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Phinny
Legend
November 24, 2023
Answered

Premiere Elements 2023 can't import .mov file

  • November 24, 2023
  • 3 replies
  • 2964 views

File(s) were shot on a Sony Camcorder around the year 2000 or 2001.  When I select Properties in Win 10 the file type list's all of them simply as "File".  They are named Clip 01, Clip 02, etc.  They will open and play nice in VLC but PE 2023 won't import them because of what it calls a "Generic error."  I've tried adding a .mov extention to the file name which didn't help.  Can anyone recall solving a similar situation and remember how to solve this?  I can't be the first customer with this issue.

I might add that this is a brand new install of PE, and it's up to date, so I don't suspect corrupt prefs or anything like that grounding my plans.  Thanks for any/all ideas and/or pointers.

This topic has been closed for replies.
Correct answer Phinny

Thanks everyone, I already tried opening in Handbrake and converting to MP4.  Premiere Elements will play ball with it now and audio converted along with the video so I'm good.  For any that might be wondering about the details, the file looks like this in mediainfo now. 

 

Complete name : C:\Users\bkexp\OneDrive\Desktop\Clip 02 encoded to MP4.mp4
Format : MPEG-4
Format profile : Base Media / Version 2
Codec ID : mp42 (isom/iso2/avc1/mp41)
File size : 27.1 MiB
Duration : 27 s 648 ms
Overall bit rate mode : Variable
Overall bit rate : 8 222 kb/s
Frame rate : 29.970 FPS
Encoded date : 2023-11-24 21:58:03 UTC
Tagged date : 2023-11-24 21:58:03 UTC
Writing application : HandBrake 1.0.7 2017040900

Video
ID : 1
Format : AVC
Format/Info : Advanced Video Codec
Format profile : Main@L4
Format settings : CABAC / 4 Ref Frames
Format settings, CABAC : Yes
Format settings, Reference frames : 4 frames
Codec ID : avc1
Codec ID/Info : Advanced Video Coding
Duration : 27 s 628 ms
Bit rate : 8 062 kb/s
Width : 720 pixels
Height : 480 pixels
Display aspect ratio : 4:3
Frame rate mode : Constant
Frame rate : 29.970 (30000/1001) FPS
Standard : NTSC
Color space : YUV
Chroma subsampling : 4:2:0
Bit depth : 8 bits
Scan type : Progressive
Bits/(Pixel*Frame) : 0.778
Stream size : 26.6 MiB (98%)
Writing library : x264 core 148 r2708 86b7198
Encoding settings : cabac=1 / ref=2 / deblock=1:0:0 / analyse=0x1:0x111 / me=hex / subme=6 / psy=1 / psy_rd=1.00:0.00 / mixed_ref=1 / me_range=16 / chroma_me=1 / trellis=1 / 8x8dct=0 / cqm=0 / deadzone=21,11 / fast_pskip=1 / chroma_qp_offset=-2 / threads=12 / lookahead_threads=2 / sliced_threads=0 / nr=0 / decimate=1 / interlaced=0 / bluray_compat=0 / constrained_intra=0 / bframes=3 / b_pyramid=2 / b_adapt=1 / b_bias=0 / direct=1 / weightb=1 / open_gop=0 / weightp=1 / keyint=300 / keyint_min=30 / scenecut=40 / intra_refresh=0 / rc_lookahead=30 / rc=crf / mbtree=1 / crf=15.0 / qcomp=0.60 / qpmin=0 / qpmax=69 / qpstep=4 / vbv_maxrate=20000 / vbv_bufsize=25000 / crf_max=0.0 / nal_hrd=none / filler=0 / ip_ratio=1.40 / aq=1:1.00
Encoded date : 2023-11-24 21:58:03 UTC
Tagged date : 2023-11-24 21:58:03 UTC
Color range : Limited
Color primaries : BT.601 NTSC
Transfer characteristics : BT.709
Matrix coefficients : BT.601
Codec configuration box : avcC

