Trying to find way to move video start point

[norfolkmastering]

I have imported an mp4 video (with audio) into a project.

I really need to move the video (and audio) start point which I've read is only possible with the AVI format.

So I found the instructions for using the export video option to do the conversion.

Briefly they say:

To convert a Video project to DV AVI format

1.

Use the File > Export > Video command.

The Export Video dialog box appears.

2.

In the File Name field, type a name for your new video.

3.

In the Save as Type field, choose Video for Windows.

4.

Click the Encoding Options button to open the AVI Encoder options dialog box, and choose DV Video Encoder in the Video Codec field. Click OK.

So I tried that and the 'Video for Windows' option does not appear.  Nearest is 'Windows Media Video' and this does not offer the AVI format as an option.

Can anyone help with this please?

[Bristol_Jonesey]

There appear to be 2 separate issues here - the title refers to moving AV clips but your post talks about video formats and encoding

I can't help you with the 2nd issue, but as far as I know, you cannot alter the position or timing of a video clip.

 

[Bass Guitar]

For a free video converter my go to is Handbrake. 

And I agree with @Bristol_Jonesey said. 
We are told once you import a video it is locked. 
And trying to even view video in a Daw is painful. 

Most of us do what you’re trying to do in our video editing software. 
 
Export your audio and drop it in your editor and you can drag to your hearts content. 
 

With Vegas if I update the audio file I simply replace the original file in the folder and it will automatically update in the editor. 
 

As long as you don’t muck around with the tempo map it should always sync up. 
 

Daws are for music, video editing is done in software that is built for it. 

Vegas being partially Sony Sound Forge is almost a Daw. It is a multi track audio recording system that you can fully record, edit automate, and add all your vst and DX effects to. I have never worked that way but You can. 
But Magix seems to be in financial trouble so its future is on shaky ground. 
 

You will also want a good quality video card. 

[norfolkmastering]

Thanks for the advice.

I solved the issue by using an external video editor to move the video (and so also embedded audio) to the right in the video editor timeline, by the exact amount I needed to align with the correct temp point in the Sonar project song.  A bit of trial and error but it worked fine.

[David Wm. Sims]

I just installed Sonar after using CbB for years, and the first thing I checked was whether they had fixed this.  Disappointing.

I started using Cubase for soundtrack work several years ago precisely because of this.  I love Cakewalk/Sonar and have been a user for thirty years now and still use it for rock music.   If you're using an external video editor and that works for you, I fully support your dedication, but there are DAWs that will provide these features.  The ones most used by pros for film/TV/video games are Cubase and Logic (Mac only).

Edited Saturday at 12:45 PM by David Wm. Sims

[Bass Guitar]

The version of Cubase that supports that feature is $800. I think Free Waveform allows dragging. 
 

The work around in Sonar is to set the project tempo as close as possible to the audio track of the video and then using “Set Measure At Now” ( sorry if I said that wrong) and using that process create a tempo map. Now the video will follow the grid. 
You can’t move the video but you can move the project. 

[David Wm. Sims]

Bass Guitar, thanks for your response.  What version of Cubase are you referring to? 

I use Cubase Pro, which you can get at Sweetwater for $348, and all versions import video clips and let you move them around in the project, including Cubase LE, the free version.

I'm glad that processs works for you, but I don't think it would work for most TV/film/video game composers.  They to tweak the tempos all the time to get the music hit points to line up to what's happening in the video.   

[Bass Guitar]

Well it was $840 but seems like it is on Sale again. That is still rather expensive though compared to other brands. 

Edited 38 minutes ago by Bass Guitar