new version of SDcopy.exe available

Hi
The new version V1.99beta of my tool sdcopy.exe is available here:
http://zyvid.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=280.0;id=153
You can use it to convert the mod files from the Panasonic or JVC tapeless camcorders to standard mpeg2 files.
The new version now sorts the thumbnail icons by the file date and lets its icon blink in the taskbar in case the copy operation is finished(helpful when running in background).

Thanks Sektionschef. I'll try that one on my new mini laptop complete with SD slot! :D

I just got my everio yesterday. This tool is very nice. When I use it to set the 16x9 flag and play the clips in WMP (on vista) I get green bars top and bottom. Is that because of my player? Is there any way I can get those to be black?

I just got my everio yesterday. This tool is very nice. When I use it to set the 16x9 flag and play the clips in WMP (on vista) I get green bars top and bottom. Is that because of my player? Is there any way I can get those to be black?
Hi
Sorry, I don't have any experiences with Windows Vista yet.
However, I doubt that this problem comes from my tool because it just modifies a flag in the headers but does not do any modifications to the video content. Can you try a different video player(VLC)?

Hi
Sorry, I don't have any experiences with Windows Vista yet.
However, I doubt that this problem comes from my tool because it just modifies a flag in the headers but does not do any modifications to the video content. Can you try a different video player(VLC)?

Pardon for my ignorance but what does the prog do that is different than you renaming the MOV file to MPEG to allow you to edit in other software?

Hi
Sorry, I don't have any experiences with Windows Vista yet.
However, I doubt that this problem comes from my tool because it just modifies a flag in the headers but does not do any modifications to the video content. Can you try a different video player(VLC)?
Thanks for replying, sorry I didn't test further before asking the question. In WMP 11 on my vista box if I click inside the video frame after opening the video then the background goes from green screen green to black. Opening it in VLC it gives a black background like it should. Thats an annoying qwirck but it could just be this PC I'll have to play with it at home.

On both my vista box and my XP 64 bit box here when I open the video in Media player 11 the ratio only looks right after processing with your tool. Before your tool the 16x9 is squashed to 4x3.

On both boxes if I open it with VLC after using your tool then they are stretched extra wide. If I manually rename the origanel mod to mpg and open with VLC then they the ratio is correct. So some players are catching the JVC flag and some aren't.

Your tool is very nice, I really like renaming the files to a time date stamp and the ease of uploading the camera. It baffles me why JVC doesn't provide a tool like this.


Pardon for my ignorance but what does the prog do that is different than you renaming the MOV file to MPEG to allow you to edit in other software?
I've only been using the tool for a day but it will also rename the files to a time and date format of your choosing and it can correct the 16x9 ratio flag for some apps. It also simplifies unloading your camcorder. Once you set up the source and destination you can unload your camera just by launching the tool and clicking the start button. If thats to much work for you, you could launch the command line from a batch file and unload your camera with a single click. I haven't tried that yet but thats what I need to make it so that my wife can do it.

I've only been using the tool for a day but it will also rename the files to a time and date format of your choosing and it can correct the 16x9 ratio flag for some apps. It also simplifies unloading your camcorder. Once you set up the source and destination you can unload your camera just by launching the tool and clicking the start button. If thats to much work for you, you could launch the command line from a batch file and unload your camera with a single click. I haven't tried that yet but thats what I need to make it so that my wife can do it.

The Panasonic SDR-S150 allows me to either remove the 8G card and insert it in the card reader or connect the camera directly and permits me to see the individual files on the card as MOV. My file management program allows me to copy from destination to source with one click and then batch rename all the files easily. I don't have to launch the supplied software to import the files.

However, my desktop is XP and I found it a lot easier to edit the videos with the supplied software and then using Windows Movie Maker to convert them to WMV. Select an option switch to save them as 16:9 vice 4:3. This process works so much nicer than when I was trying it with Premier etc.

My Laptop on the other hand is Vista (argh) and the supplied software isn't supported so I have no choice but to use either Premier or something else if I can find it.. Shame as the laptop is new and purchased for portability for my upcoming projects.. Soon time to nuke out Vista and put XP on it..

I think it's on this thread where I put up a link to a video I did this past weekend using the fast process.. I'm impressed with this camera!

The Panasonic SDR-S150 allows me to either remove the 8G card and insert it in the card reader or connect the camera directly and permits me to see the individual files on the card as MOV. My file management program allows me to copy from destination to source with one click and then batch rename all the files easily. I don't have to launch the supplied software to import the files.
I'm using a JVC camera the software that came with mine is aweful in my opinion so possibly this utility is much more useful to me than to you. On the JVC cam the files are all .mod (not .mov) and most software won't open them but if you rename them to .mpg they open just fine because they are just mpeg2.

I'm using a JVC camera the software that came with mine is aweful in my opinion so possibly this utility is much more useful to me than to you. On the JVC cam the files are all .mod (not .mov) and most software won't open them but if you rename them to .mpg they open just fine because they are just mpeg2.

Ok I understand now.. no worries.. Are you still able to just copy the MOD files as is to the PC and then batch rename them? Oh wait, that's what the software does lol.. Nice.

The supplied editing software (gees, I can never remember what it's called) works well enough for my needs, not as powerful as Premier but gooder'nuff.. ; )

Cheers

Ok I understand now.. no worries.. Are you still able to just copy the MOD files as is to the PC and then batch rename them? Oh wait, that's what the software does lol.. Nice.