Audio
ID : 2
Format : AAC LC
Format/Info : Advanced Audio Codec Low Complexity
Codec ID : mp4a-40-2
Duration : 27 s 648 ms
Bit rate mode : Variable
Bit rate : 160 kb/s
Channel(s) : 2 channels
Channel layout : L R
Sampling rate : 32.0 kHz
Frame rate : 31.250 FPS (1024 SPF)
Compression mode : Lossy
Stream size : 541 KiB (2%)
Title : Stereo / Stereo
Default : Yes
Alternate group : 1
Encoded date : 2023-11-24 21:58:03 UTC
Tagged date : 2023-11-24 21:58:03 UTC

 

Complete name : C:\Users\bkexp\OneDrive\Desktop\Clip 02 encoded to MP4.mp4
Format : MPEG-4
Format profile : Base Media / Version 2
Codec ID : mp42 (isom/iso2/avc1/mp41)
File size : 27.1 MiB
Duration : 27 s 648 ms
Overall bit rate mode : Variable
Overall bit rate : 8 222 kb/s
Frame rate : 29.970 FPS
Encoded date : 2023-11-24 21:58:03 UTC
Tagged date : 2023-11-24 21:58:03 UTC
Writing application : HandBrake 1.0.7 2017040900

Video
ID : 1
Format : AVC
Format/Info : Advanced Video Codec
Format profile : Main@L4
Format settings : CABAC / 4 Ref Frames
Format settings, CABAC : Yes
Format settings, Reference frames : 4 frames
Codec ID : avc1
Codec ID/Info : Advanced Video Coding
Duration : 27 s 628 ms
Bit rate : 8 062 kb/s
Width : 720 pixels
Height : 480 pixels
Display aspect ratio : 4:3
Frame rate mode : Constant
Frame rate : 29.970 (30000/1001) FPS
Standard : NTSC
Color space : YUV
Chroma subsampling : 4:2:0
Bit depth : 8 bits
Scan type : Progressive
Bits/(Pixel*Frame) : 0.778
Stream size : 26.6 MiB (98%)
Writing library : x264 core 148 r2708 86b7198
Encoding settings : cabac=1 / ref=2 / deblock=1:0:0 / analyse=0x1:0x111 / me=hex / subme=6 / psy=1 / psy_rd=1.00:0.00 / mixed_ref=1 / me_range=16 / chroma_me=1 / trellis=1 / 8x8dct=0 / cqm=0 / deadzone=21,11 / fast_pskip=1 / chroma_qp_offset=-2 / threads=12 / lookahead_threads=2 / sliced_threads=0 / nr=0 / decimate=1 / interlaced=0 / bluray_compat=0 / constrained_intra=0 / bframes=3 / b_pyramid=2 / b_adapt=1 / b_bias=0 / direct=1 / weightb=1 / open_gop=0 / weightp=1 / keyint=300 / keyint_min=30 / scenecut=40 / intra_refresh=0 / rc_lookahead=30 / rc=crf / mbtree=1 / crf=15.0 / qcomp=0.60 / qpmin=0 / qpmax=69 / qpstep=4 / vbv_maxrate=20000 / vbv_bufsize=25000 / crf_max=0.0 / nal_hrd=none / filler=0 / ip_ratio=1.40 / aq=1:1.00
Encoded date : 2023-11-24 21:58:03 UTC
Tagged date : 2023-11-24 21:58:03 UTC
Color range : Limited
Color primaries : BT.601 NTSC
Transfer characteristics : BT.709
Matrix coefficients : BT.601
Codec configuration box : avcC

Audio
ID : 2
Format : AAC LC
Format/Info : Advanced Audio Codec Low Complexity
Codec ID : mp4a-40-2
Duration : 27 s 648 ms
Bit rate mode : Variable
Bit rate : 160 kb/s
Channel(s) : 2 channels
Channel layout : L R
Sampling rate : 32.0 kHz
Frame rate : 31.250 FPS (1024 SPF)
Compression mode : Lossy
Stream size : 541 KiB (2%)
Title : Stereo / Stereo
Default : Yes
Alternate group : 1
Encoded date : 2023-11-24 21:58:03 UTC
Tagged date : 2023-11-24 21:58:03 UTC

