Windows Movie Maker does not detect my connected video camera

[Martin Healy]

When I try to capture video from my camcorder using Windows Movie Maker, it
does not detect it despite the fact that it shows up as a removable hard
drive (E while connected. All other movie editing software detects the
device without any problems. Therefore, I can't capture video clips from my
camcorder using Windows Movie Maker which I find very annoying. Furthermore,
when I try to import previously captured video clips and movies on my
computer using Windows Movie Maker, it displays an error stating that "An
interface has too many methods to fire events from".

Incidently, the reason why I'm using Windows Movie Maker in preference to
the editing motion picture that came with my camcorder is because the
built-in software doesn't allow me to apply my own music or audio files on
the video clips. Please note, Windows Movie version 5.1 is running on my
Windows XP computer which has service pack 3 installed. The Windows Movie
Maker seems to be very user friendly but somehow it doesn't appear to be very
compatible. I must say I am very disappointed with this program. I would
really appreciate if anybody could offer any suggestions on why Windows Movie
Maker is not able to capture or import video clips.

Thanks

Martin

 

[PapaJohn]

There are lots of file types that Movie Maker 2.1 can't capture or import,
or use in a project if imported.... MPEG2 being one of them. You don't
mention the brand and model of your camcorder, so I'll assume by your
symptoms it records to MPEG2 files.

When it can't use files directly, you need to do file conversions first....
see my website's Import Movie Source Files > Video section for comments and
suggestions about the various types.

Vista's Movie Maker 6 Ultimate and Home Premium versions can handle MPEG2
files as it includes a new Microsoft MPEG2 codec. But it captures via
firewire, so you might still need to use other software to get the files to
the computer.

 

[Martin Healy]

Thanks for your reply. Yes the video format is MPEG2. My apologies for not
mentioning this in the initial response. I'm using a Panasonic SDR-S9 SD
Flash memory card camcorder. It records to MPEG2 video in LP/SP/XP modes.
As my camcorder does not have a firewire port or an ilink connection, it's
unlikely that I will succeed either using the newer Windows Movie maker that
supports the MPEG2 codec. It looks at this stage that I will have to
purchase third party software like Nero or Roxio Creator eventhough I only
want to add a few audio files to some of my video clips taken from a recent
wedding. Would you know of any other basic software like XP movie maker than
can support MPEG2 codec and that will allow me to apply music to some of my
video clips.

Like I mentioned before, the Panasonic motion studio software did not allow
me to add my own downloaded music to video clips. The software is very
basic. Any other suggestions would be welcomed.

Thanks again for your reply.

Martin

 

[PapaJohn]

I convert my MPEG2 files to DV-AVI using VirtualDub MPEG with the Panasonic
DV codec.... and do the editing in Movie Maker. Both are free downloads and
conversion is quick and easy.... I have links on my Setup Movie Maker >
Other Software and 'Codecs and Compressors' pages.

You can get a full featured free trial 30 day version of Adobe Premiere
Elements, which supports MPEG2 files.... Pinnacle Sudio is another option.

 

[Saga]

Interesting, I tried using Virtual Dub to convert from MPG files, but was not
very successful. Since this happened some time ago, I can't remember any
more details, but I don't recall usng the codec that you mentioned. I am going
back to test this out using this codec, as I always thought it was "user error",
but I could not put my finger on it.

Thanks
Saga

 

[PapaJohn]

and there are different VirtualDub apps.... use the VirtualDub MPEG one....

 

[Martin Healy]

Thanks again for the reply. If I use the VirtualDub MPEG to convert the
MPEG2 format, will I be able to view the edited video later on a DVD player?
Will I notice any degradation of quality after?

Thanks

Martin

 

[PapaJohn]

I was wondering where you're heading with your edited videos.... making
video DVDs is another subject. Movie Maker doesn't do it.

Each file conversion and re-compressions take its toll on the quality of the
video.... it could be so little that it won't be noticed. But that'll depend
on the steps you take, the codecs your use, and the settings for the
compression. By using a hard drive camcorder, you've already opted to start
with compressed MPEG2 files that are a bit lower in quality than DV-AVI
files from mini-DV camcorders.

 

[Saga]

Thanks for the head's up
Saga
--

and there are different VirtualDub apps.... use the VirtualDub MPEG one....

 

[Martin Healy]

Thanks for all your help on this subject. I was away from my computer over
the weekend. Just to wrap things up, I was aware that Movie Maker couldn't
make video DVDs. I just wanted to use Movie Maker to edit my video clips by
adding some background music and then it was my intention to burn the edited
video using some other third party software. The fact that I could
experience some loss of qualtity by converting to mpeg1 and whether my DVD
player can play this format is enough to deter me from going down this route.
I have used a free trial of movie factory 6 to make a basic DVD video. But
it looks like I will have to buy Nero or Roxio to enhance my video with
music. Movie Factory 6 doesn't have a time frame or an editing track like XP
Movie Maker or Nero and Roxio.

Anyway, thanks for your input.

Martin

 

[Graham Hughes]

You can edit in movie maker and output your file as a dv.avi, import this
into your chosen dvd authoring app and make your dvd.
Movie factory from Ulead does have some rudimentary editing features, but is
in essence a dvd authoring app.
Ulead video studio should take your files direct from the card and edit and
has rudimentary dvd authoring facilities.

Back to your original question, you wouldn't capture from this cam, you
IMPORT. This would be the same with any app.

YOu could connect your cam by usb, as you have, or insert the sd card into a
card reader.