@Tusk

I also use "4k Video Downloader" and do not experience any problem playing the resulting files in either MEP 2020 (I haven't updated yet) or VPX12.

However, there is something "strange" going on here! I downloaded your file, opened it in MEP and it would not play at all, MEP complained first, it could not read the file and second, like your experience, "QT is not installed", which it most definitely is! I then put your file through MovAvi Video Convertor and it played without problem!

Since MovAvi is a paid-for convertor I then put your file into the free Handbrake convertor, using its default settings, and was able to open and play the converted file successfully in MEP!

So, hassle as it may be, try downloading and installing the free Handbrake, put your file(s) into it, suing its default settings (at least at first) and see what results you get!

HTH

Jeff

@Tusk @emmrecs

Hi Jeff. Hi Anthony.

I am getting exactly the same results as in the Canon problem thread.

The file imports to both MEP 2021 and VPX11. Sound does not play in MEP2021 but displays and plays the video portion.

VPX-11 plays the both parts of the file back with no problems. No warning messages on importing to either program.

Icons for the file in both programs are not showing thumbnails in the import file area. Nor do the Zoom in /out timeline buttons work as they should.

The MediaInfo for the file is.

General
Complete name                            : C:\Users\Ray\Downloads\like a star, while back in 2008.mp4
Format                                   : MPEG-4
Format profile                           : Base Media
Codec ID                                 : isom (isom/iso2/mp41)
File size                                : 26.5 MiB
Duration                                 : 4 min 11 s
Overall bit rate mode                    : Variable
Overall bit rate                         : 884 kb/s
Writing application                      : Lavf54.63.104

Video
ID                                       : 1
Format                                   : MPEG-4 Visual
Format profile                           : Simple@L1
Format settings, BVOP                    : No
Format settings, QPel                    : No
Format settings, GMC                     : No warppoints
Format settings, Matrix                  : Default (H.263)
Codec ID                                 : mp4v-20
Duration                                 : 4 min 11 s
Bit rate mode                            : Variable
Bit rate                                 : 753 kb/s
Maximum bit rate                         : 1 500 kb/s
Width                                    : 320 pixels
Height                                   : 240 pixels
Display aspect ratio                     : 4:3
Frame rate mode                          : Constant
Frame rate                               : 29.000 FPS
Color space                              : YUV
Chroma subsampling                       : 4:2:0
Bit depth                                : 8 bits
Scan type                                : Progressive
Compression mode                         : Lossy
Bits/(Pixel*Frame)                       : 0.338
Stream size                              : 22.5 MiB (85%)
Writing library                          : Lavc54.92.100

Audio
ID                                       : 2
Format                                   : AAC LC
Format/Info                              : Advanced Audio Codec Low Complexity
Codec ID                                 : mp4a-40-2
Duration                                 : 4 min 11 s
Bit rate mode                            : Variable
Bit rate                                 : 125 kb/s
Maximum bit rate                         : 128 kb/s
Channel(s)                               : 2 channels
Channel layout                           : L R
Sampling rate                            : 44.1 kHz
Frame rate                               : 43.066 FPS (1024 SPF)
Compression mode                         : Lossy
Stream size                              : 3.76 MiB (14%)
Default                                  : Yes
Alternate group                          : 1

Also like the problems associated with some of the threads using OBS Studio output files, there is no mention of a GOP structure in these files.

I am beginning to wonder if this is the beginning of some form of digital rights management control measure from MAGIX.

Ray.

@CubeAce 

Hi Ray,

That's what's distressing for me, a couple years ago, another codec suddenly was not available for my Magix, I found out I had to buy it for something like $5 for it to be installed on one computer, or I only had one license or something, thus my frustration when discovering something that had worked no-longer worked and I expected another charge for what was once universally free....

I support a singer and part of what I do is collect video from other fans to edit into my video, I put it all together and post her performances w/ her blessings. Doing what I do means that I need something that can import different types of files.... this could really hinder my process :P

Thanks for running it through a test and confirming that the issue wasn't necessarily on my system, it doesn't seem the error is pervasive for now and I can work around it by first running the file through Premiere Elements, will probably mean a loss in resolution, but it's better than nothing.

Anthony

Hi Anthony.

I don't know if you noticed but the audio sampling rate for the file is 44kHz not 48kHz so I did two tests in each program and it made no difference.

So I assume that if I still had MEP 2020 running on my machine that it too would have played the files with no problem.

You could try asking MAGIX why there is this apparent difference between the two program versions as it could still be a bug rather than a change in some design element.