3 replies

H
Helen P in Aus
Known Participant
March 24, 2024

I have just gone onto this forum with a similar problem to the one described above.  I am trying to import movie files from an Iphone into Premiere Elements.  I have the error message "the importer reported a generic error".  I tried using Handbrake as suggested and seem to be able to import the file now but it is only the audio that is coming in.  Any ideas??

John T Smith
Community Expert
John T SmithCommunity Expert
Community Expert
March 24, 2024

Go to your original message

can't import .mov file generated on iphone - Adobe Community - 14510399

B
Community Expert
Bill SpragueCommunity Expert
Community Expert
November 24, 2023

If Ann's suggestion doesn't work, share a file and I will try to figure it out.

P
PhinnyAuthorCorrect answer
Legend
November 24, 2023

Thanks everyone, I already tried opening in Handbrake and converting to MP4.  Premiere Elements will play ball with it now and audio converted along with the video so I'm good.  For any that might be wondering about the details, the file looks like this in mediainfo now. 

 

Complete name : C:\Users\bkexp\OneDrive\Desktop\Clip 02 encoded to MP4.mp4
Format : MPEG-4
Format profile : Base Media / Version 2
Codec ID : mp42 (isom/iso2/avc1/mp41)
File size : 27.1 MiB
Duration : 27 s 648 ms
Overall bit rate mode : Variable
Overall bit rate : 8 222 kb/s
Frame rate : 29.970 FPS
Encoded date : 2023-11-24 21:58:03 UTC
Tagged date : 2023-11-24 21:58:03 UTC
Writing application : HandBrake 1.0.7 2017040900

Video
ID : 1
Format : AVC
Format/Info : Advanced Video Codec
Format profile : Main@L4
Format settings : CABAC / 4 Ref Frames
Format settings, CABAC : Yes
Format settings, Reference frames : 4 frames
Codec ID : avc1
Codec ID/Info : Advanced Video Coding
Duration : 27 s 628 ms
Bit rate : 8 062 kb/s
Width : 720 pixels
Height : 480 pixels
Display aspect ratio : 4:3
Frame rate mode : Constant
Frame rate : 29.970 (30000/1001) FPS
Standard : NTSC
Color space : YUV
Chroma subsampling : 4:2:0
Bit depth : 8 bits
Scan type : Progressive
Bits/(Pixel*Frame) : 0.778
Stream size : 26.6 MiB (98%)
Writing library : x264 core 148 r2708 86b7198
Encoding settings : cabac=1 / ref=2 / deblock=1:0:0 / analyse=0x1:0x111 / me=hex / subme=6 / psy=1 / psy_rd=1.00:0.00 / mixed_ref=1 / me_range=16 / chroma_me=1 / trellis=1 / 8x8dct=0 / cqm=0 / deadzone=21,11 / fast_pskip=1 / chroma_qp_offset=-2 / threads=12 / lookahead_threads=2 / sliced_threads=0 / nr=0 / decimate=1 / interlaced=0 / bluray_compat=0 / constrained_intra=0 / bframes=3 / b_pyramid=2 / b_adapt=1 / b_bias=0 / direct=1 / weightb=1 / open_gop=0 / weightp=1 / keyint=300 / keyint_min=30 / scenecut=40 / intra_refresh=0 / rc_lookahead=30 / rc=crf / mbtree=1 / crf=15.0 / qcomp=0.60 / qpmin=0 / qpmax=69 / qpstep=4 / vbv_maxrate=20000 / vbv_bufsize=25000 / crf_max=0.0 / nal_hrd=none / filler=0 / ip_ratio=1.40 / aq=1:1.00
Encoded date : 2023-11-24 21:58:03 UTC
Tagged date : 2023-11-24 21:58:03 UTC
Color range : Limited
Color primaries : BT.601 NTSC
Transfer characteristics : BT.709
Matrix coefficients : BT.601
Codec configuration box : avcC

