mp4 file and generic error

[AlanSilberlight]

I received an mp4 file of 650 mbs from a friend in England. The file had come to him as a download. I attempted to use it in Adobe PE since I've used other mp4 files before. I was not able to and as I recall, the error message said something about "generic error." I tried viewing the file in Quicktime and was not able to. Is it possible that some mp4 files are made for the PAL format? Is there anything I can do about this? I am stumped. Thank you very much.

Alan Silberlight

[John 'twosheds' McDonald]

Have you tried it in WMP?

[Paul LS]

MP4 is a generic desciption of a file... there are many variations... not all will work in Premiere Elements. Those that dont need conevreting to a compatibale format such as Dv-AVI.

[AlanSilberlight]

Thank you both, John and Paul. WMP does not open this file. I don't think that WMP opens mp4 files. I used software to convert the mp4 file to an mp4 file. I realize that what I just said sounds ridiculous but there is software that converts any video file to mp4 so that it can be used in digital players and cell phones. The software is available for free at www.videora.com. There are different versions depending upon which digital player one owns. Even though I was able to make an mp4 file to use in the Blackberry Storm, I could not use the new file in Adobe PE. I was able to import it but the program began to hang as it was generating thge peak file.

What software can I use to convert my mp4 file to DV-AVI?

Thank you very much.
Alan Silberlight

[John 'twosheds' McDonald]

There may well be freeware but I use this:

http://www.deskshare.com/dmcpro.aspx

You can download it and 'try before you buy' but the trial is limited to three minutes output.