I have been surprised that John CB has not been interested in these reports in general to add to his bug lists he sends to MAGIX as confirmed replicable results.

Ray.

@CubeAce

Hi Ray

. . . . I am getting exactly the same results as in the Canon problem thread. . . .

The 2 videos posted by both users are different encoders for video and audio - video - mp4v vs JPEG and audio - AAC vs PCM - I suspect there may be no connection between the 2 issues.

However the odd thing with the sample video provided by Anthony is the MediaInfo line

Format settings, Matrix                  : Default (H.263)

@emmrecs are your downloads using 4KVideoloader also h.263 with AAC audio?

John EB

@johnebaker

Hi John.

If that is an old file as Anthony says then older YouTube videos were using that codec at the time as far as I can find out.

Ray.

@CubeAce @johnebaker 

Hi John, Ray,

@johnebaker

Hi John.

If that is an old file as Anthony says then older YouTube videos were using that codec at the time as far as I can find out.

Ray.

to be more specific, the video is the only one on the singer's channel before she became 'famous', so her fans know the video. The file I uploaded to dropbox is a more recent download of the video using 4k downloader. Until I started this thread, that file was working in Magix with no issues.

So yes, technically it's an older video, so maybe a different codec type, but the file itself is more recently downloaded, maybe over a year ago. Not sure if that's relevant, but it might be.

Anthony

ps. It's looking like this could be some kind of anomaly. Youtube now allows you to download a smaller version of your videos on the back end and they are MP4's and run w/ no issues. Other videos I've downloaded w/ 4k downloader appear to run w/ no issues too.. I at least know I have a work around with files that won't upload into magix, glad to have a back up.

I've encountered other issues before that don't seem to be common enough or of note w/ Magix. For example, I use iPhone to record the entire concert as it's a good to fair audio back up, and have video'd many shows. One time, for some reason, when I uploaded it to Magix, the concert was missing the last ten minutes. I looked at the file on the phone I recorded it on and the whole show was on the phone. For some reason Magix didn't show the last ten minutes. The solution was to run the iPhone file through iMovie, and Magix was able to see that in it's entirety.

It could just be some kind of glitch w/ the file and Magix not liking each other :P

Hi

. . . . iPhone . . . . It could just be some kind of glitch w/ the file and Magix not liking each other :P . . .

You are correct - they do not like each other and using a smart phone for video is one of my 'pet peeves' about using the right tool for the job - no offence intended as I have had to resort to mobile footage on one occasion ie when could not hold the video camera steady enough in up to 120 km/h winds.

This is a very common issue with mobile recordings caused by the phone recording the video using variable frame rate.

As an example - the phone may be set to record at a nominal 30 frames per second (fps), however if the action does not change much between frames the phone will drop frame rate to as low as 12 - 15 fps .

MEP does not like this, it need Constant frame rate video, by running the video through iMovie it has most likely converted the frame rate to Constant.

John EB

using a smart phone for video is one of my 'pet peeves' about using the right tool for the job - no offence intended as I have had to resort to mobile footage on one occasion ie when could not hold the video camera steady enough in up to 120 km/h winds.

@johnebaker 

Hi John

No offence taken, I utilize what i call a guerrilla tactic when it comes to getting concert video. Until a couple years ago, I had to be creative w/ what was allowed into venues, so I had to be able to adapt. I only just started getting permission to bring a camera into her shows officially, maybe five years ago, and even then, that doesn't guarantee the venue won't have restrictions (In NYC the venue wanted to charge me $250/camera :P ). It's important to have options. Most of her venues will allow at least a phone if not a point and shoot camera. I've tried other smart phones for this purpose and as a person who hates using Apple products, I have to grudgingly accept that more often than not, iPhones will get you at least workable audio. As generally a visual/video guy, I've gotten pretty good w/ audio using Magix' tools through trial and error, and good audio is imperative, if you're trying to promote a singer or band. Even when I have full access to bring what I want, I still record w/ the iPhone because you can always use a back up.

Thanks for all your patience. Magix is my video editor of choice, and it's audio editing tools have taken my videos to another level, to the point the artist I follow has posted 10 of my videos on her channel.

(I do wish their image stabilizer was better... I have problems holding the camera still too. Thank goodness she allows me a monopod at her shows, I'm always mindful of being an obstruction to other fans when I video)

Anthony

@Tusk

Hi Anthony.

It's one of the weirder rules I've come across over the years of event / concert shooting stills and later video.