The supplied editing software (gees, I can never remember what it's called) works well enough for my needs, not as powerful as Premier but gooder'nuff.. ; )
The included editing software is good enough for simple edits but the camera didn't come with anything to unload it. I could browse to the camera and drag and drop the files to my computer but this utility does it all for me. Hence why I like it so much. Plus the added benefit of fixing the 16x9 flag and renaming them into whatever format I desire. Personally I prefer the time date stamp format.

I am enjoying the lack of tapes. The video quality may not be as good as the best current mini DV tape cameras but its as good a quality as the video from my 3 yr old mini DV and for me thats good enough.

Pardon for my ignorance but what does the prog do that is different than you renaming the MOV file to MPEG to allow you to edit in other software?
Hi Seaking
If you record in 16:9 widescreen format with your S150 then you should have noticed that most video editing sw do not display the video correct. This is because Panasonic and JVC do not set the 16:9 flag correct inside the mpeg2 headers, instead they put the flag inside the corresponding MOI file. It is no problem to convert MOD to MPG(just rename them) but my tool SDcopy.exe also sets the 16:9 flag inside the MOD file correctly. I think that Panasonic'S MotionSD sw also does this that's why you haven't encountered any problems so far.
I don't like the Panansonic sw at all that's why I wrote my tool.

Hi Seaking
If you record in 16:9 widescreen format with your S150 then you should have noticed that most video editing sw do not display the video correct. This is because Panasonic and JVC do not set the 16:9 flag correct inside the mpeg2 headers, instead they put the flag inside the corresponding MOI file. It is no problem to convert MOD to MPG(just rename them) but my tool SDcopy.exe also sets the 16:9 flag inside the MOD file correctly. I think that Panasonic'S MotionSD sw also does this that's why you haven't encountered any problems so far.
I don't like the Panansonic sw at all that's why I wrote my tool.

Understood, thanks for clarifying that for me.. learning something new every day ; ) The only one thing I don't like about the MotionSD software is that I haven't found the UNDO abilities of it, if it even has one.. so before you cut or edit, ya gotta be sure you got it right..

Cheers!

I have sdr-s150 and your sdcopy is a useful program... but i have a question: i write dvd (iso) with mpeg (and correct with your program in 16:9) but on dvd player the mpeg files are always in 4:3... maybe the problem is dvd (iso mode)? thanks for all

Even with a proper well balanced hammer, a carpenter can mash his thumb trying to hammer in a nail. That's what I did with SDCopy yesterday.

It is unusual for me to have more than 32 video clips on the SD card in one of my video cameras. I did yesterday. With my new SDR-S10, I find that with the 8GB SDHC Class 4 card in it, I don't need to empty the SD card every time I need to charge the battery. My normal protocol has been to start shooting with a fully charged battery and an empty SD card. Up until now, that means the battery and the SD card need maintenance at the same time, but not with an 8GB SD card in an SDR-S10. Even at XP, the SDR-S10 can record almost two hours of video on an 8GB SDHC card. The battery is good for half of that. So Sunday I ended up with 38 clips after using it Saturday and changing the battery, and then more shooting on Sunday. I can't help it if my grandchildren are so cute. :D

Some of you may know what happened next. SDCopy looks at directories full of clips and then copies them out. When a solid state camcorder records more than 32 clips, it starts a new directory. You have to remember that when you unload the SD card. I didn't, and proceeded to delete all the clips without having unloaded them all. Luckily, I used RecoverMyFiles to recover all the clips on the SD card. :)

Bye. :cool:

Even with a proper well balanced hammer, a carpenter can mash his thumb trying to hammer in a nail. That's what I did with SDCopy yesterday.

It is unusual for me to have more than 32 video clips on the SD card in one of my video cameras. I did yesterday. With my new SDR-S10, I find that with the 8GB SDHC Class 4 card in it, I don't need to empty the SD card every time I need to charge the battery. My normal protocol has been to start shooting with a fully charged battery and an empty SD card. Up until now, that means the battery and the SD card need maintenance at the same time, but not with an 8GB SD card in an SDR-S10. Even at XP, the SDR-S10 can record almost two hours of video on an 8GB SDHC card. The battery is good for half of that. So Sunday I ended up with 38 clips after using it Saturday and changing the battery, and then more shooting on Sunday. I can't help it if my grandchildren are so cute. :D

Some of you may know what happened next. SDCopy looks at directories full of clips and then copies them out. When a solid state camcorder records more than 32 clips, it starts a new directory. You have to remember that when you unload the SD card. I didn't, and proceeded to delete all the clips without having unloaded them all. Luckily, I used RecoverMyFiles to recover all the clips on the SD card. :)

Bye. :cool:
Crunchy, do you want to say that sdcopy does not copy more than 32 files??? Or doesn't sdcopy detect all the folders on the card??? Is there any problem with sdcopy that I could fix?
By the way, would you please post some S10 sample clips....

*** I needed to edit this message :eek: ***

SDCopy works just fine. Like I said, even a well balanced proper hammer can be used to smash your thumb.

I'll work on posting some samples. Today I shot some video of my grandchildren on a two story carousel. I'll use that. It was brightly lit indoors.

Bye. :cool:

Crunchy, do you want to say that sdcopy does not copy more than 32 files??? Or doesn't sdcopy detect all the folders on the card??? Is there any problem with sdcopy that I could fix?
By the way, would you please post some S10 sample clips....

[QUOTE=Crunchy DoodleI'll work on posting some samples. Today I shot some video of my grandchildren on a two story carousel. I'll use that. It was brightly lit indoors.
[/QUOTE]
Thanks!!!
Perhaps you can also comment the difference between S10 and S100/150 in terms of video quality.

For video quality the S100 beats the pants off the S10. It's that simple. If your criteria is video quality, the S100 / 150 is the way to go.

