Using .avi files from digital still...

I have some .avi files that a friend took on his digital still camera which I can view OK in Windows Media Player, however when I import the files into Adobe Premier Elements 2 and load them into the timeline all I get is the audio stream and no video stream. Does anyone know how to rectify this problem?



Many thanks in advance,



Stewie.
Using .avi files from digital still...
Those AVIs likely use a codec that will not work in Premiere Elements. You'll need to convert them in order to edit them in Premiere Elements.



The FAQs at the top of this forum tell you how:

http://www.adobeforums.com/webx/.3bc247e2
Using .avi files from digital still...
Thanks Steve,



I have just tried this in Windows Movie maker and I get the following error :-



The file F:\Firewire 800 External HDD\My Documents\My Pictures\2008_04_11\100PENTX\Bendelby cooking father son weekend.AVI cannot be imported because the codec required to play the file is not installed on your computer. If you have already tried to download and install the codec, close and restart Windows Movie Maker, and then try to import the file again.



Stewie.

Stewart,



The first thing to do is to download and install G-Spot (www.headbands.com/gspot), which is a little freeware program to do two things: identify the exact CODEC used and also to see if your system has it installed. If not, and you second post indicates probably not, it will tell you what the official name of the CODEC is. Use Google to find it, download and install it. You will be nearly out of the woods.



I'd strongly suggest doing a file conversion outside of PE to DV-AVI format first, then Import that into PE to edit.



Hunt

Steve,



Pl;ease disregard the last post of mine as I have now resolved the issue. I have installed some new codec which seem to have resolved the issue with viewing the media in Premier Elements 2.



Thanks for your help with the matter.



Stewie.

Thanks Bill,



I seem to have resolved the issue by installing a DivX Codec. If the media is not up to scratch in Premier Elements then I will try what you suggest about converting the media outside of PE2 first.



Thanks for your rapid reponse.



BTW, I am looking for some plug in effects (like smoke and clouds etc) and also sound effects for Premier Elements 2. XCan you recommend a site to get some from please.



Many Thanks. Stewie.

Glad you're up and running, Stewie.



As a general rule, any plug-ins that work with Premiere's CS/Pro version will also work with Premiere Elements. (Not all, but most.) A Google search for Premiere plug-ins will get you started.



Likewise, there are a number of great sound effects sites.



You can also find a wide variety of tutorials, tips, stock footage, sound effects, motion backgrounds and royalty-free music, as well as one of the best user forums on the web, at our ''sister'' site http://muvipix.com. A large number of these materials is free and, for a low annual subscription, you can have unlimited downloads from the site.

Steve,



I've used most of these sites at one time, or another. Some are freeware SFX, while others require purchase.



http://www.stevengotz.com/audio.htm

http://www.findsounds.com/ISAPI/search.dll

http://www.freesound.org/index.php

http://www.a1freesoundeffects.com/

http://www.ljudo.com/default.asp?lang=tEnglish%26amp;do=it

http://www.sounddogs.com/

http://www.soundsnap.com/



For Effects, New Blue, ProDAD, Pixelan and Boris offer a ton, as does Hollywood FX.



Good luck,



Hunt

Thanks Steve,



That's good to know that plug ins for Premier will ''sometimes'' work with Elements. I'm just beyond getting started with Elements so I wont be after anything too complex. I'd like to progress upto Premier Pro/CS4 and some stage but small steps for now!



Thanks again for your support and advise.



Stewie.

Thanks Hunt,



I'll certainly check the sites out. I'm just beyond getting started with Elements so I wont be after anything too complex. I'd like to progress upto Premier Pro/CS4 and some stage but small steps for now!



Thanks again for your support and advise.



Stewie.

Hey, and if you want a real kickstart to working with Premiere Elements, you may want to check out my new book on Amazon! ;)



''The Muvipix.com Guide to Premiere Elements 7'', by yours truly (your friendly Adobe forum host), is a look at virtually every tool in the program and how to use it. You can get it on Amazon or through http://muvipix.com at:

http://astore.amazon.com/chuckengelsco-20/detail/0615248993/104-3709942-5611121

Thanks Steve,



I've checked out your site and it looks very informative. I'll certainly have a good think about the book however I'm still using Premier Elements 2 so would it still be relevant?



One question for you .... the Contest winner for 2007 ''Eight Cities in 4 days''. How does the editor achieve the effect of still images zooming at different speeds and/or angles? I've always wanted to know how to do this. Can you please offer any advice or example project files for me to play with? Cheeky I know but I ust thought I'd ask.



Thanks Stewie.

You should post to the site's community/forum and ask! Paul created that amazing effect, and I believe he even has a place where he'll show you how it's done. It costs nothing to join or post to the forum.



Meantime ...



Hey, since you're using version 2, you might want to look at the book Chuck and I wrote for that version!

http://muvipix.com/products.php?subcat_id=22

Thanks Steve,



I'll check it out.

I am having the same problem with .avi files only showing up as audio. The only difference is that the .avi files are part of a project that worked just a few days ago. Just out of the blue, my premiere elements stopped playing .avi files and now shows them as audio files. I already have the divx codec. Any suggestions?

Steve,



Very Strange. Obvious question but have you rebooted your system?



Also you may want to try reinstalling Premier to see if that resolved the issue.



Stewie

Steve K,



Paul LS has a good tip on how to determine what is going on with regards to any CODEC issue. It appears in your later post:

http://www.adobeforums.com/webx/.59b774d6/1



G-Spot is freeware and I cannot live a day without it.



Good luck,



Hunt