I am trying to convert HDV to SD DVD "the Jason Livingston way" (see http://dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=70792). After editing I export to file type CFHD, but VirtualDub will not recognize the CineForm HD file, reporting "Couldn't locate decompressor for format 'CFHD' (unknown)."

I use Windows XP no service packs, Adobe Premiere Pro 1.5.1, VirtualDub 1.6.16 (also tested VirtualDub MPEG2 with identical results).

Any idea where the codec is located on the hard drive? Normally, video codecs are listed at HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE_Software > Software > Microsoft > Windows NT > CurrentVersion > Drivers32 > vidc.dvsd, but I don't see the CFHD codec listed there, unless it's hiding under a different name...

Your help much appreciated,

There's a directshow CFHD codec and a legacy VFW codec - Virtualdub seems to use the VFW one, at least as it is presently setup on my machine.

In the registry its listed here: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE> Software > Microsoft > Windows NT > CurrentVersion > Drivers.desc>

CFHD.dll Cineform HD VFW codec.

The dll is sitting in my Windows/System32 folder.

Hope that helps .... have you tried simply uninstalling and reinstalling AspectHD?

Edit: Oops, I see now you are using PPro1.51. That I believe is an older CF codec and as I dont have 1.5.1 on my machine, I'm not sure if the above info is relevant. Sorry.

Edit2: I believe the CFHD codec that comes with premiere is not licensed for use with other applications. So Jason may have been using the AspectHD version. If all you need to do is decode (and not encode) CFHD files, then simply install the AspectHD trial then uninstall it again - when you do so, it deliberately leaves behind the decoder.

Edit3: um....maybe it just leaves behind the Directshow codec. Not sure about the VFW one? Try it and see....

Can anyone from CineForm confirm any of Graham's ideas?

Thanks,

Try posting a question direct to the Cineform forum - they usually answer promptly there...