I was willing to sacrifice that high quality for ease of shooting and convenience. I can slip the S10 in my pocket and go. When I want to shoot video, I just grab the lanyard, pull out the S10, switch it on and shoot. Even with that special belt case I found for my S100, it was still more difficult to carry than the S10.

Besides video image quality, the OIS in the S100 is better than the EIS in the S10. I'm learning to hold my S10 more steady when I shoot.

So, I have my S10 for the quick and casual video shooting and my AG-HSC1U (now with RODE SVM) for the event videos I shoot. I even found a case (generic SLR lens case) for the AG-HSC1U with a belt loop I can wear if I need to. I have this thing for wearing my cameras.

I will get around to figuring out how to effectively post an S10 sample.

Bye. :cool:


Perhaps you can also comment the difference between S10 and S100/150 in terms of video quality.

I have what, hopefully, will be a silly question. I finally ordered the SDR-H200 and it should get here next week. In advance of that, I downloaded SDCopy. I currently have a folder called "SDCopy_files" on my desktop, as well as the ZIP file which contains the EXE file and a DLL file.

My question is where is the best place to actually keep these files? I assume I can keep the "SDCopy_files" folder in any directory. Could I also move the 2 files that are zipped into that folder? Do they need to be separate?

Ultimately, I will probably have a shortcut to the EXE on my desktop.

Thanks.

Hi
sdcopy.exe and mpeg2lib.dll should be in the same directory but you can put them into any directory you like and you can also have multiple of these directories on your PC.
I think it should even be possible to put sdcopy onto the drive of your H200 but you need to test this out.

Hi

The new version V1.993beta of sdcopy.exe is available.
-now "yyyymmdd_HHMMSS" is the default format for the filename
-some other minor modifications/bugfixes

can be downloaded from:
http://zyvid.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=280.0;id=210

Dear all

The new version V1.996beta of sdcopy is available:
-now the copied files will have the same creation and modification time than the original files
-now the file names of the copied files will be build with the creation time. Previous versions of sdcopy have used the modification time.
-new "WS-Flag patch mode" added. If the field "rename to" is blank then sdcopy will not copy/rename any files, instead it will directly patch the widescreen flag of the original files.

sdcopy V1.996beta can be downloaded here:
http://zyvid.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=280.0;id=211

If you encounter any problems then please let me know.

Hi
The new version V1.997beta of my tool sdcopy is available.

-this version now uses a "smart" way(hopefully smart enough ) how it builds the filenames with the file date/time:
if the creation time of the source file is blank(SDR-S100) then it uses the modification time of the source file to build the filename of the target file.
if the modification time is older then the creation time then it uses the creation time(SDR-S150)
if the creation time is older than the modification time(that is when you copy the file from the SD card to the HDD using windows explorer) then it uses the modification time.

-this version also has some fixes of minor problems with the GUI(pressing Abort during filesearch didn't always abort, Start button not disabled in case of blank source or target directory,etc...)

As usual I haven't had much time to do extensive tests therefore please let me know any problems you encounter with this version.

sdcopy V1.997beta can be downloaded here:
http://zyvid.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=280.0;id=212

I really enjoy using this tool! Thanks!

I haven't used this newest version yet.

I really enjoy using this tool! Thanks!

I haven't used this newest version yet.
Thanks!
Please use the latest version. I need feedback whether there are any problems with it.
By the way what camcorder are you using?

Hi
The new version V1.997beta of my tool sdcopy is available.

-this version now uses a "smart" way(hopefully smart enough ) how it builds the filenames with the file date/time:
if the creation time of the source file is blank(SDR-S100) then it uses the modification time of the source file to build the filename of the target file.
if the modification time is older then the creation time then it uses the creation time(SDR-S150)
if the creation time is older than the modification time(that is when you copy the file from the SD card to the HDD using windows explorer) then it uses the modification time.

-this version also has some fixes of minor problems with the GUI(pressing Abort during filesearch didn't always abort, Start button not disabled in case of blank source or target directory,etc...)

As usual I haven't had much time to do extensive tests therefore please let me know any problems you encounter with this version.

sdcopy V1.997beta can be downloaded here:
http://zyvid.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=280.0;id=212


Hi, I DL'd your utility and gave it a try but fail to see what it does to assist me. I gathered that it will copy my video files from my SDR-150 and add the proper tag that defines the file as a 16:9 format but its still not quit doing that when I load the video into say something like Windows Movie Maker. The supplied video editor that comes with the camera is ok but very limited (no undo) so I'm always searching for a video editor that I can use to edit these files easily and effectively.

Premiere 6.5 seems like it can do the job but can't preview the videos properly (preview is very slow and not smooth at all, almost impossible to do a proper job)..

What are people using to do editing with these video files which will also allow you to superimpose a logo over the video (website url for example)..

this is an awesome camera, but dang it I need a better video editor!

Anyone?

I am using Vista, will your tool work for me?

you can use ulead video studio 11... there is smart rendering option...

I am using Vista, will your tool work for me?

My laptop is Vista (sucks Vista) and the Windows Movie Makers sucks on this version, sorry, it just sucks, hence why I was trying DivX Author..

talk about compatibility problems with the SDR-150 and everything else you're trying to do.. back to XP soon!

you can use ulead video studio 11... there is smart rendering option...

argh yet another software to trial and purchase.. hopefully this one will work properly.. combo of laptop and SDR-150 is awesome when travelling..

hopefully all is Vista compatible...

