I'm assuming you're referring to the MPEG emcoder in your query?

Since Sonic Foundry adds a number of extras and enhancements to the encoding process, while using the MainConcept SDK at the core, it would not be realistic to expect MainConcept to resolve queries on matters that have their origin in Vegas.

It shouldn't be necessary; the SoFo people are extremely knowledgeable and always ready to help.

-Pete

Don't forget that MCTech lurks here too incase SoFo has trouble answering. It is SoFo's responsibility first, but MC has been very responsive.

K

I am getting errors upon render with Mainconcept. The render will start and then just stop.It appears to be random-but especially if i try to change a setting in MC-such as feild order or other basic settings, and also when using the presets.

The default settings do not appear to be outputting near the quality as if i render out of V to QT and then convert .mov to mpeg2 in QT export. Buy the way, QT has no settings and always works.

I am hoping to avoid two conversions but have found sofo support to be spotty. When I call support I get one of three people, who are all friendly and polite-but never seem to have any ansewers. They issue blanket generic staements that make me feel like im wasting my quarters. I suppose Im expecting too much.

You say that using the standard DVD NTSC preset without changes causes a failure? Changing some of the others without understanding how they interrelate can cause failure, but the stock template runs without issue for most.

It sounds like you are going to need to send your veg file and media to SoFo so that they can try to recreate the problem. If it will not render with the the stock template then I suspect that something else other than the MC encoder is wrong.

Are you on VV3.0c ?
Can you render to MPEG1?
Is this PAL of NTSC?
What bit rate are you using?


That faact that you said QT has no settings is what concerns me. Make sure that you try the VV template for MPEG2 DVD NTSC without altering any settings and see what happens.

Sorry, but there is not a lot of detail in your email for me to go on. Again, it sounds like the veg file will have to be looked at to see what else might be going on.

K

Hi All,

Yes, we do lurk here.

The support arrangement mentioned earlier in this thread is correct. We provide components that Sonic Foundry integrates into their products. SF does a superb job of support, especially since they know the inner workings of their products (and thus how their products interact with our components). If there is an issue that appears to be related to the component itself, of course they report it to us and we react.

If someone does contact us directly for support, we will certainly try to offer the courtesy of a reply, but our reply might be to refer them to SF -- thus troubleshooting from the front end and going inward from there.

Mark
MainConcept

It sounds like you are going to need to send your veg file and media to SoFo so that they can try to recreate the problem. If it will not render with the the stock template then I suspect that something else other than the MC encoder is wrong.

Are you on VV3.0c ?

yes
Can you render to MPEG1?
I have not tried...

Is this PAL of NTSC?
NTSC
What bit rate are you using?
default


That faact that you said QT has no settings is what concerns me.

Yes but it works.

Make sure that you try the VV template for MPEG2 DVD NTSC without altering any settings and see what happens.

I have, but changing to progressive from loewr feild should not cause an error.

Nor shoud subtle change in bit rate-which I have not tried yet.Im talking about minor alteration tyo the templete of parameters that are commonly changed.

Errors are addreessed nowhere in the documentation!!!!

Sorry, but there is not a lot of detail in your email for me to go on. Again, it sounds like the veg file will have to be looked at to see what else might be going on.

thanks for your concern, I dont know who I would send it to.

sorry if I seem negitve, its partly the learning curve, but clearly also software not behaving as it should.

I too have issues with the Mpeg encoder and would love some help. I think Vegas/Main concept is a great product,but I'm having trouble with parts of it and it's very frustrating.

I tried modifying the PAL templates and it also crashed on me, changing the resolution, progressive/interlace or bitrate for mpeg 1 & 2, and I tried creating a custom template (only changes were bitrate and resolution again) and it also crashed.

I also expereince pulsating effect for the 1st 30seconds or so, CBR or VBR SVCD PAL template, this occurs when there is a title or transition starting the clip, tried resample etc, still the same.

threads:
http://www.sonicfoundry.com/forums/ShowMessage.asp?ForumID=4&MessageID=135566
http://www.sonicfoundry.com/forums/ShowMessage.asp?ForumID=4&MessageID=13431

I really want to use this software, but this is preventing me from doing this properly.

Thanks for any help.

oddboy and doboyd (I think you are different people yes?): please send your current email addresses to drdropout@sonicfoundry.com if you'd like to do some MPEG encoder beta tests.

MCTech and/or SonicEPM:

Has there been any research/solution to the "pulsating" effect mentioned by doboyd and discussed in the above referenced and this earlier thread?:

http://www.sonicfoundry.com/forums/ShowMessage.asp?ForumID=4&MessageID=112539

I emailed MCTech some files a few months back. I was getting the "pulsating" on my NTSC SVCD VBR encodes for the entire production, and the only way out was to encode using a relatively high CBR.

My emails are in your inbox, drdropout.[g]

Frenchy