Cannot import files

[sydhsydh]

I am unable to import some new clips. Nothing has recently changed to my knowledge. I have attached the properties of one clip. The camera was set to MP4 2160-25.00p/HEVC LongGOP 72M. I have tried different project settings in PE but they all give the error  "This type of file is not supported, or the required codec is not installed."

The file plays OK on an i7 PC although the CPU is running at 100% whereas 4K files normally run at around 40%. May be a red herring.

Just to confuse the issue further, if I run the clips through Handbrake, with no change of format, PE then accepts them BUT the new filesize has dropped from the original 118Mb to 20Mb. Not sure what Handbrake has done to it as the framesize is the same but the bitrate has also dropped from 69423kbps to 12309 kbps.

Possibly 2 separate issues but could be related. I'm struggling with this one.

[Steve Grisetti]

First, tell us which version of the program you're editing with and on what operating system. Then tell us what device your video was recorded on. 

Finally, open one of your problematic MP4s in the free download MediaInfo. In MediaInfo, set View to Text and then copy the text of this report and paste it to this forum. Once we've got all this information we'll be better able to help you.

[sydhsydh]

Thanks Steve. I wasn't sure what would be needed.

I'm using PE15 on W10Home 64. The camera is a Panasonic HC-X1500E so bang up to date.

General
Complete name : C:\Users\Master\Desktop\New folder\A008C014_201220_DJ0B.MP4
Format : MPEG-4
Format profile : Base Media / Version 2
Codec ID : mp42 (mp42/hvc1)
File size : 675 MiB
Duration : 1 min 25 s
Overall bit rate : 65.9 Mb/s
Encoded date : UTC 2020-12-20 18:30:11
Tagged date : UTC 2020-12-20 18:30:11

Video
ID : 1
Format : HEVC
Format/Info : High Efficiency Video Coding
Format profile : Main 10@L5.1@High
Codec ID : hvc1
Codec ID/Info : High Efficiency Video Coding
Duration : 1 min 25 s
Bit rate : 65.6 Mb/s
Width : 3 840 pixels
Height : 2 160 pixels
Display aspect ratio : 16:9
Frame rate mode : Constant
Frame rate : 25.000 FPS
Color space : YUV
Chroma subsampling : 4:2:0
Bit depth : 10 bits
Bits/(Pixel*Frame) : 0.317
Stream size : 672 MiB (100%)
Language : English
Encoded date : UTC 2020-12-20 18:30:11
Tagged date : UTC 2020-12-20 18:30:11
Color range : Limited
Color primaries : BT.709
Transfer characteristics : BT.709
Matrix coefficients : BT.709
Codec configuration box : hvcC

Audio
ID : 2
Format : AAC LC
Format/Info : Advanced Audio Codec Low Complexity
Codec ID : mp4a-40-2
Duration : 1 min 25 s
Source duration : 1 min 25 s
Bit rate mode : Constant
Bit rate : 256 kb/s
Channel(s) : 2 channels
Channel layout : L R
Sampling rate : 48.0 kHz
Frame rate : 46.875 FPS (1024 SPF)
Compression mode : Lossy
Stream size : 2.62 MiB (0%)
Source stream size : 2.62 MiB (0%)
Language : English
Encoded date : UTC 2020-12-20 18:30:11
Tagged date : UTC 2020-12-20 18:30:11

Other
ID : 3
Type : Time code
Format : QuickTime TC
Duration : 1 min 25 s
Bit rate mode : Constant
Frame rate : 25.000 FPS
Time code of first frame : 04:29:01:23
Time code, striped : Yes
Title : A008
Language : English
Encoded date : UTC 2020-12-20 18:30:11
Tagged date : UTC 2020-12-20 18:30:11

[Ann Bens]

You original file is H.265 which requires a codec you need to install from Microsoft shop.

Handbrake is a very good converter but final file size also depends on what setting you used.

On a side not H.265 is not a very suited format to edit. If possible set camera to H.264.

Post computer specs.

[sydhsydh]

Hi Anne, How do you know it is H265? Am I missing something in the media info?

I have checked the camera and there is nothing that stipulates H264 or H265. If you are certain it is H265, I may have to contact Panasonic for their advice because I already know H265 is not good for editing. From what I have read, only PE Ver 2020 can handle H265 and I like to hold off from updating software as long as possible.

[Ann Bens]

HEVC means High Efficiency Video Coding also known as H.265.

Which camera are you using?

[sydhsydh]

This is beginning to make sense. I am using a Panasonic HC-X1500E. I may have to stop using HEVC but that doesn't save the clips I have. I shall study the link from John T Smith.

[Ann Bens]

I had a look at the manual. You can set the camera to H.264

If it were me:

MOV: 4:2:2 (10bit)
UHD (3840×2160); 422LongGOP 150M (Average approx. 150 Mbps)

Start here:

https://helpx.adobe.com/premiere-elements/using/hevc-decoding-on-windows.html#HEVCvideoextension

[sydhsydh]

I assume you mean setting it to H264 by unselecting HEVC? I've just done that in case I forget. HOWEVER, why do you suggest MOV over MP4? Either way, I cannot go to 150Mbps as my i7 will struggle, but I have ordered a new PC with a Ryzen 9 and a decent GPU so eventually I can up the game.

[John T Smith]

>Format : HEVC

https://community.adobe.com/t5/premiere-elements/faq-what-should-i-do-if-premiere-elements-2020-fail...

[sydhsydh]

Thanks John. That explains a lot. I'm eventually getting to the bottom of this.

[sydhsydh]

Many thanks to all you guys who helped me with this problem which is now sorted.