Cheers

Hi Guys
I don't have Windows Vista but I got confirmations from other users that my tool sdcopy works fine under Vista.
To edit the mpeg2 clips from my SDR-S100(predecessor of SDR-S150) I have used Ulead Videostudio in the past. It handles the mpeg2 files fine but it was very unstable and had a lot of limitations.
Then I used Magix Video Deluxe 2007-2008 and I like it very much.
I can highly recommend this sw to edit the files of your S150 cam.
In the US this product is Magix Movie Edit Pro11.
Hope that helps

Hi Guys
I don't have Windows Vista but I got confirmations from other users that my tool sdcopy works fine under Vista.
To edit the mpeg2 clips from my SDR-S100(predecessor of SDR-S150) I have used Ulead Videostudio in the past. It handles the mpeg2 files fine but it was very unstable and had a lot of limitations.
Then I used Magix Video Deluxe 2007-2008 and I like it very much.
I can highly recommend this sw to edit the files of your S150 cam.
In the US this product is Magix Movie Edit Pro11.
Hope that helps


omg, MANY thank for THAT recommendation!! I downloaded the trial version and put it through some pace and it does what I need it to do.. however, on my Vista laptop it did lockup the system when I tried the 'cleanup' feature but otherwise it really edited nicely and coverted it to WMV with a web url stamped on it which is what I needed..

Many thanks once again.. simple easy work load once you figure the software out (I should RTFM too)

Hi
The new version V1.99beta of my tool sdcopy.exe is available here:
http://zyvid.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=280.0;id=153
You can use it to convert the mod files from the Panasonic or JVC tapeless camcorders to standard mpeg2 files.
The new version now sorts the thumbnail icons by the file date and lets its icon blink in the taskbar in case the copy operation is finished(helpful when running in background).
=============
Dear Secktionchef,
I've recently bought a Panasonic Camcorder SDR-H18, that is my first experience with video cameras.
Using its software (Imagemix3) I can see and burn what was recorded in widescreen format. Using Windows Media Player or Nero I can not. So I tried your conversion software mentioned above, but all remained the same, just the file name was modified.
Did I do something wrong?

Thank you and Regards
Cesar

=============
Dear Secktionchef,
I've recently bought a Panasonic Camcorder SDR-H18, that is my first experience with video cameras.
Using its software (Imagemix3) I can see and burn what was recorded in widescreen format. Using Windows Media Player or Nero I can not. So I tried your conversion software mentioned above, but all remained the same, just the file name was modified.
Did I do something wrong?

Thank you and Regards
Cesar
Hi
Have you checked "set Wide-Screen Flag(16:9)" before starting the conversion? Then Windows Media Player should show the correct aspect ratio.

Hi
The new version V1.997beta of my tool sdcopy is available.

-this version now uses a "smart" way(hopefully smart enough ) how it builds the filenames with the file date/time:
if the creation time of the source file is blank(SDR-S100) then it uses the modification time of the source file to build the filename of the target file.
if the modification time is older then the creation time then it uses the creation time(SDR-S150)
if the creation time is older than the modification time(that is when you copy the file from the SD card to the HDD using windows explorer) then it uses the modification time.

-this version also has some fixes of minor problems with the GUI(pressing Abort during filesearch didn't always abort, Start button not disabled in case of blank source or target directory,etc...)

As usual I haven't had much time to do extensive tests therefore please let me know any problems you encounter with this version.

sdcopy V1.997beta can be downloaded here:
http://zyvid.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=280.0;id=212

Hi Sektionschef!

First of all, thank you very much for SDCopy. Its simple and get the job done! :)

I was trying to get the filename pattern to work with yyyy-mm-dd_HH-MM with no success. Tried the 1.99b and 1.997b versions.

Using the 1.993b version I got the yyyymmdd_HHMMSS pattern working. But when tried to change it in the .ini file to yyyy-mm-dd_HH-MM the program returned to the original pattern (ddmmyyyy_HHMMSS).

The 1.997b version doesn't use the yyyymmdd... pattern even without changing the .ini file.

Well, just wanted to give you this feedback. It is already very good the way it is... :)

If i can make a suggestion: it would be nice to have a link to the latest version of the software, maybe in your profile?

Thank you very much!

Cheers,

Rafael Leite

Hi Rafael
Thanks for your feedback.
sdcopy only supports those date/time formats that are listed in the ini file. If it doesn't find a "known" format with the setting
datetimeformat=...
then it always uses the default pattern "ddmmyyyy_HHMMSS"
"yyyy-mm-dd_HH-MM" is not supported but you can use "yyyy-mm-dd_HH-MM-SS" instead.
Support for a date/time format without seconds(like yyyy-mm-dd_HH-MM) would not make sense because all recordings that are done in the same minute will have the same filename.
Regarding link to latest version: I will think about this.

Happy new year

Hi,
I am new to this forum. Sektionschef, I dl your program and when I tried to convert all of my files, Then only thing I could get to play was the audio portion of the file. I spent a good 2 hours yesterday with this and got nowhere. I have to be doing something wrong. This is my first DV. I bought the JVC MG155. Great beginner camera but the MOD files stink and so does the software that came with it. I dl your sw. Then I selected the folder with the MOD files and created a target folder for the converted files. I typed in the date with .mpg at the end, selected the 16:9 box and hit start. It took about 10 minutes. I opened WMP and all I got was the audio. No video. Your help would be appreciated.
Thanks
T