Indoor concerts where music on average has a higher volume in an enclosed space and where a Digital camera using an optical viewfinder and the clack of taking an image from the mechanical shutter is hardly noticeable compared to having a distracting glowing phone screen is prohibited. Compare that to an outside concert where there are often no camera restrictions.

Ray.

@CubeAce 

Before I started any of this in 2012, my creative skills were 2d, painting, drawing etc, I studied 3d animation for a few years, which was really my only experience as far as video editing, framing a shot, rudimentary editing skills. What makes my situation unique was I somehow was able to encourage a core group of people that donated their videos to edit into mine (photographers gave me great thumbnails), so I essentially had 'b-rolls' in case someone walked in front of my camera, or my lens goes out of focus. If a phone came into the shot, I had an alternative angle to cut to. My first videos were just like everyone else's. I put a title in front and basically posted the video as is. The contribution of more videos to a show meant more options for better angles.

As far as audio for indoors and outdoors, before I started messing around editing audio, the best show audios were almost always outdoors where there were no walls for sound to bounce off, although the chance for chatter is higher. In Germany, Haley performed in a tiny venue, maybe 100-200 it was dark w/ solid walls, I imagined it was similar to what the Beatles performed in their early years in Germany. I try to not be an obstacle, so I video'd next to this solid wall. That ended up really affecting the audio my iPhone got, Haley was weak, because the sound was bouncing all over the venue's interior

Thanks again for your patience

Anthony

@Tusk

Hi Anthony.

You should consider investing in a 3 axis motorised gimbal for your phone. You will not then have to worry about shaky video footage any longer. It is not the shaking that makes the main difference but not consistently shooting at the same angle (Due to shaking) to the horizon that produces the most irritating movement to watch within a frame. All my recent video footage is hand held with just gimbals steadying the footage.

Example footage.

I tend to use omni-direction mics for outside and hyper-cardioid for indoor to help keep down the problems of audio reflection.

The second video was done using one tripod and one DSLR camera but was allowed to move around behind the limited audience space. There were restrictions on how many seconds of each performance of each piece I was able to include into a video. The same camera was used for stills. My main reason I get invited to such places is to take the official stills, so mainly I'm concentrating on stills with a bit of video footage taken here and there when I've taken the still images I need. The videos I do mainly for my own amusement although they sometimes get used by the event organisers.

Anyway, I hope you have some workable solutions now at least, although at present I can't help thinking some people would be better off using the 2020 edition of MEP rather than the 2021 version, depending on their needs.

Ray.

@CubeAce

Hi Ray,

Thanks for the insight and video examples,

As I mentioned previously, I accidentally fell into this circumstance I find myself in. I've accepted that my 'mentality' is 'artsy fartsy' as I seem to have more and more trouble w/ technical things as I get older, so part of my process relies on 'passion' and 'inspiration' to guide what and how I edit. I've gone to see my artist 57 times (in Europe & US) and counting since April 2011, all at my own expense. The equipment I started w/ were basic camcorder/point and shoot usually around $200. I'm not at all wealthy, but am single w/ no children, so I've dedicated the extra income I have to promoting this artist instead of buying cars or blowing it in Vegas. It's not completely selfless as the unique experiences and friends I've met on the way are more valuable than any amount of money.

Social Media is a primary reason I've been able to continue putting out weekly videos for all this time. I started terrified of social media, only expressing my enthusiasm w/ the fan base on forums. Eventually, the need to post videos to share w/ other fans prompted me to start my channel. It turns out, even though you think you're discoursing w/ a few fans on a forum, there are actually many, many more who are following along but don't post anything, but eventually reveal they want to help. Even though I've spent a lot on travel and as best equipment I can afford, I've also been uplifted by fans who've donated equipment such as a better camera, an external zoom microphone so that I can get better audio (this was before my artist allowed such equipment). I'd love to 'invest' in better, more high end equipment, but over almost ten years of doing this, I don't even want to think how much, tens of thousands, I've spent over the years, it's hard for me to justify spending more and more on equipment. There's no end to how much that expenditure could cost, so donations of equipment better than what I can afford is very appreciated. And that is on top of fans also helping by sending me their concert video to edit into mine. That is the power of social media, so many ways I've been helped. I can't afford to do this on my own.

As far as my usual equipment, now that I'm allowed almost full access, I bring a camcorder for the wide shot, usually on a tripod, situated further back to capture the stage and band. The camcorder is significant that it doesn't turn off after 20 minutes like a lot of Canon cameras do. I can turn it on and let it record the entire show.

