Critical Bug: Converting PNG Sequences to Compiled Video deletes & duplicates frames

[The Muny 1918]

I and the content creators in our studio have experienced an issue with PNG Sequences being converted to compiled video formats (4444, H.264, HAP, NotchLC, etc.). The issue is consistent and needs to be addressed. 

In this example, say I have a correct PNG sequence loop.

Our example filename is s800_005_SparkleFun1_01000 , with the last 5 numbers being the frame number.

Frame 0: s800_005_SparkleFun1_01000.png

Frame 1: s800_005_SparkleFun1_01001.png

Frame 2: s800_005_SparkleFun1_01002.png

...

Frame 298: s800_005_SparkleFun1_01298

I import the sequence into Media Encoder by hitting the "+" button and selecting the first PNG of the sequence. Even in the preview dialog you can see it dupes the first frame (s800_005_SparkleFun1_01000.png) and deletes the last frame (s800_005_SparkleFun1_01298.png).

My current workaround is setting it to not render the firstframe using a custom length and duplicating and renaming the last frame (01298) to (01299).

Please fix ❤️

[Ishan Y]

Hey The Muny 1918,

Sorry about the issue. Which version of Media Encoder are you using? Are you having this issue with all PNG sequences or some specific ones? Could you share your system specifications (OS, OS version, CPU, GPU, RAM) and export settings with us? We're here to help. 

Thanks,

Ishan

[The Muny 1918]

Yes, I am having this issue with any PNG Sequence I throw at Media encoder. Doesn't matter if it was rendered in RenderGarden, After Effects (direct), or even if the After Effects comp is rendered directly in Media Encoder.

The PNG export settings are all default to AE, and I verified that both the filenames and visual content of the frames is correct. I have tried exporting to H.264, ProRes 4444, and NotchLC with the same problem on each, which is consistent with the preview being messed up before I even select the export format.

We are using Media Encoder Version 22.5 Build 57, on macOS Monterey with a 2.7 GHz 12-Core Intel Xeon E5, 32GB 1866 Mhz DDR3, GPU is an AMD FirePro D700 6GB

I have the same problem at any computer in the studio, which is a variety of Intel-based Macs all running Monterey 12.4.

I can provide any additional information as needed. Thanks.

[The Muny 1918]

Ishan,

I have an update for you. It only seems to be occuring when I take the PNG Sequence and compile it into 30fps. It does not happen at 29.97. Our studio, however, uses a flat 30fps and cannot use 29.97.

Thanks

[Ishan Y]

Thanks for letting us know. I'll test this on my end and get back to you.