Cannot Import MP4 Files into Vegas Pro 21

Bob_H wrote on 9/15/2024, 7:13 AM

In the not-to-distant past, I converted many MPG files into MP4 using Vegas 19. I do not remember exactly, but I probably used the default settings when I did the file conversions. Since that time, I have updated to Vegas Pro 21.0 (Build 315). Now I cannot import the MP4 files into Version 21. The program just "hangs" and freezes when I try to "import media". Here is the info for one of the many MP4 files that I have tried but cannot open using Version 21. (I have a 64 bit, Windows 10 operating system.)

General
Complete name       : T:\Movies and Photoshop photos\1970 to 1979\1974 05 31 In Ottawa.mp4
Format           : MPEG-4
Format profile       : Base Media / Version 2
Codec ID       : mp42 (isom/mp42)
File size       : 103 MiB
Duration       : 1 min 47 s
Overall bit rate mode   : Variable
Overall bit rate   : 8 013 kb/s
Frame rate       : 29.970 FPS
Encoded date       : 2023-12-17 23:43:04 UTC
Tagged date       : 2023-12-17 23:43:04 UTC

Video
ID                   : 1
Format                   : AVC
Format/Info               : Advanced Video Codec
Format profile               : Main@L3.1
Format settings               : CABAC / 4 Ref Frames
Format settings, CABAC           : Yes
Format settings, Reference frames   : 4 frames
Format settings, Slice count       : 4 slices per frame
Codec ID               : avc1
Codec ID/Info               : Advanced Video Coding
Duration               : 1 min 47 s
Bit rate mode               : Variable
Bit rate               : 8 010 kb/s
Maximum bit rate           : 16.0 Mb/s
Width                   : 960 pixels
Height                   : 720 pixels
Display aspect ratio           : 4:3
Frame rate mode               : Constant
Frame rate               : 29.970 (30000/1001) FPS
Standard               : NTSC
Color space               : YUV
Chroma subsampling           : 4:2:0
Bit depth               : 8 bits
Scan type               : Progressive
Bits/(Pixel*Frame)           : 0.387
Stream size               : 103 MiB (100%)
Language               : English
Encoded date               : 2023-12-17 23:43:05 UTC
Tagged date               : 2023-12-17 23:43:05 UTC
Color range               : Limited
Color primaries               : BT.709
Transfer characteristics       : BT.709
Matrix coefficients           : BT.709
Codec configuration box           : avcC

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Comments

Bob_H wrote on 9/18/2024, 8:09 AM

I didn't notice the check boxes below the upper list of items. I checked the top box, "Enable legacy AVC decoding", then restarted the software as instructed. I tried to import an MP4 file and it was SUCCESS!

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! It's crazy how one hidden check box can determine whether the software works or not.

Steve_Rhoden wrote on 9/18/2024, 9:49 AM

@Bob_H Ok, was wondering why you were not seeing both options..... Well, glad that solution worked for you.

john_dennis wrote on 9/18/2024, 1:23 PM

@Bob_H @everyday_funEveryoneElse

Missing from this diagnostic effort was the video hardware in your system.

So4compoundplug.dll decodes your sample file on my system with the Intel UHD770 decoder when "Enable legacy AVC decoding" is checked.

Mxcompoundplug.dll decodes your sample file on my system with the Intel UHD770 decoder when "Enable legacy AVC decoding" is not checked.

With Nvidia and/or AMD cards, different results are possible based on the capability of Mxcompoundplug.dll at 21-315, the version of the video driver and the phase of the moon on Jupiter.

Please state your installed video hardware.

Bob_H wrote on 9/18/2024, 7:26 PM

Here is a snapshot of my system.

RogerS wrote on 9/18/2024, 10:05 PM

This hardware is ancient and way below the minimums for what VEGAS supports for a GPU. Both date from circa 2011. I'm not surprised the new decoder wasn't tested with such hardware. I'm glad there is a workaround but would not recommend updating to new VEGAS versions until you get a more modern system.

john_dennis wrote on 9/18/2024, 10:08 PM

GPU

NVIDIA® GTX 900 Series or newer with 4GB

AMD Radeon™ with 4GB and VCE 3.0 or newer

Intel® HD Graphics 530 or newer

mark-y wrote on 9/19/2024, 9:44 AM

@Bob_H

For your convenience, the Minimum System Requirements and Operating Environment for Vegas Pro are available here.

https://www.vegascreativesoftware.com/us/product-comparison/#c286447

Unless you were planning to upgrade your hardware anyway, it is always a good idea to check these first.