Codec advice - Windows 7 64 bit and Vegas Pro 9

[chrisjones]

Hi,

I guess the thread title kinda says it all. Ive recently picked up a new laptop running Windows 7 64bit along and more recently Sony Vegas Pro 9. Not wanting to right royaly screw things up I wanted to check which codec pack I'm best installing as the version of Vegas is also 64bit.

I'm not sure if 32bit codecs will be fine with 64bit software?

Thanks in advance.

[ZrByte]

Depends what you are dealing with. Most codecs are OS independent so will work fine with 32bit & 64bit though some media splitters like Haali are 32bit only (well last time I used a 64bit OS it was anyway).

[vanman]

http://files6.majorgeeks.com/files/0..._64bit_350.exe

[chrisjones]

But reading that its not overly clear if I need the regular 32 bit pack to edit in Vegas. It only refers to playback for 64bit programs.

[Mick Fisher]

Don't install codec packs, instead install the discreet codec you need for the job in hand.

For playback you only need a decompresser. FFDShow is a collection of decompressors in which you can choose or nor to activate the decompresser you need.

Unlike codec packs, I have never heard of FFDShow screwing up anybody's system. Just make sure, for safety, you download your current version of FFDShow from SourceForge.

[chrisjones]

I want to be able to import Xvid, Divx, uncompressed AVI, Mpeg 1 and 2 as well as the occaisional MOV file. Mainly outputting to Mpeg or DivX.

[Mick Fisher]

Mpeg1 & 2 codecs are native. Install the xvid codec http://www.koepi.info/ which will also deal with most divx as well.

I'm afraid you are on your own with uncompressed avi. Presumedly from a cam? Many cam formats are proprietary so the manufacturers site for instructions are your first stop.

Mov is usually not worth bothering with, but SUPER converts most everything to anything else. It's freeware so give it a try. Your results will depend on the quality of your source. Mov can be pretty dire.

Usually with video conversion there is a free app out there that performs better than the commercial stuff. It's just a matter of finding it and getting used to using it.

AGK makes a first class job of making xvid avi from mpeg.

Video is a vast subject. You will just have to get your hands dirty and when you hit the brick wall, and you will, then it's research. Most apps have a forum where you can find answers.

Good luck.

[chrisjones]

Hmm
I Installed both Divx and Xvid codecs yet I couldn't import files of those types into Vegas. Yes I re-booted prior to trying.

I remember having a similar problem on my old machine, codec pack solved it.

Is there any real downside to using codec packs?

[Scrubbs]

Just did a quick google, I find it difficult to believe that anyone would pay £569.19 for software that doesn't even convert basic video formats??...or am I missing something

[chrisjones]

Originally Posted by Scrubbs

Just did a quick google, I find it difficult to believe that anyone would pay £569.19 for software that doesn't even convert basic video formats??...or am I missing something

It's pretty standard really. It's not upto SONY to provide every codec required.

[Mick Fisher]

What can you do with Vegas that you cant do with open source software?

Hmmm seems you are not alone, can't import video into Vegas seems a very common problem. Check out Google http://tinyurl.com/3ydwnvh

If you feel you must, for whatever reason, try a codec pack then I strongly advise you to Image your system before installing it. Then if the brown stuff hits the fan it will be a simple matter to get back to square one.

Oh did I mention, never install codecs over themselves, they don't like it. Always uninstall existing before installing new or updated versions. In case you have got xvid into a mess, you can obtain a clean version by uninstalling it then search C:\WINDOWS\system32 (or win 7 equivalent) for xvid to catch any remnants. Delete any found. Now you can install a clean xvid.

Your problem might be more to do with your source video rather than codecs. Just a thought.

---------- Post added at 11:58 ---------- Previous post was at 11:25 ----------

Just noticed this.......

From

http://www.videoforums.co.uk/sony-ve...y-vegas-2.html

"Has anybody tried ENABLING 3rd Party CODECS in Preferences in Vegas?

By default this remains OFF. I've never had to play with this setting."

Might be worth a look?

---------- Post added at 12:12 ---------- Previous post was at 11:58 ----------

And also..........

From

http://www.videohelp.com/forum/archi...s-t289247.html

"Actually, the solution to this problem was to merely change the fourcc code of the avi files to "DIVX" (all caps) using avic.exe (small freeware program). Sony Vegas and DVD-Architect won't recognize any avi files undless fourcc is "DIVX", even if it's a xvid, doesn't matter."

I'm beginning to think Vegas might be a load of overpriced carp.

[Lord Nikon]

I use the linux equivalent - kdenlive and not had any problems. I refuse to buy retail software when there is a freeware alternative that does the same job for free.

[xpod]

Originally Posted by Lord Nikon

I use the linux equivalent - kdenlive and not had any problems. I refuse to buy retail software when there is a freeware alternative that does the same job for free.

Although i too use kdenlive on occasion i`m not sure how that`s going to help the OP with his W7 setup.

[chrisjones]

Thanks for your help, but just to be clear I choose to edit with Vegas due to work related reasons.