Hi,
I am new to this forum. Sektionschef, I dl your program and when I tried to convert all of my files, Then only thing I could get to play was the audio portion of the file. I spent a good 2 hours yesterday with this and got nowhere. I have to be doing something wrong. This is my first DV. I bought the JVC MG155. Great beginner camera but the MOD files stink and so does the software that came with it. I dl your sw. Then I selected the folder with the MOD files and created a target folder for the converted files. I typed in the date with .mpg at the end, selected the 16:9 box and hit start. It took about 10 minutes. I opened WMP and all I got was the audio. No video. Your help would be appreciated.
Thanks
T
Hi
The MOD and MPG files are both video files in mpeg2 format. Windows Media Player can not play mpeg2 files without installing an additional mpeg2 decoder. Do you have any player installed on your PC that can play DVDs? Such a player should also play these mpeg2 files.
So either download a mpeg2 decoder(there are free decoders available on the internet, you should find something at www.videohelp.com) or install other video players(like VLC or media player classic, both available at www.videohelp.com for free) that support mpeg2 format.
Hope that helps

Hi sectionchef, please accept these comments on your sdcopy tool, I hope you will not regard my comments as bashing, I just wanted to help you to improve this useful tool.

* Help button, "?". Hmm. When I click it, a modal dialog with some help text is created, so until I close it by using the tiny "X", I cannot proceed with the tool. I would appreciate a big "Close" button in the help window, also why is it app-modal after all?

* Source and target directories do not allow direct typing in, they are read-only and a user has to use "..." button and a directory list to select directories. I hate when I cannot type my directory path directly (sorry for the pun).

* There is no hotkey to invoke directory lists aside of navigating to "..." buttons with Tab key and then pressing Space or Enter.

* Source and target directories have white background, which makes me think that I can type directory name right in, but I cannot. I think you should make the background the same color as main window. I know that the text itself is gray, but I think it should be vice versa: text is black, but background is the same color as the window.

* The utility accepts only 3-char extensions, no longer. What's up with that? Is your program as old as Windows 3.1? They did not have HDD-based camcorders back then. What about M2TS files?

* There is no way to provide a list of source extensions, like comma-separated "M2T, M2V, M2TS". Would be nice to have.

* The utility indeed just renames files, it does not convert them from transport stream or elementary stream to MPG file like StreamClip does, so it seems that renaming files is just a small added feature to the main purpose of this tool: setting "16x9" flag. Would be really-really-really nice if your tool converted files' structure like StreamClip, because StreamClip cannot do it in batch mode. Um, at least I don't know how to use StreamClip in batch mode.

* Added text is literally added text, not a datetime template. Why does the hint below the input field shows something that looks like a datetime template? I suggest removing the "(Example:yyyymmdd_HHMMSS.MPG)" altogether, it only messes people up (um, it messed me up).

* considering that datetime patterns are hardcoded (although in the ini file), it would make more sense to hardcode them in the app code, and to provide a dropdown box with patterns to choose from. Remove all patterns from the ini file, this will make things cleaner and less error-prone.

* The utility renames files completely, I would appreciate if it kept original file names and just changed the extension.

* the "Manual Selection" button listens to Source directory list only, it does not listen to "search for" input field, which is a bug. Also, sometimes this button is enabled on startup even if there are no matching files in the soure directory (which has been stored in the ini file).

* Clip selection window apparently tries to preview files, does not work with TOD files, so all I see is red crosses over white. I don't see file names either because for some reason you chose not to show them. Please add file names to clip list.

* In the clip selection window there is "Accept & Close" button, but there is no "Cancel" button. Since this is a Windows app, Windows style guide recommends separate "OK" and "Cancel" pushbuttons.

* It is not possible to select files in the clip selection window with keyboard.

* Clip area has vertical scrollbar even if clips do not overflow clip area.

* Clip selection window is resizeable, which is nice. But resizing vertical size beyond panel minimum size causes major flickering, apparently because of constant window repaint, instead you should just prevent window resizing beyond that point. Horizontal resizing can hide clip area altogether and the window size is remembered this way.

* If you resize clip selection window horizontally so that there are two medium-sized thumbnails displayed side-by-side, then switch to large thumbnails, you can see trace of medium thumbnails under large thumbnails. Guess you should repaint empty window before drawing large thumbnails.

* In the main window, if I switch to "All files found" and then switch to "Manual selection" again, my previously made selection is lost.

* seems that "set wide-screen flag" is based on extension only, not on real file structure. I am not sure that this is a definite bug, so I just mention it here.

Many Thanks, jockey

I wish that many others would also do such extensive tests with my tool.
Currently I am very busy but I promise when I have time I will go through your list and let you know my findings.
Just for confirmation: Did you do your tests with the latest Version V1.997beta?

Hi
The MOD and MPG files are both video files in mpeg2 format. Windows Media Player can not play mpeg2 files without installing an additional mpeg2 decoder. Do you have any player installed on your PC that can play DVDs? Such a player should also play these mpeg2 files.
So either download a mpeg2 decoder(there are free decoders available on the internet, you should find something at www.videohelp.com) or install other video players(like VLC or media player classic, both available at www.videohelp.com for free) that support mpeg2 format.
Hope that helps

That was the problem with WMP. I downloaded the codec pack and it worked fine. Would I have to do the same with Windows Movie Maker? I Just need a basic editing program and that works fine for me. I just cannot get video in WMM. Can I download a codec pac for that also?
Thanks for the help
T

I'm sorry, but I chuckled when I read this exchange. I find that SDcopy works exactly the way I would want it to work just the way it is. It does the three things that need doing for off-loading my Panasonic camcorder. It copies the video files from the camcorder to my PC. It sets the 16:9 flag in all the headers throughout the file. And finally, it changes the destination file name to a very usefull and user configurable time stamp name. As a bonus, it defaults to the desired source and destination directories. All I have to do is press one button and all I'd ever want it to do is taken care of.

