Does not recognise video files - Vegas Pro 21.0

50h9j wrote on 10/26/2023, 1:16 PM

I had an old version of Vegas 16.0 and couldn't import Google Pixel 6 video files. So I upgraded to 21.0 and I still can't import the files, or MOV files from an iPhone!! It recognises a video from a different phone using this plug in.

Plug-In
  Name: mxhevcplug.dll
  Folder: C:\Program Files\VEGAS\VEGAS Pro 21.0\FileIO Plug-Ins\mxhevcplug
  Format: Intel HEVC
  Version: Version 21.0 (Build 108)
  Company: MAGIX Computer Products Intl. Co.

All of the video files in question play on the standard Windows 11 video player.

What do I need to do? I don't want to use a file converter - I want Vegas to read my files.

Comments

RogerS wrote on 10/26/2023, 1:22 PM

What are the files exactly? Use MediaInfo to answer: https://www.vegascreativesoftware.info/us/forum/faq-how-to-post-mediainfo-and-vegas-pro-file-properties--104561/

VEGAS doesn't support every possible combination. If they are also HEVC you could see if unchecking legacy HEVC on the preferences/ file io plugin helps.

Otherwise use a file converter. I use https://www.shutterencoder.com/ as even if they can be read by VEGAS, variable framerate HEVC may perform poorly for editing (which is very different than just playing).

50h9j wrote on 10/26/2023, 4:15 PM

Hi RogerS, thanks for the link to MediaInfo. Here is the info on my file:

General
Complete name                            : C:\Users\...\PXL_20231024_134110459.mp4
Format                                   : MPEG-4
Format profile                           : Base Media / Version 2
Codec ID                                 : mp42 (isom/mp42)
File size                                : 4.36 MiB
Duration                                 : 6 s 920 ms
Overall bit rate mode                    : Variable
Overall bit rate                         : 5 282 kb/s
Frame rate                               : 30.000 FPS
Encoded date                             : 2023-10-24 13:41:18 UTC
xyz                                      : +58.5489-3.3153+000.000/

Video
ID                                       : 1
Format                                   : vp09
Codec ID                                 : vp09
Duration                                 : 6 s 867 ms
Bit rate                                 : 5 190 kb/s
Width                                    : 1 080 pixels
Height                                   : 1 920 pixels
Display aspect ratio                     : 0.562
Frame rate mode                          : Constant
Frame rate                               : 30.000 FPS
Color space                              : YUV
Bits/(Pixel*Frame)                       : 0.083
Stream size                              : 4.25 MiB (98%)
Title                                    : ISO Media file produced by Google Inc.
Color range                              : Limited
Color primaries                          : BT.709
Transfer characteristics                 : BT.709
Matrix coefficients                      : BT.709

Audio
ID                                       : 2
Format                                   : AAC LC
Format/Info                              : Advanced Audio Codec Low Complexity
Codec ID                                 : mp4a-40-2
Duration                                 : 6 s 920 ms
Bit rate mode                            : Variable
Bit rate                                 : 128 kb/s
Channel(s)                               : 2 channels
Channel layout                           : L R
Sampling rate                            : 44.1 kHz
Frame rate                               : 43.066 FPS (1024 SPF)
Compression mode                         : Lossy
Stream size                              : 108 KiB (2%)
Title                                    : ISO Media file produced by Google Inc.
Language                                 : English

50h9j wrote on 10/26/2023, 4:31 PM

I used Handbrake to resave the file, now it imports OK. But it has changed the pixel size of the file.

General
Complete name                            : C:\Users\...\Pxl 20231024 134110459x.mp4
Format                                   : MPEG-4
Format profile                           : Base Media / Version 2
Codec ID                                 : mp42 (mp42/iso2/avc1/mp41)
File size                                : 8.52 MiB
Duration                                 : 6 s 920 ms
Overall bit rate                         : 10.3 Mb/s
Frame rate                               : 30.000 FPS
Encoded date                             : 2023-10-26 21:25:28 UTC
Tagged date                              : 2023-10-26 21:25:28 UTC
Writing application                      : HandBrake 1.6.1 2023012300

