Author Topic: Problem with MPEG Streamclip and MP4 video (Read 6116 times)

dragonblade · « **on:** April 17, 2017, 23:48 »

I have used MPEG Streamclip flawlessly for a long time without any issue until now. I used to import mpeg 2 / m2t files and avi files into Streamclip and convert them to h264 mov files on a regular basis.

Both today and last night, I tried to import an MP4 file to convert to h264 so I could upload it as stock footage. Although Streamclip allowed me to set various parameters of the video, it wouldn't allow me to export it (I got an error message.) Don't suppose it's got anything to do with the video being an MP4 file? Would anyone know a workaround to this problem?

dragonblade · « **Reply #1 on:** April 18, 2017, 00:36 »

I guess some of you may say simply to continue importing the m2t files into Streamclip but a problem with them is that they are interlaced 1080 so not really preferred as stock. They're imported from Sony Movie Studio. The only way that I can create 1080p videos with Movie Studio is to export them as MP4 but it looks like MPEG Streamclip may have an issue with that.

Cider Apple · « **Reply #2 on:** April 18, 2017, 01:55 »

Have you tried selling MP4 to the agencies?

If your looking for a free workaround all I can think of is either import it into Photoshop and export .mov h.264
Or VLC media player have saved my bacon a few times.
Also quicktime player but not sure if you need to pay for the pro license?

I have bought a video convertor software that I used to use all the time in my day job before I went full time with stock video. Really helpful for only $30

I'm on a MAC - are you PC?

dragonblade · « **Reply #3 on:** April 18, 2017, 02:24 »

Yea I'm using a Windows pc. With the MP4 files, I'm not sure what codec Sony Movie Studio uses and if it's one of the ones that the agencies accept. I could try and find out.

I didn't even realise Photoshop could work with videos. And VLC can convert video files?

That $30 software sounds like an attractive option too.

Edit: Ive just gone into Sony Movie Studio but I can't find any information on what kind of codec it uses. I assume that an MP4 is like a container and that it could contain any kind of codec inside? Correct me if I'm wrong. I notice on SS, their list list of accepted codecs is as follows:

•   PhotoJPEG
•   MotionJPEG
•   DVCPro
•   ProRes 422 / 422 HQ / 4444 .
•   H.264
•   PNG

I guess I could submit my MP4 and see what happens.

increasingdifficulty · « **Reply #4 on:** April 18, 2017, 03:02 »

If you're going to do more video work in the future I strongly suggest you get some REAL software like After Effects or Premiere where you have control over everything.

Guess work only makes everything harder.

And, yes, mp4 is a container like mov and can contain different codecs.

dragonblade · « **Reply #5 on:** April 18, 2017, 05:14 »

Quote from: increasingdifficulty on April 18, 2017, 03:02

If you're going to do more video work in the future I strongly suggest you get some REAL software like After Effects or Premiere where you have control over everything.

True. I do have a copy of Premiere Elements but I haven't tried it yet.

Quote from: increasingdifficulty on April 18, 2017, 03:02

And, yes, mp4 is a container like mov and can contain different codecs.

I did some searching online and supposedly, Sony Movie Studio's MP4 does contain the h264 codec so looks like I'm in luck.

Mantis · « **Reply #6 on:** April 18, 2017, 08:05 »

I have a ton of new problems with MPEG Streamclip. It will not even render a video....keeps repeating the render as if it is not creating a lead out. So it has become useless for me and I deleted it.

dragonblade · « **Reply #7 on:** April 18, 2017, 09:00 »

Quote from: Mantis on April 18, 2017, 08:05

I have a ton of new problems with MPEG Streamclip. It will not even render a video....keeps repeating the render as if it is not creating a lead out. So it has become useless for me and I deleted it.

Uh oh, looks like I'm not alone with issues with this software. It used to be so reliable but in my case, that might be a file compatibility issue.

I uploaded my MP4 file to Shutterstock as is. Over an hour later, it was no longer pending review and discovered it in my rejected video files tab. It had the following rejection reason: "File Integrity -- File is corrupt, will not open properly or there was another technical problem wit..."

So I don't know what's going on there....whether this MP4 container is at fault or something else. I also uploaded the same video to Adobe Stock so I'll wait and see if they have any issues with it. I'll also upload some other videos to SS as MP4s and see how they fare.