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RickP33
Participating Frequently
June 16, 2009
Question

The best Codec for Premiere CS4

  • June 16, 2009
  • 14 replies
  • 100216 views

I am trying to learn more about codecs, but still having trouble understanding it fully. I have a new computer, so it makes sense that I need a certain codec to install in order to view my video as I edit on Adobe Premiere Pro CS4. My footage works on Windows Media Player, and the quality is somewhat Poor when I play it on Quicktime (but at least it works).

Now a few questions I have. First, does anyone know the best codec to use for Adobe Premiere Pro? I import DV files from my camcorder, and almost all of my video files are ".avi"

Also, I notice that the codecs are different for each media player that I apply this footage to. And I simply see instructions to download the correct codec. Well first I dont know which codec would be best for my setup, plus my second question: Once I do install the correct codec, will Premiere automatically know to use that codec? Or do I have to adjust a certain setting in Premiere to make the correct codec function? I could not see any setting that allowed me to change the codec...

Anyone's help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

-Rick Phillips

      This topic has been closed for replies.

      14 replies

      M
      marcwilliams
      Participant
      March 20, 2010

      I am trying to import video and get an error message stating it's an unsupported Format or damaged file (which isn't the case as it works just fine with Movie Maker.  Adobe TS made me install CODEC's from some free site when i was using Premiere elements a month ago before switching to Pro which when i originally downloaded it it worked w/o a hitch-no changes to my system.  i did update my graphics cards ATI Radeon 5770 but it was doing this before the update.  i so far behind on this project due to serious issues with Adobe; the big one was just resolved but now some minor issues are in the way.  this is for my sons school and his wrestling team-i've missed the awards dinner and am missing all deadlines so i must get it done.  any help would greatly be appreciated, the files range from AVCHD to MOD.

      the_wine_snob
      the_wine_snob
      Inspiring
      March 20, 2010

      Well, there are CODEC's, and then CODEC's and finally CODEC's. This ARTICLE will give you some background.

      Because one has a CODEC properly installed does not mean that all programs, especially NLE's, can use them to edit.

      Which file formats are giving you the problems, the AVCHD or the MOD files, or both? For the MOD, this ARTICLE might be useful.

      Can you test Importing a simple MPEG-2 file? Same error?*

      What version of PrPro are you running?

      If CS4, have you updated to CS4.2?*

      * If you cannot Import a simple MPEG-2 file either, and have CS4, see Reply #5 in this THREAD.

      Good luck,

      Hunt

      C
      chadj2411
      Participant
      October 9, 2009

      Wow! I am really happy now! Im glad this isnt a hardware issue. Sometimes the newer things are the less compatible lol. It worked! I downgraded to driver. I assure you that this thread has been the only one to provide the answer! Gotta love the internet.

      F
      FTVteacher
      Participating Frequently
      October 9, 2009

      Hi guys, I've had a breakthrough now on the HP's that weren't working under XP. Again, it is a driver issue for the intel graphics chipset. from my testing, things seem to be working fine (and I have a giant smile on my face as my 150+ laptops can now be used). I rolled the drivers back to version 6.14.10.4957 and all is well with the world. Thought I'd share as there are still many people out there with the problem.

      Cheers

      Bill Gehrke
      Bill Gehrke
      Inspiring
      October 9, 2009

      Great news and thanks for sharing the solution!

      C
      chadj2411
      Participant
      October 8, 2009

      Hi, are you still having this issue? Because I have a brand new HP and am having the same issue. I feel like I am the only one in the world having this issue and no forum seems to have the answer.

      Why cant I see video but hear audio!?!?!?!? Someone has to know the answer...I too am trying to start up a video production company.

      the_wine_snob
      the_wine_snob
      Inspiring
      October 8, 2009
      Because I have a brand new HP and am having the same issue.

      Did the driver that Júlio linked to, not work for you?

      It seems that that driver worked for him, and probably others, as well. I would definitely give it a try.

      Good luck,

      Hunt

      J
      jcashark
      Participant
      August 27, 2009

      Rick, I experienced something similar that happened with you (black video/only audio) in premiere CS4. I'm using now Windows 7 RTM. When I was using the RC1 release, premiere worked just fine. But seems the driver that the new version has installed messed -up the things. After many trial and error, with codecs, drivers, I discovered a driver for intel g965 that works with windows 7 and premiere. Is the version 15.9.64.1472 for windows vista x64. Now everything works! Hope it helps. If you want this driver, you could ask me for a link, then I'll upload it.

      Cheers,

      Júlio Cabral.

      R
      RickP33Author
      Participating Frequently
      August 27, 2009

      Julio,

      That is awesome that that works for you. I dont know how much of an inconvenience this has been for you, But I am trying to run a productions business, so this has taken its toll on me.

      If you upload the link, and everything works, I will personally mail you $20 for your help

      Thanks man!

