HDV .mov files won’t play on FCP and QuickTime

[Phil Balsdon]

For me these are Quicktime HDV files recorded on an onboard Firestore DR-100 on a JVC HD111E. I know this happening to other people but unsure of their formats from looking at the forum here and Apple. Last time it happened was with the Quicktime 7.7 update in August. I didn’t realise iTunes would do the same thing when I let it manually update last week.

The only way to properly sort it is with a system re-install. I’d disconnect the computer from the internet completely and do no more updates if I wasn’t using it for web work with the video. Anyway lesson learnt and I was able to finish an edit using a backed up system drive.

However this is going to present problems with my laptop, which I use on location to transfer the files for clients and syncing my iPhone etc. With all further progress in FCS development halted by Apple, it’s time for a rethink about the future. FCP eX isn’t sufficient for me so I’ll probably change to Adobe Production, seeing as whatever I do (even FCP eX) means learning a new system anyway and that’s the way most clients I shoot for are going.

Cinematographer, Steadicam Operator, Final Cut Pro Post Production.
https://philming.com.au
https://www.steadi-onfilms.com.au/

[Guy Volb]

I have a similar issue: HDV clips previously captured via FCP 7 on my MacBook Pro now fail to sync audio wise when in the editing mode. I.E. import your clips, render etc and then try to play them in the FCP canvas window and the audio doesn’t sync. This began after I bought the newest MacBook Pro using Lion and updated all the relevant software. FCP 7 remained the same of course. Anyway, it takes a run through once or twice before the audio catches up. Extremely frustrating. With regards to Quick Time play, these clips play but with a horrible echo. Again, if played through and then replayed, the echo disappears. Very odd!! As a multi-media guy, this challenges my workflow and my sanity.

If this is an iTunes related issue, I surely hope Apple figures it out quickly.

At this point I’m beginning to wish I didn’t “upgrade” and used my $3K for another pro investment.

As an aside, VLC plays them just fine — which is scary given that it tells me third party software works better on my MacBook Pro than in-house developed software. Works fine with Soundtrack Pro as well (no echo or audio syn issues with the video). Very odd!

[Maurice Coombs]

I wanted to thank everybody for there input, If i want to fix my problem i’m just going to have to do a system reinstall which sucks because i dont have all the disks. I do have CS4 and I know premiere pro very well so for now I’ll just start shooting im M2T.

thanks

[Phil Balsdon]

Clipwrap will re-wrap m2t files as .mov which work fine. It won’t open the previous .mov files recorded on the Firestore though.

This is weird because it”s not converting them, just re-wrapping. I’ve been using the Quicktimes direct from the Firestore for years without a hitch and none of the previously good files will play any more. The re-wrap process is very fast too.

Clipwrap 2 will also convert the m2t files to ProRes.

Cinematographer, Steadicam Operator, Final Cut Pro Post Production.
https://philming.com.au
https://www.steadi-onfilms.com.au/

[Phil Balsdon]

Found a fix. This solved the issue down loading and re-installing Quicktime 7.5.5

https://www.digitalrebellion.com/blog/posts/using_pacifist_to_downgrade_quicktime.html

I’d create a backup of the System / Components and Quicktime folders first though, just incase you need to revert back.

Cinematographer, Steadicam Operator, Final Cut Pro Post Production.
https://philming.com.au
https://www.steadi-onfilms.com.au/

[Maurice Coombs]

Thanks so much for this tip. I am going to try this out. Best news I got all day after watching my dolphins lose a 15 point lead to tebow in the the last 3min of the game. Thanks for taking the time to help me out!

[Joy Endicott]

Our broken HDV files were originally recorded using
Digital Recorder: Focus Enhancement DTE FireStore FS–4 Pro HD, Version 2.0.0.04092006 NTSC
Format: Quicktime, external timecode, in Syncro Slave mode
Camera: Sony Z1U
Format: 1440 x 1080i, to internal HDV tape and via firewire to FS-4

Through a lengthy discussion with Apple, they directed me back to
https://www.focusinfo.com/dynassets/documents/downloads/MACOSX_Supp_Anncmt_10.21.11.pdf
and suggested that I do e-mail the support@focusinfo.com.

Focus quickly sent
HDFileConverterUpdater_v1.2.dmg
and a document explaining the bug and the fix.

This worked perfectly! No downloading of pacifist, no searching for and deleting components and QT libraries, no downgrading needed.

[Stu Aull]

My solution – as found via APPLE FORUMS:

Background:
OS 10.6.8/FCP7.0.3

I was prepping to update to Mtn Lion and was advised to first do a Software Update of current OS.
Mistake! HDVs now invisible (green screen in FCP, QT would not play video portion)
The Update also updated the QT HDV CODEC to one which is, apparently, broken!!
Solution:
In my case I had a cloned (and non-updated!) OS from which I just grabbed the
LIBRARY>QUICKTIME>AppleHDVCodec and dropped it into the NEW OS (after discarding its version)
BOOM!
fixed.
If you have no clone then pull off your original install OS disc.
FWIW My “working” Codec is v2.0.