How to edit Mpeg4 video files

(A guide to editing mp4 files)

We have been asked a lot lately about how to edit mpeg4 files on a PC. There is a trick to this so here's a quick guide.

This guide will tell you how to edit your mpeg4 files produced from just about any mpeg4 recorder. No matter which video editing software package you use, this is an easy way to convert the mpeg4 video file in to a format that can be edited by just about any software on the market.

The devices we sell on this site that record mp4 files are:

The DV500 solid state recorder.
The PV800 hybrid recorder.
The PVR500r hard disk recorder.

This will also apply to any other mpeg4 digital video recorder.

Step 1

Download and install a codec.

The first thing you need to do is install a codec. This is a small piece of software that tells your computer how to play an MP4 file.

For Windows XP we recommend going to www.xpcodecpack.com and downloading their pack.
For Windows Vista you should download and install the DivX codec from www.divx.com

You should reboot your computer after installing a codec.

Step 2

Set up windows movie maker.

We will be using windows movie maker in this tutorial. It's simple and above all free. You can find windows movie maker by clicking on your START (windows key) button, click "all programs" > Accessories and click Movie Maker.

In MovieMaker, click the Tools>Options and then click the compatibility tab.
Uncheck all the boxes EXCEPT for ffdshow Video Decoder.
Click OK.

Step 3

Import your movie.

Connect your device to your computer with the USB cable.
The recorder device will show up as an external drive.

For XP: In movie maker click File > Import in to collections
Make sure you untick the "create clips for video files" box.

For Vista: In movie maker click File > Import media items

Click the video file you wish to use.

Step 4

Export the movie file.

Drag your movie on to the time line / story board. Do not try and edit the video at this point.

For Windows XP
Click File > Save movie file
Select "my computer" and press next
Give your video file a name and press next
Click show more choices
Click "other settings" and select DV-AVI (PAL)
This will save the mpeg4 file as a standard DV.AVI file that can be used in any video editing package. If you re-import this new file back in to windows movie maker then you'll be able to chop it and edit it as normal.

For Windows Vista
Click File > Publish movie
Select "my computer" and press next
Give your video file a name and press next

Click "more settings" and select DV-AVI (PAL)
This will save the mpeg4 file as a standard DV.AVI file that can be used in any video editing package. If you re-import this new file back in to windows movie maker then you'll be able to chop it and edit it as normal.

Be warned!
DV-AVI files can be big. You need to make sure you have plenty of disk space to do this.
Once you have edited the video, you can use windows movie maker to shrink it down to a more managable file size (usually as a .WMV)

Job Done.

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