Mov file vs codecs

[m|3]

Try to narrow down the problem by playing the file in another application like VLC. If you can see the video, then you know it's a Quicktime codec issue.

What version of Quicktime are you running?

[SpetsK]

m|3 (http://forums.cgsociety.org/member.php?u=5827) thanks for your reply.
I'm using version 7.3 and
I already tried it with vlc, windows media, and DivX players - nada :( only audio.

Question is how do I check if I have all codecs needed to play HD video...

[m|3]

Hmmm... this could be tricky.

There are numerous factors that can affect the playback of your file. At times like these I like to go back to the basics to make sure everything is as it appears.

1) I'd recommend that you verify you do have a .mov file (as opposed to something else that has been renamed to .mov).

2) If the file was given to you, chat with the sender to learn what codec was used to create the new .mov file. You'll then know what codec to install on your machine.

3) if the file was rendered, verify that it was rendered with video.

4) If the file was exported from a NLE, a glitch in the system might export black if the timeline was on black (instead of footage/edit) at the time of export. I know it sounds weird but it cometimes happens in the studio where I work.

[SpetsK]

Thanks again for a constructive reply. I'll give it a try and reply if I get any solutions or not :)

[beaker]

First ask the person you got the file form how they compressed it(like a blackmagic card or something). Try installing all the major quicktime codecs for capture cards: Blackmagic, Kona, etc... all have the codecs freely on their website. If they used FCP, it also comes with a bunch of codecs that aren't installed by default (DVCPRO, IMX, Apple Intermediate, Apple Uncompressed, Prores, etc...).

Also you can try Perian:
http://perian.org/

[beenyweenies]

There's actually a much easier way to verify what is going on with your file. Open it in Quicktime, and go to the menu Window>Show Movie Inspector. This will open a little window which (under the section "format") will tell you exactly which codec the movie was encoded with.

I am willing to bet big money that it is a DVCPROHD file and you are on a PC. Problem is, DVCPRO HD files are not PC compatible and so you are mildly hosed. If this is the case, you will need to either get a new file that has been encoded to a different format or work on a Mac if you have access to one.

[SpetsK]

Howdy,

No luck so far.
The thing is it is a mov file as it has resolution size (huge one, like it should be).
It was rendered in Mac but I have PC. I havn't asked about the codec yet from the person who gave me the file. We did look together what might be the problem, at first, sure, I went to him :p - but no help. The file data can be seen here:
http://hello.freyja.pri.ee/screen2.jpg
As I'm total newb in videos, I can't see anything informative there. Maybe there is a hint for you. I have installed some more video codecs, I might be missing something from Apple...the search continues.

[beenyweenies]

Under the "Format" section in your screen shot, it says HDV which is the codec used in this video.

HDV footage captured with Final Cut Pro is not PC compatible. In fact, the PC platform has a very limited range of HD options, unless you own certain capture boards or software that add codec choices to your machine.

Your friend will need to output the file to a PC compatible quicktime codec. You are pretty much limited to the Uncompressed or Animation Codecs if you need master quality. This will result in a pretty big file, but since your clip is only 30 seconds it shouldn't be that big of a deal. If size is a problem, you could probably get away with using the h.264 codec but After Effects might not be happy with it, especially if you have v7.0 or older.

[SpetsK]

Geez, thanks beenyweenies (http://forums.cgsociety.org/member.php?u=11940)! It gives me a solution, now I know what I should ask for :)
And thanks to all others who helped. Now I know why some people prefer Macs :p

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