Adobe After Effects - m2v files drop frames when imported into AE

Author

m2v files drop frames when imported into AE

david_f101@adobeforums.com

2006-12-06, 8:14 pm

When I import an .m2v file into AE and place on the timeline, frames are dropped. Usually 2 frames in the first second regardless of the duration. This results in a 2 frame offset and 3 repeated frames at the end of the timeline.

Is there a special codec needed to have frame accuracy with mpeg2 files?

Also, when I take a regular AVI file and create my own mpeg2, using AE, AE will also not play it back correctly.

* Note, the above video files have a time code burn in them to judge against the timeline.

AE for Windows is supposed to support mpeg2 files for both import and export, so any help would be appreciated.

Thank you.

Andrew_Yoole@adobeforums.com

2006-12-06, 8:14 pm

MPEG2 is a delivery format, and is not specifically designed for use in an app like AE, despite the fact that it can support it. Use of MPEG2 for any purpose other than delivery is fraught with danger.

For reliable and best quality results, forget MPEG2 and AE. Use a proper intermediate format like Quicktime Animation for footage input and output to AE, and use a dedicated MPEG2 encoder to encode your final MPEG2 files.

david_f101@adobeforums.com

2006-12-06, 8:14 pm

Andrew,

Thank you for the information.

The problem is that I am on the receiving end of the media and for other parts of the system workflow these m2v's are created. It was desired to simply place them into the AE timeline and then convert to a streaming format.

My real question is that if AE says that it will support mpeg2, then why doesn't it? As mentioned above, AE can't even read an mpeg2 file that it created. This seems to be a major problem or erroneous information.

Thanks.

Chris_Poisson@adobeforums.com

2006-12-06, 8:14 pm

david,

It is likely that your needs can be met with Mpegstream Clip, which is a terrific app and it's free!

Your AE problem may be linked to improper settings, corrupt files, bad prefs or you're just having a bad day.

Andrew is correct, mpeg2 was not meant for editing, and in addition to Streamclip you might also look at Episode Pro, Squeeze Suite or any other encoders.

Navarro_Parker@adobeforums.com

2006-12-06, 8:14 pm

So are you just using AE as a compression engine?

It's kinda like using a knife as a screwdriver. It'll work, but there are better tools out there.

Look into Apple's Compressor 2 (which comes free with Final Cut Studio) and Sorenson Squeeze. Chris mentioned MPEGStream Clip too. There are tons of compression tools out there for all platforms and prices.

david_f101@adobeforums.com

2006-12-06, 8:14 pm

All,

To clarify further:

We, the company, have many rack machines that are running AE. Each machine uses AE for a different process.

The process that I am having a problem with is the simple placement of the m2v video into a composition, adding wav audio and, yes, compressing to wmv.

The problem is that I need to string together multiple pieces of video and audio to form the final segment.

If you know of a program that can take a batch of audio and video files and output a SINGLE wmv file, please let me know.

If there is a way to have AE do this, even better, as that is how we are setup.

Using Mac products is not an option at this point.

Thanks.

david_f101@adobeforums.com

2006-12-06, 8:14 pm

Just to let you know, I have found a work around that others may be interested in.

It seems that if AE is dropping frames from any mpeg2 clip, and those frames are within the first second, a work around is to render out the same mpeg2 clips, but with 10 frames of black at the head.

By doing this, and knowing that the dropped frames are within the first 9 frames, you can then just offset your mpeg2 clips on your timeline and you will get a frame accurate playout.