Is this a codec issue or is it my system?

[marlen]

Hello All - brand new to the forum, new to Vegas 8.0, and new to the Sony HRD-SR12. Not a great way to efficiently complete a project with all this new learning, but I'm hoping to get some help here. Apologies if this is addressed elsewhere.

I'm attempting to work in the timeline with Vegas 8 Pro by importing the mts files from the SOny SR-12. I'm using the PMB Picture browser to import the files from the camera via USB.

After bringing the files into the Vegas timeline, I'm getting a "jumpy" quality preview (even when set to "Best"). The video clips are not very smooth when playing back in the timeline. I tried rendering these clips as per the Sony Vegas Manual, but the renders look like the timeline.

I reshot some footage using the SD 480i setting on the camera - and the import to the timeline is perfect. The quality (for 480i) is very good. Seeing that I will be outputting the project to a DVD the SD 480i setting is acceptable. However, someone mentioned that recording in HD 1080i and downconverting in the timeline would result in better quality than my original SD 480I. I'd like to do that if possible.

My question is whether I'm doing something wrong with the capture, the import, or the settings in the timeline? I'm also questioning whether my PC has power to do this. According to the manual I should be fine, but I'd like to check. I'm currently running:

Windows XP SP3
Asus P5AD2-E Premium
Pentium 4 3.2GH
2 GIg RAM
Western Digital Sata 150 GIG Drive for Storage
Western Digital Sata 120 GIG Drive for sytem and programs (no Raid setup)
PNY QUadro FX 540 128MB Video Card

If the system has enough power - is there a configuration issue I should address to optimize performance?

Any help is greatly appreciated...

Marlen

[hmobley]

download a trial of the appropriate cineform, usually neo hdv or hd and capture with cineform, then put them on the timeline, you can capture just m2t with cineform or have it convert to avi, give it a try

[marlen]

download a trial of the appropriate cineform, usually neo hdv or hd and capture with cineform, then put them on the timeline, you can capture just m2t with cineform or have it convert to avi, give it a try

Thanks for the info....

On Another note is anyone using the black magic intensity card with Vegas 8? It appears that would allow you to capture directly from the HDMI output of the camera.

[PerroneFord]

You're way short on CPU and somewhat short on RAM to be pushing around HD files. You have a computer that is nicely suited to working with SD files. Most people here who are doing significant work with 1080 files are running at least dual cores of the latest cpus and in some cases 4-8 cores to get smooth real-time playback.

This is not a Vegas issue. You'll find this with people uses PCs or Macs, Avid, Premiere, Final Cut, Vegas, you name it.

Setting the preview to best is also the most taxing on the computer so if you are just previewing your information, don't use it. Use that to see what your final output would look like, and understand that it won't be playing smoothly.

Your CPU is now 2 generations behind. In the video editing world, that's a lifetime. It's a 64 bit world out there now.

[MikeGunter]

Hi,

To echo what PerrconeFord said, you can edit pretty much anything with what you have on Vegas, but your editing experience will be more enjoyable with faster CPUs and more of them.

The amount of RAM depends on what operating system.

I have a Quad Core with 4Gigs, some of it is wasted, setting around waiting for full 64bit processing on all appts, but as it is, it edits AVCHD like butter.

The 1080P DVCPro stuff is sweet.

You'll be happier with a faster machine if you can afford it, no question. But Vegas can limp along with what you've got.

[marlen]

You're way short on CPU and somewhat short on RAM to be pushing around HD files. You have a computer that is nicely suited to working with SD files. Most people here who are doing significant work with 1080 files are running at least dual cores of the latest cpus and in some cases 4-8 cores to get smooth real-time playback.

This is not a Vegas issue. You'll find this with people uses PCs or Macs, Avid, Premiere, Final Cut, Vegas, you name it.

Setting the preview to best is also the most taxing on the computer so if you are just previewing your information, don't use it. Use that to see what your final output would look like, and understand that it won't be playing smoothly.

Your CPU is now 2 generations behind. In the video editing world, that's a lifetime. It's a 64 bit world out there now.

Thanks for the "reality check". I knew deep down it was time to upgrade, but there was a tiny part of me that hoped I could get away with it. I built this system about three years ago to handle SD video - which I've been very pleased with. With the purchase of the new Sony SR-12 it'll only be a matter of time until I build the next one. Any suggestions on system requirements?

I used the videoguys reccos to build the last machine and was quite pleased. I saw that they have updated DIY for Quad Core http://www.videoguys.com/DIY6.html
but haven't fully researched all the facts. Any links or directions as to what would be best would be appreciated - and thanks again for the response.

[JohnnyRoy]

If you are not ready to upgrade your computer, you could use a product like VASST GearShift (http://www.vasst.com/gearshift/) to convert your HD source to DV proxies. You then do all of your editing with the DV proxies and then GearShift will allow you to swap the HD files back into the timeline for the final render. It was designed specifically for people with PC's that are not able to edit HD comfortably. There is a 15-day free trial on our site.

In the interest of "full disclosure" I work at VASST. ;-)

~jr

[marlen]

If you are not ready to upgrade your computer, you could use a product like VASST GearShift (http://www.vasst.com/gearshift/) to convert your HD source to DV proxies. You then do all of your editing with the DV proxies and then GearShift will allow you to swap the HD files back into the timeline for the final render. It was designed specifically for people with PC's that are not able to edit HD comfortably. There is a 15-day free trial on our site.

In the interest of "full disclosure" I work at VASST. ;-)

~jr

JR - I'm definitely familiar with your work with VASST - Your posts on other forums have been very helpful in the past. Thanks for the GearShift info, I'll check it out...