Old AVI files using PIM2

[JohnnieSko]

Trying to open some old AVI files and It waa suggested I use VirtualDub.

I tried to open the file and received the following message:

"Couldn't locate decompressor for Format 'PIM2' (Unknown)."

I have a Windows 10 PC, 64 Bit. Using NVIDIA card GeForce Experience V2.1.4.0

[jagabo]

fourcc.org shows that PIM1 is an MPEG 1 based codec. Their listing for PIM2 doesn't say much but I'm guessing it's MPEG 2 based. If you can't find a decoder that accepts PIM2 you might try using a hex editor to change it to MPEG or MPG2.

[raffriff42]

https://www.google.com/search?q=fourcc+PIM2
You'll need to locate a Pinnacle Systems codec. Try going to their website first.

EDIT jagabo beat me to it... I was trying to see if ffmpeg (and therefore VirtualDub Filtermod) opens PIM2. I don't think it does, but you can try.

EDIT (wow I am colliding with posts both above and below...)
If you install a free trial version of VideoStudio, you should have the VfW codec installed automatically. (Pinnacle Studio is now Corel VideoStudio, more or less)

[jagabo]

I've seem some suggestions that ffmpeg supports PIM2.

[sneaker]

Since it's MPEG2 (based?) there's a chance ffmpeg can decode it. Try the ffmpeg input plugin for VirtualDub (or shekh's VirtualDub FilterMod which has it included). (If you need any features of VirtualDub. You haven't really said what you intend to do with the videos aside from "open".)

If it doesn't work upload a sample file.

[JohnnieSko]

Actually, that kind-of worked. I changed it to an MPG files and Windows Media Player could play it. Crazy.
But, I tried to import it as an MPG into Adobe Premier and it can't use the file. I also tried to open it with VirtualDub and it also cannot open the file.

[jagabo]

WMP uses DirectShow decoders. VirtualDub uses VFW decoders. So you need a VFW based MPEG 2 decoder.

The aforementioned ffmpeg source plugin for VirtualDub might work. Or ffdshow. Or try using VirtualDub FilterMod which has includes lots of decoders.

[JohnnieSko]

sneaker - My plan is to convert a bunch of these old files and import them into Premier pro to do some editing. I did download VirtualDub FilterMod and it was able to open the file.
I'm going to play around with it a bit and see if I can convert the file to one I can import to Adobe Premier with maintaining the original quality.

Thanks.

[raffriff42]

Install the Windows codec and Premiere should be able to open the videos.

[jagabo]

ffdshow includes a VFW MPEG 2 decoder that may work for Premiere. You may still need to change the fourcc to MPG2.