HDLink -- various questions

Ben Winter · July 13th, 2006, 08:57 PM

...and it's very inconvenient.

Every time I leave the computer while it's capturing/converting a tape's worth of footage, it'll randomly stop. The tape stops, the conversion stops, and the tape'll have 10-20 minutes left to go. This is with scene detection on. Then at the end of the tape, my computer crashes and restarts on it's own, and I lose whatever the last scene being captured was. What's going on?

David Newman · July 13th, 2006, 09:32 PM

I haven't heard of that crash. Please fill a trouble ticket as clearly that is not normal.

Wayne Johnson · July 23rd, 2006, 07:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David Newman

I haven't heard of that crash. Please fill a trouble ticket as clearly that is not normal.

I've been reporting this problem for a year now and have been told to stop because nobody else is having it!

David Taylor · July 23rd, 2006, 08:54 AM

Wayne / Ben,

There is another thread that discusses the "random STOP" issue when using HDLink to convert HDV files: http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthrea...ghlight=hdlink. In that thread we mention that we have a fix that will be posted shortly. We haven't released that update yet, but we will do so this week. Based on the description in the post, I suspect this might be your problem.

Alex Raskin · August 2nd, 2006, 09:43 PM

Needed to export 4 m2t clips to tape so they'd play back-to-back.

However HDLink seems to stop after the first clip export.

How do I export a number of clips? They show in HDlink's window, but again, only the top one gets exported.

Am I omitting something?

Pete Bauer · August 2nd, 2006, 09:55 PM

I guess we'll have to see what the Cineform guys have to say, but it reminds me of the previously reported converter issue mentioned in these threads:
http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=69723
http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=71440

Hopefully the next build will be out soon.

David Newman · August 2nd, 2006, 09:55 PM

That did work last time I tried that, over a year ago, so I don't know if that is a new bug or not. I suggest filing ticket so at least the support guys can try it out and file a bug report if necessary.

Dan Robinson · August 14th, 2006, 10:29 AM

I am having trouble with extreme artifacting (horizontal lines) on my Cineform intermediate AVI files. I have traced the problem to the M2T to Cineform intermediate AVI conversion process in HDLink.

My laptop was recently reformatted due to an unrelated issue, and I was sent a completely new install file from Cineform techs, as I needed a new activation code. Apparently this install file is a different version of Connect HD / HDLink than the one I had previously, as the version I had before didn't exhibit the problem.

Without trying to describe the artifacting problem in detail, I'll just post a exported frame of what is happening:

http://wvlightning.com/stuff/searstower1a2.jpg

Any ideas?

Bob Hart · August 14th, 2006, 11:10 AM

Your files are 1440 x 1080 according to the screen grab you have posted..

A silly question, but after you installed the newer version, did you check the preferences in the standalone cineform HDLink capture utility or have you gone straight back into Premiere and recommenced exporting from there. As I said, a silly question but maybe one that got by you if you were tired and frustrated by the whole show.

With a clean re-install, everything would have gone back to defaults and would need resetting.

If you have looked into this, then attribute this comment to the ravings of a craven fool in the tech arts who knows but enough about crossing a road to step in front of a truck and wonders why he somehow cannot continue furthur after it passes.

I also found, after a re-install when I messed up, that I had to have a couple of goes at playing the timeline before things settled down.

Among other things, Premiere Pro had to re-establish all the connections between the captured files and the Projects which hosted them.

My system is not Adobe approved for Premiere Pro 2 and XP seems to have an occasional problem with the hardware I have set up.

If it gets sick, I cycle it through a start-up and shutdown cycle at least once without tasking if it has crashed for any reason. That seems to fix it.

David Newman · August 14th, 2006, 11:47 AM

Dan,

You are trying to run Connect HD with Premiere Pro, you really need Aspect HD. The issue is the Premeire AVI importer has not been updated, Adobe made mistake of cooking in a very old version of the CineForm decoder, it is lower quality and not compatible with the high quality images created with today's CineForm tools. If you contact CineForm support there is a work-around. However, Aspect HD is the best solution for Premiere Pro.

Dwayne Dupre · August 15th, 2006, 05:20 AM

I have AspectHD. I've updated every build. I still have this same problem as Dan when I output to tape. Everything looks great until I need to output. Yes all my setting are correct.

