AVI file (converted from FLV) imports as audio track only in Vegas

[Adi Head]

I have an FLV file that someone gave me to do a couple of simple edit corrections.
I converted the FLV file to an AVI file using a free program called Freemake Video Converter.

The file converted successfully and I can play the AVI file using any video player.

When I attempt to import the file to Vegas 9 and place it on the project timeline - the file appears only as an audio track, without a video track.

I've tried importing both by going to File > Import > Media...
and also by simply drag & dropping the file onto the timeline. Both methods end up with the same problem. The file shows up as sound only and there is no video track... although clearly there is video (which I can see when playing the file with Windows Media Player or VLC Media Player).

Anyone know what could be wrong?

[David Jimerson]

It's probably a codec that Vegas won't read, like DivX.

You might want to download GSpot and find out the codec.

GSpot Codec Information Appliance

[Adi Head]

hi thanks for the reply.
GSpot says:
http://i55.tinypic.com/24crvia.jpg

If someone has a suggestion for a different program to use to convert the FLV file... I'd be happy to hear it.
So far I've tried XMedia Recode... the outcome was bad quality, although the video was visible unlike Freemake Video Converter.

[Gene Gajewski]

To use an AVI in Vegas, the file needs to be encoded using a codec for which you have a Video For Windows version installed. That the file plays using a video player indicates that you do have a codec installed, but it is a directshow based codec.

Two things you can try: locate a VFW-based x264 codec and install it.

Or - try reencoding to another VFW codec. I'd suggest installing the Lagarith codec and encoding to that - that will easily get your video into Vegas without any intermediate loss in quality. Once in Vegas, you can output to whatever Vegas has.

[Dror Levi]

Hi Adi,
I have done it many times using "Real Player" converter
Just download the free one and find the converter to convert to avi.
.

[Jack Zhang]

Try HandBrake on the FLV then import the m4v file that generates into Vegas. It's open-source and not riddled with adware. Most of all other FLV converters are riddled with ads and possibly spyware.

HandBrake

[Victor Wilcox]

VLC also is open source, free and will do the conversion.

VideoLAN - Official page for VLC media player, the Open Source video framework!

[Adi Head]

Okay. It was a codec issue. I've recently made a clean installation of Windows XP. I used to just install the K-lite Codec pack, but someone on this forum once advised me not to install codec packs on computers on which I intend to do video editing. So this time I followed his advice.

I was missing the h.264 codec, so I installed it and now the file works fine in Vegas.

Side-stepping a bit from my original topic... since the whole codec issue has always been somewhat confusing for me... and since I'm not going to be simply installing K-lite codec pack, I'd really appreciate it if you guys could point out a number of codecs I should definitely download and install for future use.

So far I've installed Lagarith, Xvid and the h.264/AVC codec.

Thanks!

[Mike Kujbida]

Originally Posted by Adi Head

I used to just install the K-lite Codec pack, but someone on this forum once advised me not to install codec packs on computers on which I intend to do video editing. So this time I followed his advice.

Good thinking!!
Codec packs have been known to do nasty things to editing systems and, in some cases, overwrite already installed good codecs with their garbage ones.

I'd really appreciate it if you guys could point out a number of codecs I should definitely download and install for future use.

When you need a codec, run GSpot or MediaInfo (they're free) to find out which one is required and then download ONLY the required codec, preferably from the manufacturer's site.

[Adi Head]

Okay, I have GSpot so I'll do as you suggest. Thanks for the tip Mike. :)

[Gerald Webb]

Originally Posted by Victor Wilcox

VLC also is open source, free and will do the conversion.

VideoLAN - Official page for VLC media player, the Open Source video framework!

Victor, could you please run through how you do a conversion with VLC.
Ive tried a few times with no luck at all, most times I end up with a small text file, or nothing at all.

[Adi Head]

Regarding which codecs I should install...

When you need a codec, run GSpot or MediaInfo (they're free) to find out which one is required and then download ONLY the required codec, preferably from the manufacturer's site.

Well... so here's an example I've run into. I'm working on a short presentation video. Someone gave me an FLV file to edit. First thing I did was to convert it to an avi file using h.264 codec.
I then edited in Vegas. Now I want to render two files:
1. A master file while preserving the quality as best I can
2. A compressed file for using on the web

When attempting to make the master file I selected avi for file format and the lagarith codec, as it is lossless. For audio codec I selected PCM (uncompressed), figuring that would not damage the audio any more that it already is.

The render was successful, but when I play it on Windows Media Player there is no sound. Is this because the PCM codec is not installed on my system? I googled PCM audio codec, but couldn't find any convincing links for where to download and install this from.


On a different subject...

Victor, could you please run through how you do a conversion with VLC.

Actually, I too would be happy to know how to convert video with VLC.

[Leslie Wand]

another for wanting to know converting in vlc!?

actually, haven't really needed to do any conversions outside of handbrake recently, but i do remember trying to convert something in vlc and ending up with txt files.....

[Victor Wilcox]

To convert using VLC:

1. In the media menu select Save/Convert
2. In the Open Media dialog click the Add button to add you video file (I've never gotten multiple files to work).
3. Click the Conver/Save button.
4. Select your output options. I've only used H.264 for converting FLV files.

Next time I need a conversion I'll try Handbreak for comparison.

[Adi Head]

Thanks Victor...

Anyone has any suggestions how to get PCM encoded audio to work with Windows Media Player? From what I've researched, I understand it is supposed to be installed by default on Windows systems... so I'm not sure what is wrong.

Please help...