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siyabendbartin
Participating Frequently
November 18, 2023
Question

Can't edit my HEVC (H265) videos in Premiere Pro 2023

  • November 18, 2023
  • 2 replies
  • 10833 views

Version 23.6.0 (Build 65) user here.

 

I was using H264 codec to record and edit but from now on I've decided to do it on H265 since it provides higher quality and lower file size. I recorded some stuff but I can't edit them in Premiere Pro 2023. It's so laggy and shows you the next frame maybe after 15 seconds, impossible to make your edits.


I don't think that my specs are the problem, I have 6900 XT GPU, 5800x3D CPU and 36 GB 3600 MHz RAM's.

 

I need your help everyone.

    2 replies

    R Neil Haugen
    R Neil Haugen
    Legend
    November 18, 2023

    RJL and Warren are giving you excellent professional advice. H.264/5 is a mess for editing, as ... there are very few actual video frames recorded/encoded to file. Maybe every 15-30 or more. Those are called iframes.

     

    In-between those few frames it stores frame datasets, that's all. Called p or b frames, depending on things. It's why the size on disc is so small!

     

    But those are just essentially a chart listing :

    a) pixels that have changed since the last iframe.

    b) pixels that will change before the next iframe.

    c) both.

     

    So to playback that file, frame by frame on the monitor, the computer has to do a TON of math work to de-encode and decompress and reconstruct up to 60 frames, storing them in RAM or cache files.

     

    That's why h.264/5 is great for small file on disc, but lousy for playback in all NLE apps.

     

    And why Warren's comment about generational issues is SO important to note!

    Everyone's mileage always varies ...
      R
      RjL190365
      Legend
      November 18, 2023

      Which software are you using to record?

       

      If it is OBS, and your recording has an .mp4 extension, then it's the way that OBS wraps the container format that trips up Premiere Pro. Also, Premiere Pro has trouble dealing with VFR (Variable Frame Rate)  HEVC material as all NLEs currently in use had been designed many years ago when all video content was CFR (Constant Frame Rate).

       

      And if your recordings have a 4:2:2 chroma subsampling, forget about hardware decoding as no discrete GPU outside of Intel's ARC series supports it.

        S
        siyabendbartinAuthor
        Participating Frequently
        November 18, 2023

        I am using OBS and yeah, VBR was on but I've just changed it to CBR since it is better for gaming videos. But nothing has changed, I still can't edit my records on Premiere Pro.

        I also bought something from Microsoft Store named "HEVC Video Extensions" but it didn't help.

         

        I really don't want to go back H264 codec. Please help me.

        MyerPj
        Community Expert
        MyerPjCommunity Expert
        Community Expert
        November 20, 2023

        Even if I switch to ProRes 422 LT etc, how will I edit the clips from Radeon Software? I cannot edit the clips from there smoothly. If H264 or H265 is that bad, why is it the most recommended codec for gameplay videos? If is there better codecs for gaming videos feel free to recommend me...


        You can use Shutter Encoder to convert the files (before editing) to constant frame rate. Maybe try ProRes LT or even ProRes Proxy format within Shutter Encoder for easy to edit formats with 'better' files size.

         

        Convert your Radeon files with SE get ProRes from OBS.

         

        The others have done nothing but recommend better 'gaming' video. If you have to save an h.264 or 5, then convert those to ProRes for editing. h.265 does not provide faster rendering speed.

        https://www.shutterencoder.com/en/

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