Ali Husain · August 15th, 2006, 05:35 AM

so whenever i convert MXF files which are approximately >1.5gb with the HDLink "import" function, i get the EC_ERRORABORT notification message after HDLink is about 10% done. i'm left with an AVI file which plays about 10% through with video and sound, but after that only sound. i've loaded this aborted file into sony vegas to confirm that i have the full audio and only 10% of the initial video.

if i rename the AUDIO directory to hacked_AUDIO (so HDLink can't find those files), then i DO NOT get the EC_ERRORABORT notification and the entire file converts, albeit without any sound.

this is 100% reproduceable for me. comments?

i filed a ticket and also posted in the cineform support group. here are details:

platform: windows XP sp2, pentium IV, 2gb ram
version: CineForm Connect HD (3.0.4 Build 22) DEMO VERSION (but I plan to buy the full version! this codec is amazing!)
preferences: HD File Size: Large
Frame Format: Automatic
Resize Video to 1280x720

the files are sourced from 720/24pN footage, and were copied to a harddrive automatically with P2 Genie.

as a test that the problem is probably NOT with the MXF files: i invoked RayLight on the same files without any hack and they convert completely and play back fine in all quality modes with audio.

any ideas?

thanks!

David Newman · August 15th, 2006, 09:06 AM

Dwayne,

You either have install problem you some mixed vintage footage on an early Althon or something else. This problem is very old. Please file a trouble ticket.

David Newman · August 15th, 2006, 09:08 AM

Very interesting investigation. Can you send us the audio and video pair that will not convert?

Darryl Hill · August 15th, 2006, 01:57 PM

I was getting the exact same error message and I was able to convert without the audio files. I placed a ticket with cineform and they said it was because the HVX200 was trying to tape over the same p2 file
I had left the camera running and did not turn it off before the end of the p2 card had filled up.

July 13th, 2006, 08:57 PM	#46
Ben Winter Trustee Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Hollywood, CA Posts: 1,675 Images: 1	HDLink randomly stops/crashes computer at end of tape ...and it's very inconvenient. Every time I leave the computer while it's capturing/converting a tape's worth of footage, it'll randomly stop. The tape stops, the conversion stops, and the tape'll have 10-20 minutes left to go. This is with scene detection on. Then at the end of the tape, my computer crashes and restarts on it's own, and I lose whatever the last scene being captured was. What's going on? __________________ BenWinter.com

July 13th, 2006, 09:32 PM	#47
David Newman CTO, CineForm Inc. Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Cardiff-by-the-Sea, California Posts: 8,095	I haven't heard of that crash. Please fill a trouble ticket as clearly that is not normal. __________________ David Newman -- web: www.gopro.com blog: cineform.blogspot.com -- twitter: twitter.com/David_Newman

August 2nd, 2006, 09:43 PM	#50
Alex Raskin Trustee Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 1,435	HDLink export to tape Needed to export 4 m2t clips to tape so they'd play back-to-back. However HDLink seems to stop after the first clip export. How do I export a number of clips? They show in HDlink's window, but again, only the top one gets exported. Am I omitting something?

August 2nd, 2006, 09:55 PM	#51
Pete Bauer Wrangler Join Date: May 2003 Location: Eagle River, AK Posts: 4,100	I guess we'll have to see what the Cineform guys have to say, but it reminds me of the previously reported converter issue mentioned in these threads: http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=69723 http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=71440 Hopefully the next build will be out soon. __________________ Pete Bauer The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and science. Albert Einstein Trying to solve a DV mystery? You may find the answer behind the SEARCH function ... or be able to join a discussion already in progress!

August 2nd, 2006, 09:55 PM	#52
David Newman CTO, CineForm Inc. Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Cardiff-by-the-Sea, California Posts: 8,095	That did work last time I tried that, over a year ago, so I don't know if that is a new bug or not. I suggest filing ticket so at least the support guys can try it out and file a bug report if necessary. __________________ David Newman -- web: www.gopro.com blog: cineform.blogspot.com -- twitter: twitter.com/David_Newman

July 23rd, 2006, 08:54 AM	#49
David Taylor Major Player Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Solana Beach, CA Posts: 853	Wayne / Ben, There is another thread that discusses the "random STOP" issue when using HDLink to convert HDV files: http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthrea...ghlight=hdlink. In that thread we mention that we have a fix that will be posted shortly. We haven't released that update yet, but we will do so this week. Based on the description in the post, I suspect this might be your problem.

August 14th, 2006, 10:29 AM	#53
Dan Robinson Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Charleston, West Virginia Posts: 131	Severe artifacting in HDLink M2T-AVI conversions I am having trouble with extreme artifacting (horizontal lines) on my Cineform intermediate AVI files. I have traced the problem to the M2T to Cineform intermediate AVI conversion process in HDLink. My laptop was recently reformatted due to an unrelated issue, and I was sent a completely new install file from Cineform techs, as I needed a new activation code. Apparently this install file is a different version of Connect HD / HDLink than the one I had previously, as the version I had before didn't exhibit the problem. Without trying to describe the artifacting problem in detail, I'll just post a exported frame of what is happening: http://wvlightning.com/stuff/searstower1a2.jpg Any ideas?