Then I have a nice Canon point and shoot on a monopod for zoom close ups nearer to the stage. Attached atop the Canon is a device hooked up to where the flash goes, that holds my iPhone and external zoom mic, for mid range video, so right there I have 3 camera angles, 4 audio sources. Add to that whatever video fans donate to me, it gives me a lot of media I can use to craft the video best I can. It's very 'lo-fi' but again, I have no formal video training, not rich, so I do w/ what I can afford and what's available.

The crowning difference as I've said before, is my discovery of just how much I can improve the audio w/ the tools in Magix. The recent better access and the opportunities added to my passion to help has ramped up my incentive to do better. I wish I was more technically minded, it probably would help efficiency and cost wise, but it feels more natural to rely on my instinct and passion and you can't argue the result. Some nobody who goes to concerts, nine years later had the opportunity to travel w/ a rock band and film the tour in European cities. Not bad. I pray she will give me that opportunity again when travel and live concerts are safe.

Two years ago, I got the exclusive opportunity to video and edit Haley performing "Light My Fire" with the Doors' guitarist, Robby Krieger at the storied Troubadour. At the time, I'd asked for access like any other time, I had no idea I would be the only one w/ video access, and that they wanted me to edit video the next day so she could post it on her channel. Luckily, some of my friends were also in attendance so they gave me extra media to use.

My first time asking for access at the Troubadour, they wanted to charge me $350 a camera, this time, no charge and they let me video where ever I wanted, so I got to set up on the empty balcony.... Haley's manager gave me free reign

Shortly after, he wanted to do a show 'for the fans', an intimate venue, 30+ people and they wanted me to video the show for them, I got to sit front and center, placed a camcorder on a mini tripod near the stage....

Yes, I wish I was more technically minded, but following my instincts and executing w/ passion was worked well for me going on 9 years ;)

Cheers

Anthony

@Tusk

Hi Anthony.

Excellent back story.

I completely understand where you are coming from. It's good when you get the respect to get exclusive access. It is earned, not given and I also know that is that is not easy to do.

Nice synchronisation of the clips to audio, that's never easy I know. Apart from a few clips looking soft compared to other parts in Light my Fire I liked the capture of the stage lighting. You have done well with the sound in both videos as well. What the guitar riff from Focus was doing at the end I'll never know but blended well :-).

I too haven't had an event this last year to film. I had an art gallery private pre opening party to do in March that got cancelled and nothing has gone ahead since so I feel your disappointment. Seven events that I should have attended this year have been cancelled that were planned and I think these types of events will probably be on hold until a reliable vaccine is in circulation. At least my scouting for film location shoots is still active for now and keeps me in practice. I think that is more important than equipment. If you don't keep practising when you have nothing to do you lose ability. Or at least I do and the equipment doesn't get any lighter the older I get :-).

I hope you do well in future. It's nice to see others able to do this type of thing with dedication. You don't have to be the best or have the best equipment, you just have to have the dedication and willingness to keep at it.

You have my respect.

Good luck.

Ray.

@Tusk

Hi Anthony.

So far I started like you, blagging my way into my first couple of shoots. From there I made a sort of portfolio of my best images. Not necessarily of things related to each other. Diversity has its own benefits. I was lucky. I saw adverts asking for backup photographers for events. Showed them my online portfolio. Got gigs. Then later I saw an advert for a studio photography project that would last about two and a half years shooting historical artefacts from shipwrecks for their online catalogue for student study. I had never used a flash gun at that point let alone worked in a photographic studio. None the less I applied and told them I had never touched studio work, didn't know a thing about it but would be willing to help those out that did. I got the gig. I learned a lot and I'm now one of their permanent photographers. I did similar with sports, and each time the real professionals were more than helpful, lent me gear, showed me how to select the best shooting spots etc.

Never be afraid to take up an offer. Just be upfront about your skill level. People in the past have asked me how I get the gigs. They never believe when I tell them, just be willing to do whatever you are asked to do and never fail to turn up. Do your best, be pleasant, and if there is anything you don't know, ask and keep a notebook.

When you get to a certain level you get less correspondence and communication with the people you deal with. At that point they say 'We want this by this time' and that's about it. They have better things to do than look after individuals. I'm at the point now where I get a given a place to be and a time. Sometimes a dress code to adhere to and a brief idea of what they want. Then it's 'Remember to enjoy yourself'. I then don't often see them and I'm left to my own devices. Passes are sent to me if needed. If there is something special needs to be done there is normally a liaison officer who will introduce me to whoever they need me to meet and then I'm left alone again.

