world of video codecs...

Are you able to import the video without the audio? I assume you need some audio.

Not much help with your specific problem, but you're welcome to swing by my place and edit it here. I have a great machine set up for video editing and Adobe Premiere Pro c 5.5. It'll import just about any type of video file.
 

SAMI

Formerly Beardy McGee
Location
SLC, UT
The funny/irritating thing is, these particular videos have ZERO audio anyways since they're time lapse videos.
 

sixstringsteve

Well-Known Member
Location
UT
I've never had to use it, but I think Cineform (free download on GoPro's website) allows you to convert GoPro videos to other formats. (just like Stratton said).

I assume your files are massive. If not, I really like Zamzar.com. If they are massive, maybe try another video converter.
 

SAMI

Formerly Beardy McGee
Location
SLC, UT
The MP4's that I have are actually not super huge; largest one is 224MB.. The others are each half of that.
 

sixstringsteve

Well-Known Member
Location
UT
I'm not sure on zamzar's file size limit (it's blocked at work), but I've been very happy with it. It'll convert any type of file into any other type of file. All web-based so you don't have to download any programs. See if that'll work.
 

SAMI

Formerly Beardy McGee
Location
SLC, UT
zamzar to the rescue... I can get 3 of the 4 that I need done. The 224MB vid exceeds their limit.
 

sixstringsteve

Well-Known Member
Location
UT
if you can dropbox it to me, I can convert it for you. Or I can split it into 2 clips so you can zamzar it. I can't get it done 'till tomorrow night, but it's an option at least.

I've heard that anyvideoconverter is a decent one. I don't love it, but some people here at work love it.
 

SAMI

Formerly Beardy McGee
Location
SLC, UT
I'll look around at what to do with the larger file. Dropboxing it to you may be a viable solution.

Is it odd that WMM cut my first imported video into 4 different video segments; but the three additional segments are maybe 5sec long each? weird..
 
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