Audio
ID : 2
Format : AAC LC
Format/Info : Advanced Audio Codec Low Complexity
Codec ID : mp4a-40-2
Duration : 27 s 648 ms
Bit rate mode : Variable
Bit rate : 160 kb/s
Channel(s) : 2 channels
Channel layout : L R
Sampling rate : 32.0 kHz
Frame rate : 31.250 FPS (1024 SPF)
Compression mode : Lossy
Stream size : 541 KiB (2%)
Title : Stereo / Stereo
Default : Yes
Alternate group : 1
Encoded date : 2023-11-24 21:58:03 UTC
Tagged date : 2023-11-24 21:58:03 UTC

 

Complete name : C:\Users\bkexp\OneDrive\Desktop\Clip 02 encoded to MP4.mp4
Format : MPEG-4
Format profile : Base Media / Version 2
Codec ID : mp42 (isom/iso2/avc1/mp41)
File size : 27.1 MiB
Duration : 27 s 648 ms
Overall bit rate mode : Variable
Overall bit rate : 8 222 kb/s
Frame rate : 29.970 FPS
Encoded date : 2023-11-24 21:58:03 UTC
Tagged date : 2023-11-24 21:58:03 UTC
Writing application : HandBrake 1.0.7 2017040900

Video
ID : 1
Format : AVC
Format/Info : Advanced Video Codec
Format profile : Main@L4
Format settings : CABAC / 4 Ref Frames
Format settings, CABAC : Yes
Format settings, Reference frames : 4 frames
Codec ID : avc1
Codec ID/Info : Advanced Video Coding
Duration : 27 s 628 ms
Bit rate : 8 062 kb/s
Width : 720 pixels
Height : 480 pixels
Display aspect ratio : 4:3
Frame rate mode : Constant
Frame rate : 29.970 (30000/1001) FPS
Standard : NTSC
Color space : YUV
Chroma subsampling : 4:2:0
Bit depth : 8 bits
Scan type : Progressive
Bits/(Pixel*Frame) : 0.778
Stream size : 26.6 MiB (98%)
Writing library : x264 core 148 r2708 86b7198
Encoding settings : cabac=1 / ref=2 / deblock=1:0:0 / analyse=0x1:0x111 / me=hex / subme=6 / psy=1 / psy_rd=1.00:0.00 / mixed_ref=1 / me_range=16 / chroma_me=1 / trellis=1 / 8x8dct=0 / cqm=0 / deadzone=21,11 / fast_pskip=1 / chroma_qp_offset=-2 / threads=12 / lookahead_threads=2 / sliced_threads=0 / nr=0 / decimate=1 / interlaced=0 / bluray_compat=0 / constrained_intra=0 / bframes=3 / b_pyramid=2 / b_adapt=1 / b_bias=0 / direct=1 / weightb=1 / open_gop=0 / weightp=1 / keyint=300 / keyint_min=30 / scenecut=40 / intra_refresh=0 / rc_lookahead=30 / rc=crf / mbtree=1 / crf=15.0 / qcomp=0.60 / qpmin=0 / qpmax=69 / qpstep=4 / vbv_maxrate=20000 / vbv_bufsize=25000 / crf_max=0.0 / nal_hrd=none / filler=0 / ip_ratio=1.40 / aq=1:1.00
Encoded date : 2023-11-24 21:58:03 UTC
Tagged date : 2023-11-24 21:58:03 UTC
Color range : Limited
Color primaries : BT.601 NTSC
Transfer characteristics : BT.709
Matrix coefficients : BT.601
Codec configuration box : avcC

