HDR-CX190E - Viewing image saved onto external hard drive

[magwynn22]

I have recently purchased the above camcorder - which I am very happy with.

I can transfer files onto my computer, view and edit accordingly.  I can also view files when I plug the camcorder directly into my TV via HDMI cable.

However, when I transfer the files onto an external USB hard drive, I cannot play the files on my HD TV via the USB port.  The files are definitely on the device, as I can still access them and view when I plug the hard drive back into my computer.

I suspect it is something to do with the file type, but I wondered if anyone out there has a a similar issue and might be able to help me to access the files on my TV.

Thanks

Matt

Message was edited by: -Soup-

Personal details removed

[cmosse]

I would suggest that you look in the manual of the TV which file type is supported for playback from external storage device. It may be only WMV file type or MPEG2, so maybe you have to convert your videos to that format.

[magwynn22]

Thank you for your message.  I thought it would be something like that   However, I don't know what the original format the camcorder actually records in.  Do you know?  I can then work out which program to use for converting the files into suitable format.

[Mick2011]

Hi Matt

Assuming you're working in HD, the camera produces a AVCHD file that needs to be exported to a more commonly-used format for pretty much anything other than 'native' playback on TVs and your PC. You basically need to export the video in a more universal format.

Exporting to MPEG-2 (as an .avi) is good for pretty much everything and I'd be surprised if your TV doesn't support it.

You should be able to do this with any video editing app, such as PlayMemories or Windows Movie Maker.

Cheers

Mick

[magwynn22]

Hi Mick

Thanks for the input.  I have managed to convert the files into mpg files.  I can view the files on my HD TV now - but there is no audio!  What am I doing wrong....? 

Sorry to be a techno dunce.

Cheers

Matt

[blaireau_photo]

Hello Matt,

For the exported files, you say that you cannot hear any audio when playing the files back on a TV. Do you get the same problem when viewing them on a computer?

Thanks,

Simon

[magwynn22]

Hi Simon

The files play fine on the PC using Play Memories or Windows Media Player - including audio.  It is just when I play them on my HD TV from the USB hard disc.  The TV is only 6 months old and a mid-range spec, so I can't think that it would be a compatibility issue.

Any further advise gratefully received!

Matt

[magwynn22]

On a similar note, when I convert the original AVCHD files to mpg files, does this cause the images to lose resolution?  Are the mpg files still HD quality?

Thanks

Matt

[Mick2011]

Hi Matt

Mpeg will reduce file size, not resolution. Resolution refers to the number of vertical and horizontal pixels making up an image, and Mpeg compression doesn't affect this.

What this compression does is reduce the file size considerably. All video formats use some form of compression, but Mpeg was conceived as a means of varying that compression, often using 'quality' settings, to fit certain applications where file size is critical. Generally speaking, the greater the compression, the smaller the file, the lower the quality. Mpeg-2 is commonly used for DVDs; Mpeg-4 for Blu-ray.

I think your problem with the TV could be due to an audio codec conflict. Try using a different output option when converting and see if that helps.

Cheers

Mick

[magwynn22]

Thanks Mick - that looks very useful.  I will try again this evening to manipulate the files.