Discussion

In order to encode a video file, the Encoder searches for the codec used to make the original source file. In general, if you are able to play the video file on the encoding computer, you have a codec that can be used to transcode it.

Crashes

Behaviour: The Clipstream™ Video Encoder crashes during encoding or at the start.

Solution / Explanation:

• First check to see if the source filename and path to the filename is correct
• Second check to see if the output directory exists. Check the full path(s) for spaces, non-standard characters, etc.
• Occasionally Clipstream™ Video 3 may not accept a specific height AND width setting (forced). If you instead input EITHER height OR width and allow the Encoder to arrive at the other unit by itself, it will encode successfully.
• Varying the framerate will sometimes solve this
• Varying the audio bitrate will sometimes solve this
• Search for an alternative codec for the source file
• Transcoding the original source video into a different format as a last resort

Bad update messages:

Behaviour: The Clipstream™ Video Encoder briefly displays Bad update and but continues with the encode.

Solution / Explanation:

• generally a corrupt frame found in the file.
• If the file finishes encoding, it should be okay. It will skip the suspect frame(s).
• If the Encoder cannot skip the frame, try varying the framerate
• Try varying the audio bitrate
• Transcoding the original source video into a different format as a last resort

ERROR: Invalid input File

Behaviour: The Clipstream™ Video Encoder briefly displays ERROR: Invalid input File and skips the encode.

Solution / Explanation:

• Ensure that the file is not 'in use' by another program such as a media player. (close other apps or even restart your system) That is the most common problem.
• Check the full path(s) for spaces, non-standard characters, etc.
• Be sure that the file is not in an uncommon format. Even though the extension is .avi, it could be unreadable in many programs
• Videos encoded from CD --if the source file is on a disk that you cannot write to, be sure to specify an output path!

If you require more urgent assistance please enter a Help Ticket in our Help desk and we can examine your source video and provide you with suggestions / encoding help.