Vegas 9.0b (Build66) Crashes

cambuff wrote on 7/3/2009, 11:40 AM
I have recently downloaded and purchased subject software. My problems are similar to that posted by David Kirkham on 2/9/2009. Specifically, when I try to open MPG files, taken by a Sony Handycam, the software crashes. The error description posted by Mr. kirkham is almost identical to what I am experiencing.

I should state here that I can run the MPG files using Sony's Picture Motion Browser, Vista and IrFanView, among others, so I don't think there is a basic problem with the files.

I have addressed this, at some length, with Sony Creative Tech. Support and sent them two files I had problems with.

Tech. Support has concluded that "The files you provided are wrapped in a program stream (MPEG-PS) rather than an MPEG2 video file compression wrapper. This is currently not supported for opening and editing by the Vegas software."

My questions are: how does a MPG file suddenly morph into a MPEG-PS file when you use this software, and what is an MPEG-PS file anyway? I have done a search of my computer and have not found any with this extension.

Looking at the posts for this software, I think it has more crashes than a demolition derby. I am an old Sony fan and have never had problems with their products until now.

Any suggestions?

Comments

Eugenia wrote on 7/3/2009, 3:43 PM
Make _sure_ that you are capturing/importing the files directly from the camera to Sony Vegas and NOT with any other middle-man software. *If* indeed this is how you do it, and Vegas still crashes, then the blame is with Sony, and they should fix support for all their consumer Sony camcorders. They have no excuse to not support their own camcorders.
cambuff wrote on 7/4/2009, 5:48 PM
Thank you for your reply. I am importing files from the camera (and also directly from a memory stick - same problem. I wonder if anyone has come accross this type of file before. SCS tech support explanation is as clear as mud. Can anyone out there explain how a MPG file suddenly becomes a MPEG-PS file?
Eugenia wrote on 7/4/2009, 11:33 PM
It's possible that's how the camera is saving them. The point is, if you are using Vegas to capture from the Sony camera directly, and Vegas crashes, then it's a Vegas problem, no matter the excuse they give you. Vegas should support Sony cameras, end of story. And there is absolutely nothing weird about the mpeg-ps format btw.

You have a few options:
A. Install Vegas Platinum 8 (yes, 8) trial version and see if it crashes with it too.
B. Install the Vegas Platinum 9 trial to another PC and try from there and see if it happens there too. If yes:
1. Buy another camera.
2. Ask for your Vegas money back.
3. Move to another editor. You can download the Premiere Elements trial version.
discdude wrote on 7/6/2009, 3:08 AM
There are essentially two different types of MPEG files, transport stream (ts) and program stream (ps). VMS should be able to open both.

However, if you want to humor Sony technical support, you can (losslessly) convert your mpeg_ps to mpeg_ts with MPEG Streamclip. This application can be downloaded for free from:

http://www.squared5.com/svideo/mpeg-streamclip-win.html

It requires Apple Quicktime so make sure you have that installed as well. Select "Covert to TS" in the file menu and you should be good to go. A warning might pop up that you don't have the MPEG-2 plugin, but just ignore the warning - you don't need to purchase the plugin to convert to a transport stream.
darkframe wrote on 7/6/2009, 4:40 AM
Hi,

cambuff, did you import from the camera by means of Picture Motion Browser? If not, give it a try. I've found that obviously PMB does "something" with the files from my HDR-SR8E which makes them working in Vegas Pro. Files which have been imported directly via USB from the same camera do not open in Vegas.

Cheers

darkframe