If you feel the desire to enhance SDcopy, please don't remove this original functionality.

Bye. :cool:

Many Thanks, jockey

I wish that many others would also do such extensive tests with my tool.
Currently I am very busy but I promise when I have time I will go through your list and let you know my findings.
Just for confirmation: Did you do your tests with the latest Version V1.997beta?

Don't worry, Chrunchy
I don't want to change the main concept of sdcopy but I thank jockey for his extensive tests and the feedback.
He pointed out some issues that I will try to fix(like direct entering of the pathes). At the moment I am too busy to make modifications but I have already made some notes on my todo list.
I will inform you all when a new version is available.

I'm not sure if you're still monitoring this thread, but I just wanted to say thanks for the great utility, sektionschef! I haven't tested it thoroughly, but so far it seems to work great with my Panasonic-H18 and my Vista Home installation.

Out of curiousity, what did you write this utility in, and would you be willing to make it open source so fellow programmers (e.g. me) would be able to make changes/improvements (for personal or community use only, not for profit)?

I'm not sure if you're still monitoring this thread, but I just wanted to say thanks for the great utility, sektionschef! I haven't tested it thoroughly, but so far it seems to work great with my Panasonic-H18 and my Vista Home installation.

Out of curiousity, what did you write this utility in, and would you be willing to make it open source so fellow programmers (e.g. me) would be able to make changes/improvements (for personal or community use only, not for profit)?
Hi
Nice to hear that you are happy with my tool.
SDcopy is written in MS Visual Basic but it's not open source.
If you have ideas for improvements then please let me know.

Thanks M8, much appreciated!

Hi
The new version V1.99beta of my tool sdcopy.exe is available here:
http://zyvid.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=280.0;id=153
You can use it to convert the mod files from the Panasonic or JVC tapeless camcorders to standard mpeg2 files.
The new version now sorts the thumbnail icons by the file date and lets its icon blink in the taskbar in case the copy operation is finished(helpful when running in background).

Hi
Nice to hear that you are happy with my tool.
SDcopy is written in MS Visual Basic but it's not open source.
If you have ideas for improvements then please let me know.

Hmm, that's too bad. Are you planning to sell it at some point?

Anyhow, is there a way to use this tool to just set the widescreen flag correctly in the file headers without actually copying the files? I saw something about leaving the rename to field blank, but it still copied the files (without writing an extension on the new filenames).

Hmm, that's too bad. Are you planning to sell it at some point?

Anyhow, is there a way to use this tool to just set the widescreen flag correctly in the file headers without actually copying the files? I saw something about leaving the rename to field blank, but it still copied the files (without writing an extension on the new filenames).
Yes, if "search for" is either MOD or MPG and "rename to" is blank then the ws flag will directly be patched in the original files.
Make sure you use V1.997beta, this function was added in this version.

I was using version 1.99 (the one linked in the first post), and it did copy the files (but without an extension, as the "rename to" field was blank).

Not a huge deal - I just added the .mpg extension to the new files and deleted the originals, but we also had to go back and change the names of the new files back to the original file names, which took some time (since when it copied the files it renamed them using the date modified).

Hi Rafael
Thanks for your feedback.
sdcopy only supports those date/time formats that are listed in the ini file. If it doesn't find a "known" format with the setting
datetimeformat=...
then it always uses the default pattern "ddmmyyyy_HHMMSS"
"yyyy-mm-dd_HH-MM" is not supported but you can use "yyyy-mm-dd_HH-MM-SS" instead.
Support for a date/time format without seconds(like yyyy-mm-dd_HH-MM) would not make sense because all recordings that are done in the same minute will have the same filename.
Regarding link to latest version: I will think about this.

Happy new year


Hi there Sektionschef!

I've bought a Panasonic SDR-H250 and am sooo disappointed with the problems around aspect rations and absence of sound in Adobe Premiere 7. So many problems... I did not expect that from a global supplier like Panasonic!

While googling to find out how to handle my problems I stumbled across your SDcopy utility that actually helps with solving parts of my problem - the aspect ratio. (It works in Premiere but does not work for me in PowerDirector - where the ratio is still 4:3...) However, I still do not get any sound in Premiere so I am still stuck...... :mad: Got any ideas? You seem to be a camcorder god! :cool:

Regarding the date format in SDcopy, I would like to use "yyyy-mm-dd_HH-MM-SS" but I can't find the ini-file that you are mentioning. Where is it?

Would really appreciate some feedback on the above as my wife is expecting me to make wonderfully advanced DVDs from the recordings of our children... :)

Regards!

("Sektionschef" is a Swedish word for "section manager"... :) )

However, I still do not get any sound in Premiere so I am still stuck...... :mad: Got any ideas? You seem to be a camcorder god! :cool:

I assume that your camcorder records the audio in AC3 format.
I don't know Premiere and Powerdirector but make sure they support AC3 or Dolby5.1 audio(some require a plugin or update).
There also exist AC3filters that you can install on your PC. Then your AC3 audio will be "downconverted" to normal stereo audio. Try to google for ac3 filter.


Regarding the date format in SDcopy, I would like to use "yyyy-mm-dd_HH-MM-SS" but I can't find the ini-file that you are mentioning. Where is it?

First make sure you have downloaded the latest Version of SDcopy which is V1.9985beta. Unzip the 2 files(exe and dll) into a folder. Once you have started sdcopy.exe for the first time it will automatically create the file sdcopy.ini in the same folder where sdcopy.exe resides.
Then you can open sdcopy.ini with a text editor(notepad etc) and modify the datetimeformat to your needs.

Please let me know if there are still problems.

