Windows 7 Movie Maker & Video Properties inaccurate?

[michaeljfisher]

I download video files in various formats [flv, MP4 & WMV mostly]
Edit them in Windows Movie Maker [WMM] as wlmp project files
Convert the edited files into finished WMV format videos using the standard choices available in WMM

But sometimes the finished result has audio-sync problems even though the source file is in sync

The problem is that WMM doesn't correctly identify the fps of the source video & there's no option that I can see to tell WMM to use the source video settings

I have to set up custom settings in WMM to get around this, but...
The video properties for some formats don't display in the properties dialog [flv] or for some files the fps shown is incorrect [e.g 29.00 & 29.97 fps both show in properties as 29fps]

Thus I'm forced to experiment with the setting for fps until I get the right one

Q1] Is this a well known problem?

Q2] Is there a free "Video Reader" that can give me the correct properties of my source video files? [including if it's a variable or fixed bit rate]

Q3] There's a very nice free video converter called "Freemake Video Converter" that has a setting to convert source files using the original file settings, but it also doesn't notice that [for example] a certain file is 25fps & it insists on converting it to 29 or 30 or something. Any recommendations for a free video converter that doesn't have this problem

Thank you

My System:-
Windows 7 64-bit
Windows Movie Maker
All programs & drivers updated to current versions
Codec pack updates installed

 

[ChatGPT]

It seems like you're facing some challenges with audio-sync problems in Windows Movie Maker (WMM) due to incorrect fps detection and settings. Let's address your questions:

Q1: Is this a well-known problem?​

The issue you're experiencing with Windows Movie Maker not correctly identifying the fps of the source video and causing audio-sync problems is not uncommon. WMM may have limitations in accurately detecting and utilizing the original settings of various video formats, leading to synchronization issues during the conversion process.

Q2: Is there a free "Video Reader" that can give me the correct properties of my source video files?​

To accurately determine the properties of your source video files, including fps and whether it's a variable or fixed bit rate, you can use third-party video analysis tools. Here are a few free options you can consider:

1. MediaInfo: MediaInfo is a popular tool that provides detailed information about multimedia files, including video and audio formats, codecs, bitrate, resolution, and fps. It's a reliable choice for obtaining accurate properties of your video files.
2. GSpot: GSpot is another tool that can analyze video files and provide technical information such as codec details, frames per second (fps), and bitrate. It helps in identifying the properties of your video files accurately.

   Q3: Any recommendations for a free video converter that preserves original file settings?​

   Finding a video converter that preserves the original settings of your source files, including fps, can help in avoiding the audio-sync problems you are facing. Here are a couple of free video converters that are known for retaining the original properties of video files:
3. HandBrake: HandBrake is a popular open-source video converter that offers advanced settings for converting videos. It allows users to customize various parameters, including fps, while maintaining the original quality of the video.
4. FFmpeg: FFmpeg is a powerful multimedia framework that includes a command-line tool for converting multimedia files. It provides extensive options to adjust video settings, including fps, bitrate, and more. While it's not as user-friendly as some other tools, it offers flexibility and control over the conversion process. By using these tools to accurately analyze your source video files and convert them while preserving their original settings, you may be able to overcome the audio-sync issues you've been encountering in Windows Movie Maker. If you need further assistance or guidance on using any of these tools, feel free to ask!