norfolkmastering Posted August 29 Share Posted August 29 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? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bristol_Jonesey Posted August 29 Share Posted August 29 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bass Guitar Posted August 29 Share Posted August 29 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
norfolkmastering Posted August 29 Author Share Posted August 29 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. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Wm. Sims Posted September 13 Share Posted September 13 (edited) 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 September 13 by David Wm. Sims Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bass Guitar Posted September 13 Share Posted September 13 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. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Wm. Sims Posted September 14 Share Posted September 14 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bass Guitar Posted September 15 Share Posted September 15 (edited) Well it was $840 but seems like it is on Sale for $504. That is still rather expensive though compared to other brands. I have Elements and it is very limited in features. But yes the right software makes life easier. Edited September 15 by Bass Guitar Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greg McGuirk Posted September 19 Share Posted September 19 I wish Sonar would get this together. I keep telling myself I need to switch to Digital Performer, but I've been using Sonar so long that switching is just a painful idea. If you've got a little time to burn, check out DP's "Chunks" feature. IMHO, this is how ALL DAWs should handle video. greg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dougalex Posted September 19 Share Posted September 19 On 8/29/2025 at 7:49 AM, Bristol_Jonesey said: as far as I know, you cannot alter the position or timing of a video clip. I change video position by changing Start Time in Video Properties (I always convert video to wmv file because other formats do not function as well, or at all, with Sonar) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dougalex Posted September 19 Share Posted September 19 On 8/29/2025 at 6:54 AM, norfolkmastering said: move the video (and audio) start point I move video start point by changing Start Time in Video Properties I find that wmv file type works well for me VLC and other free options should convert you video to wmv (I use Vegas Pro video editor so I do not need to use conversion tools) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
57Gregy Posted September 19 Share Posted September 19 3 minutes ago, dougalex said: I move video start point by changing Start Time in Video Properties I find that wmv file type works well for me VLC and other free options should convert you video to wmv (I use Vegas Pro video editor so I do not need to use conversion tools) Why didn't I think of that? I seldom work with video, but this topic comes up regularly and it seemed to be impossible to do with Cakewalk products. I use the properties window to move audio often. Doh! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
57Gregy Posted September 19 Share Posted September 19 You're right that it works well with wma, no other file type I tried worked. The Start Time box was greyed out. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dougalex Posted September 20 Share Posted September 20 @57Gregy I wanted to also mention: I am typically importing the video with its related audio so... I move (mouse drag) that related audio track (from the video import) to get it placed so that it syncs up correctly with Sonar tracks. Then in the track inspector I can just copy that audio start time, then paste it in the Video Properties Start Time. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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