Mpeg File Stutters

[momoffduty]

I have a short Mpeg file that I tried to convert to an AVI file in PrPro. I've done this before (different cam), but this Mpeg still stutters. Ran it thru GSpot, see attached. Any ideas to convert? Thanks.

[Steve Grisetti]

Remember, MPEGs use upper field first interlacing and AVIs use lower field first. So you've either got to have your project set up to read MPEGs or you need to right-click on each MPEG on your timeline, select Field Options and then Reverse Field Order.

[Bob]

Where did that MPEG-1 file come from? It's rather odd. If GSpot is reporting correctly, the file is not interlaced, has a pixel aspect ratio of 1:1, and contains only I-frames. It's also VGA resolution: 640x480.

You have Premiere Pro CS5 which can handle mixed media fairly well. If you want to convert to standard dv-avi, I'd try putting the clip into a standard dv sequence and set the field options of the clip to specify "none" for the processing options.

[momoffduty]

I have PrPro CS3 and started a standard NTSC project to convert. The reverse field order did help some and I changed the interpret footage to 29.97 from 30.0. That helped, but still had a couple errant stutters.

On a long shot, I took it to AE (CS4). Created a custom comp: 640x480 1.0 PAR 30fps. Nested that comp into a standard NTSC comp and exported an AVI file. Got a good file with no stutters. Hopefully, it won't crash things later.

I thought I had converted this type of file before, but those were MJPEGs. This file was in the media given to me for a project and don't know what camera. A real mix of media on the photos too.

Thanks Bob & Steve

[Bob]

I thought you had CS5. Guess I was remembering incorrectly. Is it Photoshop CS5 that you have?

You should be able to do it in Premiere Pro CS3 too, you need to use a nested sequence like you did in AE CS4. Anyway, glad you were able to get it converted.

[momoffduty]

I do have PS CS5, editing via piecemeal. One day I'll get a complete suite. PrPro doesn't have the option to change each sequence to a different format. That feature must have started in CS4? Wish it did, comes in handy in AE.