Video
ID                                       : 1
Format                                   : AVC
Format/Info                              : Advanced Video Codec
Format profile                           : Main@L4
Format settings                          : CABAC / 4 Ref Frames
Format settings, CABAC                   : Yes
Format settings, Reference frames        : 4 frames
Codec ID                                 : avc1
Codec ID/Info                            : Advanced Video Coding
Duration                                 : 6 s 867 ms
Bit rate                                 : 10.2 Mb/s
Width                                    : 1 080 pixels
Height                                   : 1 080 pixels
Display aspect ratio                     : 0.562
Frame rate mode                          : Constant
Frame rate                               : 30.000 FPS
Color space                              : YUV
Chroma subsampling                       : 4:2:0
Bit depth                                : 8 bits
Scan type                                : Progressive
Bits/(Pixel*Frame)                       : 0.292
Stream size                              : 8.37 MiB (98%)
Writing library                          : x264 core 164 r3100 ed0f7a6
Encoding settings                        : cabac=1 / ref=2 / deblock=1:0:0 / analyse=0x1:0x111 / me=hex / subme=6 / psy=1 / psy_rd=1.00:0.00 / mixed_ref=1 / me_range=16 / chroma_me=1 / trellis=1 / 8x8dct=0 / cqm=0 / deadzone=21,11 / fast_pskip=1 / chroma_qp_offset=-2 / threads=12 / lookahead_threads=2 / sliced_threads=0 / nr=0 / decimate=1 / interlaced=0 / bluray_compat=0 / constrained_intra=0 / bframes=3 / b_pyramid=2 / b_adapt=1 / b_bias=0 / direct=1 / weightb=1 / open_gop=0 / weightp=1 / keyint=300 / keyint_min=30 / scenecut=40 / intra_refresh=0 / rc_lookahead=30 / rc=crf / mbtree=1 / crf=22.0 / qcomp=0.60 / qpmin=0 / qpmax=69 / qpstep=4 / vbv_maxrate=20000 / vbv_bufsize=25000 / crf_max=0.0 / nal_hrd=none / filler=0 / ip_ratio=1.40 / aq=1:1.00
Encoded date                             : 2023-10-26 21:25:28 UTC
Tagged date                              : 2023-10-26 21:25:28 UTC
Color range                              : Limited
Color primaries                          : BT.709
Transfer characteristics                 : BT.709
Matrix coefficients                      : BT.709
Codec configuration box                  : avcC

Audio
ID                                       : 2
Format                                   : AAC LC
Format/Info                              : Advanced Audio Codec Low Complexity
Codec ID                                 : mp4a-40-2
Duration                                 : 6 s 920 ms
Source duration                          : 6 s 943 ms
Bit rate mode                            : Constant
Bit rate                                 : 160 kb/s
Channel(s)                               : 2 channels
Channel layout                           : L R
Sampling rate                            : 44.1 kHz
Frame rate                               : 43.066 FPS (1024 SPF)
Compression mode                         : Lossy
Stream size                              : 136 KiB (2%)
Source stream size                       : 136 KiB (2%)
Title                                    : Stereo / Stereo
Language                                 : English
Default                                  : Yes
Alternate group                          : 1
Encoded date                             : 2023-10-26 21:25:28 UTC
Tagged date                              : 2023-10-26 21:25:28 UTC

50h9j wrote on 10/26/2023, 4:48 PM

I assume it's the variable bit rate of the video and audio that's causing the problem. I wonder why Vegas didn't just say that.

50h9j wrote on 10/26/2023, 4:49 PM

Variable bit rate (VBR) refers to a method of compressing audio and video data where the bit rate dynamically adjusts depending on the complexity of the media at any given moment. While VBR can lead to smaller file sizes and efficient storage, it can pose challenges in editing software for the following reasons:

 

1. **Performance Issues**: Many editing software applications are optimised for constant bit rate (CBR) media. When working with VBR files, the software may struggle to accurately determine the bit rate at any specific point, leading to lag or dropped frames during playback.

 

2. **Inaccurate Timeline Scrubbing**: As the bit rate varies, scrubbing through a timeline may not be as smooth or accurate compared to using CBR files. This can make precise editing tasks cumbersome.

 

3. **Audio-Video Sync Issues**: VBR can sometimes result in audio and video tracks becoming desynchronised, especially after cuts or when clips are rearranged.

 

4. **Inconsistent Quality**: Although VBR aims to maintain overall quality, there may be noticeable fluctuations in quality during playback. This is especially evident in scenes with rapid motion or complex details.

 

5. **Complex Rendering**: When exporting or rendering a project, the editing software may take longer to process VBR files compared to CBR, as it needs to constantly adjust to the varying bit rates.

 

To alleviate these challenges, it is often recommended to transcode VBR media to a constant bit rate format or to use an intermediate codec suitable for editing before importing into editing software. This ensures consistent performance and reduces the risk of unexpected issues during the editing process.

Former user wrote on 10/26/2023, 6:26 PM

Vegas can't read VP9 video, that's why you had to transcode

2nd problem, after loading file into handbrake, click the Dimensions tab, change Resolution limit to 4K.

RogerS wrote on 10/26/2023, 8:19 PM

For Handbrake it's easy to mess up settings. I'd start with production standard preset and make sure the resolution is the same as the original size.

EricLNZ wrote on 10/26/2023, 10:18 PM

I assume it's the variable bit rate of the video and audio that's causing the problem. I wonder why Vegas didn't just say that.

No, VBR (Variable bitrate) isn't a problem and is usually recommended over CBR (Constant bitrate).

It is VFR (Variable Framerate) that causes video editors problems.

RogerS wrote on 10/26/2023, 10:59 PM

As Todd wrote the issue is VP9. Not sure who wrote the bitrate things there but it isn't a problem for editing software.

For keyint set it to your framerate (so 30, not 300) for smoother playback in VEGAS.

50h9j wrote on 10/27/2023, 2:56 AM

Thanks for all the advice. I tried the ShutterEncoder program instead and it seems to work fine. It doesn't seem to have a keyint setting though.

RogerS wrote on 10/27/2023, 10:12 AM

keyint is for Handbrake. Shutter Encoder has a GOP length setting under advanced.