This isn't a Vegas question per se, but I've encountered this problem on the timeline. Occasionally I transfer DCIM images into the program, and then on the timeline--but they then go black. Sometimes the images return when I refresh the program. Or the images just stay black. When the images return I render them or copy them to somehow outwit this problem. It's worked, but I still don't know why the images, at least from one folder, go black on the timeline.

Excuse the ignorance but what are DCIM images?

Sorry--actually, I should say IMG images in the DCIM folder. The folder contains all the particular images I'm referring to.

From your description, it sounds like you are editing off your SDHC card, using pictures directly from it.

I normally upload all my resources to a hard drive and edit from there, because camera cards don't always seem to stay on line on my windows system.

Which version of Vegas are you using?
If you're using Cineform, check the following thread.
http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/cineform-software-showcase/499627-random-black-frames-when-rendering.html

I always use JPGs out of the DCIM folder (after copying them to the hard drive). Are you trying to use the raw images? What if you convert them to PNG or JPG first?

Thanks for the replies; I'm using Vegas 9.0. I guess I should convert them to jpg, true. I only had this problem with photos, not video.

I prefer PNG because it's a near lossless format in case I do any editing to the source images.

Historically, Vegas has liked png better than jpg. Not sure I've seen this crop up with current versions.

If you haven't tried freeware IrfanView, it's worth a look. It has an excellent batch processor for conversions. Takes a little figuring out, but the time invested is well worth it!

Thanks for the info.