Unable to play avi video after importing

[Ann5DCC]

I am able to import, but when I try to play it I get error "unable to load...missing codec".  Clip is about 9 years old, don't remember the camera, it plays in QT, shows a thumbnail in finder and imported into Premiere.  Finder info doesn't show any additional detail about the codec contained in the file. I converted it to .mov using AVC and it imports and plays in premiere elements, but I'm wondering how to figure out what codec is missing and how to "install" it on my computer to avoid having to convert a bunch of similar files?  Sorry if I missed an answer somewhere in the community but I'm new to video editing and this community.  

[Peru Bob]

Please use the free MediaInfo and post a screenshot of the properties of your media in tree view:
https://mediaarea.net/en/MediaInfo

[Ann5DCC]

Hi, here is the screeshot.  sorry I took so long to respond. 

A jpeg video?

[Peru Bob]

@Ann Bens 

jpeg format mjpeg codec?

[Ann Bens · Accepted solution]

Yes its mjepg.

Dont know if Mac still supports a plugin/codec for this.

Converting is the way to go.

@Ann5DCC 320x240 resolution is very very very very small. Trying to export to HD will look very fuzzy. Even SD will be to large. But then again trial and error.

[Ann5DCC]

Yes, you're right about resolution.  But thank you for your reply.  I will try a few different conversions and see what works best.  I know quality is limited but better than nothing.  Memories... 

BTW do you happen to know if premiere 2024 has issues with HEVC videos?

Thanks again

[Bill Sprague · Accepted solution]

BTW do you happen to know if premiere 2024 has issues with HEVC videos?

Thanks again

My experience is that Premiere Elements is OK with HEVC/H.265 and has been for the last couple of releases.   I have a Windows computer and paid 99 cents to Microsoft for the codec.  On a Mac, the codec should be built in.  There have been posts in this forum where HEVC with high frame rates may cause an issue.   It may be only that the high frame rate issues come from specialty cameras like GoPros.  

Download the trial and test it.  Or, buy the license and if it does not work for you, exercise the 30 day refund policy.  

[Ann5DCC]

Thanks.  I have a mac and it plays in QT just not premiere elements 2024.  do I need to tweak something in premiere settings

[Ann Bens]

On a mac the hevc file should work natively in Elements

Please call the app elements to avoid confusion.

[Ann5DCC]

Sorry....tree view this time