A tough technical question...

nlamartina wrote on 12/31/2001, 12:51 AM

I don't expect an answer on this one, but it's worth a shot:

When importing MPEG's in the project space, Vegas defaults to the MCMPEG decoder. This would be fine if an old dead project of mine that I'm resurrecting wasn't using MPEG's with elementary streams, as the MCMPEG decoder won't read such files. Consequently, almost half the project can't be played backed. Now, these files can be played in Windows Media Player, as it uses the standard Ligos MPEG decoder (which can read elementary streams). Here's my question: How can I tell Vegas to use the Ligos decoder when importing MPEG's with elementary streams? (I'd like not to have to convert 40 different MPEG's so the MC decoder can read them) Furthermore, how can I tell Windows to use the MCMPEG decoder when playing back MPEG files outside Vegas? Is this even possible? I have a nagging feeling I need to route around in the ActiveX/COM keys and subkeys in my registry, but I don't know where. Can anyone help?

Thanks,
Nick LaMartina

Comments

kkolbo wrote on 12/31/2001, 12:27 PM

I will let better folks answer the question about WMP using the MC decoder etc. It is in the registry and in a startup file. I had to edit it to stop it from using the Ligos decoder becuase it was not dealing with MPEG 1's worth a ding. Needless to say it can be selected with a registry script.

If you wanted to use the MC Decoder in VV3 for your files, all you have to do in quickly multiplex them with TSMPenc. It is very fast for this operation and it is under the FILES / MPEG Tools menu in TSMPenc.

Keith

dvstudio wrote on 12/31/2001, 5:01 PM

Personally I'd take each file in to Quicktime Pro 5 and export them as 29.97 720x480 DV files using the best DV codec you have available. You'll then be able to use them no problemo in VV3.

Although you already stated that you don't want to translate the 40 files, but why force goofy fixes on an easy problem?

Of course someone else may have a simpler solution.

wvg wrote on 12/31/2001, 8:22 PM

"...how can I tell Windows to use the MCMPEG decoder when playing back MPEG files outside Vegas? Is this even possible?"

Windows should automatically use the decoder a file was encoded to IF that codec is on the system you are attempting to view the viedo from. To check which codecs you have installed (WIN98) click on control panel, then multimedia, devices, then select the video tab. Some applications allow you to select which codec to use, others don't.

Now the flip side. You can get Vegas to use other codecs on your system. In Vegas, click file, render as, then under 'save as type' select Video for Windows (AVI), next click the custom button, click on the video tab, there may be a fairly long pause on slower system, while Windows builds a database of codecs on your system. Finish up by clicking the down arrow in the box where you see Video format (defaults to NTSC DV) and you should see a list of every codec on your sytem. Click the one you want and depending on your choice several grayed out options will become active and/or the configure button will also become available which can bring up still more options. I've tried lots of various codecs and some of the results are very interesting. You need to play around. :-) There are a lot of web sites where you can at least download demo codecs. Others are free. Your mileage may vary.