Hi Nick. Thanks for your reply. Like the user "xthebadboy" I purchased Pro 15 on eBay (his on Amazon). It came with an insert card w/Activation Key. When I inserted the installation dvd and ran, it already had the code and email portions of the activation process filled out when I opened Pro 15 for the first time. I just download build 387 and ran, now Vegas wants me to re-enter the codes. Of coarse they are invalid. Does this mean the discounted versions you buy online aren't able to have any updates? I had to do a System Restore in order to get back to build 177 to be able to open Vegas again.

These files are captured in VirtualDub as uncompressed RBG/YCbCr, pixel format=4:2:2 planer YCbCr (YUYV, YUY2). The files will play in Vegas if I capture using RGB24.

For the x264 vfw MPEG-4 AVC render option I deleted the audio track on the Timeline thinking it has something to do with the AVI container. It still rendered as .AVI. I know blu-rays only support MPEG-2 (m2ts), AVC (MPEG-4) and VC-1 so I don't want any extra conversion in DVD-A. I have rendered using the new Magix AVC with good results so far. Just wasn't sure which render option was better, the downloaded x264 or Magix AVC?

This article may help.

http://www.virtualdub.org/blog/pivot/entry.php?id=138

RGB24 (RGBA32) is the mathematically lossless option.

If you want to dabble in Y'CbCr, the MagicYUV codec seems to be the reigning king of 422, not knowing if it can be accessed from within VDub.

Sounds to me like your copy is not legitimate and so you won't be able to update it. Who does it say it's licensed to on the splash screen as it's opening up and in the "About" window?

I don't think the later build will affect whether your files open or not but there were lots of things fixed after build 177.

MagicYUV can be accessed from VirtualDub (and Vegas). I use the RGB flavour for my intermediates.

The main reason I'm capturing using the YUY2 codec vs. UYVY is you don't have the add an extra conversion process in AVISynth (ConvertToYV12 interlaced=true). I don't absolutly have to get the YUY2 to play in Vegas, just would be nice is all.

Says it's licensed to: (Vegas won't let me report name)  "T" as-in Team "E" as-in Edward  "A" as-in Apple "M" as-in Mike "V" as-in Victor" "R" as-in Robin "at" "ukr" as-in unionkellyrobin  "."  "N"ancy"E"dward"T"om

"These files are captured in VirtualDub as uncompressed RBG/YCbCr, pixel format=4:2:2 planer YCbCr (YUYV, YUY2)."

I just transcoded a file in VirtualDub with these settings and it then opened fine in Vegas Pro 15 build 384.

Which are the audio settings you used in VirtualDub?

So far I've capture PCM 16bit 44,100k audio in VirtualDub. You think I should try 16b/48k? or maybe it's time to upgrade to build 384 (or newer) which means I got jipped buying a non upgradable copy.

I asked about the audio because I have no trouble using the video in Vegas Pro but it can't read the audio part of the file which is PCM 32 bit 48 kHz and no way to change it in VirtualDub. Maybe 16 bit 44,1 kHz would work fine.

And, yes, I would definitely update to current build 384 (or upgrade to version 16 build 307) though I never heard of officially distributed versions which could not be updated. Like Nick already mentioned to me it seems like your version sold via eBay was not legal.

Edit:
From what you wrote about the license info of your Vegas Pro copy: This is an illegal version, so of course you cannot update or upgrade but you would need to buy a legal version.

When you drop your pcm 32/48 file in the Timeline, only the video track appears correct? I had a problem when I captured from my BlackMagic Intensity Shuttle, which only captures at 24b/48k. Only the video track would appear. I had to demux the audio down to 16/48.

If build 384/387 of Pro 15 fixes a lot of the early problems, and can play YUY2-captured files I'll probably end up upgrading. The seller said it is a legate version. eBay should be informed about this issue. 

"When you drop your pcm 32/48 file in the Timeline, only the video track appears correct?"

Yes.

Now instead of transcoding I did a capture process in VirtualDub to uncompressed RBG/YCbCr, 4:2:2 planar YUYV/YUY2 and 16 bit/44,1 kHz audio.

Both video and audio of this file works fine in VP15 build 384.

Stupid question; if I buy the boxed version of Pro 15 on Amazon right now, I'll be able to update as needed?

You can also compare prices here https://www.vegascreativesoftware.com/us/vegas-pro/

Check if you are eligible for an upgrade price.

If you choose the Instant download option, the order confirmation email you receive will have the valid serial number(s) and the current download link(s).

"Before installation: Have a valid serial number for a MAGIX product and need the installation package and manual? Then go to the MAGIX Download Center and enter your serial number to download all the corresponding files. Please note that you need to select the right language package some programs. You must activate and register downloaded programs using your serial number after installing them on your computer." If you buy an older version from a 3rd party seller, that applies as well.)

(Read more: https://www.magix.com/us/support/technical-support/ )
 

Thanks vkmast. I think it's determined my version is not legit and therefor I'm not eligible for the upgrade price. I'd prefer the disc vs. download version.

You said early on that you had v 12? If you have a valid serial number for that, see if it is accepted. Depending on your area you may get the disc option as well from Magix. The updates/new builds need to be downloaded anyway.

Oh right, gottcha. Wasn't thinking. Thanks.

I feel your pain about the cracked download.

The fraudsters show no shame, and we've all been suckered at some point.