      -Rick

      J
      jcashark
      Participant
      August 29, 2009

      Rick,

      the driver is here. However, since the driver is from a previous version, windows try everytime to updates this. These annoying messages really are boring me. So, I've trying a way to use the last updated driver with same configuration of this old one (that works!). What I discovered is that if you extract the archive that I'm sending to you, will be there a folder called "Graphics". Inside this folder, there are some .dll files. What I did wast to copy these files do adobe premiere cs4 root directory. Remember that I have updated the Graphics drivers of system. When I started premiere and load a project, surprise, that works! I think that even with a new graphics driver installed, when you copy this .dlls from the old driver to the root of premiere, it assumes and uses those files to acess graphics functions. Now I'll try, one by one of the .dll to discovery which file is the essencial for this.

      So, I think thats all.

      Please, contact to tell me if it works for you too.

      Bye

      Júlio

      F
      FTVteacher
      Participating Frequently
      July 28, 2009

      Hi Rick, I've just been in another forum that sounds very similar to yours. I'm also using HP laptops that are doing the same thing. Intel chipsets etc. Can you tell me how much ram you have for dedicated video?

      Just asking because the laptops that work for me have over 512mb and the ones that aren't have less, and there is very little difference between the machines otherwise. I'm trying to get a techie to unlock the bios for me (stupid user restrictions) so I can change the amount of allocated ram (if it allows me to). I'll post my findings here too.

      K
      KrisB74
      Participating Frequently
      July 6, 2009

      Dear Rick,

      I apologise if I have cause you any grief here.  This Keano character definately has greviance with me but that shouldn't be taken out on you.  I think you have to bite the bullet & post a small video online so it can be tested by those who have the experience...  I'm not claiming to be that person, as my experience with PP in limited.. My experience with hardware (which drivers are closely associated) is extensive & I'm positive this is not a drive issue.  Otherwise, like you've said, everyone from Timbucktoo to the black stump would have experienced these issues with their notebooks, in fact this integrated video driver is not only found on notebooks but many standard intel desktop motherboards also.

      I don't eny you Rick as your genuinely asking for help here. Perhaps we should get back to basics without acting like teenage school kids.  Step us through the exact steps you are taking to import or are you just playing thru media browser?  & definately upload a sample file as without this we dont know what your dealing with.

      Your "Mate"

      Kristin

      K
      KrisB74
      Participating Frequently
      July 3, 2009

      Rick,

      I've got to hand it to you... You are a lot more patient than I am.  These so called experts handing out the solutions thick & fast when REALLLY they've got NO IDEA how to solve this problem.  I can only hope that none of them are being paid by Adobe to lead you up the garden path.. which has clearly happened by getting you to start updating display drivers that were operating perfectly ok.  It just doesn't make sense that if the video works fine in WMP which is directly using your display drivers THEN THE DISPLAY DRIVERS MUST BE WORKING...

      Its just a shame that certain people can't admit THEY DON'T KNOW THE ANSWER

      clearly Adobe has a problem & they haven't solved it yet, and thats fine so long as they can admit it & update us when possible.

      PS Anyone who suggests to use the likes of driver doctors should not be giving out advice...  The only way to update drivers & to physically check the brand & model of your hardware device & download the exact drive necessary DIRECT from the manufacturer.

      Good luck with finding the solution. I'm still searching..

      Jeff Bellune
      Jeff Bellune
      Legend
      July 3, 2009

      KrisB74,

      You need to consider that WMP interacts with the graphics adapter through DirectX.  Premiere Pro does not.  The fact that there are distinct "data pipelines" to the graphics adapter means that driver version and driver capabilities can have a very profound effect on Premiere and not on WMP.

      -Jeff

      K
      KrisB74
      Participating Frequently
      July 3, 2009

      Jeff,

      You need to acknowledge that there is a problem especially when the avi's

      have been working in previous version but not in CS4. I'm well aware how

      graphics adapters & their drivers work & this is clearly nothing to do with

      the issues. I would suggest the problem is an obvious one... Adobe has

      refused to pay the very expensive royalties associated with using MPEG2

      codecs & the results are speaking for themselves. I mean take 3 mins take

      your head out of the sand do a google search & see just how many others are

      having exactly the same problems...

      Kind regards,

      Kristin Barr

      Operations Manager

      Cape Don Experience

      Phone: 08 8979 0030

      Fax: 08 8979 0568

      Bill Gehrke
      Bill Gehrke
      Inspiring
      June 29, 2009

      The HP Touchsmart IQ540 is classed as a "desktop" but it is highly integrated and built with notebook/laptop components.  The Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator X4500HD is OpenGL 2.0 compatible.  There is no nVidia component in this system and therefore no reason to look for nVidia drivers!

      danimations80
      danimations80
      Participant
      June 28, 2009

      Hi Rick- I recently ran into major driver issues with a new Acer 6930G notebook, when I decided that I wanted to install Windows XP on it, rather than the bundled Windows Vista (both 32 bit). Acer offered no support for the system if Windows XP was installed, and no bundled driver packs were available.

      After installing XP I ended up with a somewhat crippled machine, until I got onto Driver Detective. It's a free download, and basically it scans your machine to determine the appropriate drivers your system needs to improve/restore its performance. From there you can do as I did and register, and direc download links are provided to all of the drivers your system requires. The license can be shared among 10 computers, and costs US$29 for a years worth of updates and scans. There's also a current promo where you can get an extra year's updates for an additional $10 too.

      I highly recommend this program/service as a means to helping you out of your driver dramas!

      Here's the link: http://www.drivershq.com/

      Good luck!

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