I've just tried to put an MP4 file on the timeline. The audio is there but the pictures are not...though there are some 'thumbnails' on the event on the video track. How do I get the pictures?

Typically that means that the source footage has video encoded with an mp4 codec variant that isn't on your system.

Where did this source footage come from, what camera? Sometimes the camera manufacturer distributes a codec, occasionally you have to get a codec from a third party. Beware of "codec packs" that promise compatibility with everything. Frequently these are bad codecs that displace good codecs on your system, occasionally they are bait for spyware.

What cam? Does the footage play with windows media player, or vlc player?

I ripped the footage off a DVD. Perhaps I need to look and see if I can rip to another codec...Thanks...

I'm using ImTOO DVD Ripper Platinum...and have emailed them for advice. In the mean time I've ripped to mpeg2, mpeg4, MOV, and AVI, none of which show the video in the preview screen. Actually...the AVI put up an error message about a codec issue...

Hey Renton

How's things in New Zealand???

Just a suggestion..why not simply import the VOB files into Vegas ??? There is a facility to do this on the file menu!! You can always render it out to whatever you want afterwards.

Chris

http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/what-happens-vegas/503322-how-import-dvd.html

Works like a charm :)

What version of Vegas are you using? Shouldn't have any problems with MP4s after V10 or so.

And yes, MP4 isn't your best bet for video from a DVD . . .

Thanks Chris. How is NZ? Depends what you're talking about. Some things make me sick. As of March 1st I can no longer do work I've done for 40 years and am highly skilled in - unless I am licensed...The clowns up the top have imposed yet another bureaucratic monstrosity in place to stifle freedom and impose centralised control...

I'm using Vegas 11 so should have no trouble importing anything. All the different file formats/videos open fine in Win Media Player. Don't know why they shouldn't open in Vegas.

Could there be some switch somewhere?

Solved...I must have accidently hit a 'solo' button. I noticed that it wasn't only the newly ripped/imported track I wasn't seeing but all tracks except one...which made me look to see if there was anything different about that track, as all had been going. The exclamation mark had been activated...duh...