Impressively fast response!

I assume that your camcorder records the audio in AC3 format. I don't know Premiere and Powerdirector but make sure they support AC3 or Dolby5.1 audio(some require a plugin or update).
There also exist AC3filters that you can install on your PC. Then your AC3 audio will be "downconverted" to normal stereo audio. Try to google for ac3 filter.

From what I have seen on the net you seem to be right about the AC3 sound format in the SDR-H250 film files. I´ll have to investigate more around how I can overcome this.

I've just tested Magix Movie Edit 14 and it seems to "understand" the sound format of the files. However, the program does not seem to be as competent and advanced as Adobe Premiere...


First make sure you have downloaded the latest Version of SDcopy which is V1.9985beta. Unzip the 2 files(exe and dll) into a folder. Once you have started sdcopy.exe for the first time it will automatically create the file sdcopy.ini in the same folder where sdcopy.exe resides.
Then you can open sdcopy.ini with a text editor(notepad etc) and modify the datetimeformat to your needs.

Please let me know if there are still problems.

I was actually doing like you have explained it above, just that the .ini file never appeared in the folder. I tried moving the folder from the "Program (x86)" folder to another folder in my Vista (64 bit) system - and then suddenly the .ini file appeared. Great! Must have been due to security restricions in Vista...

Thanks a lot Sektionschefen - I really appreciate your help!!! :)

I just have to comment more clearly on my situation with my Panasonic SDR-H250:

I bought this camcorder thinking that storing, editing and creating cool DVDs was going to be a breeze. After hours on the net (no thanks to any official Panasonic channels though...) I have realized that i have to go through the following process after filming:

1. Import the files to my computer using the bundled program
2. Use SDcopy to set the 16:9 aspect ratio and to get a decent file name
3. Open up the files in an editing program that support the AC3 sound format
4. Export the files in another format that is supported by...
5. ...Adobe Premiere where I want to edit the films.

User friendly - NOT! I am so disappointed with this. If I wasn't so used to computers and the net I would never have solved this. What are you thinking Panasonic! Why isn't there some kind of official patch/utility from Panasonic to fix this!? :confused:

Again - thanks to Mr Sektionschefen for your very valuable help!

1. Import the files to my computer using the bundled program
2. Use SDcopy to set the 16:9 aspect ratio and to get a decent file name
3. Open up the files in an editing program that support the AC3 sound format
4. Export the files in another format that is supported by...
5. ...Adobe Premiere where I want to edit the films.


You should be able to reduce this to 2 steps:
Step1 can be removed, you should be able to do this with SDcopy:
Connect the camcorder to the PC, it should then be seen by the PC as an additional drive. Just specify this drive as the source directory in SDcopy. Then SDcopy will copy the files directlx from the camcorders hdd to the PCs hdd.
Steps 3 and 4 can be removed if you find a way how Premiere can handle AC3 files. Check Adobe's website what you can do to get AC3 support. Or, as mentioned in my previous post, get a free AC3 filter which will automatically do the AC3-to-stereo conversion for you during import into Premiere.

You should be able to reduce this to 2 steps:
Step1 can be removed, you should be able to do this with SDcopy:
Connect the camcorder to the PC, it should then be seen by the PC as an additional drive. Just specify this drive as the source directory in SDcopy. Then SDcopy will copy the files directlx from the camcorders hdd to the PCs hdd.
Steps 3 and 4 can be removed if you find a way how Premiere can handle AC3 files. Check Adobe's website what you can do to get AC3 support. Or, as mentioned in my previous post, get a free AC3 filter which will automatically do the AC3-to-stereo conversion for you during import into Premiere.


I´ve listened to your wise words and think that I am on my way to success now! :)

For .ac3 support in Premiere I downloaded a .dll file at:

http://www.mediacollege.com/adobe/premiere/pro/import/mpeg-ac3.html

This seems to work, but I haven't done very extensive testing yet. Maybe this weekend.

Thanks again Sektionschefen! :cool:

Dear all

Please find on the link below the new version V1.9987Beta of my tool SDcopy.

This Version has the following enhancements:

new features:
-SDcopy can now modify the "Display horizontal Size" and Display vertical Size" Parameters of the Sequence Display Extension(SDE) header.
This can eliminate aspect ratio display problems with some mpeg2 players.
To control this a new key for the ini File is introduced:
modify_sde=x
x can have the following values: 0... SDE will not be modified, 1... SDE will be deleted, 2...SDE will be set to same values than in sequence header
if no value is set then the default is value 2.

bug fixes:
SDcopy now does not allow you to press buttons or enter text during the copy process or while it is searching for files.

http://zyvid.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=280.0;id=217

Regards
Sektionschef

Was ready to return my new Panasonic SDR-H40 when I came across your tool. I was frustrated at getting the aspect ratio to try and come out at 16:9 and now with SDCOPY all is great.

One option I would like to see is the ability to set the right aspect ratio, but also be able to merge the various .MOD files into one file when copying it from the camera to the PC.

Thanks again.

Hello sektionschef

I think I have came across your first bug :)

Upon trying to copy some files from my SDR-h250 i get an error saying:

Error 6
Overflow

This happens only on some files, always the same files. It doesn't seem to be related to their length, or to how many files are selected or not. Right now I have some clips on my camera that generate the error, so if you have a debugging version or something, it's good time to try it, as I might delete the files when I need the camera, and I don't know if we'll encounter this problem again. I also have to say that your first version of the program does not exhibit this error, but versions 1.997 and 1.9987 do.

Thanks for the proggie, it's a small but nice utility ;)

Vially, I have sent you a PM.