Audio
ID : 2
Format : AAC LC
Format/Info : Advanced Audio Codec Low Complexity
Codec ID : mp4a-40-2
Duration : 27 s 648 ms
Bit rate mode : Variable
Bit rate : 160 kb/s
Channel(s) : 2 channels
Channel layout : L R
Sampling rate : 32.0 kHz
Frame rate : 31.250 FPS (1024 SPF)
Compression mode : Lossy
Stream size : 541 KiB (2%)
Title : Stereo / Stereo
Default : Yes
Alternate group : 1
Encoded date : 2023-11-24 21:58:03 UTC
Tagged date : 2023-11-24 21:58:03 UTC

    Ann Bens
    Community Expert
    Ann BensCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    November 24, 2023

    I would try to get the original file working.

    Because when using the Handbrake file, after editing you will have to encode again.

    Double encoding will definitely reduce image quality.

    John T Smith
    Community Expert
    John T SmithCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    November 24, 2023

    MOV is a wrapper, what is inside YOUR wrapper - Exactly what is INSIDE the video you are editing?
    Report back with the codec details of your file, use the program below
    Free program to get file information for PC/Mac http://mediaarea.net/en/MediaInfo/Download
    - a MediaInfo tutorial https://youtu.be/Ivy9ckSX1M0
    - when you analyze your file in MediaInfo and post a screen shot in the forum, do so in TREE view
    - post your information IN your message, not as an attachment that someone would have to download

    P
    PhinnyAuthor
    Legend
    November 24, 2023

    General
    Complete name : C:\Users\bkexp\OneDrive\Desktop\Movies from F Drive\Home Movies\Richie's Party\Media\Clip 02
    Format : DV
    Commercial name : DVCPRO
    File size : 94.8 MiB
    Duration : 27 s 628 ms
    Overall bit rate mode : Constant
    Overall bit rate : 28.8 Mb/s
    Frame rate : 29.970 FPS
    Recorded date : 2000-05-06 17:37:43.000
    FileExtension_Invalid : dv dif

    Video
    Format : DV
    Commercial name : DVCPRO
    Duration : 27 s 628 ms
    Bit rate mode : Constant
    Bit rate : 24.4 Mb/s
    Width : 720 pixels
    Height : 480 pixels
    Display aspect ratio : 4:3
    Frame rate mode : Constant
    Frame rate : 29.970 (29970/1000) FPS
    Standard : NTSC
    Color space : YUV
    Chroma subsampling : 4:1:1
    Bit depth : 8 bits
    Scan type : Interlaced
    Scan order : Bottom Field First
    Compression mode : Lossy
    Bits/(Pixel*Frame) : 2.357
    Time code of first frame : 00:00:59;06
    Time code source : Subcode time code
    Stream size : 80.4 MiB (85%)
    Encoding settings : ae mode=full automatic / wb mode=automatic / white balance= / fcm=manual focus

    Audio #1
    ID : 0
    Format : PCM
    Format settings : Big / Signed
    Duration : 27 s 628 ms
    Bit rate mode : Constant
    Bit rate : 768 kb/s
    Channel(s) : 2 channels
    Sampling rate : 32.0 kHz
    Bit depth : 12 bits
    Stream size : 2.53 MiB (3%)

    Audio #2
    ID : 1
    Format : PCM
    Format settings : Big / Signed
    Duration : 27 s 628 ms
    Bit rate mode : Constant
    Bit rate : 768 kb/s
    Channel(s) : 2 channels
    Sampling rate : 32.0 kHz
    Bit depth : 12 bits
    Stream size : 2.53 MiB (3%)

     

    John T Smith
    Community Expert
    John T SmithCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    November 24, 2023

    >Complete name : C:\Users\bkexp\OneDrive\Desktop\Movies from F Drive\Home Movies\Richie's Party\Media\Clip 02

    >FileExtension_Invalid : dv dif

     

    I am confused... is the file named 'Clip 02' or 'Clip 02.dv dif' ?

     

     

     

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