Thank you Musicvid, but it's my own stupid fault. And thank you vkmast. I ended up buying the boxed version of Pro 16. Thanks for the info on the sale. Stupid question: how do you know when there is an update available? 

http://www.vegascreativesoftware.info/us/forum/why-are-program-updates-so-hidden-plus-other-thoughts-with-magix--113592/#ca702049 but keep checking regularly here anyway:

{I've numbered my questions to make it easier to answer}

Ok, I bought Pro 16 thanks to the Crazy November sale, updated
to build 307 and still can't play YUY2 .AVI files in the Timeline (only the
audio plays). I can play RGB24 captured files, or the rendered Progressive files
from AVISynth. VirtualDub capture settings are: [Video tab-Compression]
"uncompressed RGB/YCbCr" [Pixel Format tab] "4:2:2 YCbCr
(YUYV,YUY2)" [Audio tab-Raw capture format] "PCM-48k 16b stereo".

I'm confused as to which Project Properties and which
Render-as settings to use. I'm capturing my NTSC vhs at 480i, 29.97fps 4:2:2 8-bit
uncompressed YUY2, PCM 16/48. I deinterlace (QTGMC) and upscale to 720P via
AVISynth. I like my 4x3 projects to be Pillarboxed. All other editing done in
Vegas. So far for Project Properties I'm using "HD 720-60p (1280x720,
59.94fps)". My output delivery is BD-25.

1) Is there any difference in using "HDV 720-30p"
and changing the frame rate to 59.94?  

There doesn't seem to be a Template for 720p @59.94fps unless
you select "Video for Windows". There I see "HD 720-60p
YUV". But that renders an .AVI file.

2) Doesn't blu-ray only support AVC & MPEG-2? and if you
render to .AVI doesn't DVD-A have to convert?

My GPU is: GeForce GTX 1080Ti 11gb. I have "GPU
acceleration of video processing" set to my card. I've read to render
using the new(er) Magix AVC/AAV MP4 and select "NV Encoder" to utilize
the card. I've done some tests using NV Encoder and Mainconcept AVC (with
Two-pass checked and VBR at defaults). Mainconcept produced a larger file. Render
time is not an issue as I have no dead line.

3) Which gives better quality; Mainconcept AVC? or NV
Encoder?

In MainConcept MPEG-2 I can select "HDV 720-24p"
(and customize the frame rate). I can also change the Output type from HDV to
MPEG-2 (HDV's bps is 18,300,000 and MPEG-2's is 9,800,000 which is more like
dvd quality size). Or I can select "Blu-ray 1440x720 24p, 25Mbps" and
customize.

4) How do you know which Template to select in MainConcept
MPEG-2 for best quality; "HDV 720-24p" or "Blu-ray
1440x1080-24p, 25Mbps"? (both templates would be customized).

5) How do you know which Format to use for best quality in
general; Magix AVC/AAC, or MainConcept MPEG-2 or "Video for Windows"?
I know AVC gives the about the same quality as MPEG-2 at half the bps.

6) Since it's best to render video and audio separately, is
it better to select "Sony Wave64" vs. "Wave (Microsoft)"?

7) Does DVD-A re-encode all audio to AC-3?

All of a sudden my burnt 720p BD's won't play in my older BD
player (burnt 1080p play fine). They play in my newer 4k upscale player
however. My older player is connected to my Sony HD CRT, and 4K upscale
connected to my projector. I don't always want to break out the projector to
view these 720p BD's. I've tried many different Template settings, nothing
works.

8) Is this a Vegas issue or DVD-A issue? I thought DVD-A
only burns BDMV?

Sorry for the long-winded thread. I've been doing tons of
tests and writing questions down as I go. Thank you guys~ Jason

I'll have a go at the first 6. Note that I haven't done any disc authoring in years so I'm no expert in that area.

1) Is there any difference in using "HDV 720-30p"
and changing the frame rate to 59.94? 

No. As long as the numbers in the boxes match, they're the same.

2) Doesn't blu-ray only support AVC & MPEG-2? and if you
render to .AVI doesn't DVD-A have to convert?

Yes and yes (I think. Not 100% sure)

3) Which gives better quality; Mainconcept AVC? or NV

Encoder?

For the same bitrate, probably Mainconcept AVC. If in doubt, compare for yourself.

4) How do you know which Template to select in MainConcept
MPEG-2 for best quality; "HDV 720-24p" or "Blu-ray
1440x1080-24p, 25Mbps"? (both templates would be customized).

The latter has a higher bitrate, which makes for higher quality. Also variable bit rate should give higher quality for the same total file size than constant. Obviously the 2 templates you mention are different resolutions, which is crucial.

5) How do you know which Format to use for best quality in

general; Magix AVC/AAC, or MainConcept MPEG-2 or "Video for Windows"?
I know AVC gives the about the same quality as MPEG-2 at half the bps.

That all depends what codec you are using for Video for Windows (which is a wrapper, not a codec), and what settings you use, in particular the bit rate. AVC is generally more efficient than MPEG-2, so in general you'll get higher quality per bit. Video for Windows allows you to encode anything from potato to lossless. Having said that, you'll struggle to find a Video for Windows codec that is as efficient as AVC (used in an appropriate wrapper such as mp4, mov, mkv).

6) Since it's best to render video and audio separately, is

it better to select "Sony Wave64" vs. "Wave (Microsoft)"?

No idea. I only use Microsoft Wav. Try reading this and this.

Here is some 720-59.94p discussion and render templates. I updated the broken dropbox.com links caused by their system changes in the last 10 years.

Mainconcept AVC/AAC won't allow customization of 59.94p even with pixel dimensions set to 1280x720 as recently as Vegas 14. Sony AVC/MVC will with a ~22 Mbps limitation. Not sure about Vegas Pro 16.

I used Sony AVC for 720-59.94p a lot. I used Mainconcept AVC for Blu-ray at 1920x1080-23.976p.

If you choose to use Mainconcept MPEG-2, you could start with an interlaced Blu-ray template as shown below.

Be sure to save your customized templates.

Thank you Nick and John. John; I had no idea for 59.94fps projects to make sure I-frames is 15. I originally avoided the 60i template because my projects are Progressive.