Hello Sektionschef and all you Guys ,
I'm new here and honored to be a member of the club !
Having used a SDR H250 from a friend to help him edit his movies , I can' t tell you how disappointed I was with the first results until I discovered ( thank you Google ) this forum and your extraordinary tool , Sektionschef . Congratulations !
I still remain with 2 questions , though :
1° I have the same problem as Vially but only when using the 16:9 flag inside version 1.9987 ( I get the message error 6 overflow )
2° New key "modify_sde =" does'nt appear in the ini File ( I mean the file appearing after having activated sdcopy for the first time ) . I'm probably missing something there . Doe you mean changing f.i. resolution 704 x 576 to 720 x 576 is possible with the new key ? That would be just fantastic because all pictures seem crushed in the original 4:3 Panasonic size .
Many thanks in advance for your kind attention and professional advice.
Fanaudi .

Dear all

Please find the new Version V1.9989beta of my tool SDcopy.

the following enhancements/fixes are introduced in this version:

new features:
-WS-Flag patch mode enhancement:
Now it is possible to directly patch the WS flag in the original file but also rename the original files without copying it to a target folder.
If the target directory is blank then WS-Flag patch mode is enabled, otherwise it is disabled.
If additional Text and/or a different rename extension is entered while no target directory is specified then the original file will be renamed accordingly.
-Commandline Interface revised, use sdcopy /? to get a detailed list of supported Commandline parameters

bug fixes:
In a certain situation the Thumbnailbrowser did not show the correct filename below the Thumbnail.
In previous versions sdcopy maight show a "overflow error" when processing certain MOD files.

http://zyvid.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=280.0;id=218

As usual I didn't have much time for extensive tests therefore please report any problems to thsi thread.

1° I have the same problem as Vially but only when using the 16:9 flag inside version 1.9987 ( I get the message error 6 overflow )
2° New key "modify_sde =" does'nt appear in the ini File ( I mean the file appearing after having activated sdcopy for the first time ) . I'm probably missing something there . Doe you mean changing f.i. resolution 704 x 576 to 720 x 576 is possible with the new key ? That would be just fantastic because all pictures seem crushed in the original 4:3 Panasonic size .

Hi fanaudi
1.) The new version V1.9989beta(see my previous posting) should fix the problem with the overflow error. Please let me know if the problem remains.
2.) the key "modify_sde" is a "hidden" key which means that usually it does not appear inside sdcopy.ini. If this key does not exist in the ini-file then sdcopy uses value "2" for it(same as if you write modify_sde=2 into ini-file). Usually, there is no need to use this key that's why it is hidden. In certain situations(like to overcome the overflow-error) it can help to assign a different value for this key.
Value 2 means that sdcopy will write the same values of the video resolution(usually 704X576(480)) to the sequence display extension headers(sde). Some mpeg2 viewers seem to evaluate these headers and modify their viewing size to these values. In the past sdopy was only modifying the 16:9 flag in the sequence headers. For most mpeg2 viewrs this is enough to display the video in 16:9 aspect ratio, however some other viewers also need the correct sde values(which are not delivered by the panasonic camcorders) to display the aspect ratio correctly.
Hope that helps

Many thanks for your quick answer Sektionschef .
No problem anymore with the new beta version of cdcopy .Your explanation about the key "modify_sde" and the aspect ratio was most appreciated .
One more question if you don't mind : sdcopy flagged files are not " understood " by Power Director " and remain in 4:3 aspect , how come ? No big deal, TMPGEnc and/or other editors do the trick as inbetween , just more work but I would like to read your comment.
Thank you again ,
Regards ,
Fanaudi . :)

:o My apologies , Sektionschef , for this lapsus calami in my previous post . I meant SDcopy and not cdcopy of course . Hope I didn't hurt your feelings there .
Refering to Power Director , I assume it's just a bug that's been corrected in one of Cyberling's update version bearing in mind I 'm still using version 5.0. No problem anyway , SD copy is working fine and I'm happy with this great tool .
Regards ,
fanaudi . :)

Sektionschef ,
There is no more need to answer my posts here since you can read me at http://zyvid.com/smf/index.php?action=recent
Regards ,
Fanaudi .

Hi fanaudi
I have sent you a PM on this forum.

Thank you Sektionschef ,
I have answered with a PM aswell .
Many thanks for the fine job !
Regards ,
Fanaudi .

Hello Sektionschef ,
I have sent you a PM .
A few other members on the previous forum also seem to have encountered issues with PD
but I don' t remember which exact camcorder they use , it's Panasonic anyway .
Regards ,
Fanaudi

Hello Sektionschef ,
I have sent you a PM .
A few other members on the previous forum also seem to have encountered issues with PD
but I don' t remember which exact camcorder they use , it's Panasonic anyway .
Regards ,
Fanaudi
I haven't received any new PMs from you and the zyvid.com forum is still down for me.
However, I will anounce the new sdcopy version to all others as soon as the zyvid.com forum is up again.

I haven't received any new PMs from you and the zyvid.com forum is still down for me.
However, I will anounce the new sdcopy version to all others as soon as the zyvid.com forum is up again.
Sorry for this Sektionschef . It slipped out of my fingers .
I hope you have received this one .
Best regards

Dear all

The new version V1.9991beta of my tool SDcopy.exe is available.
With this version Cyberlink PowerDirector software will proberly recognize the 16:9 widescreen format of Panasonic Harddisk camcorders like SDR-H250 or others. Thanks to user fanaudi for providing some sample files and doing tests for me!
If you encounter any problems please report them here in this thread.

http://zyvid.com/smf/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=280.0;id=219