How do I import .AVI files into Premiere Pro CS5?

Report · Dec 26, 2011

Hello

I have just got myself a new Toshiba Camileo X100 and it shoots in 1080i60 and the raw video files are in an .AVI format there are also backups stored as thm.AVI. When I try to import these files into Premiere on my Macbook Pro I get an error message saying "codec missing or unavailable."

What do I need to do to be able to Import these files? I have searched this forum and googled everything I could think of. One post suggested trying VLC so I tried it that way but my mp4 files that converted through VLC were only sound files instead of both video and audio. I need some sort of way to either convert or import a different way without losing much quality....
This is really bothering me, help would be appreciated.

Report · Feb 26, 2012

Thanks for that.

Everything seems to be happening as it should now, for a work-around that is!

The primary question still remains unresolved - "how to directly import this type of AVI / H.264 mpeg4 directly into Premiere Pro CS5.5?"

Is there a consensus that says "Not possible"?

I have emailed the manufacturer of the camera, Redleaf Technology, Hong Kong. Being sent on a weekend I would not expect an answer immediately, but will post their response once I receive one.

Report · Feb 26, 2012

I would have to say CS5 & CS5.5 probably wont ever get that function as CS6 is almost here.

As people have been starting to use DSLR and cameras to shoot video more and more they have added those to its tools. Maybe if more people need it, it will get added. Its a demand thing.

GLenn

Report · Feb 27, 2012

GLenn,

You are probably correct. At this time, the wrapping of the H.264 in the AVI format is non-standard. I doubt that Adobe will rewrite things, until that is adopted by enough camera mfgrs. as a standard, but rather doubt that will happen, nor do I feel that it should become a standard, as there are plenty of standard containers for H.264. Not sure why a very few camera mfgrs. choose to do things in such an odd way, but they do.

Ric, good luck,

Hunt

Report · Feb 27, 2012

Hi Hunt,

Whether it is a non-standard AVI format or not, I would still like to be able to handle any format the clients throw at me within Premiere Pro.

I have yet to receive a reply from the manufacturer (but it is less than one business day in Hong Kong since I sent my email to them).

Ric

Report · Feb 25, 2012

@ Ric_F

I downloaded a the 9 second test clip for your camera from this site.

http://www.techmoan.com/blog/2012/1/8/the-rd32ii-1080p-h264-sport-cam.html

Premiere would only show audio.

I was able to convert it with VLC to a .mp4 file that would play fine and edit.

Not exactly the best way but at least it can be done.

GLenn

Report · Feb 25, 2012

When using VLC make sure to type the .mp4 part in the destination file name.

See if these setting work for you.

GLenn

Report · Feb 25, 2012

@ Harm Millaard - I appreciate the caution. Not only do I use restore points and back up data, but I have a clone of the system HDD as well. A converter is associated with extra time and quality loss, I want to be able to import the file directly. A download of the correct codec would allow that.

@Jim Simon: Oh, how I wish I could control the capture of everything I work with! It is not my choice of camera. As a professional using this level of software I have to be able to accept files the clients supply and work with those files. I'd prefer to be able to use all the footage supplied in the one program, Premiere Pro CS5.5. However, if that is not possible and you have some pointers on consumer level edit programs that accept this file format I would appreciate it.

@Glenn / Powered by Design. Thanks, a useful tip. Although conversion is not my preferred solution, as a workaround I tested VLC Media Player's conversion with mixed results. Yes, a file is output that is viewable and editable in PremPro. However, VLC cut the last second of the footage off. When customising the settings of the output file to approximate the same bitrate as the original file the result was totally unusable, just a mess of pixelations, block colours and so on. I'd need to experiment some more with VLC before I get a result that is satisfactory. Any advice would be useful.

I appreciate all the comments from everyone, but right now the question remains unanswered - how can I import this avi directly into Prem Pro?

Report · Feb 25, 2012

Good catch on the 2 second thing. I never cought that being it was never my footage and didn't notice it.

Looking online I see others were having the same problem with it cutting off the last 2 seconds. Someone said there to try the new version 2.0

I went to the VLC site and downloaded the newer version.

After that I tried it again and it worked without losing the last part.

Maybe try this and see if it works.

GLenn

EDIT:

File played fine till loading into Premiere. I guess something else is wrong. Wish I could help.

GLenn

Message was edited by: Powered by Design

Report · Feb 26, 2012

Thanks GLenn, I am still baffled by this one too.

Is there someone from Adobe monitoring this forum who can help?

I'll email Redleaf Technology and see if they have an answer.

Ric

Report · Aug 28, 2014

Man! My head's spinning. One solution that I came up with that might be simpler (and I emphasize "might") is to open Quicktime and then do New Screen Recording. I then open the AVI in VLC play it on my screen and record it in QT. Only gives me picture, no audio of course. On the couple of occasions I've needed to do this, I've only needed the video, not audio. But perhaps there's a way to easily extract the audio and then sync it up to the new quicktime...

Report · Oct 26, 2016

There is a easy way to download convert avi to premiere pro to import avi to adobe premiere,it is iDealshare VideoGo, it can successfully import all AVI to Adobe Premiere Pro CC.