.wmv Trouble

[analein]

OK, here goes.

I recently downloaded some .wmv files and wanted to edit down the length. I tried to edit them in Pinnacle Studio Version 8, but the program would not even open the files. I then tried to edit them in ArcSoft Showbiz (Version 1.3). That program allowed me to load the clips, but when I played them, the audio began to "separate" from the video after about ten seconds. When I tried to edit the clips, the program froze up on me. I then tried to convert the files to something else (anything else) using first ASF Tools (this program said that it converted the files to .avi files, but they still were not editable) and TMPG Enc 2.5 Plus, which returned some bizarre fault and closed down the program. I can play these files in Windows Media Player (Version 10) and RealPlayer, but I cannot click on the progress bar to fast forward or jump to another point in the clip (it simply continues playing).

I ran AVICodec on one of the files, and this told me the following information:

File: 32 MB (59MB), duration - 0:10:26, type - ASF, 1 audio stream, 64% quality
Video: 90 MB, 1215 kbps, 43.876 fps, 640*480 (4:3), WMV3 = Windows Media Video 9, Supported
Audio: 3.75 MB, 50 kbps, 44100 Hz, 2 channels, 0x161 = Windows Media Audio 9.1, Supported

Is there something wrong with these files? If not, can someone recommend an editor, converter or process for doing what I want to do? If these files are damaged in some way, is it possible to fix them? Is this a problem with my .wmv files only, or is it a problem with .wmv files in general? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

ESL

[Safesurfer]

If you're just trimming, and want to leave in WMV format, try Windows Media Encoder. It comes with a file editor.

[vhelp]

Hi,

Is there a .wmv codec version available, so that I can open
inside virtualdub and play ??

I just want to be able to open them in vdub.

Thanks,
-vhelp 3108

[alsyed]

you know that message when you try and drop a wmv or asf file in virtual dub.... well.. when you read that you will realise that no filter will exist.. You are better off converting the wmv to an avi file.

[Safesurfer]

You can frameserve it in with Avisynth, vdub reads .avs files.

Here's a two line script that works for me:-

DirectShowSource("file.wmv")
ConvertToYuY2()

[alsyed]

aha yes well i "knew" that now Julian... cheers thats a good choice!

[vhelp]

Hi,

I was asking because there *are* codec packs, and I've D/L 'ed several
of them already, but none of them seem to want to open them in any kind
of player.
.
So, naturally, I'm stumped why they put-out such codec packs for .WMV
files in the first place

I knew about the AVIsynth script way, but I was trying to eliminate this
becuase all I want to do is just view the files, but w/out having to resorting
to visiting MS, and then installing wierd things, plus the size is too big for
(ie, 13mb) just wanting to *view* such files.

* POST YOUR EDITED MOVIES HERE!!!

There is always something here to check out, but I can't join in the viewing
because everyone seems to be stuck in WMV land and I can't view
them

Thanks again,
-vhelp 3109

[gcutler]

I recently downloaded some .wmv files and wanted to edit down the length. I tried to edit them in Pinnacle Studio Version 8, but the program would not even open the files....I can play these files in Windows Media Player (Version 10) and RealPlayer, but I cannot click on the progress bar to fast forward or jump to another point in the clip (it simply continues playing).

For whatever reason those specific files are not indexed. When I have files like that and I try to bring them into XP Movie Maker it says "they are not indexed" and will not allow them to load. Not sure how to fix it, but it isn't really anything wrong with your system, it is the files. I think I once used the trial version of Boilsoft.com AVI/MPEG/RM/WMV Joiner http://www.boilsoft.com/avi-mpeg-rm-joiner.html and just had the one file in the joining list and resaved it as a new file. I don't remember if there was any corruption, but give it a try and see if it works.

[analein]

Actually, the initial suggestion worked fine. The editor in Windows Media Encoder let me chop up the files into the bits that I wanted, and then I used ASF Tools to join them back together. No cool transitions between the bits, but I'll live.

The editor in Windows Media Encoder also takes care of the indexing problem. If you open a file in it, mark the "In" point a second or two into the clip (so you are not resaving an identical clip) and then "Save As" under a new file name, the program automatically indexes it for you. I'm not sure if this will solve the problem in XP Movie Maker, but it might.

ESL