August 14th, 2006, 11:10 AM	#54
Bob Hart Inner Circle Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: PERTH. W.A. AUSTRALIA. Posts: 4,476	Your files are 1440 x 1080 according to the screen grab you have posted.. A silly question, but after you installed the newer version, did you check the preferences in the standalone cineform HDLink capture utility or have you gone straight back into Premiere and recommenced exporting from there. As I said, a silly question but maybe one that got by you if you were tired and frustrated by the whole show. With a clean re-install, everything would have gone back to defaults and would need resetting. If you have looked into this, then attribute this comment to the ravings of a craven fool in the tech arts who knows but enough about crossing a road to step in front of a truck and wonders why he somehow cannot continue furthur after it passes. I also found, after a re-install when I messed up, that I had to have a couple of goes at playing the timeline before things settled down. Among other things, Premiere Pro had to re-establish all the connections between the captured files and the Projects which hosted them. My system is not Adobe approved for Premiere Pro 2 and XP seems to have an occasional problem with the hardware I have set up. If it gets sick, I cycle it through a start-up and shutdown cycle at least once without tasking if it has crashed for any reason. That seems to fix it.

August 14th, 2006, 11:47 AM	#55
David Newman CTO, CineForm Inc. Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Cardiff-by-the-Sea, California Posts: 8,095	Dan, You are trying to run Connect HD with Premiere Pro, you really need Aspect HD. The issue is the Premeire AVI importer has not been updated, Adobe made mistake of cooking in a very old version of the CineForm decoder, it is lower quality and not compatible with the high quality images created with today's CineForm tools. If you contact CineForm support there is a work-around. However, Aspect HD is the best solution for Premiere Pro. __________________ David Newman -- web: www.gopro.com blog: cineform.blogspot.com -- twitter: twitter.com/David_Newman

August 15th, 2006, 05:20 AM	#56
Dwayne Dupre New Boot Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Baton Rouge, LA Posts: 11	I have AspectHD. I've updated every build. I still have this same problem as Dan when I output to tape. Everything looks great until I need to output. Yes all my setting are correct.

August 15th, 2006, 05:35 AM	#57
Ali Husain Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 141	is this the HDLink bug? so whenever i convert MXF files which are approximately >1.5gb with the HDLink "import" function, i get the EC_ERRORABORT notification message after HDLink is about 10% done. i'm left with an AVI file which plays about 10% through with video and sound, but after that only sound. i've loaded this aborted file into sony vegas to confirm that i have the full audio and only 10% of the initial video. if i rename the AUDIO directory to hacked_AUDIO (so HDLink can't find those files), then i DO NOT get the EC_ERRORABORT notification and the entire file converts, albeit without any sound. this is 100% reproduceable for me. comments? i filed a ticket and also posted in the cineform support group. here are details: platform: windows XP sp2, pentium IV, 2gb ram version: CineForm Connect HD (3.0.4 Build 22) DEMO VERSION (but I plan to buy the full version! this codec is amazing!) preferences: HD File Size: Large Frame Format: Automatic Resize Video to 1280x720 the files are sourced from 720/24pN footage, and were copied to a harddrive automatically with P2 Genie. as a test that the problem is probably NOT with the MXF files: i invoked RayLight on the same files without any hack and they convert completely and play back fine in all quality modes with audio. any ideas? thanks!

August 15th, 2006, 09:06 AM	#58
David Newman CTO, CineForm Inc. Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Cardiff-by-the-Sea, California Posts: 8,095	Dwayne, You either have install problem you some mixed vintage footage on an early Althon or something else. This problem is very old. Please file a trouble ticket. __________________ David Newman -- web: www.gopro.com blog: cineform.blogspot.com -- twitter: twitter.com/David_Newman

August 15th, 2006, 09:08 AM	#59
David Newman CTO, CineForm Inc. Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Cardiff-by-the-Sea, California Posts: 8,095	Very interesting investigation. Can you send us the audio and video pair that will not convert? __________________ David Newman -- web: www.gopro.com blog: cineform.blogspot.com -- twitter: twitter.com/David_Newman

August 15th, 2006, 01:57 PM	#60
Darryl Hill New Boot Join Date: May 2006 Location: Longwood Florida Posts: 15	I was getting the exact same error message and I was able to convert without the audio files. I placed a ticket with cineform and they said it was because the HVX200 was trying to tape over the same p2 file I had left the camera running and did not turn it off before the end of the p2 card had filled up.