I'm often terrified but keep going. It's my buzz. Sometimes things don't go as planned but that's life.

If you ever get to the UK give me a PM here. I'm about an hour out of London. We may be able to put you up if there are less people you know here.

Ray.

@CubeAce

Hi Ray,

Apologies, I deleted my reply you responded to. I get overly excited about this, even after nine years, but I'm also aware of my shortcomings, sometimes I re-read what I post and think it sounds like I'm bragging, when all I'm doing is outwardly expressing how lucky I am that these opportunities present themselves. A negative thing about social media and fan bases, they can quickly turn on you. Braggadocio turns most people off :/

I think the common thread to both our stories is it's the passion, excitement that guides many of us who encounter these kinds of opportunities. There are 'veterans' in the game that can see that in others so are willing to help.

My biggest 'fan association' was a friend who lives in CA. He's the one that sent me an external microphone which I told him he wasted his money, I can't get a DSLR in a show, let alone a microphone. He's also the guy that lets me stay at his home every time Haley has a show in CA, never lets me buy dinner. He's also the guy w/ Hollywood contacts. In fact when I was still terrified of social media, never posted a photo, my friend, Greg, traveled to a show he knew I'd be at in Vegas. My first time in NYC was to see Haley in Carnegie Hall, I lucked out that my seat sat directly in front of Haley's parents, my first time meeting them. All Greg knew about me was I sat in front of Haley's parents, and from his seat in the balcony, he saw that I had a lot of black hair. It was from that he recognized me in Vegas.....

I never could figure out his generosity, there was no opportunity for me to pay him back. Then I understood. He's been a photographer all the way since the '70s, "being a photographer in the 70's lots of women ask you to photograph them." ;). He now lives in a gated community, most of his friends are in their 60's and 70's. No one he can talk about his passion, photography, being creative. I was his outlet for that (like I said, no amount of money can get you the experiences I've had)... I was able to get him camera passes to shows we'd both attend. After the show, I'd start editing on my laptop, he'd go through the 600+ photos he'd take, we'd discuss what's best to post, sometimes until 4 in the morning. This was how I could pay him back.

I then got noticed by other artists I'd meet following Haley. Greg and I would have complete access to their shows as well, he was getting to do what he loved, get passes. He taught me some valuable lessons while I watched him work. One show was outdoors, we were given our restrictions, where we can shoot from , how many songs etc (we ended doing the whole show :P Greg had made friends w/ security, so they just let us keep going ) . Two hours before the show, I watched Greg scope the venue, then he started going around talking to early concert goers. I had no idea about what I had my own stuff to set up. Turns out, Greg had already determined where he wanted to shoot from, he had the official Press pass, so people were happy to talk to him. He would talk to them about the artist coming up, how was their day. Then he took a photo of them and gave them a business card. The method to his madness: Once the show began, he went back to the spots that he had conversations, the fans there were happy to see him, he didn't get in their way. After the show, he would thank the fans and tell them to contact him for their photos....talk about a PRO!

One of my core beliefs is that there's no such thing as 'luck'...People who are 'lucky' are the ones who were prepared for opportunity when it comes... opportunities come often in any life time. It comes down to whether you're prepared to grab onto that opportunities and ride along. That's me in a nutshell. Coming out of high school, I thought I could be in art for a living. After years of studying to be a graphic designer, I realised my passion for art was dying. By making what I did for fun and passion into a possible career, then dealing w/ customers that have no clue... that passion died away. For 20 or so years, I worked meaningless jobs, work, eat, sleep, rinse and repeat, but I kept taking art classes, as I mentioned, 3D animation, photography etc, having no where I can apply what I learned, just a way to distract myself from a dreary existence.

It was when I discovered Haley on her season of American Idol that my passion rushed back w/ a vengeance, I'd found my muse, I started outputting like crazy, mostly digital art, which lead into the videoing even though I didn't know what I was doing. I wasn't 'lucky', all the experiences previously allowed me to be prepared for these opportunities, like I said earlier, relying on instinct and passion.

Anyways, I'd heard best guess, people are thinking 2022 when concert and travel gets back to normal. I assume a tour of Europe will still be something she wants to do. I was going to see two shows in the UK in May, London and Manchester, I had friends who let me stay w/ them. If she rolls out a new tour, I'll be sure to let you know, maybe we can meet, I appreciate the invite

 

I'm often terrified but keep going. It's my buzz.

Ray.

This is exactly it, there's not anything like that buzz when you get on that creative roll, it's intoxicating :)

Cheers,

Anthony